My Little Brother

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 112: Today, I am grateful for my little brother. 

My world changed on this day. It is the anniversary of  my baby brother's arrival. I was six years older and it was so fun to have a real baby of my own. Well, he wasn't exactly mine, but I bossed him around like a mom. We've often said it is a wonder he even likes me, let alone loves me. 

My side of the story is that it took all three of us... Mom, Dad, and me... to keep him alive. April was sometimes his keeper, and sometimes his partner in crime. We grew up running barefoot with plenty of sunshine. 

My first gray hairs likely came from him. I adore him! It is probably good that I was gone before his teen years. He walked at 7 months and climbed grain silos... alone... when he was two. 

He taught me to drive a stick shift when he was twelve and I was 17 after Dad tried and failed. Dad was mad. I was in tears. Matt said, "Let's go, Babe." It was not his usual name for me... but at that moment he was the big brother. 15 minutes later, I was on my way to perfecting the skill. 

I love his quick wit, common sense, and wisdom. I love that we laugh together and are touched by many of the same things. Who knew that he would grow up to be one of my best friends, too? I am grateful for the wife he chose and that she said yes. Laughing together is one of life's greatest pleasures. The time together is never long enough. Be it as two couples... or even better with all of our children (by birth and by blessing-in-love) ... it is always good to be together. 

He is a wonderful husband, dad, brother, uncle, and he loves the land just like Grandpa, Dad, and Uncle Mel. He is my brother, and I celebrate the gift of another year added to his count. 

“‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ -Numbers 6:24-26

Today, I am grateful for my little brother. 

The Right Key

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 111: Today, I am grateful for the right key.

When I was younger, I used to glance at the front pages of the celebrities on the gossip newspapers like the National Enquirer while waiting to pay for groceries. The drama was always big and much of it false, but, curiosity kept my eye glued to the cover. Now, I see them and all I feel is sad. Fame and fortune leaves many of the celebrities broken and sad. 

If you grew up in the country or small town, you have likely been teased for it. Not the good type of teasing that I enjoyed from my friends who lived in the city and the burbs (I enjoyed it all and especially bringing you to one lane roads with no yellow lines that made you panic.). It was the arrogant superiority that really looked down on those who live more simply. 

Dad always called it "the accident of birth" when he referred to where you lived, the color of your skin, the color of your eyes or hair, or who your parents happen to be. He was a Gideon and believed in getting Bibles into the hands of those who might not know the gospel near and far away. Jail was his favorite place to take Bibles. We used to joke that it was a captive audience. He carried the truth. Some found freedom behind bars. It fueled his soul. 

As far as I can tell, extreme wealth, fame, and fortune more often than not, suck the goodness from life as there seems to be an addiction that comes with chasing more. More money, more fame, and more power. Some... often at the birth of children or a crisis moment, step away from the limelight and look for a quiet, often rural, existence. They seek the simple and the true. 

Happiness chased is fleeting; deep, frequent gratitude sparks joy daily. In seeking Jesus we find truth; the truth sets us free from the shame, the blame, and the broken. Gratitude is the key. 

"and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:32

The bars are left behind and the chains are broken. Unlocked by truth, grace, gratitude, and the cancelled sin debt paid by a guy who spent his first night on earth in a manger.  

Today, I am grateful for the right key.  

Favorite Verses

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 110: Today, I am grateful for my favorite verses. 

I have so many, but there are certainly some that make the top 10 list... and I might be able to do a top five if pressed. This has been one since my teen years. It was highlighted well in my Bible (NIV). Even then, I recognized the power grab. 

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:55-57

A great companion scripture is: 

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! -Philippians 1:20-22

There is so much encouragement in these verses. They declare death a door with no reason to fear. In fact, there is an element of excitement in Paul's letters. His biggest concern is that he will have the courage to face whatever painful death might be ahead of him. He is confident of his destination. The scripture rings with victory and purpose. 

This passage is definitely in my top five. If we follow this simple instruction, we will get many things right. 

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15

Celebrate the joys. Share in the sorrows. 

Today, I am grateful for my favorite verses. 

Strength in Weakness

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 109: Today, I am grateful for the perfect strength born in weakness. 

We had a beautiful message today from our former Pastor and dear friend, Doane Brubaker. The message God placed on his heart was one of those "right word and the right time" sermons. The message was from one of Paul's letters later in his life. 

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Pride, independence, and stubbornness can keep us from submitting to the will and authority of God. We want to do things our way and in our time. Sometimes, He has other plans. We can fight it, (and I have) but his way is truly the best way. Too often, it is through the brokenness and trials that we finally say "not my will, but thy will be done." He waits. 

A story in the sermon reminded me of a print I love by one of my favorite artists. Mary Engelbreit shows a cracked hanging pot that has obviously leaked because below it beautiful flowers are blooming. I could not find the print, but I found an image of a cracked pot that resulted in flowers growing at the bottom of the crack. I think it is even more beautiful than if the pot was perfect. 

Life has plot twists. We can choose to lean into God's strength and rest, so that beauty can bloom in the broken places. 

Today, I am grateful for the perfect strength born in weakness.

Freshly Turned Dirt

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 108: Today, I am grateful for the smell of freshly turned dirt. 

The scent I am referring to is not petrichor. Petrichor requires rain. The scent of farmers and gardeners turning the soil over after the long, cold rest of winter is unique. Petrichor is a scent I seek out; the scent of freshly turned dirt is different. 

The smell of the soil being turned is one that I associate with the hope and promise of things to come. It is spring telling us that summer's glories are on the way. Perhaps, it is the smell of hope. 

That a hard, lifeless seed can be brought back to life with soil and water will forever be a mystery to me. I see God in every seed that produces a harvest. I see reminders that we were instructed to care for the earth. Avid gardeners... and I am not one... often say that we are closest to God when we are in a garden. 

The kids gave me a hydroponic garden for Christmas. It is all the wonder without the dirt. (It is time to replant it.) We've enjoyed sharing the "Farm Reports" as the seeds sprouted and grew. The arugula was probably my favorite harvest. It requires plant food to be added to the water. For the outside garden, the dirt works its magic of feeding the seeds. 

Walker and Amber are our family gardeners. The rest of us have tomatoes and perhaps a few other plants. Now is the time to turn the dirt. The rain is part of bringing the soil back to life. I walked back to our small garden bed last night that showed signs of Randy's work. The scent made me smile. 

Black dirt freshly turned is special. 

"And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so." -Genesis 1:11

And, it was good!

Today, I am grateful for the smell of freshly turned dirt. 

Friday

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 107: Today, I am grateful for Friday! 

Other than Good Friday, I do not know that I have used "It's Friday." for a gratitude post. This has been the longest week so today, I am grateful the weekend is almost here. 

Focus and finish up what needs to be done and celebrate a chance to rest and restore. 

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

Even when our bodies grow weary, we can press on and into hope. Do the right thing. Show love where you can. Walk in grace. Delight in the end of the week. 

Today, I am grateful for Friday! 

Loving, Wise Stewards

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 106: Today, I am grateful for reminders to be loving and wise stewards. 

I love elephants. They are one of my favorite animals for so many reasons. They take care of their family. They can be so gentle and kind. They make me feel tiny. What is not to love? 

Elephants are known to remember kindness and mistreatment for decades. They are truly amazing. 

As our sins are tossed "as far as the East is from the West" when we confess, believe, and receive His grace and mercy, is it not our job to forgive, too? The weight of unforgiveness is a heavy load to bear. I love that scriptures often remind us how to live our daily lives. The instructions are simple, but they can be life changing. 

This was my verse of the day:

"Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." -Romans 13:8

Live as close to debt free as you can. Love generously. Love well. Love in the wisdom of the 10 Commandments. Life will not always be perfect, but a moral compass and a very present God will get us through any storms. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to be loving and wise stewards. 

Casting Our Cares

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 105: Today, I am grateful we can cast our cares. 

This is my verse for today:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:6-8

Many of the disciples were fishermen. It was a common trade on the sea. It was not always easy work, but if they cast their nets, eventually they would fill. They had to not give in to discouragement. They could not give up. Not every day is a big fish day. 

We often quote this passage for the comfort of knowing we have a God who cares for us. It really is awesome to consider that He looks with love upon our good days and in the middle of our messes. His faithfulness is truly awesome. 

We can cast our cares like a fisherman throws out a net or a line. We are reminded to come humbly before His throne and to be sober minded and watchful as the enemy of our souls is an ultimate predator seeking to devour and destroy. Our God is bigger, stronger, and loves restoration projects. We can trust His hand with the net, the rod, and the reel. 

Today, I am grateful we can our cares. 

Zoom Out

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 103: Today, I am grateful we can zoom out. 

The temptation to zoom in on today's fears or struggles is real. It can lead to anxiety and discouragement. 

My dear friend, Kelly, shared this image. It is a perfect reminder of all that we have in a world that constantly bombards us with images that can leave us wanting more. We even buy storage units to put it in when our homes and garages are filled. 

Consumerism can steal the joy in our ordinary days. 

We have so many ordinary luxuries. Clean water, reliable electricity, a safe place to sleep, and plenty to eat. These things are extraordinary. Savor them more. 

I am more of a glamper than a camper, but think about how many good memories are made around a campfire with family and friends. It is all so simple. The same can be said for a beach, if you live close to the water. Zoom out and enjoy the things that are most important.  

"And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." -2 Corinthians 9:8

All that we need for this day is truly an extraordinary thing. 

Today, I am grateful we can zoom out.

Justification

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 102: Today, I am grateful for justification. 

The starfish is at the edge of the sea, but it needs to make it into the water to live. Will the sea lap the shore and carry it to safety? 

In our human, sinful state, we could not get over the finish line by simply being told to obey the rules. Arrogance, pride, selfishness, and moods get in our way. As we read the Old Testament there is record after record of God reaching out to pull those who loved Him over the finish line. 

Not everyone was perfect. Even the best of the best failed at times. The cross would change everything, but it was many years coming. God is holy; sin is offensive to Him. Through faith in Jesus Christ that individuals are justified (Romans 3:28). God created a way and accepted the sacrifice. 

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" -Romans 3:23-24

Like the person who needs a gluten free kitchen or a peanut free zone, our souls must be justified and clean before God. Heaven is a sin-free zone. Jesus came so that we might be redeemed, cleaned, and justified. 

We are Easter people. Jesus, like the water lapping up the starfish, reached out to pull us to safety for those who are willing to confess, believe, and receive the gift. 

Today, I am grateful for justification. 

Priorities

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 102: Today, I am grateful for reminders to choose our priorities.

Oh those pesky "to do" lists. They seem endless, but they are great tools for helping us conquer the day... and the week. What tasks are important? Which are necessary? Which can wait, if time gets short. 

My friend, Stephanie, reminds us to "be where your feet are." It is a reminder to be fully present in the moment you are currently living. It is a great way to walk through the day. Priorities show what we value by how we spend our days. 

This scripture is all about priorities:

"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." -Luke 9:23-24

The idea of taking up our cross to follow Jesus implies that not every day will be sunshine and roses. There are great days ahead, but there will be hard days, too. We can trust Him to be our life preserver and our restorer when we seek His face and with our whole hearts. When we present our lives as a living sacrifice, there is no losing. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to choose our priorities.

Early Spring Blooms

 Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 101: Today, I am grateful for early spring blooms. 

The day has been full, so this post is short. Everywhere I looked today there were blooms and promises of flowers to come. As the earth comes back to life, the birds sweet songs provide a soundtrack for the rebirth. 

Again, the perfect chorus of “let heaven and nature sing” comes to mind  

 Today, I am grateful for early spring blooms. 

Timers

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 100: Today, I am grateful for timers.

My oven timer has been broken for more years than it worked. For years I carried hand held timers while doing laundry or other tasks so that dinner or a baked item wasn't burned. 

I've set timers to not forget the laundry and to put things in the oven to have them done on time. Timers are a game changer.  

With cell phones and watches with timers, I rarely need the one I used to carry around. Timers help us stay on task. While Kermit the Frog masters procrastination, I like to set multiple timers to keep me moving. 

Solomon was right. There is a time for everything. 

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" -Ecclesiastes 3:1

My timer says I need to get out the door to work. 

Today, I am grateful for timers.

A Comfy Chair

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 99: Today, I am grateful for a comfy chair.

Do you have a favorite chair? The one that is cozy and fits just right? Perhaps, you have your "spot" on the sofa or loveseat. This image made me laugh because most of us have experienced that moment when we find our comfy chair and it takes us by surprise. 

Everyone has a different definition of what makes a chair cozy and comfortable. Our different opinions make the world more interesting. There is no true right and wrong. The perfect seat is very open to opinion. 

I do not know why I am still surprised when the thing that catches my eye relates to the "Verse of the Day." The scripture is about Jesus sitting down at the right hand of God after the crucifixion and resurrection. He returned to take His comfy seat. 

There is nothing like "coming home" where the cozy chair awaits. Jesus's suffering was complete and conquering sin and death finished. His spot waiting for Him with a celebratory return. His radiance and position restored. Human skin no longer binds him. Oh, what a homecoming! 

"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," -Hebrews 1:3

Savor your comfy chair today and rejoice knowing that Jesus conquered the grave so we could join as joint heirs at the table in heaven. "We can only imagine"... as the song goes. 

Today, I am grateful for a comfy chair. 

Our Amber

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 98: Today, I am grateful for our Amber.

It is the anniversary of the day she was born and a wonderful reason to celebrate. 

She is the daughter Walker chose for us and it has been a joy to see them care for each other with such gentleness and compassion. They really like and encourage each other daily. 

She fits into our family of six just right. She loves color, crafting, cats, conversations, cozy couch moments, and Walker. Gardening and cooking together fills their days with the ordinary things that are truly extraordinary. She is intentional about walking in love. 

This was the scripture read at their wedding almost a year and a half ago. It is a popular passage, but for them it was perfect. 

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." -1 Corinthians 13:1-8

We are grateful for her birth, her heart, and the choice she makes every day to love well. Her name is perfect. Amber stone is a naturally occurring fossilized resin. It has long been valued by many cultures and is found in a variety of rich colors. Amber loves color! 

Amber, also, has been thought to have healing properties acting as an effective pain reliever for inflammatory, muscle, and chronic pains. Our Amber brought healing, too.  

Happy Birthday, Amber. We love you. 

Today, I am grateful for our Amber.

Peonies Popping

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 97: Today, I am grateful for the peonies popping. 

Spring is trying to break free of winter. We have had enough warmth and sun to give the peonies the courage to break through the soil. Before the green foliage and pink blooms, they look a little like red asparagus. 

This year, it is particularly exciting to see them because Randy divided them last year. We will wait and see what the summer brings. We are hopeful. 

The plant world "feels" things differently. It responds to the environmental factors thrown its way. Drought, too much rain, pruning, wind, and pests impact the plant. Most plants fight the fight. They struggle until they win or lose. Humans, at times, offer intervention to help, not always with success. Nature is still full of mystery. 

What about new life in Christ? We are two days past Easter. This was my verse of the day that reminds us that new life in Christ is like no other. The mystery is summed up in this letter to the Galatians:

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

When there is an invitation to let Christ lead, everything else changes. We can trust that the one who paid our debt in full by his death and resurrection has our best interests in mind. Not every day will be sunshine and flowers, but there is a purpose to the path, even in the struggle. 

Often in the struggles, new life takes root and flourishes. 

Today, I am grateful for the peonies popping. 

Budding Trees

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 96: Today, I am grateful for budding trees. 

Out the window this morning are budding trees! What a delight it is to see them bursting with that perfect spring green color and resurrection. 

After the resting season of winter, the pruning, and the deep freeze, new life springs forth. It had been waiting for the right time. The time is now. 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." -2 Corinthians 5:17

Our bodies look the same on the outside, but what was once dead inside of us has been brought to new life. Restored and ready to fully live. 

Let heaven and nature sing! 

Today, I am grateful for budding trees. 

He Is Risen!

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 95: Today, I am grateful, "He is risen!"

My friend, Susan, posted this image today and it captured the "Wow!" of this day. It is the most important holy day for Christians. 

At Christmas, Jesus was born in human skin. It must have felt so strange. Perhaps, by his thirty-third year he was kind of used to it. He had certainly embraced living in a family, with friends, and in fellowship with others around him. 

When he bore the cross, he experienced a human death. He chose it. He asked if the Father had a better idea, but in the end Jesus prayed, "Thy will be done." Then, He submitted to ridicule, humiliation, beatings, and execution on a cross. 

I have enjoyed listening to Wes Huff (Apologetics Canada) and others talk about historical documentation on Jesus's death on a cross. When the ancient Romans crucified someone, they were dead when they were done! They removed a dead human body late that Friday and placed it in a stone tomb. 

Saturday was full of stunned silence and shame for those who had betrayed even knowing Jesus. Then on Sunday, with the men still hiding, the women get up to go to the tomb to better prepare the body in death. They carried spices for the task, but when they arrived - the tomb was empty! A heavenly messenger announced that they would not find Him in the tomb. Jesus had risen... as he said he would. 

"He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." -Matthew 28:6

Resurrection proves Jesus was fully God. Very dead, now fully alive, again. For 40 days Jesus would continue to appear and engage with people. The word spread like wildfire with so many eye witnesses. It must have been especially clear to those who had a front row seat at the cross, at the tomb, and in the forty days beyond the tomb. 

Jesus accomplished his mission! Our sin debt was paid in full. Jesus declared, "It is finished." Then, he proceeded to conquer the grave so that we might only know death as a door. Our part? Believe, confess, repent, and receive the gift of salvation. Then, accept the invitation to walk with Him through all of our earthly days. 

"Deal? Or, no deal?" 

Today, I am grateful, "He is risen! He is risen, indeed!"

Work Done in Silence

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 94: Today, I am grateful for the work done in silence.

"Holy Saturday. The best reminder that the silence of God doesn't equal the absence of God." -Tullian Tchividjian

Some work is a showy production. Other work is tedious, time consuming, and best accomplished in silence. 

On the day between the crucifixion and the resurrection, some were in hiding. A group of women waited for the Sabbath restrictions to lift so they could care for Jesus's body. There were tears from many and a deep sense of sorrow that words could not really capture. What did they hear for heaven? Silence. 

Jesus had told them more than once that he would die and rise on the third day. After such a brutal death - did they believe it impossible? They had witnessed Jesus raise people from death. Lazarus was a recent and impressive resurrection, as he had been in the grave four days and he did not even stink when he came out of the tomb. Yet, it seems they had no hope. 

Waiting places are rarely our favorites. Yet, in the waiting places the seeds of faith or doubt most often take root and grow. What shall we plant today? 

"Do not dig up in doubt what you planted in faith." -Elizabeth Elliott

Big things are brewing in the silence. 

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." -Hebrews 11:1

Sunday's on the way! 

Today, I am grateful for the work done in silence.

The Spoken Words

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 93: Today, I am grateful for the spoken words. 

After the betrayal, abandonment, rejections, and the flogging that would have killed most men, Jesus was forced to carry his own cross until it was physically impossible to take another step. 

Simon of Cyrene was "compelled" or "seized" to help. It wasn't voluntary but it was life-changing. He is the only human who helped Jesus carry the cross. (Mark... typically a man of a few words... is the one who mentions Simon as the father of Alexander and Rufus... connecting the cross to future carriers of the Gospel of Christ.)   

The horrors of the past 24 hours, the casting of lots for his clothes, the swing of the hammer that pounded the nails into his flesh, the cross raised up making every breath a struggle, and the offering of vinegar when Jesus craved water exemplified man's ability to act without humanity toward other men. Still, the lost souls on each side of Him mattered. One believed and received. One rejected the opportunity. The choice we all must make epitomized. 

The spoken words of Jesus from the cross are my gratitude for this Good Friday. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us four views of that day that changed everything. The prophecy in Psalm 22 comes to fruition. (If you are a math person, what are the odds of this psalm reading like a picture of the crucifixion?)

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." - A plea for forgiveness for his executioners reveals the heart of Jesus. (Luke 23:34)

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." - Assurance to the repentant thief beside him. He was still mission focused until His last breath. (Luke 23:43)

"Woman, behold your son!" - Addressing Mary, entrusting her to John. (John 19:26) “Here is your mother!”  (John 19:27) -Clarifying for John that she was now under his care. He was still a son who loved his mother.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - A cry of anguish reflecting his suffering. (Matthew 27:46)(Psalm 22)(Mark 15:34) His prayer for another way was answered with a "no" so we might be pardoned. He felt the separation from the Father in that moment, as God put forward a propitiation for all through one. 

"I thirst." - A statement expressing his physical, human suffering. (John 19:28) 

"It is finished." - Declaring the completion of his mission. Victory! (John 19:30) He did it! He had completed the mission of the cross so we could be reconciled. 

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." - A final act of surrender to God. (Luke 23:46) His life was not taken. It was given. 

Good Friday reminds us that love held Jesus on the cross, not nails. 

Today, I am grateful for the spoken words. 

Maundy Thursday

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 92: Today, I am grateful for Maundy Thursday. 

It was Passover week. From Palm Sunday to Thursday, the community climate around Jesus changed. From waving palms to the coming betrayals, his heart must have been so heavy. 

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” - Matthew 20:17-20

He pressed into the Passover celebrations. He even planned for the Passover meal with his disciples that we now call "The Last Supper." Would they have described his mood as pensive? He was deep in thought and determined to follow through with washing their feet before sharing the meal. 

Peter resisted. Jesus won. 

"When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?" -John 13:12

What were the men thinking? Jesus had repeatedly told them of what was to come, but they did not seem to process His words. Was it too unthinkable? For three years, he had masterfully escaped the challenges from the temple priests when they tried to set him up. The traitor would come from within. He was successful because... "now was the time." 

Maundy Thursday was monumental in the historical context. Nothing was accidental. Everything that was to pass was allowed by the hand of the Father and according to His purpose. The plan for the execution was executed. 

Jesus knew it. What did He do? He gathered them, fed them, and explained the new covenant... after he washed their feet. Kings are known to be demanding and unreasonable. Jesus served first. He healed those broken by sin and circumstance. Our little ones at church sing a song to the tune of "What Do you Do with a Drunkin' Sailor?" 

We have a King with a bowl and towel (x3), Servant King is Jesus!
Jesus the King is Risen (x3), Early in the morning.

How do our hearts respond to this Servant King? Eternity hangs on the question. 

Today, I am grateful for Maundy Thursday. 

No One Is Good

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 91: Today, I am grateful for the humbling reminder that no one is good. 

In Jesus's last days before the crucifixion it must have felt like everyone was pressing in on him. The Jewish king, Herod, wanted to see a miracle like Jesus was some type of a magician. The disciples were fighting over who would sit next to him in Heaven. The Father was giving no sign that he would be spared the cross. His emotions were deep, real, and... human. 

The "modern" world and culture was full of religions and other gods that were held up in high esteem. Humans felt very enlightened while missing the Messiah that had come 33 years ago. They missed seeing the many ways Jesus fulfilled the prophecies they had heard for many centuries. 

Religion became something they did, but it was not rooted in their hearts. It was more of a clubhouse than a house of worship. Many went on the appointed days, but they did not keep the Word of the Lord in their hearts. Perhaps some kept the traditions honoring parents, but did not wholly invest in their faith. They were taught the commandments and the covenants, but to many, it was "outdated." 

The people were many years out of Egypt, morning manna, and the desert days. Many did what was right in their own eyes. They had lost their sense of awe when it came to God. 

"The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good." -Psalm 14:1

The Psalm of David was as relevant then as it is now. It is much easier to judge others than it is to see our own sins reflected in the mirror. Jesus spoke these words to the disciples at his last meal with the disciples before he was arrested. It was their Passover meal. 

"But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this." -Luke 22:21-23

They all would remember His words at different moments at the time of the crucifixion and beyond the resurrection. They were beloved, chosen, forgiven, and redeemed... but they were not "good." 

Today, I am grateful for the humbling reminder that no one is good.