29 March 2009
Dear Bethel Family and Friends: (E-Mail Version)
I took my suit to the cleaners recently. The man at the counter looked about as sour as anyone I’ve seen lately. He had all the charm of cold, overcooked broccoli. It wasn’t just the lack of a smile, he looked pure mean. I was glad when I could leave.
People that wait on the public can easily have all of the happy sucked out of them early in the day. Truth is, the public often makes unreasonable demands and puts blame where there is no fault. Perhaps my friend at the counter has had too many years of this.
One day I decided to take the Reader’s Digest challenge and smile at everyone I met. It worked pretty well except for the guy at the stoplight. He wasn’t quite sure about me. I like what the little girl said: “Mommy, he didn’t have a smile so I gave him one of mine.”
…
In preparation for Easter, pastor Dan has prepared several messages about Christ’s words on the cross as he was being crucified. Reading from Luke 23, Christ first said,” Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” At first glance, it would appear this was a prayer for those in the immediate vicinity but it went far beyond that. Included were all those having brought Him to this point…the people, the religious leaders, and the Romans. By extension, because Christ died for all sins, past, present, and future, that would put us among those for whom He prayed.
Then, in answer to the plea of the second thief that Jesus remember him also, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise.” This last-minute show of faith by the thief, and Christ’s response, is more than adequate proof that eternal salvation is the result of faith, and faith alone. Let no man say otherwise.~~
Let’s pray for our national leaders, both military and political. It seems that our nation is swimming in uncharted waters and God’s intervention is sorely needed.
Love…Larry Buhler