SPRINGTIME PRAYERS

I haven't been 'scribbling the scriptures' as much since last Fall because I have been more occupied with expressing my prayers to God through pen and paper.  I thought maybe I would post a few of these prayers of late.  

I discovered an easy way to create mandalas in one of my Zentangle books.  I would describe my resulting images as a cross between the Zentangle approach and the "Color My Prayers" approach of the book I picked up last fall at Stony Point. (There is another blog post on that book - look back in January of 2014)

Here are a couple of my prayers from the Habitat build in Columbia Falls, MT:

Second build prayers of thanks

Habitat prayers and much much more!

NEW ADDITION:  May 10 -

This one was started as an example at my Crossroads calligraphy class.  Yes, we got a little off subject, but the three ladies wanted to learn how to Zentangle a mandala, so we did!!  Just a couple days later I gaze at the names and realize God is answering the prayers daily:  Trudy is home from the hospital, Regan had her healthy baby this morning, Betty has left the hospital.... Hallelujah, Amen!  

This first image is of a Prayer Zentangle I submitted for display at our local Art Center's April "Water" Show.  I originally drew it as a general prayer design, but when I went to enter it I changed it from a name specific prayer to a more generalized prayer for justice.  The description that was included in the display is below the design. 

"This is a Zentangle style meditative prayer drawing, based on the Amos 5:24 scripture passage, 'Let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness an ever-flowing stream'. (NIV)
The individual sections, with their instricate patterns and designs, reflect the individuality of mankind: race, politics, sexuality, gender, religion, and culture.  Yet the whole image is unified by color and the flow of the river image; unified by the ever-flowing call to justice for all people, by the commonality we share in our every-day living, by the common threads of our innermost desires and needs: family, relationships, community, environment.  Key words for a prayerful call to justice can be found scattered throughout.
The image was hand-drawn, traced with Sharpie, scanned into a computer, and digitally colored.  The image was then enlarged and printed.
May all humanity flow in a river of justice and may the stream continue to burst forth from the bounds of convention to transform and cleanse our world. 

NEW ADDITION...May 4:

Now a couple of recent springtime-inspired prayers....names and events are hidden within the lines of the design or the outside edge.  

 

The next three are more generic prayer mandalas - emphasizing the four aspects of prayer: gratitude, praise, intercession, and confession.  

I completed these two mandalas earlier in the spring....again names and requests are contained within the design.  

EASTERTIDE: To Believe (d365.org)

INVOCATION...  (d365.org - John Woods)

What does it take to trust? Sometimes it’s experience over time; sometimes it’s a deeply moving event that takes place in a single moment.

To believe in God and in Christ revealed through Jesus, it sometimes takes an act of the will and a commitment to remain true to your faith.

Through it all God remains constant – at your side and within your heart. Trust that to be true in these next few quiet moments.

SUNDAY, May 4  Give Back

Psalm 116:12-14 MSG

What can I give back to God
    for the blessings he’s poured out on me?
I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!
    I’ll pray in the name of God;
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
    and I’ll do it together with his people.

Three lines of import for me:  

What can I give back to God?   God has blessed us abundantly.  It is our call to give thanks and praise in an active, overt manner.  Time, talents, and yes, resources.  So often people think just the money factor and neglect the other two more hands-on means of giving back.  

I'll complete what I promised God I'd do.  Have I responded?  Have I given back as I professed?  What more?  New opportunities? 

Do it together with God's people.  We are a community of faith.  We can have a personal relationship with God, but it is meaningless unless we LIVE IT within the community.  Worship and service both - together.  Hmmm....time to get ready for church.   

SATURDAY, May 3 Webs of Love

1 Peter 1:22-23

Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. (v. 22 MSG)

You have been reborn—not from seed that eventually dies but from seed that is eternal—through the word of God that lives and endures forever. (v. 23 VOICE)

     And now we get back to the heart of the matter of belief.  How to SHOW our faith; how to SHARE what we believe.  It's a matter of love.  "As if our life depended on it."  And maybe it does.  Research shows that people who surround themselves with other people in a community of support and love, who laugh often with others, who volunteer and work for others, LIVE LONGER!  But length of life isn't really what we should be concerned about.  It is the quality of life lived in and with God that matters.  

     This is love regardless of whether the person is different, weird, talks too much, or just plain bugs us.  Love goes well beyond 'like'. Love reaches out...love connects.  How strong is my web of love??  

FRIDAY, May 2  Awesome Belief 

1 Peter 1:17-21  MSG

You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.

18-21 Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

     Our God is an awesome God.  So the song goes, but so the truth goes as well.  Always present, always loving with 'tough' love, and accessible to each and every one of us through the sacrifice and life of son Jesus - God incarnate.  Do we acknowledge this 'awesomeness' with our response?  Do words of thanksgiving and praise burst forth from our lips when we witness God-moments.  Do we give God the credit?   Our life should be our response, our life should be our thanksgiving, our life should be our awesome praise!   How well am I doing?  Ask the question.  Then just do it.  (Thank you Nike!)

THURSDAY, May 1   Enough

John 20:30-31 MSG

Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

     We approach the END of John's Gospel.  Basically he writes, 'I could have said more, but this is enough.  This is ALL YOU NEED to believe!'  And having made his point, he tells just one more story.  He writes one more chapter, and ends it with 'I could tell more, but.... this is all you need!'  

     But the point comes through clearly:  Everything Jesus did and said reveals his person as the Son of God.  Everything about his mortal presence on earth clearly displays that this was God personified in a way that we could understand.  Believe and we can have a life with and in God.  

     It sounds so easy.  In reality?  Belief may be easy, but living out that belief can be a real challenge.  

WEDNESDAY, April 30 Close!
John 20:27-29 VOICE

He drew close to Thomas.

Jesus: Reach out and touch Me. See the punctures in My hands; reach out your hand, and put it to My side; leave behind your faithlessness, and believe.

Thomas (filled with emotion): 28 You are the one True God and Lord of my life.

Jesus: 29 Thomas, you have faith because you have seen Me. Blessed are all those who never see Me and yet they still believe.

Jesus wants us to believe.
He wants our faith to be real.
So he shows up....again and again.
He comes to us ordinary people of doubt.
In ordinary and small ways.
Not often miraculous...
Unless we are looking for the tiny miracles of life.
And suddenly realize, 'That's God!'
And then, perhaps,
We will believe without the nail holes.
Look all around!
Jesus is closer than we think.

TUESDAY, April 29  Believe
John 20:24-25 MSG

But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”

But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”

    Faith is believing in what we cannot see.  But unless we really 'make it our own', it is meaningless.  Thomas couldn't see, the words weren't enough.  He needed to experience Jesus.  Aren't most of us the same?  Believing with a half-hearted faith until that moment when we REALLY encounter Jesus face to face?  When we realize that Jesus has dropped into our life and truly made a difference?  

An 'old' scribble, but the right text! 

     Generally the failure to have that encounter is not on the part of God.  It is often our failure to look up and realize that our Lord is right next to us, waiting for us to acknowledge his presence.  If you want to see the nail holes, open your eyes to what is already there.  And believe.  

MONDAY, April 28   PEACE

John 20:20-21  MSG

 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”

     Peace Jesus says.  The disciples are scared and frightened.  They are uncertain of the reports of a risen Lord. They are afraid of the authorities.  Life is confusing and hard.  Yet, Jesus comes among them to assure, comfort, and be a presence of peace.  But he always says, I send you.  We are to take the peace of our risen Lord beyond our own lives, outside the comfort of our own walls, and into a hurting world.  We don't get to keep the peace all to ourselves!  
     A forever love.  Forever peace.  Not a guarantee for smooth sailing, just the assurance that God will be with us through it all.    

BENEDICTION BLESSING....  (d365.org - John Woods)

Be true now in what you hold to be trustworthy;
Be honest now also when you are unsure.

In any and every case, Jesus remains
Close and steadfast with an enduring love,
A love that always shows up.

SUNDAY, April 27   Forever
INVOCATION.... (d365.org - Nick Foster)

Time may seem in short supply for you today. You hardly can take a moment to set aside for quiet and thoughtful meditation.

Take the chance, though, that God who is outside time and space can meet you in eternal ways even now.

Slow the pace of your heart in the hope of a meeting with the eternal.

Psalm 16:9-11 VOICE

This is a good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy,
    and my body is at rest.
    Who could want for more?
 You will not abandon me to experience death and the grave
    or leave me to rot alone.

 Instead, You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life.
    As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending,
    and I know true joy and contentment.

     "As I walk with you, the pleasures are never-ending".  (VOICE)   "Your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever". (GNT) or The Message: "Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way".  Who COULD want for more?  A life in Christ isn't ALWAYS a picnic, there is much to be endured, but with God holding our hand, walking side by side with us, what more can we ask?  The forever of God's promise carries us through the trials, the hardships, and fills us with eternal HOPE.  

     We cannot fathom infinity.  An infinite universe, infinite time, or infinite love.  But God is forever, an infinite forever.  Perhaps we can begin to fathom a piece of that promise.  

BENEDICTION BLESSINGS....  (d365.org - Nick Foster)

Today holds promise of joy
And timeless moments of wonder.

The day may also contain disappointment
And just-get-through-them hours.

Within each moment,
The God of yesterdays
And tomorrows
Offers pleasures that are timeless,
The promise of forevermore.

EASTER d365.org - RISEN!!!

INVOCATION....  (d365.org - Gina Yeager-Buckley)

Hope! That is the central element of the Easter story. In the resurrection of Jesus we are given hope and the assurance that death cannot and will not win.

Make yourself ready then—again—to be overtaken by the magnificent good news that Jesus is alive, risen to glory.

Allow the truth of his life to take on new life within your heart.

SATURDAY, April 26
Luke 24:36-43 MSG

While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you.” They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, “Don’t be upset, and don’t let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it’s really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn’t have muscle and bone like this.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.

41-43 He asked, “Do you have any food here?” They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes.

    The disciples must have been terrified and excited all at once.  What a confusion of emotions.  And Jesus is incredibly patient in allowing them time to digest his presence.  Sometimes we must take baby steps in acknowledging and accepting the love of God. 

    This comes full circle back to my sermon for tomorrow on Living Waters.  I am using the scribble and poem I wrote, talking about the Water of Life as a cascading fountain (Romans 5:3-5), the steps we work through of hardship, patience, character, and ultimately, hope.  Transformation doesn't usually happen all at once with a sudden Superman moment in the phone booth.  Acceptance often comes slowly as well.  

     May we know and accept the love and peace of God each and every day.  

FRIDAY, April 25
Luke 24:32-35 GNT

They got up at once and went back to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven disciples gathered together with the others 34 and saying, “The Lord is risen indeed! He has appeared to Simon!”

35 The two then explained to them what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized the Lord when he broke the bread.

How do I recognize my Lord?

Where are the God signs along my way?

Katy has a butterfly - her special God symbol. 

It has meaning particularly for her. 

For Cleopas and friend the sign was the breaking of bread. 

For Thomas it was the nail hole. 

Moses knew that when he saw burning bushes, 

God was hanging around. 

Some people have a particular song, a visual image...

What is MY sign? 

What is my personal reminder of God's presence?

I see God in so many places

when I stop to THINK about it. 

What causes me to recognize God instantly? 

What 'breaks the bread' for me? 

I don't have an answer. 

When I see an acorn I immediately think of my Father.

But, while my dad was righteous, he isn't God.  

Mountain peaks and alpine flowers usually put me in a God-state. 

Laughter-in-love can bring God to mind.

What about a rainbow? That's Biblical! 

Crosses?  A poem? A hymn?  Communion?

Perhaps I recognize God when I draw or create. 

Perhaps it is a fresh-baked loaf of bread. 

I don't have an answer. 

But I think I should.   

THURSDAY, April 24 
Luke 24:28-32 MSG

They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: “Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.” So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.

32 Back and forth they talked. “Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?”

     Sometimes our glimpses of God are so brief.  We experience the fire, and the moment passes.  But the God-presence lingers in the form of the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes the problem is not how brief God is present, but how long it takes for us to recognize the God-moment!  Open our eyes, Lord, to truly see you alive all around us; to truly recognize your presence in the everyday, the ordinary.  

(Jed will NOT be graduating this May...and the issue is not his thesis.  He was blindsided in the meeting with the dean to learn he is 8 credits short.  He never should have been cleared at his candidacy meeting two years ago!  Now....to find the God-presence in this mess and forge ahead.  He will be a better instructor for the experience....no student of his will go through this!)

WEDNESDAY, April 23  
Luke 24:25-27  GNT
Then Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, how slow you are to believe everything the prophets said! 26 Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory?” 27 And Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the Scriptures, beginning with the books of Moses and the writings of all the prophets.
     I imagine God does get a little frustrated with us from time to time.  We doubt, we rebel, we don't listen very well.  Our faith and trust are tested.  Perhaps that's how Jesus felt as he talked with the two on the road to Emmaus.  When will they get it?  But the beauty of our relationship with God is eternal.  God simply continues to love us, patiently guide us, and, as Jesus did on the road, remind us once again of The Story. In the midst of our doubt, may we be ready to respond, once again, to the resurrection, to the hope, to the challenge God puts before us.  

(My mind is not very focused this morning....asking for prayers for Jed.  He called last night to let us know that his doctoral dissertation had been postponed.  The committee wanted changes and clarifications.  Instead of a defense meeting today, he has a meeting with the dean to see if his graduation can proceed inspite of a late defense.  He is working hard to make it happen but the time line is very tight.  Pray for him please.)


TUESDAY, April 22  Tell the Story!

Luke 24:17-19, 27 GNT

17 Jesus said to them, “What are you talking about to each other, as you walk along?”

They stood still, with sad faces. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that have been happening there these last few days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.  “The things that happened to Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.....

27 And Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the Scriptures, beginning with the books of Moses and the writings of all the prophets.

     How often do we ask someone to repeat what we already know?  Does the repetition affirm our belief?   The more we share, the more we repeat, the more we understand ourselves.  The two who walked the Emmaus Road shared the story with the central character.  Yet Jesus let them proceed, knowing it would help them understand.  Then Jesus clarified it all.  Even then the two didn't recognize him.  How dense can we be sometimes!?  God walks right beside us and we don't realize it.  But God keeps telling the story, and we must also.  Someday we'll get it.  Someday.  

MONDAY, April 21  

Luke 24:13-16 VOICE

That same day, two other disciples (not of the eleven) are traveling the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. 14 As they walk along, they talk back and forth about all that has transpired during recent days. 15 While they’re talking, discussing, and conversing, Jesus catches up to them and begins walking with them, 16 but for some reason they don’t recognize Him.

Tell the story. 

Tell it to yourself...over and over. 

Remind your Monday self that the resurrection has changed you. 

Tell the story. 

Tell it to those you meet along the way. 

Remind each other that the resurrection makes a difference.  

And then?

Look around.  Be aware. 

Jesus will be walking with you.

All the way. 

Every day. 

Allelulia! 

EASTER SUNDAY, April 20    

Matthew 28:1-10 GNT

After the Sabbath, as Sunday morning was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake; an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the stone away, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid that they trembled and became like dead men.

5 The angel spoke to the women. “You must not be afraid,” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has been raised, just as he said. Come here and see the place where he was lying. 7 Go quickly now, and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from death, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him!’ Remember what I have told you.”

8 So they left the tomb in a hurry, afraid and yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Peace be with you.” They came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to them. “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

The tomb is empty.  He is Risen!  

Let us go out and LIVE as Easter people!  

BENEDICTION BLESSINGS..... (d365.org - Gina Yeager-Buckley)

Resurrection changes things—
Each and every day.

Believing makes all the difference.
Even when you have your doubts,
Jesus remains close by.

Now go to tell others about
The life-changing love Christ offers.

LENT d365.org: REJECTED

INVOCATION.... (d365.org - Jay Kieve)

We all want to be accepted for who we are and for what we have to offer. What a blow it is, then, to be dismissed, ostracized, and rejected.

No one knew this experience more deeply than Jesus. Offering acceptance for so many, he was still misunderstood, feared, and ultimately put to death.

God offers this love now to you. Open your heart to accept that love, as well as the one who came to show it to us.

SATURDAY, April 19  Burial

John 19:38-42  VOICE

38 After all this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple who kept his faith a secret for fear of the Jewish officials, made a request to Pilate for the body of Jesus. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph retrieved the body. 39 Nicodemus, who first came to Jesus under the cloak of darkness, brought over 100 pounds of myrrh and ointments for His burial.40 Together, they took Jesus’ body and wrapped Him in linens soaked in essential oils and spices, according to Jewish burial customs.

41 Near the place He was crucified, there was a garden with a newly prepared tomb. 42 Because it was the day of preparation, they arranged to lay Jesus in this tomb so they could rest on the Sabbath.

Hope has been crushed.

Change was in the air,

A new spirit of living. 

But change was crucified. 

What to do?

Where is God?

How to go on?

What happens to a crucified body?

Do the Romans 'tend' to the cross?

Probably not.  

So undercover friends,

Consumed with grief and despair,

Act with compassion. 

They reverently care for the body of their Savior. 

What else can they do?  

It is hard today to think as Nicodemus,

To walk in the Arimathean's shoes. 

We know the promise of tomorrow.

We know the end of the story

Is really just the beginning. 

Perhaps today our challenge 

Is to remember that grace

When wrapped in our own grief and despair. 

And then reach out, in compassion, 

To another. 

FRIDAY, April 18  The Difference

John 19:13-16  MSG

 When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your king.”

 They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”

Pilate said, “I am to crucify your king?”

The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.”

 Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.

Would I shout with the crowd today?

Would I recognize my Lord?

Would betrayal come from my mouth three times

   as the morning rooster crows? 

Am I really any different two thousand years later?

We condemn the crowd,

We rebuke the crucifiers,

We denounce the dice game for clothes.

We blame, we revile. 

But are we any different? 

No. WE really haven't changed. 

But, Yes.  There is a difference. 

The difference came three days later. 

The difference is an empty tomb. 

The difference is the hope that radiates 

   from the light out of darkness. 

We are flawed. 

We make mistakes. 

We shout, we deny, we condemn. 

Over and over again. 

But by the grace of the resurrection,

We are forgiven. 

God is working in us. 

With love and compassion. 

To create a new resurrection miracle. 

In you and in me.  

Allelulia. 

THURSDAY, April 17  Judas

John 13:21-27  MSG

After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. “One of you is going to betray me.”

22-25 The disciples looked around at one another, wondering who on earth he was talking about. One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against him, his head on his shoulder. Peter motioned to him to ask who Jesus might be talking about. So, being the closest, he said, “Master, who?”

26-27 Jesus said, “The one to whom I give this crust of bread after I’ve dipped it.” Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him.

“What you must do,” said Jesus, “do. Do it and get it over with.”

I am Judas. 

You are Judas. 

We all have taken the bread.

We have walked alongside,

Professed our allegiance,

Listened to words of encouragement,

    challenge, and love.

We have accepted our Messiah.

And then betrayed.

While our hearts proclaim YES,

Our actions bespeak NO. 

And we fully swallow the wine-dipped bread.

But....

The story doesn't end

   with a Judas kiss.

Betrayal leads to glory. 

Betrayal ushers in the miracle of resurrection,

Betrayal can create transformation. 

The bread of unfaithfulness can become 

The Bread of Life.  

I am Judas daily.

But in the power of the glorified resurrection-God

The light of dawn shines bright.  

WEDNESDAY, April 16  Don't Turn Out the Lights

John 12:35-36 GNT

Jesus answered, “The light will be among you a little longer. Continue on your way while you have the light, so that the darkness will not come upon you; for the one who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. 36 Believe in the light, then, while you have it, so that you will be the people of the light.”

     This passage comes as the people have been questioning Jesus.  Who is this Son of Man?  Why must he die?  Scriptures says the Messiah will live!  Why are you talking crucifixion?  Please, Jesus, say something plain so we can understand!!  

     But Jesus wants us to BELIEVE first!  Then understanding will take place, but first FAITH.  The light of faith will keep the darkness away.  When we reject Jesus, we reject God, we turn off the light.  And we stumble blindly as a people in the darkness of life.  

     How often, in some small way, do I flip the switch and throw myself and others into the dark?  Each time I fail to act is a rejection of my faith, each time I turn a blind eye to the needs of those around me.  Each time my selfish pride gets in the way I turn off the lights.  May I concentrate today on acceptance, on faith first, and walk in the light of Christ.  

  

TUESDAY, April 15  

John 12:20-26  MSG

20-21 There were some Greeks in town who had come up to worship at the Feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee: “Sir, we want to see Jesus. Can you help us?”

22-23 Philip went and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip together told Jesus. Jesus answered, “Time’s up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

24-25 “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.

26 “If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.

     I realize the main focus of this passage is on sacrifice and letting go of our selfishness and follow Christ.  But I can't get past the first part.  Some visitors to Palestine, who perhaps haven't been following the local sensation much, hear about Jesus and want to learn more.  When Jesus is approached with the request, his response is typical Jesus:  What??  I hear a 'Too late!  Time's up!  Can't see me now because it's time for the wheat to sprout!  No wonder people didn't always understand Jesus's message.  No wonder he had to physically SHOW us what he meant, because so often his words are cryptic! People ask to see him and they get a story about wheat and life.  

     My favorite line from The Message version of this scripture is 'reckless in your love'.  Be extravagant in how we share the love of God.  Be willing to sacrifice and go the extra for the sake of others.  Be 'ready to serve at a moment's notice'.    

MONDAY, April 14  Response

John 12:1-11 MSG

Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.

4-6 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.

7-8 Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.”

       If we are fortunate enough to actually KNOW someone of importance and fame, do we view them in that 'Hollywood' fashion, or as the everyday common friend that they are?  Mary and Martha (and Lazarus) had that kind of relationship with Jesus.    Mary was overwhelmed when Jesus raised her dead brother Lazarus back to life.  She was overcome with the glory and power of God as seen through her friend, Jesus.  Because Mary probably viewed Jesus as just that, a good close friend.  

      So, in light of a resurrection, what is Mary's response?  To take something extravagant of herself, to take the best that she had, and bless her good friend with it.  Mary wasn't wasting the perfumed oil on herself.  So was responding to grace with a gut reaction of love.  Sometimes such a response is all we have.  

     What is our response to the Gospel Message?  What is our response to forgiveness, grace, and love?  Are we returning the best of what we have, who we are, to God?  

SUNDAY, April 13  Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:1-9  MSG

 When they neared Jerusalem, having arrived at Bethphage on Mount Olives, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: “Go over to the village across from you. You’ll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, say, ‘The Master needs them!’ He will send them with you.”

 This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet:

Tell Zion’s daughter,
“Look, your king’s on his way,
    poised and ready, mounted
On a donkey, on a colt,
    foal of a pack animal.”

 The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, “Hosanna to David’s son!” “Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!” “Hosanna in highest heaven!”

    How easy it is to be a Palm Sunday Christian.  You know the type.  They show up on Sunday morning as part of the congregation crowd.  They sing hymns of praise and acclamation. They present their offerings.  Yet Palm Sunday is just the beginning of the week.  What happens during the rest of Holy Week?  Rejection.  Denial.  Retreat.  And as a Palm Sunday Christian we often follow our Sunday worship with the same:  A failure to act with compassion, a failure to offer our talents when needed, selfishness with our time or money, failure to forgive as we have been offered grace.  We reject God's greatest gift daily. 

    Thankfully, our Holy Week ends with the joy of the resurrection.  We are once again transformed.  Perhaps this week I can focus on the middle of the week.  Can I maintain my Palm Sunday enthusiasm during the trials of everyday life?  Hosanna!  Blessed IS he who comes in the name of the Lord! 

Sermon Notes on the Matthew 21:1-11 scripture.   The Message version of the Bible doesn't clearly say that Jesus mounted BOTH donkeys.  But other versions say he mounted THEM.  I found a cartoon with the colt on top of the donkey and Jesus on top of both!  While this wasn't the POINT of Rev. Katy's sermon, it was an amusing visual!  The point is... we CAN look at the Palm Sunday celebration from a more child-like slant.  The point is....Palm Sunday does lead into the dangers and turmoils of Holy Week (hence the Pharisees unhappiness in the upper corner!)  

BENEDICTION BLESSINGS....  (d365.org - Jay Kieve)

Jesus is coming. Will you accept him?
You have a gift. Will you offer it?
There will be sacrifice. Can you make it?

The Gospel of Christ is scandalous,
Yet it contains the very bread of life.

The choice is yours to make.