Weekend Sermon

     Welcome once again to another week of the Weekend Sermon.  It's good to be with you today after a very difficult week.
     In today's message, I just want to reflect on some of the verses that have meant a lot to me recently.  A couple of them have been verses of the week.
     First of all, I want to say that this is a hard day for me.  This is the day that my Mom passed away a few years back.  September 19, February 17 and June 5 aren't good days for me.  They represent the loss of those I loved the most.
     On these days, I am reminded of the words of Jesus.  When Jesus went to raise His friend Lazarus from the dead, Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life.  He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
     These words of the Lord Jesus give me the assurance that all of those who are followers of Jesus will be with Jesus for ever.  Although my loved ones are gone from this earth, they are alive with Jesus in Heaven right at this very second. 
     When Jesus died on the cross, He bore our sins in His body.  He was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world.  On the cross, Jesus paid the sin debt.
     Through His resurrection, Jesus took care once and for all of the consequences of sin.  Through His resurrection, Jesus defeated death and and the grave.  Death holds no sway over those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
     I miss my Mom dearly.  However, I take comfort knowing that she is safe with Jesus.  She no longer suffers from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.  She is in perfect health in a perfect place with her Lord and Savior.  One day, I will be reunited with my family again.  All the praise and glory for this belongs to my Lord and King Jesus Christ.
     On another note, I've faced some very great difficulties at work these last few weeks.  The supervisor at work is very hard to work for.  I won't go into all of the details, but I don't know how long I will be able to work at my present job.  This really hurts me, because it took so long to find a job when I was unemployed, and I am just now starting to really get back on my feet financially after a long hard struggle.  I would appreciate all of your prayers concerning this at this time.
     During this time, I have tried to concentrate on Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount about not worrying.  I know from the words of Jesus that I am in the Father's hands.  Whatever happens, ultimately,  the Lord will take care of me.  I have to trust in Him and let Him guide me and provide for me. 
     After the struggle of the past few years, I'm still here, and that is only because of the grace and help of Jesus.  I need to trust in Him and keep on going.
     Another verse that has been very important is the verse in Romans that states that there is no condemnation in Jesus.  After being ridiculed at work because I suffer from health problems, it makes me feel great that Jesus loves me.  He does not condemn me.  He loves me for who I am and for what I am.  I have come to Him.  He is my Lord and friend, and He will not cast me out.
     If any of you are going through a hard struggle, please realize that Jesus is always with you.  People will fail you and turn on you, but Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.  He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.  Others may try to run you down and make you feel bad about yourself.  Remember this.  You are dearly beloved by the Lord and Master of the Universe.  What could be better than that?
    Finally, with the disease and war that seems to be everywhere across the globe, I have been reminded this week that things will not always be this way.  Jesus promised that one day He would return to this earth to rule and reign in righteousness.  All of the old would pass away, and all things will be made new.  When Jesus returns, all disease, pestilence and injustice will cease.  Humanity will study and practice war no more.  Please come quickly Jesus.  We need you.
     Just a few thoughts.
    Next week, I will post the verse of the week on Monday and a review on Wednesday.  The Weekend Sermon will appear either Friday or Saturday.
    Before I close, I would ask you to pray this week about a few things.  Please pray for an end to the Ebola crisis in Africa.  Pray for peace in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine.  Please pray for me that the Lord will provide the answers.  Thank you for reading the blog.  May God bless you.