Holy Week 2008 at Blue Sky Church

Palm Sunday- March 16, 2008- Gatherings at 9:00am and 11:00am

Good Friday- March 21, 2008- Gathering at 7:00pm

Easter Sunday- March 23, 2008- Gatherings at 9:00am and 11:00am
(Both w/ childcare)

Day 40- March, 16, 2008- Palm Sunday

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Coming Generations

That people who are now small children will become passionate followers of Christ; that they will finish evangelizing the world; that they will overcome evil and bring forth the promised blessing of God upon all peoples; that they will give Christ the finest whole-life worship of all history.

Matthew 21:9-10
The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,
"Hosanna to the Son of David;
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;
Hosanna in the highest!"
When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?"

Matthew 23:37-39
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. "Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! "For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'"

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Jerusalem- Pray for God's peace and glory to be upon Jerusalem.

Day 39- March 15, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Elderly People

That God's strength and peace will be poured out on everyone who is advanced in years. Pray that they may be honored, that they may be cared for; that lonliness be banished in lasting friendships and family bonds; that sickness be lifted; that they may live to see their prayers answered; that their later years will be significant, reflecting the glory of God.

Zechariah 2:10-11
"Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," declares the LORD. "Many nations will join themselves to the LORD in that day and will become My people Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you.

Luke 24:36
While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be to you."

Genesis 24:1
Now Abraham was old, advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in every way.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Day 38- March 14, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Refugees

For safe and legal immigration; for extended families to be united; for education, health arrangements and legal help; for Christians to open their homes and hearts to them; that the gospel; would come to them; for those who desire to return to their homeland to be granted asylum and repatriation and that God would open the way to resettle those who desire a new home; that those displaced by natural disasters would not give up hope.

Nehemiah 12:43
"And on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar."

Deuteronomy 10:18-19
"He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving Him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt."

Luke 19:37
"As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen."

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Syria, Tunisia, Turkey

Day 37- March 13, 2008

Seek God on Behalf of Arts and Entertainment:

That God will inspire artists and those in the entertainment industry with creativity and wisdom that reflects God's beauty; that they will seek God themselves and come to follow Christ with courage; that their work will bring strength, goodness and hope to our communities.

Jeremiah 31:12-14
"They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion,
And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD--
Over the grain and the new wine and the oil,
And over the young of the flock and the herd;
And their life will be like a watered garden,
And they will never languish again.
"Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance,
And the young men and the old, together,
For I will turn their mourning into joy
And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.
"I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance,
And My people will be satisfied with My goodness," declares the LORD.

Luke 12:32
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Exodus 35:31-33
"And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

Day 36- March 12, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Gang Members

That God will satisfy their deep desires for significance and belonging; for God to break spiritual and social powers holding them; for caring Christians to embrace them in the authentic love of God's family; for blessing upon the neighborhoods they claim.

Jeremiah 33:10-11 The Message
"Yes, God's Message: 'You're going to look at this place, these empty and desolate towns of Judah and streets of Jerusalem, and say, "A wasteland. Unlivable. Not even a dog could live here." But the time is coming when you're going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people exclaiming, "Thank God-of-the-Angel-Armies. He's so good! His love never quits," as they bring thank offerings into God's Temple. I'll restore everything that was lost in this land. I'll make everything as good as new.' I, God, say so.

Luke 7:13-16
When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, "Do not weep."
And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and, "God has visited His people!"

Psalm 34:4,7 NIV
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Lebanon, Libya and Morocco

"May I Walk Across Your Bridge"

To the church of Blue Sky in Loveland, to those ragamuffins living between the life in Jesus Christ and the death of this world:

Jesus came between
Bridged the gap between myself
And Abba above

Sitting between a cemetery and a golf course, between the sound of chirping birds and airplane engines, between Heaven and earth, I saw a bridge. The bridge was small and narrow, not wide and broad. While golfers moved between holes, with their golf clubs rattling on their backs, the sound of a hundred silent voices could be heard. I stared across the bridge, leading to the cemetery, and heard the sound of golf balls being hit behind me.

Life in Christ is not a grand parade marching toward death. Though by living for Christ and being willing to die for Him, as He died for me, is a parade marching into eternal life. Christ did not die for me to have my dream job, a shiny new car, a big, roomy house, or a wonderful, healthy family. He died so I might experience victory over death. The sun pours and the rain shines on the righteous and wicked alike. The fruits of the world are the breadcrumbs of the fruits of the spirit. And all too often what appears today as a blessing, spoils and rots if not nourished with the everlasting water of the Holy Spirit.

Whenever I think about what my reward will be for following Christ to the cross, to the tomb, and to my Father's house in Heaven, I think of Job. Here was a man who was doing "the right thing," by God and man. He just had the eventful circumstance of being caught in between a ruthless scheme of a jealous fiddler and the glorious truth and will of God Almighty. I believe Satan really thought he could lead Job astray, and that's the lie he feeds all of us, from the life and truth found in the Lord. In the end, God did bless Job in this life. However, Job's final words in an intense conversation with God were words of complete defeat.

My ears had heard of you
But now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself
And repent in dust and ashes (Job 42: 5 – 6)

These are not the words of a man patting himself on the back for not taking a drink in 40 days, three years, or a decade. These are not words of a man who by his own will power resisted sexual lust and immorality for six weeks, only to slowly click back into the coffee grinder of sin. These are the words of a man, despite all his best efforts to stand strong amidst the powers of darkness, could do nothing but despise himself in the face of God and repent. It may seem over-dramatic or being too hard on myself, but if this Lenten Pilgrimage has confirmed anything for me it's that I have to vigilantly continue to take moral stock and ask God to remove these shortcomings. To quote another, I have to "trust in God and clean house."

I have to do this to continually remind myself to quit playing God. It's insidious how spiritual living can lead to self-righteousness. No man is righteous before God. The Fiddler would delight in me making the same mistake he did. I can't win a wager against a jealous fiddler, but Christ can and did. The Lord Jesus Christ bought my soul at a price and it's over and done with. "It's finished!" And I am thirsty. I'm thirsty to experience the God in Jesus Christ.

I experience God by serving God and loving others. I celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only in the spring, but everyday I breathe God's good air and remain willing to grow towards the Sunlight. Christ conquered death. I must die right along with Him and go to the tomb with Him. In Him, I will rise again! His body and His blood cover my unrighteousness. No matter how righteous or unrighteous I think I am, His body and His blood cover me. What the Father sees is His Son dwelling in one of His children, now and forever. I then cross that small, narrow bridge, He sees me from afar, and welcomes me into perfect union. Now is time to celebrate!

"For the saints who place their hope in the Lord will take on wings like eagles and will fly up to the Lord and will not die for all eternity."

~ Saint Francis of Assisi ~

Faithfully,

Adam Mackie

Day 35- March 11, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of The Athletic Industry

Pray for those in support roles as well as those with higher profiles, that they will know Christ and fulfill God's calling in their lives. Pray that athletes would be good examples of dedication, commitment and courage; that they will live with integrity and carry out the responsibility of wealth and reputation; that coaches would instill character; that God will reveal His calling and purpose for students and coaches in youth and university programs.

Psalm 65:5-8
By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation,
You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;
Who establishes the mountains by His strength,
Being girded with might;
Who stills the roaring of the seas,
The roaring of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples.
They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;
You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.

Luke 18:41-43
"What do you want Me to do for you?" And he said, "Lord, I want to regain my sight! "And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. "Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.


Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Israel, Jordan and Kuwait.

Day 34- March 10, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Mothers

That God will powerfully refresh mothers in the honor and glory of motherhood; that they will be strengthened with grace, wisdom and love in serving their children; that they will be loved, protected and served by committed husbands; that mothers will model and express God's own nurturing love.

Psalm 126:1-3
When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter
And our tongue with joyful shouting;
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
We are glad.

Luke 15:32
'But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'"

Proverbs 31:25-26,28
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Egypt, Iran and Iraq

Day 33- March 9, 2008

Prayer focus for today: Seek God on Behalf of Depressed People

That God's healing presence will reach them; that the light of truth will dispel lies and the oppressive power of Satan; for helpful counsel; for the healing of long-standing wounds of mind and soul; that they would know the comfort and joy of the Holy Spirit; for renewing of their minds in Christ.

Psalm 46:1-5
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.

John 17:13
"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.

2 Corinthians 7:6
But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: The Middle East- Algeria, Bahrain and Cyprus

Day 32- March 8, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Judges and Law Enforcement Officials

Pray for righteous wisom, principled patience and gentle authority; for physical and emotional protection; strength and blessing for their families; that they will become agents of God's hand to resist evil and preserve an environment in which heaven's justice can increase.

Zechariah 9:9-10
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
And the horse from Jerusalem;
And the bow of war will be cut off
And He will speak peace to the nations;
And His dominion will be from sea to sea,
And from the River to the ends of the earth.

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Psalm 106:3
How blessed are those who keep justice,
Who practice righteousness at all times!

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican City and Yugoslavia.

Day 31- March 7, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Broken Families

Pray for healing of broken or embittered relationships; for comfort when a family member has passed away. Pray especially for children; that the Father heart of God will overshadow each to bring wholeness and that they would know the joy of being a part of God's family; that God will meet financial needs, bring supportive friends and grant hope to many who come to follow Christ.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him,
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The spirit of counsel and strength,
The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Psalm 146:9
The LORD protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard Islands and Sweden.

Day 30- March 6, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Unemployed People

That God will meet the needs of those without work in a way that they can clearly thank God for His provision; that they will soon find meaningful employment and glorify God for it; that God will open the way for righteous trade so that the entire city prospers in God's provision.

Isaiah 58:11-12
"And the LORD will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.
"Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
You will raise up the age-old foundations;
And you will be called the repairer of the breach,
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.

Luke 10:5-6
"Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.' "If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.

Ecclesiastes 3:13
moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor--it is the gift of God.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Portugal.

Salvation Comes From the Lord

To the church of Blue Sky in Loveland, to those whose salvation comes from the Lord:

Breathe on me Jesus
Breathe the Holy Spirit's truth
Breathe how to forgive

From inside the fish, Jonah raises his voice in radical prayer and cries out ending with the seven-syllable phrase: "Salvation comes from the Lord." The Lord then commands the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land. Many of us, like Jonah, have the fortune to live and see just how deep our bottoms will go. Others are saved prematurely, by the grace of God, from years of torment and suffering. While others still are much less fortunate. Though as for Jonah, it is only in utter and complete defeat that a merciful and gracious God gives us another chance.

The Lenten Pilgrimage invites me to sacrifice myself for the glory of Jesus Christ. Like Christ did for me, I must do for others. I must die to myself, everyday, through the Power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit realized in Jesus of Nazareth, God's only begotten son, must cover and bury my sinful nature. Only then can I form a new union with God the Father.

Father God created me. He is my Creator. He hurls me into the belly of the whale, only to spit me back out again. He spits me back out once I am willing and ready. When the back of my self-reliance finally snaps, God intervenes.

I've tried and I've tried for years to be something I'm not. I've tried to seek God everywhere, but where He lives. He lives in His kingdom rooted in my heart. Human aid does not allow me to realize myself. Only the person and character of Jesus Christ enables me to embody my True Nature. My own mortal powers and the mortal powers of others cannot save my life, though at times God does work through humans to guide me back to Him. Only God alone can deliver me to Paradise safely.

Jesus has shown me time and time again that if I try and save my life, I will lose it. However, when I lose my life for Him, He saves it! But how, exactly, do I do that? Every time I listen to my brother or sister who needs my ear, I mean really listen and pause asking Jesus for guidance and direction, I'm losing myself to Jesus. Every time I listen and respond with an act of Christ-like love or compassion, I'm losing myself to Jesus. When I surrender my spirit, allowing it to be empowered by Jesus, I'm losing myself to Jesus. When I place you as a priority, I'm losing myself to Jesus. I must forget myself completely. Only then am I becoming like Christ and growing in His image. Jesus, reveal how I can lose myself to You!

I follow the cross back to Eden. I must forget the teachings of this world, leaving them at the door. Knowledge here will do me no good. I can eat from the Eternal Tree, but I must be broken and my blood must be shed for the namesake of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yahweh, shape me once again.

Faithfully,

Adam Mackie

Day 29- March 5, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Substance Abusers

That God will break every form of bondage, including alcoholism and drug addiction. Pray that God will heal their bodies; that wise counselors will bring intervention and help; that substance abusers will turn from self-centeredness to living their lives for Christ.

Isaiah 60:4-5
"Lift up your eyes round about and see;
They all gather together, they come to you
Your sons will come from afar,
And your daughters will be carried in the arms.
"Then you will see and be radiant,
And your heart will thrill and rejoice;
Because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you,
The wealth of the nations will come to you.

Luke 15:20
"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Isaiah 14:3 NIV
On the day the LORD gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage...

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Luxembourg.

Day 28- March 4, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Children

That children will hear the gospel and encounter Christ early in life; that God's great fatherly heart will be revealed with healing power to kids who have been mistreated or disapointed by their parents; for lasting family stability; for excellence in education; for wisdom to be formed in their early days; for safety from violence and perversion; for laughter and joy.

Genesis 50:17-20
'Thus you shall say to Joseph, "Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

John 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

Mark 10:14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland and Isle of Man.

Day 27- March 3, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Physically Disabled People

That they will be surrounded with loving friends and family; for steady refreshment of their hearts toward God; for physical stamina and healing; for financial provision to cover the cost of therapy and special care; that they will know and display the love of God.

Isaiah 2:3-4
And many peoples will come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
That He may teach us concerning His ways
And that we may walk in His paths."
For the law will go forth from Zion
And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
And He will judge between the nations,
And will render decisions for many peoples;
And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks
Nation will not lift up sword against nation,
And never again will they learn war.

Luke 21:37-38
Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the angel of His presence saved them;
In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them,
And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Channel Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands and Finland.

Day 26- March 2, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Government Leaders

That they will be examples of righteousness to our society; that they will experience God's wisdom in their deliberations; that they will speak and carry out dealings with truth, free from any corruption. Pray that they may advance God's justice; that they will be divinely restrained from hindering the service and worship of Jesus Christ; that they will come to know, honor and follow Christ!

Isaiah 33:5-8 NIV
The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high;
he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Look, their brave men cry aloud in the streets;
the envoys of peace weep bitterly.
The highways are deserted,
no travelers are on the roads.
The treaty is broken,
its witnesses are despised,
no one is respected.

Luke 19:41-42
When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Europe and Central Asia- Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria and the Canary Islands

Day 25- March 1, 2008

Prayer focus today: Seek God on Behalf of Prisoners and their Families

That people in jails and prisons will hear the gospel and follow Christ; for fellowship of believers in prisons to multiply; that they be protected from violence and forces of spiritual evil; that the spouses and children of prisoners would be sustained, protected, provided for and honored rightly; that released prisoners find strength and wisdom to live restored, abundant lives.

Psalm 67:1,3-4
God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us-- Selah.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For You will judge the peoples with uprightness
And guide the nations on the earth. Selah.

John 12:31-32
"Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."

Psalm 69:32-33
The humble have seen it and are glad;
You who seek God, let your heart revive.
For the LORD hears the needy
And does not despise His who are prisoners.

Today we focus our prayer for countries on: Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia and Zimbabwe.