IDareToHope

The storm is still rolling in from the Bering Sea, bringing us rain for the next several days.

This evening I discovered just how much raindrops sting when you run into them at 30mph. A lot.

Due to the huge waves coming up the beach, I had to walk quite a ways to find a few tiny brown pieces of seaglass and a piece of pottery.

Despite the rain and overcast sky, the water was actually quite warm and I waded along the shore for a while. A few melodies drifted through my head, and I passed families out for an evening stroll on the sand. Sometimes I like to stand and face the waves rolling in. It reminds me of my year at Ecola, singing out into the Pacific Ocean on stormy evenings.

God of Wonders, beyond our Galaxy! You are Holy! Holy!

The Universe declares your majesty! You are Holy, Holy!

That was a good year. I get wistful as I look out over the water, thinking about how far I’ve wandered, and how many times Jesus has towed my boat back in line. He is so good. We don’t deserve him, but he gave his life that we might live.

So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come.

Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name. Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others.

God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.
Hebrews 13:13-15