Hey Friends! - I'd like to share just a quick word or two with you during Holy Week as we each consider the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. If you're like me, you don't naturally gravitate toward reflecting upon the cross. I might do so in a sentimental sort of way, but to think that my sin placed Jesus on the cross, that I, in effect murdered Him - well, this is painful reflection to say the least. Yet, this is the kind of reflection I would encourage from each of you. My offense was so heinous to a Holy God, that someone had to die. It could have been me. Should've been me. It was God instead, who died, as the scripture says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but alive in the spirit, . . ." (I Pet.3:18). As a good teacher, Peter goes on to apply (see I Peter ch.4) this death, burial and resurrection in a number of ways.  Among the ways we are to respond to the events of Holy Week so many centuries ago, ways that will help us reflect and celebrate the Life of Jesus are . . . First, I am to cultivate an attitude, a way of thinking that says suffering should not be an alien thing form me as a follower of Jesus (4:1). Second, I am not to live my life for my own earth-bound selfish passions, but for the glory of God (4:2-3). Third, I am to life a self-controlled, sober-minded life, a life of prayer and love for others (4:7-8) . Fourth, "Holy Week" reflections should move me to show hospitality to others without grumbling (4:9). Fifth, I am to serve others with whatever gifts/abilities God has given me, all that God (not me!) might be glorified (4:10-11). Last of all, Peter sums it up like this: "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." (I Pet.4:19).  My prayer for each of us this week, and always, is that the events of this week that we celebrate and contemplate would never ever (God forbid!) become old hat. By the grace of God, may we honor God with lives that respond to His Life within us, as we are continually shaped into the image of our suffering and victorious Savior. "So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it." (I Pet.4:19, The Message) Come join us for a Good Friday Service (7 p.m.) and Easter Sunday breakfast (9 a.m.) and worship service (10:30 a.m.). Hope to see you there!