Author: Michelle Brown

A family was watching the Easter Story on TV. The young daughter was deeply moved as Jesus was being beaten, tortured, and killed. She sat in silence and tears ran down her cheeks. Finally, Jesus was taken down from the cross. The daughter wiped her tears, and a big grin came over her face. Then she shouted, “Now comes the good stuff!”

This is Passion Week. As believers, we can’t keep from thinking about what Jesus went through for us on the cross. Friday, crucifixion day, was a horrible day. The Innocent, Jesus, died for the guilty. Peter, speaking to the crowd, declared, “and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to a cross. But God raised Him from the dead.” (Acts 2:23-24).

The cross was no accident. The death of, and crucifixion of, Jesus was a part of God’s incredible plan. Jesus knew that from the very beginning of time. “The reason my Father loves Me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” (John 10:17-18).

Easter is a reminder that Jesus loves you and me so much that He was willing to pay a debt He did not owe, because He knew we owed a debt we could not pay. And now we are invited to see for ourselves that the tomb is empty. He is Risen! Death, hell, and the grave could not hold Him down! Can I get an Amen? Happy Easter!

To Live is Christ,
Bro. Danny

The question we are all asking is, “What do I do now?” As the coronavirus is losing its grip on our lives, we want to know what we can or should do. The virus is still very dangerous. But, with many getting vaccinated, people are getting out and about more.

When asked, what are you going to do now, the answer seems to fall into these responses: yes, no, maybe so, positively I don’t know.

Please let me be very clear. I believe every individual has a right to do what they believe is best for them. And no one should be judged by their decision. Can I get an Amen?

I am sure of this. God loves His children. He is a Shepherd God that leads His sheep. In Luke 15, we have a picture of what God is like.

First, God is like a shepherd who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. What does He do? He leaves the 99 and goes out into the country to find the one lost sheep. He doesn’t return until he finds it.
Secondly, God is like a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. What does she do? She turns the house upside down and doesn’t stop looking until she finds it.

Last of all, Luke tells us that there was a father who had two sons. One of his sons left home and went out into the world and broke his dad’s heart. The young man, after coming to his sense, decided to go back home. How did his Father receive him? With open arms! He never stopped loving his son.

And God will never stop loving us. Does He know we had a tough year? Sure He does. Remember when God told Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? He wasn’t doing cartwheels about this assignment because he didn’t think he had what it took to accomplish it. That’s when God told him, “I will certainly be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)

We all need that reminder when we are facing difficult days. Was Moses filled with doubt and fear? I think so. Has there been times this past year that we too found ourselves afraid and anxious? Sure we have.
So, what are going to do now? I’m glad you asked. “But seek first his kingdom, and his righteousness, and see how God will meet your every need,” (Matthew 6:33, emphasis mine).

To Live is Christ,
Bro. Danny

Let me start by saying “Happy Anniversary.” You might be asking, “Preacher, what are you writing about?” I’m referring to the one-year anniversary of Covid 19.

Some of us remember where we were when we first heard about the seriousness of the virus. I do. I was driving home from church, listening to my radio. The Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team was scheduled to play the Utah Jazz that night. The game was cancelled, and the fans were sent home.
From that night on until now, life began to change as we know it. The year 20202 was most definitely a difficult year. Someone has rightly said, “Most people create their own crisis. But the Covid 19 was forced upon us.”

The good news is that we are seeing signs of things getting better. We most definitely are moving in the right direction. I’m not saying the storm is over, but I’m saying I do see the clouds breaking up, and I do see a glimmer of sunlight. Praise God!

As for Southmoore, our attendance is going up, week to week. We hade 92 in worship last Sunday. God’s people not only are attending services, but they continue to support the church through their tithes and offerings. Your giving truly is a testimony of your love for the Lord and this church. Southmoore is the best! I’m humbled to be your Pastor.

Please continue to pray for me and my battle with bladder cancer. I completed my 6 treatments a couple of weeks ago and will be having a scope to see if there are any signs of cancer cells or new tumors on March 24^th. I believe I am cancer free! I’ll keep you posted.

As far as the water damage in the church, the carpet in the sanctuary will be replaced. It does appear that the tile in the foyer and in the hallways will be replaced also. That has not been confirmed, but we should know in a few weeks. The best news is that we are blessed that the damage is not any worse than what it was, PTL.

The signs of spring are all around us. We can already see the transformation. What about you? Would you be open for God to give you a new beginning? If not – why not?

To Live is Christ,
Bro. Danny