3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2Co 1:3-7)
Yesterday I was surprised to find a new book setting on my desk. It is the Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast by Kristen Feola. It was a gift from one of our church family. She knows I am doing the Daniel Fast and wanted to show her support. I was so moved by the act of love and faith that I just had to write about the nature of support.
Some who are doing the fast together met last night as a small group for sharing, devotion, and prayers. It was a good time. What seemed to be the greatest need was information about the diet. We are so fortunate to have Sarah Stout, a certified nutritionist, on hand to lead us on this journey through Lent. We shared our mistakes when we broke the fast. We shared our victories and our insights. We gave advice when it was sought. We prayed for each other. While it was not mentioned formally, we are supporting one another through this fast.
You can't put a price on the value of a supportive community. When support comes from a surprise gift, or a friend's note of encouragement and thanks, I feel lifted. And isn't that what we are about...Lifting Lives? Not only am I lifted, but I sense an energy to be even more faithful to the fast. I am more committed to seeing this through for God and for God's family who are supporting us in this journey.
As with every good gift, we can turn and share that gift with others. In the passage above, Paul speaks of receiving comfort from God and then being empowered to comfort others with God's comfort. Indeed Paul sees his suffering as a means to provide comfort for the Corinthians and all the churches. In the same way the Christians in Corinth suffer along with Paul, sending him help, letters of encouragement and prayer, even as they suffer their own conflict inside and outside the church.
As I fast I am becoming aware of how this act puts me in solidarity not only with Christ's suffering for us, but in solidarity with those who are offering support and comforting me with their care and prayers. It makes me want to offer God's comfort to our Daniel Fast group and the whole church. I feel a call to pray more fervently for the church, for all the many needs I hear about.
I begin with a prayer of thanksgiving for my church family who I love and support and who love and support me.
Dear Father, I praise you and thank you for giving to us the church of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the family of God here in Zionsville and around the globe and throughout the ages. I am so thankful and glad to be a part of the body of Christ. Keep me, with their prayers and support, ever faithful. I ask you to give me ample opportunity to comfort others with the comfort I have received. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Other Comforts
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:15-17)
I'm not an ascetic kind of person in my faith. I am very dedicated to things that have nothing to do with God's kingdom. The most basic of these is music and movies. John Wesley writes in one of the early Methodist hymnals (These words are reprinted in the the front of our current hymnal) for the congregation to "Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, then when you sung the songs of Satan. " For a quick look click to this link http://www.gbgm-umc.org/BensalemPA/wesley.html.
Wesley's little jab at secular music stings me. I grew up when the church decried that my chosen music, rock 'n' roll, was the devil's music. Now we play rock and pop music in the worship of our Lord and even use secular recordings as walk in music. Some criticize that to do so is to water down the gospel. Others say, "It's only music." I am somewhere caught in the middle. I have always loved rock music and the older I get the harder I like it. My son AJ is into really heavy stuff and its rubbed off on me.
My issue is this: On Ash Wednesday I bought tickets to see Van Halen. I lead the 7 a.m. Ash Wednesday service, but took a pass on the evening service. It was all good, but I wonder at what level I am not taking this journey seriously when I have been to two concerts this week and have tickets for another during Holy Week.
I justified my decision because I had never seen Van Halen before and, with them in their late 50's, I may not see them again. Friday's concert was very important to me personally because I love the local band Healing Sixes and this was to be their last concert. I wanted to be there for them. The lead vocalist, Doug, plays on my current music recording project. I wanted to be there for Doug. And I am very glad I did go. It was meaningful and wonderful.
Van Halen was great, but I wrestled with my decision during the night. I had a good time, but not a great one because I was tired and I was struggling with the self focused decision I made in going. It would have been easier to shrug it off, but I am deciding to wrestle with it here.
God loves me. God loves me at Van Halen concerts. God loves me when I make selfish decisions. God shines through me when I make selfless decisions and help others. I know what is right. I also know this decision was no big deal. The evening service went off wonderfully with Pastor Glenn leading. So why am I making it a big deal?
Is this unhealthy guilt or true guilt which can lead to healing and restoration to right relations with God? I grew up in a home where guilt was often used to control behavior. I have my own inner guilt merchant bartering with me to see if I will buy. But it's not as easy for me to call this struggle pointless. I made a decision to be entertained and visit yesteryear, to see a band I couldn't see when I was a young lad in high school. Was I trying to have a nostalgic experience? Was I hoping to feel young again by hearing the music of my youth? I don't think so.
I have set God's embrace as my destination for Lent and this fast. I am finding that old comforts like rock music and movies, which are a regular part of my daily activities, are drawing into question my true desire. If I truly desire God, why then do I not spend more time with God?
There you have it. There is my problem with these habits. God has redeemed them. I take God with me to movies and He speaks to me through secular music as well as a praise song, albeit creatively. I don't think God is asking me to denounce rock music as the devil's or to stop consuming Hollywood delights. I do, however, feel the tug to be more intentional about the time I spend with Him. I cannot taste and see that he Lord is good if I am so full of other comforts.
What are your other comforts getting in the way of a deeper taste of the goodness of the Lord?
Dear Father, Thank You for loving me as I am. Thank You for music, movies and all those who create these forms of entertainment which move hearts and minds. I dedicate myself to a discipline of seeking You wherever I may be. Help me to develop a spiritual life that changes everything. Help me to come to You first before I turn to other comforts. Then all my comforts will be sanctified by Your presence.
In Jesus, I humbly ask. Amen.
I'm not an ascetic kind of person in my faith. I am very dedicated to things that have nothing to do with God's kingdom. The most basic of these is music and movies. John Wesley writes in one of the early Methodist hymnals (These words are reprinted in the the front of our current hymnal) for the congregation to "
Wesley's little jab at secular music stings me. I grew up when the church decried that my chosen music, rock 'n' roll, was the devil's music. Now we play rock and pop music in the worship of our Lord and even use secular recordings as walk in music. Some criticize that to do so is to water down the gospel. Others say, "It's only music." I am somewhere caught in the middle. I have always loved rock music and the older I get the harder I like it. My son AJ is into really heavy stuff and its rubbed off on me.
My issue is this: On Ash Wednesday I bought tickets to see Van Halen. I lead the 7 a.m. Ash Wednesday service, but took a pass on the evening service. It was all good, but I wonder at what level I am not taking this journey seriously when I have been to two concerts this week and have tickets for another during Holy Week.
I justified my decision because I had never seen Van Halen before and, with them in their late 50's, I may not see them again. Friday's concert was very important to me personally because I love the local band Healing Sixes and this was to be their last concert. I wanted to be there for them. The lead vocalist, Doug, plays on my current music recording project. I wanted to be there for Doug. And I am very glad I did go. It was meaningful and wonderful.
Van Halen was great, but I wrestled with my decision during the night. I had a good time, but not a great one because I was tired and I was struggling with the self focused decision I made in going. It would have been easier to shrug it off, but I am deciding to wrestle with it here.
God loves me. God loves me at Van Halen concerts. God loves me when I make selfish decisions. God shines through me when I make selfless decisions and help others. I know what is right. I also know this decision was no big deal. The evening service went off wonderfully with Pastor Glenn leading. So why am I making it a big deal?
Is this unhealthy guilt or true guilt which can lead to healing and restoration to right relations with God? I grew up in a home where guilt was often used to control behavior. I have my own inner guilt merchant bartering with me to see if I will buy. But it's not as easy for me to call this struggle pointless. I made a decision to be entertained and visit yesteryear, to see a band I couldn't see when I was a young lad in high school. Was I trying to have a nostalgic experience? Was I hoping to feel young again by hearing the music of my youth? I don't think so.
I have set God's embrace as my destination for Lent and this fast. I am finding that old comforts like rock music and movies, which are a regular part of my daily activities, are drawing into question my true desire. If I truly desire God, why then do I not spend more time with God?
There you have it. There is my problem with these habits. God has redeemed them. I take God with me to movies and He speaks to me through secular music as well as a praise song, albeit creatively. I don't think God is asking me to denounce rock music as the devil's or to stop consuming Hollywood delights. I do, however, feel the tug to be more intentional about the time I spend with Him. I cannot taste and see that he Lord is good if I am so full of other comforts.
What are your other comforts getting in the way of a deeper taste of the goodness of the Lord?
Dear Father, Thank You for loving me as I am. Thank You for music, movies and all those who create these forms of entertainment which move hearts and minds. I dedicate myself to a discipline of seeking You wherever I may be. Help me to develop a spiritual life that changes everything. Help me to come to You first before I turn to other comforts. Then all my comforts will be sanctified by Your presence.
In Jesus, I humbly ask. Amen.
Challenged
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." (1Th 5:23-24)
Today is my day off. I am usually pretty tired on Mondays and enjoy a slow pace. Some Mondays I don't get out of my sweats and house slippers. It is a day of comfortable clothes and comfortable routines. The day begins with Michele kissing me goodbye as she leaves for work. I am usually still in bed since she goes in so early. If I get out of bed in time, I see AJ off to school. Erika leaves for college classes sometimes or she and I may watch TV together for 30 minutes to an hour.
Afterward around 9:00 I visit with one of my close friends, Kent Ellett, a fellow student at seminary and pastor-teacher of Speedway Church of Christ. We share in one another's lives, pour over scripture, talk about our ministries and families and pray together. By then I am ready for lunch. In the afternoon I may take in a movie at the theaters or some other activity, run errands, go shop for something I need or want, etc. It is a day to myself and my needs. I have learned to keep it sacred to me.
As I continue my Daniel Fast I read this morning the first two chapters of Susan Gregory's book, The Daniel Fast: Feed Your Soul, Strengthen Your Spirit, and Renew Your Body. She challenged my comfortable habits by asking me not what do I want out of this fast, which is a good question, but "what is God's purpose for my fasting period?" She asked me to ask the Holy Spirit to revel to me God's purpose for me. It is a very different kind of question.
As I type the house is quiet and I am alone. I prayed after reading and fell asleep. I awoke with no answer. Feeling a bit non-plussed, I went back to the question she presented. Susan Gregory noted that she usually receives an answer in two days. I wanted the answer immediately. Waiting two days is kind of exciting though. It means I have to tune in regularly. Perhaps part of God's purpose is to tech me patience and to learn to wait in Him.
My Monday comforts are being set aside this morning for more prayer and...uh...waiting. Mondays are not a day off from meeting God's purposes. It was nice to be reminded. I love the verse Gregory shares in her book which I cite above. Paul is praying for the church that God would sanctify them entirely, to make the church as holy as God is holy in spirit, soul and body. I notice that it is God who will do the sanctifying work. I just need to be available.
Today is my day off. I am usually pretty tired on Mondays and enjoy a slow pace. Some Mondays I don't get out of my sweats and house slippers. It is a day of comfortable clothes and comfortable routines. The day begins with Michele kissing me goodbye as she leaves for work. I am usually still in bed since she goes in so early. If I get out of bed in time, I see AJ off to school. Erika leaves for college classes sometimes or she and I may watch TV together for 30 minutes to an hour.
Afterward around 9:00 I visit with one of my close friends, Kent Ellett, a fellow student at seminary and pastor-teacher of Speedway Church of Christ. We share in one another's lives, pour over scripture, talk about our ministries and families and pray together. By then I am ready for lunch. In the afternoon I may take in a movie at the theaters or some other activity, run errands, go shop for something I need or want, etc. It is a day to myself and my needs. I have learned to keep it sacred to me.
As I continue my Daniel Fast I read this morning the first two chapters of Susan Gregory's book, The Daniel Fast: Feed Your Soul, Strengthen Your Spirit, and Renew Your Body. She challenged my comfortable habits by asking me not what do I want out of this fast, which is a good question, but "what is God's purpose for my fasting period?" She asked me to ask the Holy Spirit to revel to me God's purpose for me. It is a very different kind of question.
As I type the house is quiet and I am alone. I prayed after reading and fell asleep. I awoke with no answer. Feeling a bit non-plussed, I went back to the question she presented. Susan Gregory noted that she usually receives an answer in two days. I wanted the answer immediately. Waiting two days is kind of exciting though. It means I have to tune in regularly. Perhaps part of God's purpose is to tech me patience and to learn to wait in Him.
My Monday comforts are being set aside this morning for more prayer and...uh...waiting. Mondays are not a day off from meeting God's purposes. It was nice to be reminded. I love the verse Gregory shares in her book which I cite above. Paul is praying for the church that God would sanctify them entirely, to make the church as holy as God is holy in spirit, soul and body. I notice that it is God who will do the sanctifying work. I just need to be available.
Dear Lord, how can I fret over waiting on You? You are all that is worth waiting for. Your promises outshine all the comforts of this fading world. I seek Your grace to see You purpose. Assist me, Holy Spirit to wait as Jesus did in the wilderness and in Gethsemane. Clear the noise, open my mind and heart. I wait to receive Your holy purpose for this season in my life. In the authority of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Perseverance
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Lk 18:1)
Last night Michele and I and our daughter Erika went with a friend from church to see a band perform at the Rathskeller, a restaurant featuring German cuisine. A place that specializes in fatty foods was a little more difficult in finding food to eat according to the guidelines of the Daniel Fast.
After being turned away at the bar when asking for a vegetable plate, I approached a hostess. She put in me touch with a waitress. I explained my special diet. She discouraged me by saying all their foods come prepackaged in butter! I insisted that surely there were fresh vegetables they could steam for us and perhaps some fruit. Again she discouraged me by stating how busy they were in the kitchen. She felt the cooks were unlikely to make a special order. I asked her to please check with the kitchen.
After waiting for several minutes a different waitress appeared and asked if she could help. I explained my dietary needs and she told me the only vegetables they had without butter (even their wild rice is prepackaged in butter) were snow peas and carrots. After asking about the availability of fresh fruit, I ordered the peas and carrots and a fruit plate. It worked.
The reason I am writing about this is to recognize that not every establishment is thinking about persons on special diets. It would have been easy to give up and either not eat anything or decide to eat something I had decided not to eat. Persevering paid off. I just kept negotiating options until someone at the restaurant helped me.
Jesus told his disciples about a widow who persisted to entreat a judge who cared nothing about humanity or God. She persisted in crying for what she needed until the judge finally gave it to her. Jesus then makes His point. If a judge who cares nothing about people or God will finally give justice to the persistent widow, how much more quickly will God act to give justice to His children? (Lk 18:1-8)
As I continue this time of spiritual searching I am encouraged by Jesus' teaching. God is so ready to give to us what we need. He loves us more than we can imagine. I am encouraged to persist in praying for the needs of my church family and myself knowing that God will quickly give us what we need. I don't expect God to give us what we want, but what we need within His will.
Persistence in prayer will pay off. What do you need to pray for?
Dear Lord, thank You for loving us so mightily. Thank You for encouraging us to come to You persevering in prayer, expecting You to provide and to supply our every need. O God deepen our faith. Help us to believe where we have not seen. Let us see the signs and wonders of the kingdom in our midst. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Last night Michele and I and our daughter Erika went with a friend from church to see a band perform at the Rathskeller, a restaurant featuring German cuisine. A place that specializes in fatty foods was a little more difficult in finding food to eat according to the guidelines of the Daniel Fast.
After being turned away at the bar when asking for a vegetable plate, I approached a hostess. She put in me touch with a waitress. I explained my special diet. She discouraged me by saying all their foods come prepackaged in butter! I insisted that surely there were fresh vegetables they could steam for us and perhaps some fruit. Again she discouraged me by stating how busy they were in the kitchen. She felt the cooks were unlikely to make a special order. I asked her to please check with the kitchen.
After waiting for several minutes a different waitress appeared and asked if she could help. I explained my dietary needs and she told me the only vegetables they had without butter (even their wild rice is prepackaged in butter) were snow peas and carrots. After asking about the availability of fresh fruit, I ordered the peas and carrots and a fruit plate. It worked.
The reason I am writing about this is to recognize that not every establishment is thinking about persons on special diets. It would have been easy to give up and either not eat anything or decide to eat something I had decided not to eat. Persevering paid off. I just kept negotiating options until someone at the restaurant helped me.
Jesus told his disciples about a widow who persisted to entreat a judge who cared nothing about humanity or God. She persisted in crying for what she needed until the judge finally gave it to her. Jesus then makes His point. If a judge who cares nothing about people or God will finally give justice to the persistent widow, how much more quickly will God act to give justice to His children? (Lk 18:1-8)
As I continue this time of spiritual searching I am encouraged by Jesus' teaching. God is so ready to give to us what we need. He loves us more than we can imagine. I am encouraged to persist in praying for the needs of my church family and myself knowing that God will quickly give us what we need. I don't expect God to give us what we want, but what we need within His will.
Persistence in prayer will pay off. What do you need to pray for?
Dear Lord, thank You for loving us so mightily. Thank You for encouraging us to come to You persevering in prayer, expecting You to provide and to supply our every need. O God deepen our faith. Help us to believe where we have not seen. Let us see the signs and wonders of the kingdom in our midst. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Habits
"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why do you behave as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence." (Col 2:20-23)
Yesterday was my first day on the Daniel Fast. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the food. I ate organic corn flakes with almond milk and sliced banana for breakfast. I had an apple along in case I got hungry. Michele, my wonderful wife, fixed up baked potatoes with corn salsa with cilantro for me to bring for my lunch. I had almonds and raisins for a snack, and at Applebee's last night I ordered a side dish of steamed vegetables for my supper. The vegetables were broccoli, yellow squash and carrots. No butter, salt or pepper was added. The natural flavors of the vegetables were surprisingly delicious.
But...There's always another thing, isn't there? I was surprised yesterday by a habit. It's not a big deal, but it surprised me. I was in the copy room at the office speaking with one of our staff about Sunday's upcoming worship services when I noticed an assortment of hard candy on the counter. While we were talking and without thinking, I reached over and picked up a root beer candy, unwrapped it, and popped it in my mouth. Only after the sweet taste hit my taste buds did I realize what was doing! It was that automatic. I quickly spit the candy out into a nearby trash can.
It wasn't that I made a conscious decision to break my fast with God. It was casual and automatic. What is really funny is I don't eat that much candy. I have it only once in a while. I eat more at the holidays, but in general candy is not an item on my daily diet. I can go weeks without eating candy and never think about it or miss it. What surprises me is introducing convenient foods and treats into my body can be done so effortlessly and casually, without a thought as to the consequences or the true need. I wasn't hungry. It was there. It looked good. I took one. That easy. That simple.
I think of our friends in Guatemala who live on corn and meager diet often causing malnutrition. Such foods are not lying around for anyone to enjoy like they are here in the USA. I think of little children who do not have even the right foods available to them to grow up tall and strong. Their growth is stunted. I remember a little boy I saw along the road while we were delivering a wood burning stove to a family who lived in the middle of a corn field. He was crying and rubbing his belly. I think he was hungry. What I take for granted, a nutritious healthy diet, I pass on to enjoy burgers, steak and snacks and candy. My dining choices are about convenience and ease. I'm a salt freak so I like corn chips, popcorn and dry roasted peanuts.
This fast isn't about healthy eating, though. I am fasting to create holy habits. This means a collision with the regular habits of eating comfort foods. Paul mentions in the above citation from Colossians chapter 2 that rule following doesn't truly impact self indulgence. Instead it is connection to Jesus, the Head of the body of Christ, which relieves us of self indulgent behavior. (Col 2:19) Paul later says to keep you mind on things above in heaven and not on earth below. (Col 3:1-2)
Who truly comforts? Jesus, of course. His love is what I truly need and desire. Can I reprogram my head and heart to desire Jesus and the love He has for me instead of the easy access I have to snacks, treats and fine foods? I know that in myself I cannot consistently, but with Christ who strengthens me I can do all things. (Php 4:13)
The trick, I think, is not to focus on what I cannot have, but on what God is offering me. Saying "no" to meat, dairy, sweets and coffee is opening me to saying "yes" to God. That feels satisfying.
Lord Jesus, satisfy my heart and all those who seek You with divine love and grace that fills the soul and gives life. Set us free from habits that do not lead to you. Amen
Yesterday was my first day on the Daniel Fast. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the food. I ate organic corn flakes with almond milk and sliced banana for breakfast. I had an apple along in case I got hungry. Michele, my wonderful wife, fixed up baked potatoes with corn salsa with cilantro for me to bring for my lunch. I had almonds and raisins for a snack, and at Applebee's last night I ordered a side dish of steamed vegetables for my supper. The vegetables were broccoli, yellow squash and carrots. No butter, salt or pepper was added. The natural flavors of the vegetables were surprisingly delicious.
But...There's always another thing, isn't there? I was surprised yesterday by a habit. It's not a big deal, but it surprised me. I was in the copy room at the office speaking with one of our staff about Sunday's upcoming worship services when I noticed an assortment of hard candy on the counter. While we were talking and without thinking, I reached over and picked up a root beer candy, unwrapped it, and popped it in my mouth. Only after the sweet taste hit my taste buds did I realize what was doing! It was that automatic. I quickly spit the candy out into a nearby trash can.
It wasn't that I made a conscious decision to break my fast with God. It was casual and automatic. What is really funny is I don't eat that much candy. I have it only once in a while. I eat more at the holidays, but in general candy is not an item on my daily diet. I can go weeks without eating candy and never think about it or miss it. What surprises me is introducing convenient foods and treats into my body can be done so effortlessly and casually, without a thought as to the consequences or the true need. I wasn't hungry. It was there. It looked good. I took one. That easy. That simple.
I think of our friends in Guatemala who live on corn and meager diet often causing malnutrition. Such foods are not lying around for anyone to enjoy like they are here in the USA. I think of little children who do not have even the right foods available to them to grow up tall and strong. Their growth is stunted. I remember a little boy I saw along the road while we were delivering a wood burning stove to a family who lived in the middle of a corn field. He was crying and rubbing his belly. I think he was hungry. What I take for granted, a nutritious healthy diet, I pass on to enjoy burgers, steak and snacks and candy. My dining choices are about convenience and ease. I'm a salt freak so I like corn chips, popcorn and dry roasted peanuts.
This fast isn't about healthy eating, though. I am fasting to create holy habits. This means a collision with the regular habits of eating comfort foods. Paul mentions in the above citation from Colossians chapter 2 that rule following doesn't truly impact self indulgence. Instead it is connection to Jesus, the Head of the body of Christ, which relieves us of self indulgent behavior. (Col 2:19) Paul later says to keep you mind on things above in heaven and not on earth below. (Col 3:1-2)
Who truly comforts? Jesus, of course. His love is what I truly need and desire. Can I reprogram my head and heart to desire Jesus and the love He has for me instead of the easy access I have to snacks, treats and fine foods? I know that in myself I cannot consistently, but with Christ who strengthens me I can do all things. (Php 4:13)
The trick, I think, is not to focus on what I cannot have, but on what God is offering me. Saying "no" to meat, dairy, sweets and coffee is opening me to saying "yes" to God. That feels satisfying.
Lord Jesus, satisfy my heart and all those who seek You with divine love and grace that fills the soul and gives life. Set us free from habits that do not lead to you. Amen
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Welcome to Lent
"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (Jn 6:27)
Today begins my Daniel Fast, an intense period of seeking God. God isn't lost or anything. He's always near and living in me, but I can get lost. In the midst of piling activities and responsibilities it's very easy to get out of touch. I am turning fifty in June and my body is reminding me that I am getting older. But will I get wiser?
The journey of Lent is something I have wrestled with over the years. i didn't really keep any kind of Lenten devotion in my childhood or even later in life. Now as a pastor I feel compelled to explore the blessings of this season of intense preparation for the joy of Easter. It is a time of seeking balance between the spiritual and the physical, a righting of the heart and mind and body. Often we give up something we love (perhaps a bit more than we do God). Other times we take on something extra in our life to give to others. We give to charity. We volunteer in mission and ministry. We add an addition spiritual practice to our devotional life to fill our lives with faith. Whatever the practice may be, there is only one destination. That destination is the embrace of God.
For me this Lent is especially an important one. With all the changes going on in my life, church and family, I am feeling out of sorts and not quite tracking with everything. I feel out of sync. I am functional and not particularly unhappy, but underneath there's a weariness and it's beginning to surface. I have forgotten obligations on my calendar. I have not returned phone calls. I have misplaced items. All of this adds to a chaos brewing in me.
The good news of course is that God brings life out of chaos. I am expecting a major leap forward in growth and maturity. I cannot guarantee this, but I sense it. I am open. I am willing. I am clay in the Potter's hands.
Lord Jesus, I am entirely trusting in Your grace to get me where you want me in the journey. When I hunger, let me hunger only for you. When I crave, let my cravings be redeemed with a longing for the food only You can give. Amen.
Today begins my Daniel Fast, an intense period of seeking God. God isn't lost or anything. He's always near and living in me, but I can get lost. In the midst of piling activities and responsibilities it's very easy to get out of touch. I am turning fifty in June and my body is reminding me that I am getting older. But will I get wiser?
The journey of Lent is something I have wrestled with over the years. i didn't really keep any kind of Lenten devotion in my childhood or even later in life. Now as a pastor I feel compelled to explore the blessings of this season of intense preparation for the joy of Easter. It is a time of seeking balance between the spiritual and the physical, a righting of the heart and mind and body. Often we give up something we love (perhaps a bit more than we do God). Other times we take on something extra in our life to give to others. We give to charity. We volunteer in mission and ministry. We add an addition spiritual practice to our devotional life to fill our lives with faith. Whatever the practice may be, there is only one destination. That destination is the embrace of God.
For me this Lent is especially an important one. With all the changes going on in my life, church and family, I am feeling out of sorts and not quite tracking with everything. I feel out of sync. I am functional and not particularly unhappy, but underneath there's a weariness and it's beginning to surface. I have forgotten obligations on my calendar. I have not returned phone calls. I have misplaced items. All of this adds to a chaos brewing in me.
The good news of course is that God brings life out of chaos. I am expecting a major leap forward in growth and maturity. I cannot guarantee this, but I sense it. I am open. I am willing. I am clay in the Potter's hands.
Lord Jesus, I am entirely trusting in Your grace to get me where you want me in the journey. When I hunger, let me hunger only for you. When I crave, let my cravings be redeemed with a longing for the food only You can give. Amen.
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