Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ,
May 1st, May Day, I am scheduled to watch a May Pole celebration at Congerville Elementary School. We celebrate birthdays, Mother’s Day, Graduations, promotions, and Memorial Day.
Our lives will be filled with all manner of good – yet what is true and eternal – important today and always?
“And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3 Our Lord is praying we will know the Father has given him power to give this life to all who believe.
How clear and compelling is my witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus? Jesus’ love and forgiveness are wondrous and inviting! How am I making him known? Our culture questions the authenticity of Jesus Christ and challenges the Gospel as “Good News” if it casts a call for change over the hearts and lives of the hearers. What would those who make demands give in return? Only Jesus gives back far more, pressed down, shaken together, running over abundantly than he asks!
Demands are made for the Church to approve and affirm everything folks choose to believe and practice. Is everything good, right, healthy, true or eternal?
Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, ‘You will be made free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” John 8:31-38
Jesus gives us the privilege of living eternally today and everyday, assured of his gift of life and salvation with his promise of a place with him eternally. He offers us freedom from sin, death, and condemnation, the bad news of life. He gives us his Holy Spirit to empower us to live faithfully the life of loving God and others which is light in the darkness.
Life in Jesus frees us to celebrate each day with the reckless abandon of those who know our future is assured in God’s power and presence. We are empowered to love and live in this world to lift up Jesus and see him draw others to God’s love and mercy.
Celebrations in May provide us wonderful opportunities to share eternal life in Jesus’ love. Pray sincerely for those with whom you will celebrate. Before and during the celebrations, ask the Lord to empower you to listen in Jesus’ love to others. Enjoy the food, fellowship, and fun! Freedom and faithfulness in Christ enlivens our ministries of serving making Jesus’ love known. Share how Jesus’ love and presence changes life for us as we have opportunities to respond.
For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God. John 3:17-21
We are privileged to share God’s love wherever we go in this world, especially everyday life moments! Our celebrations may be full of joy, gladness, and purpose for family, friends, and new friends; loving all with Jesus’ love. Jesus has conquered sin and death, and we are empowered to shine his light and dispel darkness.
Celebrate with others this May – Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate eternal life everyday!
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ,
In Jesus, Paul and Nancy Wier