With Jesus' help, Mary was able to walk through her disappointment & pain over the

death of her brother, Lazarus. Jesus will help us find our way when we are in pain.

Remember that as darkness gives way at sunrise, our darkness & pain

will give way to light at Son Rise!!

Most of us are like Martha, the "busy" sister of Lazarus; we are inpatient and 

unable to wait for anything. Jesus, and all that He gives us, is worth waiting for.

During this time of forced inactivity, we should step back, take a break, and

wait for the wonders & gifts that Christ brings.

The lawnmower parent is one who goes ahead of his child to mow down

all obstacles. Many of us wish God was like that for us. But, if we never face adversity,

we never have the chance to develop our strength, or experience God's comfort.

Don't wish for the "lawnmower" God; instead, reach for Him in time of need!

Often our sins & troubles keep us in darkness and can feel like death.

But when we ask Jesus for His help, in faith and with expectation, He can change 

that feeling. Then we feel like we have emerged into the light of life.

Grasp that feeling today!! 

In Philippians, Paul advises us to think of the good, praiseworthy, and righteous

things Jesus teaches about. Being children of God, these thoughts will then lead 

us to act upon those things in accordance with His teachings. The peace of 

God will then be evident in us.

While in prison in Rome, Paul had every reason to be anxious.

Instead, he endured his hardship, with God's help, and found the peace of Christ.

In this way, we too can find joy no matter what our situation.

Pastor Chris explains in today's message.

Moving on can be difficult; past guilt or pain can affect our relationship

with others & with Christ. To grow & mature as Christians, we need to press on 

toward better knowledge of Him. However, we needn't completely forget our past

because that which we experience can often help comfort & aid another.