What does it mean to be a pioneer? ‘To boldly go where no one has gone before.’ [Star Trek motto] Or maybe it’s just to go to where you want or need to be, in spite of the obstacles. Sometimes we bring peace to the table, only to be reciprocated with distrust and hostility.

What are your obstacles, your battles? Temptations? Addictions? Emotional illness? The choices of others, or of your past? A fight for something you know should and could be better, to create solutions. We all have our battles - that is fact.

This week we honor the pioneers who went before us, those who crossed oceans to settle in a new world, who fought for freedom from tyranny, who put their knowledge to making a steam engine, computers, works of art. We are recipients of what their battles were fought for. Perhaps we fight our battles so others won’t have to.

It’s not easy. ‘Father, can you hear me? Will you listen to me for a while?’ This song shows clips from the movie 17 Miracles, a telling of the difficulties faced by pioneers crossing the United States in the mid 1800s. Within twenty years, May of 1869, the 6-month trek could be made in days, on the Transcontinental Railway.

Many had to come through before the way was made easier. Always remember.

Prayer of the Walking Child - Dave Tinney

We fight hard for battles against our body, its diseases and appetites. Sometimes we lose that battle. But that isn’t all the the Lord is fighting for. His perspective is far greater - He’s fighting the battle for our souls, for our eternal selves. So many lose stamina for this battle and give up. He persists on our behalf - stay with Him.

‘Oh my soul, … Sing His praise, Set your face... Set your gaze... Oh my heart, still yourself and know the Lord. Oh my soul, Be still and wait.’

Alisa Childers - The Battle is the Lord’s

‘When I feel the ache of burdens no one sees, I will feel the strength of those who came before. Showing how to trust, not knowing how it ends, they looked to You always believing in the God who made it possible.’

Possible/Come, Come Ye Saints - Carrie Yost

Battles are fought in our weakest moments, when other distractions are quiet, when it seems like we are on our own. But we’re not.

‘Thy promise is sure; we are safe in Thy care. Thou wilt help all God’s children their burdens to bear. So to Thee I will look to be kept in the light, And hold in remembrance my song in the night.’

My Song in the Night - BYU Women’s Chorus

You are His child. His purpose. He fights for you. Cling to His strength.

Parting the waters, filling empty vessels, feed a multitude with little food, healing a leper, raising a child from the dead. Who are these miracles attributed to?

Ultimately they come from the same power. Yet in the Torah/Hebrew Bible/Old Testament these miracles were performed by the prophet Elisha. So then, imagine the confusion when people see Jesus of Nazareth performing these same miracles. ‘Is this Elisha returned from the grave?’ Or is Elisha a forerunner of Christ? 800 years before.

We likely don’t have the calling to wield such visible power like a prophet, yet in little, simple faith there are those, like Elisha, who serve a miracle-working God. It is by our invitation, our little show of faith, that allows His miracles into our lives, to heal us.

Faith That Heals - Country Grace

‘Do not fear, the prophet said, for those who stand with us are more than those against us. Lord opened his eyes to see... the hills were blazing with horses made of fire, chariots of heaven shining bright, God’s army standing higher, the mountains were full of angels, a host no man could count.’ This story told in 2 Kings 6 is echoed here in this song.

God’s Army - Advent World

Try to open yourself to see God’s army surrounding you. Especially in times when you feel you are one of the invisible. ‘When the darkness feels eternal as a holler with no moon, You’re the army all around me, You’re the old familiar tune... You see me.’

Never Invisible - Rachel Heart

We, then are the servants, the soldiers, the warriors in service to our Lord and King. We bring our faith together in prayer, in kindness, in opening our eyes and arms to each other, to those in need. ‘Stand up prayer warriors, you are on the front lines. Stand up faith fighters, army of the end times...the gates of hell shall not prevail with Messiah at the helm.’

STAND - Prayer Warriors

Even when we are weak, have fallen on our knees, we’re fighting this battle together. And we know who wins in the end. The question then is, which side will we find ourselves on?

Believe.

Context: Ancient Israel was swallowed up into the Assyrian Empire around 850-800 BCE. Judah was conquered by Babylon around 590 BCE. These conquering empires used a brilliant tactic to take the fight out of those they conquered. They removed the natives from the conquered land and spread them around the empire, then moved their own people into the vacated cities. That is an effective stirring of the pot. Distinct practices of the minority are lost, at best blended into the flavor of the majority.

We can certainly see this same kind of practice in our societies today. In some ways we are losing our individual heritage in the mix, yet in many ways we embrace the variety of cultural heritage among us. In the foodie analogy it’s pretty common for us to eat Mexican one night, Chinese the next, mix the Mex spicing with Italian, and so forth. It’s not bad eating.

Would this be likened to scattering or gathering? We mourn our lost heritage; yet as we hold to our traditions aren’t we also spreading them?

‘Among the nations we learned their tongue, forgot the songs our father’s sung, we wore their names, we bore their ways, lost in exiles heavy haze.’

Scattered to the four winds - HalleluYah Voice of Zion

In recent years I’ve been feeling a worldwide Christian revival - which certainly is evident in music. Congregations are found worldwide - and technology allows their reach to be worldwide. It’s exciting! The connection we can be part of around the globe, with Jesus Christ at our center!

Six years ago a pandemic threatened the world. And opened it up! This version of one of my favorite songs is a tribute to how our pandemic years broadened our platforms to gather us together.

‘Gather us in - the rich and the haughty...the proud and the strong, Give us a heart so meek and so lowly, Give us the courage to enter the song... here in this place a new light is shining, Now is the kingdom, now is the day.’

Gather Us In - Marty Haugen, by The Heralds Choir of St Mary’s Music Ministries

Elsewhere from around the globe - ‘Spread the Word!…Let all the Saints come gather round to sing Gods praise on holy ground, give thanksgiving, let our souls rejoice, come together, hear our Savior’s voice.’

Come Together - Bishop Jordan

‘And Jesus will say to all Israel, ‘Come home.’’ For as we follow Jesus, we become the House of Israel - God’s chosen people! Come home to Him, wherever you live.

Now Let Us Rejoice - Tabernacle Choir April 2024 General Conference

Are you feeling the thrill of this growing revival? Is there a smile on your face for it?Jump in!

The prophet Elijah was good at showing impossible things the Lord can do: Tablespoons of oil and grain that never run out, a son brought back to life, flames self-combusting on water-soaked wood.

One thing that was asked - show your trust in the Lord first. Be willing to sacrifice before expectation of a blessing. ‘Before I bring my need I will bring my heart. Before I lift my cares I will lift my arms. I want to keep you first.’

First - Lauren Daigle

Even in view of such miracles the Lord’s chosen nation turned from Him, divided. Under foolish kings they embraced the ideology of the world around them. How easy it is to do when the voices of the world can be so loud and become so popular, feeding stress and pressure to perform. What kind of god is this brand of perfectionism coming from?

Where can we hear the true God? ‘No more listening to all the lies that I’ve let in, anything that doesn’t sound like you. Your voice brings peace, calms my anxieties, calling me back to what is true.’

Still Small Voice - Life.Church Switch

When feeling overwhelmed by perceived expectations - remember God who does impossible things. In our lives. His love is peace. Knowing that in spite of failure, or loss, or dire threats against us, with Him all will be well. This happens to me over and over, His peace overriding feelings of doom.

‘The waves still rise, the storm still roars...As I behold you Lord, I change, Your work in me will not be swayed.’

God of the Impossible - Songs of Wisdom

“And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” [1 Kings 19:11-12]

Still Small Voice - Nashville Tribute Band with Alex Boyé

Take a breath. “Be still. And know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10]

Celebrating a milestone for our little nation. 250 years ago we set a torch that would inflame the world, spreading democracy. We have become a world superstar, even as we squabble amongst ourselves. Let’s not lose sight of the God-inspired wonder of our nation, and our people.

From the many songs that have popped up for this occasion it seems they all come from our Country Heartland. So this is the sound of America’s 250th birthday.

‘Hey old friend, you’re looking good for your age, a few more lines on the map, a few more turns of the page. I know it ain’t been easy, Lord knows you’ve seen some rain ...’

Patriotic Song – America’s 250th Birthday Song - The Lyrical Lanterns

‘From small-town folks to skyline blokes built on a promise from long ago, torchin’ the harbor light at night... from heart-land fields to the open sea... 250 strong and we’re not done.’

250 Strong | Patriotic Country Anthem | America’s 250th Anniversary - Liberty Oak

‘Every time I see that flag flying proud and high, I remember all the men and women who gave their lives.’

Thank God I Live in America/ 250th Anniversary Song - Mystic Song Writer

Bringing our voices together - ‘ I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died and gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today...’

God bless the USA - Lee Greenwood, Home Free, United States Air Force

‘And maybe we can see beyond these battle-lines that we have drawn and realize we’re really all in this thing together.’

America the Beautiful - Steven Curtis Chapman & Chris Janson

Let’s remember the freedoms that our fathers have fought for! That WE stand for!

Happy Birthday all y’all.

What do you pray for as you are called to take the lead? Wisdom is a beautiful and succinct gift to ask for. ‘Lord, give me wisdom to lead and to guide, a listening heart with your truth inside; not for power, not for gold untold, but for justice and mercy to shepherd your fold.’

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom (1 Kings 3) - CountryBibleStories

It seems to me that following in Wisdom unlocks doors for many other blessings - to recognize and embrace love, in gaining knowledge, to see truth with clarity, perhaps success in gaining wealth. ‘In our conflict and chaos... in our struggle and strong will... in our pride and our passion, Wisdom... Open our hearts.’

Wisdom, Wisdom - Lori True

Solomon, like his father David and King Saul before him were young men esteemed by God as they loved and esteemed Him. They were thus chosen by God to rule as Kings over His chosen people.

So where did they go wrong? Was it the mantle of Kingship that went to their heads? Did their successes make them proud in their own abilities and forget the One who was blessing their efforts? And are they lost forever because of their sins?

I can’t believe that there is no redemption possible for them, for that goes contrary to all that I am taught of God’s reach and Christ’s abilities to wash our sins clean.

Megan Woods gift for lyrics again gives the right words for when we are stuck in the predicaments from our mistakes. ‘There’s nowhere I could run that you won’t run after me. There’s nowhere I could fall that’s too far from your arms reach.’

Nowhere Your Love Won’t Go - Megan Woods

I feel it over and over every day how easy it is to let a moment’s desire distract from the smart thing. This is a war!

This beautifully crafted song and video by Darren Winfield offers a soldier’s prayer - to not allow our temptations to divide us from our wisdom. This is our battle. ‘Every trial, every test can become our holy quest. With your word as our defense, in your armor we commence.’

Lead Us Not into Temptation - Darren Winfield

Allow Wisdom to open your heart to let in truth and love.

We love the story of David and Goliath! When we feel small, we can find hope.

So what were the tools David took with him to defeat Goliath the giant? A key take-away is that David didn’t go into the fight on his opponents terms of hand to hand combat, for he would be certain to lose such a fight. He changed the battle, using his own practiced strength of precise aim. He removed all the heavy armor and weapons that were unfamiliar and weighed him down, picked up his proven sling, and gathered five small stones.

I’m going to borrow from a talk given by Sister Andrea M. Spannaus in April 2024. She acknowledges that it only took one stone to take the giant down, yet David was prepared and carried the five. Let’s consider what these stones might represent.

1. The stone of my love for God.

2. The stone of my faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are blessed to have David’s own words that express his love for God and our Savior. Psalm 30 ‘Lord my God, I will praise you forever.’ ‘Sing the praises of the Lord... I will exalt you for eternity... In Jesus name I call unto you and you heal me.’

My God, I Call Unto You. Psalm 30 - St. Laurence’s Church Chorley

3. The stone of the knowledge of my true identity.

Tell yourself, again, right now - ‘I am a child of Heavenly Parents’. With that understanding, can you feel the difference in how you think and what you will do next? Repeat the phrase as often as you need - when you’re in doubt, when you’re facing a choice, when you’re belittled by someone, when you need to face the truth.

‘You took a shepherd boy and made him a King, so I’m gonna trust you and give you everything, I’ll be a conqueror ‘cause You fight for me, I’ll be a champion claiming Your victory.’

Confidence - Sanctus Real

4. The stone of my daily repentance.

Turning from our sins and mistakes isn’t turning toward punishment, it is turning to freedom from bondage. Sure, we may need to repair or make amends for our wrongs, but let’s be clear about what truly keeps us bound. I hear from so many of my friends that going to prison was the best thing that happened to them, for it set them on a path of redemption, to put their past in the past and become something more like themselves.

‘I’m not afraid to show you my weakness, my failures and flaws; Lord you’ve seen ‘em all, and you still call me friend.’

Graves Into Gardens - Elevation Worship

5. The stone of my access to God’s power.

Can we actually access God’s power? Partnering with him in covenants give us promises that He will always be with us. Even when we don’t feel Him near - He is near, as He promises to be. Turning to Him in faithful prayer aligns our thoughts with His, allows His love to dwell in us. Yes, that’s power to make a difference.

‘I go to God in prayer, I can always find Him there.’

When God Dips His Love In My Heart - Petersens and Chapmans

I hope you carry a pocket full of these five stones. Take them out and finger them occasionally, feel how solid they are.

Let’s look at the pattern that God most often follows in choosing Kings and rulers:

In 1 Samuel we see He chooses Saul to be Israel’s first King. And who is Saul? He’s a keeper of donkeys. David will follow - a shepherd, the youngest son from an obscure family of the smallest tribe. Jesus is born into the family of a carpenter from a small, outlying village, never to know worldly wealth or comfort. He chooses fishermen, and others of the working class to become His apostles. And a small and unimportant family of Israel was chosen to be God’s people. Their armies were repeatedly scaled back to a pittance when faced with a battle.

Where are you in this hierarchy? Are you weak and meek and insignificant enough to be God’s chosen vessel for His work? ‘God chose the weak to show His power, God lifts the poor and gives them honor, Not many were mighty, not many were strong, but God chose the weak to sing His song.’

God Chose the Weak - Eternal Songs

The shift from humility of these early kings alerts us to the threat of getting too full of ourselves. Certainly the comforts we live in today are mixed blessings. For when we feel so favored by God, we may make the mistake of believing that allows us to just take what we want, to decide things that override His direction and counsels, as long as we give our show of penance and worship. [1 Samuel 15:22] ‘Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.’

What ‘fat of rams’ do we offer as sacrifice instead of our submission? ‘I don’t need your money, I want your life.’

To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice - Keith Green

How do we choose our rulers? First and foremost, let’s not let anyone rule above THE true King. We have a King who has real physical power over all creation, yet rules with compassion, tempers His power with the humility of bowing to serve each of us individually, who puts our cares above His own pains. Do we really think we can find a better ruler than that?

‘Do I surrender to His will? Letting His love my spirit fill? The thief’s repentance, a hopeful sign, a second chance, a love divine, He recognized the King’s true face and found redemption in that place.’

He is The King - Angels Daily Bread

My husband shared this song Yabo with me. What a wonderful song of praise and thanks to our King. ‘What shall I offer you for your love and grace? Thanksgiving from my heart I give to you.’

Yabo - Solomon Lange

To be a leader is to follow THE leader.

The story of Ruth and Naomi is a tender story of devotion between mother and daughter. Both widowed, Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law alone, vowing to keep true to her husband’s faith. It’s a theme I hope we can all relate to, staying together with our family through the tough times.

The Netflix movie Ruth and Boaz is a modern and beautiful retelling of the story.

‘You and me, me and You, where you go, I’ll go too, I’m with you... I won’t let you feel alone.’

I’m with you (Ruth and Naomi) - Nichole Nordeman - Amy Grant

As Boaz enters the story we come to understand that as the women’s closest relative, he has a responsibility for their care. He proves more than his honor, he proves his love in taking Ruth as his wife.

The Glory of Zion International Worship gives us this recording from the musical Threshed, that wonderfully tells this part of the story, concluding, ‘Lord You are my nearest kinsman, the promise of redemption, could it be true?’

As a kinsman redeemer, Boaz represents our Savior.

Kinsman Redeemer - Threshed/ A Shavuot Musical

Hannah, praying for a long-awaited child, vows to give the child to be raised by the church, or in the care of the priest Eli. It’s interesting that she doesn’t feel the sacrifice, but the blessing in this exchange. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is her song of praise and rejoicing. I’m so glad that it has been put to music for us to hear today.

‘My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.’

Hannah’s Song (1 Samuel 2:1-10)- Jason Silver Sings Scripture

Young Samuel hears God call his name one night. He is taught to listen to God’s voice when He calls, although the message may be a difficult one.

‘I remember that day, when He called my name... everything was changed, I saw myself in a different way, because of the voice of God.’

Voice of God - Dante Bowe

Don’t be afraid to listen. Don’t be afraid of the change our Redeemer gives.

Where do you find strength? Judges 4-5 tells of a judge Deborah. We remember her because she’s one of the few females mentioned in what might have been considered a men-only role. We want to emulate her, because she showed strength in wisdom - even to prophesy. Wisdom isn’t merely knowledge. It comes from knowing where to place your trust: packaging knowledge along with trusting God’s truth above mankind.

‘The fear of the Lord is where wisdom starts, above all else please guard your heart. For out of your heart flow the issues of life, it matters how you spend your time.’

Wisdom Song - Laura Woodley Osman

Do you find Strength in Others? Friends and family. I hope so. Seek to be with others who encourage the best in you. We are not meant to do it all alone - our differences come with weakness, but more importantly they provide unique strengths, which we can offer to help each other in weak moments.

‘Who you are is more important than what you have. Choose to lift others up, not because you Have to, but because you Can.’ (for those of you who like some rap.)

Showing Kindness Isn’t Weakness, It’s Strength (The BE KIND song!) - Fearless Soul

Judges 13-16 tells the tragic story of Samson. A man who was born with great potential. And he was an idiot. Especially when it came to women. Even when a woman showed her betrayal over and over, he still succumbed to her. He allowed himself to be controlled by his anger and passions, which brought the destruction of thousands, as well as his own.

Lesson: there is Wisdom in Obedience. Believe that God and goodly parents aren’t trying to control you, but want your happiness. Discuss things with them. Trust the proven pattern, even as you put your own flair into it. Following their guidance may avoid a lot of tragedy and heartbreak.

‘Every step of humble yielding draws your heaven close to me ... when I trust your holy purpose, though the answers aren’t around.’

Power in Obedience - Lauren Daigle

Above all, strength is found in the one who continually gives everything for us. Far beyond painfully giving up His short mortal life, He’s giving us His eternal life so that we may have an eternal life of joy and increase.

‘In the stillness of the night, I look up to star-filled skies. I pay reverence to the Son who said ‘Not mine but Thine be done’. He knew that we would fall, so He’d descend below us all ... I bow in wonder.’

Wonder - Carrie Yost feat. Bowen Maxson

Find Strength in Jesus Christ.

Whenever I think of the ancient Exodus, when I picture the people of Israel at last entering their promised land after years of wandering in the wilderness, I hear the theme song from the 1960 movie Exodus. It’s one of the handful of songs I once memorized on piano, and still gives me chills.

Yet the movie, based on the novel by Leon Uris, is of a more current topic, dramatizing complications of Jews moving into Palestine following World Wars that drove them from other nations.

And the complications continue to today, echoing from ancient times.

Exodus Theme - Fron Male Voice Choir

Work as if it all depends on us. Pray as if it all depends on the Lord. Because our own strength can never match what God puts in. My grandfathers and family members know this well - as farmers. ‘He prays for the rain ... knows you reap what you sow ... knows you gotta work hard but pray even harder... you can learn a lot about faith from a farmer.’

Faith From A Farmer - Conner Smith

Turning often to the divine helps us recognize the wonders given us. We don’t have to look very far.. the way our hand works, how that cut heals, feeling the warmth of the sun, that we somehow have survived another month.

Thank you, Lord, for your wonders! ‘Your love is the reason I hope... when You tell me that my story isn’t over just yet, You promised me that I would make it through, and I believe You.’

I Believe You - Megan Woods

Joshua 24:15 is a verse well known. Make the choice today. Use today to serve. Any way you tip the words will face you upwards and outward. ‘Choose this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’

Choose This Day - Yasharal Original Music

He keeps His promises. Let’s do our best to keep ours.

We’ve been on hikes where the trail is not easy to find. Often a cairn, or stack of rocks will be set up to show the way.

The 2023 Strength of Youth theme used a cairn as a symbol of following the path that God has set. To where? To Him. ‘He takes my fear and gives me hope, he takes my pain and lets it go’.

All My Heart - feat. Dawson Wayne | 2023 Strive to Be

I’ve just learned that the familiar phrase in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is called the Hebrew Shema. ‘Shema’ means more than an exhortation to listen, but is a call to action. “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” ‘Let Your words be in my heart, In every thought set me apart.’

With All My Heart / Shema Prayer (Deut. 6) - James Block

Having our hearts and minds set towards God does something else; when facing Him, we see Him facing us. That just as He is in our every thought, we are in His. We are His reason. He shows this in every action: His sacrifice on the cross; His staying with us even when we’re not such a good friend to Him. ‘When my heart grows weak, your power sustains... You walk beside me all my days... in every battle you make a way.’

God Who Never Fails - Seek First Worship

If you’re anything like me, you let God down all too often. Yet He will never let you down. Following in the Shema, we welcome and recognize the divine in all we do. We cannot isolate from Him, for He will not separate from us. ‘If this storm you’re walking through feels like it’s too much for you... God is in the story, God is in the details, even in the broken parts, He holds my heart, He never fails.’

Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave - “God Is In This Story”

Give Him all your heart, soul and strength. As He is giving His to you. How can we possibly match His portion? How could we ever give up on Him?

Have you ever tried the ‘Trust Fall’? You stand on a table or platform with others on the ground behind you. You fall straight backward, not seeing where you’re going, but trusting that those behind will catch you. It’s literally a breathtaking exercise!

‘When the steps I take are a trust fall...Anytime I lift my eyes, I see darkness turn to light, every shadow shows me just how much I need Him.’

Look to Jesus - Angie Killian Music

We all are in a wilderness, for that is mortal life. Are you wandering, or are you on a path?

So many times I find myself in a place where I’m not sure which choice to make, where either can be good. What becomes evident is that what is needed is to take a step in either direction. Standing still gets me nowhere. Movement is necessary. In moving, a guiding hand can then lead me for my best good, perhaps leading me onto a different and new path. Like doing a blog! What?!

Movement doesn’t always go at the pace or in the direction hoped for. Discouragement is easy to fall into. This is a time to rewire your thinking. Close your eyes, and turn your thoughts: ‘Thinking of all the things you’ve done, I can’t even add them up. One, two, three, to infinity, I’d run out of numbers.’ This difference of simple gratitude opens us to the universe to bless us.

Counting My Blessings - Seph Schlueter

Movement equals change. We must change! We CAN change! How wonderful to know that what I am now isn’t all of what I am to be! And I’m not doing it all by myself.

‘You’re in between who you are and who you wanna be ... I’ll be by your side in it all, I’m cheering you on.’

Cheering you On - For King and Country

When considering a land that God has promised us, perhaps the promise is not so much to possess a land here on earth, but a promise of land within God’s kingdom. Even so, it can get discouraging when we can’t see our way there.

When the way forward is clouded, look UP with faith and trust. ‘When the cycle is exhausting and I can’t keep up the pace... uncomplicating’s what you love to do, I will trust in you to help me work it through.’

Overthinking - Samantha Ebert

Trust that there is someone who has a better perspective - who has His eyes on us, will catch us, carry us, guide us to the place He’s promised is ours. That is much to be grateful for!

Temples, Tabernacles, Synagogues, Cathedrals, Shrines, Mosques, Closets, Home. What makes a place holy? Architecture, design, decor can bring to mind holy things, along with a sweet smell and a reverent song. Yet, a place is only as holy as you make it by what you do there. A place set a side to turn to the divine.

The Israelites were instructed to craft a Tabernacle. Built around stakes to represent the people, it required the finest of materials, gold and bronze, hides of leather dyed in brilliant colors of red, blue and purple. What a rich and stunning contrast to the dust of the wilderness.

How do we create our sacred spaces? ‘All we want is your presence, turn this room into heaven.’

Making Room - Tauren Wells

Making something sacred requires a sacrifice. To give up our sins is what is necessary to be purified - and that can be difficult, for we want to hold onto our favorites. For the Israelites it took forty years to cleanse them of those still trapped in the ways of Egypt - or the world. Forty years to teach of hands-on - and yes bloody - sacrifice. But the lesson is the same as our sacrificing from our wants today - to remember that it is Christ Jesus who atones for our sins- with His blood.

‘We are the generation rising to the calling of your love... marching to the rhythm of your heart.’

Holy Places – Corey Voss & Madison Street Worship

Entering the Tabernacle was through a large courtyard surrounding an altar to offer sacrifices, a basin for cleansing. The opening to the Holy Place was guarded by symbols of Cherubim, inside covered in floral images, with a tree of candles- the Menorah, and the burning of incense- a sweet smell. The Holiest Place was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, topped by the gilded Mercy seat of winged Cherubim; a space reserved for God to rest. This remarkable pattern is like that of returning to the Garden of Eden, where one can dwell again with God.

‘Hallowed ground was the dust in which you formed me ... a heart that’s returning to what you started- take me back to Eden.’

Back to Eden - Brendan Kendall

Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote of a secret garden - a garden filled with magic. Its discovery by orphaned Mary Lennox brings the beginning of healing, for her and cousin Colin Craven. Is the magic of the garden in the caring and nurturing of life? Or is it the remembering of their mothers’ love, which had been unspoken to them.

‘Bring me to your garden, where I’ll find you, and I’ll find you love me too.’

Come to My Garden/Lift Me Up - The Secret Garden, Lucy Simon

Find His love - in His garden.

Embarking in the wilderness - where we continue to wander for our sojourn on earth. What lessons are we learning to prepare us for the holy land? Faith in one who provides; hope for what is to come; these are a couple of thoughts that come to mind. Along with developing covenant promises with God, and obedience to His pattern that will shape us for Zion.

[Exodus 19:5] KJV ^“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:”

The word ‘peculiar’ or ‘peculiar people’ has often stumped us as we envision a room full of weirdos. Whether we’re weird or not, the Hebrew word used is ‘segullah’, which means ‘valued property,’ or ‘treasure.’ The NIV uses the term ‘treasured possession’, which may sound more clear to us, and changes what we envision the room filled with. Even as it is filled with us - a treasure!

Look in the mirror. Can you see His treasure there?

“My dearest prize, my own, not a contract for a season, but a love that’s carved in stone.”

Peculiar Treasure - Cedar & Salt

I confess that I am stubborn. I like to do things my own way. Sometimes as I’m reinventing the wheel I luckily stumble to where I could have been long before. The pattern I finally create turns out to be not so different from what was already there for me to use to begin with. I suppose my insistence on learning the hard way reveals the whys and hows that embed the lesson deeper, and perhaps that’s the only way I’ll figure it out. Blessed are those of more faith and obedience, who can enhance with their unique color instead of making the way so difficult.

‘Keep me tender and tethered to your decree, Let my love be a covenant that I keep.”

Obey - Tiffany Hudson

How do we label ourselves, or another, as God’s people? We are saved by His grace, yet our works define us. How will other’s know we are covenant people? “Let us be known by the way we love.” This is a simple song.

The Greatest Commandment - The Porter’s Gate

Again, I marvel at the thought that we are a treasure, equal with all of those around us. Looking through that lens changes how I see everyone, and how I stand. Knowing the truth of who I am turns me toward the divine. And finds happiness.

“Everyone plays a piece, and there are melodies in each one of us.”

Glorious - David Archuleta

We are made in the image of our parents. Heavenly parents. That is truth.

Why would God direct His children to a place where they would be trapped? Packed up quickly and unleavened, the children of Israel were liberated from Egypt to camp along the western shore of the Red Sea. Pharaoh, hardened yet again, saw this as his advantage to battle against them with 600 of his best chariots of warriors.

Imagine the terror of seeing the approach of an enemy army as you’re bundled with your family, with no way to defend yourselves nor to move forward. How often have you been on that shore?

“Fear ye not. … The Lord shall fight for you” (Exodus 14:13–14). This is the message given, when we must seek faith, courage, and hope. ’Where He leads us to go, There’s a Red Sea road. When we can’t see the way, He will part the waves, And we’ll never walk alone down a Red Sea road.’

Red Sea Road - Ellie Holcomb

Why were these people then stuck traveling through the wilderness for forty years? John Bytheway likes to say that “It only took days to get the people out of Egypt, but it took forty years to get Egypt out of the people.”

That is a road that is well traveled today: time to get clean from addictions and addictive thoughts and behaviors is a slow process, hungering for the tastes we must leave behind. What are we offered through this cleansing to freely feed on? Daily bread from the divine.

“What is it?”: The name ‘Manna’ comes from the Hebrew phrase ‘man hu’, meaning “what is it?” because the Israelites did not recognize it. I suspect we often don’t recognize the Manna that is given to us, nor understand how nourishing it is.

Holy Manna - Canaan’s Crossing

A friend invited us to his Synagogue’s Passover program. In remembering such a sacred event, the program was surprisingly not as somber as what I imagined it would be. Afterward we remarked that the most memorable song was “I am a Matzah”. “Yeah,” our friend answered, “We don’t really have good Passover songs.” I suppose you just need to know where to look, because there are many.

In short, Passover can be celebrated as a joyous time of gathering, feasting with our children and family, and perhaps get silly in the storytelling. So, in that spirit - Ahoy maties, and find ye the treasures deep in this yo ho ho: ‘Soon may our freedom come to bring us liberty, peace and fun.’ Arrr!

The Red Sea Shanty: A Pirate Passover - Six13

Seriously?! Oy vey!

‘Our shadow by day and our pillar by night’, our LORD continues with us throughout our journeys in the wilderness. He guides our way, protecting and strengthening us. Looking both forward and behind, in spite of our tripping and missteps, we can find He’s there all along.

Redeemer of Israel - Gentri

He is gathering us, His sheep, lovingly leading us to Zion - His Kingdom.

A hard heart. You’ve met them. You’ve carried them. A stubbornness to prove you’re right. Like Pharaoh who would not allow the Hebrews a weekend off to worship their god - for that was all that Moses initially asked him for.

It’s interesting to keep in mind that anger is, in truth, a manifestation of fear. Fear that you might be wrong? Fear of change? That someone else might know more? Be more powerful? Guess what. There are a lot of people who know more and are more powerful than us, and it might be those we take our anger out on.

Above all, there is a Father and Son who know us better than we know ourselves. Are you afraid of them? Or the change they offer?

I gather weekly with those coming from incarceration. Occasionally there will be someone new who sits in the back, eyes blaring, arms firmly crossed over chest- the protective stance that shouts - stay away! I’ve seen that stance disappear in only minutes after listening to a song that testifies of Christ. With tears running down their faces their stance softens into a plea to be held - by the Savior. ‘My heart was doing hard time, pleading ‘Jesus!’, .. (he) Said I’m wanted for a diff’rent reason .. I found freedom on the inside.’

On The Inside - Andrew Ripp

As I get to bring the Lord’s love to these friends through music, they often return the favor, sharing with me songs and artists that are meaningful to them. Katy Nicole is on those charts, with words of raw anguish turning into gentle hope. ‘I’ve got so many questions and so much - fear.. This war inside is flesh and spirit, and it feels like flesh is gonna win it.’

An Honest Conversation - Katy Nicole

Pharaoh’s heart would not soften. Not through plagues that would culminate in the death of his own son, even as the Hebrews marked with the blood of a lamb were protected - a pass-over of the angel of death, remembered ever since.

For Christians, observance of Passover rituals has been replaced by partaking of communion or sacrament, though each uses profound symbols for remembrance. A new year or a renewed birth; blood of a slain lamb; bread- unleavened in haste to remove former cultures, a body broken on a cross; bitter herbs and a bitter cup. All symbols testify of Jesus Christ and His Messianic mission of freeing all from the bondage of sin, and death. ‘Jesus, the Lamb of God, Oh what a savior; You took the altar and made it a table.’ Remember the Lord’s grace in protecting us. Of His delivering us. Remember to keep Him in our hearts with humility and gratitude.

Remember - Steffany Gretzinger

Here is an invitation to join in a healing prayer - to let go of whatever fear is in your heart. Allow hardness in your heart to break. Allow divine hands to hold your hidden tenderness, and reshape it. There is joy to be found, joy to be had. ‘I am found. I am yours. I am loved. I’m made pure. ... I am healed. I am free!’

Here’s My Heart - Casting Crowns

Find freedom - on the inside.

In many Christian traditions we take a memorial walk through the Easter week with Jesus.

It begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus had avoided Jerusalem for some time, knowing that the Jewish leaders sought his death. On this day, resigned to what must come, he entered through the Eastern Gate riding upon a young donkey - a symbol of peace - and a fulfillment of prophecy. (Zechariah 9:9) Many thronged the streets to welcome him, waving and laying down palm fronds symbolizing victory, triumph, peace, and royalty, recognizing him as King of King, the promised Messiah. We remember this as Palm Sunday.

News of Jesus spread, as it is spreading today. ‘Go tell the world about me’

The Commission - CAIN

Cleansing Monday - Jesus cleanses the temple. If being praised on the streets as Messiah the day before hadn’t got the attention of the church leaders- this messy ‘cleansing’ certainly would have been an outright insult to them. As if Jesus was purposely trying to get them angry. Or had a very necessary point to make.

The temple, that we regard as sacred, stands as a beautiful reminder of Christ. ‘This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm’. Although the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, holy temples are being built worldwide today. However, the temple that is Christ, will not, can not be destroyed!

In Christ Alone - Celtic Worship ft. Steph Macleod

On Teaching Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the temple. On what some call ‘Spy Wednesday’ plots were made for his death - and betrayal. Yet another momentous thing happened that day: While he was eating at someone’s home, a nameless woman came in and anointed Jesus from head to foot with oil, with her tears and her hair she bathed his feet. More than many of his closest friends, she understood who he was, and what was to come for him. So I’ll call this Anointing Wednesday. A time to remember just who Christ is, and what he does in my own life.

Maundy Thursday, coming from the Latin word mandatum = commandment = Eucharist/Sacrament. At the last supper Jesus taught the sacramental ordinance with bread and wine, which we participate in today. It is a reminder of him, his body and blood spilt on our behalf.

Then came the long night spent in Gethsemane. I know you want the song. ‘The hardest thing that ever was done, The greatest pain that ever was known, The biggest battle that ever was won— This was done by Jesus! The fight was won by Jesus!’

Gethsemane - The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square & a Children’s Choir

It was early Friday morning, which we now call Good Friday, after a long and painful night Jesus was taken by authorities. Through a speedy trial, with no one there to act as his advocate, he was sentenced to death. A cruel death, with additional punishments that all meant to humiliate. Flogging, to tear muscles and tendons of a strong body. A crown of thorns. A seamless robe of scarlet or purple was meant as a mockery of priestly or kingly authority. And then, injured and bloodied, he was forced to carry his own crossbeam (average 110 lbs) upon which he would be nailed.

‘I’ll carry my cross and I’ll carry the shame ... And I’ll do it for love; No it won’t be in vain.’ He carried OUR shame! He will lift OUR cross to help OUR burden become light.

Carry My Cross - Third Day/TheGreatGazolio

What happened on Saturday? For me this is the most magnificent day that we seldom talk about. Jesus was in the Spirit World, with many who had been waiting for him, had watched him through his ordeals, perhaps had offered strength. I imagine a first embrace with his adopted father, Joseph, covered in tears for the pain that had been endured. — It is those who are imprisoned in death who are his reason. He went through mortality - to break the hold of death. That’s what it was all about.

What did that look like, when on Easter Sunday morning those bands were broken? Mortal and spirit combined again with something more - an essence that is eternal. Immortal. That now becomes apart of us all - after death - because of Jesus. Imagine those in the spirit world with him alighting from their prison!

‘He won the fight we’d never win, so we will rise and testify of him.’

Jesus the Christ - Carrie Yost

I testify of Him. He lives. We will live again- as something grander. What a glorious thing to celebrate.

Easter Song - Glad, with video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Let us not be short-sighted. Have a Happy, Glorious Easter!

Egypt was a good place for the Israelites to be. Until it wasn’t. A contract had been made between Joseph and Pharaoh to give the family of Israel a place to live. Generations later, Joseph and the contract forgotten, Israel was seen as a growing nuisance to be dealt with. Oh, my heart aches that this sounds all too familiar even today.

The book of Exodus begins with deliverers, Shiphrah and Puah. Not familiar with their names? They are midwives. Ordered by the king to not let the Hebrew male babies live from childbirth, it was an order they could not follow, as they were believers of God.

Then Jochabed delivers a son in birth, delivers from death by keeping him hidden. She sends him in faith with a prayer that God will deliver him to a safe place. The baby’s sister Miriam watches closely, witnesses the Egyptian princess Bithiah (traditional name used by some Jews). Miriam then delivers a wet-nurse for the baby - his own mother - that Bithiah employs for his care.

This is shown beautifully in the beginning musical minutes of ‘The Prince of Egypt’.

Deliver Us/ Prince of Egypt - Musical Moments

The theme of ‘deliverers’ continue as Moses flees Egypt and finds himself in the land of Midian. He delivers the daughters of Jethro from thieves trying to steal their flock. Jethro gives to Moses his daughter Zipporah, and tradition teaches he also gives, or delivers, the priesthood to Moses.

Then one day Moses is guided to a sacred place on a mountain, where God delivers a message and a mission: ‘Deliver.’

There is so much empty space in this story overview. Reality is that life is lived in the empty spaces. Between the problems and salvation comes long times of prayer and waiting, an action of faith; pray and wait, act on faith - repeat and repeat.

‘‘Why, God, why do ya always gotta take your time?’ … I know you think if you were Him you’d have rescued you by now.’

Better Yet - Leanna Crawford

In our living and searching comes discovery of the sacred: moments that open to a glimpse of the divine. These moments - tender mercies - guiding light - are blessed gifts that we can seek and find. ‘Think a sacred song … and in that very hour your heart and mind will open to let the spirit in.’

Think A Sacred Song - Marlene Summers Merkling

Somewhere in these times we, too, are blessed to be deliverers. Even the smallest of us can deliver someone from sadness, loneliness, or despair. Combining efforts small or grand we deliver the desperate from hunger, disease, tragedy or crisis. In our efforts, windows are opened to bring in the divine, hand in hand to deliver.

‘My deliverer is coming. My deliverer is standing by. I will never doubt His promise!’

My Deliverer - Rich Mullins

By using our hands, both receiver and giver are delivered.

Joseph needed to be in Egypt. Did his brothers have to betray him to get him there? I’m sure God could have found another way, but God uses what is presented from our choices. Joseph needed to be in Egypt so he would be in the right place at the right time to save his family. And he was.

Remarkably, through all the things he faced to get him in the right place at the right time, Joseph never turned away from God. If he had succumbed to Mrs. Potipher’s advances, for instance, I believe he not only would have been discovered - perhaps by her betraying him - but it would have been cause for him be put to death. Potipher then, did him a kindness by sending him to prison.

In prison (or those seemingly impossible pits we often find ourselves in) Joseph must have been in a state of constant prayer, holding to his faith through heavy discouragements and doubts. Lifted in pinpricks of light as he finds small places where he can be of some help or comfort to another, finding acts of kindness. Continuing in faith, he is blessed with opportunity to share his unique gifts, his services eventually leading him beyond his prison walls.

Laura Story’s remarkable song is often on my mind as I pray for blessings: ‘What if the blessings come through raindrops? What if the healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know you’re near?’

Blessings - Laura Story

Many years pass. Joseph is now on a throne, second only to Pharaoh, when he sees his brothers - his conniving, treacherous brothers - at his feet asking for his help. How do you respond when you are face to face with someone who has betrayed you? I’ve been in that place, and have responded in different ways: hold on to the grudge or to let it go? I imagine we all have stood at that threshold. Joseph’s response was not only compassionate, but also with maturity gleaned from his trials. In Genesis 50:20 he tells his brothers, “…Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

‘Show me how to love the unlovable... help me now to do the impossible forgiveness,’ Matthew West pleads in this song.

Matthew West - Forgiveness

It’s not just big hurts that bring us pain, but lots of little hurts, often inflicted on those, or by those, we love most. How can we stop hurtful patterns?

I can’t listen to this next song without feeling better afterward; I’ve had this video on my list for some time and forgotten to share. I’m sharing it here as a visual of leaving hurts behind and instead remembering our love.

Better Place - Rachel Platten

The Joseph Smith translation of the Bible continues the book of Genesis for several more verses and the blessing offered to Joseph in Egypt. JST Gen 50:30 “And again, a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins, and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins; 33..and his name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be after the name of his father; and he shall be like unto you; for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand shall bring my people unto salvation.”

This was the mission of Joseph - to save people suffering through a famine. This is a foreshadowing of the mission of Jesus - to save people through His atoning blood. This is a foretelling of the mission of Joseph Smith - to save people through restoring covenants of salvation.

The Joseph Smith Song - Maxine Soakai

There is a divine plan. Within that plan is our agency, with many paths to choose from. God will not coerce us nor those around us; but as shown with Joseph and his brothers, God can make our choices and our hurts become the very things for our growth, and even our salvation.