Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Lent’ Category

Sign of Jonah

Posted in Lent, tagged , , , on March 2, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Matthew 16:4
A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.

When I re-read my notes on this passage, I discovered an interesting idea: that the sign of Jonah (that is 3 days of death followed by a resurrection) might actually be a “model” for other things. It’s a holy number, “3,” and it just makes me wonder. It’s similar to the “death of a vision” concept. Sometimes we have to be willing to allow an idea or “vision” to die before God can resurrect it in its “true state.” And so, I’m just thinking, maybe all decisions should wait 3 days … or before an action is taken, give it 3 days … or whatever. Something to ponder… for three days, I guess. 🙂

Read Full Post »

Community = Church

Posted in Lent, Sermon Echoes, tagged , , on March 1, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Just a quick response to the sermon this weekend. As I mentioned to Craig, his points were good but I still think there is more to community than learning to love ‘annoying’ [or difficult] people, keeping our minds on straight [accepting correction from others], and bringing the world to Jesus. I am more interested now in the koinonia concepts that we have been investigating in the study of Philippians… where there is a commitment and mutual benefit… there must be give and take. See more.

Read Full Post »

Believe What You Ask For…

Posted in Lent, tagged , , , on February 28, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Matthew 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

I think I’ve put too much emphasis on the last part of this sentence (“…and it will be yours”) and not enough on the middle “…believe that you have received it.” Now, I’m not an advocate for that 70’s “blab it and grab it” kind of faith, but I do think there’s a mindset that spawns trust. If I’m going to pray for/about something, do I or don’t I believe God is listening. Is God sovereign? Is God faithful? The answer is yes. So, why do I keep asking. Sometimes, it feels like there is a fine line between persistence and distrust.

The truth is probably closer to our disapproval of God’s answers. God doesn’t have a problem saying “no.” We have a problem with hearing it.

I think “believing what I ask for” includes believing that He is answering.

Read Full Post »

Let Me Not Betray You

Posted in Lent, tagged , , , , , on February 27, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Matthew 26:20-21, 25
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me” … Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”

Here’s the thing… Jesus didn’t stop Judas. And I’m thinking, oh Lord, if I mess up so badly, please stop me. If I hold back, send me forward. If I start to speak evil, still my tongue. If I contemplate sin, scramble my thoughts. I invite you to interfere in my life, Lord. I invite you to make a difference. I need your wisdom and governance.

I had one of those teen/adult conversations with my daughter in which she insisted that teens just need to experience the sin sometimes to “get it.” They need to have the repercussions and the consequences of their choices. And isn’t that what we, the parents, are always trying to protect them from. Sometimes we can, but often, our advice, our instructions, our rules, don’t work and they go ahead anyway. And I confess, I do too.

But not today, then. Today, I yield.

Read Full Post »

Fallow Ground

Posted in Lent, tagged , , , , on February 26, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Matthew 13: 3-9
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”

Despite all that I have done this past year, two bible studies, regular devotions, bible reading, etc., I still come to the Lord today with a heart that feels fallow. I think so much of what I have learned and heard has washed away like water that cannot be absorbed in a hard pan of soil. We are known by our fruit… I know that. So, where is the fruit. (Reminds me of that old fast food commercial where the little old lady would look straight at the camera and say, “Where’s the beef?”) I feel the same way. Where’s the fruit?

Of course, I am also an impatient cuss! Perhaps the soil is not fallow… perhaps the seeds have been planted and are merely waiting for the right moment to sprout. Open my ears this day Lord that I might hear you. Water the garden of my heart.

Read Full Post »

Like a Little Child

Posted in Lent, tagged , , , , , , , , on February 25, 2009| Leave a Comment »

“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children….” Matthew 11:25

This is my first request, that God would draw me to Him like a little child, for it is only then, I believe, that I will be most open to seeing, believing, trusting, and knowing Him. I have two pictures of myself as a little girl, quite faded now, in black and white, sitting at my father’s desk. In one, I am diligently writing. But, in the second, I have lifted my pen and my face to the camera and I am so full of joy. It is an “aha” moment for the little girl. Discovery! Success! Connection!

Children are easy vessels. What is poured in is easily poured out. That is, until the world teaches them to dissemble. May this time “in Christ” be a time of transparency. Reveal yourself to me, O God, that I might reveal You within me to others.

Read Full Post »

Fat Tuesday

Posted in Lent, tagged , , , , , on February 24, 2009| Leave a Comment »

OK… this is it. No more diet cokes (or sodas) after tonight. Does that sound like a little thing to you? Not me. If it’s true that we are to “add” a prayer for each time we “give up” something for Christ during the Lenten season… I will be quite prayed up.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday… let us begin a short journey into the Word … may He anoint my writing for the sake of the Body…

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »