"If we've ever needed You..."

The people of Newtown have not left my mind.

So many tears have been shed for them.

I don't have much to say other than, I can't imagine the hurt, anger and pain that these families are feeling.

My heart is broken for them.

 

Pastor Gregg Matte talked about the shooting in Newtown today in his sermon.

One of his points really stood out to me...

"God is not to be blamed, He is needed." So many people need the love of God. He gives it freely and to anyone, but there are so many people who don't seek it or may not even know about His love.

 

He went onto talk about the pain that these families are feeling.

He talked about how there will be candlelight vigils, fundraisers and other things to support this town.

He said that although these are great things, they will not erase the pain.

Man cannot heal, only God can.

This is true because man is not always good...clearly.

These parents and family members can only heal from God's love and presence.

Of course, love from others is helpful, but only God can truly comfort them.

I'm sure it will be a long, healing process.

I'm sure there will be many nights of tears.

I'm sure there will be many bouts of anger.

So what can we do?

 

We can pray that these people will feel God's comfort, presence and love.

 

I found this video of a father who lost his daughter in the shooting. It's an amazing speech that speaks of love and forgiveness despite such a tragic time.

 

 

Cherish the times with your loved ones, pray for those who are suffering, and spread the wonderful news of Jesus Christ to others.

There are so many hurting people in this world that need some good news...news that can change lives. News that can make a depressed person, happy. News that can make a hurting person, healed.

Our world needs God and we're the messengers for the job.

 

The title of this blog comes from Casting Crown's song, "If we ever needed you"

Check it out!

 

This week we'll be reading Galations chapters 1-3 all the way to the end of Colossians.

 

 

Being in the "in crowd"

You know how in school there was always the "in crowd"? The group of people who had the cool clothes and shoes. Maybe you were in that group or maybe you weren't. If you weren't one of the "popular" kids (I know I wasn't),  you either were jealous of them and tried whatever it took to be a part of that group or you were fine in your own skin. Whatever group you were in, whether it be the jocks or the yearbook people (I was one of them), I've got news for you. News that may not be news to you or news that may be a surprise to you. News that you need to know. 

You are in the "in crowd" with Jesus. It may sound cliche', but it's true.

As I've been on my year long journey in the Bible (only about 2 months in), I've been forced to realize that Jesus was friends with everyone. There were no groups that he ignored. There were no groups that he would only eat lunch with. There were no groups that he only hung out with at the mall (well, maybe not the mall, but you know what I mean). He wouldn't stick his nose up to some people and high five others. Everyone was cool to the big JC. You could be demon possessed (like Mary Magdalene), a thief, or whatever and Jesus would still love you. 

If you don't believe me, here's some proof:

• "The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?" And Jesus answered and said to them, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:30-32 NASB
• "The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them (verses 35-39 explain the least of them as those who are thirsty, hungry, naked, sick, prisoners, and strangers...that's a lot of people, if you ask me), you did it to Me.’" Matthew 25:40 NASB
• "For God so loved the world (that means everyone) that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 NASB

Just wait, it gets even better! Even though Jesus is not literally (His Holy Spirit is) here on earth with us today, His "in crowd" is still the same....everyone. Not one person is better than another.  There is absolutely nothing you could do that would make Jesus turn his nose up at you. Nothing. Seriously! He loves everyone. Even if you've done drugs, been in jail, whatever it may be...Jesus includes you in His "in crowd". Yeah He may be disappointed in some of the choices you've made just like a good friend would, but He still has your back. 

He just wants you to take His advice (trust me, He gives good advice) and live with Him. 

Don't EVER doubt the love Jesus has for you, because of something you have done wrong. 

He knows that we are gonna mess up every once in awhile (we are imperfect) and that doesn't keep Him from loving us. He loves all the different groups of people and wants us ALL to choose to walk with Him, because His way is the HIGH way ;)

This reminds me of one of my favorite songs, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns. 

Check it out!

P.S.- If you are following along in the year long Bible reading plan, today's scripture is Luke 8-9.