Easter JOY to you!

HE IS RISEN!

Lenten reading the last for this season, # 40: Sat, Apr 7: Go. Tell!

GO, TELL!

Mt.28: 6-8.

The angel followed his words of reassurance with a simple command. “Go quickly, and tell...” he said. Note the instant, unquestioning obedience. No whining about just needing a few, self-gratifying minutes to savor the moment. No debating about telling the priests or the Pharisees or the reporter from the Jerusalem Gazette. Not a bit of dithering, just simple obedience.

Let's think about our obedience to the Lord's commands: how often do we dither, question, second-guess or rationalize? How often do you, do I, boldly and simply obey?

How are we doing in the “go and tell the good news” department? Are we just expecting people to guess what we're thinking? Are we awaiting some magical “ideal moment”?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being less-than-perfectly obedient in telling others about You. Give me courage to back my convictions; give me deep and overflowing joy in my salvation which should naturally bubble up in my heart and leap to my lips. Thank You for loving me in spite of my less-than-stellar obedience. Amen.

Lenten rdg #39, for Fri, Apr. 6: SEEKING.

SEEKING

Mt.28: 5.

Coming to visit the tomb with every expectation that Jesus was dead, the women were astounded to be greeted by an angel. “I know that you still seek Jesus, who was crucified,” the angel said.

And there is the nub of today's lesson: these ladies were still seeking, although their every human hope had died in front of them yesterday on the Roman cross. Yet, they still came. They still sought. Where were the other disciples? Why didn't they come, too?

The lesson for us all is to come, seeking Jesus, even when we feel hopeless and helpless, just come. Just pray. Just seek. Come.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me when my emotions or situation gets the better of me and I despair. Remind me to come to You, seeking You and Your ways with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Amen.

Lenten rdg #38, for Thurs., Apr. 5: Suffering for Sin.

SUFFERING FOR SIN

Mt.27: 27-31.

Continuing with yesterday's theme, we remember that Jesus' suffering demonstrated how horrific, how loathsome is our sin—in God's eyes, it is intolerably abhorrent—thus, Jesus' mournful cry in verse 46, “Why am I forsaken?” When we sin, we separate ourselves from God, forsaking His commands and His fellowship.

Oh, that we might better understand some of the horror of sin, and thus better avoid every manner of even the most “trivial” (in our eyes!) wrong-doings.

Prayer: Lord, I am a poor, miserable sinner. I am worthy only through Your grace, Your love, and Your sacrificial atonement for me. Fix my eyes on You, that I might not sin against You. I will praise You for my wonderful and abundant salvation! Thank You! Amen.

Lenten rdg # 37, for Wed., Apr. 4: WEEPING.

WEEPING

Mt.26: 75.

“...and Peter went out and wept bitterly.” At least Peter was capable of being overwhelmed by his shame. Our culture has lost much of its sense of shame, of remorse, of sorrow over sin. We explain and excuse rather than ask for pardon and to promise to change our ways.

Does this verse resonate with the Church of the 21^st century? Are we (often? ever?) brought to tears, weeping over our sinfulness? Do we come to Our loving Father with an awareness of how much He hates sin?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a better understanding of my sinfulness. Guard me from evil. Praise You for abundant forgiveness. Cleanse me anew, and change my ways. Amen.

Lenten Rdg # 36, for Tues., Apr. 3: ASLEEP.

ASLEEP

Mt.26: 40-46.

Jesus asked his friends to watch and pray with Him. After agonizing in prayer privately, He returned for some encouragement and found his “faithful” ones sound asleep. Second and third times, ditto. Asleep.

While we sigh and shake our heads at the disciples' lack of zeal, let's be honest and ask ourselves, how is my zeal for the Lord? Do I set aside time for deep, searching prayer? Do I make time to study God's word, then meditate on it, that the Spirit may gain some leverage and effect change in me? Is my “devotional life” one of dry duty or of passionate pursuit?

Isn't it interesting to see just how much Jesus was expecting of His disciples? And how badly He wants to hear you prayers and mine? He's waiting—are we awake?

Prayer: Lord, I know that every moment of day cannot be a spiritual high...but I know that my passion for You and Your ways isn't very strong many days of the week (Month? Year?) Forgive me and lead me into deeper devotion to You. Amen.

Lent, rdg #35, for Mon., Apr. 2...GIVING.

GIVING

Mt.25: 34-40.

Jesus calls us to be compassionate, generous givers. He expects us to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves; that's right, the orphan, the aged, the very poor, those who lack resources to make a go of it in mainstream America (or Africa, or Asia, etc.)

“When you take care of them, you are taking care of Me,” Jesus says. That gives me the impression that Jesus thinks taking care of the down-and-out, the poor, the powerless, is important!

So, should you give a couple of bucks to the next homeless person you see? Should you give more money to the Red Cross or other relief agencies? Is that what Jesus means? Or, is He addressing first of all our attitude, how we tend to look down our noses at the poor, holding them in lower esteem? I suspect that an attitude adjustment is the first order of business. After that, don't just give money...buy 'em a burger or a milkshake. See if they need something other than food. Certainly, offer words of encouragement. And, remember, the Lord made these brothers and sisters, too, and it's your job and mine to love them without prejudice. (Easily said...not easy to do--may the Spirit imbue with the oomph to do, as shy people do, what needs to be done!)

Prayer: Lord, give me a love for the unlovely, the hard to love. I confess that my heart is not pristine-clean—cleanse me of my biases and help me, I pray. Teach me how to show love to every last person that You bring into my life. Amen.

Lenten rdg # 34, for Sat., Mar. 31: WATCH!

WATCH

Mt. 24: 42

“Watch!” Jesus commanded. Stay alert, don't get too comfortable.

Some people will interpret this Bible passage in light of the timing of Jesus' return—fine, but let's skip over that for today, and focus on the command. Jesus wouldn't have uttered this sentence if we weren't at major risk for being less than watchful. He knew that we would find ourselves right where we are today: watching television, reading text-messages, and spending vastly more time on our physical health than we do on our spiritual well-being!

“Watch!” Jesus commands. Keep working on your spiritual perceptiveness. Watch out that you don't get overly focused on life in the here and now, and forget about life in the hereafter!

“Watch My example,” Jesus would tell us. “Read about My life and My teachings. Pray for spiritual wisdom. Pray for spiritual fruit through the power of My Spirit. Stay awake, for, as my beloved James warned you, '...the devil is ravenous lion, prowling, seeking whom he may devour.' Watch!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know I'm often focused on things that are not eternal. Forgive me, and lift my eyes up to see Your values, to see this world from Your perspective. Let my words and deeds be pleasing to You in the light of eternity! Amen.

Fri., Mar. 30, Lenten rdg. # 33: A GREAT SERVANT.

A GREAT SERVANT

Mt.23: 11.

Jesus teaches his disciples (and, if you haven't figured it out yet—YES, that means you and me!) to strive to be best at serving others. That didn't play well in the first century, nor does it hold a lot of appeal in the twenty-first! Nevertheless, that's what He said, and He still means it today: the body of Christ, the Church of Jesus, is supposed to be renowned for her service. Service to friends and family and neighbors, naturally. That's easy. Also, servants of those who are less eager to be served, those who look at Christians with, at best, a healthy dose of skepticism, and, at worst, with an outright sneer. There we are, back to showing partiality...but Jesus leaves no room for that, He simply tells us to strive, to struggle, to fight against our human ambitions and to be filled with His Spirit, that we may show the whole world exactly what is that servant-nature that Jesus demonstrated so well for us.

Prayer: Oh, Lord, this is a tough one. I have ambition and pride: forgive my misdirected striving for my own good and comfort and glory. Refocus my striving onto pleasing You, on being a servant to all. For Your sake, amen.

Rdg 32, for Thurs., Mar. 29...LOVE WITH ALL YOUR HEART

LOVE WITH ALL YOUR HEART

Mt.22: 36-40.

I love reading the Psalms. As King David leads us in worship, he often speaks of blessing the Lord at all times, or of worshiping with all his heart. Jesus picks up that theme, originally found in Deuteronomy 6: 5, and today He is asking us, “Do you love Me with all your heart? All your mind? All your strength? Or, do other things elbow in between us? Does your love of sports, or of politics, or of voicing your opinion, or of chocolate or coffee or beer, or looking nice, or of being comfortable...how many of those things would finish first in a footrace against your love for Me?"

What would it mean if you, your family, and the people you sat next to in church—what would it mean if you all loved the Lord with ALL your heart and strength and mind and soul and courage? How would that love overflow onto your friends and other family, your neighbors and co-workers and classmates? Stop and think this over for a minute!

Prayer: Lord, I confess, I have not loved you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength; I need Your forgiveness and Your help. Fill me up once more with the power of Your Spirit, that I might love You (and my neighbor) wholeheartedly! Amen.

INVITE THEM ALL: Lenten rdg # 31, for WED., Mar. 28.

INVITE THEM ALL

Mt.22: 1-9.

Jesus' parable about the wedding feast challenges us, in verse 9, to invite anyone and everyone to the party. I suspect that we too often make the mistake commented on by James (2: 1-4), being choosy about just whom we invite. As if the Lord needed us to protect His reputation! No, Jesus asserts—go out into the highways and byways, into the fields and hedges—go and invite the poor and the homeless and the smelly and the sick and the lame and the disturbed. Don't fret, I'll sort them out at the end, just go and do the job the Father and I have given you—go and invite everyone to come fellowship with Us!

Prayer: Lord, I confess, I do show partiality. Why on earth should I feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about You or to invite people to come and meet You? Sorry, Lord. Forgive, cleanse, and redirect me, I pray. Amen.

Lenten reading #30, for March 27: NEEDS!

NEEDS

Mt.21: 1-3.

“Tell them, 'The Lord has need of it.'” It isn't very often that we think of the Lord having needs. How could the Lord really need anything? we ask. Certainly, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe has no true needs, or does He? True, in one sense, for He is all-sufficient. Yet, He chooses to act through human instruments. Did the Lord really need Moses to bring forth water from the rocks, or Elijah's cry to send down fire from heaven? Yes, He truly needed them, for He has chosen to use willing men and women rather than to impose His will from on high.

The Lord needs you. He needs me. Even though our efforts appear puny, the only hand of God you are likely to see at work is at the end of some fellow human's wrist...probably, your very own...your very own hand, your voice, and your wallet. The Lord has need of you!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for underestimating the power of Your Spirit working through me. I want to be a useful tool in Your capable hand. Help me to obey, amen.

Lenten Rdg # 29, Mon., Mar. 26: Unfair!

UNFAIR

Mt.20: 1-16.

How many times a week (a day?) do you mutter to yourself, “That's just not fair!”? If you're like most of us, I'll bet you're not a stranger to this sentiment. Nor were the people of Jesus' times. He tells the story of the workers in the vineyard in order to explain that God is much more concerned about mercy and generosity than our human concept of fairness.

This passage challenges us to look beyond our demand for “fairness” and to see that the underlying problem is our own selfishness. Yes, God cares about justice, but for us to demand justice is often the voice of our selfish pride.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the generous nature of Your forgiveness. Purge from me the root of selfishness, bitterness, and pride that makes me envious of the good that happens to other folks. You are the all-knowing and all-loving One, and You are my Savior and Lord. Halleluia, amen.

#28, Lenten reading: LEAVING. (Sat., Mar. 24)

LEAVING.

 

Mt.19: 5, 27-29.

Now, here's simple principle that applies to Scripture, and to life in general: If it's repeated, it's probably important! Twice in this chapter, Jesus talks to his disciples about leaving behind something that needs to be left behind. Perhaps you've seen marriages where the couple is having a hard time being a couple... because they've not gained sufficient emotional distance from a family of origin? Not pretty. Or, someone who has “never grown up, they're just an old adolescent.” Very not pretty.

How about the second facet, where Jesus makes it quite clear that following Him means we need to jettison some things, things we might be very attached to, whether belongings, habits, friends, or something that the Holy Spirit has repeatedly warned you about? Hmm?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me where I've not let go of things in my past or present. Show me just what I need to move away from, as I want to move closer to You! Help me by the powerful presence of Your Spirit. Amen.

Lenten rdg 27, for Fri., Mar. 23: A LITTLE CHILD

A LITTLE CHILD

 

Mt.18: 1-3.

In today's passage, our Lord warns us that our natural ambitions are self-serving. Our goal, He says, is to become child-like. A bit different, isn't it? Is there any other motivational speaker out there telling us to become more child-like?

What does Jesus mean, “...be converted and become as this little child...”? Think about this, pray about this. Is it a message about the simplicity of our faith? Is this a challenge to become so fascinated and head-over-heels in love with Jesus that we forget about our self-image? Is it possible for one to lose oneself in Jesus? Is this something symbolic or is this a bold, literal challenge?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I need the help of Your Spirit to better understand these verses. Show me how You would have me be more simple, straight-forward, and trusting...while not turning my back on the wisdom that you promise me. Show me what I need to lay aside, that I may better serve You. Amen.

Reading # 26, Thurs., Mar. 22: WHY NOT?

WHY NOT?

Mt.17: 15-21.

A man came to Jesus, begging mercy for his demon-possessed son whom the disciples couldn't help. Jesus cured the boy, and reminded His disciples that only prayer and fasting was adequate in this case.

What was the problem with the disciples? Now, this is just an inference I'm drawing, but it seems to me that they had taken a shortcut somewhere along the way. I think they'd gotten a little self-assured and hadn't prayed and certainly hadn't fasted. What about you, what about me? Do we sometimes forge forward in our own strength? Get a little over-confident in our own skills? When was the last time we agonized in prayer, not for a few minutes but for hours? When was the last time we fasted and prayed over a decision?

What about the dad, was he lacking in faith? Actually, I think he is a fine example to us of persistence in the face of failure, of faith that overcomes setbacks, of patience that pushes us be confident in never giving up.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being self-confident apart from You. Focus my prayers and my acts of service and worship, that I may be led by Your Spirit rather than led by my own “good ideas.” Teach me more about fasting, too. Amen.

Lenten rdg #25, Wed., Mar. 21: DENIAL IS NOT just a river in Egypt.

DENIAL

Mt.16: 24.

“If anyone desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” Jesus said. Not your average recruiting speech, is it?

Let's take this verse apart, starting with the very desire to follow Jesus. Feel like your desire to follow isn't as strong as it ought? Well, that's a reasonable thing to pray for: Lord Jesus, increase my desire to follow You. If necessary, ask the Lord to grant you a deeper awareness of your feeble desire to follow!

“Deny yourself,” Jesus continued. Again, a command that doesn't see much airtime in the modern media. Our culture mostly preaches self-indulgence: “Buy more, replace what you have with newer/bigger/faster...you shouldn't do without!” No, Jesus says, we need to take this Lenten season and deny ourselves something big enough to hurt, something that makes me think, “Hey, I'm missing ___, and, oh, that's right, it's supposed to remind me to spend more time in prayer!”

Now, having prayed for the desire to follow, and having rejected something of this world's passing pleasures, Jesus challenges us to take action: “Do what you know needs to be done, just do it, and come and follow My example. Come deeper into My presence, and be changed and renewed!”

Prayer: Lord, lead me, this is new and difficult terrain; help me to stay close to You, and grant me a deeper hunger and thirst for Your way of living and worshiping. Help me to see through Your eyes that which I need to leave behind. Forgive my stubborn ways, and lead me into Your life everlasting, I pray. Amen.

Lenten reading #24: Tues., Mar. 20...THEOLOGY THAT MATTERS.

THEOLOGY THAT MATTERS Mt. 16: 15-16.

“He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Let's stop and think for a moment about this very familiar passage—what are the implications of Peter's statement?

--Yes, that's right, Peter recognizes that Jesus is more than a prophet, He is more than a good man...in fact, Peter is gutsy enough to say out loud what the faithful Jew has been seeking for centuries, that Messiah has come!

--Peter affirms Jesus' divinity.

--That's all nice, it's fine theology. But, does theology by itself change lives? Is it enough to just utter a proper doctrinal statement? Jesus goes on to say, in verse 17, that Peter's understanding is based not merely on human understanding, but on divine revelation.

--Ahh, now we're getting to the gist of the matter: Peter believes, therefore he sees. Peter has a personal relationship with God, therefore Peter's mind is opened to understand.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to truly perceive and integrate Your truths into my life. Forgive my unbelief, and lead me closer to Yourself. In turn, may my life better demonstrate Your truths to all those around me. Amen.

Lenten rdg #23, Mon., Mar. 19: COMPASSION

COMPASSION

Mt. 15: 29-34.

Jesus had been teaching, healing, and worshiping with a large, needy crowd. Despite the clamoring for His attention, He knew that there was a real and basic need that loomed large: the people were hungry and there were no available options nearby.

How delightful that our Lord had compassion over such a simple but real need: hunger. How is your compassion these days? Are you moved by the plight of those in Haiti? Those who are desperate to survive the drought in Africa? The homeless and hungry here in our country? The widow down the street? The kid who needs a friend?

Let's pause and ask the Lord to move our hearts with His compassion.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the epitome of compassion, giving Your life in order to redeem me. Praise You, thank You! Now, Lord, forgive my cold-heartedness and show me where You would have me make a compassionate response to those who are less fortunate. I want to be more like You; help me, I pray. Amen.

Sat., Mar. 17, Lenten rdg #22: PRAYER.

Mt. 14: 23.

PRAYER

Jesus went out on the mountain to pray. This wasn't object-lesson time, or “teaching My disciples to pray, volume 3.” This was an essential—Jesus needed to pray.

This is a bit alien-sounding to my ears—I think of needing to eat...needing to sleep...needing to stay hydrated...sure, these are vital needs, but needing to pray falls into a different category for me. Sadly, I'm thinking that this reveals my dim perception of Jesus' intentions for me. I think He wants me to regard a day without prayer as just as threatening to my health and well-being as would be inadequate food and water and sleep.

Prayer: Open my eyes, Lord, for I am surely blinded by sin—I fail to understand the importance of prayer in my life. Forgive me, and give me a hungering, a thirsting for prayer, prayer that is soul-sustaining and life-enhancing. Amen.

Fri., Mar. 16,n Lenten reading #21: SOLITUDE

Mt. 14: 13.

SOLITUDE

“Hearing of cousin John the Baptizer's death, Jesus departed to a deserted place by himself,” Matthew tells us. Jesus didn't gloss over John's death with a carefree, “Oh, we'll soon be together again in Heaven.” No, Jesus mourned, and went away to pour His heart out to His Father.

Solitude (and silence) are uncommon commodities in our hectic, twenty-first century world. However, it wouldn't be a bad idea to follow Jesus' example, seeking out a solitary, quiet spot where we can weep, mourn, pray, and then allow the Spirit to minister to us.

Can you make a time and a place for a half hour or longer, time enough to quiet your heart and mind, time enough to engage in the joyful work of prayer and meditation? Jesus acted like He thought it a worthwhile investment.

Prayer: Oh, Lord, it's so easy to stay busy, and often staying busy with less-than-important things. Lift up my eyes to better understand my need to focus on spiritual maturity in my life. Forgive my follies and distractability, and realign my priorities with Yours. Give me a yearning for solitude, that I may better hear Your Spirit's still small voice. Amen.

Lenten reading for Thurs., Mar. 15.: SOWING

Thurs., Mar. 15.

SOWING

Mt 12

In this chapter, Jesus tells that very familiar (to us!) parable of the sower. The disciples didn't grasp the power of this simple agricultural picture. Over-thinking, they tried too hard; Jesus' points are rather simple. 1) Are you sowing? 2) What are you sowing? 3) Are you fretting too much over where the seeds may fall? 4) Since you're certainly not the Lord of the harvest, why are you worrying about bringing the crop into the barn?

How good are you at sowing? Do you scatter the seeds of the Gospel far and wide? Do you trust the Spirit to water and feed seeds that may sprout in unexpected places? Do other priorities keep intruding, keeping you from being an avid, generous sower? Have you rehearsed what to say, in order to comfortably tell others how God is changing you, helping you, blessing you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my poor prioritization. Forgive my reluctance and/or embarrassment at sowing Your seeds. Help me to follow Your example of sowing abundantly. And, help me to fertilize those seeds of faith with persistent prayer. Amen.

Lenten rdg for Wed, 3/14......GET THE YOKE?

Wed., Mar 14

Mt. 11: 28-30.

GET THE YOKE?

“Come unto Me, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Oxen pull heavy loads, as do other beasts of burden, harnessed or yoked or roped. Now, does anyone want to sign up for that? What's the appeal here?

Again, Jesus took a part of everyday life and turned it into an object lesson. In the first century, carrying heavy things was a part of life, everyday life, lugging water, firewood, or what-have-you. We use automobiles, wheelbarrows with pneumatic tires, shopping carts, garden tractors, so we don't quite resonate with this picture from 2000 years ago.

But, Jesus was also referring to any other burden: emotions. Finances. A dead-end job. A family that could appear in a soap opera. These burdens are as tough on us as carrying the day's water supply...or, maybe even heavier. “Give them to Me,” Jesus commands. “Now, follow My ways and do My work...and I'll be right there beside you, pulling with you in the same harness!”

Prayer: Lord, praise You and thank You for taking the brunt of my burdens. It's hard to believe that You want to pull right alongside of me—help me to better understand this and to change my life accordingly. Amen.

Lenten rdg #18, TUES: WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Tues., Mar 13

Mt. 10: 37, 38.

WHO DO YOU LOVE?

“You shall not love father or mother greater than your love for Me,” Jesus said. Now, let's set this in its biblical perspective: God created Adam and Eve...the family as the root of society was His idea! “Honor your father and mother...” is commanded, right?

Realize that Jesus is using powerful language here, a word picture that is intended to grab our attention. Even folks with much-less-than-ideal childhoods seem to reflexively retain some measure of appreciation for their parents, right? But, Jesus would say, I don't care if you had the best parents in the world—if your relationship with them elbows Me out of first place, you need to reexamine your commitment to Me and My ways and My kingdom! I've got to be First and Foremost!

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand and apply today's hard lesson. Show me where my priorities are off. Show me how to make You First in my life. Forgive my lack of focusing sufficiently on You, and lead me deeper into right and life-changing relationship with You. Help me to love You more than life itself! Amen.

for: Mon., Mar. 12, Lenten reading 17: No Free Lunch?

Mt. 10: 8.

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, NOW FREELY GIVE.

“Shackled by debts? Get free of them...”

The colonists along the Eastern seaboard wanted freedom.

“Free! To the first twenty who respond!”

Free. A word that is readily tossed about, but how many times have we all been told, “Ya don't get sumthin' for nuttin'!”

Free. Jesus' gifts are truly free. How can we say there's any strings attached when we've been given the gift of salvation and life eternal with the Giver of that free gift? Wait just a minute, Jesus continues, there is a string attached: you need to respond to My gift with equal generosity, for My gifts are made to share, and there's enough for everybody!

Have you been given a spirit that is always upbeat? Share it, by encouraging others.

Been given financial security? Share it.

Been given peace? Bring others under that banner of peace.

“Freely, freely, I have given to you,” says our Lord. Can we respond in any other way than by giving freely? Paul used the Greek word, hilarios, which has been unfortunately translated as, “...for God loves a cheerful giver.” Better translated, “...for God loves us to give freely, without inhibitions!”

Prayer: Lord, I confess, I am not as responsive to Your generosity as I ought. Forgive me and redirect me thoughts and behaviors. Let me be a one who freely and joyfully gives of my time, talents, gifts, and resources. Amen.

Sat., Mar. 10, Lenten rdg # 16: I'm not that fast...

Mt. 9: 15.

FASTING

There is a time for fasting and there is a time for feasting, Jesus teaches. The time for feasting during the Lent season is every Sunday as we unite in celebrating Christ's death and resurrection. The time for fasting would be the other six days per week.

If you've been an adherent to that tradition, “I'm giving up ____ for Lent,” well, let's realize that's only a tradition. There's no law that you can't change your mind and give up something different today, this week, the remainder of Lent, or the rest of this year! Do you wonder, is there something else from which you ought to fast? If that thought resonates with you, pray about it—it may very well be the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Listen and obey.

By the way, notice that the subject of fasting is often on Our Lord's mind? Like our parents, when He repeats Himself, it just might bear listening!

Prayer: Lord, I'm struggling with my self-imposed discipline (or, frankly, the lack thereof). Help me, please. I know what I need to do. Forgive my self-indulgence, my selfishness. Guide me and empower me by Your Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Fri., Mar. 9, Lenten rdg # 15: Follow Me.

Mt. 9: 9.

FOLLOW ME

I usually think of the calling of the disciples as a warm and friendly invitation, akin to someone inviting you over for a meal. “Sure, my calendar is clear. Great!”

However, the disciples were called away from their daily routine and job and affections. They became wanderers—no roots, no obvious income, and either looking a bit starry-eyed or sounding quite out of contact with reality.

The surprising thing to me is that each one of the twelve answered Jesus' call. Oh, it may have been the warmest and most intriguing offer they'd ever heard, sure; nevertheless, they all said yes, left everything, and followed Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the notion of being Your follower doesn't sound terribly demanding, but having to jettison a heap of baggage that I consider important and a part of me—not so easy-sounding. Help me to turn my back on that which hinders, and show me what I need to truly toss out of my life. Thank You for loving and calling me! Amen.

Thurs., Mar. 8, Lenten rdg #14: Unworthy.

Mt. 8: 8.

UNWORTHY

The centurion said to Jesus, “I am unworthy.” What stunning honesty—this is a man who truly understood the grandeur of God and the puniness of humankind. Yet, God Almighty, in the form of Jesus, deigned to not only converse with this Roman, but to grant his request.

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is also our Brother and Friend—He is perfectly content to meet you and me, on our level, and to listen to our worries, our requests, and our intercessions. Sure, He knows our every need, but He wants to hear it from our lips.

Do we bring to our worship a false humility, or a real understanding of our lowly-yet-uplifted status? Do we get a bit too familiar with the Lord? Or, are we a bit too fearful and keep an unnecessary distance?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me, for humbling Yourself to die for me, for saving me and inviting me to be a part of Your eternal kingdom. I will praise You every day for you precious gifts to me. Help me to better understand how much You want to hear from me, and how you delight in answering my heartfelt pleas. Amen.

Wed., Mar. 7...Lenten rdg # 13: Judge not...or...not?

Mt. 7: 1, 15-20. JUDGMENT

In verse one of this chapter, the Lord warns us to not be judgmental—we've probably all heard this admonition more than once. Isn't it interesting that a few verses later, we're warned to exercise wise judgment? “You will know them by their fruits,” Jesus tells us. What's the deal?

First, we humans tend to be judgmental, by leaping to conclusions, or simply demeaning others because our own feeble ego needs a boost. We make assumptions, we condemn, we point out others' faults—all ways of saying, “I'm not so bad, am I?” Obviously, this is sinful behavior.

Secondly, the Lord gave us eyes to see and ears to hear, a mind to analyze and understand—of course we should exercise wise judgment! Just, don't use these faculties in order to put down people—use God's gifts to understand people and their actions, and then to prayerfully make a loving response. That's the proper use of judgment.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being critical and judgmental. Let me use Your gifts of discernment for good and not for harm, that I may lift up others and point them in Your direction. Amen.

Tues 3/6/12 Lenten rdg: ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

Tues., Mar. 6

Mt. 7: 7, 8.

According to some experts, this Bible verse might be better interpreted as follows: “Keep on continually asking, continually seeking, continually knocking.” The Greek verb tense doesn't allow us to wriggle off the hook; no, we are to keep coming back, asking and seeking and knocking...and never, ever giving up. “Persistent” is to be our nickname.

This teaching implies that we're aware of our incompleteness, our shortcomings—we are woefully inadequate without a new and bigger dose of the Holy Spirit every day. We fall short every day, and need to humbly come to Jesus and beg for help, for wisdom, for direction. “Help me, direct me, open doors for me, please!” should be our daily prayer, mouthed with a fresh sense of urgency that is new and refocused every day.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it's easy to just mouth these words. Help me to indeed mean them as I daily acknowledge my desperate need for You to be a bigger presence in my life. Bless me with a hunger and thirst for You, Your word, Your people, and Your kingdom. Amen.

FASTING...Lenten message # 11, for MONDAY, 3/5/12

Mon., Mar. 5

Mt. 6: 16-33.

FASTING

Again, Jesus makes an assumption, “...and when you fast.” Jesus expected fasting to be a part of His disciples' routine. Do you think He expects us to fast? To fast routinely? Is this a question you've recently (if ever) asked yourself?

Remember, fasting isn't something to be done as a way to curry favor with the Lord. Fasting isn't going to “earn you points with the Big Man.” Au contraire, fasting is a way for us to change in order to better love, obey, and worship that “Big Man” (I really don't care for this terminology, but lots of people seem okay with saying this than “The Lord...” Guess it makes me wonder, is He really the Lord over all my life? Or, just a comfy presence, kept on a low shelf where I can reach Him when I need? A cosmic Grandfather, whom I approach as a soft touch when I need something?)

Shall I fast from chocolate? Will that make me squirm and cry out to God? Should I fast from television or the computer or from texting or...? What will make me more aware of the time that I waste, not focused on eternity but on my little here-and-now?

Notice the context of this verse: Jesus mentions the lilies of the field, treasures in heaven, and seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (reading through verse 33). In brief, when we fast, this activity should lift our eyes up to contemplate God's awesome creation, His provision for us, and His priorities. Fasting should jounce us out of the ruts of our comfort zone, and intensify our focus on Jesus!

Prayer: Lord, You know what I need to fast from—show me and help me, I pray. I'm not looking for rote but for real, life-changing discipline in my life. Amen.

WHEN YOU PRAY...Lenten reading for Sat, 3/3/12

Sat., Mar. 3

Mt. 6: 5-13.

WHEN YOU PRAY

Jesus just assumes, “...and when you pray.” He doesn't even bother to command the disciples, but simply expects prayer to be as natural as breathing.

Hmm? How are you doing in this department? Is prayer forced, artificial, only occurring at certain set times or places or events? Or is prayer the natural upwelling of your heart, whether you're happy or sad, frustrated or fellowshipping, just waking up or just relaxing down in your easy chair? Do you often ask yourself that now-trivialized question, “What Would Jesus Do?” Let's hope that question is a reality in our lives, a question that indeed drives us to pray, asking the Lord, “Well, what would You do? What should I do?”

Prayer: Lord, I confess, I may go through many hours of the day without wondering about Your take on my behavior, my choices, my thoughts and words. Forgive me for focusing on the here and now rather than the You and the forever! Lord, teach me to pray! Amen.

Lenten Rdg #9: All the truth and nothing but the truth...

Fri., Mar. 2

Mt. 5: 33-37.

TRUTH

Isn't it human nature to shade the truth a bit! Going as far back to Adam and Eve in the Garden, neither of them could just 'fess up and tell the Father, “Yes, I did it.”

Jesus' teaching today is simple, “Just tell the truth. Don't try to bob and weave, no! Be known as such a truth-teller that when you say 'yes' people aren't wondering if you really mean it.”

Jesus, like a superior court judge, has no tolerance for evasion, omission, or “partial truths.” Isn't it silly that we try to avoid telling the Lord the truth when He knows it all already?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I'm sorry that I try to tell You (and others) a softened version of the facts. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be one whose “yes” means yes and whose “no” means no. Help me to tell the truth with love and compassion. Amen.

Lenten rdg #8: (a four-letter word we don't say in church!)

Thurs., Mar. 1

 LUST

Mt. 5: 27.

This isn't a word we like to say out loud, let alone think about, but Jesus just trotted it right out into theh open! Then, He intensified the discomfort of His audience by pointing out that lusting is as sinful as actually doing the deed!

How about you and me? How are we doing in the lust department? What is it that our mind focuses on to excess? What, in other words, do we crave? Is it food—chocolate, or pie, or cookies, or simply eating “comfort foods”? Is it craving beer, wine, or liquor? Is is stuff—a new car or truck, a boat, clothes, shoes, boots, jewelry, tools? Or, do you long for ease and comfort? Or money?

Or, do you crave time in prayer, in fasting, and in worship? Do you crave to spend quality and quantity time with your loved ones? Crave to read the Bible? Hmmm?

Prayer: Lord, forgive my lusting after earthly things, human wants, or even “good” things that come between You and me. Teach me to better use my time, my talents, my gifts, and my desires, so that I may better glorify You! Give me a deep dissatisfaction with my status quo, and fill me with the desire to please You in all my waking moments! Amen.

P.S. Your comments are welcomed on any and all of these posts!

Lenten rdg #7: WHAT? ME, ANGRY?

Wed., Feb 29

Mt. 5: 21-26. ANGER

“Murder? Of course not, I would never—but, Lord, I was only angry!”

Jesus tells us that our sinful attitudes are every bit as evil as performing a sinful deed. This isn't merely hard to bear, it's impossible. I've struggled with anger and hatred about terrorists...oh, and dictators...yes, and ruthless institutional forces...and...I'll bet a few things have already come to mind that inflame you to anger, too. (We don't like to use the word “hatred,” it sounds too, well, sinful, doesn't it?)

Prayer: Lord, it sounds like I have a problem with anger. And with control. And with trusting You. I confess, I cannot live a righteous life, no matter what I try. Forgive me, cleanse me yet again, and buoy me up with Your Spirit. Amen.

Lenten rdg #6: Tues....LET IT SHINE

Tues., Feb. 28

Mt. 5: 16. LET IT SHINE

Did you ever stop to notice, this is a command? “Let your light shine...” is not just a cute song. It isn't just a pretty picture of a candle or a lighthouse on a greeting card. It isn't a sunshiny day. It is a command to stand out. Be different. Shine the light of God's love around you.

Happily, we've recently seen quite a demonstration of letting one's light shine, as we watched and heard all the media flap over Tim Tebow's faith. I'm taking the young man at his word: he is a believer, lover, and follower of Jesus. May we be as brave, trusting Our Lord to give us timely words as we stand up for our faith. It may take some setting aside of pride. In fact, the Lord may lead us out of our (oh-so-precious) comfort zone. So be it.

Prayer: Lord, let me not prize comfort...it's easier to just not be noticed...but that's not my calling. Forgive my selfishness, and nudge me forward at the right times, that I may shine Your light into my little corner of the world. Amen.

#5, for 2/27. SALT.

Mon., Feb. 27

SALT

Mt. 5: 14.

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink,” declares an old adage. Jesus would add, “But, you can feed him salt!”

That is our job in this world. We won't convert any soul to a saving belief in the Gospel. We cannot change anyone's errant ways. But...we can help them to develop a thirst for the Truth. How we treat others, how we speak, and how we explain ourselves—all are ways that we add salt to life.

“I'm doing this in response to Jesus' gifts to me,” or, “I'm happy to share with you what God has given me.” Grains of salt, not overwhelming, not spread too thickly, just lightly shaken. Let the salt do its work.

Need some help in feeling salty? Try Rebecca Manley-Pippert's book, OUT OF THE SALTSHAKER. Try praying for a different friend or family member or neighbor each day of the week. Don't put pressure on yourself to perform some act or speech, just pray the Lord's love into their life. And, pray that you'll be just the right dash of salt at just the right time.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my hope and my confidence. Open my eyes to see how those truths need to shine through my life, that I may be a salty influence on others. For the sake of Your kingdom, amen.

NOT JUST BREAD! (Lenten Reading #4)

4

Sat., Feb 25

Mt. 4: 4. NOT JUST BREAD

“Man shall not live by bread alone,” Jesus said, reminding us that there's more to life than the earthly, horizontal plane. To clarify, Jesus continued, telling us that the vertical plane of communication with God is vital, “...not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

Let's encourage one another to pursue prayer and study of God's word. Agree with a reliable friend or family member to check in with you, asking you how you're doing in feeding yourself spiritual food.

Going without some favorite food during Lent might be just the right reminder that “soul food” is more important than meat and potatoes! Let's eat!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for prayer, for Your truths. Help me to be a good example to those around me, and to speak the truth with love and encouragement. Amen.

Rdg #3: John the Baptist's Message.

Fri., Feb. 24

Mt. 3: 1-3. JOHN'S MESSAGE

John the Baptizer did not soften the hard edges of the truth—he preached a straight-forward message of repentance. Change your ways, he cried out. Rich or poor, temple leader or farm-hand, John brought them God's command to change. His message is not outdated—the call to repent from sin is as timely today as it was then.

What is the Spirit bringing to mind right now, from which you need to repent? Pause and pray for insight, and give the Lord permission to show you the painful truth. Let us confess, and determine to allow the Spirit to change us by His power, not by our self-determination (pretty much a losing battle when we do things ourselves, isn't it?)

Prayer: Lord, I confess my sin to You. Refresh me with Your Spirit, that I might not sin against You. Change my heart and mind and will, I pray. Amen.

FLEE! (Reading #2 for Lent)

Thurs., Feb. 23

Mt. 2: 13. FLEE!

Joseph was warned in a dream: run for your life! Now that we have the Gospels and Epistles, the need for angelic warnings isn't so common. Paul declares, “Flee from immorality” (I Cor. 6: 18). Paul later warns us, “...Flee youthful passions...” (2 Tim. 2: 22).

Where do we flee; what is our refuge? Not Egypt, no. Rather, the Timothy passage continues, “...pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

Notice, that the antidote to evil isn't running away from so much as it is running toward! What a positive mindset! Reminds me of the saying, If you aim at nothing, you'll succeed at nothing. Paul aims us at high goals, the goals for a lifetime pursuit.

Please notice that Paul not only offers us goals of righteousness, faith, love, and peace, but he continues “...along with those who call on the Lord...” That's right, this is a group project. As the author of Hebrews said, “Consider how to stir up one another to good works...” (Hebrews 10: 24). Yes, let us come together, pursuing right living, deep faith, godly love, and spiritual peace. May this Lenten time bring us together as a united body, looking to see Godly fruit coming to ripeness in one another, and encouraging one another with joy and gladness and praise!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for warning me to flee, and for giving such a great set of goals to run toward. Encourage me by Your Spirit, and, in turn, help me to be a good encourager of my brothers and sisters. Amen.

WHERE IS HE? (Lenten rdg #1, Ash Wednesday)

Wed., Feb. 22

Mt. 2: 2. WHERE IS HE?

Since Epiphany precedes the Lenten season, what could better bridge us into this time of examining our relationship with the Lord than revisiting the story of the Magi? These mysterious men appeared from nowhere, inquiring, “Where is He? We have traveled long and hard, that we might bring Him our worship.”

Many of us have traveled long and hard since last year's Lenten season. The year has brought hard times, perhaps perplexing times, times that may have raised your blood pressure and thwarted your worship. Like the Magi, may we focus on the long-term goal, of arriving to worship. Worship. Where the focus shifts away from human aches and pains, from oh-so-real wants and needs. Worship. When we lift our hearts and minds and souls (and maybe even our hands!) in worshiping our King and Savior, Jesus. We need to check our baggage at the doorway, acknowledge and confess that baggage, be cleansed, and come near to worship.

The Magi had many miles to ponder, many days to think about the King whom they came to worship. Let's join together with them and contemplate the life of our Lord this Lenten time, and arrive every day to a time of worship.

Prayer: Loving Lord Jesus, You alone are the object of my praise and my thanks. You are the King over all. Thank You for waiting for us to journey through the cities and deserts of life, waiting for us to arrive and ready ourselves for worship. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Attune our hearts to better pray and praise You this Lenten season. Amen.

Introduction to Lent, 2012

2012 Lenten Studies in Matthew

Intro:

These meditations arose from my latest read through the Gospel of Matthew. As I read, I looked for typical Lenten themes such as repentance and self-denial. Some passages surprised me, helping me to look at Lent from a different angle.

 

Meditate on each day's Bible passage and listen for what insights the Spirit may bring to your mind. Use my prayer word-for-word, as a model, or just free-lance!

It is my prayer that the power of the Risen Word will be seen and felt as we read His Word.

Lenten rdg # 37, for Wed., Apr. 4: WEEPING.

WEEPING

Mt.26: 75.

“...and Peter went out and wept bitterly.” At least Peter was capable of being overwhelmed by his shame. Our culture has lost much of its sense of shame, of remorse, of sorrow over sin. We explain and excuse rather than ask for pardon and to promise to change our ways.

Does this verse resonate with the Church of the 21^st century? Are we (often? ever?) brought to tears, weeping over our sinfulness? Do we come to Our loving Father with an awareness of how much He hates sin?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a better understanding of my sinfulness. Guard me from evil. Praise You for abundant forgiveness. Cleanse me anew, and change my ways. Amen.