Four months ago today I married my soul mate. Along with that union, I gained three beautiful stepdaughters and what has proven to be a very supportive and loving extended family. Their love and encouragement has surrounded our family with an onslaught of support that thrives in any situation. Between Steven and me, we have a total of six girls that range from four years to fifteen years old. We strive to incorporate Christian views into their lives so that they can make the best decisions that they possibly can as they grow into young ladies.
Our goal is to get Christian believers excited about learning God’s word. I can’t think of a better time of the year to get this started than right now, only a week after Easter. To many times that is one day that is much commercialized with the Easter bunny, painted eggs, and colorful baskets. Because of this, not often enough do we remember that this is the day that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior rose from the dead after enduring a horrid crucifixion only two days prior. Good Friday is not recognized as a “holiday” and that often makes me more than a little disgusted as I dredge through the daily tasks and commitments of work. Most of this past Good Friday I spent wondering how it must have felt for God to watch as his only begotten son shed his blood for our sins. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to live a sinless life only to pay for our sins. And his words, they amaze me.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” Luke 23:34
He prayed for the soldiers that did this to him! Because of this selfless act, one of the criminals that was beside of him, there for his own execution, was saved! Our Pastor in church this morning talked about how two people can be in the same type of situation. The situation that may destroy someone is the same situation that the other person may flourish in. The two men that were up beside Christ for their execution looked at this opportunity very differently. One of them taunted and tried Christ saying that if he really was Jesus then he should save himself as well as them. The other man realized that he was there, dying beside the King of Kings and accepted that into his heart, assuring himself eternal life after he took his last breath in that human body.
No matter what the situation or how bad it may seem, Jesus IS with us. When Jesus calms the storm in Mark it is a reminder to us in everyday life that while yes, at times it may be perceived that Jesus is “sleeping”, he is still there beside of us in our times of trials.
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no Faith?” Mark 4:40
Together as a family we will learn that Jesus walks along beside of us in everyday life and no matter what situation we must endure. We are opening our hearts and our doors to a bible study within our home every Monday night. I plan to follow along with this blog and there will be updates on our website as well at www.faithandfriendsbiblestudy.com. Please visit us there or on facebook.
“Yes, I am coming soon” Revelations 22:20
Shouldn’t we all be ready when he does come?!
Karen, this is GREAT! How does this Bible study work? Is it for your family or do you have other people join? You know Josh and Allison Branch have a huge heart and desire for small groups and as I read this I thought of you and Steven. Not trying to push anything, but I thought I would throw it out there!! You have to let me know more about this!!
ReplyDeleteWe invite anyone and everyone tat wants to attend! It has mostly been parents right now and one of my dearest friends (they are very supportive) but we would love to see this grow! I have Baleigh doing things with the children, I bought some read along Bible stories and they have done some Noah's Ark crafts so far. This gives the parents an opportunity to enjoy a little adult time while the little ones learn His word as well. If you get the opportunity please come one evening!! I will mention it to Allison too!
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