Good Friday Truth

As I recall lent season while growing up in the Catholic church, I remember fish filet Fridays, soup on Wednesdays and giving "something" up for 40 days. If asked why? I was told. Today, this season is bittersweet. It is sweet, because now I understand the goodness that was secured at the cross and tomb for all who believe in Jesus. It is bitter because many have yet to receive this truth, and others (including ourselves) that have received it sometimes forget. Husband and I continue praying for compassion, patience and opportunities with those in and outside the church - by God's providence, we are sharing three below. 

On Good Friday morning, I had a chiropractor appointment. I have been seeing this doctor for a few years and have been able to build trust sharing about family, vacations and business. I have come to learn that she is a compassionate and skilled woman, and her family is from the Middle East. While I had been unable to share the gospel with her, a door opened to ask her how her family celebrates Easter. She said normal, just "Orthodox." My reply, so you celebrate God sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for sin and then rose from the grave three days later? Yes, we just celebrate one week later. But the conversation turned at the end. In talking about prayer, she suggested, I hope it is enough. My prayer is that she would know, and I would have more time to speak gospel truth to her (or someone else would). What we do will never be enough-we must rest secure in Christ!

We have a "good neighbor" that is very devoted to his parish down the street and the catholic religion. Previously, one conversation we had about the Holy Spirit, he mentioned he is ill equipped to study and read what the Bible has to say, so he must learn from others. Since then, his wife has passed away and is living alone. Upon arriving from my adjustment, I was able to offer my condolences and ask how he has been. 'I lose my words sometimes.' I told him I am sure I would too, if my husband were to pass. He mentioned he needed to get going for mass. I let him know we would be in prayer for him. Then he said, pray for my wife too. My spirit was grieved, and he went on his way. I am motivated to pray for him, all the more.

While sharing a meal with some friends, one brother began sharing about near death books they had read and was reading. It made for a great conversation about death and the resurrection of Jesus. The group discussed different scriptures, including the reality that many saw Jesus during His ministry and did not believe in Him - faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. All come to faith the same way - past, present and future. 

If we have saving faith in the gospel of Jesus, we have the truth to lead others to Him - He is the way to the Father, not experience (John 14:6). Do you have family or friends that do not understand that Jesus' life, death and resurrection are everything? Even as believers, we need to be nourished daily to better apprehend Christ's love. As we look to the cross individually and point one another there, the body grows. Our prayer is that we would all grow in our own understanding of the word and ask the Lord for increased compassion, patience and opportunities to share biblical, unchanging truth with those in and outside of the faith.  

Praise Reports:

1. Husband and I continue ongoing discipleship, growing in applying what we are learning and going on dates;
2. Husband and about 30 other men from our church attended a men's retreat;
3. I was able to share a devo at a Mother's Day event at my parent's home with extended family & friends;
4. Our family and my parents were able to get together for lunch and watch a live performance of "Cinderella," at CBU;
5. Jacob completed his third year at CBU; and
6. Zachary finished up tennis well, and he continues asking great questions and sharing his heart after worship service or bible studies.

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. The Valadez family as we adjust to Apa being with the Lord, especially my mother-in-law;
2. Husband is finishing his second semester, year 2 of bible training class on Monday evenings; 
3. Husband is also in process of taking care of some legalities with his retirement-please pray for peace, wisdom and the Lord to direct/provide; 
4. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, with ongoing health challenges, daily dealings with sin and a work situation;
5. Witnessing opportunities;
6. Zachary is making some important life decisions next month; and
7. Hacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.