April Encouragement
Jesus Knows
This message is for people who have been hurt. Maybe you’re going through a divorce and no one on the outside knows how you feel, but they have advice and opinions for you. Or perhaps you have been faced with negativity, people saying and doing things to you that are ungodly. You’ve taken the high road and ignored them, but their words are hurtful. You wonder how long you can keep taking the high road. Sometimes you would really like to give back worse than what you have been receiving. Maybe you’re still dealing with some trauma from your past. Maybe there is something in your childhood that is lingering. Or perhaps you have guilt that has stuck to you like Velcro. Perhaps you’re afraid because of some news the doctor gave you. It may be anxiety because as the cost of things continues to increase, you’re not sure your finances will hold out. It could be grief that has you bound.
No matter how hard you try you can’t seem to shake the sadness and feelings of loss. It may be something completely different. But the good news is that Jesus knows. I was reminded this week of Hebrews 4:15 that reminds us that “we do not have a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Jesus knows what you are going through, but more than that Jesus is watching when people mistreat you. It may seem like they are getting away with it, but God is on top of it, and there is a day coming when they will have to answer for their behavior. Take solace in that. It’s always right to do right, and doing right is always better than doing wrong.
God bless you,
Pastor Cox
4/24/22
Good Friday?
Every year as we approach Easter, we see it there on the calendar, Good Friday. It feels like the wrong name for such a bad, sad day. In fact, Good Friday may be one of the saddest days in the history of days. How are we to understand that the death of the Lord Jesus Christ happened on a day that has since been called Good Friday? What if on your worst days someone was encouraging you to call it Good Tuesday, or Good Monday? I’m sure you would look at them like they had lost their minds. And yet, that is exactly what Christians are able to say.
Paul says in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for the GOOD to those who love the God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” That simply means God knows how to take your worst day and turn it into a reason to give Him praise. God is so good and bringing good out of bad situations. That is what Easter is all about. It’s how God took something as bad as the death of His only begotten son and turned it into a celebration. So much of a celebration that every year we get excited about one of the worst days in the history of days.
And God is willing to do that for you. God is able to redeem your bad days. God is able to turn your sorrow into joy. God still knows how to transform, to create new meaning, to help us reimagine our bad days. So, on days when you just don’t feel it, when you would rather stay in bed with the covers over your head, remember God’s got you. It may look bad for a moment, but God is still in control. And when God intervenes in your life remember to celebrate what God has done. So, I say gladly enjoy the Good Fridays of your life because Easter Sunday is sure to follow.
God Bless You,
Pastor Cox
4/16/22
Jesus Riding High
Palm Sunday is just around the corner. It is a wonderful celebration of the triumphant entry of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a unique moment because we don’t usually see Jesus lean into being celebrated. But, for whatever reason, on this day he let them celebrate him. They lifted Jesus up with their cries of “Hosanna” and “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. We were not there that day, but we are able to lift Jesus up today. Jesus deserved as much praise as that crowd could muster and today, he deserves the same thing. As believers we should not let a day go by when we do not intentionally shower our Savior with the praise he deserves. And just like that crowd that day we can do it too. They give us a great example of how to treat our Lord.
Many of you know that it was not long before many of these same people were shouting obscenities and vulgarities at this same Jesus. Here is where we would do well to learn from their example. When life presents moments where it could be convenient to turn away from him, we should remember he always deserves our very best praise. We must note that to offer Jesus praise may not always be popular or well received by those around you, but we rise to this occasion because Jesus is worth it. So today praise God. Shout “Hosanna”, “Hallelujah”, “Bless the name of the Lord.” You should let Jesus ride high on your praise. You should make sure that if no one else remembers to do it, or thinks it’s worthwhile you give God praise.
God Bless You,
Pastor Cox
4/10/22
Jesus Cares
If you know nothing about Jesus, I want you to know that Jesus cares. Jesus cares about the big things in your life. Jesus also cares about the small things in your life. Jesus cares about you when no one else seems to. We see in the Bible that Jesus cares about tax collectors, adulterers, the blind, the deaf, widows, children, traders, and fishermen. Of course, Jesus cares about you. And because Jesus cares for you it should make a difference. It should make a difference in the way you see yourself. Knowing that Jesus cares for you should help you know that you are loved, valued and that you deserve those things and much more.
Jesus cares, which means Jesus is interested in your present, but it also means Jesus is interested in your future. Jesus wants to see you grow into your full God given potential. The important question to ask is “do you care?” Do you care about your life, your future, your relationship with God? Since we have established that Jesus does care it means Jesus is doing His part. That means if you can do your part Jesus has already done His. What does it mean to care? It means treating others with care, it means treating yourself with care. It also means being conscious of the fact that others have value. It is easier to care for others when you remember they have value. Everyone you know is made in God’s image, that is why God cares so much for us. Doesn’t it feel good to be cared for, to know the Savior cares for you? In a world where everyone seems so wrapped up in themselves Jesus genuinely cares for you. That is good news worth sharing. So, you just rest in the comfort of knowing that Jesus absolutely cares for you.
God Bless You,
Pastor Cox
4/1/22