searching for authenticity...

Sunrise this morning was incredible. The weather has shaped up here in Spokane to a more pleasant 60 plus degrees daily. It seems the entire community is desperately soaking up sun rays wherever they can find them. I was wondering though what is really on every one's mind today in my city. Most are currently simply just trying to maneuver through a bit of traffic, dodging potholes along the way - the left overs of a long, harsh winter. The approaching Easter weekend has infiltrated our billboards and mail boxes with church service invites and the stores are packed full of Easter baskets, chocolate eggs and cheap, inexpensive dress up clothes. Then my thoughts journey to the Cross and an empty tomb. Two redemptive venues that haven't yet probed my heart consistently and completely, let alone the 85% of pre-Christians who reside in my city. Then I'm reminded of Jesus' own words, "If I be lifted up (meaning the Cross) I will draw all men unto Me." This leads me to my knees this morning praying in full cooperation with the Cross that my city would be "drawn" to Christ, not coerced or manipulated, but authentically drawn by the Holy Spirit. Jesus left no one out. He promised that "all" would be drawn if he was lifted. So today, I pray for "all" my city. Holy Spirit, put the Cross on every one's mind. Draw them to the authentic love and acceptance of Christ, not the commercialized dog and pony show we in the church have made of Easter. Let them see Jesus. Somehow get me out of the way. I know if they could truly see Christ, understand fully the powerful work of his death and resurrection, that they would be drawn to who he really is.