I've been saving up great links, special ideas, projects, etc. all week for today's "Heart This". But then....
I read this post by Beth Moore."He knows it's scary to be us." Jesus truly does, because He chose to be one of us.
And then, I read this post from oh amanda."In a letter to the Philippians, Paul writes that Jesus humbled himself and became OBEDIENT to death on a cross. Jesus LET himself die. He wasn’t forced into it. Many men died on the cross, but Jesus CHOSE to die on the cross." Did you get that? He also chose to die...for us...on the cross.
Please, Please go read both posts in their entirety. Then click the link at the bottom of amanda's post to hear Andy Stanley's version of the story.
Jesus Christ chose to live as one of us. He humbled himself. He chose to die for us. He became obedient unto death, even death on the cross. He chose the wounds, the scars. And By His Wounds We Are Healed:
But the message of Easter, dear ones, is this: It's [Good] Friday, but [Easter] Sunday is Coming!
This post and this post have been a blessing to me today, reminding me of how to pray specifically for the Chapmans, and for others in our lives who are facing this sort of loss.
You may also wish to share your condolences with the Chapman family at this special website. Be sure to watch the sweet videos with little Maria.
Steven Curtis Chapman's music has been a major part of the soundtrack of my adult life. In college, his music encouraged me to grow in Christ. His music played a significant role in the romance of my husband and I (I mean, who in the 90's/early 00's didn't have "I Will Be Here" sung at their wedding?). And in recent years, the Chapman family's commitment to adoption, sharing their experiences, and founding Shaohannah's Hope, has influenced us in our decision to adopt. Brian and I feel as though we know them. They're our brothers and sisters in the faith. Our hearts are breaking for them right now.
I find it interesting, that in his long career, Steven has shared many songs that contain the truths of the hope that we can find in the Lord. How precious that God has given Steven and his family songs, now hidden in his heart, that are filled with the words of God, and that can serve as anchors to their faith. Take a moment to review the lyrics of With Hope, Carry You to Jesus, Hiding Place, More to this Life, Hold on to Jesus, and many more. And, though I'm sure it's not what he had in mind when he wrote the song, consider this line from Cinderella:
So I danced with Cinderella / While she is here in my arms / 'Cause I know something the prince never knew / Oh, I danced with Cinderella / I don't want to miss even one song / 'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight / And she'll be gone
The best thing we can do for this precious family right now is to get down on our knees before the God of all comfort and lift them up to Him in prayer. Pray for peace that surpasses understanding, for caring friends and family to rise up and minister to them, for protection from the attacks of the evil one, for healing and protection for their sweet son, and that the Chapman family will find a way to praise God through this terrible storm. And even as we grieve, we also celebrate, that precious Maria is safe and whole and loved in the arms of Jesus.
And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. I Thessalonians 4:13-14 The Message
What kind of King would leave His throne In Heaven to make this earth His home? While men seek fame and great renown In lowliness our King comes down
Jesus, Jesus, precious One How we thank You that You've come Jesus, Jesus, precious One A manger throne for God’s own Son
You left the sound of angels' praise To come for men with unkind ways And by this Baby's helplessness The power of nations is laid to rest
What kind of King would come so small From glory to a humble stall? That dirty manger is my heart, too I'll make it a royal throne for You
My heart is a throne My heart is a throne for God's own Son
This sweet little manger just came to be a special part of our Christmas decorations. We've used one just like this in our church programs for several years, and Brian & I were looking for something that would declare what Christmas is really about. Brian would have made one, but we didn't have any branches left to trim at home, so I asked our church custodian, who made the one at church, to make one for us. We brought it home last night and filled it with wild grasses found on the side of the road (in lieu of hay). The grapevine wreath is intended to be a crown of thorns. Brian put a spot light on it, and we're really happy with it.
Here's a picture of it in front of our house (click to make it larger):
Mrs. to my heaven-sent Mr. *** Maker of miscellaneous creative stuff. *** Mommy to our precious son. *** Mended by Jesus Christ, who loves me and changed me.
Listen to "Manger Throne"
