A Series from the Psalms #3: “Meet with You” (Psalm 22, 42:1-2)

Even as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed as king with loud choruses of “Hosanna”, I am sure the loneliness of Gethsemane (and, ultimately, of the Father’s face turning away as He hung upon the cross) began to weigh on Him.

• Listen to “Meet with You” featuring Kim Baysinger.
• Print and save the sheet music for “Meet with You”.

That brings me to this, perhaps the loneliest, most yearning and honest of all the songs I’ve yet written. I wrote it for a friend who was going through a very tough time – sitting in an Ohio prison and full of questions for God. I know I could never get into his shoes quite enough to do that experience justice, but this was my humble attempt.

Thankfully, as I write this, my friend is out of prison, in a good church and a healthy relationship, has a job and has seen God’s mercy work wonders in his life. Perhaps, however, with the reminder that Jesus does indeed understand – and care about – our loneliness, this song will minister to someone you know…

In His Peace,
Fisher

A Presentation for Good Friday

As you are planning for Holy Week and for Good Friday, or even for an Easter Vigil, this PowerPoint presentation – which I posted last year – might be helpful.

• A silent presentation of the Passion of Christ Jesus (English and Spanish)

It’s bilingual, but should be easily edited if you have PowerPoint (and if you don’t, and would like it edited, let me know) to make it appropriate for your church situation.

In His Peace,
Tom

Happy New Year!

Nope.  I’m not early.  As I have been appreciating more and more, the beginning of the blessed season of Advent is the beginning of the Christian year.  As we quiet down our hearts each evening, dimming the lights, lighting the candles and bathing our minds in the promises of scripture (every last one of which is fulfilled in Christ!), we begin our year anew, one year closer to the new heaven, the new earth, the heavenly city come to earth, the drying of every tear, the healing of the nations and the answering to all of creation’s groanings!

As the year is made new, Christ’s faithful presence with us makes us new.

So, as this year brings us closer to the glorious return of Jesus and the Resurrection that is our hope, may this year bring each of us closer to the Author and Finisher of our Faith.  May God richly bless you this year.

In His Hope,
Tom

The Sunday Collect

I’ve gotten away from praying and sharing the collects (prayers) of the Church. However, Easter is a time for starting anew. Great. Here goes:

Third Sunday of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made Himself known to His disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold Him in all His redeeming work; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Have Advent Wreath, Will Travel

In La Paz, I was told a few Sundays ago, “Evangelical Churches are closed on Christmas”.

First let me say: pray for the Church in La Paz, that she will not, for whatever reasons she may have for disliking Christmas, pass up such an amazing annual opportunity for presenting Jesus Christ.

Second, let me say: The Incarnation is “the dawn of redeeming grace” as we sing in “Silent Night” and Christ – the Word made Flesh – deserves to be celebrated (I don’t care if churches do it in July!).

So, my wife and I, choosing to look odd and seeming rather Catholic to many people – whatever that means – carted around our huge, homemade Advent wreath and teaching people, through lessons and carols, about the coming of our Lord.

You can read more about that at my other blog, www.fishersoflapaz.com.

Anyway, light a candle this evening. Read the Old Testament names for Jesus with your family. Eagerly await the coming of the Christ-Child and rejoice in God’s faithfulness.

And, if you know any Christians who have – due to social evils like Wal-Mart quasi-Christmas money-making – thrown out the Baby with the bathwater, please please please invite them over when you do it.