"For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:10
It is Easter Sunday. Lent is over. Christ has risen!
I open my Bible and discover that today's reading includes the words of Jesus from Luke 11:10. My heart is warmed as I acknowledge that this is the same teaching from Matthew 7:7 that started my Lenten journey. He has tied Ash Wednesday and all the days leading up to Easter Sunday together with this life-altering invitation to ask, seek, and knock.
I am not the same person who began this journey back in February. Each and every day, I knocked on the door, and Jesus opened it to me. My heart is too full to try and speak of it, just yet. For today, I will savor the beauty of knowing him more fully and let my words be few.
Thank you, Jesus.
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Plowing a Straight Line
"Jesus replied, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" Luke 9:62
Plowing a straight line. It takes more than strength and know-how. It requires concentration. A farmer's eyes must not only focus on where the blade meets the earth but, also be mindful of what lies ahead. To look back, as you are moving forward, is to lose your line...waste your efforts...use up precious time...perhaps, even, necessitate starting over.
Jesus warns us that if we are going to serve the kingdom of God then we must keep our eyes on the field. We are not fit for our work assignment if we are looking backwards. We must keep our eyes on him. He will show us where the plow is to go. He will make sure the hard dirt of the field is turned over in straight lines, ready for seed.
Jesus' eyes were always on Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). His life was a straight plow line leading up to the cross and the resurrection. He did not take his eyes off of the Father. He did not look back.
The question to be pondered this morning: Where have I been focusing, lately?
Plowing a straight line. It takes more than strength and know-how. It requires concentration. A farmer's eyes must not only focus on where the blade meets the earth but, also be mindful of what lies ahead. To look back, as you are moving forward, is to lose your line...waste your efforts...use up precious time...perhaps, even, necessitate starting over.
Jesus warns us that if we are going to serve the kingdom of God then we must keep our eyes on the field. We are not fit for our work assignment if we are looking backwards. We must keep our eyes on him. He will show us where the plow is to go. He will make sure the hard dirt of the field is turned over in straight lines, ready for seed.
Jesus' eyes were always on Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). His life was a straight plow line leading up to the cross and the resurrection. He did not take his eyes off of the Father. He did not look back.
The question to be pondered this morning: Where have I been focusing, lately?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Afraid to Ask
"While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 'Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.' But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it." Luke 9:43b-45
Sometimes we would rather not understand. We don't ask the hard questions because we aren't ready to face the hard answers that are sure to follow. We choose fear and ignorance over heartbreaking enlightenment. I've been there a time or two.
What I'm wondering, right now, is how the Godhead feels about this? How does my failure to ask for understanding when I am clueless and afraid make Almighty God, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit feel?
Jesus, if it is important enough for you to tell me about it, then it is important enough for me to understand. Please give me the courage to ask you for clarity on those things about this faith journey that frighten me and cause me confusion. Help me not to be afraid and to trust you...no matter the answer or where it leads me. I love you. In your name, Amen.
Sometimes we would rather not understand. We don't ask the hard questions because we aren't ready to face the hard answers that are sure to follow. We choose fear and ignorance over heartbreaking enlightenment. I've been there a time or two.
What I'm wondering, right now, is how the Godhead feels about this? How does my failure to ask for understanding when I am clueless and afraid make Almighty God, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit feel?
Jesus, if it is important enough for you to tell me about it, then it is important enough for me to understand. Please give me the courage to ask you for clarity on those things about this faith journey that frighten me and cause me confusion. Help me not to be afraid and to trust you...no matter the answer or where it leads me. I love you. In your name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
One Day At A Time
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23
The day has finally arrived! Today marks the last day of a two year time span, set apart by the Lord, to focus on family and writing. The time frame was impressed upon me by the Spirit during my prayer time in the early spring of 2008.
April 2008-March 2010
2 years
24 months
104 weeks
728 days
Deep inside my soul, I know that I've accomplished something of greater value than I am able to comprehend. It has to do with obedience, one day at a time. It has to do with trusting Him with a large season of my life. It has to do with my faith being tested in ways that continually exposed my insecurities. It has to do with allowing the old root systems of faulty thinking, that run deep, to be exposed and uprooted. It has to do with discovering the joy in the routine of picking up my cross because I know it means spending time with Jesus.
I think I'll celebrate by heading outside to enjoy His beautiful creation and lift up my praises to the King!
Thank you, Jesus, for daily leading the way. Thank You, God, for your daily faithfulness. Thank you, Spirit for your daily presence. Your goodness has been with me, one day at a time. I love you! Amen.
The day has finally arrived! Today marks the last day of a two year time span, set apart by the Lord, to focus on family and writing. The time frame was impressed upon me by the Spirit during my prayer time in the early spring of 2008.
April 2008-March 2010
2 years
24 months
104 weeks
728 days
Deep inside my soul, I know that I've accomplished something of greater value than I am able to comprehend. It has to do with obedience, one day at a time. It has to do with trusting Him with a large season of my life. It has to do with my faith being tested in ways that continually exposed my insecurities. It has to do with allowing the old root systems of faulty thinking, that run deep, to be exposed and uprooted. It has to do with discovering the joy in the routine of picking up my cross because I know it means spending time with Jesus.
I think I'll celebrate by heading outside to enjoy His beautiful creation and lift up my praises to the King!
Thank you, Jesus, for daily leading the way. Thank You, God, for your daily faithfulness. Thank you, Spirit for your daily presence. Your goodness has been with me, one day at a time. I love you! Amen.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cancelled Debt
"At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed." Deuteronomy 15:1-2
Those who were in debt: I am trying to imagine the joy and expectation as a people in bondage looked forward to the end of seven years. Once again, they could live in freedom. What a gift to be released from debt, released from the labors of servitude, released from the difficult circumstances they had managed to get themselves into or circumstances that had come their way through no fault of their own. They had permission to start over in the eyes of God and the eyes of the people.
Those who held the debts of others: I wonder what their thoughts and feelings were as the end of seven years approached and they were forced, by God's law, to cancel what was owed them. Did they see the end of the debt owed them as a release of sorts? Did they see the canceling of debts as a gift of freedom? Did they realize that they, too, had permission to start over in the eyes of God and the eyes of the people?
I am thinking of people I know whose pain and suffering run deep due to the debts owed to them. I have watched as they have struggled, some of them for a lifetime, to let go and move on with their lives. There is no freedom when life is lived with one hand open and the other clenched tight around a piece of paper that states what is still owed us.
If Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, as the Son of God, means my debt is cancelled then doesn't the same apply to the debt owed me?
Those who were in debt: I am trying to imagine the joy and expectation as a people in bondage looked forward to the end of seven years. Once again, they could live in freedom. What a gift to be released from debt, released from the labors of servitude, released from the difficult circumstances they had managed to get themselves into or circumstances that had come their way through no fault of their own. They had permission to start over in the eyes of God and the eyes of the people.
Those who held the debts of others: I wonder what their thoughts and feelings were as the end of seven years approached and they were forced, by God's law, to cancel what was owed them. Did they see the end of the debt owed them as a release of sorts? Did they see the canceling of debts as a gift of freedom? Did they realize that they, too, had permission to start over in the eyes of God and the eyes of the people?
I am thinking of people I know whose pain and suffering run deep due to the debts owed to them. I have watched as they have struggled, some of them for a lifetime, to let go and move on with their lives. There is no freedom when life is lived with one hand open and the other clenched tight around a piece of paper that states what is still owed us.
If Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, as the Son of God, means my debt is cancelled then doesn't the same apply to the debt owed me?
Monday, March 29, 2010
Leaving a Witness
"When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left." Luke 8:35-37
Jesus heals one of their own and the people of Gerasenes come to see the proof for themselves. Their response is immediate and close-minded. Filled with fear, the group begs Jesus to leave. Where was their joy, their awestruck wonder at the sight of their brother "in his right mind"? Why weren't they celebrating his good fortune and inviting Jesus and the disciples into town for a meal? Why were they so afraid?
Perhaps it had something to do with the undeniable mass of floating pig carcasses in the nearby lake. Perhaps it had something to do with their inability to reconcile the sane man, fully dressed and looking them straight in the eye with the crazy one they had banished to live in the tombs. Or perhaps it was because they were afraid of the changes the one called Jesus might want to make in their lives.
Jesus knew it was pointless to stay with a people whose hearts were closed off to the blessing, healing and power he had to offer. So he left, but not without leaving behind a living, breathing witness.
"The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 'Return home and tell how much God has done for you.' So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:39
Why, like the people of Gerasenes, do we refuse to invite Jesus into our lives? Why did I ask Jesus to stay away for so much of my life?
I was afraid of what he might see in me.
I was afraid of what he might change in me.
I was afraid of what he would ask me to do.
I was fearful because I didn't know him. So, what made me consider giving him a chance? It was the hard to ignore evidence of Jesus at work in the lives of people I knew and loved. I got to know enough about Jesus through other people until I was willing to take the risk of getting to know him for myself.
Thank you, Jesus, for placing so many people, as impossible-to-ignore examples of your redeeming power, in my life to influence me and teach me about who you are. Help me to remember that the way I live out my faith may very well be a witness to someone who is not, yet, ready to trust you. May I represent you well. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Jesus heals one of their own and the people of Gerasenes come to see the proof for themselves. Their response is immediate and close-minded. Filled with fear, the group begs Jesus to leave. Where was their joy, their awestruck wonder at the sight of their brother "in his right mind"? Why weren't they celebrating his good fortune and inviting Jesus and the disciples into town for a meal? Why were they so afraid?
Perhaps it had something to do with the undeniable mass of floating pig carcasses in the nearby lake. Perhaps it had something to do with their inability to reconcile the sane man, fully dressed and looking them straight in the eye with the crazy one they had banished to live in the tombs. Or perhaps it was because they were afraid of the changes the one called Jesus might want to make in their lives.
Jesus knew it was pointless to stay with a people whose hearts were closed off to the blessing, healing and power he had to offer. So he left, but not without leaving behind a living, breathing witness.
"The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 'Return home and tell how much God has done for you.' So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:39
Why, like the people of Gerasenes, do we refuse to invite Jesus into our lives? Why did I ask Jesus to stay away for so much of my life?
I was afraid of what he might see in me.
I was afraid of what he might change in me.
I was afraid of what he would ask me to do.
I was fearful because I didn't know him. So, what made me consider giving him a chance? It was the hard to ignore evidence of Jesus at work in the lives of people I knew and loved. I got to know enough about Jesus through other people until I was willing to take the risk of getting to know him for myself.
Thank you, Jesus, for placing so many people, as impossible-to-ignore examples of your redeeming power, in my life to influence me and teach me about who you are. Help me to remember that the way I live out my faith may very well be a witness to someone who is not, yet, ready to trust you. May I represent you well. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Listen Well
"For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him." Luke 8:17-18
I am hearing Jesus' warning to listen well. His words encourage me to be open to the voice of the Spirit even when what I hear doesn't make sense or seem to have value. I am renewing my vow to tune into the whispers that proclaim the Mystery of God; to treat them with care and respect. I am claiming Jesus' promise that in the Father's perfect timing all will be made clear and what I have learned will not be taken from me.
Jesus, thank you for this reality. Help me to be open and receptive to the mysteries of God even when they don't make sense to me. You are my praise and you are my God (Deuteronomy 10:21)! All glory and honor is yours, forever and ever, Amen.
I am hearing Jesus' warning to listen well. His words encourage me to be open to the voice of the Spirit even when what I hear doesn't make sense or seem to have value. I am renewing my vow to tune into the whispers that proclaim the Mystery of God; to treat them with care and respect. I am claiming Jesus' promise that in the Father's perfect timing all will be made clear and what I have learned will not be taken from me.
Jesus, thank you for this reality. Help me to be open and receptive to the mysteries of God even when they don't make sense to me. You are my praise and you are my God (Deuteronomy 10:21)! All glory and honor is yours, forever and ever, Amen.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Worth It
"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." Deuteronomy 8:2
Desert time.
A time for humbling.
A time for testing.
A time for knowing what is in my heart.
A time for seeing whether or not I will keep His commands.
It hasn't been 40 years but it has been almost two. A desert time of waiting, announced in advance by the Spirit; April 2008-April 2010. In the last 23 months, I have been humbled and tested; blessed and grieved as the contents of my heart have been exposed; victorious and defeated (at least, temporarily) when it comes to keeping His commands.
It is fitting that the last portion of my desert time coincides with Lent. God the Father has turned my eyes towards God the Son. I am framing the lessons I have learned and continue to learn through the teachings of the Spirit by studying Jesus.
How did he handle humbling?
How did he handle testing?
The contents of his heart were beyond reproach but how did he respond when he saw the contents of the hearts of the men and women around him?
How did he follow God's commands?
There is only one Jesus. And no matter how hard I try, I will never live up to the standards he set while he walked this earth. I'm learning to be okay with that mostly because I have come to accept that there is only one me.
Jesus knows me. Were he standing before me now I'm convinced that he would speak to me truthfully about the state of my heart; no sugar coating for him. It would be worth it. It is worth it to hear the truth spoken in love...to be exposed by the Light...in order to know the love of Jesus.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
Desert time.
A time for humbling.
A time for testing.
A time for knowing what is in my heart.
A time for seeing whether or not I will keep His commands.
It hasn't been 40 years but it has been almost two. A desert time of waiting, announced in advance by the Spirit; April 2008-April 2010. In the last 23 months, I have been humbled and tested; blessed and grieved as the contents of my heart have been exposed; victorious and defeated (at least, temporarily) when it comes to keeping His commands.
It is fitting that the last portion of my desert time coincides with Lent. God the Father has turned my eyes towards God the Son. I am framing the lessons I have learned and continue to learn through the teachings of the Spirit by studying Jesus.
How did he handle humbling?
How did he handle testing?
The contents of his heart were beyond reproach but how did he respond when he saw the contents of the hearts of the men and women around him?
How did he follow God's commands?
There is only one Jesus. And no matter how hard I try, I will never live up to the standards he set while he walked this earth. I'm learning to be okay with that mostly because I have come to accept that there is only one me.
Jesus knows me. Were he standing before me now I'm convinced that he would speak to me truthfully about the state of my heart; no sugar coating for him. It would be worth it. It is worth it to hear the truth spoken in love...to be exposed by the Light...in order to know the love of Jesus.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
Friday, March 26, 2010
A God Who Saves
"Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD comes
escape from death."
Psalm 68:20
Our God is a God who saves.
I have been staring at that sentence for the last 30 minutes, trying to comprehend this God who saves and what that means to me. I've come up with two things:
1. He saves me while I'm living - my sins are forgiven & he leads me on this journey of faith.
2. He saves me when I die - he has given me the promise of eternal life spent with him.
This morning, I read about the time when Jesus and his disciples where in a town called Nain and came across a funeral for a young man (see Luke 7:11-17). Jesus sees the dead man's mother; is moved with compassion and tells her not to cry (v. 13).
When Jesus looked at the grieving mother he didn't just glance at her; he really saw her. What he saw made his heart go out to her. The King James Version says, "he had compassion on her." v. 13
saw - (from the greek eido) - properly, to see (literally or figuratively); to know
compassion - (from the greek splagchnizomai) - to have the bowels yearn, be moved with compassion
He saw the obvious...tears, wailing, grief, the support of a large crowd.
He saw the more subtle...she was widowed, without other children, without a means of survival.
He saw the hidden...that which only the Father would know...her future.
And he was moved to save.
Jesus saved the son when he died.
Jesus saved the mother while she was living.
Our God is a God who saves.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Owning Our Sin
"At that time, I pleaded with the LORD...Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan - that fine hill country and Lebanon."
"But because of you the LORD was angry with me and would not listen to me. 'That is enough,' the LORD said. 'Do not speak to me anymore about this matter.'" Deuteronomy 3:23, 25-26
Poor Moses. He has led a rebellious, ungrateful people around the desert for forty years. He has faithfully escorted them to the front door of the promised land. There is only one problem: he doesn't get to cross the threshold.
Because of events that took place earlier in the journey, Moses lost his temper with the Israelites and, in the process, misrepresented God at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:7-12). Moses failed to honor God as holy in the sight of the people. And, now the fullness of his actions - his choice - is coming to fruition.
Moses pleads with God to change his mind. God cuts him off just as a parent cuts off a child when there is nothing left to discuss. Enough! What's done is done. Do not bring it up, again.
I assume that is the end of Moses' pleading with God but it doesn't stop him from telling the Israelites all about it. It doesn't prevent him from spreading the blame. It doesn't stop him from trying to inflict guilt amongst the people, "because of you the LORD was angry with me."
Because of you, I can't go to the promised land. It's all your fault.
What would have happened if Moses has said, "Because I lost my temper with you. Because I did not honor the LORD as holy. Because I did these things, I may not enter the land the LORD is giving you. Take care that you do not commit these same offenses against the LORD."?
Jesus walked this earth without sin. But all along the way, he encouraged others to own theirs. He wants me to do the same. He doesn't want me to spread the blame or try to make others feel guilty. He wants me to meet him at the cross where my failures can be dealt with properly.
He wants me to live in the freedom of forgiveness.
"But because of you the LORD was angry with me and would not listen to me. 'That is enough,' the LORD said. 'Do not speak to me anymore about this matter.'" Deuteronomy 3:23, 25-26
Poor Moses. He has led a rebellious, ungrateful people around the desert for forty years. He has faithfully escorted them to the front door of the promised land. There is only one problem: he doesn't get to cross the threshold.
Because of events that took place earlier in the journey, Moses lost his temper with the Israelites and, in the process, misrepresented God at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:7-12). Moses failed to honor God as holy in the sight of the people. And, now the fullness of his actions - his choice - is coming to fruition.
Moses pleads with God to change his mind. God cuts him off just as a parent cuts off a child when there is nothing left to discuss. Enough! What's done is done. Do not bring it up, again.
I assume that is the end of Moses' pleading with God but it doesn't stop him from telling the Israelites all about it. It doesn't prevent him from spreading the blame. It doesn't stop him from trying to inflict guilt amongst the people, "because of you the LORD was angry with me."
Because of you, I can't go to the promised land. It's all your fault.
What would have happened if Moses has said, "Because I lost my temper with you. Because I did not honor the LORD as holy. Because I did these things, I may not enter the land the LORD is giving you. Take care that you do not commit these same offenses against the LORD."?
Jesus walked this earth without sin. But all along the way, he encouraged others to own theirs. He wants me to do the same. He doesn't want me to spread the blame or try to make others feel guilty. He wants me to meet him at the cross where my failures can be dealt with properly.
He wants me to live in the freedom of forgiveness.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Prepared by the Desert
"They said to him, 'John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.'" Luke 5:33
"One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, 'Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?'" Luke 6:1-2
No matter where Jesus goes there are Pharisees and teachers of the law watching his every move. They watch and listen, question and challenge, not that they might understand his teachings but that they might discredit him.
His very existence threatens who they are and what they stand for.
I marvel at Jesus' ability to stay focused in the face of such hostile opposition. I consider the way he ministers with compassion no matter who is watching. I am grateful for his example of slipping away to quiet places to be with the Father in order to renew his strength and stay true to his purpose.
Earlier in his life, Jesus experienced forty days of fasting in the desert... Forty days of being tempted by the devil. I see how this time of testing has prepared him for the taunts and persecution of men.
It makes me think about my own times in the desert. One memory, in particular, of being sifted like wheat (Luke 22:31) will stay with me forever. It is an experience I never wish to repeat but I can see how it has prepared me for the challenges on this road of faith.
God was good to prepare Jesus, in advance, for his ministry. God has been good to prepare me for what lies ahead, too.
Thank you, Jesus, for your example and for leading the way.
"One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, 'Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?'" Luke 6:1-2
No matter where Jesus goes there are Pharisees and teachers of the law watching his every move. They watch and listen, question and challenge, not that they might understand his teachings but that they might discredit him.
His very existence threatens who they are and what they stand for.
I marvel at Jesus' ability to stay focused in the face of such hostile opposition. I consider the way he ministers with compassion no matter who is watching. I am grateful for his example of slipping away to quiet places to be with the Father in order to renew his strength and stay true to his purpose.
Earlier in his life, Jesus experienced forty days of fasting in the desert... Forty days of being tempted by the devil. I see how this time of testing has prepared him for the taunts and persecution of men.
It makes me think about my own times in the desert. One memory, in particular, of being sifted like wheat (Luke 22:31) will stay with me forever. It is an experience I never wish to repeat but I can see how it has prepared me for the challenges on this road of faith.
God was good to prepare Jesus, in advance, for his ministry. God has been good to prepare me for what lies ahead, too.
Thank you, Jesus, for your example and for leading the way.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
He Came For Me
"At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, 'I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.'" Luke 4:42-43
Jesus never forgets why he was sent to earth.
Jesus never allows his ministry to be limited to a select few.
He came for all the people. He came for me.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Jesus never forgets why he was sent to earth.
Jesus never allows his ministry to be limited to a select few.
He came for all the people. He came for me.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Relating to Jesus
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry." Luke 4:1-2
I pray to God the Father and go to Him for strength and courage.
I listen and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
But when it comes to Jesus, I have a confession to make:
I struggle to relate to him on a day-to-day basis.
And because of my struggle, it has been my prayer, for some time now, to know him better. I want my relationship with Jesus to be more than gratitude for the gift of salvation. For too long I have treated him like fancy china that only gets taken out on special occasions. I am convinced that my life will be richer by inviting him to ordinary meals served on everyday dishes and the occasional paper plate. I just don't know how to do that, yet.
That is what this year's Lenten journey has become for me...a daily meal in the Word followed by reflection and dialogue with Jesus. I have submitted to the discipline of responding to the day's reading in light of Jesus and my relation to him. It has been a blessing and a challenge and a necessity. I can't move on in my day if I don't spend this time with him.
Today, when I think about Jesus' 40 days of being tempted in the desert, I am aware of an ongoing sticking point in my faith. I try to imagine what Jesus' time was like; hungry, the devil constantly in his face dangling propositions that would trip up the best of men. I am amazed at Jesus' responses but sooner or later I always add the asterisk *Well, yeah but, Jesus was God, so of course he could resist the devil.
So there it is: I relate to Jesus, up to a point, and then I add, somewhere in the back of my head, the asterisk. If I am completely honest and follow this line of personal thinking then what I am really saying is that somehow it was easier for him to resist temptation than it is for me.
The asterisk line of thinking brings about two consequences: I allow myself a way out from even trying to live up to the example of Christ. And I place distance between myself and my Savior.
Neither is acceptable to God. I am finally in a place in my journey where this is no longer acceptable to me.
Jesus, I want you to be a part of my life each and every day. Forgive me. Teach me. In your name I pray, Amen.
I pray to God the Father and go to Him for strength and courage.
I listen and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
But when it comes to Jesus, I have a confession to make:
I struggle to relate to him on a day-to-day basis.
And because of my struggle, it has been my prayer, for some time now, to know him better. I want my relationship with Jesus to be more than gratitude for the gift of salvation. For too long I have treated him like fancy china that only gets taken out on special occasions. I am convinced that my life will be richer by inviting him to ordinary meals served on everyday dishes and the occasional paper plate. I just don't know how to do that, yet.
That is what this year's Lenten journey has become for me...a daily meal in the Word followed by reflection and dialogue with Jesus. I have submitted to the discipline of responding to the day's reading in light of Jesus and my relation to him. It has been a blessing and a challenge and a necessity. I can't move on in my day if I don't spend this time with him.
Today, when I think about Jesus' 40 days of being tempted in the desert, I am aware of an ongoing sticking point in my faith. I try to imagine what Jesus' time was like; hungry, the devil constantly in his face dangling propositions that would trip up the best of men. I am amazed at Jesus' responses but sooner or later I always add the asterisk *Well, yeah but, Jesus was God, so of course he could resist the devil.
So there it is: I relate to Jesus, up to a point, and then I add, somewhere in the back of my head, the asterisk. If I am completely honest and follow this line of personal thinking then what I am really saying is that somehow it was easier for him to resist temptation than it is for me.
The asterisk line of thinking brings about two consequences: I allow myself a way out from even trying to live up to the example of Christ. And I place distance between myself and my Savior.
Neither is acceptable to God. I am finally in a place in my journey where this is no longer acceptable to me.
Jesus, I want you to be a part of my life each and every day. Forgive me. Teach me. In your name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Praying to Grow
"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52
As a praying mom, I have claimed this Scripture over each of my children, more times than I can count. We don't talk about it much but my kids know that I pray for them. It is just what I do.
They have grown up with the understanding that they are loved and prayed for. I wonder what a difference that makes in a child's life.
My early experiences with prayer were very different. Prayers were written by someone else to be read by others, usually in a corporate setting: Sunday mass, Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation. The rare grace spoken over a meal only happened when we had big get-togethers. I still recall my grandfather or one of my aunt's reciting a blessing that was comforting in its sameness.
I don't ever recall anyone praying over me or claiming Scripture on my behalf. Did anyone in the circles I grew up in even have an acquaintance with the words from Luke 2:52? I don't think so.
It wasn't until I went away to college that I met some people who knew God's Word. The first was Karen Robinson. Karen was my college roommate's big sister. She was married to Dave and was in her mid 20's. Karen and Dave led the Campus Crusade for Christ ministry for our college campus. Karen also led a Bible study at my sorority house. She gave me a Scripture to claim before I tried out for the cheerleading squad. I was desperate for all the help I could get so I looked it up. I still remember it (Isaiah 41:10). It was the first time I claimed God's Word for myself.
The second was Theresa Hobrock. I knew her as "Mom Hobrock." She was in her late 60's/early 70's and served as the House Mother for my sorority. Mom Hobrock had been widowed at a young age and raised five children on her own. She always gave God the credit for sustaining her through those early years. I will never forget the day she told me her story and she told of her response to God right after her husband had died. "Thy will be done." At the time, I didn't understand the faith behind her words, I only knew they were radical in the face of such an unfair situation.
Both Karen and Mom Hobrock loved Jesus in a way that set them apart. Obvious, in that they openly said they loved Jesus. Subtly, because they spoke with a wisdom that I could not fathom. They acted with a confidence that could only have been the favor of God. They knew Him well and their lives were a reflection of His love.
They also enjoyed the favor of men. I liked being around them. I liked to hear what they had to say even when I thought it was strange and weird and made my own life choices seem shallow in comparison. They were happy in a way that was not connected to their circumstances. Their joy came from the Lord.
Looking back now, I see what I didn't see back then: both of these women prayed for me. Their prayers had an impact on me even though I was not seeking a relationship with the Lord. I wasn't ready to grow in wisdom or favor but that did not stop them from praying.
Almost 30 years later, the prayers they prayed over me are being answered. Requests to the Father...made so long ago...are bearing fruit. The legacy continues as I pray for my own children and those God has placed in my life.
What a gift He has given me through others...to be prayed for.
What a gift He has made available to me...to pray for myself.
And what a gift He has invited me to share.
O Jesus, that we would submit our lives to the Father as you have done...that we would grow in wisdom and stature...that we would grow in favor with God and men...In your name, Amen.
As a praying mom, I have claimed this Scripture over each of my children, more times than I can count. We don't talk about it much but my kids know that I pray for them. It is just what I do.
They have grown up with the understanding that they are loved and prayed for. I wonder what a difference that makes in a child's life.
My early experiences with prayer were very different. Prayers were written by someone else to be read by others, usually in a corporate setting: Sunday mass, Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation. The rare grace spoken over a meal only happened when we had big get-togethers. I still recall my grandfather or one of my aunt's reciting a blessing that was comforting in its sameness.
I don't ever recall anyone praying over me or claiming Scripture on my behalf. Did anyone in the circles I grew up in even have an acquaintance with the words from Luke 2:52? I don't think so.
It wasn't until I went away to college that I met some people who knew God's Word. The first was Karen Robinson. Karen was my college roommate's big sister. She was married to Dave and was in her mid 20's. Karen and Dave led the Campus Crusade for Christ ministry for our college campus. Karen also led a Bible study at my sorority house. She gave me a Scripture to claim before I tried out for the cheerleading squad. I was desperate for all the help I could get so I looked it up. I still remember it (Isaiah 41:10). It was the first time I claimed God's Word for myself.
The second was Theresa Hobrock. I knew her as "Mom Hobrock." She was in her late 60's/early 70's and served as the House Mother for my sorority. Mom Hobrock had been widowed at a young age and raised five children on her own. She always gave God the credit for sustaining her through those early years. I will never forget the day she told me her story and she told of her response to God right after her husband had died. "Thy will be done." At the time, I didn't understand the faith behind her words, I only knew they were radical in the face of such an unfair situation.
Both Karen and Mom Hobrock loved Jesus in a way that set them apart. Obvious, in that they openly said they loved Jesus. Subtly, because they spoke with a wisdom that I could not fathom. They acted with a confidence that could only have been the favor of God. They knew Him well and their lives were a reflection of His love.
They also enjoyed the favor of men. I liked being around them. I liked to hear what they had to say even when I thought it was strange and weird and made my own life choices seem shallow in comparison. They were happy in a way that was not connected to their circumstances. Their joy came from the Lord.
Looking back now, I see what I didn't see back then: both of these women prayed for me. Their prayers had an impact on me even though I was not seeking a relationship with the Lord. I wasn't ready to grow in wisdom or favor but that did not stop them from praying.
Almost 30 years later, the prayers they prayed over me are being answered. Requests to the Father...made so long ago...are bearing fruit. The legacy continues as I pray for my own children and those God has placed in my life.
What a gift He has given me through others...to be prayed for.
What a gift He has made available to me...to pray for myself.
And what a gift He has invited me to share.
O Jesus, that we would submit our lives to the Father as you have done...that we would grow in wisdom and stature...that we would grow in favor with God and men...In your name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Response
"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:15-20
The Good News of Jesus Christ requires a response.
The shepherds' response was to go to Bethlehem to see the Christ child, for themselves. When they encountered Christ, their response was to share what they knew about him with others...they witnessed. Afterwards, their response was to praise and glorify God.
I wish the Bible shared what their lives were like after they heard and seen the Good News. Did they live like changed men? Did they continue to witness to Christ's birth? Did they continue to give glory and praise to God? How did they respond in the day-in, day-out routine of life?
I am thinking about my day-in, day-out routine. Apart from my morning quiet time in His word and this daily response, does my day reflect the Good News of Jesus Christ? Do I reflect Him? There is no easy yes or no, more like a hundred opportunities each day to go one way or the other.
I don't want to spend my day with a tally sheet and yet, I don't want to go through the day blind to the ways I fall short. The only way to reflect Jesus with any consistency is to pray for the Holy Spirit to make me aware of the choices as they come available throughout the day.
Jesus, How can I reflect you if I do not have an awareness of you? May I take the time to remember what you have done for me and to connect to you. Holy Spirit, guide me through my day. Give me a supernatural awareness of the choices that are mine to make. Father, I would submit my will to Yours in order to bring You glory and honor. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:15-20
The Good News of Jesus Christ requires a response.
The shepherds' response was to go to Bethlehem to see the Christ child, for themselves. When they encountered Christ, their response was to share what they knew about him with others...they witnessed. Afterwards, their response was to praise and glorify God.
I wish the Bible shared what their lives were like after they heard and seen the Good News. Did they live like changed men? Did they continue to witness to Christ's birth? Did they continue to give glory and praise to God? How did they respond in the day-in, day-out routine of life?
I am thinking about my day-in, day-out routine. Apart from my morning quiet time in His word and this daily response, does my day reflect the Good News of Jesus Christ? Do I reflect Him? There is no easy yes or no, more like a hundred opportunities each day to go one way or the other.
I don't want to spend my day with a tally sheet and yet, I don't want to go through the day blind to the ways I fall short. The only way to reflect Jesus with any consistency is to pray for the Holy Spirit to make me aware of the choices as they come available throughout the day.
Jesus, How can I reflect you if I do not have an awareness of you? May I take the time to remember what you have done for me and to connect to you. Holy Spirit, guide me through my day. Give me a supernatural awareness of the choices that are mine to make. Father, I would submit my will to Yours in order to bring You glory and honor. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Words Matter
The words of Balaam to Balak, king of Moab:
"I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." Numbers 22:38
"Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" Numbers 23:12
Zechariah, the priest, who was unable to speak for the nine months preceding his son's birth:
"He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, 'His name is John.' Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God." Luke 1:63-64
"A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue." Proverbs 11:12
Words are important. Words are powerful. The words we speak can impart a blessing or a sting that remains long after the conversation is over. What we speak matters to God.
The right to self-expression isn't all it is cracked up to be. I have done so much damage by failing to filter my words through the Holy Spirit. Consistently submitting my tongue to Him requires great discipline. I cannot do this on my own.
Jesus kept his eyes on the Father. Everything he said, everything he did, was with God's plan, in mind. His purpose was to fulfill God's will and bring glory to Him. This singular goal set the boundaries for every word he spoke.
This morning, He waits for me to admit my need for Him when it comes to my words. He invites me to take the next step in the process; ask for His help. He impresses upon me the knowledge that I must do this each and every time I find myself in the place where I am speaking for myself with no thought of Him.
Help me, Jesus, I have so much to learn. Give me this day, my daily bread. Teach me what it means to do nothing on my own but speak what the Father has taught you (John 8:28). In your name, Amen.
"I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." Numbers 22:38
"Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" Numbers 23:12
Zechariah, the priest, who was unable to speak for the nine months preceding his son's birth:
"He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, 'His name is John.' Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God." Luke 1:63-64
"A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue." Proverbs 11:12
Words are important. Words are powerful. The words we speak can impart a blessing or a sting that remains long after the conversation is over. What we speak matters to God.
The right to self-expression isn't all it is cracked up to be. I have done so much damage by failing to filter my words through the Holy Spirit. Consistently submitting my tongue to Him requires great discipline. I cannot do this on my own.
Jesus kept his eyes on the Father. Everything he said, everything he did, was with God's plan, in mind. His purpose was to fulfill God's will and bring glory to Him. This singular goal set the boundaries for every word he spoke.
This morning, He waits for me to admit my need for Him when it comes to my words. He invites me to take the next step in the process; ask for His help. He impresses upon me the knowledge that I must do this each and every time I find myself in the place where I am speaking for myself with no thought of Him.
Help me, Jesus, I have so much to learn. Give me this day, my daily bread. Teach me what it means to do nothing on my own but speak what the Father has taught you (John 8:28). In your name, Amen.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Consequences and the Way Out
But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and Moses...
Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people.
The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." Numbers 21:4-9
God did not remove the snakes as the Israelites requested. Instead, He gave them a way to survive their consequences...gaze upon the bronze snake and live.
It is the same for me. The consequences of my sin is death; life apart from God. He gave me a way out...to gaze upon Christ lifted high on the cross...to believe in his death and resurrection...to accept the gift of salvation...and live.
Thank you, Father, for the gift of Your Son. Thank you, Jesus, for your blood which covers the consequences of my sin and purifies me in the presence of the Father. Thank you, Spirit, for your presence which guides me to a better way; encouraging me to leave my sinful ways behind and choose life. I love you. In Christ's Name, Amen.
Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people.
The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." Numbers 21:4-9
God did not remove the snakes as the Israelites requested. Instead, He gave them a way to survive their consequences...gaze upon the bronze snake and live.
It is the same for me. The consequences of my sin is death; life apart from God. He gave me a way out...to gaze upon Christ lifted high on the cross...to believe in his death and resurrection...to accept the gift of salvation...and live.
Thank you, Father, for the gift of Your Son. Thank you, Jesus, for your blood which covers the consequences of my sin and purifies me in the presence of the Father. Thank you, Spirit, for your presence which guides me to a better way; encouraging me to leave my sinful ways behind and choose life. I love you. In Christ's Name, Amen.
Friday, March 12, 2010
He Will Sustain You
"Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)." Psalm 55:22 (Amplified)
Sometimes we find ourselves in a difficult situation where rescue is not an option.
We beg for deliverance and instead He says, "No." He gently, but firmly, answers in a way that closes the door on our heart's request to escape our circumstances. He shows us that there is no other way to move beyond our circumstances but to walk through them.
My heart is burdened, this morning, for many people who are hurting...those who have gone to God for rescue and instead been told gently, but firmly, "No." They are facing a walk through the valley of pain and suffering where their hurt will intensify. I am weighted with the understanding that they cannot go around; there is no escape.
Christ knows all about this human condition that seeks another way through suffering. He asked, in the garden of Gethsemane, to be released from the road that was leading to his death. Three times he asked for a different way out; each time submitting his request to the Father's will. God's answer was, "No." (Matthew 26:36-44) Christ's ultimate response was obedience. He submitted to the Father's plan.
Christ walked the hardest road of all and the Father sustained him, every step of the way. He will do no less for me or my friends. This is the truth I hold onto when I pray...that Jesus knows how hard it is to walk the road...that God will sustain those who lean on Him. For those who cannot see that far ahead, I am holding onto the hope and the joy that is to come.
Thank you, Lord, that you never let the righteous fall. In Your Name, I hope and pray and dare to believe, Amen.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Encounter
"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross." Mark 15:21
"And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, 'Surely this man was the Son of God!'" Mark 15:39
"Some women were watching from a distance...In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there." Mark 15:40-41
A stranger who is passing by, is forced into service on behalf of a man he has never met. He walks the road of death and shoulders the cross upon which another will die.
A soldier, doing his job, stands by as a condemned man hangs on a cross waiting for death. When he finally walks away he is convinced that he has seen the Son of God.
Women, at a distance, keep a death vigil as their beloved one suffers through the last moments of his life on earth. They serve him to his very last breath.
Random moment...
In the line of duty...
Or an act of love...
...an encounter with Jesus always changes our life.
Am I living out my days as if I expect to encounter him at any moment?
And am I living out my days prepared to represent him to someone else?
Jesus, help me to make the most of each encounter I experience today.
"And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, 'Surely this man was the Son of God!'" Mark 15:39
"Some women were watching from a distance...In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there." Mark 15:40-41
A stranger who is passing by, is forced into service on behalf of a man he has never met. He walks the road of death and shoulders the cross upon which another will die.
A soldier, doing his job, stands by as a condemned man hangs on a cross waiting for death. When he finally walks away he is convinced that he has seen the Son of God.
Women, at a distance, keep a death vigil as their beloved one suffers through the last moments of his life on earth. They serve him to his very last breath.
Random moment...
In the line of duty...
Or an act of love...
...an encounter with Jesus always changes our life.
Am I living out my days as if I expect to encounter him at any moment?
And am I living out my days prepared to represent him to someone else?
Jesus, help me to make the most of each encounter I experience today.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Without a Blindfold
They all condemned his as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guard took him and beat him. Mark 14:64b-65
The high priest, chief priests, elders and teachers of the law unanimously condemn Jesus as worthy of death. Why the need to blindfold him now? So they can spit on him and hit him and jeer at him? No doubt, the blindfold gave them false courage for their cowardly actions but I don't think that is it.
I think they blindfolded Jesus because they could not bear to meet his eyes.
To look into his eyes is to see a true reflection of yourself.
To look into his eyes and see yourself...stripped of your own illusions...sinful, broken, incomplete...is painful. But to do so outside of a relationship with him is unbearable and unthinkable.
The truth is, apart from his grace and mercy, apart from the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we cannot bear the reality of who we are.
Walking with Jesus means walking with our eyes open. It also means meeting the gaze of the One who loves us and knows us. It means resisting the urge to cover up the truth of what he sees.
Jesus, give me the courage to look into your eyes and see my true reflection. Help me to become more like you.
The high priest, chief priests, elders and teachers of the law unanimously condemn Jesus as worthy of death. Why the need to blindfold him now? So they can spit on him and hit him and jeer at him? No doubt, the blindfold gave them false courage for their cowardly actions but I don't think that is it.
I think they blindfolded Jesus because they could not bear to meet his eyes.
To look into his eyes is to see a true reflection of yourself.
To look into his eyes and see yourself...stripped of your own illusions...sinful, broken, incomplete...is painful. But to do so outside of a relationship with him is unbearable and unthinkable.
The truth is, apart from his grace and mercy, apart from the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we cannot bear the reality of who we are.
Walking with Jesus means walking with our eyes open. It also means meeting the gaze of the One who loves us and knows us. It means resisting the urge to cover up the truth of what he sees.
Jesus, give me the courage to look into your eyes and see my true reflection. Help me to become more like you.
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