Sunday, March 25, 2018

WHAT AM I SHOUTING

This morning the preschool children at my church sang for the church and waved small palm branches shouting "Hosanna".  This year, just like those past, I sat and wondered what I would have been doing, if I had been in Jerusalem on that Passover week so long ago.  There is no doubt, my Savior knew exactly what He would be facing at the end of the week.  I wonder if He even heard the voices in the crowd shouting "Hosanna?" I wonder if He looked past the praises the people were raising to see their hearts capable of unspeakable things? I wonder if in the midst of the cheers He already heard the jeers of "Crucify Him"?

The contrast of these cries highlight the fickle nature of public opinion.  If social media has done nothing else, it has shown us how quickly people can turn on one another. But yet, most of us spend endless hours trying to fit in and be a part of a particular perceived popular group.   There have been times in my life when I have worked so hard for the applause of men, never considering the applause of the man with the nail scarred hands that purchased my life.

People change their minds and try to change the definition of truth.  What was once considered shameful is now celebrated during prime time.  Words once bleeped out are now considered necessary to complete a sentence.  Where is my truth supposed to be found in days such as these?I supposed it is found in the same place it was on that Passover Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem.  It is found in the heart and teaching of Jesus, in the scrutiny of Scripture and in the leading of the Holy Spirit.

As I walk through this Holy Week, I'm going to slow down and listen for His applause.  I'm going to seek out His Truth in the Bible.  I want to do more than just make noise in my Savior's ears.  I want to truly praise Him from the depths of my heart and soul that He purchased on Calvary.


Wednesday, March 14, 2018

IT’S ANOTHER NEW THING!


See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19

I don’t know about you, but change is a bit difficult for me.  I like things the same.  Right now, there are very few things in my life that are the same as they have been.  We have a new address, I’m having to make new friends, the geography is different, and I seem to have a new wrinkle or gray hair every time I look in the mirror! 

This weekend I thought a great deal about “new” things.  I realized that if we are walking correctly in our Christian journey, God is always going to be doing something new. I believe if we are to do things right, we will constantly be challenged to expand our mission fields and be open to opportunities to serve. 

The word for new in the verse from Isaiah is chadash.  It means new or fresh.  While I might not love to change, I do like the idea of a fresh work from God.  I believe for the new or fresh work to begin, we must let go of the old.  There is just no time or place for a tug of war between the past and the present, if we are going to go places with God. 

In this “new” season, I ran across something I had written years ago in another “new” season.  It encouraged me again today and I hope it does you.

LIVING IN THE LAND OF PROMISE

I’m looking out my window, Lord, on a place I don’t recognize

It’s hard to see the Promise around the tears falling from my eyes.

You’ve got a mighty plan, Lord, even I know that it’s true,

But the task I’m facing now seems far too difficult for me to do.

I am way out of my comfort zone and feeling out of place

Are you positive about the Promised Land being located in this space?

Just like your other children, I am thinking I loved the place of bondage more,

But no doubt about it, Lord, you definitely shut that door!

The manna you fed me on my journey was a fine way to eat,

The clouds that gave me directions made me sure upon my feet.

Moving to the Land of Promise seemed easier somehow…

Than living in the Promised Land you have given me for now.

Help me unpack my heart Lord, and really settle in

Help me to accept where I am and not long so much for where I’ve been

You have told me over and over about the plans of Your heart,

Thanks for reminding me that my Promised Land is any place where You are.