SHADOW PEOPLE

This past week, I’ve been working on my sermon for Easter, “Shadow People.”

How do you handle the disappointments of life – the times when trials and tragedies strike suddenly and leave you wondering what you will do? Is your first response one of shock and disbelief? Do you cry out, “Lord, why did this happen? Why didn’t You stop it? What have I done to cause this?”

The story of Easter is one of the most powerful.

We often focus on the main characters and ignore some of the ones in the shadows.

The main characters of course were Jesus, Pilate, Herod, chief priests, scribes, Roman guards.

What about those in the shadows?

Peter –

• Wanted to quit
• Did exactly what Jesus said would happen
• Denied knowing Jesus
• Lied
• Deep remorse
• Watched Jesus tortured, crucified, die
• All hope is lost.

Ladies at the cross –

• Sorrow and empathy
• Some were in deep grief
• Some were “doers” – went out to take care of burial arrangements – just had to DO something.
• They didn’t recognize Jesus – mistook him for the gardener

Two on the road to Emmaus –

• Deeply absorbed in sorrow
• So deep in grief, they didn’t recognize Jesus

We learn the most about ourselves by looking at the Shadow People.

WILD ADVENTURE

I have to say that life right now really is a Wild Adventure.
You don't know what may be "waiting in the bushes."
But I have to say that I am ready! Armed, locked and loaded. Ya know what I mean!
I am ready for what God has next.
I have the greatest wife.
And there is nothing better than spending a day at 'bou with Joy.
Bring it on!!!!
You ain't seen nuttin' yet.

A WORD.2...

A friend sent me a devotional today that was amazing...

Judge not the situation by human standards. I am doing a special work -- an important work that will advance my holy purpose and design here. It is all right. All is well. Please do not be afraid now. My love is stronger than the forces set against you. Remember that it is not you but Me who is their enemy. My strength is made manifest in your weakness. But do, My child, trust Me. Trust Me now while the outcome is still hidden from your eyes.

God Won't Hear You If....

“God will not hear the prayers of those who want destruction of fellow believers and their ministries.”
Ingrid Schlueter

A Word....

A friend of mine was in a small church in British Columbia two months ago. While in the church service, he said that God gave him a word for me.

Here it is…

You are wrestling against principalities and powers not flesh and blood.
Striving with men who are not going into times of fellowship with God; into that secret place with God. The secret place of God’s intimacy.

God’s business is handled crudely and cruelly by the flesh.
But those who have been in God’s secret place show it by building up others.

They show the fruit of spirit and manifest the nature of God.

The reason for the secret place is the enemies – if you didn’t have enemies you would not need that secret place.

Psalm 27
:5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.

______________________________________

I still wonder about what makes an enemy an enemy…

God's Plans

Your destiny is not tied to your critics!

"I will instruct you ...
I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch your progress."
Psalm 32:8

Worry

So many people deal with worry.

My daughter-in-law shared a Tommy Tenney book with me today.

He wrote,

“Jesus warned us not to worry!

Worry is not worship!

Some people worry on their knees

and call it prayer.

Missing You

This past week, I have been thinking about my dad a lot. I miss him.
It will be two years this coming October that he's been gone. He loved his family, he loved God and he couldn't stand fake people....

Good Things

What a pleasure today to be able to have an extended conversation with my son.
We were over 500 miles apart, but thanks to the amazing wonder of cellular technology, distance or location was no issue.
I am amazed at his insights and his ability to cut right through all the..... stuff and get to the heart of an issue.

God is honoring him and blessing him with some wonderful opportunities.
And I am very proud of him.

You Never Let Go (Even Though I Walk)

Scripture and music has been a great source of encouragement to me in the last few months.
My daughter let me know about a great song that has meant VOLUMES to me... HOLD FAST by MercyMe. (Thanks Aimz)
And then to have my youngest daughter have the sensitivity to call me on an extremely difficult day and say, "Dad, I just called to pray with you...." (Thanks Jilly)
Wow! There is nothing better than the love of family and I have the greatest family.

I have come to love this tune by Matt Redman as well....

You Never Let Go (Even Though I Walk)
Matt Redman, Beth Redman

Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

Your perfect love is casting out fear.

And even when I'm caught

in the middle of the storms of this life,

I won't turn back, I know You are near.

And I will fear no evil,

For my God is with me.

And if my God is with me,

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go,

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go,

In every high and every low

O no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me.

And I can see a light

that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare.

And there will be an end

to these troubles, But until that day comes,

We'll live to know You here on the earth.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming

for the heart that holds on,

And there will be an end to these troubles,

but until that day comes,

Still I will praise You,

still I will praise You.

Love Your Enemies

Jesus told us to “love our enemies.” (Matthew 5:43-45)

A few days ago, in my time of prayer, I was directed to Psalm 23.

I read through it and personalized it as I read it....

The LORD is Earl's shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 he makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though Earl walks
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Vs. 5 says,

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.

The Message Bible puts it like this…

You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.

But I began to wonder,

What makes an enemy an enemy?

Do you have to mutually hate each other?

What if you love them, yet they hate you?

If you don’t hate them, nor consider them an enemy, are they still an enemy?

What if you still love them and are still praying for them?

Are they still an enemy? Just a thought....

The Presence of God

A friend preached a message a few weeks ago that spoke volumes to me.


Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.
Joshua 3:4
Now they will know that I am with you
Joshua 3:7

Three Things the Presence of God Produces.

1. The Presence opens the way when there seems to be no way.

2. The Presence deals with the enemy.

3 . The Presence produces miracles.

"How am I doing?..... GREAT!"

PEACE, NOT STRESS

By obeying God through obeying His Word and doing what we know in our heart is right for us, we will accomplish specifically what He wants done at the time and in the way He wants it done. This promotes peace instead of stress. Through obeying the Lord, we place ourselves in position for Him to be able to bless us in the way He desires and plans.

We are assured and know that all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. – Romans 8:28 AMP

corazón -- ser todo corazón

Over the years, I have found that God's Word is an incredible strength to me... in good times and in.... not so good.

These first verses are what I call Directional Scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Leviticus 19:17-18
" 'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.
" 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.



A friend sent me these scriptures that strengthened my heart:
Proverbs 10:25 (NIV)
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever.
Isaiah 25:4 (NIV)
You have been a refuge for the poor,
a refuge for the needy in his distress,
a shelter from the storm
and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
is like a storm driving against a wall
Psalm 57:1 (NIV)
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Coffee

There's nothing better than to have coffee with people you care about.
And there is nothing worse than to waste coffee time with people that....
well, you figure it out.
Life is TOO short. Stay awake for it.