Actions Speak Louder than Words

Words are easy.

I'll be there for you! What can I do for you? How can I help? But then when you need help, when you need their time, how often do friends, even family, let us down?

God, too?

NO! God backed up His words and promises with His actions. We're going to hear many of these during this Lenten season.

+ Jesus fought the devil for us and won in the wilderness.

+ Jesus came to a Samaritan woman who had been married five times and didn't reject her, but loved her and revealed Himself to her as her Saviour.

+ Jesus healed a man born blind.

+ Jesus raised a man named Lazarus who had been dead for four days.

+ But most of all, Jesus went to the cross to die for your sin, to save you.

And now, Jesus baptizes us, forgives us, feeds us with His Body and Blood, and gives us a church family to help us.

Words are never just words with God. 

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh! 

He is FOR YOU.

Always.

Lent

The church's season of Lent begins on Wednesday, called Ash Wednesday.

Just a reminder . . . FOR YOU:

Lent is not about what you do for God, but all that God has for FOR YOU.

Lent is not about how much you love God, but how much He loves YOU!

Jesus died that you might live.

That means you're pretty important to God.

Lent is a season to think about that, ponder it, and rejoice in it.

All This For You

Here's a hymn that talks about FOR YOU, all that Jesus has done for us! Can you count how many times it says that? It's a good reminder for us. And to remember these words of St. Paul, too, when things don't seem to be going your way: He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ~ Romans 8:32

Jesus, help us when we forget all that you have done for us and to remember all Your words and promises that You will never leave us or forsake us, no matter how dark things seem to get. You were with us in the darkness as You hung on the cross! You were with us in the darkness of the grave! So that rising from the dead we could be with You in the light of Your love, and one day, in the light of Your glory in heaven. Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief! Amen.

Lord, Have Mercy!

As I write this, the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey is approaching 20,000. It is sure to go higher in the days ahead . . .

Lord, have mercy! Have mercy on the people of Turkey. Preserve the lives of those still awaiting rescue. Give strength to those working so hard at rescue and recovery. Provide for those who have lost everything.  And above all, we pray, may this affliction open the ears and hearts of those who do not know You to hear Your Word of love, forgiveness, and Your great victory over death and the grave. In the days and weeks ahead, may they find comfort and hope in You, that perhaps some good will come out of this tragedy. Hear us, O Jesus. Amen.