In a moment of time…
Filed in NHL |Journal,
Resurrection Sunday (Easter) was an awesome day indeed. Betty and I watched? it via the computer. Got plenty of waves. Of course I wave back but no one can see me.? ? 
The worship was wonderful as always. Equally wonderful was the baby dedication of Donaven Reilley McDaniel. What a handsome little man? the Lord gave to Brent and Tammy.
Before ministry time a short film was shown on ‘The Women of Faith Conference.’ I understand that Warren signed Lane up. (All in fun mind you.)
Nathan ministered on the subject ‘How Much Does Love Cost?’ During the ministry we saw a short allegorical film clip about a switchman who was forced to choose between the loss of his son and a passenger train where many people would have lost their lives. The clip was heart touching. It fit into Nathan’s message. (Christian Challenge overflowed with members and guests.)
Johnny and Britanny and Johnny’s friend Olivier did a wonderful drama skit.? These young folk? have such a? love for Jesus.
Couldn’t help but think about what is happening at Christian Challenge. It reminded me of the passing of a baton. When Nathan took the baton from me, he continued with the strength and energy that belongs to this move that the ministry is now in. Looks like we will soon need to kick out the walls.
Service ended with communion. Nathan had each section come one at a time. It was another high-light of the day. The thought came to me how that Christians everywhere were celebrating the resurrection of Jesus on this very special day. Planet earth was giving praise to her King. What a thought.
Betty reminded me that it was two years ago on Easter morning that mama went to be with the Lord. What better time could there be to meet the Lord of all creation. While I miss mama so much, it does my heart good to know that the Lord came for her on the one day that speaks so wonderfully to our Christian faith. Resurrection Sunday!!!
Thought I’d do something different in this entry. Here are some news items you may find of interest.
Did you know that 65% to 80% of Americans believe that Jesus - body and soul - rose from the dead on Easter Sunday.
It’s true. According to Religion New Service by Daniel Burke, varied polls show that the vast majority of Americans believe? Jesus physically rose from the dead.? Many are not aware that this nation by far is the most Christ-centered nation on the earth.
Ok - Now for you coffee drinkers. Here is part of a clip you may be interested in –
‘New research shows there’s no reason to feel guilty about you daily cup of? joe. Studies find that drinking coffee may reduce your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, colon cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. Coffee has even been shown to reduce the risk of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. One reason? It contains significant amounts of flavonoids, antioxidants that can combat a host of illnesses.
While drinking too much coffee can have adverse health effects, however, it’s best to limit yourself to one to four brewed cups per day…’
See, I tried to tell you that coffee is the miracle drink.?
Ok, what did I mean in the subject title, ‘In a moment of time.’?
It means that yesterday was just a moment in time. And the only time we can live is the very moment we now have. The apostle quotes from Isaiah, saying,? “‘At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’”? (2Co6:2 nasb.)
We must learn to put all the yesterdays behind us. Nor can we live in the tomorrows. The true? walk of faith always concerns itself with, what’s going on in your heart right now?
Time for a short devotion ….
What caught my eye this morning was? Psalm 73:21-25, which reads,?
“When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You;? You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom do I have in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”
The Psalmist came through a time of? bitterness where he felt senseless and? ignorant.? Can we as believers identify with that? I think so. Most all of us have faced a time? of deep resentment. Perhaps it? was a divorce, or the loss of a loved one.? Perhaps it was a time when? it seemed everything was? against us. Whatever the case bitterness brought its toil.?
But this is? where we need to understand something about our walk with the Lord. Jesus does not leave us in these disturbances. Not even in those cases where we have a relapse of worldliness.
How would I know that. I know it by experience. I know it because of God’s Word.
Listen again to the Psalmist — “You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me,” Not only will the Lord take ahold of our hand, but He will guide us out of these moments of despair and darkness.
What kind of Savior is only a Savior in the good times? What kind of Savior who could save us but not keep us? Not so with the Lord. Jesus said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (He13:5)
Then again in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”
It is in these bad times that our need for? the Savior is even more pronounced. Here is a case in view:
Peter? denied Jesus three times. His soul was embittered within? him.? What kind of disciple am I? I am worthless! I’ll go back to the world that I came from. These kinds of thoughts must have filled Peter’s mind.
Did Jesus leave him in this state of worthlessness? Never. Jesus sought Peter out and brought healing to his soul. That is the kind of Savior Jesus is. He will walk right into our backsliden and embittered life and bring healing.
Have you ever been a Peter?
Just something to think about. Pass it on.?
Blessings,
Buddy
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