Selah

It is at Easter, a time most sacred and central to our Christianity, that we often watch or hear of the re-enacted story of Jesus crucified.  We listen intently as that day in Jerusalem plays out; characters such as the Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate, Mary Magdalene and Jesus himself very much taking centre stage.

Yet this year, I stopped for a moment to wonder of another character who only briefly makes an appearance in written history - yet changes this story completely.

A man named Simon from Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was coming from the fields to the city. The soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross for Jesus.”
(Mark 15:21)

Simon the Cyrene.

A man who by all accounts was simply entering Jerusalem for other business, but was caught up in the crowds watching as criminals passed by on their way to condemnation. 

The above image is of a fun red journal that has the numbers 365 etched on the cover. Inside are 365 blank pages, except for the individual number of each day in the corner. A few of us in Sydney carry these around with well-loved bibles.

I'm not so clever as to write profound thoughts or revelations EVERYDAY, but the art of penning the things that are important or "of revelation" is a good discipline. Life is fast, our minds have much to absorb, so to commit to paper the "defining stuff" is possibly more critical than we realize.

As I opened this journal today it occurred to me anew that to us each day is a blank page, but to GOD it is already written and recorded in heaven. Not one day is unseen, no circumstance a surprise. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows the design of our lives and the potential of our existence. He knows what He has purposed for each day, and His mercies and grace (should the day be grand or challenging) "await and abound" toward us.

How profound and how sobering that we (in this generation and time in history) get to "finish what so many before us began".

It was noonday. They were tired from the journey and they were hungry. His friends leave him resting beside a well as they go in search of food. In the heat of a Middle Eastern day, the Son of God opens a conversation with a woman - a woman he culturally isn't supposed to speak to. What unfolds is beautiful and impacting for her personally, for the people she shares life with, and for us.

When his disciples return he continues to teach them and says of the harvest, "... one person plants, and another harvests. I sent you to harvest a crop that you did not work on. Others did the work, and you get to finish up their work".

My big son (Joel) just posted the above picture of NYC from the air. He's been on the USA/Aftermath Tour, but took this past Sunday to race home to NYC to be at church. When I saw him tweet this picture, it prompted this thought.

When Brian and I were flying over that same air space last October (for the official launch of Hillsong NYC), I suddenly felt different about the city. I've been to New York a couple of times, but flying in that night, the skyline and all it represented felt different ... it suddenly felt like Home because of what was about to be planted there.

To everyone, a measure is given... be that a measure of faith, a measure of grace or opportunity extended, a measure of artistic gift or talent. A measure is given with the divine intent that we grow it into something that Heaven-above knows it has the potential to become... a measure intended to not only bless our individual world, but the world of others.

I once saw ‘inhale’ defined as "to breath in and be inspired". Personally, I love that thought... Sitting in worship at church, I have often inhaled His presence and been inspired creatively. Sitting under the Word (whether private or preached), I have inhaled truth and been inspired with perspective, courage, comfort, revelation and answers. Sitting amongst friends (who have the magnificent measure of Christ within) I have found myself being inspired by what is upon their lives.

Well, our Hillsong UNITED team and I have just returned from a two week tour in South America - and once again I’ve been blown away by the presence of God and the hunger of His people! I am so grateful for the faithful churches and pastors; men, women and young people all across the Earth that continue to put in a tireless effort to strengthen and build the Body of Christ worldwide.

Are you up for a challenge?
Are you looking to grow in body, mind and spirit?
You can transform your life in seventy days!
Watch this video blog to find out more…

As Australians it is impossible (and unthinkable) to ignore the tragedy that has so recently devastated the state of Victoria. The recent bushfires have claimed too many lives, and changed the face of some communities forever.  Too many people have lost homes, and too many people are now facing the heartbreaking task of rebuilding their lives without loved ones.  Our hearts and prayers are with all of those affected by these horrible fires.

Emma Cowan, the Australian girl who was amongst the survivors in the ‘miracle on the Hudson’, is a pastor’s daughter. Her Dad is a pastor of one of our Australian Christian Churches in Western Australia. Maybe everyone else on board ought to be thanking God for at least one praying family? I am sure there were probably more.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” - James 5:16 (NKJV)

Can you ever remember a week for international headlines like those we experienced in the past week? Here are just a few attention grabbing examples:

• John McCain: halts presidential campaign for economy crisis talks
  
•  U.N. Head: “Global Financial Crisis Threatens Fight Against Poverty”
  
•  Bush: “Our entire economy is in danger”
  
•  Warren Buffett: “bail out economy or face meltdown”
  
•  Iran’s Ahmadinejad Addresses United Nations, Declares ‘American Empire’ Reaching ‘End of Road’
  
•  EU Warns Iran Nearing Ability to Arm Nuclear Warhead
  
•  North Korea Removes Seals From Nuke Plant, Bars Inspectors
  
•  Russia arrived with its Navy in Venezuela for exercises today; AND
  
•  Russian President Medvedev announces the large scale production of nuclear vessels to begin immediately