The Peculiar Place: MY JOURNEY & JOURNAL THROUGH HOLY WEEK 2013

I started this on April 3rd and had lots of hindrances in getting it posted. I'm not sure why The Lord wanted me to do this, but I'm happy to share for whoever!
April 3, 2013 ~
Last week was Holy Week. We began on Palm Sunday and focused on the days leading to Resurrection Sunday that we call Easter. It seemed to me that this year more people were focused and reflecting on the real week that changed the world. I was moved to reflect and celebrate each day...with Jesus! This is how I tried to keep my focus on Him…

On Palm Sunday as I taught my Sunday School lesson, I shared about what has been called, Jesus' Triumphant Entry. I recalled the crowds yelling: "blessed is the king who comes in the name of The Lord" and the Pharisees telling Him to rebuke them, and Jesus telling them the rocks would cry out if they kept quiet. With a smile, I reminded us that Jesus rode on a donkey that was the sign of a king coming in peace; and added that when He comes back to establish His Kingdom on earth, He will ride on a white horse and come with judgment and destroy all those who oppose Him! I celebrated and worshiped thanking Him that I would be with Him!

Our Pastor shared a great witnessing tool that our church has joined in sponsoring online. It really helps people who are afraid they won’t know how to answer people’s questions. Do you have questions about life and God?
Check out this very informative site: www.truelife.org

On Monday my Quiet Time helped me to keep focused on Jesus and my relationship to Him. I think that Jesus was visiting with His friends in Bethany until He went into Jerusalem to observe Passover. John 3:29-30 John the Baptist said that he was privileged to be “The friend of the Bridegroom. He must increase, but I must decrease.” Am I being the friend that sticketh closer than a brother? Who are we drawing attention to – Jesus or myself? As I think on this week and what happened to Jesus, where would I like to put myself if I had been there? I would desire to have been like Mary Magdalene…always loving; always near to Him.

On Tuesday I had to work and it was a very busy and long day in preparation for my boss to go on a mission trip to Guatemala the day after Easter. I was continually focused on The Lord Jesus and talking to Him about praising Him as I worked. It was not hard as I was preparing two bulletins and a monthly newsletter that covered church activities surrounding celebrating Jesus Christ. I went home tired but jubilant feeling the Lord's Presence all day!

On Wednesday my quiet time was about comparing this week with one year ago and seeing if I have come up higher to heavenly places with Jesus. My heart was confident that I was. This was another full work day and the last day to get all the work done which gave great opportunity to prove whether we were aspiring to do this work from God's view or the devil's. Bro. Donnie was pulled in many directions and he and I experienced The Lord giving us extra energy and patience being pressed for time and we finished in joy.

On Thursday I heard and saw many like me reflecting on the observance of the Passover Meal and remembering it as The Last Supper of Jesus. I heard of some who observed with a Maundy Thursday Communion Service or a Living Last Supper. I also worshiped with the pine trees that day. Check out this blog for my Lesson from the Pine Trees and celebrate too!

Jesus said:
"And I, If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me."

John 12:32

On Friday I sadly watched a movie, looked at pictures, read and shared Scripture & inspirational words about the cross, Jesus dying for our sins and being buried in a tomb. I cried because of the reality of my personal sins and then cried tears of rejoicing for having been forgiven and freed from the bondage and penalty of those sins. As I went about my day, I remembered the price that was paid for ME. I imagined myself there with Jesus as He endured torture, abuse, and ridicule. Then I thanked God that I already know the outcome: He rose from the grave! IT IS FINISHED!

Adding to my day, my granddaughter, Katherine Hope sent me a very good reminder of this day with a video and song “Thief” by Third Day. She expressed with such excitement about hearing the words of the song and, like the thief on the cross realizing Jesus died for everyone of us, and we too can look forward to Paradise! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wktv5mA7EB0

On Saturday I decided to be quiet and spend time reflecting on what was going on in the grave for Jesus and what His disciples must have been doing and thinking.

Easter Sunday ~ Resurrection Day! Luke 24 & John 20:19 tells us about Jesus’ appearing to some women; Mary Magdalene; 2 on the way to Emmaus; Peter anonymously; upper room while Emmaus guys were speaking. Thomas & Peter were not present. I shared the account of Mary Magdalene searching for Jesus’ body and cried with her and rejoiced with her at the sweet appearing of Jesus stopping on His way to The Father to show His Love and soothe her heart with delivering a message to His disciples and the promise to meet with them. My excited heart continued throughout the wonderful service at Nashville FBC. The choir has never been better. It was a truly beautiful worship service topped off with The Lord’s Supper! I’m still reflecting and thanking The Lord for guiding me through a memorable week with Him…I am so blessed and excited that The Holy Spirit of The Risen Lord lives in me!