April 25, 2011

4-25-11 Monday, 5:53 am Springfield, 55 degrees, rain.

Yesterday was a very special Easter Sunday. I had the privilege of preaching at the Springfield community sunrise service at Hammons ballpark. The rain held off just long enough for us to be dry, and I challenged Springfield to allow God to redeem the lynchings of 1906 by making Springfield the most welcoming community in the country. It was a good service, and Bethany said it might have been my best Easter message ever. Throughout the additional 4 services at Wesley we had strong attendance even though it rained much of the morning. After Easter dinner at our house I was exhausted and enjoyed an afternoon nap.

Today is Bethany’s last day here, as we take her to the airport tonight. Audrey flies out to L.A. a week from today in preparation of Bethany’s graduation. I will complete an online course for my updated airport badge, read, and putter around in the garage and basement. Tomorrow our HCI consultant comes to town for a day of meetings.

Judges 4:1 – 5:31

Following Ehud’s death, the Israelites again did evil in the Lord’s sight and He gave them over into the hand of King Jabin, a Canaanite. Sisera was the commander of his army, which included 900 chariots. Deborah was a prophet judging Israel at that time. God used her and Barak, along with 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphatil and Zebulun to defeat the Canaanite army. Seeking rest, Sisera was killed by Jael, the wife of Heber with a hammer and tent peg as he slept in her tent.

Chapter 5 is the song of Deborah and Barak. Verse two says “Israel’s leaders took charge, and the people gladly followed. Praise the Lord!” During the period of the judges in Israel, there was intermittent leadership. People going their own way, which resulted in disobeying God and defeat to neighboring enemies were followed by God raising up a judge to lead the people. I observe that in the church, when the leaders take charge, and the people gladly follow, there is great spiritual growth.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as I seek to be the leader you have called me to be. Guard me from any hesitancy to actively seek your will and call others to follow in the spiritual battle to build your kingdom in this generation. May this day of rest be healing and a preparation for the week that follows.