Years ago, Cliff and I team taught a couples' Sunday school class.  Our method of team teaching generally meant we took turns planning and leading with the other providing support.  A lesson that Cliff taught has stayed with me not only for the truth presented but also for the shock value!
I don't recall which scripture passage we were discussing, but the concept was "Where do you put your hope and trust?"
He began by pulling items from a backpack.
     Is your hope in money? Credit cards? Lottery tickets?
     Do you put your trust in stocks or bonds?
     Pulling out a pay stub, he asked, "Is your hope and trust in your job?"
I don't really recall what all he had in that bag other than that he pulled out a gun. Not a toy, but a real pistol. (Why he even has a hand gun is another story.)  To say I flipped out might be putting it mildly! This was, after all, a Mennonite, peace loving church! Yet, I dare say, his point was made and understood.
     I wonder if the others in the class remember that lesson. I wonder how many of us put our hope and trust in the power of worldly might and strength.  I wonder how many of us have confused wealth, strength, and redemptive violence with the way of Christ.

 

After all, on this Friday, this Holy Friday, this Good Friday, this most painful of days, do we not remember that the Christ, our Jesus, allowed violence at our hands to nail him to a cross and then demonstrated that love defeats all.  Love has the final word. Do we believe it? Do we live it?

God shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2: 4  

May it be so!

This evening at 7 pm there is a service at Ridgeview. You are welcome to attend. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/
The senior high youth  joined by some adults have worked hard to prepare for the 8:15 am Early Service on Sunday.  Breakfast follows at 9 am, and worship at 10:15 am.

Brother Mick's message is called "High Hopes," with the scripture text John's account of the resurrection. In his presermon notes Mick states, "The hope we feel and share with one another on this Easter morning is diminished if we do not put it into action in the way we care for the children of God in all walks of life and degrees of faithfulness."
I hope you are able to join us for the morning celebration!

A prayer for today: And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals one of the right and one of the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:33-34  Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

I can't wait for a snuggle with Claire Lynn who was born yesterday to Melissa and Jeff!

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39

Love and Light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd