A Weekly Walk in the Word

Luke 22:54-62 Then seizing him (Jesus), they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him.” He said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday as we roll into Holy Week. How will you spend this important time in your faith life? Will you deny Jesus as Peter did? Will you share in the last supper? Will you carry the cross? Will you weep? No matter how you spend this week, we have hope. I will meet you at the empty tomb next Sunday.

Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

History is taking place in Acts. The Holy Spirit is descending in power and the church is being born. The prayer group leading the church movement includes women. In particular the mentioned prayer group includes Jesus’ mother, Mary. Mary who gave birth to the Son of God is also present at the birth of the church. In a culture where the place of women was downplayed, we see the role of godly women elevated. Women were pivotal in God’s plan for the church and we continue to be part of God’s plan for the church today. I grew up in a church where women were not allowed to hold roles of leadership. I don’t believe that is what God intended for the Church. Let’s not let another generation of girls grow up thinking they don’t play an important role in the church or God’s kingdom.

Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

Spring has sprung. I see signs of spring everywhere I turn. With the tulips emerging from the ground, the fat robins returning to the budding Maple trees and warmer temperatures every day. But, it seems so official when we turn our clocks back an hour (causing my blog to launch later than usual). Time is a funny thing. We think we have an endless supply, until it is gone. This week was the one year anniversary of my mom’s death. In some ways, it feels like an eternity ago. In other ways, if feels fresh like she passed just yesterday. As you spring ahead this year, think about how you will use your time. It is time to seek the Lord.

John 12:35-36 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.”

Walk close to Jesus. Like a moth drawn to a light, when we seek out the light of the world we see more clearly. Walking in the light isn’t simply about living a moral life, it is a matter of following Christ, who is the light. Let the light of Jesus shine through you this week.

Matthew 13:16-17 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Where do you find God? Can you see Him? Can you hear Him?

This morning I watched the first rays of sun burst over the horizon. Last night I marveled at the orange full moon as it lit the dark night sky. Just this week, I listened to my 83 year old dad tell stories of his past. I attended a Zoom Meeting for Christian writers. I was embraced in a hug from my sister. I picked up a member of our congregation who doesn’t drive at night so that we could worship together at our Wednesday night lent service. My kids came for dinner and filled our house with laughter. I listened to a friend who called to tell me she was able to move back into her group home. I caught up with a dear friend over lunch. I went on date night with my loving husband. I attended Bible Study at a coffee shop where we brought in extra chairs because so many women are showing up to hear about Jesus.

My eyes and ears are blessed. I have seen, heard and embraced God this week! Where do you find God?

Psalm 51:7-12 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

We experienced our first real snow of the season this week, which is unheard of in Minnesota. It is the first time we have taken the snow shovel out of the shed. The morning sun reflected off of the glistening new fallen snow. It was absolutely stunning! It made me think of how only God could send us a covering so white, so clean, so perfect. In Psalm 51, David pleads with God to cleanse him from his sins. Only God can remove the ugliness and replace it with joy. Only God can wash us whiter than snow.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

ASAP – Always Say A Prayer

When the sun comes up, Always Say A Prayer.

When the sun goes down, Always Say A Prayer.

When you sit down to eat, Always Say A Prayer.

When you are driving in your car, Always Say A Prayer.

When you are faced with a difficult decision, Always Say A Prayer.

When the days are dark and dreary, Always Say A Prayer.

When the sun is shining, Always Say A Prayer.

When you feel joyful, Always Say A Prayer.

When you hug the ones you love, Always Say A Prayer.

ASAP – Always Say A Prayer

Exodus 15:19-20 When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s (and Moses’) sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing.

Miriam was on the journey to the promised land alongside her brothers, Moses and Aaron. They have spent years in the wilderness living in tents. The moral among the people was low as they lashed out and questioned their decision to leave Egypt. Instead of going with the flow and falling into the same mindset, Miriam leads the women. She leads God’s people with music and dancing and singing. What an incredible way to lift spirits in the camp. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone this week to joyfully lead God’s people.

Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

As children, we have all learned what actions to take if our clothes catch on fire. But, have you ever been taught what to do if your life is on fire? It’s simple… the same rules apply. You STOP what you are doing. You DROP to your knees. You Pray. Even if you don’t have the words, the Holy Spirit knows your heart and will be right beside you as you cry out to the Lord. When life feels overwhelming, revert back to your childhood….. Stop, Drop and Pray.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

January when the temperature drops and the snow falls, it is the perfect time to be still, to rest in God. One of my favorite spots to be still is before dawn in a barn full of new baby lambs and their mamas. Where is your favorite quiet place? We all have so much to tell God about our situations. We have so much to ask God as we navigate life. It is time to shift. Take time to be still as you listen to God you will know him and his sovereignty. Be still and know his will for you today.