April 6, 2020

Snoopy’s very welcome and encouraging words today are from Psalm 118:24 – Rejoice and be glad.  Ironically, it really ties in with Kyle’s message today.  There is always a reason to rejoice and be glad; always something to be happy about and thankful for.  The list doesn’t have to be long.  Just one thing is enough.  Today Mom came over and helped us make pie dough cinnamon rolls.  After lunch we putsied around, went for a walk, and cleaned out the garage (to some degree).  It looks so nice.  Just needed a little organization.  Kelly and I took a long walk later in the afternoon and went up on the hill by Allison Drive.  The views up there are amazing (something to be happy about!!).  We are getting ready to eat dinner, probably pasta. 

Kyle Drown is the associate/youth pastor at my home church, Hempfield Church of Christ (links are in previous post).  If I could sum up the major point, it would be stones.  The cumulative sermons have been about Jesus setting his face to Jerusalem. (photo) He was on His way to celebrate the Passover in the city, and paused in Bethany to send his disciples to get a donkey for him to ride.  Kyle talked about the disciples and the crowds praising and worshiping and shouting – they could not keep silent.  When the pharisees heard this praise, they rebuked Jesus, saying that the crowd should not praise Him, but God only.  Jesus said, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  This is what we should be doing daily – praising God, crying out.  Not just when things are good, not when everything is going our way, not when the world is safe and happy and together.  We should be crying out praises no matter what we are experiencing.  Kyle’s comment was that he didn’t want to live where Christians were silent. 

So I’m asking you, what does your witness sound/look like?  Do you log on to facebook (or whatever) and complain and express fear and anger?  Can you accept the challenge to post only happy, encouraging, praise-worthy statements? (as Kyle suggested)  If we are silent, will the stones cry out?  Maybe do a little thinking on what that could mean – or listen to Kyle’s message to find out.  We can do our part to be safe and sensible; stay home, wash your hands often, and praise the One who created and loves you more than you could ever know. Jesus wept for the city of Jerusalem.  He weeps for us and for our country, our world.  Because He loves us.  Whatever else you do, Praise, and Be Thankful. 

On this date in 1909, the first Credit Union was started in the US, and Robert Peary reached the North Pole.  Wonder if he saw Santa???  In 1971, US declares war on Germany; in 1930, Hostess Twinkies were invented.  Robert Clemente retired his number in 1973 on this date.  In 1868, Brigham Young married his 27th (???) wife.  I think that was probably 26 too many, but thankfully his last!  As we move through Holy Week, take time to reflect on the celebrations of Easter.  We have a lot to be thankful for and happy about.  Focus on those things!  God bless….