One of the things that is clear, as we study the lives of those who followed Christ, is that, over time, their lives were changed.  Consider the amazing transformations:  Peter, who was impulsive and denied the Lord three times, became the apostle of steadfastness.  (The theme of steadfastness under trial is the main focus of the epistles he penned). John, who was known as a "son of thunder (a man with temper management problems) became the apostle of love (as evidenced in the epistles he wrote).  And Paul, who at first was a persecutor of the church, became one of the church's great apostles and missionaries.  In each of these cases (and in many others) through their relationship with Christ their lives were changed.  As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, I am convinced that our lives can be changed too...

Today is Easter Sunday.  For many, it will be a wonderful day of worship and fellowship with friends and family.  In anticipation of our grandchildren arriving this afternoon, one of my Good Friday goals was to mow the backyard.  (Get it in shape for a big Easter egg hunt). But about half way through the project the unthinkable happened:  the front wheel came off of my riding mower.  The "pin" holding it in place had snapped and wheel came completely off.  Fortunately, a friend came to rescue me.  The same thing had happened to one of his tractors and he knew exactly what to do.  In short order, he had me "up and mowing" once again.  But sometimes, things aren't that easily repaired.  Sometimes when "the wheels come of" we are faced with a true crisis...