Why We Have Easter and The Dogwood Tree Legend

"Why We Have Easter and The Dogwood Tree Legend"

Weekly Encouragement

4/12/26

written by Frank Gupton

Lean on Jesus as you face the circumstance of the day. All people lean on, depend on something. Some lean on physical strength, intelligence, wealth, family and friends! Relying on any of these things is risky, because any of these can let you down! Instead lean hard on Jesus, your Strength and worship while leaning on Him! Like Jacob, when dying ...... worshiped, Leaning on the top of his staff, Hebrews 11:2. I'm leaning on my Staff! JESUS!

Do you know what happens by worrying too much about things that don’t matter?

That worry controls you.

Jesus asked in Matthew 6, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Answer: Nope. So why worry over things that add no value?

Do you know what happens when you allow yourself to be overcome by regret?

That regret controls you.

Isaiah 43:18, “Do not remember the things that have happened before. Do not think about the things of the past.” Besides, what good does it do? You made the best decision that you could. Let go of it.

Do you know what happens when you allow yourself to become indebted to another?

That debt controls you.

Romans 13:8, “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.” If you owe a debt, pay it. If they owe you, where you can, forgive it. Don’t allow anything to keep them from loving you.

Anger…well, it is likely the top dog in this group. And when you give into anger…heart rate goes up. Blood pressure goes up, muscles tense up and anxiety ramps up. You hurt people. You say things you can’t take back. You make decisions you can’t get out of.

That anger controls you.

Jesus said in Matthew 5, “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment…”

Worry, regret, debt and anger are all secondary to something else. You are easily overwhelmed, depressed and discouraged.

Disposition changes because of the burden. It’s bondage.

You can be set free. But that freedom only comes through Jesus. Maintaining that freedom simply requires that you be faithful to Him. And by your faithfulness, the Bible says in John 8, “…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

So follow Jesus. I won’t say all will be right in your world. But it will be made lighter.

-Pastor Butch

You can’t be this and stay in that.

If you think that you can, someone has lied to you.

You can’t become who God is calling you to be…and keep holding onto what He’s calling you out of.

At some point, something has to give.

• You can’t walk in freedom and stay bound to old habits.

• You can’t step into purpose while clinging to what’s familiar.

• You can’t grow spiritually and stay comfortable in compromise.

Tomorrow is Easter. We have heard the story of the Resurrection told many ways.

So if you hear nothing else, hear this.

Do not leave church this resurrection Sunday and return to who you were.

Find you a place tomorrow. You’re certainly welcome at ours.

Christian Fellowship Church

-Pastor Butch