Jerusalem Cross - "The Way of the Lord is the Way of the Cross"

The Jerusalem cross was not only something that we wore throughout our trip, but it represents the millions of pilgrims who have traveled to Israel in the past and in fact we saw this symbol (See Pictures Above of Red Crosses) throughout Israel, on top of Mount Tabor, in Bethlehem, and in the Mount of Olives and throughout the city of Jerusalem.

Which is a reminder that the four little crosses also represent the four directions of the world (N, S, E, W) that the message of the gospel is to be spread from Jerusalem. And my hope and prayer is that I can share with you this morning, the powerful message that … “The Way of the Lord is the Way of the Cross!”

The Jerusalem Cross

I am just coming off a fantastic trip to Israel and I want to begin by thanking all of you for your prayers for me to have a safe and spiritually renewing time while I was in Israel. Your prayers were deeply appreciated and they were also keenly felt during my pilgrimage in Israel.

This morning, I am wearing the Jerusalem Cross (See Picture) that our group of pilgrims received on our first night in Israel. As we received our crosses, we were reminded by the leaders of our pilgrimage that “The Way of the Lord is the Way of the Cross!” This Jerusalem Cross has one large cross and four little crosses on the outside of the large cross representing the four gospels.

Retracing the Steps of Jesus

Lessons from a Spiritual Pilgrimage in Israel

June 19 Cliff of Arbel & Mount Moriah: Panoramic View

June 26 Nazareth & Capernaum: Humble Beginnings

July 3 Mount Tabor: Transforming Time

July 10 Sea of Galilee: Renewal of Call

July 17 Mount of Olives: Place of Prayer

July 24 Via Dolorosa: Way of Suffering

Retracing the Steps of Jesus

Where do I begin in describing an inspirational 15 day spiritual pilgrimage in Israel? It was an encouraging, eye-opening, once in a life trip to retrace the steps of Jesus in the land that he was born, lived, walked, taught, served, died, and eventually resurrected! It was an awesome experience!!

During the next six weeks, June 19th – July 24th at Southwest Church, we will retrace the steps of Jesus as we learn from his life, teaching, and the amazing land that he walked. We will be revisiting some of his most famous teachings as we also learn powerful lessons from the geographical and cultural context that he delivered these life changing messages.

Please make plans to attend this upcoming message series and invite others to join us as we look once again at Jesus of Nazareth with fresh eyes and a renewed heart!

Being Careful With Words

We have all heard the saying … “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” But is that statement really true?

It has been my experience that careless, harsh, belittling, judgmental words do hurt! In fact, some of us have the tendency to “replay” those hurtful words over and over again in our minds and therefore the pain can linger long after they have been spoken.

With that personal realization, it is not surprising that a chapter of the Bible emphasizing the importance of Christian Unity concludes with the following words: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV

Are you being careful with the words that you use in conversation and correspondence with others? Are you making every effort to build others up around you? Have you been grieving the Holy Spirit with the words you have been using in your communication with others? Are there any words that you need to get rid of in your vocabulary? Do your words reflect kindness and compassion to others?

Let’s be careful with the words we use with others. It does make a difference!!


Family Devotional
Sit down with your children and ask them the following questions: “Have you heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? Do you think that this statement is true or false? Can you think of a time that you were hurt by someone’s words? Can you think of a time that you hurt someone else with your words?

Read Ephesians 4:29-32. Discuss and identify any recent words used by members of the family that are “unwholesome words.” Discuss practical ways that each member of the family can use words to be helpful to others. Conclude the devotional with everyone sharing something positive about each member of the family and then a prayer thanking God for His encouraging Word!

Seeking God’s Will in Prayer

One of my heroes of faith in the Bible is David, the King of Israel. David is described by God as “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22). This heart for God is reflected in David’s dependence upon the LORD in prayer.

A great example of David’s prayer life is recorded in the Bible in the events leading up to David being anointed as King. David truly sought the LORD’s lead in his life as is demonstrated in the following conversation with the LORD:

After this, David asked the LORD, “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?”
“Yes,” the LORD replied.
Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?”
“To Hebron,” the LORD answered. 2 Samuel 2:1 NLT

When is the last time you asked the LORD a specific question regarding a decision in life you were facing? Did you really desire and expect a specific answer? Have you been running ahead of God in your life as opposed to really seeking His direction? How would your life change and inner peace grow if you were to follow David’s example of prayer?


Family Devotional Thought:
Read the above devotional with your spouse and children. Discuss some specific examples of recent or upcoming decisions in your marriage and/or family that need to be committed to prayer. Spend some time as a couple or family praying specifically about these decisions. Begin journaling your family’s specific prayer requests and subsequent answered prayers. Look for and celebrate the specific answers to these prayers!

A Mother of Noble Character

This Sunday, May 8th, Mothers will be honored on their special day. Is there a special mother in your life that you would like to express your gratitude in a unique way? Have you planned a heartfelt way to acknowledge and honor the special mothers in your life? It is not too late, to plan a meaningful tribute to the women in our lives who unfortunately are often taken for granted.

King Solomon, a man who received wisdom from the LORD, concluded the book of Proverbs with the following reminder to praise the special women in our lives:

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31:28-31 NLT
We plan to honor Mothers during our Worship Gatherings this Sunday. Make plans to attend and invite a special Mother to join us this weekend!!