THE CROSS...April Writing

Cathy Friberg sends me a new writing every month, and I usually post it shortly after the beginning of the month. I am posting this early because I think it is an excellent writing to ponder on during Holy Week as we prepare for Resurrection Sunday or should I say Sonday. May you be blessed during this week and be able to revel in what our God has done for His children.

Love and God bless.....Corinne Mustafa 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Having been raised in the church, as a child, I knew intellectually that Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead. However, as an adult, I truly became a “born again Christian.” It was then that I began to comprehend the tremendous sacrifice which the Heavenly Father and His Son made for us. I was pondering the scriptures one day. After reading an account of the mocking, scourging and crucifixion of the Lord in the New Testament, I found myself saying with amazement, ........ “And they did that to God?”....... Immediately I heard the words, “And I did it for you.” The Holy Spirit had spoken to me, touching me with a glimpse of the the passion, intensity, and intimacy of Christ's work on the cross. That word ministered to me deep within my soul. It happened over thirty years ago but I remember it as if it were yesterday.

The classic song, “How Great Thou Art” contains a verse which reads,

  “And when I think,That God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on that cross, My burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.” Yes, as I contemplate the magnitude of Christ's atonement I too, “can scarcely take it in.”

How great is our God who would humble Himself to such an extent for His creation.

My prayer is that God would grant me the grace to forgive others as Christ has forgiven me. I ask our Father that I might show even a portion of the compassion and self sacrifice which the Lord has demonstrated to all of humanity. As this season celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ comes to a close may we all, filled with the Holy Spirit, seek to emulate the example of unconditional love which our Savior has shown to us.

By Cathy Friberg

NO REGRETS

2/1/15

I am involved in a nursing home ministry with our church. As part of this ministry, a small group of us meet at a local convalescent home once a month on an afternoon. The clients we interact with are mostly elderly, infirm and confined to wheelchairs. We conduct a short Bible Lesson, lead a praise and worship session, and then spend time passing out handshakes, hugs, and a few gentle words with each patient. About 16 seniors are wheeled in to the meeting room by kindly and patient attendants. Some are more verbal, alert, and responsive than others, but they all love the Lord and have sweet tender spirits.

I often wonder as I gaze into their eyes what experiences these precious souls have been through in their lives. Many are difficult to understand as they mumble, speak so softly, and or have foreign accents. One thing is for certain. As they are nearing the end of their long life journey, they have, as the old hymn says, “decided to follow Jesus”. And what better more important decision could they have chosen to make. When all is said and done, a covenant with Christ is the be all and end all of everything. This world and all it has to offer is nothing in comparison to knowing Jesus as Saviour and looking forward to spending eternity with Him and with our loved ones.

Last Sunday as we were singing praises to the Lord, the presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room. The atmosphere was sweet and the seniors gratefully drank in the warmth of the Master's love. I looked about at the feeble weakened frames, many of them helplessly dependent on the supervision and protection of their caretakers. I thought, what a contrast between the love in this place and the strife, division, and hostility exhibited in the much of the world outside. Many people are materially wealthy, intellectually distinguished, and politically powerful, yet spiritually bankrupt. How fortunate our little band of elders, to be treasured jewels in the palm of Jesus' hand.

Matthew 16:26

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”

With all this in mind, let's seek after the Father and his Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Let's keep a firm commitment to Christ so that our lives will be spent laboring for that which is genuine, pure, and everlasting.

Written by Cathy Friberg