Expression ~ Palm Sunday

. . . the large crowd . . . heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, [and with] branches of the palm trees, went out to meet Him and began to shout, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD. . .
John 12:12-13 NASB

Hosanna!, an expression of joy and praise for deliverance granted or anticipated,* was the crowd's chant as Jesus rode into Jerusalem that morning. Hosanna! was the word that meant, "Praise God and his Messiah, we are saved."* The Disciples and other followers still thought that the Messiah would be an earthly king; the week's events would soon reveal their confusion.  If we had stood along side the road, waving our palm branches, shouting Hosanna!, where would we be standing by the week's end?

Even believers, the very ones of us who profess the truths about Christ, discover places that merge with doubt and confusion.  We find our prayers answered in ways that differ from our hopes.  We meet circumstances face to face and waiver.  We seek more from the world but need more from the Messiah.  

As this Lenten series started with a Scripture in Hebrews, let's look at it again, see if we have learned anything about this sacrifice of praise.

Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in the working for the common good; share what you have with others.  God takes particular pleasure in the acts of worship - a different kind of "sacrifice" - that takes place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.
Hebrews 13:15-16 The Message

Our sacrifice of praise ~
When we stand along side of the road today as everyday people pass our way, let's shout Hosanna! and mean it ~dho

Shout ~ Lent 2010

I'm ready, God, so ready,
ready from head to toe,
Ready to sing, ready to raise a tune:
"Wake up, soul!"
Psalm 57:7 The Message

A few months ago I spent the better part of a day touring Daufuskie Island, just off the coast of Hilton Head, SC.  An island full of rich history and Gullah culture merging with renewal and preservation today, my thoughts were captured.  We stopped and toured a church still used today, very small by any of the standards of today's churches.  Out to the side was a small unpainted, wooded structure not bigger than an outdoor garden shed.  It was not original but a replica.  Above the door it read "Praise House."

The Gullah people used this little house as a house of prayer and praise.  Apparently, the prayers started quiet and as inspiration led, the prayers would become more intense, eventually becoming 'Praise Shouts'!  As I thought about that progression of the moving of the Spirit, I wondered how often is my soul moved to the point of Praise Shouts?  And when this happens, do I just contain the joy or does my response raise a tune of praise to the Lord?

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Psalm 57:9 msg, "I'm thanking you, God, out loud in the streets, singing Your praises in town and country."  Try praising God ~ in public! ~dho

Mystery ~ Lent 2010

. . . the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, . . . according to His own mercy . . . and renewal of the Holy Spirit . . . that we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7 ESV

Christians know these truths about undeserved mercy and grace, how our sin-offering has been paid, and the hope of everlasting life.  Yet, this remains a mystery.  God's goodness is changeless and certain, but it exceeds explanation. 

Be with me in my silence and in my speech, in my haste and in my leisure, in company and in solitude, in the freshness of the morning and in the weariness of the evening; and give me grace at all times to rejoice in Thy mysterious companionship. 
John Baille

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Find one new way to rejoice in God's mysterious companionship! ~ dho

Rhythms ~ Lent 2010

The thought of You stirs us so deeply that we cannot be content unless we praise You, because You have made us for Yourself and our hearts find no peace until they rest in You.  Augustine

God is our true resting place, in all times.  Consider these words from the Gospel of Matthew:

I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Matthew 11:29 The Message

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Let the everyday walking and working with Jesus, reveal His unforced rhythms of grace. ~dho

Evidence ~ Lent 2010

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

We have the faith to hope, the faith to believe because God gives us this.  Writers struggle with words to define faith and hope; they are not tangible but known by the heart's relief or the soul's peace.  Faith and Hope would not be great witnesses in court; attorneys like sure evidence, certain proof.  Healing happens, and doctors cannot explain; science always wants to know why, but sometimes the evidence is not seen ~ at least in conventional ways. 

A.W. Tozer wrote: God's plans will continue on God's schedule.  We must trust God's Way, even if the evidence is not seen by us.  This is faith.  The evidence of our faith is demonstrated when we trust God more than our circumstances and consequences. Our obedience to God's Word marks us faithful.

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Lay down the burdens of circumstance and consequence; boldly stand with faith and hope and know the power of the Invisible I AM! ~dho

Everywhere ~ Lent 2010

God is everywhere and yet invisible, . . . We need more than a watchmaker who winds up the universe and lets it tick.  We need love and mercy and forgiveness and grace - qualities only a personal God can offer.
Philip Yancey

What do you say to your friends about God when you gather together?  Consider these words:

Here's the story I'll tell my friends
when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;
give glory . . . adore Him . . .
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way when you were kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do His own thing;
He has been right there, listening.
Psalm 22:22-24 The Message

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Tell your God-story to your friends and punctuate it with Hallelujahs! ~dho