JUST TELL IT TO JESUS

JUST TELL IT TO JESUS

I was thinking today of how life is such a struggle for many today.  The world is in such a state that people don’t know where to turn when trouble comes.  Even Christians need to be reminded Who to run to when trials come.

As we read the news, walk among people, chat with friends and co-workers we realize that even though people may smile, laugh and appear to have everything under control, they could be “crying” on the inside.  I want to be more sensitive to people around me and their struggles that they carry inside and sometimes they are heavy, heavy burdens.  We need to be reminded that we have a Friend who cares and is concerned about our trials in this walk with the Lord.  He is concerned about our grief, our pain, our sin.  After all, He died for our sins, and carried our grief to the cross, just for you, just for me.

So be reminded, if you feel like you have no one else in this world to share your burdens with, you can “Tell it to Jesus.”

TELL IT TO JESUS

“Are you weary, are you heavy-hearted?  Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus; are you grieving over joys departed?  Tell it to Jesus alone. 

Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that’s well-known.  You’ve no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden” Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus; have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden” Tell it to Jesus alone.

Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?  Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus; Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?  Tell it to Jesus alone.

Are you troubled at the tho’t of dying?  Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus, For Christ’s coming kingdom are you sighing?  Tell it to Jesus alone.  (Jeremiah E. Rankin)

If you are weary and your heart is heavy hearted today, and you are grieving over a joy that has departed, come to the God of all Comfort:

“Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God.  Isaiah 40:1.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God” II Corinthians 1:3-4.

If you have lost your joy this day and are grieving over something that has happened in your life that took all joy out of your life, and you feel like you can never smile again or have that peace that He brings when tragedy comes into our lives, just tell it to Jesus, He is the friend who will listen and understand and bring joy back into your life again.

When you have sinned against the Lord, and you can’t talk about it with anyone, you can talk to Jesus about it. He died for your sins and for mine.  Just take your sins to the cross and leave them there with Him, for He is faithful.  Just tell it to Jesus.  And let Him cleanse you and bring peace back into your life.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive u our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” I John 1:9.

And maybe you fear sorrow coming into your life.  You may have a loved one who is near death, and even now you fear the grief of losing that precious one.  You may have spent many days at a bedside, watching, waiting and praying, for you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.  You may be sorrowing over financial needs and don’t know where the next meal will come from.  Listen to Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34, where He reminds us not to worry about tomorrow in verse 34.  Tomorrow will take care of itself.  Just tell it to Jesus, today.  And let Him take care of your tomorrows.

And I asked myself what makes people afraid of dying?  Is it fear of the unknown?  It is unresolved issues in their lives that makes people afraid?  When we have Jesus in our hearts and walk close to Him, it seems to me that heaven is just a step away.  The older I become the closer I am to my heavenly home.  When we make peace with Jesus and let Him work out those other issues in our lives, heaven becomes very real, and is just over the hilltop.  When we open God’s Word and read about heaven, and then we sing those wonderful hymns about heaven, it opens our eyes to the glory that awaits each one of us who walk with Jesus.  I truly believe God puts “heaven” in the hearts of each one of His children to prepare them for their heavenly home. When death comes to the Christian, we have no reason to fear, God is near.  Just tell it to Jesus.

“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: for we walk by faith, not by sight: we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” II Corinthians 5:6-8.

Are you sighing for Christ’s coming?  When problems overwhelm us, and our heart is heavy, we so long for Jesus to come back. And for those who are looking for Jesus to come back He has promised a special reward, a “Crown of Righteousness!”

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” II Timothy 4:8.

So, my friends, whatever the issues in your life today, just remember that you have a friend you can go to any time any place, any hour, and He promises in Hebrews 13:5 to never leave you.  What a Wonderful friend we have in Jesus!  Just tell it to Jesus today, He is waiting for you.

In Jesus’ Name,

Pastor Sharon

ALL THE WAY HE LEADS ME

ALL THE WAY HE LEADS ME

I have been pondering lately over the path that I am walking on at this time in my life.  A year ago I was walking a different path entirely.  I was busy in the ministry, healthy in body, no worries about future health issues.  I was following my Lord on a path that seemingly was an easy path.  Oh, there was a time of grief and much sorrow, but I knew He was there to comfort in that particular time.

We all have times like that in our lives.  And it seems as we become older in our years, the path seems to become harder to climb.  There are storms of wind and rain, rocks in our pathway, decisions to be made on which way to go.  But isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus is right there, holding my hand and leading me all the way.  I know many of you are going through great trials right now.  There is pain in your body, financial issues, concerns for your children and grandchildren, and many more problems as we travel this path with Jesus.

And I think of others in the past who had great difficulties in their lives but were able, with the Lord’s help, to go on and do great things for Him.  I am thinking of the great blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, who lived a century ago and wrote hundreds of our wonderful hymns.  And she trusted the Lord to lead her and provide for her each step of the way.

One day she needed five dollars and didn’t know where she would get it.  So she prayed about it.  A few minutes later a stranger knocked at her door.  When she answered it, the man gave her a five-dollar bill and the turned around and left.

Crosby was amazed at the Lord’s marvelous timing.  Later she wrote, “I have no way of accounting for this except to believe that God, in answer to my prayer, put it into the heart of this good man to bring the money to me.  My first thought was, “It is so wonderful the way the Lord leads me.”

That day she wrote this hymn: “ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOUR LEADS ME/WHAT HAVE I TO ASK BESIDE?”

All the way my Saviour leads me; what have I to ask beside?  Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been my Guide?  Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well; Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Saviour leads; me, cheers each winding path I tread, gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread.  Though my weary steps may falter, and my soul a thirst may be, gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see; gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Saviour leads me; oh, the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.  When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day, this my song thro’ endless ages; Jesus lead me all the way; this my song thro endless ages; Jesus lead me all the way. (Fanny J. Crosby1820-1915)

In the words of this wonderful hymn we see, as we walk this path with Jesus, His guidance, Trust in Him, and our confidence that that the path we tread will someday lead us to our heavenly home.

Sometimes when the skies are dark in our lives and we can’t see through our tears and our pain, we start to doubt that tender mercy and care.  But by faith, He brings the heavenly comfort and we can know that whatever comes our way, Jesus doeth all things well.

“For this God is our God forever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death” Psalm 48:14.

And isn’t it wonderful to know that no matter how winding the path is, He gives me the grace for every trial, even the trial of cancer and the treatments following.  And I know of many who are walking that path right now, but are trusting in His grace and mercy, even though their weary steps may falter along the trail.

“They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by springs of living water shall he guide them” Isaiah 49:10.

Oh, what wonderful promises in God’s Word.  He satisfies His children with the Living bread, which is His Word.  He is that Living Bread that satisfies our every need.  He is the Living Water that satisfies our thirsty souls.  He is the Rock of our Salvation. Oh, Praise His Holy Name.

We have had thunderstorms in our area and lightening in the evenings.  The days are beautiful, lovely clouds, warm.  But toward evening things begin to change.  That is the way our walk with the Lord is.  We have lovely days and then the storms come and it is dark and the thunder roars.  But we have that promise that down the road and over the next hill, maybe around that next steep mountain, we are promised perfect rest in our Father’s House (John 14:1-2). 

And that will be our song through the ages, that Jesus led us all the way.  How is it with you this day?  Are you struggling with great trials?  Let Jesus be your guide.  If you don’t know Him as your own personal Saviour ask Him into your heart today, He is waiting for you.  Don’t put it off another day, another hour.  Jesus loves you so much!

In Jesus’ Name,

Pastor Sharon

I'LL MEET YOU IN THE MORNING!

I’LL MEET YOU IN THE MORNING!

This past week our family is remembering our precious loved one who left us one year ago.  And oh, the memories and the tears that still come.  Maybe you too are remembering precious loved ones who have left us, and I write this blog to bring you comfort as I have been comforted. 

I am thinking of heaven and the joy they must be experiencing, and the joy that is ahead for us when that great reunion comes.  Whether we meet Him in the sky or meet Him in death,  that is the “blessed hope” that we believers are looking for.

I came across an article written by Joni Eareckson Tada from her book “Diamonds in the Dust.”  And it was my daily devotion on April 29, the very day we were remembering our loved one.

“I am standing upon the seashore.  A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.  She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.  Then someone at my side says: “there! She’s gone.”

Gone where”?  Gone from my sight-that is all.  She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination.  Her diminished size is in me, not in her; and just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There! She’s gone,” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “There she comes!”  And that is dying!”

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” Psalm 116:15.

Yes, many are grieving today over the loss of loved ones.  My heart grieves for those who have lost their children and other family members and friends in recent violence in our land. 

And there are many faces missing in my life in recent months, as a Pastor I miss their smile and the precious times we had together sharing God’s Word.  And I think of those confined in hospital beds, just waiting for Jesus to call them home.

And we wonder what heaven is like, what they who have gone ahead are experiencing.  They are at home with the Lord and at peace.  But their leaving us leaves a void in our lives.  But we have His precious promises in His Word.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”  John 14:1-3.

We can only imagine what those “mansions” are like, where our loved one is dwelling.  We think in earthly terms, but have no idea what God has prepared for each one of us. ( I Corinthians 2:9).

We read in the 21^st and 22^nd chapters of Revelations of streets of gold, trees of life, the beautiful river of life.  I once loved a dear saint who was confined to a bed in a foster home.  We simply called  her “Nana.”

Nana had had both legs amputated, and was nearing her 103^rd birthday when she had a dream and shared it with me.  In her dream she saw a golden fountain and a stream of water flowing from it, and I shared Revelation 22 with her, and we both cried tears of joy, as I shared with her that soon she would be dancing on those golden streets with her new legs.  She passed away shortly after that session and I truly expect to meet her again someday.  Oh, what joyful visits we had!

 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” Revelation 21:4.

Yes, God Himself will wipe away all tears.  There will be no more parting over there, no sorrow, or no more pain.  Oh, what joy we look forward too as we continue to walk this journey with Jesus.  There around the next bend in the road, one last hill to climb, and there, beloved will be your heavenly home, bright shining on the horizon.

And as I think of my loved one, and remember her bright smile as she greeted her children at the door, I think of this grand old hymn:  “I Will Meet You in the Morning.”  You be blessed as you remember your family and loved ones waiting for you to come home and the joyous reunion just ahead.

“I’ll meet you in the morning by the bright riverside when all sorrow has drifted away.  I’ll be standing at the portals when the gates open wide at the close of life’s long dreary day.

Refrain:  I’ll meet you in the morning with a how do you do. And we’ll sit down by the river and with rapture old acquaintance renew.  You’ll know me in the morning by the smile that I wear, when I meet you in the morning in the city that’s built foursquare.

I will meet you in the morning at the end of the way on the streets of that city of gold, where we all can be together and be happy always while the years and the ages shall roll.” (as sung by Skeeter Davis).

In Jesus’ Name,

Pastor Sharon

YES, HE CARES!

YES, HE CARES!

Sometimes in this walk with the Lord we come to a deep valley, and we wonder if Jesus really cares or does anyone care? Are you feeling that way today?  Well, Jesus does care and He feels your pain, your grief and your loneliness. 

Let me tell you the story of another song, and then I will share an experience I had with a precious saint at her bedside.  This precious one was a singer, who loved hymns and praising the Lord.  Now it is like she is “locked” in her body, only her eyes move and she desperately tries to talk and I can only imagine how frustrating it must be.  But she loves Jesus and knows that He does care deep down inside.

“Frank Graeff had a wonderful nickname – “The Sunshine Minister”  He loved little children and became famous for the stories he told them.  He was also called “a spiritual optimist,” and people were drawn to him because he had “a holy magnetism.”

But inside, Frank Graeff was going through some spiritual struggles.  Today we might call it a midlife crisis.  Struggling with physical problems, he fell into depression and had some spiritual doubt.  It all hit “The Sunshine Minister” at the same time.

He turned to the Scriptures searching for a verse that he could really hold onto, and he found it in 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you” (KJV).

That verse not only guided him through his “downtime,” but it also inspired him to write the song “Does Jesus Care?” (The Complete Book of Hymns).

DOES JESUS CARE?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song; as the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares; I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?  As the daylight fades into deep nightshades, does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed to resist some temptation strong; when for my deep grief I find no relief, tho’ my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye” to the dearest on earth tome.  And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks-is it aught to Him? Does He see? 

Oh yes, He cares; I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.  (Frank E. Graeff (1860-1919)

I sat by the bedside of my precious friend who is totally paralyzed now.  She moves her eyes and tries her best to form words, and then she nearly cries with frustration.  Does Jesus care that this dear one, who used to sing His praises lies in that bed in the nursing home day after day, month after month not able to move or express herself and totally dependent on those caregivers there in the nursing home?  Yes, my friend, Jesus cares.  I sat there, after reading the Lord’s Prayer to her, and her favorite 23^rd Psalm and reminding her of her mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for her, and saw the peace come into her eyes and her frustrations calmed down just at the reading of God’s Word.  It is an amazing experience to see the Holy Spirit bring calmness and peace.  Her dark way and nameless fear and dread are suddenly totally filled with His Presence.  Then I began to sing to her songs of heaven and oh, the joy on her face!  It is hard to describe this experience without tears of my own.  I don’t understand the “why?” of these situations, but I know my Jesus cares and loves her dearly.  And someday soon He will come and take her home and I promised her that she would again sing the praises to her King!

Are you having days of nights of grief over some temptations that you could not resist, and your eyes are filled with tears and your  grief over that sin is so great you feel that no one cares.  Yes, He cares, I know He cares and He understands.  And He will calm those tears that seem to flow all night long, and bring a sweet peace with His forgiveness, just ask Him, He is there for you.

And some of you have lost a precious loved one, someone who was very dear to your heart and they also loved Jesus.  Maybe you were married for many years that your loved one has gone home to be with Jesus and you are so alone and the grief is so great.  Maybe you lost a parent, a brother, a sister, a dear friend.  It is so hard to say “goodbye.”  When we walk with Jesus, we have that wonderful hope that we will see that precious one again.  Yes, our lives are empty and lonely, but does Jesus care?  Yes, He does my friend and He cares enough to be near, near to you to bring comfort and peace once again.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”  John 16:33.

In Jesus’ Name,

Pastor Sharon

LEAD ME TO THE ROCK!

“Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer

From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee,

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and

A strong tower from the enemy.

I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever:

I will trust in the covert of Thy wings.

Psalm 61:1-4

Our hearts are overwhelmed within us with the tragic news that we see happening around us.  And in our walk with the Lord there are some days where we just want to run and hide.  The road I am walking on toward my eternal home is cloud covered some days and I can’t seem to find my way, and many of you are going through great trials also.  And my heart goes out to those suffering from cancer and the effects of various treatments.

In this Psalm of David he is literally crying out for God to hear his prayer, his soul is overwhelmed within him.  He was running from Saul, and stated that he could cry out to God wherever he was on earth, and it is that way with you too.  Wherever you are, whatever your situation, you can cry unto Him and He will hear your cries.

And when we are overwhelmed we run to the “Rock” who is Christ Jesus, He is our shelter to hide in and oh, what peace and joy is there.  A friend of mine states it this way:  “Imagine yourself on a beautiful cloud far above everything: no worries, no pain, no tears, just total peace with your Lord.  All is total peace with Him, and calm and beautiful.  Jesus is your all in all.  You don’t have to do anything, just sit there with the Lord in your secret place of prayer, your “get a way” with Him.”

And when I run to Him, He is that rock that is higher than I, and that rock is immovable, strong and the safest place to be when the winds of trial are blowing.  And we know from I Corinthians 10:4 that the Rock is Christ Jesus.  And many places in the Psalms David talks about that Rock.  David was hiding in the wilderness, a place of many rocks and crevices so he knew about hiding in a rocky place, but his Rock was Christ Jesus, and aren’t you glad that Jesus is our strong Rock to lean on.

LEAD ME TO THE ROCK

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, higher than I, higher than I.  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, you’re my tower against the foe.

Refrain: Hear my cry O God, answer my prayer, answer my prayer, answer my prayer.  Hear my cry O God, answer my prayer, you’re my tower against the foe.

I’ll take refuge in the shelter of your wings, the shelter of your wings, the shelter of your wings, I’ll take refuge in the shelter of your wings, you’re my tower against the foe.

I’ll fulfill my vows day after day, day after day, day after day.  I’ll fulfill my vows day after day, you’re my tower against the foe.  (J. Brian Craig)

Isn’t it wonderful to know that also in these stressful times that we can hide under the shelter of His covering wings, like a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her for safety, we can hide under the shelter of our Beloved Lord. ( Psalm 91:4).

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe” Proverbs 18:10.

The Name of the Lord Jesus is our strong tower, we cry out to Him in our times of trouble and we are safe, surrounded by His precious arms, as the storm may be blowing.

And David stated that He would abide in His tabernacle forever, covered by His wings.  David ran to the Mercy Seat where the wings of the Cherubim covered the Ark of the Covenant.  Now we have the privilege to go right into the throne room, right up to His knees, my faith.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:16.

In these very troubled times we live in, run to Him, run to your secret place of prayer, sit in His presence, and let Him cover you with His wings of love.  Run to the Rock that is higher than you, run into your strong tower, call upon the Name of Jesus, as He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

And if you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior, call upon Him now.  We never know what a day will hold, and He is your only security in this world.  He can give you that peace and joy, and whatever happens you know you are secure in His tender care, and ready for eternal life with Him.

Blessings,

Pastor Sharon

MY CONSTANTLY ABIDING LORD

MY CONSTANTLY ABIDING

LORD JESUS

As we walk this pilgrim pathway, trials seem to surround us.  And today, as I look outside my window, the sky is blue, the air is chilly, the winds are calm.  But sometimes  there will be grey skies, cold air, and the wind is blowing.  Oh, how we long for spring to come.  But sometimes those balmy spring days in our lives, as we walk this pathway with Jesus can turn into a gale and clouds will fill our skies. 

But we have a Wonderful Lord Jesus, who never leaves us or forsakes us whether the weather on our journey is calm with warm and lovely skies, or cloudy and stormy with pain and despair on our horizon.  As I look around at people’s faces, I sense the hurt and despair of many.  Many think there are no solutions to the problems we face, and I long to tell them of our Wonderful Savior constantly abides in my heart.  Even who doubts come and it is hard to pray, He is there with His wonderful peace and assurance, for He constantly abides whether our skies are rainy or sunny, whether we are on the mountain top or down in a valley.  He is there, Praise the Lord!

CONSTANTLY ABIDING

“There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave, a peace it can not take away; ho’ the trials of life may surround like a cloud, I’ve a peace that has come there to stay!

“Refrain:  Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine; constantly abiding, rapture divine.  He never leaves me lonely, whispers, o so kind: “I will never leave thee,” Jesus is mine.

All the world seemed to sing of a Saviour and King, when peace sweetly came to my heart; troubles all fled away and my night turned to day, blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art!

This treasure I have in a temple of clay, while here on His footstool I roam, but He’s coming to take me some glorious day, over there to my heavenly home!  (Anne S. Murphy).

My friends, this world cannot give you peace.  You may have many possessions, seemingly reached your goal in life, have a loving family around you and feel like everything is okay with the world.  But, if you examine your heart you will find an emptiness there as you continue to search and search for things to fill that vacancy in your heart.  But let me tell you, though trials may come in and fog up our pathway so we cannot see our way ahead, Jesus comes and when He walks into your life, you will have peace that this world can never take away.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” John 16:33.

At this time, Jesus was sharing His last words with His disciples before He went to The Garden of Gethsemane and the mob came to arrest Him.  Their hearts were troubled at His words, and He confirmed that they would indeed have tribulation and trials in this world, as the disciples learned in the days and years ahead as they spread the Gospel.  But He tells them, like He tells us to “cheer up” as we would say, He has overcome the world. 

And yes, as He went to Calvary, shed His precious blood for our sins, and then on the third day, arose triumphant from the grave, He did overcome the world and because of His sacrifice we can have that peace that overcomes the world.  And how do we describe that peace?  It is a constant knowing that no matter what lies ahead, He is in control and I give my worries and fears to Him.  I give Him all my anxious thoughts about tomorrow and walk ahead knowing He is leading me on in His footsteps.

And I remember the day I accepted Jesus into my heart.  I was just a child of 10 years old, but I remember so vividly the peace that came into my heart.  The next day even the world around me was brighter, something had changed in my heart, and I felt His presence so real.  That what He does when He comes into our hearts, as all troubles may not all suddenly flee away, but we now have Jesus to walk with us and guide us in the midst of them.

But we have that blessed promise now, even living in these “temples of clay,” that someday our Lord will come back and receive us unto Himself.  What a glorious day that will be!  So we watch and wait, and keep on working for Jesus, and someday we will see Him face to face at last.  Some of us will go home to be with Jesus before He comes to rapture His church.  And there we will be in our heavenly home forever, there with Jesus, and our loved ones who have gone on before us.

So be not dismayed at the trials you may face, for He constantly abides with us, He promises us in His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us in Hebrews 13:5.

So you may be having a cloudy day right now, but just look ahead, there He is walking ahead of you, and when He comes the clouds disperse and He brings that wonderful peace that only He can bring.  So walk on and keep your eyes on Jesus.  And if you have not accepted that wonderful peace He brings, ask Him into your heart right now and He will come to constantly abide with you forever.  Praise His Holy Name!

Blessings, Pastor Sharon

LET US KEEP OUR EYES ON CALVARY

LET US KEEP OUR

EYES ON CALVARY!

This is the week after Easter.  The Easter things are put away, and the stores are offering bunnies and decorations half price.  Now people have their eyes on other coming events, Easter is now behind them. But I think of the people out there going to and fro with their lives and their struggles and their hurt and their pain.  And my heart cries out to those who went to church last Sunday, probably as guests.  And they hadn’t been to church since Christmas or maybe a funeral of a loved one or friend.  They heard the good Word of God preached, sang the wonderful Easter hymns, but where is their love for Jesus and the power of the Resurrection? 

Do we just sing about the cross on Sunday, and on Monday our Bibles are put back on the shelf or coffee table to await the next service we may attend?  Or do we reflect back to Calvary every day of the week, all year?  Is there a secret prayer place where we commune with our Lord, and be reminded of the sacrifice He made on that cross?  I, myself, do not want to forget that sacrifice He made for my sins, and I want Him to continually lead me back to Calvary.  How about you? 

LEAD ME TO CALVARY

“King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, lead me to Calvary.

Refrain: Lest I forget Gethsemane, lest I forget Thine agony; lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary.

Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid, tenderly mourned and wept; Angels in robes of light guarded Thee while Thou slept.

Let me like Mary, thro’ the gloom, come with a gift for Thee; show me now the empty tomb, lead me to Calvary.

May I be willing, Lord to bear daily my cross for Thee; even Thy cup of grief to share, lead me to Calvary.  (Jennie Evelyn Hussey, 1874-1958)

Yes, my cry is now to crown Him now with my praise, adoration and worship, and give Him all the glory, in case I would forget the thorns upon His brow, so Lord, lead me back to Calvary.

As I pray and praise Him, I ask He remind me of the tomb, where the woman came to mourn and weep, and where Heavenly angels, dressed in robes of light guarded Him as he slept there.  Oh, Lord, lead me back to Calvary.  I ask that of you out there, ask Him to lead you back there, to the cross, and to the place where they laid Him.

“But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.  And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain” John 20:11-12.

And like Mary, I  come through the darkness and gloom of my life, with a sweet gift for Thee, the gift of my life and my service and love for Thee.  So show me now the empty tomb, lead me to Calvary.

And Lord, may I too be willing to bear my cross daily for Thee.  Sometimes those crosses are so heavy to bear.  Sometimes there is a cross of sickness, despair, grief.  May I bear it gladly for Thee.  Sometimes we feel like we just go on again under the heavy load we carry.  But Jesus promises to carry that cross or burden with us. (Matthew 11:28-30).

So my precious friends out there, He calls us daily to look to the cross and be reminded again of the sufferings of our Lord, for me, for you.  But as we are led back to Calvary, let us also remember the empty tomb, and the Angels proclaiming: “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay” Matthew 28:6.

Oh, come back to Calvary, come back to the cross, come back to the wonderful day of Resurrection!  Jesus is alive and seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, but has sent the Holy Spirit to come live within us, teach us and remind us daily of His love, His comfort, and the promise of His soon return.

Oh, let us keep our eyes on Jesus, keep our eyes looking up to Calvary and the supreme sacrifice He made there.  Let us keep daily in our prayer closets, reading His Word, and sharing Jesus with the world around us.  That those around us will also be lead to Calvary, and what a joy someday to see Him face to face, and see those scars on His hands and feet and always be reminded of His great love for us all through eternity.  Praise His Holy Name!

Pastor Sharon