This is an appropriate day for us: the day between the death and
resurrection of Jesus. It’s a little bit how we feel these days. We feel like the disciples, who just witnessed Jesus' death, with all of its sorrow, the seemingly lost hope in the man who they thought was the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Now he is
dead. He said something about rising from the dead, but they were not quite sure of that, and did not know what to do with it, it appears, until it happened.
We have great hope of the resurrection (probably more than the
original disciples!); the resurrection for us means we look forward to
restoration, to recovering a vision and mission for life and even, in God’s
mercy, ministry; we know it is coming, our Lord will lead us there. But
we’re not there yet, and it seems very far away. So this is an
appropriate day, in the “already-not yet.” We feel the death, for the most part, more than we can taste the resurrection. But we do taste it!
We continue to be greatly blessed by the Pastor-in-Residence (PIR) program. The last two weeks our group has been studying many passages about restoration for those who are bowed down. The Scriptures are full of it. It is the story of redemption. But reading so many passages all together, each one God's promise to restore or lift up those who are bowed down or low, was very powerful. Try this: read Ps. 34:18; Ps. 71:20-21; Ps. 119:50; Ps 145:13-14; Is. 43:1-3; Lamentations 3:31-32; Rom. 5:3-5; 2 Cor. 10:4; and Gal. 6:1-2; all in one sitting. Add to that Hannah's Song (1 Sam. 2) and Mary's Song (Luke 1:46ff). God has a future for you and for me, and it will be glorious. And it is as certain as the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On the work front, I am getting more electrical work coming my way. Again, if you live within shouting distance of Reading, PA, and need anything electrical done, please let me know; if you know anyone who does, direct them to me.
PIR is also supported by contributions of those who desire to help us in that way. Checks written to "CEFC" with "PIR" on the memo line can be sent to Community Evangelical Free Church, 52 S. Brick Lane, Elverson, PA 19520. Thank you so very, very much for your prayers, and for your support.
