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The cross is a historical reference point reminding us that our God is merciful.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

Surprised

Week of March 29, 2024

“19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” John 20:19-20

The time this scripture is referencing was a disappointing time for the disciples. This was after the resurrection before the disciples had seen the resurrected Lord and they were discouraged. The Lord’s timing was perfect for their need. They were surprised. Surprised that’s a great word for the Christian. Have you ever been surprised

 by what the Lord had done for you in a time of darkness? Maybe we need to come to the place in our Christian walk where we see discouraging moments as a prelude to the “new thing” God is about to do.

Jesus Surprised the disciples in the Upper Room. They looked at their present condition from a human point of view. They were discouraged. They had no idea that at any moment Christ would invade their gloom with hope. But He did and they were surprised. John 20:20 says again, “20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”

To see the Lord that’s our great need. Not in magnificent manifestations but in His still small voice in our life during unanticipated circumstances, in answers to questions that haunt us, in resolutions to problems which someone has told us are unsolvable. He still comes and we are glad and we feel hope arises in our hearts. As the hymn writes, I Stand Arranged In His Presence!

God Bless, Pastor Rick