The Broken Bread and Poured Out Wine Has Risen!

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread,

gave thanks and broke it

 and gave it to his disciples, saying,

“Take it; this is my body.”

Then he took the cup,

gave thanks and offered it to them,

and they all drank from it.

This is my blood of the covenant,

which is poured out for many,”

Mark 14:22-24 NIV

It is Passover, three days before the resurrection. Jesus shares a last meal with the men he loved. I am a visual person so symbolism is meaningful to me. Both bread and wine were simple everyday objects Jesus used to teach a new truth. History was about to turn the page. There would be no more poor little sacrificial lambs to be sacrificed at Passover. Jesus, the Lamb of God was about to become the once and for all perfect sacrifice for sin.

 

Those who shared this meal had no idea what was about to take place. As they listen to the words of Jesus, they simply didn’t understand that when Jesus broke the bread it was really symbolic of an actual event that within just a few short hours would take place. His body would be broken and crushed almost beyond recognition. When they drank the wine they were clueless that this symbolized the crucifixion that would soon take place. They really didn’t know that within a few more hours every drop of his precious blood would be drained from his abused body.

 

Many of the disciples watched this hideous event unfold from afar, but John watched from the foot of the cross. As the women and Joseph of Arimathea prepared to lay the body of Jesus in the tomb I imagine the disciples might have started to put it all together. Bread – broken body, wine – poured out blood. But still, what did it all mean. Death was real. Hope was gone. Perhaps they remembered Jesus giving thanks for the bread and wine. Why would he do that? What about this event would give reason to be thankful? Poured out for many, what did that mean? How could this be happening? There was no rhyme or reason to this scenario. So they left Golgotha grieving and hopelessly distraught. They had so many questions and each question yielding no answer.

 

Then three days later Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and then in utter panic reported to the disciples that the broken bread and the poured out wine was missing from the grave! Again the eleven were faced with the hard fact that the impossible had happened. They had been witnesses to the crushed and bloody flesh! The crushed bread and poured out wine! No way could this report be true. In a foot race John outran Peter to the tomb. Without a doubt, the tomb was empty. John, “He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:5-7 NIV

 

Why would someone steal the body and leave the burial linens behind. Who would bother in their haste to fold the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ face? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if just one thing over the past few days made sense?  The tomb was empty but why?

 

But isn’t it just like Jesus to meet us at our point of need, calm our fears, help us get passed our unbelief, and give us his peace? “On the evening of that first day of the week when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19 NIV

 

What a glorious Easter message. The tomb was empty and he had risen! He has risen indeed! Their lives were now full of hope! Jesus had defeated death.

 

As followers of Jesus Christ we too are privileged to experience this joy and rejoice in our eternal hope. Imagine how different your life would be without this hope. Our lives would be distraught and hopeless. The message of our forgiveness would be incomplete. Even though Jesus is no longer on this earth he is seated at the right hand of God the Father. It is a place of honor because he was obedient unto death, even the death on the cross. He paid the price for our redemption and is waiting to receive us in heaven. He has risen! The broken bread and poured out wine is risen indeed!

 

Questions:

1. Do you relate to the disbelief of the disciples before they saw Jesus face to face?
2. Is there anything in your life that Jesus has promised you that you are having trouble believing?
3. Are you full of joy and hope because Jesus has risen?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

 

Please forgive my unbelief. I do believe that you are the risen LORD. However, I often doubt other things that you have told me in your Word. I confess that sometimes I loose hope in waiting for an answer to prayer. Sometimes I am fearful that you will not show up in my life or in the life of someone I love. How can I doubt you? If broken bread and poured out wine can recreate itself into a new resurrected body, how can I ever live in the realm of unbelief. I see Jesus, that with you I can believe that all things are possible! I want to thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and for the power of your resurrection. I now have hope because I know beyond all doubt that I too will be resurrected to live with you forever. Just like you Lord, I will also have a new body and a new eternal home. Because of your great power all things will pass away and all things will become new. You are my blessed hope.  Hallelujah! You are the risen Lord and nothing is impossible!

 

In Your blessed name I pray. Amen.

Gethsemane

“They went to a place called Gethsemane,

and Jesus said to his disciples,

‘Sit here while I pray.’

He took Peter, James and John along with him

and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.

‘My Soul is overwhelmed with sorrow

to the point of death,’

he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’”

Mark 14:32-34 NIV

Jesus had been to the Mount of Olives many times. Who knows exactly how many times he had walked through the garden of Gethsemane. I wonder if he loved it there. Was it a place of comfort? Was it beautiful? Did he remember the day he created this spot? Had he shared good times with his friends in this garden? Had he prayed here before? One thing is for certain, this night in the garden would be different. Although the place may have looked familiar, it was a place he had never been before. It was a lonely place of human sorrow to the point of death.

Luke writes that Jesus prayed in this garden, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:42-44 NIV

 

Mark records it this way, “Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.” Mark 14:35 NIV  Jesus further states his confidence in his Father by saying, “Abba, Father,...everything is possible for you.” In prayer Jesus addresses his Father as, Abba, Father. That is an affectionate term much like a child calling out dear Daddy. It seems that Jesus in his humanness is pleading with the Father by reminding him that he is his precious Son. Jesus did not doubt the power of his Father as he boldly asks, “Take this cup from me.” Still almost in the same breath speaking words of surrender, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36 NIV

 

Matthew records that Jesus went deep into the garden alone three times to pray. It was in this garden that Jesus asked Peter, James and John to pray and keep watch with him. But their sleepy eyes kept closing. Perhaps they were mentally and physically exhausted from hearing all that Jesus had shared with them in the upper room. But Jesus knowing full well what was ahead pleaded with them two times to watch and pray so that they would not fall into temptation in the hours ahead. Even in his own distress the second time Jesus returned to the sleepy three he did not speak words of anger or disappointment. Picture this. Can’t you just see Jesus lovingly looking over their tired bodies and making a comment for all of us to read? “The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Jesus’ words were not of condemnation but rather words of understanding because he knows that we, his precious children, are dust. What a reminder that we can accomplish nothing outside of the grace and power of our Maker.

 

It was in this garden that Jesus received the kiss of betrayal from Judas. Matthew’s account in chapter 26 says that upon meeting Judas, his betrayer in this garden, Jesus still called him friend. (vs.50)

 

John remembers and writes in chapter 18 that it was in this garden that Jesus willingly walked toward those who hated him. He went out to meet them and asked point blank, “Who is it you want?” He did not run, lie, or attempt to hide. He then openly admitted that he was the one they were looking for, Jesus of Nazareth, as he answered, “I am he.” John 18:6 NIV  It was in this garden that those who heard his confession of deity fell to the ground because they had heard the voice of God.

 

It was in this garden that Jesus asked a profound question to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?” Luke 22:52b NIV Jesus further commented, “But this is your hour – when darkness reigns.” Luke 22:53b NIV

 

It was in this garden that Jesus healed the right ear of the servant of the high priest after Peter, who in a fit of mixed anger and fear, had whacked it off with his sword. Luke 22:49-51

 

John notes that it was in this garden that Jesus spoke to Peter telling him to put his sword away then asked this question, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” John 18:11 NIV Jesus was so in love with his Father and he was willing to drink the bitter cup of surrender in order that he might glorify the Father.

 

As Jesus prepared to exit the garden he still continued to teach by speaking profound words with every step he took. “Put your sword back in its place, …for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” …and here’s the kicker! “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Matthew 26:52-54 NIV 

 

It was in this garden that all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56b

 

In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus modeled so much. He knew that he needed to be alone to pray in order to receive strength from the Father for the task ahead. Jesus modeled surrender to the Father, love and understanding for Peter, James and John, a word of friendship for Judas, mercy and healing for the servant of the high priest, and he was an advocate for peace. Jesus exhibited strength in the face of adversity, and he proclaimed his authority as God.

 

There is so much to learn from that horrible night in the garden of Gethsemane. I will never experience what my precious Lord experienced but I will without a doubt walk through my own Gethsemane, maybe once, or maybe multiple times. The rules are still the same today as they were two thousand years ago.

 

- Go to the Father for strength.

- Spend as much time in prayer as needed.

- Surrender to the will of the Father.

- Be understanding of friends if they are not always there to support you.

- Be ready to extend the olive branch of friendship to our offenders.

- Be merciful to others.

- Be a peacemaker.

- Draw on the authority and power of the Holy Spirit for moment by moment strength.

- Trust the Father.

- Obey the Father.

- Experience the inner peace that only the Father can give to each of us in our time of need.

 

Questions:

 

1. Are you in awe of the events of Gethsemane?
2. Do you see how you can learn from Jesus’ experience in Gethsemane?
3. Does your heart break for Jesus as he wept in the garden?
4. How can we ever repay the debt we owe our Savior?

We simply cannot. We are all lost souls dependent upon his grace. This Holy Week if you do not know the gift of God’s free grace, simply look to the cross and ask Jesus to forgive your sinful state and restore you to God’s kingdom. It is not difficult; it only takes desire and a simple step of faith.

 

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

I thank you that you were willing to pray in the garden of Gethsemane for strength to do the will of your Father. I thank you that you surrendered to the will of the Father not your own will. Jesus I thank you that I am loved by you and that you loved me enough to die for me. I see more clearly now that this garden you most likely loved was not a lovely place on the night you were arrested. Being both God and man was not easy. As God you knew what the future held. You could look ahead and see every lash of the whip, hear every mocking comment, anticipate the pricking crown of the thorns. You knew there would be shameful moments of disgrace. You knew full well the pain that was to come from the tearing of your flesh, the stab of the sword, and the collapsing of your lungs. You knew that the blood would drain from your body and your flesh would be torn and broken. As the sacrificial lamb, you knew that in the end you would bear the massive weight of sin, the sin of the entire world and be forsaken by your Father.

 

As a man, surrender was not easy, forgiving was not easy, being betrayed and deserted was not easy, being falsely accused was not easy, being hunted like a criminal was not easy, it was all hard. I know that in your humanness you could have failed, but you loved the Father enough to be obedient unto death, even  death on the cross. And you loved me enough to die for my sin.

 

The truth is you could have run, you could have called ten thousand angels to your rescue, you could have disappeared into thin air, you could have refused to die, but instead you chose to obey your Father. Jesus you paid an enormous price for me. Thank you. Jesus, I want to live my life for you. I am so grateful for all you went through for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you Jesus.

 

In Your Name I pray. Amen

Knock Knock. Who's There?

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,

I will come in and eat with him and he with me,”

Revelation 3:20 NIV

Often in spring I find walking in the garden before the sun comes up is a bit chilly. But his morning I am prepared. I have slipped on my favorite old comfortable sweatshirt and filled my travel mug with steaming hot coffee. I really need to get alone.  I need solitude. No distractions. I am in need of hearing the voice of God speak to me.

 

The truth of the matter is I am often confused by my thoughts. Do my thoughts belong to me, or are my thoughts inspired by the subtle suggestive voice of Satan, or are my thoughts from God? I know from past experience, a busy hectic schedule surrounded by noise is not conducive to deciphering my thoughts from God’s thoughts. A prayerful time in the garden opens the door for the Holy Spirit to come into my mind and speak his words of truth to my spirit. God has promised me that he is always available and is already standing at the door of my heart knocking. However, his promise is contingent upon me making time to open the door and invite him in. God desires to come into my thoughts. He wants his thoughts to become my thoughts. This is having the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 KJV

 

Frequently I am at my daughter’s home. Sometimes while visiting I become frustrated because her two children’s needs are so demanding that I might as well be invisible. I can talk and talk and talk, but she will not hear a single word. It is very much the same with Jesus. It does no good to open the door and let him in and then pay him no mind. The good news is that my daughter and I at times will sneak away for tea or a bite of lunch at a local restaurant without my two adorable grandchildren. Our conversation is focused and sweet. We make eye contact. She speaks and I listen. I speak and she listens. We laugh, share our hearts and receive strength from one another. This is also true when we invite Jesus in to eat with us and we share our thoughts in a loving two way relationship. I love to meet Jesus in a sweet time of prayer in the garden, because it is a perfect place of solitude, free of life’s distractions. It is here I can hear his voice.

 

Sorting out my thoughts is pretty easy because they are usually identified by selfish or self-centered motives. These “good ideas” are carefully wrapped in colorful paper with smiley faces and securely tied with a tight ribbon of control. My thoughts usually center on something I want or me asking God to get rid of something I don’t want.  Other times my mind is on what I think I need, something I want to accomplish, some way I want to serve, something I want to happen, or somewhere I want to go. I want to tell God about my plans and hope that they are his plans too. Often I discover that my plans have completely left God out of the loop. I am reminded that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD, determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

 

Other times I hear the voice of Satan. His thoughts can be suggestive ideas that will seem to look good but will pull me away from God instead of drawing me closer to God. Satan also is a master of pouring on condemnation regarding my past failures. He loves to drag up old sins. He likes to remind me that I have failed before and I will fail again. But Jesus says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1 NIV Satan loves to tell me over and over again that I must be careful or I will get hurt or passed over. Satan wants me to wrap my mind around fearful scenarios regarding what I perceive could possibly go wrong in the future. I must never forget that he is the father of lies and that he can promise me the world and in the end I get nothing but heartache and continued discontentment! Satan’s goal is to get between me and the Father, whatever it takes!

 

I also remember that there have been times when my heart burned within me because I knew I was hearing the voice of God. Sometimes God speaks words of conviction, in order to bring about positive change in my behavior, but he never speaks words of condemnation to a believer. As followers of Christ, our sins have been washed away and cast as far as the east is from the west. We belong to him! Even his words of conviction are words of love because it is the desire of God to carry us on wings of love, higher and higher, bringing us closer to him. God’s words are words of love, comfort, wisdom, guidance, and promise. God never paints a picture of fear, he says; “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,” I John 4:18a  God is not a God of confusion. He is a God of peace.

 

God has given us his Word. The Bible is our road map to knowing the will and the heart of God. It contains the very words of Jesus. It clearly reveals the attributes of God, allowing us to part the clouds and look into heaven and see the character of the one who made us. The Bible, God’s Word, teaches us about the Holy Spirit, who lives within Believers. We grieve the Holy Spirit of God when we do not give him the place of honor that he deserves. I don’t understand how the Spirit lives within me any more than I understand how Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. I don’t understand how God created all things! But it is my faith in all of these things that is credited to me as righteousness. Without a doubt, it is not my righteousness, but the very righteousness of God that covers me though the blood of Jesus Christ when I believe.

 

Jesus said if we hear what the Holy Spirit says we hear the Father. We are not to divide God into three pieces because he is One God. But because he is God, he is able to manifest himself to mankind as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each manifestation provides for mankind exactly what we need in our time of need. The Bible reminds us, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.” John 16:13-14 NIV Jesus also taught that those who saw him saw the Father. Therefore, if we know Jesus, we also know the Father.

 

I know that this day and every day, if I am to hear the voice of God, I must tune in to the whisper of the Holy Spirit. I must decipher my thoughts from Satan’s thoughts, and I must test all my thoughts for accuracy and consistency using the Word of God as my voice of authority. More time in the Word is needed, because if I do not know what is in the Word of God, I will not recognize the voice of God. If I do not know what Jesus taught, I will never know how he thinks? I will never be able to have the mind of Christ unless I am familiar with his thinking vs. the thinking of the world. I will never be able to rely on God’s promises unless I know what they are.

 

Reading the Bible is not designed to be a holy, legalistic ritual. It is a book that is divinely inspired by God, written down by men he trusted, and miraculously preserved for thousands of years so that we might be able to become his children, recognize his voice, and learn to follow him. I am convinced that God is speaking to me daily. I am also convinced that I am not hearing everything he says. Yes, it is possible that the Holy Spirit can be speaking to us and we miss hearing the message. The noise and distractions of the world are so loud that we can’t even hear ourselves think, let alone the Holy Spirit! This is why for me; I must make time to go to the garden and listen purposefully for the voice of God. I must read his Word, meditate on what it says and apply it to my life. I must tell God my needs and concerns, repent of the sin that constantly creeps into my life, and make time to thank him and praise him for being the amazing God he is. All of this is prayer.

 

When God knocks at my heart’s door and I open up the door for him to enter I learn so much! It is during these amazing times of learning my heart is stirred and burns within me. When this happens, we are passionately moved because the truth we are hearing is founded on the very Word of God. The words revealed to our spirit are clothed in authority because they are spoken by God himself. It is during this time of fellowship that our relationship with Jesus Christ also grows and we fall deeper and deeper in love with him.

 

Do not be surprised to find that after you learn something new and different, there will be a test. I am recognizing that it is during the test when I must pull up what I have learned and make a conscious choice to go higher with God by being obedient and faithful to what I have been taught through the Spirit. It is through our obedience and faithfulness during the test that God will always be glorified.

 

Hearing the voice of God doesn’t need to be confusing. First sort out all that is selfish and self-serving, then identify the lies and deception of Satan. Hear the voice of what remains and test it to see if it is based on the Word of God and his Holy character. If it does, embrace that truth, make it personally yours, and follow what the Holy Spirit is saying to you.

 

It is such a comfort to know that God will reveal his will to me when, where and how he chooses. I need to learn to listen for the voice of God. I am trying to remember that it is not my job to discover God’s will for my life, because that is not my problem! It is totally God’s job and his responsibility to reveal his will to me and he delights in doing so. He does this when we trust him for the future. Sometimes I am aware that God is working in my life and other times I am not, but one thing is for sure, I believe that God goes before us and prepares the way. I want to learn to confidently rely on God to lead me through my life by opening and closing doors. I must remember that closed doors are not to be despised but rather embraced as a gift of loving protection. Open doors are to be held in my arms as precious opportunities to be used for God’s glorification! Although God loves me and cares about all that concerns me the main focus is never me. It is always about God and what God is doing in my life to make me more like him or what he is doing through me. When you are pretty sure you have heard the voice of God leading you ask him for confirmation and he will always make it clear.

 

God usually doesn’t speak in paragraphs. Most of the time I find that he is a God of few words. Like me, you may already be familiar with his limited vocabulary. Wait, go, no, yes, be still, forgive, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, humility, surrender, mercy, and grace, just to name a few, but oh the impact when the voice of God speaks even one simple word. Remember he is knocking, let him in and listen for his voice and obey.

 

Questions:

1. Have you ever been confused as to whether or not God was speaking to you or if it was your own thoughts or worse yet, the voice of Satan?
2. Do you see value in getting alone with God in solitude so that you can decipher the voices you are hearing?
3. Are you comforted to know that God’s voice is not the voice of condemnation?
4. Do you feel a sense of joy in knowing that you can trust the voice of God because it is based on his Word and his loving, unchanging, and faithful character?

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

You are perfect in every way. You are Sovereign over all things. You are not the enemy. You are a God of love. I am amazed at all of the ways you call out to man. God, creation screams of your love. Jesus, you shout out to mankind, I came to die for your sin. I am the sacrificial lamb, look to me for redemption because the Father wants you released from the grip of sin. Holy Spirit, you knock at our hearts door and you say, let me into your mind. Let me help you climb higher so that you may see and recognize the love and power of the Father. God you have not left us orphans. You have sent us your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. God, those who do not know you cannot hear or feel the Holy Spirit, but for those of us who believe we know him because he lives within us. Yes Lord, you are perfect in every way. You have all of the bases covered. Your plan for my well being is complete. Forgive me God, when I let life crowd you out and when I am unaware that you are patiently waiting for me to listen for your whisper. Thank you for your loving conviction that calls me to go away to a quiet place and listen for YOUR voice so I can receive wisdom and instruction from you.

 

It is in your Son’s name I pray. Amen

Fly Your Kite High

 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

 There is a meadow of beautiful wild flowers that lies just beyond the back fence of the garden of my heart. I love that meadow. On a day like today the colors are happy and bright as the sun casts a glistening ray that sparkles in the early morning dew. It takes me a little longer to walk the distance to the back of the garden, but I have felt the tug of the Holy Spirit calling me to the meadow all morning. Spending time in the garden is delightful but often God has a lesson for me outside the garden. So it’s to the meadow I must go. Anticipation of this outing and the lesson to be learned excites me as I quicken my steps.

 

As I approach the back gate of the garden I notice a beautiful hand carved chest next to the gate. Before exiting the garden I feel compelled to open the chest and look through its contents. As I rummage though the box I find many items that raise my curiosity as I assess their value. I’m not sure how this box got into the garden or who placed the items inside, but it is clear to me that they are for my personal use. It seems to be a survival kit of sorts.

 

The first item to catch my attention is a pair of funny over sized “Son”glasses. I am guessing that these might come in handy when I look up into the heavens in search of Jesus. Seeking the Savior every day is critical. Wonderful relationships are never one sided. I must always do my part in pursuing my Lord. Yes, these glasses could most certainly come in handy.

 

The next item to be examined is a pair of bright green rubber boots with silly frog faces painted on the toes. These rainy day shoes will not be needed today but might be useful at a time when I need to laugh. Perhaps I will use them on a day when I find myself walking in blind faith through a foggy day in fear or on a day when I find that I am being pounded with the unwanted rain that leads me splashing through the mud puddles of adversity. No doubt, these silly frog boots might be just what I need to redirect my focus.

 

A rainbow colored golf umbrella now catches my attention. Wow! What a beautiful reminder of God’s beautiful promises. Who has supplied me with this delightful umbrella to cover me and protect me during the dreary rainy days of my life? It makes me smile when I realize that God often uses cheerful people to encourage me during times when my spirit is downcast.

 

What’s this, a shovel? This will without a doubt come in handy when I am digging deeper into the scriptures. Life is busy but this shovel is a very visual reminder that if I am to live as a victorious Christian I must make time to dig deep into God’s precious Word. I know that God’s Word is a lamp to my feet and a light along life’s pathway.

 

I’m sure it is no accident that a Bible is tucked into this chest as well. The truth is I shouldn’t go outside of the garden without the Word of God. Reading the Bible is essential. I must memorize what it says and hide those words in my heart. The Bible has been given to me for instruction and reproof, and as I read God’s Word I will also discover his precious promises. These promises are designed to give me and you a hope and a future.

 

Packed way down on the bottom of the chest is an old handmade quilt. It appears to have been made by the loving hands of individuals who lived long ago. Each piece of this colorful calico quilt has a character all its own. Every piece has been carefully stitched into place. This beautiful quilt reminds me of my Christian heritage. My parent’s faith is precious to me because they allowed God to stitch every situation in their lives together with his thread of goodness. The end result was a beautiful quilt representing God’s faithfulness. Someday soon I am going to pack my lunch and fetch this quilt and head for a beautiful spot among the wildflowers that dance in my meadow. A quiet picnic will provide me with an opportunity to contemplate the legacy of faithfulness that I am endeavoring to pass on to my children and grandchildren. It is the desire of my heart to leave my loved ones with a quilt of beauty that will be a precious heirloom for their enjoyment. This quilt will not represent what I have accomplished but serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to me. My desire is to stitch the squares of my life’s quilt together with the threads of gratitude, love and obedience to my Lord.

 

Digging under the quilt, I discover some bottled water. I twist off the cap and drink the water that is amazingly cool and refreshing. This is so symbolic of the living water that is found only in Jesus Christ. Jesus has promised us that all those who choose to drink of Him, the living water of life, will never thirst again.

 

Last but not least, I spot a kite!  I hop up on the fence and lick my finger and thrust it high into the air. I am using this “old world” method to test the direction of the wind. The conclusion of this test is that it is a perfect day for flying this kite! I smile at the thought that this one last item has been placed in the chest for my pleasure and enjoyment. A kite for fun! The sole purpose of this kite is to lift my spirits high into the heavens as it soars above the cares of life. Quickly, I grab the kite and run out of the garden gate eager to fly this amazing bird made of simple wood and paper. The gentle wind on my face is a kiss from my Savior. Not only is he above and beyond the clouds, he is here in the meadow. Just to go one step further, he is also deep within my heart! There is no other God like my God. All powerful, all knowing, and always present.

 

This is a gorgeous day in the meadow. The sun is warm against my face. I am so happy that this morning I heeded and obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I remember it was just an undemanding nudge that suggested that I head for the back of the garden. My obedience proved to reveal a fantastic surprise. What a joy to dig through the survival chest. The discovery of the kite was a perfect delight. I know it is just a kite but for some reason I feel like today this kite is allowing me to run with Jesus. My spirit is lifted, I feel free, I feel joy, and I am at peace. As my kite rises higher the cares of life begin to fall off just like the cocoon of a butterfly as it flies to freedom. My concerns are one by one flying up to Jesus. As every inch of string unwinds it carries my kite a little higher and my heart soars even higher. I am overcome by a sense of trust in my Savior. I remember that his ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than my thoughts. How could I do less than trust him with all that concerns me.

 

The time has been short, but responsibility calls. I carefully wind up the string as I bring my precious kite back to the meadow. Before heading back into the garden I take one last look around me and drink in this glorious meadow. Back inside the garden I place my precious kite back in the chest for safe keeping. Walking home I smile with pleasure as I enjoy every blooming flower along the way. Each bloom shouts God is good! The walk back is long but it gives me a chance to ponder obedience. What would I have missed this day if I had not obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit? It is so true; those who wait upon the Lord will have their strength renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles and they shall run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. God has so much for me but I must always take the first step in obedience if I am to reap his rewards. God speaks volumes in the garden but sometimes he has amazing lessons to learn outside the garden gate. I must learn to pay better attention. I don’t want to miss a single blessing that stems from simple obedience.

 

Questions:

1. What was the last amazing lesson that God taught you?
2. Have you experienced that sometimes God has an answer to a prayer or an experience of delightful joy at the end of your obedience?
3. Which item in the survival chest would best suit you today as you leave the garden of your heart?
4. Will the emotions you are feeling today affect your choice?
5. Will you choose to fly your kite of obedience high on this perfect day?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

 

I’m not sure but I suspect that the chest at the garden gate was placed there by you. I am so grateful that you go before me and prepare the way for me. You know the way I should go and the tools that I will need when I get there. Lord, I pray that I would begin to be especially mindful of the nudging of your Holy Spirit as he suggests the path that I should take each day. Help me to look at all I have planned for the day and then be intentional about considering the possibility that you may have another plan for me this day. Lord, I want to learn to view your changes in my plans as acts of love leading me toward delight. I also know it is entirely possible that an answer to prayer may be at the end of my obedience. Perhaps you are getting ready to use me in the life of another person who needs to know of your love.  Maybe one of your children needs help or encouragement. I am aware that a change in my plans may be for my own protection. Jesus, I thank you for these nudges. Help me to pay better attention. It is true your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. My trust is in you as I choose to obey your voice.

 

Jesus, it is in your name I pray. Amen

Beyond The Weeping Willow

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.

Upon the willows in the midst of it we hung our harps.

For there our captors demanded of us songs, and our tormentors mirth, saying,

“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

How can we sing the LORD’S song in a foreign land?

Psalm 137:1-4 NASB



 

The air is fresh and the garden is beautiful. Walking among God’s creation always calms my anxious heart and reminds me that I serve a God of wonder and majesty. There is no limit to his creative handiwork. Every single flower, plant, bush, and tree is testimony of yet another masterpiece. The Master Gardener slips up beside me and softly says, “Paula, you too are a masterpiece.” Today I am feeling lavishly loved by the Father, but in all honesty there have been times when I did not feel his love.

 

Every once in a while life hands us a blow that knocks us off our feet, takes us out of the game, and sends our spirit reeling down a path that is clothed in surprise, devastation, and sorrow. Life happens and in the process takes us captive and carries us off to a place where we do not want to go. We wake up in a foreign land, a place where we have never been before. It is a place of extreme loss. We find ourselves on a precarious ledge teetering on the brink of despair. We weep as we remember our perfect Zion. Zion, the place we did not choose to leave.  All of the praise and worship songs we have sung in the past have left our heart and we cannot remember the words nor can we remember the melody. Our friends offer words of comfort as they try to stir within us one of the songs of Zion. But how can we sing the Lord’s song in this new and foreign land of loss and suffering. So for a season, we hang our harps on the willows and the singing stops. We find we cannot go on singing. At least not yet.

 

Still walking with the Master Gardner, I see in the distance a beautiful “Weeping Willow” tree. Graceful branches bend nearly to the ground. Delicate pale green leaves create a welcoming softness. I remember that the children of Zion hung their harps on the willows and sat down and wept. The Master Gardner says, “I know what you are thinking. Those who love the Lord should not weep. But oh my child, you will weep, I myself have shed a tear or two, especially in the Garden of Gethsemane.” I reply, “Yes Lord, I remember”. Then his words come like a breath of fresh air when he says, “…weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”  Psalm 30:5b

 

As I think back to my own days of despair and sadness I remember that I finally did get the strength to walk to the other side of the willow. I reluctantly took my harp from the branches and moved beyond the “Weeping Willow”. I saw stretched before me a path of newness. I realized that it was the Master who was leading the way. My head was bent and my spirit was still cast down but I could see the hem of His garment. I knew that I must stay focused on his garment or I might turn around and run back to my sorrow.

 

I clearly remember that on that day, as I walked the path of newness, the Master Gardner restored the joy of my salvation. I began the walk away from what had been and now I dared to enter a newness that I could not have imagined. God was making everything new. God was filling the hole in my heart with new things. With every step down this path of newness I experienced peace. Glancing back over my shoulder I saw “old loss” waving its hand goodbye and smiling at me as I walked further and further away. Then “loss” blew me a final kiss that said, “Be happy! Keep following the Master. Experience his joy as you walk his path that winds around and beyond the “Weeping Willow”.

 

I remember catching up to the Master. He allowed me to run a bit ahead so he could take pleasure in my trust and obedience. As I looked back at the master, instead of seeing the hem of his garment, I saw his beautiful face. We exchange smiles and I felt an amazing praise and worship song coming on! I could no longer remain silent! It was the song of the soul set free! I begin to stroke the harp and joyfully sing. “I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing praises to You before the gods. The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness. O LORD, is everlasting;” Psalm 138:1, 8a NASB

 

I will always remember the pleasant days gone by and I will treasure wonderful memories, but no longer will I mourn. I will sing to the top of my lungs that there is life beyond the “Weeping Willow” and I will pray that my song will bring glory to my Heavenly Father

 

Questions:

1. When was the last time you suffered great loss?
2. Did you hang your harp on the “Weeping Willow”?
3. Where is your harp now?
4. Can you rejoice in knowing that there is life on the other side of the “Weeping Willow”?
5. Do you see that on this God given path of newness God will reveal to you a glorious fresh plan that can be used for his glory?

 

Prayer:

 

Dear Father,

 

I have suffered loss on many occasions. I thank you Father that you have always been there to lead me beyond the “Weeping Willow” at just the right time. I praise you that during these times you have always allowed me to linger on the bank of the “River of Grief” for a season as you daily applied your comfort and healing to my spirit. I know loss will again at some point knock on my door. Nonetheless, always help me to know when it is time to pick up my harp and move on to the other side of the “Weeping Willow”. Father I pray today for all those who are weeping. Comfort them as only you can. Restore to them their harp and their song and lead them to the other side of the “Weeping Willow”.

 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

The Blindfold of Fear

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize

for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:14 NIV

 As I make my way to the garden this morning I am thinking about the fact that walking in faith is walking through life trusting Jesus for all we do not know or understand. A trusting faith knows that some secrets are known to God alone. It occurs to me that when I walk in faith I also walk in joy.

 

Some people have the good fortune of going through life flying by the seat of their pants with not much concern for planning or organization. These people do not fret, they do not make lists, and they are simply content to just do what comes next. Unfortunately for me, I am driven by organization, list making, planning for what lies ahead, and getting my ducks in a row so that they can waddle in a straight line. Trusting in the unknown future is not my forte!

 

As I approach the garden, it is no surprise that the Master Gardner is standing at the gate and is in the process of swinging the garden gate wide open for me to enter. I think it would be an understatement to say that he is always happy to see me. We begin to walk and I notice beautiful branches of bright orange and red bittersweet providing a backdrop for a patch of beautiful yellow lilies. I begin to share with Jesus that my life is bittersweet. On a regular basis I experience ups and downs, joys and sorrows, hills and valleys. Both the good and the bad seem to salt and pepper my life. I reluctantly admit that the downs, the sorrows, and the valleys of the future are the experiences that concern me the most. I explain to Jesus that I hate blind faith; in fact it scares me to death.

 

Jesus then begins to teach me about faith. “Paula, you have it all wrong.” That statement comes as no surprise to me! Then he continues, “Walking in faith does not mean that you are to walk as though you are blindfolded, groping in the darkness, worried about stumbling over a rock, or tripping on a tree root, or worse yet, falling into a black hole.”

 

I eagerly ask, “Well Lord, what does it mean?” He replies, “Walking in faith is walking every day in the joyful light of my presence. It is steadily walking towards your goal of finishing life well and meeting me face to face in heaven. Walking by faith is setting aside all that Satan designs to trip you up. When you walk in faith you choose to press on toward the goal so that you will win the prize for which you have been called heavenward. Walking by faith is enjoying the garden and expressing gratitude for all that I have given you. Remember, even when life takes much away, I make sure that at least one thing will remain in order for you to give thanks. I promise you I will never leave your side. You must always give thanks for the obvious good and search for the hidden good as well.”

 

After this conversation it didn’t take much for me to realize that many times less is more. My possessions and my “good lifestyle” are simply a heap of frivolous trinkets and tokens of happiness, instead of real joy. It all is bittersweet and meaningless in the whole scheme of things, because in reality Jesus Christ is all I need and more than enough. My hope of heaven and my eternal reward is the icing on the cake. But to be perfectly honest, I enjoy all the good things in my life. What I don’t enjoy is taking care of those things. The maintenance fee for all we own is a high price to pay as it often robs us of what is pure, lovely, and lasting.

 

So today I want to sit a spell and dream in the garden about what my life would look like if life was not so demanding and my schedule so hectic. What would my life look like if my responsibilities were not so restraining, and if I didn’t have so much to care for? If God and I could simplify my life what would the results be? What suggestions would he have for my life? How radical would some changes be? How would all this simplicity free me up for what God says is really important?

 

Most of the time life just whips me along at a pace almost faster than sound! It’s a rare moment when I sit down and consider any radical change in my life. Recognizing and cutting the strings that bind me and discovering what is necessary and what is not is a challenge.

 

It would be unwise to clear out all of the things in our life that make us unhappy, because many times those things are necessary. For instance throwing the crying baby out with the bath water would be unwise. We have been entrusted to take care of our children no matter how hard it is or how much time it requires.  God also holds us accountable for the marital commitment we made to our spouse. Our marriages are sacred and our vows are to be honored, even if there are problems in our marriage. God also calls us to help others. Our work is both necessary and a privilege. Where we work and the amount of time we spend at work may be a matter for consideration, but basically our work is a high priority. Being a caregiver to someone is very difficult but it is also a service that is pleasing to the Lord. So what remains? What can be eliminated, scaled down, or adjusted in our life?

 

All premeditated change must be evaluated under the illumination of the light of Jesus. What would he have me set aside or give up? That is not to say that a simplified life will not continue to be busy but somehow because God is in control he multiplies our time for his glory and our good. Simplicity can be an enormous step in freeing us up to find, follow, and fellowship with Jesus. We must have faith that God has HIS plan for our life on his radar.

When God speaks of change in our life, all that is lacking is courage. Will MY lack of courage send me scampering under the brush in the garden like a timid mouse? Or will I call upon GOD’S courage to rise up within me enabling me to stand up and walk like a courageous lion. We must free up time for Jesus because it is during this time that our faith renewed. We remember that Jesus is the solid rock on which we stand. We learn his promises and we learn to lean on them as well. We see the faithfulness of God and we then have the courage to remain faithful. We learn to trust instead of fear.

“The Lion from the Tribe of Judah” lives within the hearts of all believers. We must climb upon his back and be courageous! We must walk in simple faith, not as one blindfolded with fear but as one who knows the One who holds our future can be trusted. Learning to trust the one who goes before us frees us up to enjoy more of the garden. Jesus will lovingly lead us to places we have never been before. This may be a major move, a simpler lifestyle, a dependency on someone else, a balanced budget, a new found quiet time, or time to actually enjoy our family. We must learn to trust God for the courage to throw out the unnecessary to make room for the necessary. Much of what we do is important but if we look closely we will see where we waste time and where we are expecting too much of ourselves. We will even learn how to say no to good things in order to make room for God's best.

 

I want to joyfully walk into the future. Until that day I want to walk deeper into the garden. I do not believe that it is God’s will for my life that I grope in the darkness fearing the possibility of stumbling or falling on whatever danger I perceive may be ahead. It is God’s will that I walk in the warm shining light of his love and grace as he shows me what I should sit aside and what I must embrace as I joyfully walk towards the prize.

 

Questions:

1. Do you relate to wearing the blindfold of fear as you walk into the unknown future?
2. What do you fear the most about the unknown?
3. Is what you fear really true or is your fear based on what you perceive to be true?
4. Do you see that simplicity is a tool you can use to free up some of your time?
5. Would spending more time with God equip you to step out in blind faith and trust God with all areas of your life?
6. Do you know anyone who you could trust more than God with your future?

Prayer:

 

Dear Lord,

 

As I leave the garden today I thank you for your assurance that it is possible for me to have your courage as I walk toward all that is hidden from my eyes. Lord, I ask that you would walk with me as I press on toward the prize. Remind me often that when I walk with you in peaceful trust I am walking in faith. Until I leave this world I will continue to strive to walk with you both in the garden of my heart and in the world of responsibilities and trials. Lord I am grateful for all of my countless blessings and the special joy we share in the garden. This world is beautiful and special in so many ways. I can only imagine what it will be like to walk with you in heaven’s garden. Lord Jesus, even when life deals me an unsuspected blow I thank you for the knowledge that you will never leave me or forsake me. Lord, I confess that sometimes I do not know what to pray. Thank you that you are still near me and will remain by my side until I am able to pray again. Help me Lord to choose to loosen my grip on fear and focus on the knowledge that you are leading me to the most beautiful garden of all. I know that it will be a place of exquisite beauty and perfect peace, a place to rest and relax in your love as I lay down the cumbersome binding burdens of life. I look forward to this garden of joy because it will be a place where the song of the soul will be set free and worship will be untarnished. Until that day help me to simplify my life. Help me to learn the difference between what is necessary and what is not. Help me to release the unimportant things in my life in order to make room for all that is really important. Thank you Lord, that you have not given me a spirit of fear. Help me to choose to trust you in every circumstance I face.

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.