Russian Soul

In my yard this morning

 

What do you know?

 

You worship what you do not know; 

we worship what we know, 

for salvation is from the Jews. 

John 4:22

You and Me

 

...a great multitude that no one could number, 

from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages... 

Revelation 7:9

What Does Saved Mean?

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, 

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17

La la

 

Just putting songs here to celebrate freedom. Hope you all are well.

Sing Along

The Light of Men

 

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

John 1:4-5

Rahab Wins

The darkness is not undefeatable. Did you know that? 

His gentle voice, smaller than mine, His whisper. 

I can grab this by the throat and send it away. Did you know that?

Rahab is hiding in the cave with her bundle of cohorts. Villains, all. But the Redeemer digs from the outside to get to them. 

"Guys," she says, "this Way. Over here. I see a light." 

Come with me to joy. Come with me. 

Rahab wins.

Pray, here, now.

Do you ever feel a tug in your heart that says pray here, now, silently, look. Then you look and you see someone whose heart is outside their body, their gaze dead and alone, their shoulders slumped. Or maybe, their eyes are bright and full of life, their picture on the cover of a magazine, but still, pray. Here. Now.

I prayed for a young woman. Her eyes were bold and fearless. She was telling a story of how Christians hurt her. My people, me, all of us. Oh, my God. Now she doesn't need You and we are monsters. Pray. Here. Now. So I did and then later I saw her again. Her eyes had softened. Maybe healed is the right word. She was talking about them again, my people who had hurt her, and it seemed like she had seen a sliver of love and that made the past better. It made me feel better anyway. 

I saw a rock star yesterday having the time of his life on stage. He's grandpa-aged now, but can still kick his leg high in the air while spinning a mike stand. Oh, my God. And that is different than how I used to say it. I am different. The Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace.

When I was thirteen I was somewhere touristy, a place with trains, I think. There was a disheveled man there, maybe 80, maybe 70. He could have been younger or older. I was thirteen so almost everyone was older. As I stared out the window of the train I heard in my heart, pray. So I did that for years. Even when I needed prayer myself. Even when I was in darkness and couldn't see, I remembered that. I prayed for that man and I never knew who he was. That's like now, here. I don't know you, but I am praying for you.

They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.

Isaiah 65:23-24

More Isaiah

 

I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; 

I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. 

I said, “Here I am, here I am,”  

to a nation that was not called by my name.

Isaiah 65:1

Who is This?

 

For you are our Father,

though Abraham does not know us,

and Israel does not acknowledge us;

you, O LORD, are our Father,

our Redeemer from of old is your name.

Isaiah 63:16

Who is this that Abraham doesn't know 

and Israel doesn't acknowledge?

Isaiah 63:1

 

Who is this who comes from Edom,

in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,

he who is splendid in his apparel,

marching in the greatness of his strength?

“It is I, speaking in righteousness,

mighty to save.”

Psalm 121

 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

    where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—

    he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—

    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore.