HAVE A GORGEOUS DAY

It is a another gorgeous day here. Yet, I know in other parts of our country and the world folks are struggling with hunger, homes destroyed, loved ones missing and all sorts of tragedies where the "son" does not seem to be shining for them.

Have you ever had that feeling that the crises of the world were coming down on you? That you were loosing everything? That you had been kicked in the gut or had the rug rolled out from under you? We who know the "son" realize that suffering is part of life. But we have the hope and assurance of a love so great that it suffered much more than we ever will for us on the cross. Our "son" shines every day for us. But we have to open our eyes and ears and hearts to his precious assurance. He is there for us regardless of what is surrounding us. Every day can be gorgeous with his love.

" Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time." PS 34 17-19 (Msg)

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HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME

What a glorious day today with clear skies, mild temperature, and soft breeze. Yes, this is indeed a day the Lord has made and we should be very thankful and enjoy it to it's fullest. I pray that other parts of our country are now all clear of the devastating weather that thankfully passed by us.

Spring brings out the coloring of the countryside from the greening of trees and grass to the colorful flowers that are beginning to bloom. It reminds me of life. We go through change and storms in our lives. We have our dark periods, but in faith we know there is hope for brighter days, clearer minds and more colorful lives. On earth we can expect difficulties. But when we focus on the Lord, we are assured that his glory is above all. He gives us  comfort, hope and peace. Yes, how majestic is his name!

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens." PS 8:1

BY HIS WOUNDS

"By his wounds we are healed!" Amazing. One person's torture and pain set us free to enjoy a peaceful life. Yet, how many of us actually live such a life? It's those recurring sins that hold us back. What sin are you addicted to? With God's help you can rid yourself of it. Focus on the sacrifice Jesus gave us and what that means.

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:3-4

As we conclude our Easter season, let's not forget the true blessing Jesus life and death represents for us. Let's show our gratitude in the life we live.

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PEACEFUL FRIENDSHIP

"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."Romans 14:19

This verse rang so clear yesterday as I spent time with a friend who now lives in Florida. I had walked in to a kindergarten orientation with my youngest son and stood next to a lovely mother with her kindergartener and two sons. In my younger years I was a blond. She looked over at me an asked, "Do you color your own hair? I just moved here from Florida and a friend and I used to swap dying our hair and I need a touch up."

So bleaching each other's hair was the beginning of a long term friendship. Every third Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon we spent about 3 hours at one of our houses with plastic gloves and hair coloring products. Our kids were the same ages and enjoyed playing together. I loved her like a sister and people in town just put us together. I was crushed when she had to move back to Florida. We have shared so many good times and tragedies together. She is definitely the sister I never had. We both loved peaceful and upbuilding relationships. I let my hair grow out about a year after she moved. I never found another friend who enjoyed swapping bleaches. And I cherish what I learned from her about peaceful friendship and building each other up.

HAVE YOU SHARED IT?

Have you ever run into people who are so hard to convince that something is real? They will argue and before long, you just walk away. Some just need a miracle to convince them of truth.
Following Jesus resurrection don't you imagine it was the hottest news going around. Chanel 5 was not there with a reporter on the scene, so it was spread by word of mouth. And we all know how that can be changed as it goes from person to person.
The Road to Emmaus" is one of my favorite accounts. These two men had heard to word and were sharing it with a stranger they met along the road. They were astonished by his wisdom and knowledge and imagine their shock when they discovered he was the person this news was all  about.
Jesus was with them bigger than life itself. How many people have you told this story to?

" He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”  And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Lk 24:25-27

" When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”Lk 24:30-31

And they rushed back to Jerusalem to share their experience!!!

THE WAY OF SUFFERING

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of His love
For you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

As I walked down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, I thought about the path of suffering of our lord. I had a good night's sleep, but it was difficult for me to walk this narrow path that has received some modernization along the way.

I could picture the beaten, broken and bleeding man struggling with the heavy cross, but determined to do his father's will. Why did he do this? He did it for you and me. He suffered humiliation, intense suffering and pain for our sins. This man died for us. Who would you die for? Would you die for him?

This famous walkway that led to our forgiveness and eternal life now leads to the Muslim marketplace before ending at the church that sits over where Calvary was to have been. Interesting, the Lutheran Church is located across the street.

But we walk that road with him each time we reflect on his love for us. Tonight we remember the journey as we celebrate Good Friday by reviewing the signs of the cross. We really don't need to review this road once a year, but it helps to be reminded of his passion and great sacrifice for us. Remembering this, we want to life the life he planned for us and be grateful. We remember the 10 commandments, but let's live his greatest commandment....THAT WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

BE WAKEFUL

I woke up to watch the lunar eclipse the other night but could not stay awake through the entire show of one of natures wonders. I remember the story of Jesus disciples sleeping when he asked them to watch and pray. I wonder, "could I have been faithful to remain awake and praying?
Oh, would I fall into temptation? Is my spirit willing, but my flesh weak? I am very sorry that I have to say yes to this question. That's why I need my savior. I need him to lift me up above my sinfulness and to strengthen me to be obedient to God's will. I can not do it alone. Yes, he died that I may live obediently through his grace.

Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. "Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand." MT 26:40-46