In The Middle



Today we are in the middle.
Yesterday was Good Friday –
the pain of suffering,
despair, heartache,
the event that left us full of tears

Tomorrow is Easter –
the joy of new life,
resurrection,
rising from the ashes of pain

Today we are just in the middle-
the preparing for tomorrow’s feast,
tomorrow’s worship,
tomorrow’s new garments


Do you ever feel – in the middle? Having survived tragedy or loss, but still waiting for the future hope and peace that is promised? We must wait, but not as those with no hope. It was while Jesus was waiting that He set the captives free.

When I was in Israel, one of the most powerful moments for me was at the Garden Tomb. I entered the empty tomb, and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, saw the white garments folded on the stone bench. Turning to exit the tomb and enter the light, I saw a rough, wooden sign that read:

“He is not here;
he has risen,
just as he said.”
Matt. 28:6


Seeing those words in that place was a powerful reminder that He has risen – JUST AS HE SAID! What else did He say?


We have been healed:

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”-1 Peter 2:24


We have a future:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

So we must:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Titus 1:2
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Today, while still in the middle, this is my prayer for you:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

May you have a most blessed Resurrection Day! May you rejoice with Him who rose from the dead to give you eternal life, who endured the darkness to bring us with Him into the light. And may you be preparing for the ultimate feast, worship and garments yet to come!!

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You’re Invited!

If you’re in the north Jersey area, please join me on Sunday morning 3/24/13 as I share the Word at High Mountain Church, in North Haledon.

Shhhh! Don’t tell your man the topic. I’m presenting a fresh new look at what it means to be the Bride. Hint: It has nothing to do with lace, giggles or hormones! I’ll just say this: it may not be pretty, but it is powerful, and it’s something both men and women need to know. Paul calls the relationship “A Profound Mystery.” We’ll unravel some clues of this mystery to walk  deeper and closer in the most important relationship we’ll ever have for all eternity.

Where:

     High Mountain Church
     681 High Mountain Rd.
     North Haledon, NJ

Time:
     10:30 am

Hope to see you! Be sure to say “hi!”

photo credit: www.sarahhalstead.com

Break My Heart

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70232215/break-my-heart-with-what-breaks-yours


60 years ago a man named Bob Pierce prayed these words in a prayer: “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” Dr. Bob Pierce founded World Vision after traveling to China in 1947 when his heart was broken with the needs of one little girl.
Yet I think there are other things, personal things, that break the heart of God. As I continued to mediate about this lyric, God whispered: You can love people around the world, but can you love the person sitting next to you?

Ouch!

What breaks God’s heart? Not just the children dying in poverty. It breaks God’s heart when my attitudes and actions represent the enemy more than they represent Him. I believe God is not as grieved by sinners who act like sinners as He is by Christians who act like sinners.

Please join me over at Laced With Grace today for more on what breaks God’s heart ~ and how not to!