Category: John

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The Welcome Mat Is Out!

Dave and I have been talking about our trip from Montana to Arizona six years ago. It had taken over seven years to sell our house up there and be able to move “home”. We love it here! There hasn’t been a day we have regretted this move. This morning I was sitting here thinking about that last day in Montana. The activity, the emotion, the joy. I found these words that I wrote then and they still ring true today. I hope you don’t mind me sharing them with you again.

As we got closer to the big move I found it harder and harder to sleep. We have mapped every fuel stop and made our hotel reservations. So much excitement and so much anticipation – years in the planning – were finally becoming a reality! I had lived this in my heart and now I got to see it with my eyes.

I had “Google Maps” and checked fuel prices. The hotel websites were helpful and it was easy to place the reservations on line. With all this technology I wondered how did Moses do it? He couldn’t call ahead and request a double-king with the continental breakfast. Or what about camel refueling? He had to dig his own wells! Abraham didn’t even have a map, he just had to follow the leading of God’s voice and stop when the Lord said to stop.

“Abraham had faith and obeyed God. He was told to go to the land that God had said would be his, and he left for a country he had never seen. 9 Because Abraham had faith, he lived as a stranger in the promised land. He lived there in a tent, and so did Isaac and Jacob, who were later given the same promise. 10 Abraham did this, because he was waiting for the eternal city that God had planned and built…13 Every one of those people died. But they still had faith, even though they had not received what they had been promised. They were glad just to see these things from far away, and they agreed that they were only strangers and foreigners on this earth…16 But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. That’s why God wasn’t ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them.” Hebrews 11:8-16 CEV

For years we had been telling friends and family that we are going to be moving back to Arizona. And for years, we had waited! And now the time had come. But this morning I had to ask myself a question. “Am I anticipating my heavenly home – my eternal city with the same excitement and anticipation as the one in Arizona?” I believe the answer is yes! There isn’t one thing here on this earth that can compare to living in the city whose builder and maker is God!

The things I value most are people and everyone I love can meet me in heaven. God has room for all of us. How wonderful is that! In the six years we’ve lived in Arizona a number of dear and precious friends have died but I know that I will see them again in heaven.

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together..” John 14:1-4 CEV

So many have come to visit in Arizona and we love having company. We’ve missed you all during this “stay-at-home” condition. However, if you can only come for one visit, I would rather that you come for coffee once we are settled in our heavenly mansion – the view will be spectacular!

Father, my prayer today is that all whom I hold dear have a personal relationship with you. I desire that their friendship with you is deeper than it is with me. You gave the life of Your Son so that they will live eternally. Thank you for touching their hearts today – thank you for providing new life, a life that never ends – thank you for giving us a place in You where we will never die but will live eternally. And thank you for caring about the everyday details of our lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen!

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Mightier Than The Sword

Every morning I take time to write two or three things I am grateful for as I start my day. It’s not a lengthy process but I have found that starting my day with gratitude greatly influences how the rest of my day will go. As I was finishing the last word in my journal my favorite pen ran out of ink.

This event is far from a crisis but it was disappointing. Writing is a part of who I am and having a pen that fits my hand is important to me. It’s not an expensive pen, in fact, it’s one I picked up in a doctor’s office a couple years back but I was so comfortable with it and now I will need to find a replacement.

As I was lamenting this situation the Lord quickly reminded me that what’s important is not the pen but the words. So true! I had just written I am grateful for wisdom and strength. Strength to face any circumstance and the wisdom to react properly.

My Bible reading took me to the perfect example of wisdom and strength. John, chapter 8, is where Jesus encounters the woman who was caught in adultery. The Pharisees dragged her through the streets and threw her at Jesus feet. They wanted to know if He was going to keep the Law and have her stoned or would he ignore the Law of Moses and give them an opportunity to arrest Him.

“They were saying this to trick Jesus. They wanted to catch him saying something wrong so that they could have a charge against him. But Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger.” John 8:6 ERV

Did you notice what Jesus didn’t do? He didn’t speak at first – instead He wrote. We don’t know what He wrote but it must have been powerful because the woman’s accusers left one by one. He used wisdom and displayed strength in this delicate situation. Yes, I am grateful when I use the strength and wisdom the Lord provides.

“They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, “If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!” 8 Once again he bent over and began writing on the ground. 9 The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest.” John 8:7-9 CEV

It was an English author by the name of Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 who said “The pen is mightier than the sword”. Words can have more of an impact than physical, brute strength. I like what the writer of the book of Hebrews says:

“God’s Word is living and powerful. It is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. It cuts straight into where the soul and spirit meet and it divides them. It cuts into the joints and bones. It tells what the heart is thinking about and what it wants to do.” Hebrews 4:12 NLV

As we approach a new day and a new week we would do well to fill our hearts and minds with God’s words – they will equip us with wisdom and strength and we will be prepared for any battle.

Yes, the words penned in Scripture are definitely mightier than the sword!

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A Secret Hiding Place

After writing yesterday’s blog I realized that many times when we have been wrongly judged we create a “hiding place”. It becomes a place to go when we are feeling vulnerable and we don’t want others to see our insecurity and weakness.

Some retreat to a place emotionally and others find an actual physical place to hide.

About thirty-five years ago there was a song in Christian circles by the artist, Twilla Parris. It was entitled, “Secret Place”. The words of this song still minister to me today. It asks, if we will let the Lord into your secret place? It’s that place we don’t think anyone knows about. The place where we can hide bitterness, the sting of rejection, fear of unworthiness and secret sins. These are things that we keep secluded and we don’t even want the Lord to know about. (But He does.) When we think about these things now they hurt as much as the day they occurred. Our secret place might seem safe but in reality it keeps us locked in or imprisoned to those circumstances.

MY HEART IS LIKE A HOUSE, ONE DAY I LET THE SAVIOR IN
THERE ARE MANY ROOMS WHERE WE WOULD VISIT NOW AND THEN.
BUT THEN ONE DAY HE SAW THAT DOOR I KNEW THE DAY HAD COME TOO SOON
I SAID JESUS I’M NOT READY FOR US TO VISIT IN THAT ROOM

THERE’S A PLACE IN MY HEART WHERE EVEN I WOULDN’T GO
I HAVE SOME THINGS HIDDEN THERE I DON’T WANT NO ONE TO KNOW
BUT HE HANDED ME THE KEY WITH TEARS OF LOVE ON HIS FACE
HE SAID I WANT TO MAKE YOU FREE LET ME GO IN YOUR SECRET PLACE.

SO I OPENED UP THE DOOR AND THE TWO OF US WALKED IN
I WAS SO ASHAMED I’D REVEALED MY HIDDEN SIN.
BUT WHEN I THINK ABOUT THAT ROOM NOW I’M NOT AFRAID ANYMORE
FOR I KNOW MY HIDDEN SIN NO LONGER HIDES BEHIND THAT DOOR.

THERE WAS A PLACE IN MY HEART WHERE EVEN I WOULDN’T GO
I HAD SOME THINGS HIDDEN THERE I DIDN’T WANT NO ONE TO KNOW
BUT HE HANDED ME THE KEY WITH TEARS OF LOVE ON HIS FACE
HE MADE ME FREE I LET HIM IN MY SECRET PLACE.

I had a room in my heart like that. It was filled with bitterness and anger. Every time I thought of a certain situation and the person who controlled it I would flare up again. It was so hurtful. So yes, I kept it locked away and didn’t deal with it.

One day as I was praying about something completely different those memories came flooding in. I remember saying “Lord, that’s not what I’m praying about.” and I felt the Lord say to me “But this is what we need to deal with”. I began to weep, I confessed my bitterness and felt Him heal my heart. I was free!

Then the Lord showed me that He has a secret place for me to come to when I’m frightened or insecure, when I’ve been hurt. There’s no lock on the door. His secret place is for my safety and protection.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV

“37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.” John 6:37 NLT

Following the Lord doesn’t mean that we won’t face obstacles, battles or persecution but it does mean that the Lord will walk with us through the storms, give us strength and peace and bring us out to a place of victory.

“Lord, Reveal to me any “secret” places that I have kept back from You and give me the courage to let You shine the light of Your love into that darkness and bring me out into the warmth of your protection and healing. You are my God and I place my trust in You!”

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GPS to the Rescue

On one of our trips to Iowa one summer Dave asked me to direct him through Des Moines. We had been there the summer before and knew if we took one road it would take us right down through town. We had been told that there was a way to circumvent that and it was my job to make sure we were on that road.

I hate pressure like that – we have always teased that Dave should have been a professional navigator. He loves maps, looks at them for fun. Me, on the other hand, not so much. I can read maps if I have too but I need plenty of time, no spur of the moment decisions for me. And then there’s the additional pressure of getting it wrong and having to backtrack while hearing “I thought you said this was the right way”. Yep, I hate that.

Well, we got around Des Moines successfully and didn’t end up downtown. He did question me a couple of times but I was looking at the computer screen and following the direction that I was given. Thank God for GPS.

Have you ever been lost and not sure how to find your way? Did you use GPS?

For those of us who have been lost in life I have good news. There is a GPS system that you can rely on completely. It doesn’t need to be updated for the newly developed roads and it won’t drain the battery on your phone or lose connection. It’s always right on and the voice that dictates the proper directions is soothing and never intrusive.

GPS – GOD’S PLAN of SALVATION

We all start out lost; not having any direction in our lives – badly in need of the only perfect solution. GPS (God’s Plan of Salvation).

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6

Anyone can have this GPS. It won’t cost you a thing because Jesus already paid the price for you.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” Acts 2:21

The only installation instruction required is that you ask and you will receive.

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

It is so wonderful to know that many of those reading this have received this GPS. It’s being used around the world by millions. But there are some who still haven’t applied it to daily use. Maybe they think it’s too expensive, it will cost too much. However, it’s been purchased for them, the price has been paid and now everyone can have it free of charge. God the Father is waiting with open arms to give it to all.

“Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:2

“They said to him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.” Acts 16:30-31

With this GPS, God’s Plan of Salvation we’ll always be the right road!

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No Broken Promises

Do kids still do “pinky swear”? You remember, we’d be on the play ground or at a friend’s house when something would be said or done, a secret was confided or a promise made and we would “pinky swear”. There was nothing stronger than a pinky swear – it was unbreakable!

But as I grew up pinky swear was replaced with “I cross my heart”. And then we knew there was definitely nothing stronger than that…A promise is a promise and should never be broken. Yet, I have broken promises and have also experienced the breaking of them. I know we all have. It can be devastating.

However, there is One who never breaks a promise!

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20

When God makes a promise He keeps it. Simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet? Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

The life of Joseph reveals God’s promise keeping commitment. He had that dream as a seventeen year old and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3

“Joseph told them to come closer to him, and when they did, he said: Yes, I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. 5 Don’t worry or blame yourselves for what you did. God is the one who sent me ahead of you to save lives.” Genesis 45:4-5 CEV

Joseph had been in Egypt for thirteen years. Most of that time he had been enslaved or imprisoned. He held on to God’s promise that he would be placed in authority and his brothers would see his prominence. Joseph became second in command in Egypt and God used him to save his father, brothers and their families from starvation.

I will ask again, what promise has God made you? Is it one of these?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgives all your iniquities; who healeth all your diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the pass and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

“God is not a man;  he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something,  then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Number 23:19 ERV

When God makes a promise it’s unbreakable – pinky swear!

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We’re Champions

We all want to feel special. We want to know there is something about us that “entitles” us to the little extras. A bigger piece of pie, an extra scoop of ice cream, more money per hour at work, the bigger bouquet, the nicer car, the corner office and the list goes on.

However, I’ve never been one to win the trophy buckle, to graduate valedictorian, be promoted to executive team or even win the state championship. But there is one thing I’ve done that puts me in the top group every time!

This trophy buckle pictured here is my husband Dave’s. When we were preaching on working ranches and at youth rodeos he wore it all the time. We wanted all who came to realize that when we have Christ as our Savior we are all champions. The first step is to kneel at the cross.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 ERV

Yes, I’m a member of the world – I’m an everyone! That makes me a recipient of the Father’s love and a participant in life eternal.

“Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. 9 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: 10 We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle. 11 Command and teach these things.” I Timothy 4:8-11 CEV

Father God provides salvation for ALL but He’s given us a part to play. We must BELIEVE that Jesus provided our salvation as a free gift.

If I came to your house with a big box wrapped in beautiful paper and tied up with a gorgeous ribbon and I had put your name on the box, would that present be yours? Well of course it would!

If you took that present and set it on the dining room table and looked at it, each day, admiring how pretty it was and how nice it was of me to bring it, would it benefit you? No, not really. It’s not until you open the gift, fully accept it, that it truly becomes yours and is a benefit to you.

Many people have seen the gift the Father brought them; the gift of forgiveness and restoration but for what ever reason have failed to open it and appropriate it for themselves.

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 CEV

“no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CEV

So you see if you are a whosoever, an everyone, an “all people”, the gift is yours! Accept it and take advantage of what is being given – it definitely makes you a winner!

Christ has made us champions – we are victorious!

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Light in the Darkness

We’ve probably all heard about the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”. And for some these last few months have seemed like an endless tunnel with the light snuffed out. This is a path we have never walked before but let me tell you there is Someone who has and He has promised to lead us through!

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6 ERV

We can put our hope, our trust, our faith in Jesus. He knows the way through and He promises to lead, to be our guide in every situation. Years before He came to earth the prophet Isaiah foretold what Jesus would do for us. Even when we feel we are walking blind we can trust Him.

“Then I will lead the blind along a path they never knew to places where they have never been before. I will change darkness into light for them. I will make the rough ground smooth. I will do these things for them; I will not abandon my people.” Isaiah 42:16 ERV

In times when we are frustrated, disappointed, angry and uncertain we can come to the Lord and tell Him exactly how we feel and He will answer us and give us direction.

“I gain understanding from your instructions, so I hate anything that leads people the wrong way. 105 Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:104-105 ERV

The Lord’s instruction to us are written in His word. Fear Not – Trust in the Lord – Let Peace Guard Your Heart – Don’t depend on your own understanding. All of these words give light to our path today.

Many times I have felt like the Lord wants me to be a cheerleader for those who are discouraged. I’ve been through discouragement, disappointment, fear and anxiousness and I know this as sure as I am breathing this morning “God is faithful and He will not abandon us”.

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG

Long before social distancing and streaming church services, Dave and I attended an on-line church. Living rural like we do it’s nice to have worship services come to our home. We can watch services from anywhere in the world, any day of the week and be encouraged by the songs and messages. One song that has been particularly uplifting lately is called Way Maker. I’ll leave you with some of the lyrics. I can’t think of a much better way to start the day. (Click the link and hear it for yourselves)

Way maker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
That is who you are
Way maker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who you are

Please let me encourage you – if you feel you are walking around blind, that there is no light at the end of this tunnel, there is hope and His name is Jesus! He is our light in the darkness!

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Look for the Signs

We live in a rural area; one where coyotes and javelina forage at night. Rarely do we see them during the day but we hear them at night – sometimes in the lot next door or across the street. We see the tracks of the javelina in the morning and before the fence went in, those tracks would be in our backyard.

The javelina eat our cactus and other desert foliage. The coyotes are on the prowl looking for some small rodent to prey upon. We are alerted to their presence by the barking of the neighborhood dogs. Their barking is constant and loud. They sense a danger and are trying to warn us.

It’s annoying when we are awaken from a sound sleep and even more so when we aren’t able to get back to sleep…

Why is it we get annoyed by warnings?

Right now, we are bombarded with warnings. Wash your hands, wear a mask, stay at least six feet apart. But before all this there were signs everywhere. At Disneyland we are told if we have heart problems, are pregnant, under a certain height, etc. we can’t ride certain rides. There are railroad crossing signs, the icy road sign, the do not touch wet paint or slippery when wet signs, the speed limit postings; we have an aversion to all of these and think they apply to others and not to us. So we go blissfully on our way ignoring the warnings and most of the time suffer no consequences. We will master our own universe!

Some people feel the same way about reading the Bible or attending church because they say it cramps their style. It’s just a bunch of rules. Following Jesus is never about rules, it’s relationship!

I may ignore warnings from people I don’t know but if Dave calls me and tells me to stay off the road because there’s a storm headed my way or to stay away from the wood pile because there’s a snake under it, I heed his warning. He loves me and I know he is concerned for my welfare.

When Jesus gave warnings and instructions throughout His ministry He wasn’t being mean. He was showing how much He loves us.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. 11 I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:10-11 CEV

Paul gives us instruction for living in a way that will keep our blood pressure down, help our heart stay healthy and will please God.

“Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2 Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 4:31-5:2 CEV

As we go through our day let’s pay attention to the warnings around us and not ignore them.

God has a wonderful life designed just for us and He wants us to be safe!

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See the Sonrise

I hope you will join me this morning for a virtual Easter Sonrise Service. It won’t be a streaming service but I pray that the light that Resurrection Morning will stream into your hearts.

I assume that the disciples sat alone and afraid in their homes honoring the Sabbath following the crucifixion but now it was the first day of the week. What would the days ahead hold for them?

The women had a plan. They would go to the tomb and finish preparing Jesus body for his burial. They left early – about sunrise and headed to the tomb where He had been laid. They were almost at their destination when there was a great earthquake. An angel appeared to roll away the stone from the opening and when the soldiers who were there guarding the tomb saw him they fainted dead away.

The women arrived to this strange scene. They were afraid. The angel spoke to them and told them that Jesus had been raised to life again. He invited them to look inside and see that the tomb was empty and then he gave them the honor of delivering the glorious message to the disciples.

“‘Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. That is what I came to tell you.’ 8 The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples.” Matthew 28:7-8 CEV

This is really special to me. The first ones to preach the message of Jesus’ resurrection were women.

As the women were leaving the garden and heading back to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive, Jesus appeared to Mary in the garden. He called her by name.

“Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?” She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.” 16 Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!” John 20:15-16 MSG

He called her by name – that impacts me every time I read it. All through His ministry Jesus reached out to them in a personal way. Here in the garden, Jesus appears as the resurrected Son of God, in all His glory, and He hasn’t changed. He is still involving Himself personally into the lives of those who are hurting and afraid.

He called Mary by name. He knows each one of us by name too. He speaks to our hearts on a daily basis, sometimes we’re just too busy to hear Him.

I hope you will take time to listen today. Let Him speak to your heart and calm your fears. Let Him wrap you in His love. Receive forgiveness for your sin and be reconciled to the One Who died for you.

Celebrate Easter at Sonrise! Let Him rise to a place of honor in your heart.

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What Now?

We’ve been living through some dark and stormy times, wondering what’s going to happen next. Maybe you’ve been asking yourself the question “What do I do now?”. Working from home has been good, less traffic when you do go out, shorter lines in the grocery store and more time with family has all been good. However, there is the unanswered question of how much longer this will go on and what do we do now.

Some of you reading this are on the front lines. You are medical personnel; doctors, nurses, lab technicians, urgent care staff and hospital support staff. You are joined by police, fire, ambulance, truck drivers and grocery store teammates who are overworked and under appreciated. You, too, are asking what now?

It’s a place we’ve never been before and hopefully we will never go again. We need to make it through. We need to support and encourage one another.

There’s one other group that I inadvertently left out and they deserve our attention. They are a mixed group; fisherman, tax collectors, housewives, doctors and a some religious zealots. They are grouped together and asking the same question – what now?

They aren’t getting any recognition at all. Their world has been turned upside down and they are in danger of loosing their lives. Right now we find them locked behind closed doors not wanting to step out into the light of day. Maybe you’ve guessed who I’m talking about – these are Jesus disciples.

There’s really nothing written in the Bible about what they were doing the day following the crucifixion. But I can imagine that their world was reeling like a small boat on a stormy sea. Jesus was dead, would they be next? What now? The One they had always turned too in crisis wasn’t there, what now?

Were they too frazzled to remember the instruction Jesus had given them just a couple days before?

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.” John 14:1 CEV

His final words before He was arrested are recorded in John 14, 15, 16 and 17. Jesus was preparing them for what was to come. He was also spending time with the Father, in prayer, preparing Himself for what He would go through.

What now?

“I have told you all these things while I am with you. 26 But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.

27 “I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going back to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. 29 I have told you this now, before it happens. Then when it happens, you will believe.” John 14:25-29 ERV

This is the answer to our question of what now. This is the instruction Jesus left for us. Don’t be worried, have faith in God. The Holy Spirit has come to be our Helper and Jesus has given us His peace so we don’t have to be troubled and afraid.

On this day before the victory of the resurrection, our answer to the question “what now” is trust God!

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