Bumped

Into every life a little rain must fall. When that happens, do we look for rainbows and silver linings or do we slosh through puddles with faces that match our umbrellas? Jesus said, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." What are we filling our hearts with? Are we filling them until they overflow? What will spill out when we get "bumped"?

Filling our hearts

• "Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD.
  You have filled my heart with greater joy..." - Psalm 4:6-7

Overflow

• "Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." - Luke 6:45

Getting Bumped

• "If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also." - Luke 6:28

Join the Resistance - John 13:35

Jesus' resurrection is the defining event in the history of mankind. It was the moment in which God created a bridge between heaven and earth, making it possible for people to gain eternal life. It was also the moment in which Jesus resisted the power of evil most directly. He stood up to death , and he did it with nothing but love. In the same way we are called to resist evil with love as well. In our daily lives when we face fear, evil and death we are called to, "Join the resistance, fall in love."

Resist Fear

• There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. - 1 John 4:18
  

Resist Evil

• If you love me, you will obey what I command. - John 14:15
  

Resist Death

• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
  

Past, Present, Future - Luke 19

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, which we celebrate on Palm Sunday, is unique in that it is the only time in Jesus' time on Earth when he was treated the way that he deserved to be treated. Instead of doubt, disbelief, beating and berating he was greeted with a parade and shouts of victory. But this victory parade came before the victory was won. In fact, it came before the battle was engaged. The timing doesn't make sense. When we look at God's timing from our limited human point of view it often doesn't make sense. We can't see the big picture. Luckily, it isn't up to us to see the big picture or understand it - all we have to do is trust in God to handle it. All of time is in God's hands.
Through Jesus, God:

• Purifies our Past
  Matthew 21:4 - This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet
  
• Provides for our Present
  Luke 19:40 - "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
  
• Prepares our Future
  Luke 19:42 - "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes."