The Resurrection Offers Hope

Week of March 29, 2024

“So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” Matthew 28:8

As Easter arrives this weekend we are reminded of the profound significance of this day. It’s a time when hope triumphs our despair, and when life conquers death. The ultimate manifestation of God’s love and power is revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In John 20:1-18 we witness the remarkable events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb. She finds the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Confused, she encounters the risen Christ. In that moment her sorrow turns to joy as she realizes that her Lord is alive. Like many you may have found yourself surrounded by circumstances that seem dark and hopeless. You’re maybe facing challenges that threaten to overwhelm you. Remember this, just as Jesus called Mary by name and revealed Himself to her, He also reaches out to us in our moments of doubt and despair.

The resurrection assures us that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s power. There is always reason for hope. As followers of Christ we are called to live in the light of this hope. I hope this Easter we find ourselves trusting in His promises. To do so will bring a calm and peace that you won’t find any other place.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Crucified With Christ

Week of March 22, 2024

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

The cross is a historical reference point reminding us that our God is merciful.  He paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay. 

We, too, have a cross to carry.  The question is, how can we carry a cross?  What is our cross?  Paul said once again, "I have been crucified with  Christ." Becoming a Christian means a death-like surrender of our life to Christ.  What are we dying to?  Our rights, our way of life?  We are saying I will do and go and say and serve as He wills.  At that point, Christ is able to express His life through our life to others.

The cross becomes the basis of our relationships.  Our time, energy, and resources are at Christ's disposal, all for others.  We forgive because we have been forgiven.  People don't have to measure up because we didn't have to measure up for God to love us.

We take the troubles and frustrations of others as Christ took up the cross.  We find our new purpose in discovering ways to relate people's problems to the power of God for deliverance and victorious living.  The crucified life is not an easy life, but it's the life we have been called to live.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

God Will Give You Guidance

Week of March 15, 2024

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will direct your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Have you been at a crossroads in your life lately? Maybe you are at one today. Which path do I take? It can be an unnerving place to be. You have fears and uncertainties that cause confusion. The Word of God teaches us at those times to surrender to divine guidance. We trust in the Lord, we don’t lean on our own understanding. Now you will not abandon reason or discernment but you do acknowledge the limitations of your wisdom. We place our complete reliance on the wisdom and providence of God. Yield your plans and desires to God’s will for your life. Though our wisdom has limitations, our God is omniscient. He knows all and He is inviting you to walk hand in hand with Him. If you will, you will find comfort and assurance that our God is faithful and true. He will not forsake you in the midst of uncertainty. Rest in assurance that the promises of God are for us today and your trust in Him will result in paths that He makes straight.

God Bless, Pastor Rick