Wednesday, March 1st was “Ash” Wednesday.  This day marks the countdown to the Easter celebration on April 16th (40 days to Easter, excluding Sundays).  This is considered a time (lent) for many to reflect, fast and prepare.  Whether you observe this period (lent) or not, it is wise to consider and prepare where you will spend eternity.  As the psalmist said, “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” 

(Psalm 90: 12)   Death is not a popular topic.  We don’t like to really talk about it.  About the only time we really seem to address it, is at funerals.  But Jesus came preciously because of death!  He came to conquer death - mission accomplished!   The bible reminds us, “Death is swallowed up in victory…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15: 50-57)   Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

Life is so fragile.  Most of us prepare and plan to live a long time, but none of us know if we even have tomorrow.  David acknowledged this when he told Jonathan, “truly, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20: 3b)  - that is the harsh reality for all of us!   Yes, live the life that the giver of life has given you, but also live in a state of readiness (preparedness) to meet Him face to face at a moments notice!

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney