Trust and Obey

If this week has seemed to be out of the pages of some apocalyptic novel then you are not alone. The Psalmist David when he was surrounded by dangers that made him feel as if the mountains were about to be thrown down into the sea he said;

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 ESV

The hymns for this week include; Trust and Obey; Great is Thy Faithfulness and Rock of Ages. These classic hymns are for everybody, but since my principle ministry has been to those shut away behind the walls of a long term care facilities ; why not share these with someone now separated by the ongoing pandemic? God is a help in trouble and we are definitely knee deep in them this week. God bless and have a wonderful week everybody!

Back to the Garden

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1

Back in 1970 Joni Mitchell wrote the now unforgettable song titled “Woodstock.” A famous line says; “We’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.” Perhaps today in the midst of rioting, shutdowns and general societal chaos a lot of us feel that same longing to be able to get back to that first garden… the Garden of Eden. Though I have always loved Joni Mitchell both as a song writer and singer; the hope for returning to the innocence of creation’s garden doesn’t lie within ourselves. The path to that place runs through another garden where the body of our crucified Lord was buried. There on the third day when they came to find Him He was not to be found (At least not at first). But Mary Magdalene remained behind even when everyone else had gone home. By going and waiting in that garden she discovered that Jesus had been there waiting all along. Today He is there still waiting for you and I. It is the Garden of Prayer and He longs for us to come and meet with Him there.

Jesus is Still Enough

While Paul and Silas sang praises the prisoners were listening; God sent an earthquake and the warden got saved! Now that’s what I call a full night and it all began at its darkest hour. No matter what any of us are facing Jesus is still enough and when we list up our praises He shows us how and why!