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                                                         Thursday Thoughts

                                                              April 4, 2024

Happy Easter, Easter People!!! It is Easter Week and I wonder if you are still in the glow of glorious celebrations of Sunday? The rest of the world may be about its routine, but as Christians, I hope we are still basking in the Good News of the resurrection. These high points in our faith life are important as they energize us and equip us for the days ahead. The knowledge of what Christ has done for us is too great for us to wrap our heads around because we cannot understand such pure love. In The Message, Romans 6:9-11 puts in plain language the significance of that love. Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life-no longer at sins every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christs sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. Thats what Jesus did.

This is the best news ever for us as believers, we are saved from the black hole of death and are given life-everlasting with the one who saved us from our wretched mess. What are we going to do with this life-saving knowledge? Are we keeping this good news for ourselves or are we going to share it? If the answer is we are going to share it, the question becomes how are we going to share it? I dont think standing on the street corner shouting at people and accosting them is a very effective way to witness the love of Christ nor is using social media posting lambasting all those lost in sin will do the trick. I suggested during Lent that we make every effort to grow in our spiritual walk. I am now suggesting in this season of Easter that we take some action that will share the love that Christ has for all his children. Love is an action word, Jesus demonstrated that to us. What is something that we as individuals can do? Is there a new way to reach out to others who need comfort, a kind word, or encouragement? Is there a new way to be in service to someone? The possibilities are unlimited but just to name a few ways, adding people to your prayer list and earnestly praying for them, calling and checking in with them may prepare someone who doesnt know Christ to begin to soften their heart. Could we volunteer to help someone in need, possibly visiting, offering a ride to an appointment, including someone who is alone to join you in a meal? Reading to someone losing their sight or taking a walk with someone who needs a fresh perspective is good for the giver and the recipient. There are tons of volunteer opportunities with organizations that show people care and compassion. Giving money is great and important, but it's the one-on-one contact with people that makes a heartfelt difference. People want to be heard and understood. That requires listening without working on a reply before the person is finished. If a new way to share the Good News wont come to you in the present moment, pray about it and let the Holy Spirit show you a way forward.

We are Easter people. That means we believe in the resurrection of Jesus and that new life in Christ is possible. Dont we want everyone to know that promise? For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works so no one can boast. For we are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-5. If each of us used the gifts and abilities we have to share Christ with others, the world would be a more loving place. Jesus taught us that we are to be light to the world. From The Message, Youre here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. Were going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you dont think Im going to hide you under a bucket, do you? Im putting you on a lamp stand. Now that Ive put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand, shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, youll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16. Let us go forth, Easter People!!!

Blessings,

Becky

PS If you would like to continue to receive Thursday Thoughts, please send me an email at beckydowney123@gmail.com. If you have already sent me your response, I have recorded it and I thank you.

Bridgewater UMC 

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!  

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Bridgewater, VA 22812

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