A WORD FROM PASTOR MIKE - Good Friday...What Does This Mean?

"But he was wounded for our transgressions.  He was crushed for our iniquities.  Upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace and with his stripes we are healed.  And we, like sheep, have gone astray.  We have turned everyone to his own way and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."  Isaiah 53:5-6

What is so "good" about Good Friday?  Jesus is unjustly tried and convicted, tortured, put to death on a cross.  It's a bleak story, a dark story.  It's definitely not a "good" Friday for Jesus.

Actually, it hasn't always been called Good Friday.  In some places Good Friday is called Black Friday.  In fact, that is the color in the church year calendar for Good Friday.  But now, in our culture, Black Friday has become the big shopping day after Thanksgiving.

Sorrowful Friday was another name for this day.  This emphasized our "great sorrow" over Jesus' death for us.

God's Friday  was another term used.  God is doing His work repairing the damage of sin.  Jesus became the one sacrifice for all time.  Some scholars believe that God's Friday was then transformed into Good Friday

What does Christ's death mean for us?  The suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God's plan to save people from their sins, which is good, at least for us... not so good for Jesus.

Human beings are God's good creation but we are also sinful.  We need to own both parts of this.  We are saints because of God's righteousness in us and we are sinners at the same time.

Sometimes we like to put a good spin on this. One boy came home from school before Christmas and told his Mom that he had good news and bad news.  The bad news was the he goofed around a lot and didn't work very hard, resulting in poor grades on his report card.  The good news was that he still got to be one of the 3 wise men in the Christmas Program!.

Even though we like to put a good spin on our sinful human nature, the Apostle Paul doesn't sugar coat our situation.  In the book of Romans he writes, "None is righteous, no not one.  No one understands.  No one seeks for God.  No one does good, not even one.  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

The bad news is that God despises sin because sin causes pain.  We are sinful; we cause pain through our words and deeds.  The wrath of God comes against sin and wants to destroy it.

The good news is God is love.  God loves His creation.  God loves us in spite of our sin so He sent Jesus to take care of the sin problem, once and for all time.

I don't know if you've ever thought about the cross this way before, but it's the place where God's justice and God's love meets.

What kind of God would He be if he didn't care about sin and injustice?  What kind of a God would he be if he didn't love us?  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

God took care of the sin problem for us.  Martin Luther calls it "The Happy Exchange".  Christ takes the sins of the world on himself - our sins.  And then, he gives us His robe of righteousness to cover up our sinfulness.  So that when God looks at us, he doesn't see our sins. He sees us clothed in Christ's righteousness.  He sees us as part of His good creation, no longer slaves to sin but part of His Family.

Why did Jesus die for us?  Jesus endured the cross, knowing that it led to our redemption through his innocent suffering and death.  He bought us back from sin and set us free from both sin and death.

Now the future is opened for us.  Now we have new life, new beginnings every day because of Him.

So, Good Friday is good for us.  We are free.  Our sin debt is cancelled by the love of Jesus.

In John 15 Jesus speaks to His followers, "This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

Jesus laid down his life for his followers, for the whole world, for you and me... that we might be free from sin.  What wonderous love is this?!  And so... What does Good Friday mean?  It was a bad day for Jesus but good for us.
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Still Her Little Child

Reflections on Reflecting

Wowza!

 I just have to tell you all about something! Remember yesterday's post about being the light and I said I was just hoping to be a reflector for the light of Jesus? Well, guess what happened.

I was working with my very first patient of the day yesterday. She noticed my cross necklace as I was starting her IV and she asked me if I was a Christian.

I said that I was a Christian and we talked a bit more. I told her, then, that I tried to always wear a cross necklace to work so that if someone wanted me to pray with them or something, they would know that I was a Christian. Then she said to me, "You wouldn't have to wear a cross. Your light shines."

I think I may have gasped or made some sort of funny sound! Given what I just posted that morning, I was so excited to hear her say that!

I almost fell of my little spinny stool!

I can guarantee that there were many moments this week when I did not do a very good job of being a reflector of Jesus' light. (I only tell you the good things, you know.) The timing of that particular comment, though, really made me smile. I kind of felt like it maybe made God smile as well.

Cross in Clouds

Mark 8:34

English Standard Version (ESV)

    And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Reminder's Cross

I had such a lovely surprise at work yesteday! A former patient, one I first met when I was working as an oncology nurse, dropped by. I received word that I was needed at the front desk and when I looked out there, I saw a familiar face.

Last time I saw this kind lady, she was in for a procedure at my current place of employment. We'd had a fun time reconnecting. At some point she commented on the cross necklace I was wearing that day and mentioned a necklace she'd like for me to have, made by someone here in Wyoming. Truthfully, I'd forgotten about that...until she showed up today with this:

Isn't that cool? It came with a card that told me it was a "Reminder's Cross". The artisans name is Rob Wemmer. Below are the words on that little card.

"This is your Hand Made Reminder's Cross. Every Element of this Cross is a Reminder of the events at the Crucifixion of Jesus. The Nails remind of the Spikes used to place Him on the Cross. The wire reminds of our Faith, which binds us to our Christianity. It can also remind of the Crown of Thorns placed upon His head. The leather cord reminds us of the Whips used to Beat Jesus. Look at the knots. They are wrapped in the Fisherman's Knot, for Jesus said, "Come Follow Me, and I will make you Fishers of Men (Mat 4:16A Mk 1:17)-Also, the knots are wrapped 3 times for in 3 days, Jesus Rose! All of the elements combined make up your Reminder's Cross. "Hope that you wear it with all reverences and Respect to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior."

When I wear it, I will also be reminded of, and grateful for, the remarkably thoughtful and kind people I have met in my life. 

If you are interested in a Reminder's Cross, there is a contact email address listed on the card as well: robwemmer@hotmail.com

I Am With You Always

I had a problem at work yesterday. You know I like to wear a cross to work every day.  Yesterday, though, it just wasn't hanging right. Every time I looked down, my cross necklace was stuck awkwardly to my name badge.  

This cross is from Africa and I love it.  It was a gift from a friend of mine who travels to many countries and she often brings me crosses from those countries.  Isn't that sweet? This necklace, however, has a lot of metal in it.  My name tag has a magnet.  You see my problem?  I was kind of annoyed by it, actually.

Later, when I went by a mirror, I noticed that necklace clinging to my "Susan, RN" tag yet again.  Suddenly, I realized that maybe this was kind of neat.  It can't be bad to have the cross clinging to your name, can it?  I decided to think of it as Jesus staying close to me, even when I'm not paying attention.  Cool, huh?

Matthew 28:20b New Living Translation (©2007)  ...and be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Why the Cross?

This is me getting ready for work Wednesday morning.

There are certain things I need to accomplish before I am ready to head out the door:

• Secure my hair so I don't drop DNA on my patients.
• Find my name tag from my purse so I don't have to write my name on a piece of tape (not classy).
• Turn the sound off on my cell phone.
• Load my pockets with a pen, my key used at work, my cell phone and maybe some lip gloss that I won't remember is in my pocket until I'm heading back home.  I have a weird little system of putting work things like the pen and key in my right pocket and my personal items in my left pocket.  
• Choose a cross necklace for the day.

That last bullet point is very important to me.  I will give you an example of why.

Awhile back I entered a room to get a patient ready for a procedure.  I'd not met him before and knew only his name, his physician's name and what procedure he was to have that day.  Not long after I started filling out his paperwork with him he began telling me a lot of things about his past.  He had a criminal background, family troubles and a lot of other stories.  After quite awhile of talking he suddenly stopped and said, "Why am I telling you all this?  I never tell people anything about myself!"  I said some things to put him at ease.  He told me more things.  After starting his IV I had my hand on the doorknob when I turned and asked him if he'd like me to pray for him.  He just seemed so frightened and alone. He was eager for my prayer, so I prayed, leaving the room soon after the prayer.

Later, I peeked in to see how he was doing.  I was telling him that I don't always ask patients if they want me to say a prayer but that something told me he would appreciate it.  He then told me that he knew why I was prompted to pray for him.  He went on to say that before he came in for his procedure, he had a strong feeling that he was going to die that day.  After the prayer, he told me that feeling was gone.  Oh my!

My patient later told me he figured out why he told me his life story like he'd done.  He said it was because I was wearing a cross.

I'm a God Fan!

When I was at Walmart last week, ready to check out, I was perusing the check-out lanes.  Like everyone, I wanted to go through the quickest line.  As I looked around, though, I saw a line that was moving rather slowly.  The checker wasn't smiling and she wasn't moving quickly.  I don't know why but I thought maybe I should take that aisle.  Although I often just bumble along through my days, sometimes I fancy that I'm being directed by God or the Holy Spirit to do something in particular.  I don't really know but this felt like one of those times.  I figured it was my challenge at that moment to maybe try to cheer her up.  I thought maybe she was new or frustrated or both.

Just as I approached for my turn to check out, they had a changing of the guards.  The checker who was my target for cheering was going off and another checker was coming on.  The new checker was smiley and jovial.  Hmmmm... maybe I'd misunderstood my mission of the moment.

As the smiley checker was efficiently scanning my items I noticed she was wearing a really pretty cross necklace, similiar to this one of mine.

  I said, "I like your necklace."  She responded, "Thanks.  Are you a Steelers fan?"  Confused, I responded, "No.  I'm a God fan."  She laughed, realizing her error, just as I noticed she was wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers lanyard with her name tag attached.  She then went on to tell me she was a God fan, loved God so much, didn't know what she'd do without him, etc.

THEN, the smile left her face and she spoke of her son.  He was in some kind of trouble.  He was denying the existence of God, he'd committed a crime, and his future was a mess.  She told me he was being evaluated for mental health issues but then was likely going on to prison.  I did not ask her about his crime but I did ask her his first name.  She told me his name is Nick.  I told her I'd pray for him.  The look of astonishment on her face was amazing.  She thanked me over and over for volunteering to pray for him.  It was such a small thing, my honor, really, but it meant so much to her.

I don't know if that chance encounter between me and the checker was really directed and planned by God or the Holy Spirit.  I maybe just get these high falutin' ideas on my own.  I don't really think so, though.  I left that moment feeling better and I think she did as well.  I think two women, for those few moments, needed to connect.  I needed to feel I was making a difference and she needed to know someone cared about her son.

So, if you are the praying kind, I invite you to pray for her son, Nick, as well.  I don't know his story and can't tell you how to direct your prayers, but I am certain God will know of whom you are speaking.  He's hurting and he needs to feel God's presence in his life.  

Starting Traditions

I have become more and more aware of how precious tradition can be to the story of a family.  As such, I've got a few traditions I started when Cordelia was born; things I want to do for my grandchildren.

As I mentioned before, one thing I want to do is give each child some piece of jewelry that is mine but that they will inherit someday.  It doesn't need to be an expensive piece of jewelry.  I just wanted something that they see me wear, see in photos from the day of their birth, and something that represents what is important in my life.  I chose a ring with a cross on it for Cordelia's birth.

I made certain that I was photographed, holding newborn Cordy, with the ring in view.  I wear it frequently so that someday, when it is her's, she will remember it being mine.

This is what I have chosen for this next baby girl:

I've got it on and I am ready to go!  I think it will be soon! 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas Day 1

I am not always that great at coming up with good gift ideas.  I procrastinate and frustrate myself.  However, I have received some really wonderful gifts from my children over the years for Mother's Day as well as birthdays and Christmas.  I have three children so for the next three days I am going to tell you of some ways they have gifted me.

Sam is our youngest, turning 19 this Summer.  He has always been a sensitive kid.  Even as a preschooler he was a child who quietly watched people, really noticing them.  I know that he paid attention to me because at a really young age he noticed how much I enjoyed wearing cross necklaces.  So, he often finds pretty ones to give me.   Paying attention to what is important to another, rather than giving a gift that YOU'd like, is a sign of thoughtful gift-giving.   I think that's always a way to make a person feel noticed and loved.

When I wear cross necklaces it helps remind me of God's son, as well as one of my own.  

So, if you are stalled out on ideas for your Mom, think about what she really likes.  Does she like to sew?  How about starting a charm bracelet with a charm of a sewing machine?  Does she love the color green?  Maybe she needs a new green scarf.  Is she a walker or runner?  Maybe a gift card to her favorite shoe store.  I don't think mothers are wanting lavish gifts, just gifts that show you notice her as a person.  Lucky for me, my children are really good at that.

 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
And now, I want to apologize to Darla Q.  When I did my tutorial/giveaway I said that I'd count Facebook entries as well, since some folks add their comments there.  Well, I think Darla was actually the very first to enter.  I knew it...time passed... I forgot.  I'm sorry Darla!  Send me your address and I will send to you another gift, these earrings that I made...

Lessons in the Storage Room

Last Sunday the children in our church put on a delightful Christmas Program.  I took photos but I did not get permission from parents to put the cute faces of their offspring online so I will just tell you about it.  There were cute little angels, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and all the others.  We had child musicians on drums, clarinet and even a soloist singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth".  It was just adorable.  I love it when little people get a hold of a microphone!

After the program we had a birthday party for Jesus.  The children had games, treats and crafts.  My personal favorite of the games was Pin the Hay on the Manger!

After the party, of course, was the clean-up.   I was helping put away the costumes.  Since moving into our new church building a few years ago we have a wonderful storage area.  Putting away the costumes used to involve packing too many storage containers into too small of a storage shed.  Now, we have ample storage places and we can even hang up all the costumes so that next year no one has to iron them.  We are grateful for this! 

It was up in that storage area that I found the best lesson of the day.

We have bare crosses up through Lent and then the white flowers beautifully decorating this one for Easter Day.  Right now, they are just stored out of sight.  It isn't time to put the emphasis on the cross; it's time to put the emphasis on the joy of the manger.  In the midst of that joy, though, I can't help but think of what was waiting for that cute baby in the manger.  The birth story is lovely and miraculous, but we already know that the baby lying there has a rough road ahead.  While we are celebrating Christmas, maybe it is ok to keep that in the back of our minds.

He was sent for a very specific purpose. 

He was sent as a sacrifice.

He was sent out of love for us.

Jesus, Refuge of the Weary

Jesus, refuge of the weary,

Blest redeemer, whom we love,

Fountain in life's desert dreary,

Savior from the world above:

Often have your eyes, offended,

Gazed upon the sinner's fall;

Yet upon the cross extended,

You have borne the pain of all.

Text: Girolamo Savonarola, 1452-1498; tr. Jane F. Wilde, 1826-1896

Tune: Herrnhut, c.1735

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

God, whose giving knows no ending,

From your rich and endless store:

Nature's wonder, Jesus' wisdom,

Costly cross, grave's shattered door,

Gifted by you, we turn to you,

Off'ring up ourselves in praise;

Thankful song shall rise forever,

Gracious donor of our days.

Text: Robert L. Edwards, b. 1915

Lent

We are firmly into the church season of Lent now.  I didn't grow up with that tradition but I've come to really appreciate it.  It takes some getting used to, though, as it is rather a somber time.

We don't usually give gifts for Lent.  We don't even have jolly songs for Lent.  In fact, most are probably written in the minor keys.  They aren't likely to be heard overhead at the mall.  Unlike the Christmas Season, there aren't any great Lent candies or cookies.  In fact, many give such things up altogether during Lent.  Why?

I've come to think of Lent as a time we ponder what Jesus had to go through to get to the point of resurrection.  Easter is so glorious but it did not happen, could not  have happened, without Jesus first going through pain, humiliation, rejection and finally a horrible and public death.  We have to face the dismal truth that we were responsible for that!  This is the only way we can then experience the great relief of forgiveness for our sins- Jesus' gift to us!