Friday, April 11, 2025

Today my reading takes me into Luke's Gospel account to the story of the healing of Jairus' daughter.....

                    "Jesus said, "Stop the weeping! She isn't dead; she's only asleep."
                          But the crowd laughed at him because they knew she had died."                                                                                                             (Luke 8: 52-53 NLT)

Once we've read the story of Jairus' daughter, we can chuckle at those laughing at Jesus -- Oh, they don't know what we know. Watch this! We're in the loop, though, only because of our vantage point.  
   
Jesus calling the girl's death "sleep" I think foreshadowed the resurrection -- but how could any of the people present have guessed that? They thought they knew what dead looked like.... but Jesus shocked them. He stopped their wailing -- which was expected but probably superficial -- in favor of something unforeseeable but genuine.
   
Only God knows how our trials and challenges will pan out. As Christians, we know who Jesus is and what He can do. But at the moment, we don't know what He will do.  
   
I think human expectations can be a huge barrier to what God can do. Assuming you know how a situation should go doesn't allow for God's ability to do the impossible, to break through where no one else could. Faithlessness is thinking you know more about a situation than He does. In every trial, ask whether you will let Jesus use you for His work.... instead of trying to put Him to work for you.  
   
"Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I've assumed how You should act. You alone are God, and You alone always do what is right, in every situation. Amen."

+++ This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am. The Palm Sunday parade starts in the Fireside Room for our 10:00am worship. We'll be hearing the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and I will be looking at how "Jesus is our King". Following worship, we will enjoy our last 2nd Sunday luncheon until the fall. Thanks to all of you who have signed up for this wonderful meal and fellowship time. If you're joining us from home, look for our Facebook page "live-stream" at 10:00am. Or watch the completed worship on our YouTube channel after worship is completed. And if you're watching the live-stream, feel free to put your prayer requests into the comments section of the page and your prayers will be a part of our morning prayer time, as well.  

+++ Sunday is also the last day to order Easter flowers to decorate our Easter morning altar. See Julie or Robbie to get your orders in this week. 

+++ On Monday night there will be a Mission Trip planning meeting here at 7:00pm. Talk to Mike B. if you are interested in being a part of the group!

+++ The May/June edition of the Upper Room magazine is now on the table in the Narthex.

+++ Don't forget the 4/20 deadline for articles for our May/June church newsletter. Team Leaders... please make sure your articles are into the office by that date. Thanks!  

+++ Our Holy Week Schedule.....

•  Maundy Thursday worship is at 7:00pm on Thursday April 17th. We will celebrate the Last Supper as Jesus and his disciples did that night in the upper room and then strip the Altar in preparation for Good Friday.
• Good Friday will see our Sanctuary open for your personal devotions from 12:00noon - 3:00pm.  Come when you can and leave when you must as                 we keep Jesus company on the cross.
• Easter Sunday we will celebrate the Resurrection at 8:30am and 10:00am with both services being held in the Sanctuary!  Lots of music, great scriptures and a real celebration are planned for our worship services on Resurrection Day!     

Make this day a great day and keep your eyes always open for Jesus moving among us! 
Pastor Jack