Today I read Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." These days may require more faith that usual, and we may seem to have less opportunites that usual, but God is at work! Let me give you some examples:
- The CEO of Tindall (where some of our men work) is calling for a time of prayer for his employees tomorrow. I am including his message below. I encourage our employees and church family to take some time at lunch tomorrow and do the same thing. Faithful in remebering Christ on "Good Friday".
- The Beidermans are making masks and giving tracts to neighbors. "Because if the empty tomb I .... Our act of kindness to our neighbors is sewing face masks. We are inviting our neighbors to join us in online services and giving them Gospel Tracts."
- Sheila Boyce will have children and families coming by this weekend in her no solciting neighborhood as they go yard to yard searching for Easter goodies. She will have candy and Bible verses in the yard waiting for them. God is brining her neighbors to her!
If we are faithful in the little things, God will show us more of Himself and entrust us with greater opportunity. Isn't that what you want - to know God more and see Him use you. Are you searching for God's working and being faithful today?
Special Treats for Easter - I know it is disappointing that we can't be together this weekend. Here are some ideas and resources to help make Easter special.
- Take time tommorow to pray and reflect on Christ's sacrifice - see the message below
- Video record and e-mail to me (james.wooten@wbcs.org) the completion of this sentence (by noon on Saturday) "Because of the empty tomb I... "
- Invite others to attend online services and Sunday school with you.
- Have a family movie night (or Saturday) centered around Christ or the gospel. I have not had the opportunity to view most of these resources, but they come from generally reliable sources. Please use your own discretion. For those with children, please be mindful of their ages and sensitivity. Some of these don't become live until tomorrow.
- Bob Jones University - Living Gallery 2015: Rivals on the Road. Starts Friday at 7:00 pm Watch here.
- Sight and Sound's production of Jesus. Starts friday - watch here.
- Revelation Media - animated Pligrims Progress - watch here.
Christ is Risen!
Pastor
From Tindall's CEO.
For those of you who are interested in participating in a communal time of prayer tomorrow at noon, the attached may be helpful in providing a guided reflection on the last seven words of Christ from the cross. If you choose to leave your work area and gather in a more centralized location, I remind you to be careful to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet apart. My personal intent is to go to the parking lot, take a copy of this sheet with me to bring to mind these last words and guide my reflection on each, and then to take time for personal prayer. In prayer, I encourage each of you to lift up your co-workers, along with their families, as well as our current local and national situation and whatever else might be on your heart. Because of the large open area, I don’t envision trying to have any one person pray aloud for the group as it would be too difficult to hear, but I do remind everyone to be respectful of each other’s space, as well as how we individually express ourselves to the Lord.
I wish all of you and your families a blessed Easter!
Greg
Greg Force, P.E., FPCI, FASCE
President & CEO
A Reflection on the Last Seven Words of Jesus
We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life.
THE FIRST WORD
“Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)
Most blessed Jesus, through your suffering, you paid for our sins. Give us a deep hatred of sin. Grant us a tender spirit toward sinners and help us to forgive those who have sinned against us.
THE SECOND WORD
“Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)
Most blessed Lord Jesus, you forgave the thief on the cross. Look on us with mercy and compassion. Give us a strong faith in you, a humble remembrance of our sins, and the strength to confess you before others.
THE THIRD WORD
“Woman behold your Son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:26–27)
O Holy Lord Jesus, you left us an example of holy love by leaving your mother in the care of the disciple. Purify our own feelings and pour out your blessings on our homes and relationships.
THE FOURTH WORD
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46)
O blessed Lord Jesus, you bitterly suffered alone on the cross and experienced the anguish of separation. Come, and be with us in times of despair and loneliness and transform our sadness into fellowship with you.
THE FIFTH WORD
“I thirst” (John 19:28)
O most blessed Jesus, you who thirsted and experienced pain for us. Kindle in our hearts a thirst for you that we may love and serve you and lead others to find their rest in you.
THE SIXTH WORD
“It is finished” (John 19:30)
O most blessed Savior, you proclaimed the perfect fulfillment of your work and bowed your wounded head in completion. Work in us the grace of your salvation that we might live in union with you.
THE SEVENTH WORD
“Father into thy hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
O most blessed Savior, you gave up your precious life to atone for sin and conquer the powers of evil. Grant us the power to live in your name. Do not forsake us in our hour of need.
Time of Personal Prayer
Oh Lord, our God, keep us always as your own and grant us eternal life through your son Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that
brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5