Friday's here... but Sunday's comin!

The title of this blog is one of my favorites for Easter. I heard Tony Campolo preach more than ten years ago about a "preach off" he had with another minister at an African-American church.  "Friday's here...but Sunday's comin" the other minister said in a deep rumbling voice. Friday's here...hardship, poverty, confusion, war, suffering, pain...but Sunday's comin.

Today as I think about Easter, I find it hard to dwell on the suffering of Christ. My mind tends to gloss over all the horrific details of what he endured and to fast forward to his exultant resurrection. Good Friday comes each year without so much as a few prayers before the details of Easter: the dinner, the egg hunts, and festivities take over. "Christ the Lord is risen today" is sung with joy and exultation, as it should be, but have I really understood the resurrection of our Lord without stopping to consider his crucifixion?

In the same way, I wonder if we actually understand the deep significance of "Sunday's comin" for ourselves. As the preacher preached, whatever you are facing right now, no matter how difficult or painful, belonging to Jesus means that He has a glorious end plan for us. Yes, heaven awaits us, but somehow everything we experience and endure is an important piece in God's plan for us and our world. Did you get that? Your life is an important piece in God's great redemptive plan for the world!

When Jesus suffered and died for us, He bridged the great impenetrable chasm between us and God.  Our lives are connected to the greatest love story ever. Nothing should be glossed over or disconnected, yet we often think in those terms. We think, "God is up there and I'm down here." "God, where are you?". We think and see in small disjointed pieces and we forget the glue: Jesus.

This Easter, my prayer is that you would think about Jesus' suffering as part of your own love story and that you would think about your life as part of God's great love story. It's all one reality. We are connected to the Father, He is in us through His Spirit because of the love of the Son, and Easter is actually your story too.

May you be ever radiant in the knowledge of Jesus' love for you.
Liz

Listening Prayer

Yesterday at 8:15 in the morning I met with some friends to pray. Harried, after dropping off their kids to school and some toting along youngsters, we sat at my kitchen table over mugs of steaming coffee to chit chat and share prayer requests. This morning, the prayer requests were not unusual. There were, what seemed like, constant distractions from late arrivers, the rustling of coats, and a Berenstain Bear's cartoon in the background, but in the midst of this God spoke.

In the last few years I have come to understand the power of praying with others. Have you ever prayed with someone who knew exactly how to pray for you? Have you ever felt the time was anointed in some way? Well, that's exactly what happens when you pray with others who are listening to the voice of God. Some believers may see images, some may hear bible verses, some may speak in tongues, some may feel the burden others carry, some may feel God's heart for others, some may have words of knowledge or wisdom, or some may simply know how to pray. For me, my gift is hearing words to pray. Can I sometimes pray without listening to God's prompting? Sure. But if I stop to listen, I often know exactly what to pray. I simply open my mouth and the words just start flowing out.

I'm grateful for this group of women who strive to listen to the voice of God. I know that whenever I pray with them, God shows up. Are there people in your life who listen to the voice of God when they pray? If you're seeking answers or just plain needing prayer, how about calling together other believers to pray? No matter what distractions surround you, begin with listening, and prepare to be amazed!

Doing what you can with the little you've got

Today I'm thinking about how small things can mean a lot. I'm thinking about how a text message to a friend, a decision to say "Have a nice day!", or a choice to reach out to a neighbor can brighten someone's day. This morning when I dropped off my girls at school, a school safety patrol student opened my car door to let the girls out and said, "Have a nice day." before closing my car door. Just that small gesture made me feel just a bit happier. When I posted on Facebook that I missed the mountains in Utah, my friend Heather took a picture of the mountains outside her living room window and posted it. It still makes me smile just thinking about it.

What makes you smile?

Sometimes when I am praying for someone I will sense that I should send him/her a text message. It takes 10 seconds (depending on how fast you text). Ten seconds to show someone you care and are thinking or praying for him/her. If you're not a texter, how about sending a card? A friend of mine will send cards with little cards inside with words of encouragement. You know the ones... pictures of dogs, cats, or rainbows. Many times they are tracts with pre-printed messages. More often than not, the messages hit me hard and speak a word I desperately need to hear. A dear friend of ours once preached, "You, be the one". Be the one to reach out, smile, lend a helping hand, serve, or say "I'll do it." But being "the one" doesn't have to be something big.

Just think of the boy who had a few loaves and fishes. Think of how many people he helped feed with his small offering. That's the amazing thing about God's Kingdom. God can take small offerings and use them in powerful ways for His Kingdom. How can you "be the one" today?

Finding Stillness In the Hubub of Life

Do you struggle with being still and hearing from God? Today I'd like to share with you how I spent time with God this morning. This exercise requires a little bit of time, so if you are skimming this or in a rush, I recommend that you come back later when you have more time. You might want to read this before you start. Once you're done, I'd love to hear from you.

1) Go to a quiet place.

2) Close your eyes.

2) Sing a worship song that comes to mind.

3) Breathe. Listen. Keep your eyes closed for a few minutes. Allow yourself to relax and be still.

4) Let your mind wander as you sit in silence. Pray as worries and people come to mind. When you're done praying for one person or situation, pray for the next person or situation that comes to mind. Pray trusting prayers. Acknowledge God's goodness, supremacy, and power. Allow the stillness to calm your heart. Release your prayers and your burdens as you pray.

5) Ask God what He wants to tell you today? Listen. Write it down. Don't over think it. Just write what you hear. Thank God for speaking to you.

What did you hear?

Here is what I heard: I love you, Liz. You are my daughter.  I am in the stillness. There is none like me. I am in control. I will carry your burdens. Do not be afraid. I am with you always.