Good Friday

April 10, 2020   

Matt 27:46-50   About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Why this cry of dereliction?  What was happening on the cross?  The sins of the world were being placed on Jesus. And because of our sins, the greatest pain in human history was occurring. For the first time in all eternity, there was a disconnection in the Trinity. God had to darken the skies that day because he couldn't look at his Son and our sin. And in some mysterious way, there was a crisis in the Trinity.

So why did God do it?  It was the only way to rescue us from our sins. Our good deeds can't get rid of sin. Only someone paying the penalty could. Jesus paid that debt.

And whose sin was on Jesus? This is where the cross becomes personal; it was my sin, my pride, my rebellion, my selfishness that nailed him to that cross.

Elizabeth Browning put Good Friday into proper perspective when she wrote;

         Yea, once Immanuel's orphaned cry his universe hath shaken.

         It went up single, echoless, "My God, I am forsaken!"

         It went up from the Holy's lips amid his lost creation.

         That, of the lost, no son should use those words of desolation.

Because Jesus cried out those words, we don't have to. We never have to say, "I am forsaken," because Jesus died on the cross. Get on your knees today and thank God for his great love and immeasurable sacrifice for us.

My Dear Sweet Lord Jesus,

No day has passed in my life that has not proved me guilty in your eyes.

I am well aware of my hard heart, my pride, my ungrateful attitude. On this Good Friday I am well aware of my need for a Savior, my need for your rescue. My confidence this day is that Jesus died in my place. Even though my sins are great, your grace is a million times greater. Thank you!!  Thank you!!  Thank you!!

So this is my confidence today:

By your stripes I have been healed.

You were bruised for my iniquities.

You were made sin so that I would be made righteous.

Though my sins are numerous, they are all forgiven and buried in the deepest ocean.

I am guilty, but pardoned; lost, but saved; wandering, but found;

sinning, but cleansed.

Keep all of us clinging to your cross.

Open the flood gates of your mercy today and renew my heart.

Send your Holy Spirit to take me to a new plateau of faith.

Thank you again Lord Jesus for crying,

    "My God, I am forsaken," so that I don't have to.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

April 8

Luke 12 Instructions for the Disciples 35-40

Reading this passage reminded me of a time when my brother and I still lived at home and my parents went away for a week. We were beyond teenage years but not quite ready to live on our own and we were very glad to have what we thought would be a week without our parents in the house. In our eyes we were keeping things together, until we got a call a few days earlier than expected with the five words we dreaded to hear, "we're on our way home". Looking around we realized we hadn't kept up with what we should have been doing and things weren't really in the order they were expected to be found in upon my parents arrival and we had some serious clean up to do before they got home.

In verse 40 of this passage, we are warned "You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you don't expect". Now, please don't get me wrong, I'm in not comparing my parents return home to the second coming of Jesus, but if you saw the mess you would understand my fear of not being prepared for their return. No one knows when Jesus is coming back, but we learn in this passage that in the wait, our focus should be on following the directions the Messiah left us. Love God, love people, make disciples. It was pretty humbling when I thought if Jesus showed up today, what would He find me doing? Is my spiritual house in order? How did I serve Him today? How far off am I from what I have been called to do? If we keep within our spiritual rhythms on the daily, then we have less of chance of drifting and being caught off guard. I pray that as we continue to be in quarantine we use this time to get on our knees and get our spiritual houses in order. "Blessed is that servant whose master finds him so doing when he comes" (v. 43)

Randi

Blog Post 4.7.2020 From Theresa Telesco

Deuteronomy 31, Luke 12, Psalm 78

How fitting that during this Holy Week for both Christians and Jewish believers, today's psalm reminds us of the power, sovereignty, and mercy of God to save His people.  "In spite of all this they still sinned; they did not believe in His wonders."  God's power is immutable and unchanging.  Well, it seems also that the nature of man, apart from the regeneration the Holy Spirit, also remains unchanging.  The psalmist describes Israel's cycle of rebellion followed by repentance and displays of divine mercy and restoration.  We, like Israel, are called to learn from the past and to respond to the goodness of God with repentance and gratitude.  But like Israel, our response is often most capricious.  Any show of seeking God and change is frequently short-lived.  But God invariably shows Himself to be steadfast in His faithfulness and offer of redemption to His people.  Though a wavering response is not what God desires, He continues to demonstrate great compassion and forgiveness.   "Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not true to His covenant," yet He spared them.  "He restrained his anger, and did not stir up all His wrath."  Instead, God remains faithful to lead and guide His children to safety.    

Wow this story of ancient days could easily be our story. Were we to take a moment to reflect, we could certainly tell personal stories of God's faithfulness towards us even when the bent of our heart was away from Him.  Even in our rebellion, He is faithful.  As a nation, our history is replete with similar stories of God's mercy and covering over us even when we failed to honor our covenant with Him. Singularly and collectively during the course of 'good times' when we feel strong, self-confident, and in control of our lives, it is all too easy to ascribe God's blessing to our own hard work and ingenuity.  But in 'difficult times' when need surpasses our ability, we are most drawn to bow our knees and humble ourselves.  These times most remind us of our dependence upon the goodness and mercy of God and the sobering truth that we are, "…but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return." 

How assuring it is to know that God considers our frailty and does not despise it.  Rather, he shows great mercy and constraint.  In Deuteronomy 31, God gives Moses and Joshua instruction acknowledging that that the heart of man is disposed to, "…rejecting me and breaking my covenant."  Yet He leads them to the land of promise.  In His goodness, He speaks words of encouragement, "Do not be afraid." One source estimates that the admonition to not be afraid can be found 365 times.  It seems a daily reminder.  Jesus gives the apostles the same instruction.  Fully aware of their weaknesses, He counsels them, "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 

During these uncertain days, that are before us, let us be reminded of our history and the nature of our God to provide, protect, and redeem.  Let us consider what He has done in our personal lives and throughout all of history for those who would seek Him, repent, and place their trust in Him. 

Lord, we need You always.  Forgive us our lack of gratitude and our lack of faith.  Holy Spirit, we are a stiff-necked people.  Take our hardness of heart and make us ever more sensitive to Your presence. Let the bent of our hearts be turned back to You.  Give us pure hearts and clean hands.  Renew a right spirit within us that we would seek You whole-heartedly, repent most sincerely, and walk in the fullness of life that You have provided for us.  

April 4: Of Persistence and Prayer

Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26

Luke 10:38-11:13

Psalm 76:1-12

Proverbs 12:15-17

per*sist: to be obstinately repetitious, insistent or tenacious; to hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state or undertaking despite obstacles, warnings or setbacks. 

In the New York area, it's been three weeks since the lockdown and quarantine began, since people began to lose their jobs and their income en masse.  Three weeks of uncertainty, of worry, of friction at home as people learn to navigate the new dynamics of work-from-home and home schooling, of the ever nearer threat of a virus that seems to have infected someone we know, or taken the life of someone we've heard of.  Three weeks of rising infections and fatalities, with no end in sight. And for much of the rest of the world, it has been just as bad, if not worse.  What are we to do?

Today's reading provides a one word prescription: persist.  Two examples, and an instruction.  The neighbor had gone to bed, but the one in need persisted.  Martha needed help in the kitchen, but Mary persisted.  The neighbor in need got his bread, and Mary got the more valuable benefit.  Indeed our Lord says as much.  He doesn't say "ask once" or "knock once", he says "ask" and "knock" - call it the present persistent tense.  

Easy to say, but hard to do - but perhaps easier if we remember two reasons why people persist: we believe the goal is worth it despite the price, and achievable despite the obstacles or setbacks.  Today we pray for God to end the pandemic, to protect our healthcare workers, our grocers and all those on the front lines, and to provide for those who who've lost their jobs.  To heal those who are today sick, and to welcome home those who have passed on.  

These goals are worth the persistence.  And because we pray to God, who is not only all powerful, but whose Son has reassured us that if we ask, we shall receive, we know the goal is achievable. 

As Christians, what are we to do?  The only things.  Pray.  Persist.

April 3

Luke 10

 

In 1992, Mr. Rogers received an honorary doctorate (his 25th) from Boston University. When he was introduced during the commencement, 5000 students stood and applauded so long that there was only one way he could get them to stop. Here's what Fred said, "Why don't you just sit down, and we'll sing this song together? Just sing it with me. 'It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?'"

 

Jesus was the first one to sing that song. He did it in our New Testament reading today. During a tense conversation with a very religious, but unloving person, Jesus clarified the purpose of life, which is simply to love God and love people. But this religious guy knew he came up short on loving people, so he began debating the meaning of the word "neighbor." The parable of the Good Samaritan was Jesus' brilliant explanation with the punchline, "Go and do likewise." To really love the neighborhood means we express our love in concrete actions and behaviors. It is not enough to say we love people; we need to live it.

 

Here are some ideas on living a life of love:  

1. Love people. The number one reason people become friends is because they believe the other person really loves them. You can't fake this. Ask God for real love; he is the author of it.

2. Love reaches out. Love initiates. Love crosses to the other side. The Grace Church family is reaching out each day by making three calls to others.

3. Love sacrifices. It is going to be costly to love. If love isn't costly, it isn't love. The Good Samaritan interrupted his agenda to include a neighbor in need. He also paid the financial cost. Radically share your finances.

4. Love prays. In your conversations with neighbors end by asking them if you could pray for them. Very few people today will not want this.

5. Love speaks. Just say it. We are too stingy with saying, "I Love You."

 

Fred Rogers said this in 2003, "You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable. And, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they're loved and capable of loving." 

 

That is our mission today, show three people they are loved by us and God. 

 

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, April 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020


"Jesus replied, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.... The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. As of the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" (Luke 9:62; 10:2)


If we take a longer view, the very fact that Jesus involves His disciples (and, by extension, us) in His Kingdom ministry is quite staggering. Why would the Lord of Lords and King of Kings elect to include fragile, fallible humans in such a critical work? From my experience, ministry helps us to refine our passions (loving more of what God loves), to understand the true nature of the world (the very real spiritual forces in battle), and to grow more deeply in awe of God and His love. In short, as we make disciples for Jesus, we have the opportunity growing into better disciples ourselves.

Also, please note that Jesus implores us to pray for additional Kingdom workers. On the surface, we might believe that money serves as the greatest impediment to Kingdom growth. Instead, we lack Gospel workers. Only God may raise up workers. In turn, we have the calling and privilege to encourage, strengthen, and teach potential workers.

Many times, we shudder in considering Kingdom ministry because of our lack of qualifications. Exactly! We are all unqualified in our natural state to serve God. Yet, by the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit, we may become fit laborers for the harvest.

Paul describes this contrast of human weakness (evidenced in our sure death) against the power of God (evidence in the eternal life He gives): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

Would you kindly pray for more Kingdom workers today? Please consider how and where God is calling you. Who could use some encouragement? Who is hurting? Who is in need of wholeness and forgiveness? How could you offer those things today? How could you point them to God's throne of grace today?


Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son and redeeming us from sin by His shed blood on the Cross. Thank You that You have freed us and made us qualified for Your Kingdom service through giving us Your Word and sending us Your Holy Spirit. Give us courage to love others boldly today. Help us to encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ, and allow us to reach out to those who may be far from You. Bring Your healing and wholeness into our city, state, and country. We desperately need You. In Jesus's Name, amen.


________________________________________________________________________
596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
Stamford, CT 06906-1423 | and the life. He who believes in me will
(C) 203.820.1741 | live, even though he dies; and whoever
(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
(E) swe@edwa.info | Do you believe this?'" -- John 11:25,26

Blog Post 1 April 2020

Blog Post 1 April 2020

Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20

Luke 9:28-50

Psalm 73:1-28

Proverbs 12:10

Sovereignty of God

Teaching people about God, setting an example of godly living, caring for the sanctuary and its workers and distributing its offerings. We see in history the Israelites were naturally curious about the occult (hidden) practices and God forbade Israel to have anything to do with it.

Today people are still fascinated by horoscopes, fortune telling, witchcraft and bizarre cults. This interest comes from a desire to know and control the future. Satan is no less dangerous today than he was in Moses time. God tells us all we need to know about and what is going to happen. We need to turn to the word with the trustworthy guidance of the Holy Spirit. There have been events that have happened in the past and events that are happening in present time, today we are faced with covid-19 and it's how we get through this time that will influence those around us.

Let us not be overcome with fear and doubt but be still in the storm and trust in the word, no one can add to Gods perfection he is in control.  We see Gods hand in history and we know he is in control today. Worshiping God should be continual and the righteous will endure hardships.

During this time let us love and serve others. How we may help those around us? During this time at home (in Quarantine) let us self-reflect, be still and spend time with God. In Psalm 73:23 "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand" tells us we are not alone. Let us praise God, Psalm 73:26 "my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever". May we think of people in our world today where this verse is applicable and pray that those in time of failing health and spirit have God remain the strength of their heart. Let us have a renewed trust in Christ.

https://youtu.be/H7pJb49vVQY

--

Aimee Spencer