The Cry of My Heart

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 37:1-9 (NRSV)

Commit your way to the Lord

Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret - it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


THE CRY OF MY HEART


Lord, I am waiting
patiently
I think...

I really want to trust you
I know that you have a good plan
in theory I know that your timing is perfect

But, sometimes...
worry
fret
and anxiety
attempt to befriend me
They hold my hand tightly
and beckon me to follow them down a dark path
that I know will lead to my destruction.

At times like these
I call for you
I shout for you
I whimper for you...
Sometimes no sound emerges at all
but I know that you still hear me
for you can hear
the cry of my heart.

As I cry out
you fill me with peace
you surround me with Spirit
You increase my faith

As I look out over the path of my life
Trust summons me and
Delight dances
And I realize that i can patiently wait
for you to lead me
in the way that I should go.

Lord, I'm waiting
Patiently...

Please take my hand &
lead me home...

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

REAL LOVE...

SCRIPTURE

John 10:11-21 (NRSV)

Jesus, the good shepherd

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away - and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, "He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?" Others were saying, "These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


REAL LOVE...

I have been tended
by many hirelings
They said they loved me
but when the going got tough
They got going
shoving me into the mouth
of the wolf
on the way out of the door
They had no claim on me
no investment
no care
Just hirelings...
talking a good talk
but failing to walk a good walk
when I needed them most
Thank God
for the Good Shepherd
who never left me
never forsook me
Never thrust me
into the mouth of a
ravenous beast
to save his own hide
Instead, he protected me
valiant
courageous
brave
unto death...
Now I know who loves me
The one who chose to die
rather than let me go
Now that's real love
That's my Shepherd.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

GET OUT!

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 10:34-42 (NRSV)

The cost of discipleship

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one's foes will be members of one's own household.

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple - truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


GET OUT!

Welcome!
Welcome!
Come on in...
I welcome you as Christ.
Yes, you may have some water
Here it is
clean
and out of the tap too.
What did you say?
Food too?
Well, I hadn't planned to feed you,
but, I welcome you as Christ,
so, let's see what I can do
Here's noodles, butter, and bread
its the best I have
for the likes of you
What did you say?
Oh no you didn't!
My bed...
you want to sleep in my bed?
Now this is getting ridiculous...
You know,
you're not actually Christ, right?
Not a prophet
Not a...
well, not a...
well, I guess did say I would welcome you as Christ
But, this is getting ridiculous...
You want to share my family
my stuff
my home
my food
my water
my bed?
What did that Jesus say?
Lose my life
to find it...
I like my life,
thank you very much
and I'm sure I don't want to lose it
And carry a cross?
that's just not my thing
Can I write you a check?
How much?
What!?
Too much! Too much!
What's in it for me?
What's the reward?
I just can't get with this...
Lord,
GET OUT!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

RIGHT HAND MAN...

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 20:20-28 (NRSV)
A request for seats of honor

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)



RIGHT HAND MAN...

You've certainly made a mistake, Lord
This cannot be my seat
I was supposed to be in the place of honor
Remember, I did right by you
when others did not
People should be chanting my name--
I mean our names--
I mean your name
And I should be sitting right next to you
Taking what I deserve
for being such a faithful follower
Where you go
I will follow
Unless you go where I do not
want to go
Or I'm uncomfortable going
Or if the journey
costs me too much
In that case,
I will sit on my throne
at your right hand
and oversee things
until you return
Yeah, Man,
You can count on me
to be
right where I want...
I mean,
YOU want
me to be
At your right hand.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

THUNDER SPEAKS

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 24:15-27 (NRSV)

The desolating sacrilege

Matthew 24:15-27 (NRSV)
"So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; the one on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'There he is!' - do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Look! He is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look! He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)



THUNDER SPEAKS


Lightening flashes
before the thunder rolls
grumbling about the second
coming
of The Son of Man
If you hear the thunder first
be wary
Your enemy is trying
to trick you
into believing
the lie...
Look for the streak across the sky
then listen for the thunder
and in those days
do not shrink back
turn back
go back
for anything...
For NO-thing is worth
failing to follow
The Son of God.
The lightening flashes
cutting across the sky
in a great blast of light
As thunder declares in living color
I AM
the way
I AM
the truth
I AM
the life...
Follow me.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Awe-Full

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 9:2-8 (NRSV)

Forgiveness and healing

And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he then said to the paralytic - "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


AWE-FULL

You are awe-some,
Awe-full
Awe-inspiring
Awl-glorious

There is none like you.

Forgiving sin
Restoring legs
Punkin' fools who chose
not to believe

There is none like you.

Stand up you say
in the midst of unbelievers

Stand up you say
in the midst of sin and shame

Stand up you say
with all of your authority
You make me walk
You make me praise
You make me live...

Paralysis
of the mind
Paralysis
of the heart
Paralysis of the soul
BE GONE

Stand up and
go home
glorifying God
who forgives sin
heal souls and
help us start again.

You are Awe-full...

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Seek & Save

SCRIPTURE

Luke 19:1-10 (NRSV)

Salvation makes a home with Zacchaeus

He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."



DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


SEEK & SAVE

I've come to seek
and save the lost
So I saw you in your tree
small in stature
not amounting to much
but a follower you shall be
come down from there
for we must sup
and talk of things so true
You've not done good
we'll make it right
If only others knew
they wouldn't judge
the things you've done
they'd celebrate your change
for today salvation
came to your door
and you didn't find Him strange
Now your life
will never be
the same as it once was
Your family line
has been transformed
and all of this because
you chose to see
for yourself
the one whom they call Lord
your wisdom
on that blessed day
led to eternal reward

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

STRIVING...

SCRIPTURE

Luke 12:29-32 (NRSV)

Do not fear, little flock

And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.



DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)



STRIVING

Striving for God's Kingdom
but its awfully hard
the trials and tribulations
of day to day life
burden me down
steal my smile
wear me out
and make me want to
CUSS.

I want some things
I cannot have
and it makes
me mad
makes me want to
scream

strive for the kingdom
and do not fear?
Easy to talk that talk
Much harder to walk to that walk

Help Lord
most days I fail
to even turn in the right
direction...

I'm tired...
I'm lost.
I'm glad you're GOD.
Give me your good pleasure
Give me YOU.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Strange Friends...

SCRIPTURE

Luke 14:12-14 (NRSV)

Welcome those in need to your table

He said also to the one who had invited him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."



DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


What strange "friends"
he has
what kind of rabbi
would hang out with
the poor
the crippled
the lame
the blind
doesn't he know
that God has forsaken them
that they are sinners
beyond the pale
We don't have time
to mess with those
folks
He's no real
prophet of God
for if he were
He's spend more
time
with us...



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Believe Again...

SCRIPTURE

Luke 24:36-40 (NRSV)

Beholding the wounds of the risen Christ

While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.


BELIEVE AGAIN

Peace my friends
I'm not a ghost
Risen in victory
Defeated the hosts
of hell who tried
to abort the plan
to kill my body
and bring down man
to the depths of hell
for all off time
but risen in victory
eternity's mine
I give it all
to you my friends
walked through the wall
to bring an end
to division, doubt
fear and pain
see the holes
believe again...



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

ALREADY FURNISHED

LENT--DAY 34

SCRIPTURE

Luke 22:1-13 (NRSV)

Jesus prepares for Passover with his disciples

Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it." They asked him, "Where do you want us to make preparations for it?" "Listen," he said to them, "when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, 'The teacher asks you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there." So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


Just like he said
It's always that way
He can see what's to come
Always do what he says
Told us to go
and follow a man
to an upper room
where we'd find no ban
on our desire to serve
the bread and the wine
to remember the Spirit
which passed over us in time
to save our first born
and, set us free
to lead us to a land
with milk and honey
Now he's sayin
the bread is his body,
the wine his blood
g'n for everybody
Shared for all
out of, tremendous love
At the, insistence of,
our, God above
Sins are forgiven
Heaven opened wide
already furnished
come inside!



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Ain't Got Time To Die (yet)

LENT--DAY 28

SCRIPTURE

John 11:45-57 (NRSV)

Plotting against Jesus during Passover

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed." He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to put him to death.

Jesus therefore no longer walked about openly among the Jews, but went from there to a town called Ephraim in the region near the wilderness; and he remained there with the disciples.

Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?" Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should let them know, so that they might arrest him.



DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)




AIN'T GOT TIME TO DIE (yet)


Busy lovin' people
savin' souls
Healing bodies
Makin' people whole
You hatin' on me
don't make no kinda sense
Why disagree
when I've given no offense
Ain't got time to die
It's not yet my turn
On my God I will rely
For him only do I yearn
I'll die for all
when God says so
When I hear him call
to the cross I will go

Aint--Got--Time--To--Die!

(yet)


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

YOU ARE NOT

LENT--DAY 10

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 23:37-39 (NRSV)
Jesus laments over Jerusalem

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.' "


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


YOU ARE NOT

Jesus weeps

As he approaches you

One who will not hear

Will not receive

The good news

Of God’s Love

For all people

I am your mother

Desirous of sheltering you

Under my wings

But you would not come

When I called to you

You would not hide

Yourself in me

See! The hawk circles

In the sky

Seeking to devour

YOU.

YOU could have lived.

YOU could have testified,

Blessed is the One
Who comes in the
Name of the Lord.

But, YOU are NOT.


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

DARKNESS DESCENDS

LENT-DAY 4

SCRIPTURE

John 12:27-36 (NRSV)
Jesus announces his passion

"Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say -- 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


DARKNESS DESCENDS

You had the light

But snuffed it out

In a fit of rage

And of power

You turned your back

On The One

who lights up

The night sky

As darkness descends

Evil grins--

Thought he

Would win

But never

can that be so.

Lift me up

Upon a tree

And once you do

You will see

That I am Light

Love

Joy and peace

I am Light

You are Born of that Light

Walk in the Light

Before

Darkness descends…


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Blessed Eyes

SCRIPTURE

Luke 10:21-24 (NRSV)
Blessed are the eyes that see what you see

At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


BLESSED EYES

Blessed are my eyes
for the see you
Blessed are my ears
for the hear you
In
and amongst
a deaf
and blind
people
I have abilities
others
only dream of...

I see you
High and lifted up
I hear you
wise words
eternal WORD
made flesh
dwelling amongst us

I see you
arms outstretched
in love
to humanity
I hear you
calling...
calling...
saying, "whosoever will"
Let her come.

Blessed are my eyes
for they see you
Blessed are my ears
for they hear you
In
and amongst
a deaf
and blind
people
I must be hope
Be help
Be sound
Be sight
Translating...

This I see
This I hear
This I know

and we believe...


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

SENT

SCRIPTURE

Luke 4:42-44 (NRSV)

Jesus preaches

At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)





SENT

I must
proclaim
good news
I must
declare
The Truth
You must not prevent me
Hinder me
Dissuade me
for I am not yours
for I am not yours
I am
SENT
for this purpose

I must
announce
glad tidings
I must
make known
my joy
You must not stop me
halt me
impede me
for I am not yours
I am not yours
I am
SENT
for this purpose

Move out of my way
I love you
but I must go
I must
profess
JESUS
crucified
risen
coming again
the incarnate
good news

I am
SENT.

Amen.


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Why Are You Searching?

SCRIPTURE

Luke 2:39-52 (NRSV)

Jesus increases in wisdom

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.



DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


Why Are You Searching?


All Wise One

Often I have searched for you

When you were not lost

It was me

I was lost

I was confused

I was afraid

I ran around in circles

Telling myself I needed to "find" you

If only you had not run off

If only you had not abandoned me

If only you had not determined

to stay behind

when I was ready to go ahead

I got down the road a bit

and I realized...

Where is Jesus in all of this?

Where is his voice?

His laughter?

His counsel?

Where did he go?

And so I started searching

Looking

Asking

Seeking

Knocking

And then I found you.

Right where you had always been

inside the door of my heart.

Why were you looking for me?

I am

that I am

and as I have always been

and will always be

in God's House
Heart
and Will

right with you

never leaving you

never forsaking you

God with you

You are never

ALONE.



THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html