Memorial Day Edition

Today is a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  War is a terrible thing.  I hate it.  It is the result of evil and sin that involves the lives of the innocent.  The men and women who died in battle did so trying to preserve the freedoms we enjoy in our country.  As the saying goes, "Freedom isn't free."  The cost is much greater than what is calculated on a ledger but paid in blood.  I am not trying to rain down on your Memorial Day activities, because it was the sacrifice of others that allows us to have a day with our family and friends.  The goal is to help you take a very small portion of your day to remember the fallen.

Yesterday we celebrated another memorial day, as we do each week, remembering the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of God for all humanity.  Jesus died but He wasn't wearing the uniform one country or group of people over another.  The blood He shed was for everyone.  The freedom we enjoy in Christ far surpasses the freedoms of our country, or ever could offer, the freedom from sin and death.  This is what the emblems of the Lord's Supper represent - the body and blood of our Savior.  His death and resurrection unites us with believers on every continent into one kingdom - the Kingdom of Christ.  A Kingdom that is filled with peace, love, joy and life beyond human comprehension.  Praise God!

Sunday was a great day with God's people.  Memorial Day weekend always shuffles Christians around.  In other words, we always have several who are out of town while we enjoy the company of those who have come to town.  I tried to get around to everyone.  We had many visiting with us from other places, and a few from our city.

We also saw another Sunday with our parking lot under construction.  Maybe I'm not getting around enough, but everyone seems to be handling this temporary inconvenience amazingly well.  It's hot!  People are having to park further away.  Several of our guys are standing out in the heat to make sure everyone knows where to park.  Yet, I hear no complaints.  Believe me, I know it will get to a point where it will be frustrating.  Construction always takes longer than our patience allows.  But for now, I really appreciate your attitude.  On behalf of the leadership I want to thank you.

This Sunday we will complete the third and final lesson on prayer in the Psalms.  The truth is, we could take the entire year to study the Psalms and it wouldn't be enough.  My hope is the time we have spend in this book has been a blessing in your life.  If so, thank God.  This week David writes a hymn of worship despite being in a low place in his life.  I love this Psalm (I know I say this a lot).

Beginning June 7th, we will engage in a sermon series that will last through the summer.  It is all about the Amazing Jesus.  As you go through the Gospels, you cannot help but see the amazement of those who encountered the Messiah.  After Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, (Matt. 8:28). The disciples just sat there in awe... (Matt. 8:27).  The crowds marveled. "Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!"... (Matt. 9:33). The crowd was amazed.  (Matt. 12:23).  This is just the beginning.  We will learn of His amazing grace, compassion, power, love, and many more things about the One who left the glory of heaven to come into our world.

Today is a national holiday so use this as a day of rest and recreation.  We all need those times to recharge from the daily routine.  Take a Bible with you and read some passages from the Psalms.  It doesn't have to be heavy reading, but a simple reflection on a chapter or single verse.  Read a few stories about Jesus and let this fill your mind.  Some of my favorite times is setting up the hammock and reading as the sun starts to set.  Don't be surprised if you find your mind drifting in and out of prayer.  Don't be surprised if you dream about spiritual things that night.  And don't be surprised if you wake up Tuesday morning mentally refreshed!  Have your cook-outs and enjoy your outside activities, but take a few moments to recharge your mind with God's Word.