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-Small Groups -  Click here for information or to sign up for a Small Group

-The Music Man will be presented as our fall theatrical event...click here (www.ChristMemorialProductions.org) for full details and audition information. 

      Performances: November 13, 14,15 at 7:30 pm and November 16 at 2:00.

      Auditions: August 16 and 17 from 1- 5 PM..

Devotions

A Piece of Wood

Sweetens the Bitterness

Readings: Exodus: 15:22-27 and Luke 23:33

Sometimes life can be bitter. The children of Israel certainly experienced that during their many years of Egyptian bondage (Ex. 1:11-14). Then after they were freed from slavery, they marched three days into the desert only to find more bitterness at Marah (Ex. 15:23). Job also knew of life’s bitterness. He writes, “If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sands of the seas” (Job 6:2- 3).

What is the bitterness in your life? A financial setback? A prolonged sickness? The death of a loved one? What are you doing about it? The people of Israel complained (Ex. 15:24). That is the most common response. Even Job, proverbially known for his patience, did his share of complaining (Job 19 and 21). It did not help him any.

Complaining is rarely helpful. What did Moses do? “Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet” (Ex. 15:25). Rather than wringing our hands and complaining, let us follow the example of Moses. Let us turn to the Lord. He will help us just as He helped Moses. He also will show us a piece of wood—not just any piece of wood, but—the wooden cross on which Christ died.

The crucifixion of Christ is God’s guarantee of His never failing love. Because of Christ, we know that God is with us. He loves us and He will strengthen us no matter what comes our way. God does not promise to take away life’s difficulties. Nor does He promise that we will always understand life’s troubles. But He has promised to always be with us, to comfort us, to strengthen us, and to give us the ultimate victory (Ex. 15:1-18; Ps. 27, 46).

If He is with us what can harm us? Or as St. Paul says, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him. . . . He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things” (Rom. 8:28, 32).

This is why, even though St. Paul knew about the bitterness of life (2 Cor. 11:24-28), he could still write, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). This is not a naïve, Pollyanna, optimism—but a faith, which clings firmly to Christ who died on the wooden cross for you. His cross—His death—sweetens life’s bitterness.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank You that You are always with me. When bitter times come help me to look to You for my comfort and strength. Sweeten my days with the assurance of Your love. I know You will never disappoint me. Amen.