The Good In Good Friday

 Hey Friends,

It is Good Friday 2026. This is a Holy holiday for Christians. We remember the sacrifice of our Savior’s life on Calvary. 

He willingly became the Human sacrifice. His blood still flows today to cover all of our sins. 

Jesus paid a sin debt that you and I could never pay. I am a Christian, and His blood has been applied to my life. I can shout it from the rooftops, my sin debt was enormous. Today, I AM DEBT FREE!

On the cross, Jesus experienced rejection, scorn, pain and agony. He was beaten and bruised for our iniquity. Jesus bore the stripes from the whip so you and I could be healed. 

He did it all without complaint, but He had you and me in mind. I do not want to forget the precious gift that He gave us on Calvary!

I had a weekly email devotion show up in my inbox yesterday. It was asking the question, “What is good about Good Friday?”

This devotion was jam-packed with good food for thought. I did not think it would be right for me to share the whole thing here without permission. 

Here is just an excerpt. This comes from the pen of singer-songwriter extraordinaire Matthew West. I do not know Mr. West personally, but his way with words sure resonates with me. Join me in pondering this thought today. 

“The cross wasn’t good because of what Jesus endured. It was good because of what He accomplished:

sin forgiven,

shame erased,

hell defeated, 

and the love of God revealed

in every drop of His blood. 

That’s what makes it good. 

That’s why we call it Good Friday. 

Mathew West

Thanks for stopping by to visit on Good Friday!

Odie

Happy 7th Birthday Charles Ray Shoemaker

 Hey Friends,

Today is a big day for our family. Seven years ago, Charles Ray Shoemaker was born. His arrival changed our world and brightened our lives. He makes us all so happy with his love, smiles, hugs and antics. 

Charlie, we love you so much. You were an awesome addition to our family! Happy 7th birthday, buddy!

While we were in Mississippi last month, Mom and I were part of an early-birthday dinner for Charlie. We so enjoyed celebrating our boy that evening. I am thrilled that it worked out for us to be there.

Below are some pictures from Charlie’s 2026 birthday dinner. I also included some of my favorites from the Charlie archives.

Charlie Archives 2019-2026

Come Jesus Come

Hey Friends,

I hope you are having a great week. We survived March. Winter is behind us. Warmer weather had been teasing us. 

Through it all, we are a blessed people. I thank God for His blessings, peace and hope! Without God, we are all miserable. 

We live in a dark world that is sin-cursed. I rejoice that we, as Christians, have hope. This world is not our home. I am Heaven-bound. 

This song has lived in my brain for weeks. It is never far away from my thoughts. I find myself singing it daily. I also pray it a lot! Come, Jesus come!

Friend, if you are not a Christian and you wonder about the eternal hope that I am talking about. 

His name is Jesus! I encourage you to call on Jesus. He is waiting for you. You to can have Hope in Him!

Thanks for joining me today! Take a few moments to listen to this song and let it soak into your heart.

Odie

Come Jesus Come

Stephen Mcwhirter / Hank Bentley / Bryan Christopher Fowler / Tara Mcwhirter

Come Jesus Come lyrics © Capitol Cmg Paragon, Songs By That Dog Will Hunt

Sometimes I fall 

To my knees and pray

Come Jesus come

Let today be the day

Sometimes I feel 

Like I'm gonna break

But I'm holding on

To a hope that won't fade

Come Jesus come

We've been waiting so long

For the day You return

To heal every hurt 

And right every wrong

We need You right now

Come and turn this around

Deep down I know 

This world isn't home

Come Jesus come

There’ll be no war

And there'll be no chains

When Jesus comes

Let today be the day

He'll come for the weak

And the strong just the same

And all will believe 

In the power of His name

Come Jesus come

We've been waiting so long

For the day You return

To heal every hurt 

And right every wrong

We need You right now

(Come and turn this around) turn this around

Deep down I know 

This world isn't home

Come, Jesus, come

Come, Jesus, come

One day He’ll come

And we'll stand face to face

Come and lay it all down

'Cause it might be today

The time is right now

There's no need to wait

Your past will be washed 

By rivers of grace

Come Jesus come

We've been waiting so long

For the day You return

To heal every hurt 

And right every wrong

We need You right now

(Come and turn this around) turn this around

Deep down I know 

This world isn't home

Come, Jesus, come

Come, Jesus, come

Come, Jesus, come

Come, Jesus, come