April 2009

I believe that the second most stupendous words spoken by an angel were these, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10 – 11). I believe that the absolutely most incredible words spoken by an angel were these, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE HAS RISEN; HE IS NOT HERE!” (Mark 16:6).

The first message proclaimed that the Savior was born. The second message said that the Messiah had completed his saving act by dying and rising again. The first message changed the world. The second message changed hearts. The first message brought a promise. The second message fulfilled that promise.

I trust that the message “He has risen!” resonates in your heart and gives you real hope, especially during these tough economic times. Christ’s victory came through agonizing pain and the weight of my sin and yours. Yet he endured it for “the joy that was set before him . . . despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Easter is not just about baby chicks and bunnies. It is about power, and hope, and life. Take time during this holy season to reflect on the great cost of your salvation. Spend time giving thanks to God for his indescribable gift. And then marvel at the reality of life everlasting because of our Lord’s resurrection from the dead. It puts everything in perspective.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38 – 39).

May the blessings of the Risen Lord be with you!

Pastor Leslie

March 2009

It won’t be too long and “March Madness” will be upon us. If you’re not a college basketball fan, “March Madness” is the term used for the NCAA basketball tournament when sixty-four teams from around the nation are chosen and then play to see which team survives as the eventual national champion. It’s a basketball lover’s dream, and a lonely time for spouses who may not share that same passion.

There’s something unique about “March Madness”. Talk around the water coolers are occupied with it. Friends become foes depending on what team you are rooting for, Evenings and weekends are spent with eyes glued to televisions, either at home or a favorite food establishment. Glory be to the basketball gods! Wait a minute . . . did I really say that? That’s how it seems to appear to me. The hype is like a month long Super Bowl. Talk about passion! Talk about commitment to an event!

I’m quietly reminded by Scripture that it is easy to let any thing, any person, any event take preeminence in my life. But the reality is; only One is Supreme – God and He is to be continually preeminent in our lives. I’ll admit that it’s easy to give lip service to that belief, but when other events or things come into my life that I’m passionate about, I find that I usually show more passion for those temporal things than I do for God. What would happen if I talked as much about God, and with as much excitement as I do a basketball game? It’s so easy to let our little “gods” become our big “Gods” while letting the true big God, become little in our lives.

So what’s the antidote? I think we need to preach to ourselves on a daily basis what is taught in Scripture, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV). I believe we need to saturate our hearts and minds with thoughts of the greatness and beauty of our God, of His magnificent love shown to us through Jesus Christ who should be our greatest Treasure.

What would it look like if we gathered on Sunday and sang songs of praise as loudly as we could? If we shouted praises to God as a congregation? If we showed forth with passion what Jesus Christ means to us in our praise? It’s been well said, “Those who cheer loudly at a game are called ‘fans’; those who talk a lot about Jesus Christ are called ‘fanatics’”. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s high time we show where our allegiance really is . . . let’s be passionate about praising the Lord!

Praising Him with you,

Pastor Leslie