WHAT DOES YOUR CROSS LOOK LIKE? I love it that we have crosses in the name of our church … because it is a continual reminder of what we are here for! Long ago there was that big, rough-hewn, heavy wooden beam and cross-beam that was destined to hold the body of Jesus – that’s what we “see” whenever we think of a cross, right? Or at least, we should! What reason on earth was THAT cross for - if not for all of us to share the love of Christ as demonstrated on the Cross of Calvary? Accessing the power that comes from what happened on that Cross makes all the difference when it comes to carrying OUR crosses! And we all have them, right … at least one! Sometimes more! So, again I ask … what does your cross look like? My husband and I hear lots of stories from people – and we always try to listen with our hearts. And in doing so, we’ve seen crosses that have taken lots of different shapes in recent days. One cross holds a broken relationship, and now you feel so all alone. Will your life ever be the same? Another one holds the anxieties of fighting to save your home – and you are hoping and praying you won’t lose it all. There’s a cross that holds the pain of separation … from the young son you’ve just had to part with when God called him Home. Even with your incredible faith in God, there are moments the weight of your cross is almost crushing. And today, my husband witnessed someone carrying yet another kind of cross. Here was a young man, barely in mid-life, whose career had plummeted to non-existence when his company had a major lay-off a few years ago. Over-qualified for every job he sought after, no one would hire him. His young wife left with their small children and moved back to where her family was. Funds ran low … and then ran out. Today he stood in a convenience store, looking a bit unshaven and empty. My husband noticed – his car. It gave away tell-tale signs that he was living in it. And so my friendly husband who doesn’t know a stranger, asked him about his life – and he spilled out his sad story. His cross was heavy and it was stained with a forlorn sadness. The other day I had a voice-mail that almost made me cry – for I could hear the loneliness that painted her cross, at least for that point in time. Usually she is positive and upbeat; but even strong, amazing ladies carry crosses sometimes. I could tell she was missing her husband. Crosses, all sizes. Crosses, many reasons. But every one of them diminishes in the shadow of the Cross that stood on Golgotha so long ago. If it weren’t for that cross … every one of these crosses would destroy and bury us without a hope. But dear ones, there WAS a reason for that Cross – for where you are at today …right now! That reason was Someone giving His very life-blood so that all of your crosses would also become symbols of victory. It speaks boldly of a way to live forever, of rescued relationships, redeemed debt, unexplainable comfort, restored favor, filled hearts. And so much more! Every drop of blood that ran from His body and from that Cross, held within it the power to gift us with freedom and joy forevermore! Death turned into Life! Both the cross and the tomb – are EMPTY! So will our crosses be! No longer burdens to weigh us down, they will allow us to cry out, “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!” So go now and take another look at your cross!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
WELCOME BACK to Kathy’s mom, Dolly, who joined us in worship this past Sunday! May God bless you!
SUN, APR 01: 10:00 A.M. – PALM SUNDAY PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Touch of Jesus”
SUN, APR 01: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION CLASSES and Puppet Ministry!
FRI, APR 06: 7:00 P.M. – GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNION SERVICE – join us for this time of remembrance!
SAT, APR 07: 10:30 A.M. – KIDZ RESURRECION CELEBRATION - a cross, stories, candy, pizza and more! Invite friends!
SUN, APR 08: 10:00 A.M. – RESURRECTION SUNDAY WORSHIP – He is Risen!!!
SAT, MAY 05: 2:00 P.M. – MOTHER/DAUGHTER COUNTRY GARDEN GETAWAY – mark it on your calendar!
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Chuck, Gerard’s family, Tina, Justin, reaching out to the lost, several unspoken needs & praises!
REMEMBER . . . “I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palm of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16 NRSV)
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
