I hope that you are enjoying this very beautiful spring. The flowers are blooming, the wrens and other birds are building nests and the world is coming alive after winter has passed. This is a beautiful world that God has placed us in, too beautiful to ignore. I know that all of us have plenty to do and that some of it is urgent. I understand that we all live busy lives. I have a list in my head of things I need to do and things I want to do. However, the things I need to do seem to always come before the things I would like to. There is a danger that we will be so busy with the things that life demands, or seems to demand, that we miss out on some of the more important things of life. One of those important things is to stop and take a moment to enjoy the moment. We tend to overlook the fact that we have this moment, the next moment is not guaranteed. So do yourself a favor, take time to look and listen to the sights and sounds of this day which God has given you.
       What is your favorite book? I know that the expected right answer, at least to a minister, is the Bible. If that is your answer then I have a question. How often do you read your Bible? But, how do you read the Bible? When I was about 10 years old I read the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. I do admit to skipping lots of Leviticus, they were talking about a good many things that I really didn’t understand. (Truth to tell there were a good many things in that book I wish I did not understand now!) The apocalyptic and eschatological parts of Ezekiel, Daniel and Revelations also were not particularly helpful to me either, especially at 10 years old. Eventually, thank God, I got to the New Testament and began to find things that were essential and necessary for me to know and believe.
       So, what do I read in the Bible the most? That is a very fair question and easily answered. In the Old Testament I really like Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. I read Isaiah and Jeremiah the most of the major prophets. Among the minor prophets (I am not sure exactly who decided they were “minor” prophets) I particularly find Amos and Micah helpful. Those individuals who decry social justice really need to read those two prophets. God does care about the poor, the orphaned, the refugee, and the powerless, regardless of what is the current political wisdom in our nation.
       I read the Book of Psalms and the Book of Proverbs more than any other books in the Old Testament. I cannot think of any situation in life that the psalmists did not encounter or write about. For wisdom, practical everyday guidance, I read at least a chapter of Proverbs every day. What led me to these two books? Jesus knew them intimately and many of his sayings are found in Psalms and Proverbs. 
       In the New Testament, The Christian Bible, I love the Gospels, especially Luke’s gospel. The epistles of Paul, especially 1st Corinthians, Philippians and Ephesians speak to me in ways that I cannot adequately explain, but God speaks to me in their pages. 
       I do not focus on the parts of the Biblical writings that are difficult to understand. I am not interested in the exact nature of how God will end His creation. Why? Because I know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The times are in His hands, not mine. And realistically, unless I am guilty of the sin of pride, I am sure that God will take care of His people. For me, at least, that is enough. Your Bible, read it!
       Easter is drawing near – April 20th – and preparations are underway for our celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Holy Week Services & luncheon will be April 14th to 18th. The Community Easter Sunrise service will be on our front lawn on Sunday, April 20th, beginning at 7 a.m. Traditional Easter Service at 11:00am.
       Our attendance numbers at morning worship are holding steady, and actually increasing. Your church needs your support. It is not the same when you are not here.
 
Grace and Peace, Ben