Greetings from Austin Street

Blessed Sunday and Happy Father’s Day! All is well here at 811. We worshiped with dad today at the Howe Methodist Church.  The funny today…the pastor at Daddy’s church began the sermon today with a brief  explanation of a religious man and a disciple.  “ A religious man sits in worship and thinks about fishing. A disciple goes fishing and thinks about God.”   I liked it! 

Dear God, thank you for bringing life to my dreams. I praise you for your astounding power and glory that always gives me hope. I am in awe of your awesome love. Thank you for healing wounds of the past and causing me to ask for the Holy Spirit to fill my heart with joy. You are so wonderful because when you fill my heart with joy helping me move past old sorrows and open myself up to joyfully receive your blessings.  I love you Lord. Thank you that today we were able to celebrate Father's Day with  Daddy and Bruce. Please Lord, continue to send your healing grace to Dad strengthening him in his weakness by your tender mercy. And Lord, please continue to inhabit Bruce as he continues to be restored by your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Deep inside the temple is the Most Holy Place. Inside the sacred space is the beautifully decorated Ark of the Covenant.  This chest is located behind the great veil. The only person allowed behind this veil is the High Priest who met with God.  Scripture tells us that the space between the wings of the cherubim on the top of the chest is the mercy seat.  Scripture also tells us that it is in in this sacred space of mercy is where God would speak intimately with the priest.  In this holy space of mercy God’s glory is found.

Mercy is what we ask for when our dreams and hopes seem to be lost. As a believer in Jesus the holy place of mercy is not behind a veil, but found in the heart of Jesus when we go to our knees either physically or spiritually and receive the power of God when all hope seems to be lost. This power of God spoken so intimately to each of us is the same power that resurrected Jesus.  Whenever we think our dreams are lost or have died without possibility of resurrection there is always a place in the mercy seat of God and His glory will shine above it identifying His presence with us.  This is a sacred space where we never have to wait in line, we are guaranteed a seat staying as long we need  and we will never be turned away. We must simply show up with a need for resurrection and God will speak intimately to us giving us great hope.  

“From above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are upon the ark of the Testimony, I will speak intimately with you.”

Exodus 25: 22

“Here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains.”

Psalm 63: 2-3

Take joy in the journey worshiping at the mercy seat of God receiving great hope.  Wear comfortable shoes, get some sleep and think pink!  Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene