Walter, I think this will work for you. Fonts looked funny for some reason, but I figure Beth will make it look pretty. Please feel free to edit as you see fit, and thanks again for letting me be involved in this ministry. Jim...

2014.03.25. Easter devotions. Luke 19:28-44. Triumphal Entry

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Monday. 

Moses' Water Entry

Exodus 2:

1 Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman,  2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.  3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.  4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.  5 Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it.  6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. 

This week as we prepare for Easter, we think of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.  But there are actually many other illustrations in the Bible of God's people including great kings, beautiful queens, laymen, and children making unusual entries per God's plan.  Let's start the week with a small child.  

He probably would not have wanted to be born there.  It was dangerous, and if he was born safely and healthy, he was supposed to be drowned.  The Egyptian rulers didn't want him, but God did.  It was a lousy way for the one who would later deliver the Israelites from the Egyptians to arrive on the scene.  And talk about a parent's faith - I would never have been able to put Haley (I didn't have a three month old son, so bear with me) into a basket and set her afloat to enter the Pharaoh's palace grounds and an unknown future.  I would have foolishly thought I could protect her.  And I would very likely have lost her, and God would have used another plan.  But Moses parents had more faith than I do - and they set their boy free to serve their God.  And the entire world was impacted by Moses and his actions.  It was an auspicious beginning and God would do many amazing things through a man grown from a three month old boy in a basket.  

By all reasonable expectations at the time of his birth, Moses would have died an infant, but God had other plans.  His seemingly unwanted entrance to the world stage was a meager hand made basket floating on the Nile.  Seems to demonstrate that things don't always come out as planned.  Join me today looking for a small unexpected thing that God can use greatly in my (your) life, so He can use us to further His plans. 

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Tuesday. 

Sometimes, you have to be prepared to enter.  

Esther 5:

1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.   2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.  3 Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."

One of the things I've told my wife often is that to me, she is the queen of everything (making my daughter the princess of quite a lot). And in the extreme patriarchal society Esther lived in, even the queen was very subject to the whims of her husband the king.  To enter his presence uninvited could result in immediate punishment and even death.  God wanted her to intervene for her people, and she did - in her own way.  In our scripture today, we see some of her preparation.  She dressed up special for her king.  And even before this, she got her friends and family praying for her.  And when it was time, her approach was very well received.  (If you aren't familiar with the story of Esther, you should read it. A great example of how we hold each other accountable in God's will to accomplish great things.)

Preparation is not usually fun.  Ask anyone studying for a test.  I'm sure Moses' parents were not enjoying the basket preparation to send their son away.  I believe Esther was scared for her very life when she realized what she must do.  In both our stories so far this week, the results that God brought started by obedient preparation.  My challenge today, and you're welcome to join me, is to be still listen for God to tell me what to do, and then to obediently prepare for Him to use me.  

 

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Wednesday. 

Lazarus Triumphal Exit

John 11
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"   44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

When I first started on this assignment and I thought about the phrase "triumphal entry", several life events crossed my mind.  Births, graduations, weddings and funerals were the ones that I think apply most.  The cry of a newborn baby announces arrival to all those gladly assembled.  Graduations and weddings include all kinds of pomp and circumstance.  Funerals though, don't typically feel very celebratory.  Long lines of mostly big black cars escorted by police motorcycles and running through red lights - and how sad it is to be in the family limo.  The 21 gun salute, and Amazing Grace on the bag pipes is so surreal that you can't even cry. But Jesus even saw a way to turn a funeral into a celebration.  As one who had all power on heaven and earth given to Him by His Father, he just called Lazarus back.  If that's not a triumph of immense proportions, I don't know what is.  

Today, I want to be consciously thankful and celebrate that Jesus called me out of my death to sin years ago.  Like Lazarus, I couldn't do a thing to help myself escape the sins that bound me, and I had nothing to offer in the deal - but He loved me.  He really loved me, paid my price and made it possible for me to live life on earth in triumph knowing the glorious entry into heaven that awaits me.  And I wonder, what is He calling me to come forth and do right now?

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Thursday. 

Entering with the Dancing King

 
I Chronicles 15:

25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed–Edom, with rejoicing.   26 Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed.   27 Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the singers, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the singing of the choirs. David also wore a linen ephod.   28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouts, with the sounding of rams' horns and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps. 29 As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating... She despised him in her heart.  

My first memory of a parade was sitting nearly frozen on my big brothers shoulders watching high school bands and floats make their way down Locust Street in front of Miller's Department Store in Knoxville, Tennessee waiting to see Santa Claus.  My most recent parade memory was a pre-Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans about a month ago.  They had little in common.  I don't think either of these could have compared with the celebration when the ark of the covenant entered Jerusalem.  I can't imagine seeing the king in the midst of a parade in fancy clothes and dancing out of pure joy and happiness.  Main street must have been lined with people several deep cheering and laughing.  Smiling and greeting each other.  I can almost hear the music as all of Israel joined in the songs and celebration.  

Or almost all.  In this case, the scripture tells us David's wife wasn't too happy with him over this.  I'm not sure why - Was he wearing his good clothes and getting them dirty?  Was he out there away from his security detail and putting his safety at risk?  Did she think her husband was too old or mature to let his hair down and run around in an ephod?  Was he singing off key or dancing poorly and embarrassing her?

We'll never know, but I think there is a lesson in here for us today.  Even in the midst of great joy and celebration, you still can't please everyone.  My challenge today is to seek to hear the music and feel the celebration.  To let myself go, like King David did, and really feel the joy that only God can bring.  And to realize, I can't make everyone happy and let that go.  

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Friday

Jesus' Triumphal Entry. 

Luke 19

35 They brought  it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt (that had never been ridden) and put Jesus on it.    36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.  37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 

    38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" 

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"  40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.

Jesus entry to the world we live in was through a manger, and His entry was celebrated by the death of many male infants - Like Moses' was.  His parents had to listen closely to God for instructions on how to protect and raise Jesus, and then follow those instructions.  

Jesus mom probably wasn't the most well liked girl in her town.  She was pregnant, and she said it wasn't her fiancé's baby.  She had to trust God and prepare for her own journey to the cross.  And as time played out on the eternal stage, she had to make her entrances and execute the role God had for her much like Esther did.  

As a man, Jesus called us all to come forth.  To a new life of freedom and love - to know and serve Him.  We were as bound up with our sin as Lazarus was in his grave clothes.  And while Lazarus was certain to die again, we are called into eternal life.  

And now, as we see Jesus in our scripture today take His own journey to Jerusalem, for the last time, we see how much he resembles David.  He's entering as King - and His disciples begin to cheer and the crowds add their voices.  But just like David, not all are pleased with His entry - or with Him at all.  And as this great celebration resounds in the streets - the clock is set in motion.  I can only imagine the turmoil he felt as the crowds ebbed and flowed around Him.  Yet He was prepared, and empowered by His father.  He knew his apparent triumphal entry was moving us all one step closer to eternity.  

Today I want to quietly reflect on all the celebrations around me.  I want to enjoy them with a happy heart and do all I can to honor my God.  And I want to be constantly aware that there are always undertones playing out in every crowd - I will try  to be sensitive to others who may not see the joy and trying to see others through Jesus eyes, as he saw us as he entered Jerusalem. .  

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Good evening Walter, Here are my devotions. As always, feel free to edit as you see fit, and thank you for letting me participate. I am always blessed when I do this. Stay warm! Jim...

2014.03.02. Devotions. Questions About The Future.

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Questions about the future.
Monday.

In our lesson this week, Jesus is asked about the future and what would happen and when. I think that everyone has these questions. Even Adam and Eve.

Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

Everything was literally perfect for the young couple. But despite that, I'm sure they wondered about the things ahead. Would there be other people? What are children? Why do apples look so nice?

In 1914, Herbert and Alice were also a young couple.  That year saw the first scheduled airline flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa on January first.  The first stone of the Lincoln memorial was put in place, and Babe Ruth made his baseball debut.  And WW1 began. And as they held hands and wondered what the future would bring, they didn't know that in three years they would have a son named John. They didn't know Alice would die young, and Herbert would marry Thelma and have two more children. They couldn't guess that during WW2 John would serve in Pearl Harbor after the Japanese bombing in 1941. But. God did. Herbert and Thelma were very active in their church. John survived his military duty. Herbert died in 1963 and Thelma survived him by 30 years honoring Herbert's memory and serving her Lord while ministering to family and friends. 

Join me today in thinking back about those long gone on who loved and trusted God. And think about the continuity of wonder about the future.   

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Tuesday.

Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."

Improbabilities.  I can't imagine anyone involved in this story really expected the walls to fall down, especially those inside. But as unlikely as it was, Joshua led the people, and they followed His direction and God delivered.  Sometimes, just doing what's right even when you aren't sure is all God wants of us.  

In 1940, John and Myrtle had yet to meet. Nylon hose had just been invented and were the market rage. Americans were earning more and buying more as the Great Depresion was finally beginning to ease.  They didn't know how the war would impact the country girl from West Virginia or the city boy from Tennessee. Their meeting in DC. The two sons and four grandchildren; the alcoholism that would follow John much of his life; her Parkinson's and his dementia.  Or the 50+ years or marriage!  Who could have known two people from such different backgrounds would meet, and build a life together.  Only God. 

Today I marvel at the the confluence of improbable events that God uses as time plays out across the universe we live in. 

 

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Wednesday.  

Luke 15:11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.

Whose shoes feel more comfortable to you?  The prodigal son, or his father?   Who had more questions of what the future would hold?  Who was more confident. Even arrogant?  And who was standing, day after day, not knowing when, or if, but praying God would bring his son home.  Questions about the future?  Anyone facing the first real move to adulthood of leaving home has them. 

The year was 1980. Ronald Reagan was elected president and John Lennon was murdered. Herbert's grandson was a young man who had been married for two years and was nearing the end of his college journey. Little did Jim realize that despite his planning, knowledge, and preparation, he was merely rolling the dice of life for the first time. He loved his Tennessee friends and family, and the Great Smoky Mountains. He was already a deacon in his church and sang in a band. Church softball twice a week and choir practice on Wednesday.  Life was good.  

A good job and new, wonderful friends were waiting for him. He never expected to live in Texas. Or São Paulo, Brasil. Or Florida. Or Indiana. He didn't realize what wonderful things he would see and do or the great experiences that were ahead. Things like flights in private business jets and vacations in places like the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the jungles of Manaus, and the snowy slopes of Breckinridge were in his future, but beyond his imagination.  Our young college graduate to be didn't think much about things like divorce. He never thought about how lonely it can be in a city with millions of people. The challenges of raising children, a mortgage and unemployment, finding new friends or having loved ones die, or dealing with deadly diseases were far away, but still there below the horizon. 

Pray with me today for those of any age who are still seeking their own place in today's world.  It can be cold and lonely out there, and we don't know what the future holds.  And even I'd we know the One who holds the future, we all need someone who loves us looking out for us, and praying for us.  

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Thursday

2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

David was one of the most successful kings to ever live.  At the time of this verse, who would have thought that he would become an adulterer and a murderer?  Other tragedies were ahead. His daughter raped, and his son hung.  As he looked upon the young lady bathing, he didn't expect that kind of a future, as he was much more accustomed to success.  But we must all learn that each of our actions changes things.  And David was a man who repented and is called a man after God's own heart.  

It was 1995 when OJ Simpson was found not guilty, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame first opened its doors.  Jim and Tracy first looked down of the little girl named Haley.  They prayed for her to be healthy and to have a wonderfully full and blessed life. They worried if they could raise a daughter and how she would grow.  They didn't know the joys or challenges ahead, or the temptations they all would face to do less than their best for God. They didn't expect the sprains, strains, and breaks Haley's gymnastics career would provide.  They had no idea that leukemia would strike the family, or that what sounded like a bad movie - necrotizing fasciitis - would result in five surgeries in one week. They didn't appreciate the blessings they would know and come to take for granted.  But they knew their God was the answer.  And they prayed, and ponderd the questions in their hearts, as they sought to follow Him.  

Join me today in doing all we can to avoid temptations by doing the things we should and seeking to continually know God better, so we can be found worthy to be called His own.  

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Friday

Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

As the apostle John wrote these words, he was wondering what the world would come to.  He saw sin and hate around him, and a struggling church seeking to know and follow the Savior. But he couldn't describe the vision he saw.  He tried to put it into words and help us understand, but today, I sit alone in my "man room" and wonder the same things.  

Now we live in 2014, and, like John, we find a world full of division and sin.  Wars and rumors of wars abound. Russia raising its militant head again. Americans more focused on differences and feelings than principle and truth.  The world much smaller, but its tenants more divided.  

Jim and Tracy have come a long way from the time Herbert and Alice knew.  And yet, many similarities remain.  We are getting older. Can we care for our family as we want to?  What will happen to Nick and Haley in the years to come?  What will happen to our country, and the world as the years pass?  Will the leukemia stay in remission so Tracy can truly live and enjoy the remaining years?   Can Jim retire at some point and spend more time with Tracy?  After retirement, what will we do?  How can we continue to serve our Lord? Where will we live?   Who will be our friends?   

Whether it was the people talking to Jesus, the apostle John and the biblical characters, or people just like us, we all wonder. What's ahead?  What will happen?  When will we be with Jesus, and what will that be like?   And the answer, in Jim's paraphrase remains essentially the same.  Follow me, and believe.  

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