It may be Friday, but Sunday is coming!

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As we face the problems and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, a modern-day plague, things may look bleak. But as with the plagues of the Bible, as well as most if not all the trials we face, this too shall pass. Indeed, God tells us, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV)

Imagine how black the future must have looked to the disciples of Christ (Yeshua), as they watched helplessly while their friend, teacher and leader—the promised Messiah and the hope of Israel—was arrested, mocked and scourged, and finally sentenced to death. Imagine their horror at seing their Lord brutally nailed to a cross and left there to die. Imagine the uncertainty they felt, hiding and fearing for their own lives, all their hopes and dreams seemingly shattered, with nothing left but hopelessness and despair; a dark question mark hanging over their lives and future.

Today, as we continue to follow the latest news, many of us may be feeling similarly fearful and hopeless. But we can take heart—and find renewed hope—just as the disciples did; because the crucifixion and death of Christ was not the end of the story.

On the third day of the greatest story ever told, two angels stood near Christ’s open tomb, asking “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Jesus is not here, but He is risen!” (Luke 24:5-6) And this is what we celebrate every Easter or Resurrection Sunday!

The Apostle Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14 ESV) Dear friends, our God is not dead, and therein lies our hope, even in seemingly hopeless times, for we worship a living, loving, merciful and hospitable God who cares about us. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25 NIV)

We, as individual believers, as the universal Body of Christ/Messiah, as a nation, and as citizens of the world, will also have our resurrection. The God of the Universe, who sent His Son in order to welcome us back into a right relationship with Him, is still in the “abundant life” business. He’s still here, and He’s still performing miracles. (John 3:16) So have faith and hang on to God’s promises.

Because He Lives

Because He lives I can face tomorrow

Because He lives all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives

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Happy Passover (Hump Day Hope)

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We can learn a comforting and extremely relevant lesson from Exodus 12. Here’s the lowdown: because Pharaoh refused to free Gods chosen people, the Hebrews, from slavery in Egypt, God sent ten plagues to convince him to “let His people go.” When pharaoh continued to refuse, a final, deadly plague befell Egypt.

God wanted to spare His people from this plague, so He instructed the Hebrews to kill an unblemished lamb and place its blood on the door posts of their homes. Then, when the Angel of Death came later that night and saw the blood, it would pass over these homes, and those dwelling within would be saved.

Today we face a modern-day plague in the form of COVID-19; but like the Hebrews, we too can apply the “Blood of the Lamb.” The Apostle John wrote of Jesus Christ, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29 NKJV) The crucifixion of the Messiah had been prophesied for thousands of years before. (Read Isaiah 6:1-2; 9:6-7; 11:10; 53:1-5 and Psalm 22.)

God still watches over His people, both Jew and Gentile. “[He is] the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) And just as the plagues in Egypt passed over the Hebrews, the Corona Virus can pass over us. So fear not! “Be strong and of good courage … do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you….” (1 Chronicles 28:20 NKJV)

Pray Psalm 91 over your family, yourself, and your nation. Read it aloud every day, to yourself and to those in your home:

“We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. This I declare, that He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting him. For He rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with His wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don’t need to be afraid of the dark anymore, nor fear the dangers of the day; nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning. …For Jehovah is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near? For he orders His angels to protect you wherever you go. …For the Lord says … ‘When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him My salvation.’” (Psalm 91:1-4; 9-11; 14-16 TLB)

Join us Friday for a Resurrection message.

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