“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me; the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:22-24
Easter celebrations have concluded here in Normal. I can only imagine that the vodou priests and rara bands in Haiti have settled back into their normal routine until Ash Wednesday next year. Where do believers go from here? Christ is RISEN! He is risen indeed!
As we read from the above verses found in Acts, we are prayerfully finishing the race set before us and testify of the Good News; Christ is RISEN, He is risen indeed! We pray for Trinity HOPE donors, workers and the 62,400 school children in the 277 Christian schools in Haiti, their parents, teachers, principals, cooks and feeding program directors. We continually pray that the Good News will bring souls closer to Jesus throughout this fallen world.
I am closing today with the words from the song that I heard recently on Alexa; ‘HE does’ that were sung by Greater Vision from their ‘As we speak’ album. These lyrics are so good and probably could have been sung in my Church on any Sunday but they aren’t in the Lutheran Service Book…and so I was instead moved by them while sitting in my recliner.
“If anyone ever felt as though his sin was deeper than grace would go; I have. If anyone ever thought his prayer was a waste of time, 'cause no one cares; I have. If anyone believes that he's gone too far, then my friend I have been right where you are. You're not alone, no, you're not alone. I have good news to share with you; what you're feeling now is far from true, so keep hanging. Cause if there is one who loves beyond the sad mistakes that we've all done; He does. If there's a soul who understands and longs to heal the hurts we have; He does! Jesus does! He walked the road to Calvary. He suffered pain and agony because He knew there'd come a day when you would need to call his name. If there is one who wants to be the one and only friend you need; He does! If anyone has a right to say ‘Thank you Lord for another day’; I do. If anyone has a reason to sing a song, when gray skies hide the blue; that's me. If anyone can stand and testify, you can count on me and I'll tell you why; He set me free, oh, He set me free! When the guilt and shame from my own sin sought to rob me of the joy He gives; He reminded me! Cause if there's one who loves beyond the sad mistakes that we've all done; He does! If there is a soul who understands and longs to heal the hurts we have; He does! Jesus does! He walked the road to Calvary. He suffered pain and agony because He knew there'd come a day when you would need to call his name. If there is one who wants to be the one and only friend you need; He does! Jesus does!”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay