THE KING ON A DONKEY.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. John 12:12-16

A week before he was flying high.. The people loved him. The crowds gathered by the multitude wherever he was seen. He had become all that they hoped for. A Messiah, a King, the one who would set them free from their prison of poverty and oppression. Yet he turned up on a donkey.. a humble mule. Still they would sing of his grand entry into Jerusalem.

But within a week this man was destined to be condemned to death, a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. It would have seemed like the greatest failure of all time. Like a windmill dashed to the earth and rendered useless for the purpose it was made. But Jesus knew that in his falling, in his death, in his perceived failure… great victory would come. His confidence was not in man but in his obedience to the Father’s will.

As we prepare for Easter let us be grateful for the humble journey Jesus took to get to Calvary. The abandonment, rejection and loss he would have experienced as a man seeking to serve the Father. Our Messiah made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a stubborn little donkey, willing to die for my sins.

Thank God for Jesus.

This image of a downed windmill reminded me that we are not forsaken. Though the world may render us unworthy or useless, we have preciouse value because Christ lives within us. We live with the resurrection of Jesus in our bodies!!!

“It is better the take refuge in the Lord than to put your trust in man”. Psalm 118:8

Godspeed,

Pictured: A fallen windmill on a farm in western Queensland.

Dreams come true

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: Psalm 37:3-5

25 years ago I wrote a song about America…. about all the places I’d love to see and things I’d love to do.. like playing ‘country rock in Nashville Tennessee’.

Well, this week I got to tick the last two things off from my list of dreams in that song. After recording a classic country/rock album in Nashville I headed west with the SkyPilot and yes… got to finally see the Mississippi River. A 25 year dream come true. I know that does not mean much to most people but for me it is significant. I love how God places dreams in your heart and in time allows you to fulfil them. He delights that we work hard towards our ambitions… but never wants us to worship them. When our dreams are founded in seeking to honour Him and serve His calling on our lives it all comes to completion.

Our dreams are never achieved on our own… it is usually with the help of many friends and at times much sacrifice. Driving across the Mississippi was over in 60 seconds at 65 mph. But in those moments I was reminded of the many people in my life who have been part of my music ministry.. the touring teams.. the countless miles travelled… the memories made… the unforgettable missions trips to remote villages… the miracles… the lives transformed by the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ along the way.

Crossing the Mississippi was for me like a host of angels saying,

“Steve.. keep going!! You are still alive and well and going strong with your call. You dreamed it and the dream took 25 years!! But wow!! the lives impacted for the Kingdom along the way… keep going for it!”

If you’ve been part of my journey, my music, my travels, my family… my dreams over the years. Thank you.

It means a lot.

Godspeed,

Pictured: The Interstate 40 Bridge across the Mississippi River.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Romans 15:13

THE MIRACLE OF NEW LIFE

In the realm of God’s creation story, the cycle of death and life is never ending. We are reminded of this with every changing season of our lives. His handiwork has a beginning and an end. All of nature is born from the earth and returns to the earth. It is only you and I that have the assurance of eternal life through knowing Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

We arrived in Nashville, Tennessee as the wonder of Spring became so evident on every street corner, in every park and even along the interstate highways. Cherry Blossom tree’s ablaze in a bouquet of spectacular white flowers. Now…. being an Australian bloke I should just walk by and say to myself..”nice tree”.. But no..the little boy inside gets captivated by God’s eternal creativity!!! And before you know it I’m laying on the ground with my camera focussing on some “blooming flowers”..

There’s an old saying.. “take time to stop and smell the roses”. I never used to do that. I was so consumed with all I was doing for God that I neglected to appreciate all that God does for me on any given day, in every changing season. Even the miracle of spring time cherry blossoms inspires me to appreciate the ‘life’ I have in living for Jesus.

Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Take time in the busyness of living to breathe in the wonder of God’s creation around you and in you. Tomorrow’s troubles will take care of themselves.

Thanks for your prayers and partnership as we travel in America at this time.

Godspeed,

Pictured: The flowers of the Cherry Blossom tree. Their day in the sun for the Spring of 2012.