I Am With You

Jesus prepares his followers for his departure...but doesn't leave them alone. I believe that in this section of text is housed some of the most comforting words for those that follow Christ. The concept that we haven't been abandoned when we experience loss, that if we ask and believe we can receive peace, God's peace that will descend upon us and fill us...and it's not the kind of peace that the world gives, says Jesus. Thanks be to God.

May you all experience that amazing peace today as we draw close to Easter Sunday. The day after Good Friday, when Christ was in the tomb and the disciples felt that all were lost. When they felt alone.

But thanks be to God that JOY comes with the morning!

I Hold You in My Heart

Timothy is known as Paul's "sidekick", working with him for 17 years...but he certainly had a resume of his own to brag about, and was an effective minister and evangelist in his own right. This text that we read this morning comes from Paul and Timothy, and it is a scripture that I have loved, especially as a Pastor who has left a congregation to move to another.

I especially appreciate the sentiment "you hold me in your hearts". I get that. There are people whom I love, especially those whom I don't always get to see, but my love for them still remains....and I hold them in my heart. I think of them, I pray for them, I give thanks for them.

Today is Good Friday, a day of pain and suffering. Remember, when we are journeying through some of our darkest, hardest times, we are held in the heart of God.

Peace to you today.

The Villian

Judas is the villain...the one who betrayed Jesus. And for what? Money (it really wasn't THAT much), power, pride? Or was it disbelief...maybe Jesus isn't really who he says he is...so will this betrayal even amount to anything? We hear it all and are disgusted...how could he do that????

And yet....and yet.....I find that some of things that I really dislike the most are the things that I am fearful that I might become or do, or already be. Does that make sense? Anyone else feel that way?

As we approach Good Friday tomorrow, and as we share in Holy Communion this evening, the celebration of the Last Supper, and the time that Judas betrayed Jesus, may we take time to make an examination of our own souls. May we honestly search our hearts and if there is any way in us that needs to be changed, forgiven and shifted may we be brave and move forward in forgiveness and new life.

Thanks be to God for moments of reflection and honesty.