Hearts in Service Blog

"Father forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." I am amazed at Jesus' ability to see through the behaviors and actions of that shouting mob and look straight at the heart.  As he hung suffering on the cross, listening to the mocking and hate spewing out of the mouths of his executioners, he looked straight through to their heart and saw what was behind the words. "Father forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." When my accusers poke fun at me, or gossip about me or snub me can I do the same?  Can I look past their hurtful words and attitudes and see them through God's eyes?  When I feel hated and hurt, despised and rejected can I forgive? "Father forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." It's hard isn't it?  I play and replay conversations over and over again.  I create scenarios where I'm able to speak my piece so eloquently.  I create conversations where I'm able to share ...

I watched the blood pooling in my hand, a red crimson stream running down my finger and into my palm. A shard of glass sliced through my finger as I bent to pick up the broken vase that I had dropped.  I felt oddly peaceful as I watched the stain of red growing. It was as if the cutting of my finger had released the pent up emotions that had been growing inside and waiting to burst out. My thoughts had been in turmoil a few moments prior. " Again?" "Why do I always have to put aside my agenda and my will to do what someone else wants?"  "Why do I have to sacrifice so much for others when no one seems to do the same for me?" Those ugly thoughts had been bubbling up inside for a few days. As the glass pierced my finger and the blood flowed, those emotions tumbled out and were replaced with something else.  A reminder of blood that was spilled on the ground for me. A bursting of crimson that pooled and grew larger and was let out so I could h...

I mix together flour, yeast and salt with water and begin to mix the ingredients together. This is a task I do at least once or twice a week. Making bread is second nature to me and after years of experience, I no longer need the recipes. I know the right mix of ingredients, can tell by the feel of the bread when it's the right consistency and when it will be a success and when it will fail. As I turn out the dough and begin to push, mold and knead it, I'm reminded of other bread that was given for me. Jesus tell his disciples, "I am the bread of life" "No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. (John 4:35)" I put the bread into a bowl, cover it and let it rise. This bread of life that was given for me should have been recognized for who he was and worshipped. After the bread rises, I punch it down so that it can rise again . The bread of life was broken and bruised f...

I love Palm Sunday and Easter and all the meaning there is behind this holiday. And yet, this year, I'm struggling to feel joyful. All of the normal ways we celebrate are not able to happen. And yet, the reality is the meaning behind all those celebrations remain the same.  This week I want to keep my thoughts on the beauty of what Christ did for me. I want to stay focused on the cross and truly understand the magnitude of what was given so that I can have assurance. We celebrate Palm Sunday today and I shared a part of the story with the children via video that we don't always reflect on. Jesus tells the grumbling Pharisees that if His disciples remain silent, the stones would cry out His praises.  Spend some time today writing down all the reasons to praise God. Spend time in song. Pray and give thanks. You may find that as you sing His praises your entire attitude and mood will change. Let's give Him the praise He deserves. Matthew 21:9 ~ "Hosanna ...

Mark 11:12-25 (NLT) ~ The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.  He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit.   Then Jesus said to the tree,  “May no one ever eat your fruit again!”  And the disciples heard him say it. When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves,   and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.    He said to them,  “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But th...

Matthew 21:8-11 ~ Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.    Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God   for the Son of David!      Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the  Lord !      Praise God in highest heaven!” The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Praises filled the air.  Shouts of joy.  Cloaks,  branches, and hands shook in the air.  The sound was deafening as the crowd shouted and cheered. Matthew 27:20-23 ~  Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death.   So the governor asked again, “Which of th...

Palm Sunday and Easter are going to look much different for us all and some are grieving over that. However, the reality is the reason behind those celebrations is still the same.  I want to encourage you to slow down and take some time to reflect. I want to contemplate on the gift I've been given which is why I have been posting a daily reflection. I've been given the gift of the Word of God, not just the written word, but the Word that is Jesus.     I want to focus on the Bread of Life.  Not just bread that sustains my physical body, but the Bread that sustains my spirit.  The Bread that was broken for me.  The Bread that nourishes and gives me strength.  I can't live without physical bread, nor can I live without the Bread of Life. I want to focus on the sacrifice given. The people waving branches in adoration and praise one week were crying for Jesus' crucifixion the next. Do I do the same? One minute my mouth is full of p...