Pray First Updates

“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28

Today we are halfway through Passion Week. Palm Sunday was a celebration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and now we look to Resurrection Sunday to celebrate His triumph over death. But in between is Good Friday; the day we remember Jesus’ sufferings for us, which led from death to life.

After hours of prayer to the Father in Gethsemane, our Savior was betrayed by the ones He loved and accused of a crime He did not commit. The Jewish religious leaders wanted Him dead, and stooped to false witness to try to convict Him of blasphemy (Which was impossible, for He was indeed the Son of God). After illegitimate trials in Caiaphas’ palace, and hearings with Pilate and Herod where no fault was found in Him, the choice of Jesus’ sentence was given to the people. 

The torture of crucifixion was gruesome and humiliating enough; but it was not just the scourging and the nails He felt. Jesus was mocked and rejected by the very ones He came to save. Hanging on the cross, He bore the weight of every sin that ever had been and ever would be committed by every human to walk this earth. And after hours of unimaginable pain, Christ allowed His mortal body to die. 

And through those events, prophecy was fulfilled (Isaiah 53). 

But what now? Why all this sorrow?

The disciples were scattered, grieving, confused. Peter had denied Jesus, Judas was dead. Jesus, the man they had followed for years and believed to be the promised Messiah –the Son of God– now lay dead in a borrowed tomb. He told them plainly that these things would come to pass, but they did not comprehend it. 

Isaiah 53:5 tells us, “by His stripes we are healed.” Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)

But where is the hope if Jesus is dead?

Thank God that the story doesn’t stop on Friday.

Through a relationship with God, we find peace. Peace not of the world, but an abundant, soul-filling, joy-producing security in our position before Him (John 14:27).
Jesus died–and rose again–breaking the shackles of sin and death so that we could be free. 

No longer do believers need to go to a priest or sacrifice the blood of an animal to atone for their sins, for the temple veil was rent, demonstrating that we now have direct access to the Father. No longer is godliness reduced to religious adherence to a “checklist of externals,” as Tozer writes. 
When we come to Christ in repentant faith, rejecting the chains of sin, He will give us deliverance and rest. By the power of the Spirit we are made alive, and given a new heart that is able to love and serve Him.

Do you know Him today? If so, praise God! 

Those of you who are in Christ; are you living the abundant life He offers you as a liberated Child of the King? Or are the cares of this world holding you back? Jesus died so you could live abundantly in Him (John 10:10); you are in bondage no longer– So live like it!

Let’s go deeper this Easter season. Forget the candy, flowers, and frills. Friday we remember, but Sunday we rejoice. Weeping may endure for a night, but hope comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

If you are in need of rest today, come to the Savior. 

PRAISES

• God is continuing to provide more opportunities for Maranatha to host retreats for many new churches and outreach ministries, as well as opening doors with college groups.
• We have been able to host American Heritage Girls and Trail Life campouts, helping equip boys and girls to develop life skills and grow in their walk with Christ.
• Several new families are interested in volunteering with us during upcoming events.
• God has blessed us with the time, hands, and resources to begin renovating the Lodge Men’s room and kitchen storage area.
• God, in his timing, provided us a secondhand ice machine and commercial freezer, just when we needed it.

PRAY WITH US

• Pray that our staff and volunteers would grow in their walk with and desire for Christ, and delight in Him as they serve at camp and throughout their lives.
• For our upcoming Mother Daughter retreat, that the Lord would give the right message through our speaker and encourage the moms and girls to love Christ and seek Him together.
• For our staff as they plan to host young people for a prom event in May. Pray that the night would be enjoyable and God-honoring, and that any who are unsaved might come to Christ through our ministry.