What Easter Means

Many Americans have lost lots of money in the stock market but there is one thing I would like to say that is good about the stock market. It is closed on Good Friday and has been every Good Friday in all the many years it has been in operation.

In America, banks used to be closed for part of the day on Good Friday, so that people could go to church to prepare for Easter. Many other businesses were closed that now are open and that is a real shame. Because, we all of us need to think about Good Friday and reflect on what happened, whether or not we are able to accept Jesus's sacrifice there. The Bible states that Jesus died ONCE FOR ALL. His blood on the cross opened a way to God that we who were in darkness might come into the light and know peace with God because of Good Friday.

Jesus knew and told his disciples that he would be handed over to the Gentiles and be mocked discouraged and crucified. Jesus prayed for this "cup" of suffering to pass, but it was not God's will that the cross would not happen. Jesus died as the sacrificial lamb for us. Jesus also predicted that in three days he would rise again.

This is Easter. The great triumph of His life over the death that is inherent in man through his sin nature. Can I have peace with God any other way? Can I do enough good deeds to get into heaven? Can I be a better person than someone else and get there? Can I do all kinds of sacrificial things to earn my way? The answer to all of these is NO.

That is why we must put our eyes on the cross. The cross may seem foolish to the some but God is wiser and has provided for all of us.

Do you want peace? There is only one way to get lasting peace. Acknowledge the cross. Suggested prayer: God, thank you. I accept your son's death on the cross for my salvation.

Pasadena

Visiting Pasadena, one of cities in LA where foundation prayer has been laid. Pasadena has a school system that would be benefited by tutor programs. Poverty mixes with affluence. Churches abound. Previous generations have built magnificent buildings mainly empty now.

Sam - How Great Thou Art

Only a 5 year old boy! Not only does this boy have a good voice, he also sings from his heart. You can understand the words......wait till you hear this!

Post by FiLm ViDeO Just For Laughs.

Here is My Song- Kim Walker

Seeking the Lost

Have you ever been stuck in a long line?  I was today. There was a man at the post office who was in a rant over mail that hadn't been delivered. He was taking much time and so we waited for the only other post office person.  I could have stepped out of line but you know once you are in it you are committed plus I didn't know how long this ranting person would go on. Well, he went on and on.

So I began to notice the woman ahead of me. A pleasant young asian woman who was using her smart phone. I asked her if she liked it and she responded she did. As time went by I started to talk to her about our program for youth at the Korean Church. She was interested and put on her phone pertinent information.

She was ahead of me and finally she went to the window. To my surprise, she was still waiting after I was finished.

Where is that Korean Church she wanted to know. I told her and it then became clear to me that we were in the case of a lost sheep. "How long have you been in America?"

"One year" she said. I then started to tell her how wonderful the church was and the time of the service. A long line led to a connection between this seeking Korean woman and a possible church home. This delay was not an accident.  Be aware that sometimes you are put on hold so that you can talk to someone about God.

Jesus said, "I came to seek and save the lost." Nothing has changed in this plan.  He is still doing this through us. Think about how much He wanted the lost sheep. He was willing to go to the cross to reconcile people to God.

Maybe if we just "get" the program, if I just get it faster, I will be aware of what is happening the next time I am held up by a long line.

Persistence and Perseverence Goes a Long Way

I was encouraged recently in again asking for car donations from a gas station manager that had been approached before. This time I spoke to one of his workers who then passed on the need to the other person.

It was God's timing because this time THE MESSAGE WAS HEARD. We need to be persevering in our telling others about what we are about and what we are offering. 

Repetition is one of the things we learn to remember things. But, persevering sometimes means saying the same thing over and over. Teachers know this as do sales people. There is a moment of receptivity and we don't know when this is.

There is a local preacher who preserves in asking people if they would like to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. This is an invitation that happens almost weekly. This week, there were 3 responses.

So, we continue to ask, like the persistent widow, for what we need from God. Persist in prayer. Keep at it. God hears and wants to respond but He knows whether we are only giving lip service or really praying from the heart. Today, I was encouraged that a total stranger said yes to praying for the city of Laguna for our work. Of course, there is trouble in rich communities, but we cannot come to the city unless someone is in prayer and cares.

Do you care? Will you persist in knocking at the door of heaven? Will you ask others for what we need? A few minutes of your time can and will transform the children and in time the city. 

Jesus said. "You have not, because you ask not." 

America, it is time to rediscover asking God.