Jesus died for his executioners sins too....

FAITH

Matthew 27:1-66

The Jewish leaders decided that Jesus must die. Because they were not allowed to execute anyone, they turned him over to the Romans. Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate (governor of Samaria and Judea from A.D. 26-36)prior to his crucifixion.

Jewish leaders refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah and insisted that Pilate execute him. Yet Jesus died for their sins, and ours too.

Six hours. One Friday.

Let me ask you a question; What do you do with that day in history? What do you do with its claims?

If it really happened... if God did commandeer his own crucifixion...if he did turn his back on his own son...if he did storm Satan's gate, then those six hours that Friday were packed with tragic triumph. If that was God on that cross, then the hill called Skull is a granite  studded with stakes to which you can anchor.

Those six hours were no normal six hours. They were the most critical hours in history. For during those six hours on that Friday, God embedded in the earth three anchor points sturdy enough to withstand any hurricane.

Anchor point #1~My life is not futile. This rock secures the hull of your heart. Its sole function is to give you something which you can grip when facing the surging tides of futility and relativism.... Someone is in control and I have a purpose.

Anchor point #2~My failures are not fatal. It's not that he loves what you did, but he loves who you are.... The one who has the right to condemn you has provided the way to acquit you. You make mistakes. God doesn't. And he made you.

Anchor point #3~My death is not final. There is one more stone to which you should tie.... It blocked the door of a grave. It wasn't big enough, though......He only went in to prove he could come out. And on the way out he took the stone with him and turned it into an anchor point.... Tie it to his rock and the typhoon of the tomb becomes a spring breeze on Easter Sunday.

There they are. Three anchor points. The anchor points of the cross.

(from Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado)

Some people would rather see Jesus dead than controlling their lives. What room in the castle of your life (career, family, church,) needs to be placed under Christ's control? Don't hesitate a day. Pray now. Give your life fully to him.

Jesus' death saves us~John 3:14-17; 11:25-26; Romans 3:23-26; I corinthians 1:18; Colossians 1:20-22; Titus 3:3-7.

FRIENDS: 

Please pray for all ministers that are preaching the truth this Sunday.

Father,

We invite your assistance and guidance and powerful indwelling into the hearts, heads and minds of those sharing your gospel from the pulpit this Sunday.  We pray that if there are closed hearts listening to your words that you will open them and help them to see and hear what is important, what is eternal and what is lasting. And most of all let them feel your love for them.

 

FOOD: 

What to do with left over ham and veggies

An easy macaroni with ham and asparagus in a heavy cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. 

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups asparagus tips & stems, cut in 1-inch pieces, steamed (could use any left over veggies) 

2 tablespoons butter 

2 medium onions, chopped 

8 ounces diced ham 

1 cup heavy cream 

salt and pepper to taste 

1 lb macaroni cooked according to directions fresh grated Parmesan cheese to your taste

Could chop some hard boiled eggs and sprinkle on top PREPARATION: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, sauté onions in butter until pale. Add asparagus and ham and sauté for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream; continue cooking just until thoroughly heated. Pour over hot cooked pasta and toss with cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with extra cheese. Serves 4.

FUN:

A little boy was afraid of the dark. One night his mother told him to go out to the back porch and bring her the broom.

The little boy turned to his mother and said, "Mama, I don't want to go out there. It's dark."

The mother smiled reassuringly at her son. "You don't have to be afraid of the dark," she explained. "Jesus is out there. He'll look after you and protect you."

The little boy looked at his mother real hard and asked, "Are you sure he's out there?"

"Yes, I'm sure. He is everywhere, and he is always ready to help you when you need him," she said.

The little boy thought about that for a minute and then went to the back door and cracked it a little. Peering out into the darkness, he called, "Jesus? If you're out there, would you please hand me the broom?"