Preparing for Sunday

Obviously, this is not an ordinary Easter weekend.

Yet, the order to stay home doesn’t change the fact that this is a Sunday not to be forgotten.

The day Jesus rose again!

Just think on what that moment meant.

What it still means!

Life, death, and eternity all changed forever.

That’s worth celebrating!

It doesn’t take a crowd.

Nor fancy clothes.

Nor tables piled with food.

This celebration only needs one thing.

Our hearts.

True worship of God and His Son Jesus.

Not an agenda.

Not speaking ritualistic words.

But the honest, humble, grateful heart.

Because it was my sin which nailed Him there.

It was my voice that denied knowing Him.

And it was my debt He suffered and died for.

Mine.

That is the incredible, awesome truth of Jesus.

He paid it all for me.

And He did the same for you.

I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate!

And I’m starting today.

Just in simple ways to praise and thank my Lord Jesus.

Hebrews 13:15 KJV — By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Remember, it is only Friday.

Picture by N.K.

Friday has not always held the anticipation which our five day work week has brought it to.

Due to the change, it is seen almost as important to adults as summer break is to school children.

But it has not always held that position in the hearts and minds.

This Good Friday is an opportunity for us to stop and look back.

Because that Friday was the scariest, darkest day, ever.

To stand near and watch Jesus be accused, lied about, flogged, and eventually sentenced must have been more than any of His followers could possibly understand.

Then to watch Him struggle through the streets, to see the soldiers grab a stranger from the street, because Jesus was too weak to carry His cross.

To hear the sound of metal being driven through His body.

To feel the outrage of watching those beneath the cross gambling for His clothing.

To listen to voices of those who by their lies and envy turned Him over to the authorities now mock and taunt.

And this is only a small portion of the horrors of that Friday.

A man who healed the sick, spoke words of truth and life, and raised the dead.

He never did anything wrong.

Yet, death was His portion.

Of course He knew it was why He came to us as a babe in the manger.

But I am certain those who loved Him were at their lowest point.

They didn’t know.

Friday wasn’t the end.

We must remember that too.

No matter how low we get, nor how much we suffer, for those who believe it is only Friday.

The greatest joy and comfort we have is this:

Sunday is coming!

Praise the Lord!

A blessed Sunday morning

I drove down Saturday afternoon so we could get up early and drive up to visit a church which we love, but due to the travel, don’t attend often.

My husband and I have been blessed to know Pastor Rod and his wife Patty since before we were married.

Their son and my husband were Boy Scout friends.

And they’ve invited us up for a visit many times recently.

Their concern and prayers for my health as well as our family’s struggles have been consistent.

Pastor Rod’s texts to my husband have been such an encouragement to both of us.

However, we knew that I might not be able to stay.

I’ve not been able to attend a regular church service in months.

So as the worship began, I sat, while everyone stood.

I prayed silently, while everyone else sang.

I praised God with my hands, using the tiny amount of ASL I have learned to it’s fullest degree.

As the worship flowed into teaching I was nervous.

My chest was doing okay, but I never know when it might require my speedy exit.

Yet, I sat and listened and followed along in my Bible.

And as the sermon ended with prayer my eyes began to fill with tears.

I had been through an entire service without any asthma trouble.

Pastor Rod met us afterwards.

We told him of our blessing: the first time I had made it through an entire service without struggle in months.

His compassion was evidenced by the fatherly hug he gave me.

Afterwards we went to lunch.

At first my breathing was difficult and constricted, but my rescue inhaler worked and we enjoyed a meal and conversation.

As we got into the car I looked at my husband.

His face showed the same joy my heart was singing.

We truly had such a blessed Sunday morning.