Easter: Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Joshua 11:1-23

It would appear to someone on the outside that Israel might have a mighty army to defeat all these tribes and people that stood between them and the promised land. It is not so. Remember these are the same people that wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. These are the children of those that were too afraid to come and take the land. It may look to us like they are strong and brave.

It is not so. They are not the ones that won the victory; it is God. God handed the people over to them. God was the one empowering them to win battles. God is the one that can be counted on the storm. In our lives; in the battles we fight and win, it may appear to those on the outside that we won the battle. But, we know, it is God. He is the one that wins the battle for us. And, He deserves the praise.

New Testament Lesson

Colossians 1:24-2:7

Paul talks here about how proud he is of their firmness in Christ. They are deeply rooted in Him and will not be pushed aside. They have deep roots, so that when the storm comes, they will be able to withstand it and keep from being washed away.

It is not a matter of if the storm will come; but when. Are are rooted deep in Christ to withstand the storm? He will not waver, He will not fail us. May He be our root for the time of trial.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 6:27-38

The world is good to those that will give it something good return. The world is kind to those that will allow them to profit. The world holds grudges. The world seeks revenge. The world looks only for itself.

Not so with you. We are to love, regardless. We are to forgive, regardless. We are to turn the other cheek. We are to bless those that curse us. We are show God's love just as God's love has been shown us. Unconditionally. Without strings. Simply because it is what we do. Let us love and pray and bless. And, as we do those things, we will show others just how much God loves them, and us.