Even In The Darkness

Joyce and I continue to enjoy the Arizona sun and warmth. We saw what was called the largest Easter pageant in the world on Tuesday night. It reminded us of some of the Easter dramas that ARC in Luverne did during our ministry there though on a larger scale. There were some of the same type of scenes, questions and inspiring dialogue. This one was outside and attended by thousands of people. They estimate 7600 people a night. We look forward to a Good Friday service and Easter worship.

Brennan Manning in Reflections for Ragamuffins writes the following insightful thoughts:

"At this moment many ordinary men and women just like you and me are being invited to enter into the rhythm of loss and gain. In each of our lives, there no doubt have been periods of fervor when we could almost touch the goodness of God. We have enjoyed various religious exercises, precious securities for many of us, in which it was a joy to be in His presence. Perhaps all this has now changed; we seem to have lost Christ and we fear he might never return.
      But the gain is never far away. God's love and mercy are too great and too lasting to depend on the rise and fall of his frail creatures. Clouds may shroud our soul in darkness, but above them the sun shines brightly; God's mercy never fails. Those who grasp the real meaning of this truth find Christ in a new way. This experience marks the beginning of a richer life in which joy and peace flourish even in the darkness, because they are rooted not in superficial human feelings, but deep down in the dark certainty of faith that Jesus is always the same.
     Happiness and sadness may play havoc with our emotions, but once we learn that God dwells in darkness beneath the shifting surfaces of our souls, we know that that is where we must go to find him. There we will pray in peace and silence, attentive to the God who never changes."

Two verses from Isaiah 30: "Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." verses 20-21

May the joy and peace of Jesus be with you and help you whatever you are feeling that you might experience the power of resurrection life that is found through the living Christ.