Devotion – Page 2 – Pot of Manna

Focus!

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. (Hebrews 12:2-3, The Message)

So here we are, about to enter the final week of Lent. Now more than ever we need to see Jesus. We need to watch how he handles the hurdles and the hill.

Why? Because we are in the race of our lives and we have the best coach possible. He’s run this race. He’s faced unbelievable opposition and odds–and he received the greatest prize in the end.

Yesterday we considered what it meant to follow him, the surrender. So often we think of surrender as quitting. Not so. There’s no quit in this journey, this race. When we feel the weariest, we need to look to the author and perfecter, the initiator and finisher, the one who called us and goes with us, cheers all the way along, and will be waiting as we cross the finish line.

It’s going to get tougher. But don’t quit. Surrender to his coaching, cheering, and ability to get you all the through.

PRAYER: Whatever it takes, Lord Jesus, I want to finish this race. Strengthen me when I’m weary. Coach me when I falter. Help me hear your cheers and instructions above the noise of the world. I reaching for the prize and keeping my eyes on you. Amen.

Are You a Follower?

²³Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23, NIV)

When I was in college, I had one of those conversations with a friend that changed me forever. We picked it up several years later and the mark went even deeper. And it was centered on the verse today: what does it mean to take up my cross, to deny myself, and to follow Jesus.

So many people think the burdens or illnesses they have are their cross to bear. I don’t read it that way. Carrying our cross isn’t about putting up with the difficulties of life. Carrying our cross is following the example of total trust in and surrender to God.

If I’m going to follow Jesus I must do the two things he requires in this verse: take up my cross and do it daily.

Surrender. It’s not a pretty or popular word, but taking up my cross involves surrender, surrendering my self, my wants, my plans for God’s. It means choosing God as my guide and placing His plans and desires for me central to all I think and do.

And I have to do that daily. Not just when I’m feeling like it. Not just when I’m okay with where God is leading. Every day, Daily. When I can’t see where the path leads. When I’m afraid of where the journey may be going. Every day.

Because if I don’t follow I could miss out on God’s best for me. If I don’t follow, and follow closely, I could easily get lost. If I don’t follow I could put myself in danger–outside of God’s care we become particularly vulnerable to the evil in this world seeking to destroy and devour us.

Perhaps if we consider what we would gain instead of what we fear we might lose, we would find the wisdom in surrender and following.

²⁴For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. (Luke 9:24, NIV)

Which Way?

²¹From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third daybe raised to life.

²²Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

²³Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:21-23, NIV)

Poor Peter. He kept trying to tell Jesus how things should be. One would think after getting this kind of rebuke from Jesus, he might think twice before doing it again.

Perhaps before we wag our finger in judgment on Peter, we should check ourselves. I know there have been times in my own life when I haven’t liked the plan God has for me and I try to correct him. As if I would know better than God?

There are numerous reminders in the Bible that we just don’t think like God. When we realize this our tendency is to say something like, “God’s ways don’t make sense.”

So I guess we have a choice to make. I think I’m going to work to trust God. He made the universe. He made me…us. He has the big picture in view. Maybe instead of trying to tell him what to do, it would be wiser to believe he really does have our best interest in mind.

PRAYER: God, be God. I confess that’s not always my first choice. Forgive my short-sighted attempts at running my life. Help me not only to believe, but to live in to the truth that you have the big picture and what’s best for me in sight. Thanks and amen.

Feed Your Brain

Now for many, this will be a reminder. Perhaps even a challenge.

What are you feeding your brain?

Here’s what Paul suggests:

⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 2:8, NIV)

These are the keys to rewiring and transforming our brain. But here’s the catch: make sure you are using God’s definition of the word. Yesterday we considered the instruction to not be conformed to the world, its pattern and way of thinking. The worldly mindset includes all the things Paul listed, but they are self-focused not God-driven.

Take the time today to ponder the difference in this list as it applies to Godly living and how the world would twist it in on self.

PRAYER: God help us use your dictionary, your definitions, to define us and to shape our relationships with you and others in our lives. Amen.

Checking the Brain Wires

²Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2, NIV)

I did a goodsearch on “brain transformation” and learned about the interesting and extensive science dedicated to this concept: brainwaves and rebuilding after traumatic brain injury.

I followed that up with a goodsearch of “renewing your mind” and was taken to a multiplicity of sites focused on the biblical passages associated with changing thought patterns and attitudes.

The Message tells us: Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.

I like the Phillips translation: Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within.

So from this I glean the world wants to shape us, and wants that shape to be so natural we respond without even thinking. And what is our best defense against this?

The renewing of our mind. Letting God do the rewiring work. Work that is from the inside out.

One of the first things we need to allow God to show us is the lies we have believed. If we are to know the truth that sets us free, we have to identify the lies we have allowed to shape us.

Here’s the biggest problem with those lies: they sound like truth. Consider the lies the serpent told Eve. The serpent twisted what God had told Adam just enough to make it sound logical…just enough so Adam would doubt what he knew. He bought the lie and we’ve been paying ever since.

Definitely not funny “haha”…

So our challenge today is to start the process of not living in the lies.

PRAYER: God who wires us and wants to shape us, forgive us for our easy believism, our willingness to trust the lie without testing it or taking it to you. Will you begin to show us the lies we have bought in to…and rewire and mould us to you. AMEN.

What Do You Think?

As I sit on my porch at dawn with a cup of tea, I find I am deep in a sea of sound. The birds’ sweet song fills the air with such mirth that my heart brims with joy. The crisp, fresh air seems to come at me in waves rich with the dew’s kiss.

Each sense seems to be tuned to the full love of God for all in His world. I can’t help but join the song: “Then sings my soul, my Christ, my God to Thee, How great thou art!”

These words share the truth of the Psalm scribe’s pen:

¹O Lord, our Lord, your great name fills the earth! Your fame flies to the end of the skies. ²You have taught kids and babes to tell of your might, you stop the mouths of your foes and all who fight with you. ³When I look at the night sky, see the work of your hands—the moon and the stars you set in place—⁴what are mere men that you should think of them, your works that you should care for them?

⁵Yet you made them a bit less than God and put a crown of worth on them. ⁶You asked them to care for all you have made, and put all things ‘neath their rule—
⁷the flocks, the herds and all the wild beasts, ⁸the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all that swims in the seas’ waves.

⁹O Lord, our Lord, your great name fills the earth!

To pray: Hear my song of joy this day and take my gifts of awe. You are true and great. I find rest in the fact that I am your child.

(I wrote this devotion a few years ago. I misunderstood the instructions, but liked the result enough to keep it. My goal, as I understood it, was to write a devotion using only one syllable words. What I ended up doing was really thinking through what the Psalmist was trying to say about God, and about his relationship with God. I share it with you to encourage you to do that hard work of “having the mind of God.” We’ll talk more about that this week.)

No More Frogs

One of God’s favorite words is Today.

Today if you hear his voice….

Today is the day of salvation…

Give us this day (today) our daily bread.

Jesus preached on this so we would get it right: Don’t worry about tomorrow!

So it probably shouldn’t surprise us the enemy is all about tomorrow.

(I don’t think they were this cute or friendly, but you get the idea.)

My favorite story to illustrate this is in Exodus 8. This is where we read the story of the plague of frogs. There are frogs E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E. In the bed. In the stove. Under the cushions. In your sink.

You can’t walk without squishing one.

Moses asks, “Have you had enough.” Pharaoh wants them gone. Moses asks when.

Now here’s where it gets interesting. One would think Pharaoh would jump at the opportunity and use his authority to tell Moses get them gone right now!

But, no. He says, “Do it tomorrow.”

WHAT?!

Why on earth would he want to spend another moment, let alone another day, living his life overrun by frogs?

I don’t understand…but I see it all the time. What makes us think tomorrow is a better day than today to change? Why would we choose to live with self-inflicted pain and sin one more day? I don’t know…but we do.

So here’s the challenge for the week. Pay attention to what you put off, whether it’s a minute, an hour, or a day. And let’s chose to live by God’s word whenever possible.

We’re living for today!

PRAYER: God of the present. God of today. Help us to not put off what we know we should do. Help us to waste what we have (today) by reaching for something that may never be ours (tomorrow). Make us uncomfortable with the the things we keep in our life so that we won’t put off changing. Very few of those things we hold on to are worth the pain. Show us where we’re hoarding frogs, and help us get rid of them today. Amen.

Taste, Test, and See

A few days ago, my wonderful husband surprised me with a trip to Chipotle for dinner. He had a gift card. We love that we can buy a meal and turn it into two or three.

Lots of other people love Chipotle, too. The line was pretty long, but we don’t mind the wait. I used the time to scan the menu board. Here’s what caught my attention:

I never noticed this before, probably because I get the chicken every time. I was intrigued…but not enough to risk my dinner and next day’s lunch on something I wasn’t sure about.

As we were just about to check out, an unusual boldness bubbled up, and I asked the gal slathering the guacamole on my bowl if I could have a taste of the sofritas. It was no problem for her. She passed a cup to the sofritas scooper, he put a very large scoop in the cup, stuck a plastic fork in it, and handed it to me with a smile.

Once we were seated, I tasted the new stuff. I started with a little nibble. I had never heard anything good about tofu. I watch a lot of Food Network and Top Chef shows and no one ever says, “Oh goody, tofu!” Not without sarcasm.

The texture was a lot like the chicken I always get, and with all the spices…I couldn’t tell it wasn’t my regular fare.

But I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t tried it.

Did you know that God wants us to give him a try?

Taste and see that the Lord is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in him. (Psalm 34:8, NET)

When I came to faith I likened it to the old “Nestea Plunge.”

https://youtu.be/3pPR004UWQo I thought I had to fall into God totally.

God knows that doesn’t work for everyone. So try him. The old hymn says, “For I’ve trusted, and tested, and tried him, and I know his promise is true.”

Scripture includes several examples of times when God wants his people to take steps towards him. I learned the joy of giving because of God’s invitation to test him: “Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this matter,” says the Lord who rules over all, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room for it all.” (Malachi 3:10, NET)

So whether it’s the beginning of our faith journey, or at a new learning juncture, God wants us to know he can be trusted. He will pass the test.

PRAYER: God, thank you for knowing sometimes we need to sample your greatness before we can take the plunge. Thank you for your goodness and faithfulness in all the areas of our lives. Amen.

Springtime Snow?

I was so excited to celebrate I wore spring colors and grabbed a light weight sweater. Before I left for work I took the dogs out for their morning duty

and it was snowing!

The deflating of my spirit could be felt all the way to Cleveland.

This has been one of the top five coldest and snowiest winters in the last thirty years. And I was ready for it to be done.

But it was snowing.

Can you relate?

As I was driving to work, I was just about to express my displeasure to God in prayer, when it occurred to me it’s still the first day of Spring! An occasional snow squall or ice storm or even freezing rain will happen–because that’s what Spring is.

Spring is the greening time: grass and trees. Spring is rain that brings flowers…and mud. We get to the end of Spring and we’re praying for summer’s warmth and fun. And then we want Autumn’s cooler temps and glorious display of color.

But without winter..without that season of rest and death…there would be no Spring.

So I hear you thinking, “What on earth does this have to do with Lent or seeing God?”

Well, I recall Job mused on this and his response to his wife’s disgruntlement with the way things were going down was, “Shall we take the good and not the bad?”

Pretty gutsy for a guy who lost everything, was covered with boils, and surrounded by some unsupportive friends. But it’s probably because in spite of it all, he learned this truth: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

The apostle Paul also got it. He’s the one who said: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

Notice this: it doesn’t say all things are good. Paul is clear that this amazing, lavishly loving God, is able to make all the things–good, bad, or otherwise–work together for our good.

And here’s what I know about Spring snow: it doesn’t last!

PRAYER: God of seasons, change, and time. Forgive our reluctance in accepting the disappointments of life and not seeing your hand at work in it ALL. Help us to trust that you are working, using ALL things for our good and your glory.

Romper, Bomper, Stomper, Boo

I look forward to #TBT. Are you familiar?

On social media, #TBT stands for Throw Back Thursday. When you see it on Facebook it’s usually followed by a picture from someone’s youth or childhood.

Get ready to travel back.

When I was a kid, I learned right from wrong watching Romper Room. Before I had ever heard of the Ten Commandments, I knew the Do Bee Song by heart.

But the thing that had the most meaning for me from that show…was the Magic Mirror.

I would sit in front of my TV waiting…hoping for Miss Nancy or Miss Sally to say my name.

And she never did. Ever.

I felt unnoticed. I wanted to know somebody saw me.

Then I found this scripture:

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1, NLT)

God loves us that much. But wait, there’s more.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1, NIV)

He knows our names because we are his children. His extravagantly, lavishly, unfailingly loved children.

So you can have your Magic Mirror. I knew it wasn’t real anyway. Thankfully, God’s love is.

https://youtu.be/CENbsaRRbuY

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