those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy*

Heaven’s gain is truly our loss but those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” Psalm‬ ‭116:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We recently lost some relatives but those that die with the Lord, we have confidence we will see again.

So, I know you will forgive my brevity.

How can you…

be.the.church

today?

Go tell someone you love them.

Don’t put off that visit or call.

Take a random day off or lunch hour to meet up with a friend or family member.

Don’t have regrets when time has run out.

That is how to…

be.the.church

So, please go be it!

Don’t delay; go do something today and please tell us about it in the comments.

Go out, carry seed with you, and reap with songs of joy.*

*Psalms 126:5

easter monday

Yes, it is a thing.

Many countries around the world have the Monday following Easter Sunday as a holiday.

It is nice to have a day off after a busy season. Our church does a huge pageantry production leading up to Easter with multiple services on Easter weekend. So to have a day off to recoup and rest would be a nice luxury.

But, today I instead want to focus on what was going on that Easter Monday long ago.

Was it the day Jesus’ had an encounter on the road to Emmaus? (Luke 24.13+)

It was three days since the crucifixion.

Were most of His followers still mourning or had the word spread far and wide that He had risen just as He said?

Jesus appeared to more than 500 in the 40 days after His resurrection before His ascension.

It got me thinking, has He appeared to you?

Maybe not in a physical sense, but have you had an encounter with the Risen Saviour?

It is something we should strive for daily and not just during holiday seasons.

Let this day ‘Easter Monday‘ remind you of the importance of making an appointment with Christ each and every day.

Put a reminder in your phone or on your calendar if need be to pause, pray, and connect with the One True Living Saviour!

Others will see you…

be.the.church

when you do.

This video is well worth the 12 minutes to bask in God’s presence as you listen to this song Forever by Kari Jobe as we do serve a risen Saviour in Christ our Lord.

Happy Easter Monday!

come to the table*

When you think about coming to the table, maybe images of holiday meals or family dinners come to mind. Or perhaps, you are on the other spectrum with no one to come to the table with or have at yours. Know you are never alone nor forgotten for you have been invited to sup with the Saviour and He is waiting for you to take your spot.

We all start on the outside
The outside looking in
This is where grace begins
We were hungry, we were thirsty
With nothing left to give
Oh the shape that we were in
Just when all hope seemed lost
Love opened the door for us

He said come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior now
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table

Come meet this motley crew of misfits
These liars and these thiefs
There’s no one unwelcome here, no
So that sin and shame that you brought with you
You can leave it at the door
And let mercy draw you near

Just come to the table
Come join the sinners, you have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior now
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Just come to the table

To the thief, to the doubter
To the hero and the coward
To the prisoner and the soldier
To the young, to the older
All who hunger, all who thirst
All the last, all the first
All the paupers and the princes
All who fail you’ve been forgiven
All who dream, all who suffer
All who loved and lost another
All the chained, all the free
All who follow, all who lead
Anyone who’s been let down
All the lost you have been found
All who’ve been labeled right or wrong
Everyone who hears this song

Just
Come, come to the table
Oh eh, come join the sinners you have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Just sit down and be set free
Oh come on
Just sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come on now
Come to the table
You’re welcome here

May those above lyrics speak to you and remind you this Easter Sunday that God has a banquet feast waiting and just wants you to come to the table.

Watch the video now and let it remind you how not only should we come to the table but we need to bring others along too and in doing so, we will…

be.the.church

By the way, Happy Easter; Happy Spring!

He is risen!

and you say…

*Song title by Sidewalk Prophets

Songwriters: Dave Frey, Ben Glover, and Ben Mcdonald

a world without hitler

It would have been Hitler’s 130th birthday today.

What if the world never had a Hitler or Stalin or Nero or Attila the Hun or Mussolini or Ivan the terrible or Bin Laden or Saddam Hussein or Castro or Kim Jung-Un and Kim Jung II?*

Perhaps, some would never have cried out to the Lord. God can use anything to draw all men to Him. A world with evil reminds us of our need for a Saviour.

Some other leaders remind me that evil does abound when good men do nothing or good men turn bad.

Mau killed more of his own people in China than Hitler and Stalin combined.

Thaksin Shinawatra, the corrupt Thai Prime Minister, used his own wealth for political gain and had a near by country invade his own all for personal gain.

Emperor Hirohito of Japan killed millions yet remained in power.

Genghis Kahn killed men, children, and not only killed off women but raped them along with young girls too!

I don’t think anyone would willingly want to be a wife of King Henry the 8th who divorced his first and fourth, third died of an ‘illness’, and he behaved his second and fifth. Yikes!

Well, today is also known as Black Saturday. (Look back on Thursday’s post to learn more https:// bethechurch.home.blog/2019/04/18/maundy-thursday/)

Thinking about the evil deeds of some of the above really puts a gloom over the day. But, take heart. The world and its menace of evil leaders will pass away but this we know: God’s Word will never perish (Luke 21.33).

As we approach the day of celebrating our Risen Saviour, we don’t need to worry about what corrupt world leaders might be up to.

Thank Jesus for His work on the cross.

Forgiveness and eternal life are yours for the taking.

How grateful are we knowing Christ is not in the tomb?

A world with evil reminds us of our need for a Saviour.

Share this so others can join the fold and…

be.the.church

One last thing, the Bible clearly teaches us that we should pray for leaders even the evil ones. So, do it!

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.“ 1 Timothy 3.1-2

And don’t forget, God is in control. He will use everything for good and in the end will be victorious.

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He will.” Proverbs 21.1

“He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them.” Job 12.23-25

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” Proverbs 2.1-8

*if you didn’t know who some mentioned above were or what they did, I urge you to google them and let us know what you learn in the comments below.

there is more to it then chocolate eggs, bunnies, and jelly beans

As Easter approaches, don’t be caught up in the commercialism of it all.

It is sad to think that some know nothing more about this blessed season then the treats eaten or baskets given.

Egg hunting, dye-ing, and eating is fine but let them remind you of more than just the superficial connection to this holy day.

The egg is a great example for the Trinity – 3 parts: one egg and one God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit living as One just like the egg has a shell, yolk, and egg white – 3 parts equaling 1 egg. Read more about this at:

http://www.cafelogos.org/eggandi.html

The eggs and the bunnies

both symbolize new life especially in the spring so they are fitting for the season, but the notion of an Easter bunny laying eggs or delivering baskets fixes kids’ eyes on getting and fairy tales rather than truth and Christ’s resurrection. Teach that the egg can remind us of Jesus emerging from the tomb as He was resurrected just as a new baby chick breaks forth through the shell and emerges.

Many holiday roots often stem back to pagan traditions just as the eggs and bunny. So, be careful about giving them too much of a center stage especially with little ones watching. Understand the roots and decide what you will or won’t include so no confusing or mixed messages are given to those waiting to criticize how you lead your life and others who will learn by your example.

Turn everything into a way God can be introduced into conversations and be brought into everyday life not just holy holidays.

By the way, here’s a fun fact for your day: jelly beans are believed to be a cross between Turkish delight and Jordan almonds. They were sent to soldiers during the civil war and didn’t become associated with Easter time until the 1930s most likely due to their egg like shape. Want to know more of their history? Click this link: https://www.thespruceeats.com/the-history-of-jelly-beans-1328767

Remember, there is more to it then chocolate eggs, bunnies, and jelly beans. Come Sunday morning, be ready to say: “He is risen!” And hopefully those you say it to will respond with: “He is risen indeed!” For that is the true meaning of why we celebrate!

The tomb is empty – let’s celebrate!

And yes, there is more to it then chocolate eggs, bunnies, and jelly beans.

Tell the world of the Risen Savior.

be.the.church

He has risen just as He said. (Matthew 28.16, Luke 24.6, Mark 16.6)

maundy thursday

It is the night before the passion begins.

It is a time to reflect and think of why you need a Savior to come rescue you from your sin.

It is the night of the last supper and washing of the disciples’ feet which maundy literally means. It comes from the old French word mandé which is from the Latin mandatum meaning commandment. Jesus told His disciples that He was giving them a new commandment. (John 13.34)

Today is a day to reflect and prepare your heart for all that this week represents.

Holy Week

It began this past Sunday with the recollection of the triumphal entry and ends this Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

The crowds were mistaken as they thought the time had come that Jesus would over throw those in authority and become a king.

They didn’t truly understand what kind of king He would become. A much better one than any could be here on earth.

His desire is for us to follow His lead and example to lovingly serve just as He did as He washed the disciples’ feet.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Perhaps you are busy with preparations for Easter. In Jerusalem, those many years ago they, too, were busy preparing for the Passover (read Saturday’s entry to learn more about this festival).

Let us not be too busy that we miss having a daily relationship with the Lamb who was slain.

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Call out to Him.

Serve Him.

Love Him.

This will show all how you are to…

be.the.church

when you love others as He first loved you and laid down His life to offer His free gift of salvation through grace and forgiveness.

By the way, many churches around the world today offer alms to the poor or senior citizens are given ‘maundy’ money. Some interpret the day as ”mouring’ Thursday thinking of the crucifixion to come on Good Friday. Others celebrate Green Thursday and eat meals of only vegetables.

In some countries, it is a day eggs are colored and the house prepared for the celebrations to come. And in still others, the custom of visiting 7 or 14 churches takes place on this day. Each church would have 1 or 2 stations of the cross.

If this is all new to you and you never stopped to consider all the significance of each day in Holy Week, take some time to contemplate the love unrestrained our Savior gave the day He died for our sins and what each day is in remembrance of.

Here’s a quick guide to this week also referred to as Greater Week:

Palm Sunday/also known as Passion Sunday is the day to commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

The days between Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday are simply known as Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday.

On Monday, it is believed the cursing of the fig tree (Matthew 21.18-22, Mark 11.20-26), the questioning of Jesus’ authority (Matthew 21.23-27), and the cleansing of the temple happened on this day. Also, re-enactments of Jesus’ anointing in Bethany happens on this day or Wednesday (John 12.12-19).

Tuesday we are to remember the story of the ten virgins (Matthew 25.1-13). We need to be vigilant and prepare to be the bride of Christ. Some believe the bridal chamber is used as a symbol of Christ’s tomb and a foreshadowing of the judgement day. Again, I say be prepared. On Holy Tuesday some observe Jesus’ prediction of His own death as in John 12.20-36 and 13.21-38.

Then there is Spy Wednesday, when Judas arranged Jesus’ betrayal with the high priests.

Maundy Thursday we already addressed, but on this day, Jesus predicted all that would happen after His betrayal including Peter’s denial, His own death, and of course the resurrection to come.

Good Friday commemorates Christ’s cruxifixction and His death to follow. Some call this day ‘God’s’ Friday.

Holy Saturday is better known as ‘Black’ Saturday and is in remembrance of when Jesus died, was in the tomb, and descended to hell.

That brings us to the glorious day we call Resurrection Sunday which ushers in the fifty days of Eastertide and is the main reason we have church services on Sunday.

So, now you are in the know.

be.the.church

bright star*

One year ago today the world lost a beautiful soul, a bright and shining star. Her name was Barbara Bush.

She was the wife to the 41st President George H.W., mother to 5 children including 43rd President George W. and Jeb the 43rd Governor of Florida, and she fought for literacy.

This Barbara Bush quote we can all glean from: “At the end of your life you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child or a parent.“

That is so true for time is our greatest commodity. Use it wisely.

And as Barbara also said: “Cherish your human connections – your relationships with friends and family.”

Here are some other great Barbara quotes to ponder:

“Believe in something larger than yourself… get involved in the big ideas of your time.”

“Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life’s blood. But everyone has something to give.”

“You may think the president is all-powerful, but he is not. He needs a lot of guidance from the Lord.”

“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”

Take these words.

Apply them.

Let them stay close to your heart for they will help you…

be.the.church

and remember her words and belief: “I know there is a great God. And I am not worried.”

And I am not either.

Praying you are not as well.

“Let the gift of undeserved grace and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3.18

*Bright Star is the name of the foundation the Bushs began for leukemia research after their beloved 3 year old daughter Robin died of the disease.

After her husband George HW became President, they had their first dance as the first couple to this song:

Side note: my aunt went home to be with the Lord today. I must say I am a little jealous of both these ‘bright stars’ up in heaven while I still have to be on earth. May we all use our time wisely while we still have it.

the olfactory

Smells can often transport us. They can conjure up both good and sad memories.

After my father passed, we had some articles that I kept in the laundry room for several months and refused to have them washed. The smells would carry me to a place of peace combined with a ting of sorrow.

The day came when it was time to put those memories behind and do the wash, but if I close my eyes, I can still almost smell those items.

Some smells still bring me back to childhood carefree days.

Cotton candy and remembering going to the fairs.

Do you remember old fashioned penny candy? We called it such back in the day because it really was a penny a piece. Sometimes even three for a penny. I bet that brings back memories for some. Regardless, can you almost smell them off the page, right?

Marshmallow cones

Candy buttons

What’s your fave pictured above?

If I smell a big pot of sauce cooking on the stove, I am transported to my grandmother’s.

Tomato soup takes me all the way back to coming home from half day kindergarten which is sadly no longer a thing anymore.

Double and triple burgers or grilled cheeses stacked high remind me of growing boys or food competitions men make with each other.

I am sure you can think of lots of things that conjure up personal memories in your mind.

What smells remind you of days gone by? Please comment below.

I believe God uses our senses.

Sometimes it is to help us be sensitive. I say, when a memory flies through your brain, pause long enough to embrace it. Who knows? That smell that triggers that thought may just be preparing you for your next encounter.

We will never know all that another is going through but often can find common ground even through a smell that transports or unites our memories.

Thank God for all your senses if you have them. And if you don’t, thank Him for heightening the others. I am always amazed at the sense of smell someone who is blind has.

Our senses should remind us as they work together to give us information, so does the body of Christ work together to meet the needs of the church (I Corinthians 12).

It is good to walk down memory lane on occasion, but don’t get stuck in sorrow rather revel in the truth of what is to come.

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5.2

When you do, you will…

be.the.church

the ‘c’ word

None of us can escape it. It is a word we fear to hear. And we all know a sister, brother, uncle, aunt, parent, grandparent, neighbor, or friend that has gotten it.

Just the mention of the word immediately draws us to those with the dreaded disease.

It is a pandemic of epic proportions.

But, so is sin!

Sin is a type of ‘cancer’ that is slowly killing the soul. Just like the disease that reeks havoc on your physical body, your spiritual body too is under attack and sin is at its core.

Stand firm and do not let the devil have a foothold.

Don’t let sin negate you from all you were born to be.

God has a plan and purpose for you.

Believe it!

Reach for it!

Make your very existence here all about living out the heavenly plan prepared for you even before the foundations of the earth were ever even formed.

And regardless of circumstance, you can still fulfill God’s plan for you.

If you are struggling through an illness, remember you can still be a witness.

If you are struggling in sin, find someone to be accountable to so the sin doesn’t take control.

Others are always watching to see how we navigate through the good but more importantly the bad. In sickness and in health, may we always shine bright for our Lord. Disease may pull strength from our bodies, but our spirits and souls that we will live with for all eternity can stay healthy, strong, and stable bearing witness for our Lord.

The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10.10), don’t let him.

Look for the bigger picture beyond your own little world. There is a greater purpose you could be living out right now. We need to be the light in sickness or in health. Our hearts should break for what breaks God’s.

Get out of self and help others out in the world. Regardless if you, they, or no one has cancer because we all are dealing with sin on some level or another. Strive to be the healing touch in deed and action.

That is how we can…

be.the.church

the butterfly effect

This is the title of a small quick read by Andy Andrews, who just happens to be one of my favorite speakers and author.

If you are unfamiliar with him, I highly recommend you check out his books and if you ever have the opportunity to hear him speak, don’t hesitate to go. You will be enriched for sure. I believe it was back in 2009 when I first heard him speak and picked up three of his titles (The Noticer, The Travelers Gift, and this one.)

The full title of this side table read says this: The Butterfly Effect – How Your Life Matters.

Mr. Andrews says: “ Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.“

And as a Christian, I believe that is so true. His books carry great Christian principles but he doesn’t always label them as such. I pray the words written or spoken from him or any of us will inspire others to draw closer to Christ as that is his desire too. We are to be seed planters in all we do and say.

Here’s a few other noteworthy quotes from this book:

“Everything you do matters. Every move you make, every action you take… matters. Not just to you, or your family, or your business, or your hometown. Everything you do matters to all of us forever.”

“’With a little perspective, you can live a life of permanent purpose.’ Jones”

“My hope for our families, our places of warship, our businesses, our nation, and our world is an incredible life of permanent purpose that can be achieved when at last we understand: Every move we make and every action we take, matters not just for us, but for all of us… and for all time.“

“May we resonate with the apostle Paul when he said: ‘This one thing I do, I press toward the mark.'”

“Your life and what you do with it today matters forever.“

Just think for a moment: “…how far forward would we need to go in your life to show the difference you make?”

Ask yourself that often and remind yourself: “Every single thing you do matters.”

You have been put on this earth for a season and a reason.

Live it out loudly with purpose and passion keeping an eternal perspective.

Know you do have a ‘butterfly effect’ on all you meet and greet.

Again, “may we resonate with the apostle Paul when he said: ‘This one thing I do, I press toward the mark.'”

Yes, let us each

“…press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (us) heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Take a few minutes to listen to Mr. Andrews talk about the butterfly effect. I believe it will give you a better understanding and perspective on how what we do truly does matter.

By the way, last month on the 14 was learn about butterflies day. Who knew there was even a day designated for that? I didn’t. With 20,000 different kinds Of butterflies having wing spans ranging from a half inch to 11 inches living from a week to over a year, I am sure there is lots more we could learn about these beautiful creations, but the take away for today is this from the book The Butterfly Effect: “A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, in turn moving more molecules of air – eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet… Science has shown the butterfly effect to engage with the first movement of any form of matter – including people.”

Be the type of ‘butterfly’ whose wings flap in a direction effecting others positively.

That is how to…

be.the.church