This week as we continue through our Lenten journey, we are focusing in on the idea of returning to the Kingdom of God. Jesus spoke quite often about the Kingdom of God during His teachings. But the concept or idea of the Kingdom of God goes all the way back to Genesis 14 where Abraham offers a tithe of spoils from war to a mysterious king Melchizedek. Jesus Himself proclaims that the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 4.17). Jesus brought the Kingdom with Him when He first arrived on the scene as an infant (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Every miracle and healing that Jesus performed while on the earth was to bring the Kingdom of God to the earth. Jesus even taught His disciples to pray that the Kingdom of God would come (Matthew 6.10).

The earth as it stands today is in a cosmic battle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. One of the main purposes of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection was to ultimately defeat the kingdom of darkness and bring people from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light (Colossians 1.13). So when Jesus finds Himself before Pilate being asked if He is the King of the Jews, Jesus’ ultimate answer is “yes.” But as Jesus points out His Kingdom is not of this world. The Kingdom of God is beyond this world. The world and space themselves cannot contain the Kingdom of God. Truly it’s beyond our comprehension what magnitude and greatness the Kingdom of God possesses.

So during this Lenten season let us return to the Kingdom that will never fade. Return to the King who has conquered death, Hell, and the grave. Return to the King and Kingdom that loved us enough to stand in our place and receive the punishment that was due wretched sinners like you and me. Return to that Kingdom; return to that King whose name is above every name: King Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Service,
Cody Ragland

Jesus’ humiliation leads to his exaltation. Jesus showed God’s love for humanity in his work on the cross. Whether or not people recognize Jesus as Lord, one day everyone will know Jesus is Lord. Paul quotes Isaiah 45.23.

As part of the Godhead Jesus always glorifies the Father. We should follow Jesus’ example of humility and loving service to God. Philippians 2.5-11 is known as the hymn of Christ because it shows Christ’s example of service through his preexistence, incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior? Do you share the hope you have in Christ? Do you show your love for God in humble service?

Blessings,
Anna

Two plotlines fill the world with stories. The first tells of bottom-up progress: pauper to magnate, scavenger to CEO, log cabin to White House. In the Bible the stories of Joseph, Ruth, and David provide exciting examples of how people held in low esteem rose to power and blessing.

Another plotline tells of top-to-bottom change: height to depth, glory to shame, power to weakness, monarch to slave. One Bible person really fits this story line, and He urges all who follow Him to consider its meaning for them. He is the living Christ, God incarnate, who died as a criminal on a Roman cross for you. He laid aside His rights as Son of God to enter our world to find us. Our life stories should parallel His. We must become servants (slaves) of God for a needy world. It is a plotline few people will understand until we live it for them.

This Easter season let’s reflect on the humility and exaltation of Jesus our Redeemer. One commentary on Philippians 2.1-11 provides us with this list of events to ponder.

• Christ has always existed with God.
• Christ is equal to God because He is God (John 1.1-14; Colossians 1.15-20).
• Though Christ is God, He became a man in order to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for all people.
• Christ did not just have the appearance of being a man—He actually became human to identify with us.
• Christ voluntarily laid aside His divine rights and privileges out of love for His Father.
• Christ died on the cross for our sins so we wouldn’t have to face eternal death.
• God glorified Christ because of His obedience.
• God raised Christ to His original position at the Father’s right hand where He will reign forever as our Lord and Judge.
  

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Jeff

Paul encourages the church to be unified in Christ. The church at Philippi was made up of people with many diverse backgrounds. Paul exhorts us to use our spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ in unity and humility. It is human nature to look to our own interests. In Christ we should look to the interests of others as well.

Paul begins this passage with the reason we can be unified in Christ—there is encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, affection and sympathy—his question is for you individually. Does your life display these qualities? The only way we can have such love for one another and be unified is in Christ.

Blessings,
Anna

Luke 22.54-62
Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

This week as we continue our Lenten journey we are focused on Peter’s denial of Jesus. Peter had just previously said to Jesus with all of the other disciples around, “I will never fall away… even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” (Matthew 26.33,35). Now Peter finds himself being challenged with his prior remarks. For not only does Peter deny Jesus one time, but he ends up denying Him three different times in the span of about one hour.

Truly Peter was scared, and given the circumstances, why would he not be? He had just watched as soldiers took Jesus away, and I am sure he was wondering if he would be next. This is about the time the fight-or-flight mode kicks in, and it looks like Peter wants to flee, but he hasn’t left, at least not yet. He cares about Jesus and is truly concerned for Him. I am sure Peter’s mind was racing, causing him to revert back to former ways prior to meeting Jesus, and we as the reader get a first-hand glimpse into what was happening for Peter. But as soon as the rooster crowed Peter’s thoughts went flooding back to Jesus’ earlier words: “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times” (Matthew 26.34). And Luke says that Peter “went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22.62b).

Clearly the thought of denying Jesus not just once but three times was too much for Peter to handle. It broke his heart that he would deny Jesus. For here is a man who probably prided himself on being brave and standing up for Jesus, letting everyone know where he stood, until he was faced with the thought of losing his own life for Jesus’ sake. Peter was still in process; he still had a lot of growing left to do in Christ.

I wonder how many of us would react and respond the same way Peter did. Would we find ourselves denying Jesus if placed in a similar situation? Or would we stand and say, “yes, I am a follower of Jesus”? I recognize that Peter gets a bad rap for denying Jesus three times, but at least he had enough courage to show up. Where were the rest of the disciples? Obviously they were in hiding. I wonder if we might act like the other disciples and not even have enough courage to show up and see what is happening with Jesus. For that we have to say at least Peter had enough courage to show up. I honestly don’t know how I would react in that situation, and I pray that I never have to find out. But many Christians around the world today are persecuted for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that I would have enough courage and trust in Christ to stand and not deny my Lord and Savior. Clearly Jesus had grace on Peter ultimately forgiving him for how he reacted in the moment.

So as we continue to return this week, let us take a moment and reflect on Peter and how he denied Jesus. Perhaps ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. While denying Jesus in front of people is a big deal, what might be some more subtle ways that you deny Jesus on a daily basis? Go ahead and take five to ten minutes to ask the Holy Spirit where you may be denying Him from entering your life.

As we return from denial, let us be open to accepting what Jesus desires to say to us so that we can find freedom and hope in Christ Jesus today. I pray you have the courage and strength to let go of just one way that you are denying Jesus in your life today.

In Christ’s Service,
Cody Ragland

When problems appear too strong to handle and you feel like quitting, remember that God is way out in front already blazing a trail for you. When you are so preoccupied by problems that you don’t even take time to pray, as perhaps happened to these women, God still guides your way.

Does a stone block your way, a stone too heavy to budge? Keep going and trusting. God moves big stones easily. Don’t balk at insurmountable problems; remember that God always prepares the way.

Pastor Jeff

Today, in an effort to deny the Resurrection, some say that Jesus didn’t really die. They say that He only appeared to die. Muslims claim that Jesus only swooned on the cross, was revived in the tomb, then fled to Arabia where He preached Islam for forty years. Jesus’ death, however, was confirmed by the centurion, Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, the religious leaders, John the apostle, and the women who witnessed his death and burial. Jesus suffered actual physical death on the cross.

Jesus gave His life. No one took it from Him. God was in complete control of our salvation to the last detail. He was delivered over to death for our sins (Romans 4.25 NIV), and [God] who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all (Romans 8.32). Jesus’ sacrifice was complete and effective. The facts remain the same: Jesus died, and Jesus rose again. Jesus died and rose again for you. Praise God today for His wonderful love for you.

Pastor Jeff

Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross. We deserve death—eternal separation from God—because of our sin, but Jesus was our substitute—Jesus became sin for us. When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus experienced the wrath of God. The punishment for sin is death. Jesus died once and for all—the ultimate sacrifice—so that those who call on him will be saved. We are forgiven of our sin and stand in Jesus’ righteousness when we place our faith in Jesus.

Reflect on the seven words of Christ on the cross found in the Gospels.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Luke 23:46
“Woman, behold, your son!” “Behold, your mother!” John 19:26, 27
“I thirst.” John 19:28
“It is finished.” John 19:30

Blessings,
Anna

Matthew 26.57-68
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

As we continue our journey through Lent, this week we see Jesus before Caiaphas the high priest along with the scribes and elders. We find in this passage many false witnesses who were coming forward to say things about Jesus that were not necessarily true. I have to wonder if Judas was one of the ones who gave false testimony before Caiaphas and all the scribes and elders. One will never know for certain, but it would not be out of the realm of possibilities for him to do so.

I don’t know about you, but when I hear that people are saying false things about me or presenting me in a negative light it makes me angry. I want to set the record straight. I want people to know the truth or at least my side of the story, yet we see Christ in this moment choosing to remain silent about their accusations.

Even though Christ could have said something, He chose not to say anything pertaining to their false testimonies. Ultimately I believe it was for our sake. Truly He could have set the record straight and declared His power and glory, and there would have been no denying who He truly was. But that was not God’s will; it was God’s will for Jesus to go to the cross and die in the place of sinners like you and me so that we could be afforded the opportunity to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. So Jesus endured the mockery and scorn as well as the false testimony for our sake.

What an amazing act of love, mercy, and kindness that Jesus had for us. He was willing to endure such heartache and agony, all because He loved us that much. So during this season of Lent we return, perhaps to the pain that we truly never worked through previously when people gave false witness about us. I want to encourage you today to trust and know that Jesus is ready and willing to meet you in that place of pain.

As Isaiah 53.4a declares, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.”

Jesus has already carried it, so return. Return to that place and allow Jesus’ healing
balm to touch the pain from someone’s false witness against you. Don’t stuff the pain
any longer. I recognize that it may feel scary to return to such a place, but can you trust
Jesus to guide you and take care of you there? I pray that you will be able to return in
the strength and comfort of God’s grace. May God’s hand of grace be upon you.

In Christ’s Service,
Cody Ragland

The brutal guards, the power-hungry governor, and the conniving religious leaders had the upper hand. But they did not know the true power and authority of this man they were torturing and had condemned to death. Worldly powers and philosophies that mock Jesus’ lordship will not be so arrogant when Jesus returns in judgment. Philippians 2.9-11 reminds us, Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. When you feel that unjust people who have control and viewpoints hostile to Christianity are carrying the day, rest assured that Jesus holds the highest place and will return in glory.

Pastor Jeff

Who was guilty of mistreating Jesus? In reality everyone was at fault. The disciples deserted Him in terror. Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus. Judas betrayed Him. The crowds who had followed Him stood by and did nothing. Pilate tried to blame the crowds. The religious leaders actively promoted Jesus’ death. The Roman soldiers tortured Him. If you had been there watching these trials, what would you have done? You do not need to go back in history to know how you would have treated Jesus. Just evaluate how you treat Him today. Are you indifferent to Jesus? Do you loath Him? Do you like Him at a distance? Do you walk and commune with Him daily? Do you love Him with all of your heart? Do you love Him with your lips but deny Him by your lifestyle? Do you proclaim Him your Lord with words but live under the lordship of self? Is Jesus your greatest treasure? Is He worth living for? Is He worth dying for? How do you treat Christ today? Do you confess today that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2.11)?

Pastor Jeff

We are all sinners (Romans 3.23). Think of times when you have denied Jesus as Lord in your life. Peter told Jesus he would not fall away, and Jesus told him that he would deny him that very night (Mark 14.27-31). Imagine the guilt and shame Peter felt when he remembered what Jesus said to him.

Have you broken down and wept over your sin? Can you share with others the forgiveness and grace you have received from Jesus due to your repentance? In John 21.15-19 Jesus affirmed Peter as an undershepherd and in Acts 2 Peter preached to the crowd about the good news of Jesus. Aren’t you glad his story doesn’t stop here? How are you sharing your story of God’s grace?

Blessings,
Anna

John 18.1-11
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

As we continue our journey through Lent, this week we are focusing on how Jesus was betrayed. Perhaps you also have experienced betrayal at some point in your life from a friend, a spouse, a family member, or a coworker. Quite possibly you have felt betrayed by God. Whatever form of betrayal that you might have experienced, the reality is betrayal leaves a wake of brokenness. Within this passage of scripture found here in John 18, we are given a front row seat to the betrayal that Jesus Himself experienced. Judas, who was one of the twelve disciples, chooses to betray Jesus during His final hours on earth.

Now obviously Jesus was not surprised, for He told His disciples at different times that He would be betrayed, turned over to the ruling authorities, and eventually crucified (John 6.63-65, 18.30; Matthew 12.40). It’s one thing to know it’s going to happen, but it’s still challenging to actually experience the betrayal. If you are a person who has actually experienced betrayal, you understand the pain and grief that is attached.

Betrayal is something that one doesn’t get over very quickly; in fact some never get over it, leaving a long lasting residue of pain and distrust. For Christ, even though He saw this coming I am sure it grieved Him to know that a man that He spent the last 3 years doing ministry with would actually betray Him.

So during this season of Lent we are reminded that Jesus was also betrayed, yet He loved us enough to experience the betrayal for our sake. Have some of you been carrying your experience with betrayal for 5, 10, 30 years or even longer? Perhaps you hold on to it because it’s your way of feeling in control so that you might not be hurt that deeply again. What if God is asking you to finally lay it down and turn over that truly vulnerable part of who you are to Him? Perhaps this is your year to return from the betrayal and hand it over to God.

For many this can be a scary thing because it takes the control out of one’s hands and places it in Jesus’ hands. But shouldn’t it have been in His hands all along? We are reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11.28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is bidding us to come, but do we trust Jesus enough to come to Him? Betrayal is a heavy burden to carry.

So what would it look like this Lenten season to lay down the hurt, pain, and control and give it to Jesus? The further along in this sanctification journey that I travel, the more I realize how true the Apostle Paul’s words are when he says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12.9a). Friends, when I finally realize that I am weak and that Jesus is not asking me to carry my brokenness in my own strength but truly let it go and receive the empowering grace of God, truly it is then that I realize I am made strong in Him.

So, return. Return to Jesus and give up the brokenness that betrayal has caused. Allow Jesus to do fresh work for you today.

In Christ’s Service,
Cody Ragland

Given the mindset of the religious leaders, Jesus’ claims were blasphemous. How could this man have the authority of God? Popular culture and modern thought still view Christ’s claims as blasphemous, and if we express our faith people will view us as bigoted and intolerant. They will be outraged by our claims to know the truth. Our belief that God controls our life violates their desire to have a human-centered life. Our view of moral law offends their belief that all values are relative to each person and situation. Our conviction about controlling our desires radically disagrees with their pleasure and experience-oriented outlook. Be ready for the world to be morally outraged at your single-minded belief in Christ and His truth. And remember this strong warning from our Lord: So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 10.32-33). Let us be faithful to Jesus and the truth no matter what.

Pastor Jeff

Even when faced with swords, civil warrants, and a traitor, Jesus affirmed, “Let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” He may have had in mind Isaiah 53.12, that Jesus would be “numbered with the transgressors”, or Zechariah 13.7, “strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered”, predicting that the disciples would soon scatter and leave Jesus to face the cross alone (see Mark 14.27). Jesus believed that all these events were no accident but were happening according to God’s Word and sovereign control. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 were being fulfilled according to God’s design. We may be distressed by hostility against Christians, concerned about the church’s future, and frantic about the decline of moral integrity, but we must take heart that God is in control. Jesus declares this solid truth; we must believe it and live by it.

Pastor Jeff

Sometimes we forget how fully human Jesus, Son of God, Savior, really was. Here we see it. His agony fills the garden. Agonies consume us, too. To face the imminent death of a loved one or the accidental death of a child or our own approaching demise—these agonies can tear at our souls. Do we have a Savior who knows how heavily we tremble, how deeply we groan? Yes, we do. Can we come to this Savior in prayer and find a friend? Yes, we can. Jesus is with you. He’s been there; He knows the feeling. He will help you come through. Jesus gives you a very special invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11.28 NLT).

Pastor Jeff

This week as we continue through the Lenten devotionals we are looking at a “Return to Prayer.” Perhaps for you prayer is something that you have not been accustomed to doing. You might identify with one of the disciples from the passage here in Matthew that when you pray your eyes suddenly become heavy, and all you want to do is fall asleep. I understand this dilemma in prayer full well. I would suggest that most folks who have been believers for any amount of time have too experienced falling asleep while trying to pray.

And yet Christ asks His three most loyal and closest allies to pray with Him in His most crucial moment of need. Three times He came back only to find them asleep. These men knew something about prayer, for this was not their first prayer meeting with Jesus. They understood that when they prayed the Father heard their cries and petitions. They understood that prayer changes things. Yet on this fateful night these men would not be able to pray the way Jesus would desire them to.

Prayer is something that we cannot do one time and expect that to be good enough. Prayer is something that we return to time and time again. Prayer is meant to be an intentional communication between us and God. A return to prayer is a time to renew one’s communication with God, to be reminded that it is not our will that is done but His will. Prayer is a return to hearing and receiving what the Lord has to say. A return to prayer is a return to ultimate delight and trust in God.  

What does it look like for you to return to prayer? Is it dreadful and scary, or is it a delight? Could this Lenten season be a time for you to experience a fresh start in prayer? Perhaps for some of you it might be a time of truly returning for the first time in a long while. Whatever your return to prayer looks like, whether returning to prayer from yesterday, a year ago, or for the first time ever, you can have full confidence that when you pray to God the Father, Christ Jesus is advocating for you through the intercession of the Holy Spirit who now resides within you as a believer. The result is that the Trinity meets you in the midst of prayer, and your prayer is heard. O how delightful and wonderful it is to pray knowing that the Godhead hears you. So this Lenten season I encourage you to return. Return to prayer and experience the grace that is found there.

In Christ’s Service,
Cody Ragland

Peter remembered this moment for the rest of his life. How stupidly he had promised what he so miserably failed to do. Yet his most embarrassing moment afforded the greatest lesson of his life. He learned the gospel here, that “God so loved” even disciples who fail. Your life includes some real blunders, too. Do you hear God’s loving assurance? Do you feel God picking up the pieces? Do you sense the grace? It’s easy to imagine that Peter told many people about the gospel by using this story, his own most embarrassing moment. Perhaps you should tell others of God’s patience with you. Your mistake plus God’s grace equals the wonderful story of salvation.

Pastor Jeff

Jesus and the disciples celebrated Passover together, and Jesus shared the Lord’s Supper with them as he showed how he would fulfill God’s deliverance of his people through Jesus—the ultimate sacrifice—the Lamb of God. Jesus gave the disciples instructions for the Passover preparations that either he planned in advance or God miraculously provided. The disciples Peter and John were to look for a man carrying a jar of water which would be unusual because women normally did that.

The Passover meal is a time to remember how God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt as God’s judgment of death of the firstborn “passed over” the Israelite homes which were covered by the blood of the Passover lamb. Jesus fulfilled the covenant by establishing a new covenant in his blood and giving his body for us on the cross. Those who put their faith in Jesus are delivered from sin and separation from God. We look forward to eternity with God and remember Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for us when we share the Lord’s Supper which is also called Communion and Eucharist (thanksgiving).

Have you placed your faith in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?

Do you look forward to celebrating with Jesus when he drinks it new in the kingdom of God?

Blessings,
Anna

Jesus calls this anointing a beautiful thing. It is also recorded in Matthew and John. Luke records another instance of anointing, and Jesus was likely anointed often as a sign of hospitality. John tells us the woman is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Simon may be their father who had been healed of leprosy. The nard that Mary pours on Jesus is very expensive—worth about a year’s wages—and likely a precious family heirloom. Women would not normally be present when men were dining except serving the meal, but Mary approaches Jesus as he is reclining and anoints his head, likely his whole body, since his feet are mentioned elsewhere. The posture of dining was reclining with one’s head propped on the left hand while eating with the right hand.

Those present were angry and snarled at the extravagance seeing it as a waste of what could have helped the poor. It was customary for Jews to help the poor especially on holy days. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 15.11 making the point that they could help the poor anytime but that this woman had shown Jesus loving kindness as he was about to die. Is it possible that this woman understood better than any of the disciples that Jesus would suffer and die and rise again to deliver us? She poured out the nard on Jesus as Jesus was about to pour out his blood for many. When the gospel is proclaimed around the world her act of devotion is remembered.

Are you a cheerful giver?
How do you show Jesus your love?

Blessings,
Anna

Today marks the beginning of the Lenten season known throughout Christendom as Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday received its name because of the popular custom passed down throughout church history where the clergy and congregation would receive ashes on their heads. This customary day is meant to mark the beginning of mourning, fasting, and repentance for a 40-day fast. It’s meant to be a time set aside for returning to the Lord.

As Joel 2.12-13 proclaims, “’Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

As we consider our time here in 2021, we too are in need of returning and repenting of our sins. Collectively as a nation, as well as individually, we are in need of repentance. How long has it been since you repented of your sins? Have you found your life adrift from God? Like a boat that is no longer anchored to shore, have you found yourself drifting away from God? Has this COVID-19 pandemic caused apathy to set in for you? Waiting on a vaccine to arrive, have you spent the past year away from the fellowship of God and His people? Has that caused you to experience distance from God and His people? Could the timing of Lent be a natural way for you to return?

I want to encourage you today to return. Return to your first Love. Return to the One who first loved you, even before you were born. Return from the distractions and worry of 2020. For truly God waits with His arms open wide for all of us to return to Him. May this Lenten season be a marker for you to return to Him.

In Christ’s Service,
Cody Ragland

Most Jews in Jerusalem were preparing to observe Passover, a time of solemn remembrance but also a time for families to celebrate. But some of the religious leaders had more important things to accomplish. Jesus had disrupted their security, revealed their sham, and opposed their authority. Now they would put Him away. Through an act of betrayal, Judas, one of Jesus’ own disciples, solved the chief priests’ problem by offering to lead them to Jesus. But how do you “conveniently” betray the Son of God? Is it not a costly endeavor in every way?

What we need to remember is that the world is controlled by our all-wise God, not puny politicians and faithless disciples. God would turn the religious leaders’ murder plot and Judas’ betrayal into the greatest blessing that mankind would ever know. When grief or disaster seem to be dominating, remember that your life is in God’s hands and remember what Jesus did for you.

Pastor Jeff

God’s promise of a future kingdom where Christ rules in great power and glory gives us reason for hope. Today leaders are shortsighted, prone to bend principle for political gain, and sometimes corrupt. Yet we ask them to be for us what only Christ can be. When Christ returns to rule, His leadership will be just, strong, and wise. He will bring the world for which we have hoped and longed, led by the Leader we needed and for whom we have waited. When injustice ruins your plans today, spoils your program, or angers your soul, take hope. God calls us to work and live for the next administration, led by the One whose program brings justice and love.

Remember in Jesus’ day the world seemed tangible, dependable, and permanent. But in our day many people fear its destruction by nuclear war or environmental disaster. Jesus tells us, however, that even if the earth should pass away the truth of His words will never be changed or abolished. God and His Word provide the only stability in our unstable world. People who spend their time only learning about this temporary world and accumulating its possessions, while neglecting the Bible and its eternal truths, are very shortsighted! As followers of Christ let’s focus on God’s “world,” not this one.

Pastor Jeff

Jesus’ second coming will be noticed. Whether you interpret the cosmic events literally or figuratively, all people will be aware of Jesus—the Son of Man—as King of kings and Lord of lords. The imagery of the Son of Man coming in clouds is reminiscent of God leading his people when he delivered them from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Daniel 7.13-14 and Revelation 1.7 also speak of the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Many Old Testament prophets use similar cosmic imagery regarding the Judgment. Believers will be with God forever. Those who never placed their trust in Jesus will be separated from God for eternity.

Although we do not know when Jesus’ second coming will happen, we should not waste time nor worry when it will be. We should be prepared spiritually and share the hope we have in Christ with others.

Are you ready for Christ’s return?

Blessings,
Anna

This passage of scripture picks up right in the middle of Jesus’ answer to Peter, James, John, and Andrew’s question about the sign of the end of times. Ever since Jesus was physically on the earth, people have been questioning when the end of the world will be, and we are no different in our age as well. I personally have a keen interest in the understanding of the end of times as well, especially as we see that day approaching all the more. Jesus’ answer here in Mark 13.14-23 seems somewhat cryptic, especially in verses 14-20.

What does Jesus refer to as the abomination of desolation? Scholars have debated this passage throughout church history. Some suggest it refers to the destruction of the Jewish Temple in AD 70, while others think the meaning falls more into a future eschatological idea. When the Antichrist appears on the scene in human history (Thessalonians 2.3-4; 1 John 2.18; Revelation 13.1-10), it could perhaps include a double meaning of the Roman desecration of the temple plus the end of times.

Either way the greater point that we need to take into consideration here is that God is in control, and while it may seem like satan and his minions are having their heyday on the earth, it is only for a short time. For God will ultimately triumph. Jesus warns us that there will be many false christs and false prophets who will come performing signs and wonders. What a truly shocking statement this is. Jesus is saying that there will be people who will come as false christs and false prophets that will even be able to perform miracles. These false christs and false prophets will be doing things that only seem as if a believer could do them. But Jesus is saying, “Not so fast. That is how deceptive these individuals will be. They will lead people astray because their miracles will even be real, but their teachings will be false.”  

Friends, this is a stark warning for us as to how important it is that we know the truth that is found here in pages of scripture. Jesus tells us in verse 23 to be on guard. We need to be prepared, making ourselves ready for the return of Christ, and truly be able to distinguish between what is true and what is false.

Are you prepared? Are you able to distinguish the truth from the things that are false? If not, I pray that you get prepared.

In Christ’s Service,
Cody Ragland