Today’s Reading: John 14:1-5

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

The disciples were unaware of what was ahead, but Jesus knew. He spoke the words he would want them to remember when times ahead became difficult – TRUST ME. Do not be troubled or afraid. Place your trust in me and I will give you peace of mind and heart.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” — John 14:1-5

These last few years, God has taken me on a journey of faith and trust. When faced with an unfamiliar situation, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When faced with a tough decision, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to let go of something God has given me, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to walk away from the known into the unknown, I can hear God say again, “Trust me.” So again this morning, I place my family in God’s hands and choose to trust Him with what is next. I choose faith in the God who keeps saying, “Trust me.” He is worthy of my trust and it is in Him that I put my hope.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

When what is ahead is unknown, we can submit to God’s sovereignty and say – I trust you, Lord. Show me your perfect ways and teach me how to walk the path you have set before me. Guide me in what is true and teach me what you need me to learn. You are my God and you are my Savior. I place my hope in you no matter what today brings. I trust you — all day long.

This morning, I pray that you hear God’s voice saying, “Trust me.” I pray the response of your heart is to say with confidence – You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in YOU all day long!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. – Psalm 28:6-8a

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. – Psalm 31:14-15a

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3

Today’s Reading: John 13:31-38

Jesus, our Savior, poured out his life as a sacrifice for our sins. He knew what was ahead and willingly accepted the role of the sacrificial lamb. His body would be broken and his blood would confirm the covenant between Creator and creation. The next few days would be difficult and he encouraged his disciples to trust God through the pain.

As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. — John 13:31-33

Jesus was talking about dying, and Peter was beside himself. He did not understand what was happening or why it needed to happen. He had more questions than he had answers. He wanted to know where Jesus was going. He couldn’t imagine life without his friend, his teacher, so he desperately tried to come up with a way to stop his world from spinning. He tried to negotiate and volunteered to die in Jesus’ place.

“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:34-38

As much as he was willing, it was not part of the plan for Peter to die for Jesus. If Jesus had allowed Peter to have his way, it would have changed the plan of salvation. God sent His Son as the Passover Lamb and it was time to become a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, even if it meant saying no to his loyal follower.

It is not easy to get a “no” from God. It comes with all the emotions of disappointment, frustration, grief, and more. The next thing to happen in our life often feels out of our control, but it is in these moments that we learn to let go and truly trust in God. Perhaps that is what you need to do today.

“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:44-46

We often walk away not understanding the bigger picture of God’s plan — why He allows some things to happen and others not to happen. But we are His children and He is our Savior, and in that we find our HOPE. Let’s sit at His feet and learn from the One who willingly died for us. Let’s trust God and allow Him to be the light that shines into our situation; let’s pray for Him to replace our confusion with clarity.

Today’s Reading: John 13:18-30

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor – he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. – John 12:4-6

What happened to Judas? When Jesus invited him to be one of his disciples, Judas left everything to follow this man who could heal the sick and raise the dead. I often wonder if Judas was ever “all in” — did he ever fully believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, or was he just there out of curiosity.

We know from John 12:6 that Judas often took money that belonged to the other disciples, evidence that he lacked integrity. When Mary poured expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus, Judas objected to her display of affection and called it wasteful. He could not wrap his mind around someone loving another person with that kind of extravagance. And here Jesus was, kneeling in front of Judas and washing his feet. Jesus was displaying his extravagant love for Judas, yet he missed the opportunity to reciprocate that love. While others were humbled by this gesture, Judas was seeking his own gain.

“Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” — John 13:16-21

The disciples were confused, so one of them leaned back against Jesus and asked him who would betray him. When Jesus dipped the piece of bread in the dish and then handed it to Judas, he revealed the heart of one who had been their brother for the last three years. Not only was Judas about to betray Jesus, he was betraying the friends who had done life with him. When Judas reached for the bread, he made the choice to walk away from the fellowship that had been available to him. Because his heart was not fully surrendered to Jesus, he was now available for Satan to enter and use (13:27).

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. – Matthew 26:14-16

Judas went out seeking an opportunity to gain financially and he found it. Judas had spent all of that time following without ever becoming an authentic follower of Jesus.

What is our response today to the extravagant love of Jesus? Are we fully surrendered and committed to follow Jesus wherever he might lead us, or are we seeking self-gain? When attending church becomes routine or a social opportunity, we begin to critique the church and its leadership. It makes it easy for us to jump from one church to another when we are attending for self-gain instead of looking for an authentic worship experience — not an experience where I am entertained, but one where my heart is fully focused on God. I want God to be pleased with my worship of Him. I want to love Him extravagantly, humbly worshipping him with a heart of integrity.

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. — Psalm 18:25

Today’s Reading: John 13:1-17

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. — John 13:1

What a beautiful verse! Jesus was aware of the suffering he was about to experience, yet his focus was on those he had come to love. They had walked beside Jesus on this journey of life, listening to him teach the crowds, watching him heal the sick, and standing in awe as he raised the dead. Jesus was aware of how difficult the next week would be for those who had daily been by his side. They were more than just followers, they were friends; at one time they had been fans of Jesus, but now they were family.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. — John 13:3-5

Jesus knew where he had been and he knew where he was going, but he was present in this moment with his disciples. Today was about them and Jesus chose to be intentional in order to teach them one more time. When he was gone, they would be able to look back at this moment and know how much he loved them. They would also know how to show this same kind of love towards others.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. — John 13:12-17

Now that you know these things, will you do them? With knowledge comes the responsibility to take action. The life of Jesus should be studied for the sake of allowing it to change our lives. It is not just about gaining an understanding of the scriptures, it is about living out our relationship with Christ so that Jesus can continue his ministry both in us and through us.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” — John 13:6-8

As Jesus was washing the feet of the disciples, he took time to help the one who was struggling to understand. He sensed Peter’s discomfort and took the time to patiently reveal what needed to happen. Clarity would come later; now was the time for obedience. Peter needed to decide if he was willing to submit to God’s plan, no matter how uncomfortable. If he chose pride, it would keep him from fully experiencing all that was ahead. He had shown his willingness to give when he walked away from his fishing boats to follow Jesus, but Peter also needed to learn how to receive, because Jesus did not just want to do something through Peter, he wanted to do something in Peter.

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. — John 13:9-11

Following Jesus requires surrender. Are you willing to walk this journey with Jesus even when you lack the clarity to know where he is taking you or what he is doing? He is drawing us near to him in order to minister to our needs before He uses us to minister to the needs of others. And after we have allowed him to cleanse us, Jesus wants us to humbly love others in the same way he loves us. Are you all in? Feet, hands, head, all of it!

Today’s Reading: John 12:17-19, 37-50

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. – John 12:9-11

LAZARUS’ STORY BROUGHT JESUS GLORY

Lazarus was making a difference in the lives of so many people because he allowed his story to be shared. Jesus had done something miraculous in his life, and Lazarus used that miracle to share with others how Jesus could make a difference in their lives. What Jesus had done for him became his story, but it did not stay Lazarus’ story. His healing was about Jesus; it was HIS story. It was used for Jesus’ glory, so that others could see the power of the Messiah.

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him – because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” – John 12:17-19

HIS STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

Many came to faith because Lazarus allowed his story to be told. He did not hide from the impact Jesus had made in his life, nor did he claim any of that glory for himself. He became a light in a very dark place and many gained understanding of who Jesus was because of the story of Lazarus’ healing.

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” – Mark 4:21-25

Let’s not forget that death came before the healing. Grief came before the peace. The story of Lazarus was not just about the joy of death resurrected; his story began from a place of pain and tears. As he was sick and dying, he might have wondered where Jesus was. When he was told that his friends had gone to bring Jesus back, he might have questioned what was taking Jesus so long. As he felt his life fading away, he must have felt a lot like we do when we cannot see the answer to our prayers. Later, when the leading priests began to plot his death, Lazarus must have felt a lot like we do when we are bullied or criticized for our faith.

Will you allow God to have the rest of your story? Will you allow Him to be glorified through both the pain and the triumph? Even if He chooses to be glorified through your death instead of through your healing, do you trust Him?

MY STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” – John 11:4

That is the desire of my heart this morning – for God to be glorified through the circumstances of my life. I want it to be said that I trusted God in both sickness and health, in both disappointment and victory. I want everything God does in my life to be more than just my story, but to be for Jesus’ glory.

Today’s Reading: John 12:12-16, 23-26

The town of Bethany was on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, while Jerusalem was on the western side. So as Jesus was leaving Bethany to head to Jerusalem for the week of Passover, crowds began to meet him. Word was spreading that Jesus was back and lots of people were coming out to give him the triumphant welcome he deserved.

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
“Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey – riding on a donkey’s colt.’” – Matthew 21:1-5

NOT FOR THEIR PURPOSES BUT FOR JESUS’ GLORY

The only thing the owners had to hear was that the Lord needed what they had, and their response was to IMMEDIATELY let the disciples take them. They did not get possessive with what they owned or concerned whether they would ever see the animals again. They did not focus on the value of what was theirs, but they shared with Jesus without questioning what he had planned. The donkey and its colt were no longer needed for their purposes as much as they were needed for Jesus’ glory. I like to believe that the owners followed the disciples — that they were in the crowd of people that day to experience this moment.

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting.

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!” – Mark 11:7-10

What an incredible moment in history. Prophecy was being fulfilled and Jesus was receiving glory for all God was doing through him. But the reality was that not all of Jerusalem was ready to receive the Messiah. As Jesus came closer to Jerusalem, he began to weep over the condition of Jerusalem. He had come that all would experience life but he knew what was ahead. He knew this city would not accept their opportunity for salvation (Luke 19:41-44).

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” – Matthew 21:12-13

DENYING GOD THE GLORY

The Temple was built to give God’s people a place to worship Him. It was to be a building where God was glorified, but the people had lost their focus. The building was now more about ritual instead of relationship; about profit instead of prophecy. Jesus’ time on earth was drawing close to an end and the people were still so focused on themselves that they were missing the presence of the Messiah. Jesus’ words to the people that day held great purpose:

“Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” – John 12:23-26

That is the desire of my heart this morning – to follow Jesus so that I can be where He is. I want everything God does in my life to be more than just my story, but to be for Jesus’ glory. I want my possessions to be available for His use and for His glory. I want to be in the crowd welcoming Jesus with garments and palm branches, instead of missing the moment because I am too caught up in the chaos of the Temple. I do not want Jesus to weep when he considers my future, but to be pleased with the plentiful harvest of his power at work in my life. Oh Jesus, this is my prayer!

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. – Psalm 115:1

Today’s Reading: John 12:1-11

PEOPLE RESPONDED TO JESUS IN DIFFERENT WAYS.

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus – the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor – he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. – John 12:1-6

The Passover was only six days away and I am sure there was much that needed to be done for this annual celebration, yet Lazarus and his sisters put aside their preparations in order to throw a dinner party in Jesus’ honor. What a year it had been for them! They recognized how different this Passover celebration would have been if Jesus had not intervened and raised Lazarus from the dead. God had blessed them greatly and they refused to forget His generosity. Instead, they chose to be generous in return.

MARTHA’S RESPONSE WAS TO SERVE.

Martha was doing what she does best – serving. It was her love language. Lazarus was soaking in the presence of Jesus, thankful for the opportunity to share a meal together in brotherly fellowship and giving Jesus the gift of his time, recognizing that every minute of his life was a gift from Jesus.

Martha and Lazarus remind me of my mother-in-law, Bonnie Sherwood. Three times she has been diagnosed with cancer and today she is cancer-free. She knows that every day is a gift from God and so she lives out her love language of serving God by serving others, soaking in every opportunity to worship in Jesus’ presence.

MARY’S RESPONSE WAS TO GIVE SACRIFICIALLY.

Mary’s response to Jesus was beautiful in its own way, perhaps describing her love language – sacrifice. There was nothing too expensive for Jesus, nothing she was unwilling to do in order to express her devotion to the Savior. The house was filled with the fragrance. Mary’s gift and her worship had an impact on everyone in her vicinity. When we give our best to God, when we serve and worship Him with reckless abandon, all those around us are impacted by our gift.

JUDAS’ RESPONSE WAS ONE OF SELFISHNESS AND GREED.

Judas was thinking only of himself. His concern was first for his own experience, disregarding the heart of Jesus and the needs of others. He had an attitude of possessiveness and entitlement. Sadly, these attitudes can be seen today among the body of Christ.

WHAT WILL MY RESPONSE BE?

Heavenly Father, reveal to me any “Judas” traits I might have. Forgive me for the times when I have put my own desires ahead of the needs of others, or the times when I have been too busy to honor you. Forgive me for the times when I have judged others instead of showing love. Help me to always see how different my life would be without your intervention and healing.

Lord Jesus, may I never forget your generosity but always be generous towards you. May the fragrance of my devotion to you be a blessing to all those in the house. Grow the “Martha” and “Mary” in me so that my first response is service and generosity. Like Lazarus, thank you for allowing me to experience your presence this morning as I drink my morning coffee.

Today’s Reading: Luke 9:57-62

My daddy loved a good story! He loved to get caught up in the plot of a movie or a book. In fact, his love for books led him to major in library science. He loved his job at Indiana University, where he was able to do research and work on his PhD surrounded by the books he loved. My sister and I spent hours in the children’s section of the library and would wait there patiently for him to return from his office. We didn’t mind; he had passed on his love for a good story to both of us.

My father was a great storyteller! I have such fond memories of him sitting by my bedside reading a book or making up a story for me and my sister. He made every story come to life and I was always disappointed when he said I would have to wait until tomorrow to hear what came next. He creatively used sounds and fun voices to make his characters come to life.

When he became a grandfather, my girls would bring him a stack of books to read to them. When they were very young, he started a tradition of writing a new Christmas story for the whole family. Before we opened gifts, we would gather around the room in anticipation of this year’s story. It often involved the animals in the manger and it always included a story of redemption and hope.

His favorite stories involved Jesus. When I was a little girl, he gave his heart to Jesus and stopped running from the call he had received as a teenager. He walked away from his dissertation, he walked away from the library he loved so much, and he stopped living for himself. From that day on, he was willing to do whatever God wanted him to do and he was willing to go wherever God said to go. In fact, this was his favorite passage:

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9:57-62

I WILL FOLLOW YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.

One day, my dad was in downtown Peoria for an event at the Civic Center and he walked by Big Al’s, a place respectable people do not enter. To his surprise, God told him to go inside and share the love of Jesus with the women who were searching for the wrong kind of love. He quickly became a pastor to those who did not feel welcome in the church, a counselor to those who had so much hurt in their story, and a father to those who had never known the love and care of their own father. For decades, he shared the love of Jesus with women and their families. He sacrificed so much and risked the opinions of so many in order to obediently sit by the woman at the well and offer her living water.

This morning we will celebrate the life of my father. Many will come with their own experience of my father’s impact on their life, and I will arrive with mine. I will walk down the aisle, this time without him by my side, and honor the life of a man who taught me that there is no joy greater than following Jesus wherever He leads.

My prayer for you this morning is that you will have a new appreciation for the heritage that has been handed down to you, and that you will take a moment to thank those who have strengthened your faith over the years. May you have a heart for God that leads you to pray today, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

Today’s Reading: John 11:25-26

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

The Lord gave me a song for 2020 — a song I would daily listen to, letting the truth of God’s promises wash over me during a time of uncertainty in many areas of my life. When 2021 started, I waited for God to give me another song for what I needed. I needed to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, and I needed to surrender myself to His call on my life once more.

In January, I had to make some pretty big decisions for the ministry and I needed God to equip me for the leadership to which he had called me. I leaned hard on God.

February began and we drove to Joplin, Missouri, to check out the medical school God was leading Libby to attend. As we looked at apartments and checked out coffee shops, I reminded myself that God was working all things out according to His purpose. When everything inside of me wanted to pull my girl closer, I had to once again tell God that I would trust Him.

A few weeks later, as I rushed to the hospital, I had to trust that God had my husband in His very capable hands. Fast forward to April, God was stirring our obedience and the possibility that there was a big move in our future. When I accepted a call into full-time ministry when I was 17 years old, I told God I would go anywhere and do anything for Him. He reminded me that I needed to be light on my feet and remain willing to be used by Him in the “Second Act” of my life. In the midst of resting in what He had ahead, He gave me my 2021 song — I Will Trust by Red Rocks Worship.

I can’t see where I’m going / The lines are blurred but you’re showing me love / Love in the midst of the dark / I don’t know what you’re doing / But blindly I am pursuing you now / Good Shepherd, lead my heart

I can pack up my belongings, hand over the keys to the home I love, and move a few hundred miles west, but my heart needs to make the move as well. A long time ago, I asked God to see the desires of my heart – that my heart would always be in sync with what He wanted in my life. That continues to be my prayer. Good Shepherd, lead my heart — transform my desires and use me however you want.

Come and do what you wanna do / You will do what only you can do / I wanna be where you are / No matter / No matter how far it takes me / Lead through the dark / My hope, you will not forsake me / Oh, I will trust in You / Oh, I will trust in You

26 days ago, we traveled to visit my parents and spend a few hours with family. I walked in the front door and my dad walked towards me with a smile on his face. He gave me a big hug and I had no doubt that he was genuinely happy to see me. We sat in the living room and talked for a long time. He was alert and I could understand everything he said. I smiled at him and told him he was having a really good day. He looked at me and repeated that he was having a really good day. I thanked God that He allowed me to visit my dad on one of the summits of the roller coaster ride Parkinson’s creates for families.

One week later, my dad was clearly descending from that summit. He stopped eating, stopped talking, and stopped having good days. By the weekend, we were standing around his ICU bed. The second morning, I walked in the room and greeted him, squeezing his hand. I told him I loved him. He opened his eyes, lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed the back of my hand. A few days later, the hallucinations began. We sat around his bed and sang hymns. He mouthed some of the words. When we turned off the music, he began his sermon. We couldn’t hear the words and we couldn’t understand him, but there was very little doubt that he was either talking about Jesus or to Jesus.

I don’t know where you’re taking me / But I know that you’re making me like you / The old is washed away / When I’m tired of contending / I know you won the beginning and the end / Jesus, You are here now / Bring on the waves / I’m loved by the One who anchors me / No fear of the grave / I walk with the King of Victory / Oh, I will trust in You / Oh, I will trust in You

Tomorrow morning, we will celebrate the life of Larry Alan Fortado. He is no longer trapped in a body that won’t allow him to do what he wants to do. He is singing in tune, walking without assistance, and he is dancing. Oh, how he loved to dance and smile and praise God. And he loved people. He looked beyond how messy their lives were, and he dove deep to make a difference in this world.

No fear of the grave / I walk with the King of Victory / Oh, I will trust in You / Oh, I will trust in You

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26

[I Will Trust lyrics by Kory Miller, Brinnae Keathley / Red Rocks Worship Publishing / Be Essential Songs (BMI) (admin. at EssentialMusicPublishing.com)]

Today’s Reading: John 11:45-57

Because I can look back on yesterday,
and understand NOW what God was teaching me THEN,
I can trust Him with my TODAY
knowing that God has a plan for my TOMORROW.

In the same way, the disciples did not fully understand everything Jesus was teaching them until after his death and resurrection. Early on in his ministry, Jesus began talking about his death. The disciples were slow to understand that Jesus was preparing them, little by little, for what was ahead. As time went on, he would give them a little more information about the suffering that was coming.

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. – Mark 8:31

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” – Matthew 20:17-19

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. – Mark 2:19-20

Consider again what Jesus said to Peter, James and John after the Transfiguration on the mountain.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them. As they went back down the mountain, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by “rising from the dead.” – Mark 9:7-10

God could have opened up the minds of the disciples and helped them to understand how Scripture was being fulfilled. Jesus could have had a lengthy conversation with His followers, clearly revealing His role and what was about to take place.

SOMETIMES GOD REVEALS HIS PLAN A LITTLE AT A TIME.

“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. – Mark 9:31b-32

They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. – Mark 10:32a

They did not understand what was about to happen, yet they could feel the enormity of what was coming. They had the choice to walk away, yet they continued to follow Jesus. Their love for Jesus and their faith in him was enough to keep them moving forward, regardless of their fear or anticipation of the unknown.

Perhaps that describes you. You do not fully understand how God’s plan fits in the middle of your situation but you love Him enough to keep moving forward. You struggle to grasp what is happening but you choose to follow Jesus anyhow. The weight of your circumstances is overwhelming but your faith keeps you hoping — regardless of the fear or anticipation of the unknown. My prayer this morning is that God will give you the strength you need and that He will reveal Himself to you in the middle of your reality. I pray that you are able to trust Him as He shows up for you again today.