Christ is Risen!

Happy Easter Everyone! Christ is Risen!

I have always loved this season. Growing up I loved watching the snow melt and the plants start to grow and show signs of life. I also loved sharing the Good News. I loved the music, and I loved the joy people felt as we proclaimed that Christ has triumphed over the grave. 

Today I still love to share this Good News. I loved seeing my own children light up on Easter morning. I loved watching them search for eggs and sing their hearts out on Easter! There is so much to be thankful for this season. It is so easy to let the burdens on the world drag us down. The Good News of Jesus Christ is still needed today. 

For the next few weeks, we will live in the Easter season. We will continue to lift up this Good News. My question is: What burdens are you carrying instead of the hope of Jesus? Personally, I know there are a lot of things that can overwhelm me. Two weeks ago my wife came down with a case of vertigo. (I have never experienced vertigo before - but even watching someone go through it is miserable.) As she recovered, I was torn between taking care of her and all the other daily concerns. Between the kids, work, and regular chores... life was getting out of control. It took a few people connecting with me to says that I didn't need to do everything. I needed simply to be present where I mattered most. It was just helpful to hear kind words from others who let me know that they cared. 

Our words can offer comfort and hope. We still need to take time for the people who matter most, and we still need to reach out to tell these people of our love. All of this shares the Good News that Christ offered. Today I hope we can all open our eyes to the things that matter most. I hope we can hear the Good News from the people around us, and I hope we can take a little time to share the Good News with others. We can share a word from the Bible, or we can even share a smile with a stranger. Let's offer hope to the world!

Blessings!

Pastor Brian

A time to praise!

 Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

This week we will be celebrating Palm Sunday and Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem! After spending much of his ministry far to the north in rural Galilee, Jesus finally made his was south. His ministry was bringing him into the lives of all people. It did not matter that he was going to be rejected. It did not matter that there would be people who were jealous or angry. Jesus went to Jerusalem to share his gifts. He needed to share the Love of God with all people, even if that Love would take Him to the cross.

I believe every person is gifted by God. However, there can be trials that derail us. We may face those who stand in our way. Fear and shame my cause us to give up on the blessings God has given. It can be easier to walk away from our failures. 

To be Christian, means that we are people who believe in resurrection. When we fail or face darkness and death, we believe in new life. God believes in each and every one of us. There are going to be broken moments, but God is also working in your life. We are called to trust in the greater picture, even when our lives seem to fall apart.

Today I am wondering where each of you are in your spiritual journey. Do you feel connected? Are you sharing your gifts freely with others. Or, are you holding back? Is there something in the world that has caused you to doubt or question what God is doing?

As I look at each of my own children, I can see so many talents. I also see a world that can cause anyone fall apart. I pray for my kids to have faith in what God is doing in their lives. They are each special, and so are each and every one of us. God is working in you, even when you can't see it.

Today I hope we can all live as resurrection people. I hope we can all shine brightly with the love that Jesus shares!

Blessings!

Pastor Brian