Happy Resurrection Sunday

It came early this year. Who can figure the timing out? But the most important thing is that "He IS Risen!" This message is so present, so out of time and the closer we get to Him the more we understand and appreciate what He did that Holy week long ago. How can we thank Him for His glorious gift? We can drink from His saving cup, and call upon His Name.

This year we had the honor of visiting a congregation in the Jemez mountains on a reservation. It is a small Assemblies of God group. The pastor there and his wife are both 70+ years young and this is what they chose to do instead of retiring. They came from Modesto, CA. 4 years ago and lived until recently in the back of the church property in their mobile home. Now, thanks to a group of faithful friends back home, they have a manufactured home to live in. These were wealthy people in their previous life. They had a business they sold and then got their ministry credentials.

The Sunday we were there, Easter, there were about 20 people present. Out of 20 people 2 people received salvation and 2 families sponsored children. The word that comes to us is "mustard seed of faith". This is precisely why we go wherever the Lord opens the door. We can't know what He has in mind. We are servants and He is the Master. What we do know is that as long as He calls us we are blessed to be obedient. This tiny congregation were kind and hospitable and the fellowship was sweet. This is what the Christian life is all about. To go where He leads and to receive the blessing that comes from obediance.

The angel said to Mary Magdalene 2000 years ago "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here!" Truly, there is life and all we need to do is seek Him to find that life. We can't always expect to get treated well, indeed sometimes we have been treated badly. But we don't need to feel badly because we know we have an enemy that tries to discourage God's people. What we can always expect is for the Lord to be with us as we choose to abide in Him. He always encourages us and lets us know that how we treat even the least of His brethren, so have we treated Him. We Christians are all recipients of His Grace and His Life as we understand that our blessing is to know these things - and to do them. The pastor and His wife at the Assemblies of God in the Jemez chose to go and make disciples instead of retire. They are both blessed and a blessing. We chose to go forth as the Lord leads, traveling and meeting new people, presenting the opportunity for salvation and the opportunity to sponsor through World Vision. It isn't easy. But it is Blessed.

May The Son Of Righteousness Rise In You Too!
Dennis & Wendy