Lent – Page 9 – Pot of Manna

Pure In Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)

So not only do we have to seek him with all our heart…but our heart must be pure.

Have noticed we spend a lot of time trying to distinguish between heart issues and mind matters? We verbalize the struggle by saying things like, “My heart’s telling me to do one thing and my head’s saying something completely different. It’s like we’re a raging battle field.

The crowd that originally received Jesus’ message wouldn’t have had as great a struggle. They understood the “heart” to be the central to who they were–it encompassed everything.

Fortunately, the purity Jesus speaks of is not one of complete perfection, but of focus. Soren Kerkegaard sums it up pretty well for me:

It is the heart, the person who has chosen to focus in, who will SEE God and as a result, they will be blessed.

And this “blessed,” this is more than happy. It’s not a reward. It’s about grace.

There is no other thing that will satisfy. I am willing to set everything else aside. I want God more than anything. And he honors that desire by revealing himself to me. To you. To us.

Yeah, I’d say that’s a blessing for sure.

PRAYER: God, I see a lot of things in my day. But I want to see you. Purify my heart. Help me to find that singleness of purpose, will, and life. I admit sometimes I seek the blessing without the focus. Forgive me and purify my motives as you purify my heart. Amen

http://http://youtu.be/0IvXA0yRDwY

Brought Near

¹⁷He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. ¹⁸Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. (Ephesians 2:17-18)

If you’ve got a few spare minutes now, or later, I would strongly suggest you read (or reread) the entire chapter where our text comes from today.

Yesterday, I alluded to this concept of being near. Paul speaks about how God is near to us, so near that we could reach out and touch him. In fact, that is God’s desire.

In chapter 2 of Ephesians, Paul is speaking to two groups of people who didn’t like each, and didn’t know how to get along. There were the Jews who thought they had a corner on relationship with God, and the Gentiles (everybody who wasn’t Jewish) who were coming to know this God who gave his life for them in Jesus.

They got grace and mercy and were taking to new life like kittens. The Jews said, “Nuh-uh.” And Paul said, “Yeah, huh.” And we continue to struggle to this day.

Several years ago, Bette Midler sang the song, “From A Distance.” With all respect to Ms. Midler, I hated the song. She sang it well–it wasn’t the artistry. It was the way it made me feel: like God was off in the distance occasionally glancing my way. Nothing could be further from the truth.

God is near enough to be found, even touched. He wanted that so much he created the bridge to make it possible.

Our prayer this morning is a song.

http://http://youtu.be/B2q5SrprcvY

Where Do You find God?

²⁶From one man^[^f^] He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. ²⁷He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ²⁸For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring. (Acts 17:26-28)

This sermon of Paul’s is one of my favorite passages. As I was preparing this series and meditating on it once again, I was reminded of David’s words in Psalm 139:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
²You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from far away.
³You search out my path and my lying down,
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴Even before a word is on my tongue,
    O Lord, you know it completely.
⁵You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is so high that I cannot attain it.

I used to struggle with the whole ‘hemmed in’ part of this text. When I was little my parents put a fence around our swingset and that was where we were allowed to play. We had a large yard where we could have played, and we could see other children running freely from yard to yard. I spent hours on my swing longing for that kind of freedom.

As I grew I had a nagging sense of dissatisfaction and feeling that there must be more–like the best things were being withheld from me. What I didn’t see as a child, or even later as an adult, was that this “hemming in” was for my protection. My parents wanted to keep me away from the busy streets that ran along side and in front of our house. They did it out of love, not some maniacal desire to make my life miserable.

God works the same way.

And when I learn to live contently within those safe boundaries, I’m also able to see God more clearly. When I reach out, I can find him because he’s near and wants to be found.

Have you felt like God is keeping you from something? Do you look at the world with envy, like I did the other kids outside my fenced in yard? If so, here’s your challenge for today. Instead of complaining, thank him for the protection he’s provided. You may never know what disasters or disastrous choices he may have saved you from.

He is here. He is near. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow.

PRAYER: O God, our Protector. Thank you for the way you ‘hem us in.’ You hold us and withhold the things that would cause us harm. Your Word tells us you do not withhold any good thing. Forgive us our pouty ways and grow greater trust in our hearts. Amen

Whole Hearted

¹³You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

This concept of “wholeheartedness” is central to finding God. There are numerous examples and admonishments to total love. Everyday the people of God recited the Shema, which contains the command to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When the pharisee asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, Jesus referred back to this and added that we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Have you ever tried to do something “half-hearted”? Let me ask the “Dr. Phil question”: How’s that working for you? My mother always seemed to catch me in the midst of a half-hearted effort. She would admonish me then with, “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

As I reflect back on this half-heartedness, I think the problem laid in my allowing something to distract me from giving the task my full attention. It wasn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it was my music–I could do some serious jamming in my day…but I digress.

I like to reduce things down to their simplest form. So for today, let’s just consider one way to engage our whole heart on seeking God. Ready? Here’s your guide for the day:

Okay, perhaps I should have warned it wasn’t going to be an easy thing. It is however, the necessary thing Whatever it might be, if it keeps you from being able to seek God, to get closer to him, let it go! If it divides your heart and your loyalty, give it up. In the end, however good or satisfying it might be, if it doesn’t help you move towards God fully, it will separate you from him…and we don’t want to go there. Trust me on that!

PRAYER: Wholly holy, God. Forgive my half efforts and bless my efforts to pull the pieces in. Give me an undivided heart. Show me in plain and clear ways the things in my life that are keeping me from totally loving, serving, and living for you. Give me the courage and strength to give it up, walk away, or change, so that I can seek you with ALL my heart. Amen.

No Hide For Seek

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

Do you remember “Where’s Waldo?”

We spent many hours searching for Waldo and later Sammy (the Christian version…don’t ask me why).

I came across our verse for today early in my faith journey. I remember being at a church camp where our youth group was having a retreat. We had moved to town the summer between junior high and high school. I was experiencing a mountain of new things and firsts. This retreat was on that list.

The kids on this retreat were excited to learn about Jesus. They were plugged into serving. Their enthusiasm was electric and I wanted it!

On Saturday night, I stood out by the lake. I had grabbed a handful of Queen Anne’s Lace (a flowery weed), held it up to the sky and declared, “In 30 days I’m going to know who you are God.” Thirty days later I was kneeling at an invitation asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior in my life.

Here’s what I learned then, and keep on learning: God wants to be found.

Some people read the Isaiah verse and think it’s time sensitive, holding a limit to God wanting to be found. It’s like the warped old hymn that says, “He never has failed me YET”…as if he will.

God is not out there playing some cosmic game of hide and seek. He “hides” in plain view. He wants to be found. He might be “hard” to find because we don’t understand how to see him. The goal in this 40 days is get better at seeing him…finding him.

So, how many times have you seen him today?

PRAYER: Oh there you are. Thank you for wanting me to find you. Thank you for not hiding from me. Thank you for being so near. Today I would ask that you would continue to develop eyes that see you and a deeper desire to seek you all along the way. Amen.

Everybody’s Looking for You

³⁵Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there. ³⁶Simon and his companions went searching for Him. ³⁷They found Him and said, “Everyone’s looking for You!” (Mark 1:35-37)

Wouldn’t it be something if we could say that today? “Everybody’s looking for you, Jesus!”

They’re not. And let’s be honest…most days we’re not, either. But that is what this 40 day journey can do for us.

But where do we start?

Maybe we could start like Jesus did. Where was Jesus when they finally tracked him down?

The crowd hadn’t learned Jesus’ habit of early morning prayer. EMP. But Simon knew. He knew where to look to find Jesus.

I know not everyone is an early riser. I’m thankful I’m wired that way. But whether you have an internal early alarm clock or not, starting your day with prayer–however brief or rote or mechanaical–needs to become as natural as checking the gas gauge before you take off in the car.

It can be as simple as, “You and me, Jesus…let’s do this” to as flowery as the best bishop can speak. Just take a moment or two. Become aware of his presence and desire to be with you in every aspect of this day.

Not everybody was looking for Jesus then. They’re not now. I know I am. Will you? He’s the one out there praying.

PRAYER: Ahhhh, here you are Jesus. Thank you for showing us the best way to start our day. Thank you for demonstrating the importance, the wisdom, the joy, of starting our day connected not only to the Creator of this day, but the Guide, and the Helper. I don’t know what today holds, but I know I don’t want to face any of it without a clear sense of your presence. Let’s do this thing…together. Amen.

Welcome Aboard.

I think Lent comes at a very good time of the year.

Typically we start the year out with great resolve, high hopes, and a few plans for improving life. And we usually make it for a few days, maybe weeks…and then we peter out.

My spiritual word for this year is habits. I started out amazingly. I was exercising daily, eating well, and reading through my Bible. The only habit I have faithfully maintained is reading my Bible. Both my healthy eating and my exercise have been inconsistent at best for the last couple weeks.

What has made the difference with my reading?

I’m not doing it alone.

In my church we were challenged as a congregation to read through the Bible this year. But as nice as that challenge is, it hasn’t motivated me. It’s not personal enough.

The difference is I have an accountability partner. I have someone who not only asks, “So have you read your Bible today?” We also discuss some of the interesting, surprising, familiar, and favorite things we read.

My partner? My husband. It’s handy and it’s a blessing.

I have accountability partners for my writing, too.

Why? Do you want the long answer or the short one? You get the short one. When I’m not accountable, I can make all kinds of poor choices. When I am accountable I find I am more successful. And I want to succeed.

There are numerous examples and admonishments to be accountable in scripture.One for today as we think about this faith journey: Encourage one another and build up one another.(1 Thessalonians. 5:11)

It’s not that we can’t or won’t see Jesus on our own, but let’s look together.

There’s joy in the journey…together.

PRAYER MOMENT: God you are our leader and guide. Your Word tells us you go before and follow behind. You led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of fire and a cloud. A map or sign might be nice, but more than that we want to feel you beside us as we maneuver the hazards of life. Thank you for the encouragement we can receive from other travelers and help us to be encouragers as well. Create good habits in us this Lenten season as we seek to see you, know you, and find you daily. Amen.

Lenten Preview

It’s been a couple years since I wrote an entire devotional series for Lent. Lately, I have felt a gentle nudge to do so again.

As the nudge became a clearly undeniable push, I asked the Holy Mover what direction to take. I keep coming back to Resurrection morning and Mary’s encounter the unrecognizable Jesus. Jesus asks her, “Who are you looking for?” (John 20:15a)

In Advent I focus on being prepared, being ready for the coming of Jesus. Lent is a time for focus, but for me it is also about surrender, giving, and working to deepen my faith relationship. That fits so well with the question Jesus asked of Mary.

Who am I looking for?

How am I looking? Am I satisfied with a glance? A nod in God’s direction?

In Proverbs we read: without vision the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)

Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. (Ephesians 1:18)

We cannot see what we don’t look for.

This Lenten season I want a vision. I don’t want to mistake Jesus for a gardener. I want to see Jesus all the way.

Will you journey with me? We’ll start on Wednesday morning.

(Having difficulty adding pictures. I apologize for the initial absence of visual prompts…somehow seems ironically appropriate. Helps to read the instructions. Also a multi-level lesson learned. T)

Praying on the Journey

Bill Hybles wrote a book entitled, “Too Busy Not to Pray.” I own it. It looks like a good book. I haven’t read it. The title is convicting enough. I am without excuse when it comes to my prayer life.

My spiritual theme for this year has been “never leaving the temple.” I confess I haven’t been as conscious of it as I need to be. To be honest, I lost it in the month of February. How fitting it should return to my focus on Fat Tuesday, the day before my Lenten journey begins.

So my busyness and my laziness have dimmed my focus. The result has been a pathetic lull in my prayer life. I pray for each prayer request the hits my mailbox or Facebook feed—at least once.

Somehow I have to do better.

Many years ago, I gave a talk called “Shooting Down Our Excuses.” My topic was study and my aim was to address many of the excuses people (including me) throw up to keep us from moving deeper in our relationship with God. Some of those same excuses fit when we think about our prayer life.

Pastor Hybles is absolutely right we’re too busy not to pray, but how do we find time to pray?

I believe part of the problem has to do with our image the person who prays. We all have someone, either in our families or early church experience who lived the prayer warrior life. They spent hours praying…and seeing results. We consider our own lives and schedules and we feel we’ll never measure up.

We’re probably right, but a seemingly unattainable image isn’t enough reason not to pray.

Scripture tells us to “pray without ceasing.” I don’t think Paul meant we’re to be consciously praying one hundred per cent of the time. Centuries ago, Brother Lawrence described the wonder concept of practicing the presence. Our prayer should be as close to us as our breathing.

In each of our lives there are ample unnoticed opportunities which could encourage us to pray. I thought of a couple just this morning as I was getting ready for my day.

First, as I washed my face, I was aware of a feeling of tension and stress leaving as gently rubbed my cheeks and forehead. My mind was pulled into prayer as I asked Jesus to help me to release the things I was stressing over. Hmm, this could work. I started to wonder what other tasks I mindlessly went through that I could be using to prompt and improve my prayer life.

My next idea came to me as I started to brush my teeth. I got excited. I could use the time I spent brushing to pray, asking God to use my words to encourage, comfort, and teach. I could be praying the psalmist’s words, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight my God (Psalm 19:14, my paraphrase).”

It didn’t go quit like I thought. Recently, my husband purchased me a Spin toothbrush. It’s battery operated. I am pleased with how clean my teeth and gums feel after I use it and my dentist is happy too. This morning I wasn’t quite as focused as I should be and I forgot to turn it on when I began brushing my teeth.

There I was manually brushing away. It felt odd, sluggish, as I pushed the potentially powerful brush across my teeth. As the awareness of what I was doing dawned on me so did the spiritual implication. I had all the power necessary for a good cleaning right in my hand, but I wasn’t connected. And spiritually, I have all the power of God available to me. Each moment contains ample opportunity to connect.

Many years ago a dear friend of mine was going through a particularly difficult time in her marriage. She kept her Bible in her car and each time she was stopped at a long red light she would either use the time to stop and pray, or pick up her Bible to read a few verses. She found both of these things strengthened and comforted her and as a result she was able to stand firm in her faith.

I think we might be amazed at how much time there really is in a day to pray if we will just look for it.
I want to be better connected. I want a prayer life filled with joy, coming from focused intentionality, not from a place of ought and should. I’m going to use this Lenten season to accomplish this.

The inevitable question of Lent is, “What are you giving up?” It won’t be chocolate, pop, TV or the internet…not even Facebook. I’m giving up my laziness. I’m giving up “leaving the temple.”

These next forty days I’m going to be more mindful of times when I can connect with God and intentionally connecting with others.

How will you be using this season to grow in grace and knowledge?

Giving Anything Up For Lent?

I decided what I’m giving up for Lent.

Laziness and excuses. No seriously. I’ve held on tighter to these than chocolate, coffee, or soda pop. I have procrastinated and frittered away my time mindlessly surfing the internet or vegging in front of my TV long enough. So I intend to be more active, more intentional, and more focused

Now that doesn’t mean I intend to give up being still. On the contrary, I will be all the more diligent in making sure that I carve out my time in the Word and for intentional blocks of communication with God. I will continue to daily read/study in the following devotionals: The Daily Message, Designed for Devotion, and Sparkling Gems From the Greek. I will prepare for my Sunday School lesson a little bit each day, taking time to absorb more and cross reference material. I will take more time with material for Bible Study. I will seek God’s guidance for the speaking opportunities I have in April and diligently prepare for talks.

With regards to my writing: I intend to have three things ready to submit for BRMCWC contest (due by April 20). I will complete half of the devotions for “It’s About Time”. I will create the guidelines and format to be presented to the congregation for our Advent Devotional series. And I will publish at least once a week in both my blogs.
With regard to my health and fitness: I will do some form of exercise every day. I will return to the more structured eating plan we started last summer.

I haven’t strayed so far from any of these goals, but I have gotten terribly lazy. I find any and every excuse to not follow through. And not a one of them is truly legitimate. Not one.

And I will be accountable to you in all these matters. I believe accountability is absolutely necessary and far too easy to get out of in our current society. And oh, the irony of it! We are connected on every level, but lack the accountability to be better people. It’s a sad, sad thing.

I have long believed that most of the “sacrifices” made for Lent, are for show and fail to get to the heart of the matter—our heart and our relationship with God. Lent was designed and has continued through the ages to provide us with a ready-made opportunity to live more focused and intentionally. The very teachings of Jesus, how purposefully he was as he set his face to the cross should be our example.

So that’s how I plan to journey to the cross. Each time I try to turn to an excuse for doing what I know I need to do, I will confess, repent, and get back to the task. This journey is not for the faint of heart. I can’t be lazy…Jesus wasn’t. I’m following him.

How about you?

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: