Authentic Love

Jesus had key relationships: Martha, Peter, Mary Magdalene and John. Each of these profiles of friendship were unique unto themselves. These people walked, talked, loved and were loved by Jesus. Each of us may be similar in some way or another to one or more of these folks but ultimately they walked with Him. What they experienced is special, unique and will never be replicated.

But...

We do share the most important things in common...

the need for and ability to receive His ultimate love through the cross and resurrection. Each of these special people needed to choose to follow, repent and receive the grace and mercy provided through the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is what we share… We must do the same. Jesus Died and rose from the dead for them and for us.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Time for a Fresh Start

I love Spring time! Especially when I have the opportunity to get out in the woods on a hike. The smells of the outdoors, the green of the growth coming up in all directions, the trillium popping up from the forest floor-- now that is a God given gift. When the seasons change it reminds me of how everything has its time. When Spring comes it reminds me that there is a time for newness and fresh starts. Not only has God created this natural world with a time to have renewal but He has created us to have times of renewal spiritually and personally. I am glad Easter happens in the Spring time. It represents the ultimate time of renewal. If it were not for the reason behind Easter we have no true renewal! No cross... no recovery. No Resurrection from the dead for Jesus... no hope of new life for us. Just like there is no Spring time without the Winter Time-- there is no Resurrection without the Cross --there is no renewal without repentance-- no change without ....change.
Personally, you and I must have a daily renewal. Corporately, we must place ourselves in a position where newness and freshness will occur. On April 4th our church family will be celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in our new Worship Center. This transition is an effort at worshiping more freely, opening the doors more widely and proclaiming his victory over death more clearly. Ultimately, we seek renewal! Do not allow another Easter to pass without seeking the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. As a church family we will not allow any Easter to pass where we have not made clear to those around us why we have this hope, this wholeness, this love, this fresh start. May God richly bless you as we walk this journey with Him together.

Experiencing Life in Second Place

www.iamsecond.com

Check out this wonderful site full of peoples stories of faith.
Encouraging stuff!