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“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.”
—Deuteronomy 7:9 (NRSV)

One day, a pastor visited a farmer who was a member of his congregation. As the pastor stepped out of his car, he noticed a windmill on the barn with an inscription. Squinting, he could just make out the words: GOD IS FAITHFUL.                                                                                                                        “Do you mean,” the pastor asked, “that God’s faithfulness depends on the direction the wind is blowing?”                                                                                                                                                                     “No!” said the farmer. “It means that no matter which way the wind blows, God is faithful.”

Beloved, this is Holy Week—the culmination of our Lenten journey that began on Ash Wednesday, February 18. You may remember the sermon emphasis: “Clean Dirt Wanted.” And you likely recall the words spoken during the imposition of ashes: “From dust you came, and to dust you shall return.”                                                                                                                                                                     

So, how was your journey this Lent? What did you give up—if anything? Some gave up meat, rice, or chocolate…the list goes on. I once read a church sign that said, “Don’t give up church for Lent.” That still preaches. I want to believe that people genuinely desire to grow in faith—to experience that sanctifying and satisfying relationship with God. But remember, it is a relationship—and relationships go both ways. As the story reminds us, God is faithful. The deeper question is: Can God say the same about us?                                                                                                                                                                             

Last Sunday, March 29, we reflected on the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–11). Jesus had a journey—and so do we. Lent is a journey…one that sometimes takes a lifetime.  You are invited to reconnect—to allow a consecrated moment to happen again, perhaps as if for the very first time. Life is far too short to live disconnected from the One who created us and continues to re-create us each day.

“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)  God gave His Son. The question remains: What are we willing to give?                                          

I look forward to seeing you during our Holy Week services and on Easter Sunday:

  • Maundy Thursday (Holy Communion) – Thursday @ 6:00 PM
  • Good Friday (Words from the Cross) – Friday @ 6:00 PM
  • Easter Sunday (Resurrection Celebration) – 7:00 AM & 10:30 AM

“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” —William Carey

Blessings from Pottsboro, Pastor Frank (alegria@lakewayumc.org)