Intro: During Holy Week, seven staff members from Cypress Creek Christian Church will reflect on the same passage of scripture from Luke’s Gospel. Today, it is Jan Nash…
Scripture: Luke 23:33-34
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
Thought for the Day: Silence hung in the courtroom as the judge prepared to read the sentence. “Eighteen months in prison and three years probation.” Seized by a gut-wrenching agony, my friend stared at the young man convicted of driving while intoxicated… The same young man responsible for involuntarily taking the life of her nineteen year-old son… The same young man whose life was changed forever.
I can still hear the horror in her frail and weak voice when she called to tell me her son was killed in a drunk driving crash. But I can also still hear the radiant peace in her voice one year later when she said, “I’ve forgiven him.”
Twelve years have passed and my friend is now the director of an organization combating intoxicated motorists. Her passion is fueled by the love for her son and the choice to forgive the young man who took his life. Her choice to forgive has blossomed into a God-purpose life, saturated with blessings. Forgiveness is a beautiful element and one of the stepping stones to becoming more like Christ.
Prayer: Merciful and Forgiving God, open my heart to understand the depths of forgiveness. Help me to release the hurt, anger, and bitterness that hinder the abundant and effective spirit-filled life you have planned for me. Kindle the courage within me to take that first step knowing you are right there by my side. In the grace-filled name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
TONIGHT
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Seder Meal Experience
7:00pm in the Gym
EASTER EGG EXTRAVAGANZA
FRIDAY
10am – Noon
TOMORROW
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
“The Man in the Middle”
7:00pm in the Centrum
…and don’t forget about:
