a commitment to the poor...are you a model of good?

 "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed...."

Today is Good Friday. While many of you are preparing for Easter by purchasing candy and having ham dinners, it should be noted that Easter is originally about the salvation of human kind by One who cared enough to give us the best- Himself. How are you preparing for Him?

Today, between noon and three p.m., (the time believed to be when He suffered on the Cross until His death) stop and think about what it means to be so loved that He gave of Himself so that we might have life and have it abundantly. Think of what you would do had this assignment been given to you instead. Would you have gladly accepted it--or made excuses as to why today is just not your day- and tomorrow isn't looking too good, either?

I think of the many who give up their lives so that another may live. To jump in front of a speeding car or a fired bullet...you just don't hear about that scenario very much (except for our troops deployed in our wars...to them our hearts go out in thanksgiving!). To give of yourself to an unpopular cause, one who willingly steps forward and says, "I'll do it!"

 "Greater love has no one than this-to lay down one's life for someone else."

Out of twelve disciples, one betrayed Jesus, while ten more left him to suffer and only one- John- stayed by his side. Along with Mary, His mother and Mary Magdalen, John stood witness to Jesus' suffering and death. Though Peter claimed undying devotion, in the end, he just couldn't stick with that resolve that, if necessary, he would die for Jesus.

Today, be like John. Stand by your convictions of what you know is right. Be with those who need support, caring and love. Show who you are by your actions! On Holy Thursday, (yesterday) Pope Francis washed the feet of those who could not repay him in kind. Humility, pure and simple. He epitomizes exactly what Jesus was all about. His commitment to the poor should be a model for all of us evangelicals!


"Lord, may this be a day where we solemnly think about all the things that weigh us down and may we visualize laying them at the foot of a cross where you died to set us free. Help us to realize how everything pales in comparison to what you endured... everything pales in comparison to the amazing love that you have for each of us...what great love allowed you to endure the shame and pain to redeem us."

May you feel the full measure of His infinite love for you today!!