What's good about Good Friday?

Today He was dead. In a tomb. Sealed.

How is it that 3 days dead can work for good?  A co-worker of mine expressed her how much he disliked the dying part of Easter.  I wonder what the disciples thought. Shocked. Dismayed. Even if they had hoped for him to come back to life- I bet they were past it now. Do you think they wondered,
"This wasn't how it was supposed to be.."
      "What do I do now?"
         
I wonder what Peter thought in those dark days.  Did he think about that conversation during their last supper together.

"While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”...“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, ... Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same". (Mk 14:18-19,27,29-31)

Did regret fill his mind- realizing he chose fear over friendship? Fear over faith.

When I would hear those word of Christ's before- I would hear them with a bit of a bite. But I'm not so sure anymore.  What if Christ was not mad or disappointed. What if he was simply telling Peter the truth. He knew the conviction would be tested. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mk 14:38.

Jesus knew He was a committed follower of Christ. He'd seen his desire to live obediently- even to the point of stepping out of a boat to walk on the waves!  You've got to give the man credit.  He drew his sword to defend Christ, yet in fear, perhaps disillusionment- he denied Christ, and now Christ was dead.

I find it interesting that so many of the people I've been privileged to walk with in their journey of Faith would attest that the resolve of their Faith was strengthened by persevering a difficult time or trial.
James seemed to find the same to be true: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Ja 1:2-4.

What a trial for Peter. I don't imagine he felt joy. I wouldn't presume to know what went through his mind over those days of darkness-  but this I do see.  God was working in Peters heart.  In the midst of anguish- God was at work!
Tomorrow is Resurrection- Jesus is Alive!
     Jesus is God just as He said! -Nothing is impossible.
                All he said was True!

Jesus seeks him out and shows Peter grace.  Peter is changed. No more doubt- He doesn't just want to follow Christ- There is no holding him back.  May we  too believe Christ is LORD ... and when we live that conviction... there will be no holding us back.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Ro 8:28.  

Show and Tell:Easter Baggie Baskets

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Gal 6:14

Show and tell. I was just in a classroom not too long ago where children circled anxiously for their turn to share their treasures.  Barely able to contain their joy, most sat and squirmed- barely able to contain themselves. Not long ago our pastor reminded us that we, as followers of Christ, have a treasure for Show & Tell a midst the people we circle up with each day. Our treasure: the freedom and hope we have in Christ!  Show (the love of Christ) & Tell (give Him the Credit).

I just have to share this joy and encouragement!  People who love the LORD become filled with His love and compassion... and it shows!

Filled with the desire to express our faith in love, these women set out to create Easter "baskets" that could be distributed by the food shelf to the children whose families utilize it.

Too Much!

"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Lu 6:45

Cake #1

Have you ever taken on a bit to much?  I did that night. Here's the lead up.

  

A woman had asked me to make a cake for a birthday party she was giving. She   asked to have it by Friday night, for a party Saturday morning. A sweet little 6" round white with raspberry filling decorated with pink curly-cues.   I have done many a cake- most for my little boys... none with pink and none like this.

This is a test. This is only a test...

It just hung there.  As if standing still.  It was the progress light on my treadmill.  As if it asked the question:
        "Really? Are you gonna finish or quit?"
Oh, I wanted to quit.  I had to change pace a number of times today. And I really considered quitting.   The treadmill belt was shifting funny, I had plenty to do, I was tired and feeling more like it was beating me- than I was beating it.

It was not the first time. There have been many mornings where I have not overcome. Didn't take that chance in the afternoon. The day went by and I didn't do it.  Sometimes, it was planned.  Sometimes it has been the battle of discipline and I lost for that day.

God commanded Joshua "...be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Jos 1:9).

I believe that God allows the circumstances life to reveal to us our true hearts.  He knows our hearts and motives; He knows what we will choose to do.  However, I don't think we do.  We think we know what we would do.  And we know what we would like to do. But until we are posed with the opportunity- a test- our true hearts are not revealed- to us.

In regard to exercise  my failures at getting up have strengthened my resolve to integrate exercise into my life; however, it has also made me examine finding the balance as to how much and when.. and I am working on that.

But as you know exercising my Faith in the grind of everyday life is a discipline I am tested on moment by moment.  God is continually presenting opportunities for me to act out my faith and trust in who He is.  Although it is for His glory; the test (opportunities) reveals to me my heart toward Him.  Do I really believe God and His word... enough to really do it when the opportunity arises?

"...a man came into the Soda Fountain and sat down. He was one of the people who live in the margins of life- often unnoticed and perhaps ignored by so many. He was about to have surgery and spoke of it with some trepidation. Now, God had been challenging me to offer prayer to many whom I don’t know; however, this time... I just didn’t want to. He was different …. And, so I waited and waited… putting it off until he left. I knew I should have offered, but I didn’t. After he left, my head resonated with the scripture “do not show partiality.”[1] I had done just that. And, more convicting was “…anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”[2] My stomach churned.

On my knees that night I asked God to forgive my willful defiance and -in a desire to truly change and live out His Word loving others- I asked for an opportunity to redeem myself in the future. The very next morning- as I’m running to work (literally, don’t ask)- I see the very same man chatting with the postman in front of our shop. Every reason not to stop whirled through my head. What would it be? Would I obey God…or not? I decided to surrender my will, and stopped. I reintroduced myself, apologized for not doing it earlier, and offered prayer. He accepted. I put my hand on his shoulder, and prayed. In that encounter God taught me about obedience; repentance; love; forgiveness; and grace. (From "About Me" page of this blog)

"This is a test. This is only a test..." Sometimes as Christians I wonder if we get so worried about failing an opportunity we've been given that we forget God's grace. He is able to work all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to His purpose.  Nothing is wasted in His eyes.  It may be used to reveal to us Truth or to reveal Him to others... but in all things He is glorified.  Remember to press on toward the goal (Phil 3:14) and don't give up... having done everything... stand firm (Eph 6:13).

My friends, you can't let God down- because you don't hold Him up.