A Weekly Walk in the Word

Luke 24:1-8 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ “ Then they remembered his words.

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia

Luke 23:26-49 As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, “Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!” Then they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” And to the hills, “Cover us!” For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “ since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Luke 22:7-16 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” “Where do you want us to prepare for it” they asked. He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.” They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

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