JESUS IS “the resurrection and the life.” Is your perception of the future determined by the certainty of your death or by your faith in Jesus? Is your life determined by the ability to make life “happen” or by the power of Jesus’ presence within you to give you life? Find a quiet place and a quiet moment. Quiet your body and slowly breathe the life of Jesus’ presence in. Hold your breath and let your mind and heart say, “Jesus, my life!” Slowly breathe “death” out. Hold your breath and let your mind and heart say, “Jesus, my resurrection!” Repeat these phrases a few times. Let Jesus speak to you of resurrection and life.
– Meeting God in Scripture: Entering the New Testament
It’s good to spend this time to practice what is suggested here, Quiet place, quiet moment, quiet the body, and allow “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” to occupy this space.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully]
Death, destruction, damnation . . . and a whole lot of other dark forces are still unleashed in the air. One phone call, or make it two. A friend is in need, there are bullies at work. Calling people difficult people or trouble makers won’t do it justice. Years ago, I remember reading a book which called them “dragons”.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully . . . “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” ]
There are times when you do not choose your friends, but your friends choose you. There is a deep sense that trust is present, and that is a good feeling. It’s assuring, it’s affirming. But it’s also painful. Not because of the trust another person gives as a gift, but because of the bearing of pain one needs to enter as a result of that trust, and furthermore when one chooses to step in deeper into the mess.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully . . .”Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” ]
Maybe one might ask, “Why should we get involved in this whole Jesus liberation movement business?”, “What’s the point?”, “Shouldn’t I be doing some thing better with my time?”
No one will fully understand. Okay, there would be some. But only those who’ve faced these forces of darkness within and without head on. Suddenly, the relevance of the whole compressed intensified holy week becomes alive in one’s consciousness.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” ]
I pray that things will be better for my friend and for those around her. But we are ready to slay some dragons if necessary. If they are still breathing the fire of destruction, then we cannot stand aside and do nothing. A cry for help has arisen.
At times, the circumstances chooses us to face a critical choice- to face or not to face the damning forces before us.
No one said this is going to be a smooth job. These stories in detail are best reserved for memoirs before one’s death, or close friends who won’t sell you for 30 pieces of silver.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” ]
For now, the breathing is slowed down. I heard thunder and it’s going to rain cats and dogs in no time. Almost every holy week in Malaysia is characterized by this kind of weather. Fits the mood.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” ]
Death does not have the final say. Resurrection life does. That is what draws me from the future to reengage the present. It’s a totally crazy way of living but it’s amazing.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” ]
Strange to get this phone call today. It’s Spy Wednesday. The mind spins off into intriguing tangents. As I breath deeper again, the words re-center me to a greater reality.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” ]
