In my sixth decade of life and closing in on my fourth decade as a pastor, I hope I’m not turning into the stereotypical codger saying, “Get off my lawn, you blank-ity-blank kids.” Life could easily devolve if I lose my Center. Fixing my eyes on the Jesus of Easter is my only hope.

The church isn’t fair. Nepotism, cronyism, fundamentalism, materialism and a host of other bad “isms” infect the church. I need to constantly remind myself Jesus is the way.

Church leaders (both lay and clergy) have flat out lied to me. Not little white lies. Big black lies. I get it. The church is made up of people and people are people and sometimes people bare false witness. That’s why it’s so important to focus on Jesus. He is the Truth.

People are angrier. Less respectful. Have greater expectations and less patience. It can suck the life right out of you. That’s why it is so important to remember that Jesus is the Life.

I’ve been figuratively punched in the stomach plenty of times. I’d heal quicker from a literal punch. Jesus takes care of His battered sheep. He is the Good Shepherd.

It’s easy to get distracted. I’m at my best when connected to Jesus. He is the Vine.

When depleted and defeated, hungering for truth and justice, it’s Jesus who fills me. He is the Bread of Life. 

In dark times, and there have been dark times, He rescues and redeems. Jesus is the Light. 

When I feel boxed in, trapped by life’s circumstances, through him there is peace. Jesus is the Gate. 

This Easter season, I need to be reminded, maybe more now than ever, He makes the impossible possible. Jesus is the Resurrection!

I’m still trusting in the GREAT I AM.