Obedience = 153 Large Fish

On a quiet, cool Saturday morning, I listened and then read the passage of scripture from John 21:1-14.   I wonder what was going through the minds of those fishermen when they had fished all night and then someone who they didn't even recognize suggested that they throw their net over the right side to catch fish. No grumbling, no "he doesn't know what he's talking about, they just did it.  Was it because in their desire to catch fish, they would try anything or did "this man" have a voice of authority?

Immediately after "the catch", Jesus was recognized by "the disciple whom Jesus loved. 
Can I tune my heart and mind to hear the direction of Jesus in my life?  Will I be obedient to Him? 

Dear Lord, in the quiet of this morning, just like it was on that morning at the Sea of Galilee, help me to hear your voice directing me to the unexpected abundance you have for me....just when it seems hopeless after exahustive efforts...your faithfulness shines through.  Help me to take the time following that abundance to sit and share those blessings in your presence, just like this group of fishermen did around the fire.  You are Immanuel, God with us! Amen

From Mourning & Weeping to a Call to Action!

When Mary went to the tomb, grief overtook her.  We know that from the scriptures and also from the statement by the angels that were in the tomb.  In fact, I think she was so overcome with grief that she mistook Jesus for the gardener.  I'm curious about that...was it because of the difference in his appearance or was it because of her state of mind?  It wasn't until He spoke her name that she recognized him....the sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:4).  Then, instead of allowing Mary to continue in her grief, Jesus gave her a call to action.  Reading Mary's first words gives me chill bumps, "I have seen the Lord". 

I believe that this passage has huge implications for God's church at Faith.  No more weeping and grieving over what may happen-He has given us a call to action...Love God, Love Others and Share God's Love.

Dear Lord, Help us to hear your call to God's church at Faith (and the individual call to each of us).  Give us the same excitement as Mary when she said, "I have seen the Lord"!  You are Immanuel-God with us! Amen

What Now? Avoid Sklerokardia!

As I read through the gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and Ressurection this weekend, I kept thinking about what the disciples were thinking after the death of Jesus on the cross.  There is no mention of them until Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother or James and the others that were with them went to the tomb-

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.Luke 24:10

Mark's gospel states that they were mourning and weeping when the women came to tell them that Jesus was alive and that they did not believe. (Mark 16:10-11)

This must have been the longest 36 hours of their lives...then to hear the news that He was no longer in the grave.  What an emotional roller coaster!  No wonder they didn't believe...it was too much for them to fathom. 

I love Mark's account of  Jesus's reaction when He appeared to them while they were eating-

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. Mark 16:14

But, Jesus has work for us to do...we cannot allow our hearts to become hardened.  Because He lives, we have a part of "The Armor" that shields and protects our hearts-the breastplate of righteousness. 

Dear Lord, As we face the days ahead as your people of Faith, help us avoid "sklerokardia".  Keep our hearts protected with that breastplate as we keep our eyes focused on what you are calling us to do, Love God, Love Others and Share Your Love.  You are Immanuel, God with us!  Amen.
The word for stubborn (sklerokardia) means hardness of heart.  In a very short period of time, the disciples heart had become hardened. It appears that the same reaction could occur today when we receive news that seems unfair or experience a sudden change in our lives.

Maundy Thursday & Faith Foot-Washing

Hearing the scripture of John 13:5 this morning brought back memories of our pastor, Amelia, washing our feet at one of the services early in her ministry at God's church at Faith.  It was one of the most moving services that we have had.  Seeing one of the older men in our congregation walk to the altar bare-footed is a memory I will hold dear in my heart forever.  Now, as we have gotten the news that she will be called to another appointment, it is even more special to have had our feet washed by His servant,Amelia.  I wonder if the disciples had the same feelings when they heard that Jesus, who had washed their feet, was leaving them?We have been blessed by the messages Amelia has brought to us from God.  She clearly is intentional about listening and preaching His word. 

Jesus's instructions after He washed their feet was very clear-

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them  John 13:14-17

So, following the example of Jesus requires me to humble myself in service to those that God brings in my path.  I am also challenged to fix my eyes on Jesus, not on the messenger (a very good message for those of us that are grieving over the upcoming loss of our pastor). 

Dear Lord, as I listen to you today, help me to humble and see myself as washing the feet of those that you bring in my path each day.  Thank you for the wonderful service of your servant, Amelia.  Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You as we continue our journey at your church, Faith.  You are Immanuel, God with us. Amen

Worth the Tradeout

One of my favorite sayings is "Everything in life is a tradeout".  As I listened to the Stations of the Cross this morning on http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/ , and read the scripture from Mark 15:1-15, I am humbled to realize that Jesus knew what He would have to tradeout...His life for my sins.  He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Yet not what I will, but what you will".
Pilate traded out the desires of the crowd, Barabbas, as he handed Jesus over for flogging then crucifixion. 
What am I willing to tradeout to do the will of the Father?  Will I listen to "the crowd" or will I pray the prayer of Jesus, "Not what I will, but what you will"?

Dear Lord,
As I continue my steps toward the cross this week, the words  from Romans 12:2 speak to my heart:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Through the work of your Holy Spirit in my life, help me to tradeout the patterns of this world for the ability to know your will.  You are Immanuel-God with us.  Amen

From a Distance.....

As I continue to listen to the Stations of the Cross @ http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/ , the scripture in Luke 22:54-62 describes the scene in which Peter denies Jesus at the house of the high priest.  Verse 54 recounts how Peter followed "at a distance" those that seized Jesus and were taking him to the house.  Peter had just testified to his devotion to Jesus in the guest room at the Last Supper, "I am ready to go with ou to prison and to death."  Of course, Jesus already knew of Peter's denial and said as much after Peter's statement of devotion. 
While before the Lord, I confess my devotion and love, but do I follow from a distance when others are ready to mock him? 
Thank you, most loving and holy Lord, that despite my failings to stand with you, You still love and care for me as my Holy Father.  Help me to be bold through the power of the Holy Spirit and share Your love with those that are hurting...despite the costs or accusations. You are, Immanuel, God with us...Amen

Where Do I Fit in the Crowd of Betrayal?

As I begin this Holy Week, I am listening to the Stations of the Cross devotionals on http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/. As I begin the First Station, The Arrest of Jesus, I am challenged to think about where I would fit in the crowd that was present at Jesus's arrest (Mark 14:43-51).   There was the twelve (including Judas), a crowd armed with swords and clubs and the young man wearing nothing but a linen garment. 
I am fascinated by the young man wearing only a linen garment that flees naked when Jesus is seized. 
I tend to think that I might be that young man, dedicated to following Jesus, showing the world that I have sacrificed for Him ("Look at me, I'm only wearing this linen garment...I've given up so much"). But then, as Jesus is arrested, he leaves the sacrifice behind and flees.....
Dear Lord, as I continue my journey toward the cross this Holy Week, help me to be faithful to that which you have called me.  Despite what I will face on this earth, help me to continue to stand with you, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage me. Immanuel-God with us! Amen