A Triumphant Plan

Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! 
Behold your King is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble and mounted on a donkey, even a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Palm Sunday is in a few days; the day we, as believers read in Scriptures of the Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem before the dark days to come. Zechariah prophetically proclaimed this event in the Old Testament. We read of it as well in the New Testament as it unfolds. 

At the beginning of the verse, we  see celebration, a proclamation to  rejoice greatly, to even shout! If technology availed itself back then, I guess "all caps" might be used or Instant messaging--Breaking News on our screens. 

 Let's gather together, celebrate. "Hosanna to the Son of David!" 

Let's welcome Him to Jerusalem, roll out the red carpet, clean up the town, fly the banners and cheer Him on! Whoo-hoo, Yeah Jesus of Nazareth! 

They placed their cloaks down on the ground for His donkey and the colt to walk over as well as cut palm fronds, a symbol of triumph, waving them as He passed by the crowds. 

In a week's time, this same crowd rallied for His arrest, His death, His demise. Their memory of a recent celebration gone as fast as the palm branches discarded. He no longer was recognized as a King, but as a blasphemer. 

After His triumphal entry, He went to the Temple where He witnessed a marketplace on the very Holy grounds meant for worship, to present sacrifice-- a place meant for serious spiritual work, a covenat Gift set up long ago. As before, the crowds were caught up in the opportunity to make a buck, take advantage of a crowd, disrespecting their tradition, their heritage, their God.  

Such fickle people. 

Oh, How I can be the same...

But wait, (there is hope).  Let's take a look at the rest of that verse from Zechariah. 

Behold!  That means..."Hey you, take a look again, pay attention, wait...there is more!"

Your King is coming to you!  Even in our wishy-washiness, our apathy, our "Yeah Jesus" one day and our disregard for Him the next day...Jesus is still our King, Lord, sovereign, in charge, Holy...RESURRECTED, ALIVE. 

He is JUST. We see that in the overturning of the money changers and their tables.  He divides right from wrong, holy from unclean, truth from fake news. Justice goes one step further though, He is ENDOWED WITH SALVATION! 

Endowed means to bequeath, establish, equipped to give. Our sin separted us from God. Yet, He made a way through His Son to bring back a relationship, a triumphal victory over all we have done in our fickle and sinful ways. 

We can see all this happening in Matthew, Chapter 21. Jesus comes to town with a great welcoming committee. Everybody is cool with HIm. "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"  He goes to the Temple and hands out some justice. Then, He does another God thing. In Matthew 21:14 it says that the lame and the blind came to Him and He healed them. 

Maybe our lameness and/or our lack of vision has left us. Is it a possiblity that we have forgotten that Jesus came to triumph over and establish truth and justice...a HOPE in us? 

BEHOLD, I am the the Hope of the world. 

Father God, as I read again this story, I am reminded of how quick we can get distracted, get caught up, plucked away by worldly desires and fears, removed to just the outskirts of our True Love. Uncertainty covers our planet in the form of a virus that spreads quickly, making us sick and possibly worse. Isn't sin exactly the same? Have we lost our fear of it? Justified some of it? Compromised to appease the masses?  We are mortal. We will all face death and in that, I thank you Lord for Victory over it! Jesus, forgive me for those times I am not seeing Your triumphant plan, for not always walking side by side in Your will, but lame in my own wishy-washy thoughts. I am thankful that in a humble prayer, the heavens celebrate our return and encourage us in our desire to continue to see You more and walk with You in triumph and victory. Thank you for turning the tables of sin over in my heart and ridding me of that which is unpleasing in Your sight, I am a work in progress!  You did that work of Love on the Cross and we as Believers, received the Victory that glorious Easter Day. As we stay safe in our homes now, away from worldy viruses and connection, may our hearts-- I pray, multitudes of hearts return HOME to You to receive open eyes and discarded crutches-- our excuses for not surrendering in our need. Help us to believe in every moment and not lose sight of Your triumphal plan. Hosanna in the Highest!  Amen. 

I found this palm today at a great price in the grocery store! 

{John Piper}

Courage, Dear Heart #love4lexi

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but my God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." 

A young teenage girl, the middle daughter of three lovely daughters from a local family, lies in a hospital bed, kept alive by a machine, awaiting a bittersweet miracle. She needs a heart transplant now. Her name is Lexi. Her favorite color is purple. She loves the Lord.

#love4lexi. 

Everyone is thinking about hearts. It is February after all. #love4lexi

A community is praying for Lexi,for her family, for this miracle. #love4lexi 

Her classmate and local phenom basketball player, LaMelo Ball dedicated his 92 points scored in one game to her this week. That made national news. #love4lexi. 

As I walked onto my high school campus (work) this morning, the signs were everywhere. BULLDOGS SUPPORT LEXI, #LOVE4LEXI 

She attends the other high school (Chino Hills High) across the valley. 

Huge prayer circles formed on both her campus and ours. Students bow their heads and hold each others hands, crying out to God for one of their...our own. She is everyone's #love4lexi. 

A family waits and prays; sleepless, drained, anxious, hopeful, fearful, faithful, and loved, held up by strength from the God they know is good and loving as well as caring family, friends, neighbors, church body and strangers. 
#love4lexi

...and I hear the words from many, because it is a fear of every parent to ever have to sit, pace, wait in the darkness of things, to watch their own son or daughter suffer, to know the odds, to place every ounce of their own heart, blood, soul and faith in their Heavenly Father and rely... out of default on the Holy Spirit to do your bidding because the numbness sets in, articulation is foggy at the least, adrenaline keeps our own breath too real and our thoughts and dreams... too intense. 

those words..."I can't imagine how (the family) they are feeling."  

And I don't answer that one, because this time... it is not about me. Let it always be about Love. 
#love4lexi

What I do know is that this is a family who knows the Lord, wherein lies their hope. What I do know is that God is good and His will is Good and Perfect. If Lexi lives, His will is Good and Perfect, if Lexi does not, His will is Good and Perfect. God's plan is good and perfect. Lexi is a miracle in the making. Lexi's purpose is for God's glory. 

And so we pray for Lexi, her family and for our own hearts. #love4lexi. 

The world's heartbeat skips and flutters away from a Holy place of surrender, but one heartbeat struggling, makes us catch our breath and refocus outside our own body. One hand joins another, one ball is continually passed to another, and lives touch other lives and Lexi touches ours as we bow our heads and hearts to a sovereign, loving God. 

And if we tell one another that God is love, and if we SHOW one another that God is Love and if we hold onto one another and encourage each because God is Love and if we humble ourselves before Him and allow Him to Love us too, we can know that God is Love, that He is good as we pray for His will, pray in His will.  #love4lexi. 

It still hurts, because love hurts too. Jesus experienced all the emotion of love, the deepest of hurts so He can love us in the deepest, most perfect way and then heal our own failures by teaching us how to love like Him. Though some things remain a mystery, His love is the portion of our heart that sustains the hope within us and gives us that eternal perspective-- a love-light seen through the gaps of our own the broken places. 

#love4lexi.  

Father God, we humbly come before you and ask for divine strength and healing for this young girl struggling to regain a heartbeat. We understand that one heart will be taken so that one can live. We pray for Your will in this. We ask for this family of faith, for your comfort and mercy in all the unknown days to come. May Lexi's life always be for Your glory and for our own reminder that our time is never promised but what IS promised...Your Love that is everlasting and Hope that heals. #love4lexi, #pray4lexi, Amen. 

Is It In You?

I Peter 3:15  "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts...


I know. It's only part of a much larger verse, a greater calling. The words before...commands.

Do Not fear...but

Do Not be troubled...but

So many of us have taken that first step of faith, believed, asked for forgiveness, know the promise of heaven. Praise God!  

And it ends there.  You are a beautiful butterfly never opening your wings. 

Oh, good deeds may abound, prayers may still be whispered at the beginning of the day, at the closing of heavy eyelids, at a table with the smell of food and appetites waiting. 

That "sanctify" part...What exactly does that...what do I have to do in order...how much time will it take...what will I have to...change?  Give up?

Complacency.

Apathy.

Excuses.

Comfort

Unwilling, unmoved, ineffective.

For me, the sanctification process became reborn within me, like a cut-off, half-dead branch grafted again to the Vine, after the "comfortable" burned up. I lived with the complacency, the apathy, the excuses and the ineffectiveness for way too long. Pink Floyd said it well, "comfortably numb." 

But the HOPE of God, though dormant, never left.

God reawakened in me a desire to deepen my faith and then live it out. I began to see and understand true Grace in a soul-changing purpose for me. That, my friend, is sanctification: the intentional pursuit and the resulting growth in that pursuit of all that is Holy, all that is purposeful, all that is inspirational and affirming--sojourning on the  path of His will and finding joy and peace in the process.

Alive again and active, my intentional asking and seeking, the nerve-endings of my soul surged with anticipation and longing for more. In that, God leads me to His comfort within the uncomfortablness of this world. 

For we may have the privilege of suffering for Christ.

The rest of that verse says this: "...always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."

I know the Hope of Christ. Because I intentionally seek it every day within my grief-stricken heart, God has refilled, re-purposed and recharged a passion, planted long ago by the Holy Spirit. I gravitate towards it and I run to it. His Word is alive and active, personally sanctifying and leading me in truth towards His promises. As Lord in my heart, I can't help but share.  I stand firm to make a defense, I invite the broken, the seeking, I  encourage the down-trodden, I pray with my sisters--together in the suffering and waiting; and I am embraced and loved by a community who lifts me up as well. I rejoice in the redeeming Love and forgiveness of my Heavenly Father.

For I am a sinner.

I am called for the very purpose that I might inherit a blessing!  (I Peter 3:9). Though I have suffered greatly, I have not been crucified. I have not held the very sin of every human being in the palms of my hands and left to die on a forsaken cross where even God, The Father turned His face away. Jesus Christ bore the ultimate suffering for me, for you. In the resurrection, He conquered death, the ultimate suffering--the result of my sin.

I am redeemed, blessed. I am a temporary resident, taking daily steps towards Him in the sanctification process.  One day, I will inherit all His promises. 

Thank you Lord for the Hope within me. May I use it in a way that only brings You the glory and may this same hope stir others to seek more of You than just simply believing; for You are made known through us. Your power and grace magnifies through the believers heart if we let it go and give it to You, full reign. I am thankful for the very first step, the belief. Thank you for stirring me up. Lord help us to continue to arise out of our own dark comfort and bask in Your marvelous Light. Amen. 

How Can I Not..?

Psalm 145: 1-5   "I will extol Thee, my God, O King; and I will bless Thy Name forever and ever. Every day, I will bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised..."

I am just going to write tonight what is on my heart. No less, no more, no mystery, no esoteric prose. It's all good, because God is good.

I can never love Him enough. Yet He loves me enough to die for me and to heal my heart for His purposes. 

It's been a hard couple of weeks beginning with saying goodbye to my sweet Father-in-law. Tonight, we remember that the end of February marks another year, (eight), that our son Timmy died on a surgical table, bleeding out all his strength from years of fighting too many diseases, too much pain, unable to catch his breathe and hold on to it. 

Graphic, I know. 

So is life. 

It's messy, complicated, disappointing, scary, painful  and for most, far from God...

...until you take the time to consider, to seek, to ask, to forgive, to love one another and truly embrace a hope and a purpose we were all created for, to worship Him!  

Until you humble yourself and accept His AMAZING GRACE and seek His divine purpose. 

Graphic begins to transform into gratitude, into grace, into a glorified masterpiece of His will and sovereign purpose. 

I know I am unworthy.

Yet, He meets me in my own graphic, messy self,  and creates a whole new perspective within my heart. 

How can I not praise His Name every day, very hour, every passing year, every Feb. 27th?

Tim got it. He made sure I knew that he knew before He left this world. God's been confirming it ever since.  

How can I not praise His name! How can I not serve Him with all my heart, seek Him in His Word, search for Him...meditate and rest in Him, and tell of His love for me, for you, for every single one of us? 

I still live in this skin and possess a tongue that says stupid things,  a brain that wants a bit of the world, and an attitude at times that needs to be kicked to the curb. A critical spirit lingers and loves to show up and mess with my head. 

Yet God...gives me a moisturizer of mercy for this skin, shuts my mouth and gently reminds me He's got this, provides for me what I truly need, and sits with me on the curb until I surrender into His arms. He brings to me friends who love on me so much, hold me accountable, and serve me. He creates opportunities...amazing ministries in which my critical spirit cannot possibly thrive. 

How can I not praise Your Holy Name?  

How can I not be so awe-inspired by all You have done for me?

Thank you Lord God for Your Love.  Thank you Heavenly Father for saving grace and sustaining grace. Thank you for all Your gifts, especially the Holy Spirit. Thank you for ministry and the freedom to worship You. Help me Lord to bring to You a worship that is worthy, a continued passion for more of You, a story that points only towards You. May I never lose hope and may my gain bring You alone glory and honor. Amen.  

Journal question and/or thought: What can you praise Him for tonight? What has He transformed, or healed in you?

A Shower Invitation, Please R.S.V.P.

Ezekiel 34:26 "And I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessings." 


Reading in the Old Testamant, in Ezekiel, we know that the prophet was speaking for the Lord, for God's Chosen People, Israel. God promised His people "showers of blessings."

Today, I attended a mini-wedding shower at my school for one of our young special-ed teachers planning a wedding as soon as school gets out.  Tomorrow, I set out to attend another shower for my second cousin, expecting a son this July.  A wedding nuptial, and a precious newborn: reasons, occasions to "shower someone" with blessings.

We do that. We buy lots of gifts, practical and cute. We check off the registry and ask the color of the nursery. We might stock the bride's shelf with spices and unique kitchen gadgets or get the mom-to-be a year's supply of diapers.  Maybe it's just a card with cash stuffed in it or several gift cards.  I always appreciate the hand-made items, the crocheted blankets, the monogrammed towels, pictures set in special frames.

When Christ, the Messiah came, Israel's Redeemer, God sent His Son, not just for the Israelites to  receive the blessing, but the Gentiles too.  In Romans 1:16, the Apostle Paul tells us that the Gospel is for the Jews first and then the "Greeks." When we become one with the Bride of Christ, when we are conceived in His grace, born again as Believers, it's like getting an invitation to a shower given by the Lord for us, everyday.

He has a banquet waiting for us. Fellowship with others makes us feel connected, loved, appreciated. He gives us special gifts, practical things, gifts we can use for others, tools to help us love one another and serve. Others come, invited as well, to help us,  teach us and we learn together how to use our gifts. He gives us personal blessings, monogrammed with His love. He encourages us to capture everything for memory, to continue to share and encourage ourselves and others when sometimes only a deflated balloon lingers and confetti seems like an annoyance. The Lord is quick to send the Holy Spirit to get our lives cleaned up. "Come, He says, blessings await."

When we RSVP,  Recognize the Son, a Validation of us in His Providential plan of forgiveness, what a soiree is held in Heaven!  Showers of blessings arrive at the right time and place. Many times we are surprised, delighted really, for God is so good to pick the perfect shower gifts. Heaven, yes some do think it is going to Hobby Lobby, but those angels in Heaven?  They are the Supreme Party Planners!  Can you give us a Pinterest Page?!

Lord, Thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for the promise of new love in both a marriage and in becoming a mother. Thank you for the blessing of fellowship and friendship that help us celebrate these milestones, these sacred occassions in our lives. When we receive Your blessings, help us to recognize all that we have, not what we don't and help us to use our gifts to Your Glory. May each day we have with You Lord, be a reason to celebrate. Help us Lord to shower others as well with Your goodness and promises.  Amen.

The Name Tag

Romans 5:15 (NIV)

 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

The book of Psalms in the Bible uses the word “trembling” frequently.*  Most of us probably conjure up a negative connotation of this word.

Knees Knocking.                                 

Body Shivering.

Teeth chattering.

Stomach churning.

FEAR.

But David, the Psalmist wants us to understand (Thank you Pastor Brian for this teaching), that trembling* looks more like excitement, anticipation; like a child so gregarious Christmas morning, he's already peeked downstairs waiting for something great to happen.  Running to the bedroom of his parents at 5:00 a.m., he shakes mom and dad awake.  Can you remember?

Jumping up and down.

Eyes wide open.

Heart full.

Can’t wait. Hope.

                          

Knowing what I know, with my experience, I try to live expectantly while praying. (Psalm 5:3)* especially when it comes to my writing inspiration. I can’t wait for those times when He shows me His plan in simple moments, sparks a synapse that keeps my heart beating, my words flowing, like a Holy Spirit Electro-LIGHT! I know it’s going to happen because I am keeping myself connected. 

Have you ever had a “Secret Santa?”  It’s a gift that shows up in your box at work, or on your front porch. Christmas does bring out generous souls. What fun it is to find a gift, tagged with your name only, an unexpected surprise!

You admire the special wrapping.

The heralded way it came to you.

Planned perfectly.

Presented

Found and accepted.

Opened.

It’s treasured.

The Christ Child came that way. Wrapped in love, the angels, like children on Christmas morning, swooped down the stairway from Heaven to peek and wake up those sleepy shepherds in their fields. The Wiseman anticipated, following their insight.

But Oh!  Look!  That Baby has a gift tag and it has YOUR name on it!  His wristband has His name on it, Emmanuel, God With Us.

Planned.

Perfect.

Presented.

Will you accept Him?

Peer into His face with trembling awe at what the Savior promises to give you. This Gift truly fills every need, fits perfectly, and never needs batteries.  What’s even more awesome?  Regifting is encouraged! 

Father God, I am so thankful. Receiving your Gift of Your Son makes me smile through all of life’s expected and unexpected moments.  So many forget to unwrap your goodness even though their nametag is written in the Blood of the Lamb. I pray that eyes be made wide open, hearts turn soft, and open arms stretch wide to receive You. Amen.

* Psalm 96:9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; 
tremble before him, all the earth.

* In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.