Mar 31, 2026 – Passover
Don hosted a Passover ceremony last night for his small group. He couldn’t have it on their usual Wednesday night this week (which happens to be the actual day of Passover this year) because he will be out of town rehearsing for a gig; so, they wouldn’t have had a gathering at all this week if he hadn’t offered this opportunity. He had so much fun buying and coordinating the elements and setting out the plates and candles and printing the order of service so we all could read our parts. A good handful of people had said they would join us, in person or online, but only one from the group came. He did bring a friend though (so it made for a happy gathering) and the lamb (so Don wouldn’t have to cook).
Don felt only a small inkling of disappointment as he realized that those who said they would attend (online or in person), apparently weren’t going to show up. He wasn’t sorry for his effort or that the crowd would be small. He was sorry for what they would miss not getting to be part of this very historic and meaningful spiritual service. As quickly as he wondered why they hadn’t joined us, he then had an ah ha moment – this must be what God feels so often as people turn down what He offers them.
Utmost – Chambers cautions me to not be too judgmental, on Don’s behalf, of those who didn’t benefit from Don’s hospitality (and mine). “If we are not heedful of the way the Spirit of God works in us, we shall become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other folks are failing, and we turn our discernment into the gibe of criticism instead of into intercession on their behalf…. One of the subtlest burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls. He reveals things in order that we may take the burden of these souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them…. May we learn to intercede so whole-heartedly that Jesus Christ will be abundantly satisfied with us as intercessors.”
Streams – Cowman writes, “The storms of temptation may appear cruel, but don’t they lead to a greater intensity and earnestness in my prayer life? Don’t they compel me to cling to God’s promises with a tighter grasp? And don’t they leave me with character that is more refined? The storms of sorrow through bereavement are intense, but they are one of the Father’s ways of driving me to Himself…. There is a certain glory of the Master that can only be seen when the wind is contrary and my ship is being tossed by the waves.”
JC – “Taste and see that I am good. [Psalm 34:8] The more intimately you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness…. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me.”
Prevail #90 – 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 – “Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.” Larson reminds us, “God is not only a miracle-working God and the Creator of the heavens and the earth, He is also the ultimate King and not to be trifled with. When we become too casual about His presence, we operate in our own strength, lean on our own understanding, take credit for things He’s done, and miss what He intends to do…. Far too many Christians live underwhelming lives because they’ve wandered from the beauty of holy expectancy (they’ve forgotten that He’s still moving mountains) and holy fear (they’ve forgotten that He is God and we are not)…. Ask God to increase your capacity to understand what He’s capable of…. Lord, Reignite my heart to believe You for great things! Help me better grasp Your majesty and power….Amen.”
[Note – I finished this yesterday but apparently in our rush to get out the door to a t-ball game, I forgot to click “Publish” —– better late…..]
