Monday, July 8, 2013

Day of Praise

Mo, 07/08/13, "Day of Praise"

Matthew 28:5 - "But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.'"

I'm at a point in life where it's true in both directions. My parents are thrilled to see me, even when it's for a very short time. And I, as a parent, am thrilled to see my kids, even when it's for a very short time.

As a pastor who "works" on weekends, I just don't have many chances to get away and see my parents. And their health makes it hard for them to drive six hours to come see me. But my parents are thrilled to see me, even if it's just for half a day.

With my kids, my oldest, Calley, is in college, and my second, Cassidy, is heading that way in a few weeks. I totally adore my kids, so it's hard that I don't get to see Calley very much. And it will soon be the same with Cassidy. But each time I see Calley, no matter how short the visit, it's so wonderful and fulfilling. It is absolutely thrilling for me to catch a glimpse of my kids.

So, if it's that great for my parents with me and for me with my kids, just think how satisfying and thrilling it is to have a little time with God and catch a glimpse of God's presence.

Tragically, I know some people who've stopped looking for and praying to God because they say that they rarely if ever see him.

On the other hand, many of us look for God constantly, like the women in today's Bible verse, because just catching a glimpse of God's presence is so satisfying. That's what C.S. Lewis is talking about in "The Chronicles of Narnia", when the children catch a glimpse of Aslan (who represents the Son of God, Jesus). Just a glimpse of Aslan/Jesus is so exhilarating and satisfying, so the children start to look for him all the time.

Today is Monday, a lot comes at us and claims our time and attention. But let's remember and seek and enjoy that which is truly most gratifying to see, namely, the people in our lives, especially our loved ones, and most of all, the One who perfectly loves us, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Look for them! And you will see!

Praise God!

(For an archive of "Day of Praise", please visit my daughter Calley's website at http://dayofpraisepc.blogspot.com/?m=1)


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

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