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ashes and heroes


Ashes remind us of death and repentance in the tradition of those who follow Jesus.  It is not pretty, or at least it is not meant to be.  Honestly, this ought to be an act of humility as we prepare ourselves for Easter and the understanding that Jesus gave His life for ours.  Literally there was an exchange.


We aren’t worthy, but Jesus made us worthy.  Ashes remind us that we have been forgiven and enter a new life by the act and sacrifice of the only savior.  Jesus is the savior, our friend, God in the flesh and so much more.


He is a hero to say the least.  He was common we are told.  Many verses in the Bible before his before and after let us know that Jesus came from a common home and led somewhat of a common life until His ministry began.


Hero is not a term we use for Jesus.  But He was just that.  Or Jesus is just that.  Hero.


Hebrews 10:10  NLT

For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.


Psalm 16:3  NLT

The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!


I start a new series this coming Sunday titled #HopeHeroes and reminds us that it is common people that make the biggest difference.  Not superman or wonder woman.  It is people like Mother Teresa and Dave Ohlerking and Cornelia.


One of those names you know.  You might know or have heard of Dave.  You know what Mother Teresa did to make a difference.  She was common and made a huge difference.  Dave started a ministry to orphans because of Aids in remote areas of Africa where few people seemed to care.


Then there is Cornelia.  She was one of those little old ladies you meet at church.  She baked and loved spending time with her friends praying, working on mission projects and serving others.  She served be by renting me a room in her home.  But what she really did was pray for me and help me be stronger than ever.


Common people can make uncommon differences.  Every day people can make an eternal difference.  Not because you are strong or special, but because you follow Jesus you can make a difference.


Over the next month we will be talking about, and hopefully becoming, #HopeHeroes that are making a difference that will last forever.


Luke 6:40  NLT

Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

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