Pastors Jared and Jerrica's Thoughts

 Mark 15 //////////// Hope is Lost Today for our devotional, I wanted to think about what it must have been like to be a disciple of Jesus on Good Friday. I decided to write this devotional a little different, and I hope you can place yourself in the mind of Peter as we remember today this great work that God has done through Christ to save us from our sins.  Imagine. Imagine the call. You still remember the day he called you with two simple words, "Follow me." You thought he might be mistaken, why a fisherman? Yet, you left your home, your family, your job... You left everything to follow after him. Something in his eyes compelled you, something in his voice draws you in.  Imagine the road. You travel with him as he calls more followers- 12 in total. Could it be? 12 disciples, like the 12 tribes? This man is making a statement- we are starting over. The Kingdom of God is near. You think we are really doing it ! There is so much hope, so much excitement.  Imagine the witness.

Mark 14:12-72 ////////// The Lamb of God  Today is a particularly special day because it is Opening Day for Major League Baseball! Now, I'm excited about that, but you may not be. If you don't know this about me, I love baseball. I'm sorry that I'm not a Royals fan. I was thinking about baseball this morning and how it is "America's great past time." In honor of Opening Day, I thought I would give a baseball illustration for this devotional. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. Many of you might remember the week that the entire nation was on the edge of their seats, wondering if the Cubbies could pull it off. Entering game 5, the Cubs were down 3-1 in the best of seven series to the Cleveland Indians. Overcoming impossible odds, the Cubs came back and won an emotional game 7 in extra innings after a rain delay. If you watched the series, I'm sure you still remember it because it was one of the best sports moments in history. If someone watc