Pastor's Ponderings, April 1, 2023

Happy Resurrection Day!

On April 1, 2018, Resurrection Sunday dawned heralding an international celebration of Jesus’ coming forth from a borrowed tomb to live forevermore and is now making intercession for a desperate, depressed, disappointed and distraught world.  For many, His promise of a better life may seem like a joke appropriate on April Fool’s Day. Why? On October 26, 2017, President Donald Trump declared the country's opioid crisis a "public health emergency". In 2016, there were 44,965 recorded suicides, up from 42,773 in 2014, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Compared to 22 other high-income nations, the U.S. gun-related murder rate is 25 times higher.  The list of life challenges goes on and on.

Thank God for Jesus who has come that we can have the abundant life (John 10:10).  He desires that we prosper and be in health (3 John 2).  He asks us to simply cast all of our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  The world is so confusing, decisions are difficult and the implications for mistakes can be catastrophic.  But He says to ask Him for His wisdom, His guidance, and to simply acknowledge Him and He will direct our path through life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

It is true that we have many problems in this world, but in the midst of life’s problems, Jesus says to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  It is true that April 1, 2018 is April’s Fool’s Day, but God’s promises are no joke.  He is greater than your pain, anguish, loneliness, or despair.  Let Him be your Savior by asking Him to be your Lord.  When you obey Him, He will make your way prosperous and you will have good success in life (Joshua 1:8).  Happy Resurrection Day!

John 10:10 
New International Version (NIV)

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

3 John 2 
King James Version (KJV)

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

1 Peter 5:7 
New International Version (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 
New International Version (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

John 16:33 
New International Version (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Joshua 1:8 
New International Version (NIV)

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.