Habemus Papam

Pope Francis

Yes, the Catholic Church has a Pope. As I watch him, I find a man of humility, a man who wishes not to call attention to himself, but to that of the downtrodden and poor. He called the former Pope, "brother" and knelt with him on the same kneeling bench to pray. He washed the feet of prisoners instead of priests. He chose to not live in the papal apartments. Very interesting.

I do wonder what our attitude is when it comes to ourselves. Are we "all about us" or all about others? How does the love of God fit into our lives on a daily basis? How does His love flow through us and into the lives of those around us? Is it something that is natural or must we work at it? How is the message of the gospel lived out in our lives? Do we consider that at least every other day? How close is our relationship to the one who made us and loves us enough to make a way to be with Him forever?

During this Easter season, as you celebrate the fact that Jesus gave His life for us, consider how you will give your life for Him. How will you live your life in a way that will point others to Him?

May the Holy Spirit of the living Christ guide you, dwell in you and bless you today, tomorrow and forever!

–Bro. Craig

Pope on the horizon

As the Cardinals meet to decide when to start and who they feel might be the best Pope, the world waits. We, as Baptists, may not cling to every puff of smoke that leaves the smokestack at the Vatican, but we do need to care about who the next Pope will be. Will he be one who speaks for the lowly, the downtrodden, the outcast? Will he be one who points people to living godly lives? Will he be one who deals with the problems the Catholic church finds itself in today? Will he stand for the truths of the word?

No, we don't agree with all the Catholic church believes, but a Pope who will speak truth to power can be a huge help in our world.

Who will he be, what will he do? Let us pray he is a man who follows God with all that he is and all that he has.