Lent

I began my Lenten devotional this morning.  The author of today's reflection challenged me to re-think my understanding and definition of anger.  For such a small word, I - and I suspect most of us - can be very creative in its definition.  We - okay, I - can also be very creative in justifying it!  To paraphrase my morning devotional author, he described the source of anger as a failure to live into the reality of our status as a beloved child of God. He further reminded the readers that we have the opportunity in this season of Lent to examine and relinquish anger to our loving Father.  

Being such a professional anger-justifier, I was taken aback by his words.  Is the true root of my anger the feeling of not being loved enough?  Or not loved well?  If I believe and am secure as a beloved child of God, what more love could I possibly need?  Anything else would be a bonus.  So, yes, I suppose I don't live into that reality as I should.  My eyes are too much on the world's view of love - what love should look and feel like; and that's such a sorry comparison to the love of God.  

So, what's keeping me from knowing that depth of God's love and living out of that love?  Why is it only at certain times?  How do I make room in my crusty, stony old heart for more of God's presence?  That's where, as my devotional pointed out, the season of Lent is such a blessing.  I need this reminder to take time for self-examination, a spiritual house-cleaning.  Those sins that contribute to my hardness of heart need to be brought into the light of God's presence.  I need to ask myself the hard questions and be brave enough -- willing enough --to search out and hear the answers.

Anger, for instance, can be too easily justified.  After all, if so-and-so hadn't done or said "whatever", I wouldn't be so angry!  (By the way, I'm referring to that anger that can become sinful, leading to resentment, bitterness, hardness of heart.)  Therefore, it must be all that person's fault and I'm freed from any responsibility, right?  Wrong!  While I'm not responsible for wrong, sinful actions done against me, I am most definitely responsible for my response to them.  Jesus had a great deal to say about that subject.

So my morning devotional reading has challenged me to examine my heart.  Where there is anger, I want to release it, leave it at the foot of the cross where it was dealt with once for all time.  In doing so, I'm reminded so vividly of the love of God for me, in me and through me.  A hard spot in my heart can be "tenderized".  Instead of having thoughts and feelings leading to anger, I can offer thanks and praise to the God who has forgiven me, loves me and is in the business of transforming me more and more into the image of Christ.  


For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  (Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV)


P.S.  Did you see that?  "That you may be filled with ALL THE FULLNESS of God".  That's a promise well worth my discomfort at facing my sins and confessing them to the Lord.

Trust Me

I find myself dealing with trust issues these days.  Not lack of trust in any one particular person in my circle of friends and family but I find that God is asking me to trust him more and more.  I thought I was doing a pretty good job with that but in his gentle and loving way, he's pointing out the areas where I'm holding on to MY will rather than trusting in God's perfect plans.  

I pray for loved ones and friends who are suffering.  I want them to be happy.  We don't live in a happy world and my Pollyanna hopes are well-intentioned but not getting to the heart of the matter.  

How do we endure hardship?  How do we watch others endure hardship?  

It's so difficult to resist the urge (especially with my strong Mom instincts) to run in and fix things or pray for God to hurry and make it all better.  

Praying yesterday, I had a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the power of the Light that cannot and will not be overcome by darkness.  At the same time, he reminded me of his nearness and intimate knowledge and care for the one for whom I was praying.

"Do you trust me?" is the question I hear in my heart.  

And then more gently the simple words repeated over and over:  "Trust me".  

Going Fishing

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken....  (Luke 5:4-9 ESV)

These men are just beginning to discover who Jesus is.  What an amazing thing it must have been for them to bring in such an incredible number of fish, all the while thinking the whole venture was an exercise in futility!  They'd already tried; they were skilled fisherman and had been hard at work all night. This morning as I read this passage, some new questions came to mind.  Not to read more into this account than is there, but when have I "toiled all night and took nothing"?  When have my labors been self-directed or self-driven and led to low outcomes?  

When I was writing my first Bible study I can remember laboring over a particular lesson, spending hours writing, thinking, studying and writing some more, only to feel that I was going nowhere fast.  I had "labored all night and took nothing".  Finally, I would just stop laboring, look to Jesus and ask him what he wanted me to write, ask for his message for those who would be doing this study.  I'd wait quietly then "let down my nets in deeper water".  It was amazing!  The words would flow.  Deleting all my words, rewriting the material afresh, I would often be so surprised and blessed by where the Lord would take me - the message he gave me to share.  How many times I was brought to tears or sat in awe of what I was being shown!  My "nets" were overflowing with the abundance.

I wish I could tell you that I learned my lesson and only had to do a big delete and re-write once or twice.   But even though there were hours of self-driven effort that were undone by the Lord's directions to put out into the deep and drop your nets for a catch, I'm grateful and so thankful for the experience and reminders of the bountiful results when God directs our efforts.  Like Peter and his friends, I came to discover who Jesus is in a new and amazing way.  I learned more about his love for his children, his heart and compassion.  I came away with a love and excitement for God's word that is only growing stronger.  I could feel his delight in my discoveries of the hidden jewels in the Scriptures. What a blessing!  Is it any wonder that Peter fell to his knees in awe and wonder before his Lord?

Our results or "catch" may not be seen immediately but we know that when we're co-laboring with God, the results - the fruit - have eternal significance and may be evident in ways we simply cannot see with your limited, finite vision.  Regardless of what we can or cannot see, the "nets" may be bursting at the seams. God's gifts, provisions, answers and blessings are greater than we can ever imagine!  Trust him when you sense him nudging you to go out a little deeper.  Drop your nets in faith and watch him fill them.


Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)


The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

Mary, Did You Know?

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  Luke 2:19

A young and innocent girl, with a servant’s heart, one favored by God, submits her heart and her body to the purposes of the Almighty God.  In rejoicing in the blessing and holiness of God, how could she grasp the depth of her submission?

A young mother after delivering her baby boy is visited by strangers who have come to see and worship. How much more was she, herself, struck with awe and wonder at all that was happening?

A young woman watches as her son, in growing up, seems to be growing away from his parents.  He must be about his Father’s business in the temple rather than keeping up with his mother and father on their travels.  Did she know what that business was to be?

As a guest attending a wedding with her son, watching water become wine, could she grasp the significance of this miracle?  

All those memories and experiences – so mysterious – that were treasured up in her heart:  prophecies, prayers, angels, worshiping shepherds and wise men, miracles, ministry, teaching.  Did she know where this road would lead?  Could she possibly have envisioned Calvary?

Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her soul.  Did she remember those words when she watched a sword pierce the side of her beloved son? 

Mary, Did You Know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

When you kissed your little baby, you kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know---

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb---.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM.

Lyrics by Mark Lowry

Light and Dark

Thus says the Lord:  "Keep justice and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed."  (Isaiah 56:1)

We are in the last few days of this Advent season, the season in which we focus on the coming of the Messiah into the darkness of our world - both as a tiny baby lying in the manger and the expectant waiting for his return in great glory, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  God's salvation has come and his deliverance has been revealed.  And as Christians, we await the second coming when the fullness of his deliverance will be realized in all of creation.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)  

Yet, here we are in the "between times" where there is most definitely pain, mourning, tears and suffering. Unimaginable acts of violence, famine, natural disasters, fears and worries confront us daily, even hourly. The world can be and is a frightening place.  How do we keep justice and do righteousness in this dark world?  Recall the words from Micah 6:8: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  (Micah 6:8)  

How is this possible?  For me, the answer is in that last phrase:  Walk humbly with your God.  Follow him, allow him to be the Lord of your life - all aspects of your life.  Allow him to love the unlovable through you, to give you a heart of compassion and mercy towards the sick, wounded and afflicted, to be his light in the darkness, to share the good news of God's salvation and deliverance, freedom to those who are in prisons of guilt, anger, shame, bitterness or unforgiveness.  To keep justice and righteousness is impossible on our own.  Only through the work and power of the Spirit can there be true justice and righteousness.  Only by abiding in Christ, living and walking in his strength, can we ever know peace in a world of confusion, pain and sorrow.

God's peace does not come from turning a blind eye to suffering, trying to be untouched or removed. Peace in the midst of suffering can only come from knowing that God is good, he is sovereign, he is holy.  He is intimately aware of every detail, he sees every tear, he hears every prayer.  In the face of evil, God is greater.  

The light of Christ has come into the world.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not [cannot] overcome it.  (John 1:5)  That's the truth, the good news of Advent.  The world needs this news. Those who are surrounded by the darkness are crying out for the light to break through.  In God's infinite wisdom, he has chosen you and me to be his light bearers. 

• “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  (Matt. 5:14-16) 
• For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)
• Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.... (Phil.2:14-16)
• Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12)

Good Morning!

I woke up early this morning, enjoyed my cup of tea, read my Bible and my devotionals.  Nice to enjoy the quiet of the house and not be rushed.  Now, as I write this, it's still pretty dark outside; the sun is barely making itself known.  But that's all it takes to signal the birds that it's time to wake up.  I have my window open just a little bit and can hear the chirps and tweets as the little creatures start to stir, start to sing and greet this new day.  It's pure instinct.

The Scriptures are full of verses recounting the many ways creation gives praise and glory to its Creator.  It's part of the very nature of nature to reflect the beauty of the One who called it all into being.  The heavens declare the glory of the Lord, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork (Ps. 19:1).  The birds sing and chirp to welcome each new day; the rhythm of their existence matching the rhythm of sunrise to sunset.  I used to own a parrot that had a fairly decent vocabulary.  Every evening she would let us know she was "ready to go night-night", her request becoming more insistent the later it got until she'd finally say, "Emmy go night-night, right now!"  What an amazing thing to pay attention to the created order, the cycles of sleep and alertness, to see the ways creation responds to God's order.

Shouldn't we follow the example?  Sabbath - keeping the Sabbath - is a command.  Rest for our bodies, rest for our minds, is crucial to maintaining health and well-being.  Rest for our souls - finding our rest in God, abiding, being still, waiting and sitting in silence, listening for God's still small voice to speak to our spirits being present to Love, resting in Love, knowing Peace.  Our quiet time with God, our creator and sustainer, brings us into the presence of the very essence of love and peace, joy and wisdom, the one who calls us each by name and longs to spend one-on-one time with us.  Be still (cease striving) and know that he is God: our creator, sustainer, guide, protector, a very present help in times of trouble, a comfort to those who mourn, the one who will one day restore all creation, wipe away every tear, and welcome us into the arms of our Good Shepherd, our loving and faithful Lord.  In the meantime, we can enjoy moments of true peace even in the midst of this crazy, chaotic world, as we seek God's face, listen for his voice and rest with him and in him.

Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6:31)

Expect the Unexpected

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.  (Matthew 17:1-8 ESV)

Rise and have no fear.

Jesus spoke these words to Peter, James and John when they were so overcome and terrified by the awesome presence and voice of God at the time of Jesus' transfiguration.

Rise and have no fear.

The bright cloud that overshadowed them, the voice of God coming from that cloud, the experience of having seen Moses and Elijah!  They had every reason to find themselves on their faces in holy fear and trembling.

Rise and have no fear.

Jesus speaks.  Their teacher, friend, the one they have been walking with and listening to, that sweet and familiar voice calming their fears and bringing them back to earth from their incredible mountaintop experience.

Rise and have no fear.

These three men have had their eyes opened to the greater reality, to a deeper understanding of God's purpose in and through the life and mission of their Master.  Their scope of vision, their limited understanding had been abruptly altered; their minds must have been reeling!  Jesus' voice tells them that this is not a time to be fearful.  They must rise and be about the business at hand, fulfilling the divine mission.

Just like these three dear men, we occasionally need our understanding stretched, our eyes opened, our attention drawn toward heaven - toward God's purposes and plans for our lives.  We limit ourselves, we expect too little from God.   What does it take to shift our awareness, our expectations?  How can we become more willing to be surprised by God's holy purpose for our own lives?

Several times over the years of my Christian walk, I've prayed the words of Isaiah 6:  "Here I am!  Send me." I've prayed those words fearfully, sincerely and expectantly; they have not been prayed flippantly. Each time, I've had the sense of a holy encounter, a moment of choice - a choice to willingly and gladly submit to God's plans for my life, whatever they are and wherever he leads me.

Lately, I've been sensing a new direction emerging, a new path.  I have that feeling of a child on Christmas Eve holding a beautifully wrapped gift that is not yet ready to be opened.  I might shake it, look at it and wonder, but nothing gives away the surprise inside.  As an adult, I have worries  and what if's that go along with my curiosity: What changes will be required once I know what's inside my gift?  As I wonder what my future may hold, I hear the voice of Jesus saying, "Rise and have no fear."  I must keep on walking the path he has laid before me - on his path, following his leading and walking alongside the one who promises never to leave me or forsake me.

Following the examples of Peter, James and John, I trust Jesus to explain what I don't yet understand and to show me the way. I believe these men were learning to expect the unexpected! I can't wait to open my "gift" and see what's inside!