What Really Matters

 Happy Son-Day, Happy Easter!!

Good News Always Served Here

The Day Jo and I Tried Korean Pot AKA K-Pot

What Really Matters

I wish you all a Happy Easter today.  This is my favorite holiday of the year.  The thought of the Resurrection always invigorates and inspires me about my most cherished relationship.  This lump of coal is being formed and polished every day.  

It also makes me remember the other relationships I cherish, namely YOU.  Such a privilege!

I recount this Pauline thanksgiving passage of divine and earthly relationships.  It points to the joy, renewal, fellowship, friendship, and deep change.  

Do me a solid.  Below, insert your NAME where the word "you" or "your" is highlighted.  

Philippians 1:3-11

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Never take any relationship for granted.  When courting my bride, as part of my woo, I always tried to present my best features, the way I walk, talk, and behave.  So that in my moments of lapse, my good would supersede my shortcomings.  You know, the old adage. . .

Above all things show an intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of faults (forgives and disregards the offenses of others) 1 Peter 4:8.

The memories of my past Easters and the original Easter remind me of Christ's love for me, and how He wants us to mimic that love with others. The challenge for us is sustaining a Christ-like, graceful love for others in a manner that draws people to you like bees to honey, even in times when you might slip up.  

It's a love that is overwhelming and charismatic.

Embrace this high standard of daily living. Your good character brings glory to your King.  If you are looking for what matters in life.  This is it.

Song of the Week - Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

"Matthew 28", 2006, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers, Album "Finale: Act II".

Jo provided this Easter Song.  It is classic Donald Lawrence leading this massive choir on Easter Sunday.  The song and theatrics are a lift and play more like a musical.

"Matthew 28" Lyrics

Destroy this temple and in three days, I will raise it up [x3]

Early Sunday morning, as the noon day was dawning,

Came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to the tomb.

Behold! There was a great earthquake! [x2]

For the angel of the Lord descended from Heaven

The angel of the Lord descended from Heaven [x3]

And rolled, rolled

And rolled,

Back the stone.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment was as white as snow. [x3]

And for fear of Him, the keepers did shake and became as dead men.

Fear not. [x3]

For I know ye seek Jesus who was crucified.

He is not here [x4]

For He has risen as he said.

Come

See the place where the Lord lay.

Fear not. [x3]

For I know ye seek Jesus who was crucified.

He is not here [x4]

For He has risen as he said.

Come

See the place where the Lord lay.

Remember how He said while He was yet in Galilee

I'll rise, I'll rise, Again [x4]

Alleluia [x3]

Amen [x6]