God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ~Psalm 46:1-3

This past week our family spent time at Oceanside, CA.  We became “beach-bums” instead of “organ-bench bums”. The ocean was approximately 76 degrees (the warmest it has been for sometime) and it felt fantastic! I am not an experienced boogie boardist nor a “body surfer”, but with the help of our two sons, Chris & Josh, I once again “rode the waves”. I had no idea what Mendelssohn was talking about in his oratorio “Elijah” until I rode one of those six-foot waves – “the waters gather, they rush along, they are lifting their voices; the stormy billows are high, their fury is mighty”. Wow! To think that God created this glorious wonder on the third day.

According to Merriam Webster, water has several forms – solid, liquid and gas, but still water. The Bible teaches us that God is three unique persons – Father, Son & Holy Spirit, but still one God. This can be difficult to understand.  However, water is a great example of how something can be three different things, and at the same time one thing. Even though there are three uniquely different states of water (liquid, solid, and gas), they are still water. These states or forms of water can remind us of the triune nature of God.

The solid form of water (ice) reminds us of God the Father. Ice is hard – it is solid. In the same way, God the Father is our solid foundation.

The liquid form of water reminds us of God the Son. We use water to shower in to get clean. In the same way, God the Son, died on the cross to cleanse us of our sin.

The gas form of water reminds us of God the Holy Spirit. Gas cannot be seen, but you can see the effects of it.  In the same way, the Holy Spirit cannot be seen, but the effects of his presence can be seen and felt in our lives as the Holy Spirit works to make his will known to us and to change us to become more like him.

It is mind boggling to think that the surface of our planet is approximately 71% water.  However, we must never forget that 100% of God’s sovereign power is over all earthly and spiritual forces – no matter how big the waves are!

“And I heard as it were the voices of a great multitude………Saying Alleluia for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” ~ Revelation 19:8

At long last, we get to sing “Alleluia.” And I am not necessarily referring to the long forty days of Lent. I am referring to that seeming eternity between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday morning.

It’s bad enough having to refrain from using the word “alleluia” throughout lent and focusing on sacrifice, but it is harder still to hear the words “Our Lord is dead.” There are many free-church traditions that simply will not say it. I understand. It’s tough. It tastes like blasphemy on its way out of the mouth. It sounds like blasphemy when it reaches the ears. But it was true for three days. And we feel the pain and emptiness of that truth when we say it and hear it.

But then comes Sunday and we are refreshed, renewed, and re-energized with one simple word: “Alleluia!” The word is so powerful we wrap it in the wonderful announcement: “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” What a prelude to the one word that fits all Christian traditions in all languages on earth and in heaven: “Alleluia!”

Sing it with your heart. Sing it with tears of joy. Sing it in the face of death. Sing its light into darkness. Sing “Alleluia!”.

Prior to coming to Pinnacle, Marilyn and I served Metropolitan United Church in London, Ontario. One Easter the children were given little bells as they entered the sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning. Their assignment was to listen for the word “Alleluia”. Every time they heard it they were to ring their bells. It was an incredible experience.

Sing and live your alleluia. Ring the bells of heaven!

The Psalmist speaks “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” I did not know the true meaning of this verse until we traveled to Haiti. When God calls you to “Go” you know there is no turning back. His summons comes without confusion and escorts you to an intentional place in your life and in His plan. It was truly life changing for me. We were somewhat prepared as to what to expect but we didn’t know the emotions we would feel, actually being with the people, especially the children. Riding through the streets of Port-au-Prince was traumatic – brokenness, rubble, destruction. Your heart breaks faster than your mind can process. New perspective crowds out old thinking and through the lenses of this world, you see your own in staggering contrast. What you are experiencing begins to reset the mold for how you think and will choose to live from this point forward. Amidst all of the ruin, I saw resilience, determination, and hope in the beautiful Haitian people. They were welcoming, loving and joyfully praising God. God is at work! His love and mercy can be readily seen in many ways.

Medical clinics were established at each site where we presented music. People waited for hours just to see one of the doctors. I don’t think I will ever forget the faces of those who sat waiting with their children hoping to receive medicine and a positive diagnosis for their family. It was a sea of people sitting in the ninety-five degree temperature just hoping for some encouraging word. A few times I lost it and I had to let the tears flow.

The children we sang with were filled with joy. Their faces were expressive, their body rhythm was overwhelming – they truly warmed our hearts with their love of Jesus. At times, I thought that they were amazed to see a white person dance as we did! The audience of interested village people that collected outside of our musical arena also seemed to sense the joy that was being expressed through our universal language.

Each night our team gathered, shared unforgettable moments of the day and prayed. Each time we did, someone asked God to let us be the hands and feet of Jesus. Those same words left my lips and as soon as they did I was overwhelmed by the weight of them. Because I had spoken them, I activated the possibility of what would happen when the request was granted. While we were each at different places sorting through the emotions and putting it all together, God was carefully at work completing the small details of His bigger story.

The action of one in the body impacts many. Our team was tiny in number but mighty in heart. We worked in harmony with gratitude and praise. What difference can God make with so few who are totally connected with one mind and heart? What difference can you make when you are connected to the mind and heart of God. During the week in Haiti, we learned.  So much is possible. If you feel God calling you, I encourage you to sign up for a future mission trip. Don’t miss this part of God’s plan.

“If you have a heartbeat...you can have hope.  If you have hope...
you have the tools that can bring you to a better tomorrow.
These tools have the power to bring you out of all despair.  
Now keep your head up...Because Anything Is Possible.” 

(from Hearts for Haiti: Book of Poetry & Inspiration by Timothy Pina)