Observation - Day 19 - 40 Days of Lent

Yogi Berra once quipped “you can observe a lot by just watching”. So many of his sayings make me laugh, but this one is surprisingly simple, humorous, and somehow intellectually deep (maybe?).

I once had a young trainee that was sent to take leaf tissue samples on a large tomato farm. He was a hard worker eager to complete the task, so he began very early in an effort to complete the entire task that day, which was sampling about 500 total acres. Each sample would be pulled by irrigation zone, so it was about 25 samples and each sample would be made up of a random sample of leaves from about 50 to 75 individual plants across that acreage.

Needless to say, it was a lot to accomplish in a single day, but he did it. Later that night as he made his way to his hotel room he called me to let me know the samples were done and they would be sent to the lab for analysis the next morning. I congratulated him on his hard work and steadfast effort, and then I asked him a question. I asked, “how did the tomatoes look?” He didn’t respond, so I asked, “how did the plants look, were they full with good color, etc.?”

Silence. Then he said after a brief interlude “I don’t know”. He said “I was so busy getting the samples I never really looked at the plants.” And in that moment we both knew we had set the priorities in the wrong place. I led him to get the work done, and by doing the work neither of us now knew what the 500 acres of tomatoes really looked like. To use Yogi’s quote, he wasn’t watching and as such could offer no valuable observation.

Our faith journey can become this way, where we set up priorities in our lives that seem correct, but aren’t. Another quote many have heard comes from Arnold Zack, friend of former U. S. Senator Paul Tsongas, who wrote in correspondence to his friend “no one on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time on my business.’”

And yet, how many choose the business first? Setting the temporal priority over the eternal will get us out of balance, and cause us to really lose sight of what is most important. It also can wound others deeply, and yet it is common amongst us all.

Our verse for today is a reminder of one of the most common ways we set our priorities up incorrectly, so spend some time considering the full lesson to be learned-

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24, ESV)

Almighty and Most Merciful Father, we continuously prioritize the earthly over the eternal, please forgive us. May we find strength in Thee to resist the distortion of priority, to Thy glory and our necessity; through Christ Jesus our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost art One God, world without end. AMEN.

Value - Day 18 - 40 Days of Lent

I find it quite normal for me to gauge the worth of a thing by the value of what the thing offers. It sounds perfectly logical, doesn’t it? After all, things that bring little to no value aren’t worth much, right? Let’s be honest, fat-free ice cream just isn’t worth much. A thin jacket on a snowy day just isn’t worth much, but maybe more than the fat-free ice cream.

We have a desire to seek the things that please us most. After all, the greatest value, the thing(s) that we would say is (are) worth the most, is (are) found in the thing(s) that pleases us most. And each time we find a moment of thrilling happiness in the thing, we long to have the thing again (or more of it, or both).

I think of individuals owning a fleet of classic cars, or one who has a multitude of homes, or one who indulges in great quantities of wonderful fat-filled ice cream. There are many things that we can find worthy of our time and money when the thing brings us great value.

But, as Christians, we are charged to recall that we have everything that will ever be worth anything. We possess the thing that is of most value, and everything else pales in comparison. St. Paul writes to those who have been baptized into the Body of Christ living in Rome the reminder that “...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1-2) and further states that Christians rejoice in their sufferings (Romans 5:3). Then, after breaking it all down, St. Paul brings it home at verse 5 where he makes the proclamation “...because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

That’s “wow” worthy, because what is more wonderful that God’s love poured into our hearts? The Holy Spirit, given to God’s people, pours into our hearts God’s love. When considering the worth of this gift, consider the value it offers (hint-it’s everything!).

When we look out into the world in which we live with hearts full of God’s love, we see the world differently. We go in peace, we act compassionately, we care deeply. We desire the best for our family, friends, and neighbors, and we offer ourselves because of the love that is known by Jesus offering Himself for us.

Today take some time to consider what your heart is really full of, is it God’s love?

Our verse for today is from St. John’s Gospel account, chapter 14, verse 15, where Jesus says

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Almighty Father, you sent your only Son that, through Him, we might be saved, and sent the Holy Spirit to reveal this Truth to us, such that the love of God is poured into our hearts; a value beyond price, and a worth beyond comprehension; help us see the world through the fullness of you love, that we might know peace, and rest in hope, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit are One God, now and always. AMEN.

Falling Short - Day 17 - 40 Days of Lent

I am aware that this did not come to you this morning, and it is now late evening (some may not get this until the morning). I am reminded today of falling short, and this entry on Day 17 of the 40 days of Lent is coming to you now because today, I fell short of my duties.

It is easy to let the “squeaky wheel” be an excuse for taking all of our attention, but it does indeed happen. Lent is a season that is meant to focus us on our own tendencies, especially on those by which we are tempted to overlook, ignore, or delay.

Looking back on this day I find a lot of good work was done. And even still, the priorities I set forth resulted in my Lenten devotional to be set aside. It does happen, but better organization would have protected and prevented the delay.

Do you find yourself, at times, looking back and thinking “I sure fell short today!”? I am very familiar with this question, often to a fault (but not always). There is only so much time in a day, and so many are the demands upon our lives.

What do you do when you feel you have failed? Do you have a tendency to never think that, or are you the time that always thinks that way? I’m sure we have all felt both of these ways at times.

St. Paul says to the Roman Church (Romans 3:23, ESV) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. There are days this truth bears heavy upon us. Thankfully, that is not the entire statement the Apostle offers, because he continues (verse 24) “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”.

I love getting gifts, but this is the best gift of all. Don’t you agree?

Tonight as the day ends, our verses of today come from Psalm 113:1-3 (KJV)-

Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. 3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for giving us the gift of forgiveness even as we fall short of glorifying You! AMEN.

Faithful Work - Day 16 - 40 Days of Lent

I have found it a good practice for me to keep busy during fast days. So yesterday, which is a fast day (being a Friday in Lent), I decided to take the day and replace the brakes on our old Toyota Corolla (that we affectionately call “Crayola”). I had been collecting all the parts and preparing them for a good day to do the work, and yesterday was perfect.

As is normal, it took much longer than I expected, those drum brakes are a challenge! As I began to recover from the nearly full day of work doing brakes, I thought about how anti-climatic this type of work is once done. If I had washed the car, I could have had immediate satisfaction. But because I did the brakes, there isn’t a single soul who will ever see what I accomplished. Truth is, even I look back at the car and it looks just the same. Outwardly, nothing has changed.

In our western culture of productivity, success is often gauged by the results. When we accomplish a task such as replacing brakes, something that isn’t seen, the sense of accomplishment can be lacking.

In our lifetime of pursuing the will of God, our efforts can seem like my brake job, a lot of work with no visible change. In fact, for anyone other than me, the brake job would be undetectable, because nobody was familiar with how the brakes even felt beforehand. We walk in this world interacting with others, bearing burdens, sharing laughter, doing life, and very often a visible result isn’t seen (or, often, even known).

In our walk following our Lord Jesus Christ, we will experience more of this non-visible witness and undetectable result than we’d probably like. I think of the church, and how often the question is asked “how many people go there?” or “how many young families do you have?” and so forth. But that is not how Almighty God would have us think. We should think about the bigger picture, and the effect that the Holy Spirit has on one’s heart (a heart which we cannot see nor fully know).

We are called to do the work that we are called to do. We are to do it faithfully, and let Almighty God handle the judgment of whether it was “good work” and productive. There are many missionaries around the world who have served many years that never get the opportunity to see a convert commit to the faith. But the work they do is of great value, and it will bear fruit when the season comes.

The same goes for you, do the work you are called to do faithfully and to the best of your ability. Don’t worry about the results, don’t judge your work by the visible expressions that are seen. We should always remember, it is what is not seen but dwells within that is most important. This result is always seen by Almighty God, and that is all that matters.

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 25:21 (ESV) where Jesus says in parable-

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Almighty Father, give us the will to do Thy service faithfully, and help us to know that if we have done Thy will, we have done enough; through Christ Jesus our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit are One God, now and forever. AMEN.

Ripples - Day 15 - 40 Days of Lent

Have you ever considered the full impact of consequence? Each and every decision that we make in this life has consequence, be it good or bad, there is a consequence. When I think about consequences of actions, I think about how they ripple across our world in all directions. Sometimes those ripples spread joy and love, and sometimes they carry in sadness and hurt.

I think of a stone thrown into the water, with the ripples extending out in all directions like an ever-expanding halo. The closer a thing is to the initial impact the greater the effect. As we move about in life, those closest to us when we make those decisions bear the effect most significantly. This is why those we love can hurt us most of all, but the opposite is also true. Those we love can also fill us with great joy and hope. It is just a fact that each and every decision we make, each action we take, has one effect or the other.

It is also true that a small stone sets forth smaller ripples than a larger stone. Those smaller and less impactful decisions and actions carry a more tolerable consequence than the larger ones for the things close. However, the distance and effect of both can be similar in the end.

Today, as you interact with others and make your daily decisions, consider both the instant and residual effects your decisions and actions might have on others both near and far. We can be a source of light in a dark world that travels further than we at times realize. We can also be a source of long-term darkness if we choose to resist bearing the spiritual fruit we are to bear.

So today be intentional about the fruit you bear, the ripples that spring forth from your presence, decisions, and actions. Be observant to the little moments and remember they are opportunities for someone to be moved by your decision. Almighty God might just be dropping you into a sea of need to provide a ripple of hope for someone.

Today we make a splash holding on to God’s word from Philippians 2:3 (ESV)-

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Almighty God, use us to the benefit of the people we encounter today, give us the wisdom that bears fruit of your love, that the consequences of our decisions and actions ripple with the Truth of salvation, and bring light into a dark world; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit are One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Silence - Day 14 - 40 Days of Lent

I’ve spent a lot of hours on tractors alone, out in a field removed from everything other than nature. It is amazing how much time there is to think, and think clearly, when the gentle moan of a diesel engine hums (seemingly) endlessly. Even though the sounds are there, it is as if the world goes silent. For me, it provided an opportunity to think deeply and reflect honestly. Truth be told, there really wasn’t much more to do than to think.

In this moment, as the eye focuses on a thing which becomes subject matter. Such as, when spring disking turns the winter grasses into the ground and the cow birds (that’s what we called them) would follow the tractor, catching all the little bug critters jumping and hopping away. How amazing it is to observe the complimentary cycle of nature, so complex and yet so simple too. A few times I witnessed a hawk diving down to take it’s prey, most of the time a rat but an occasional snake or rabbit. I felt sorry for the prey, but understood the predator’s need as the same time.

Why would God create life this way? How amazing is this created world? These perspectives would never have been seen, challenged, or even known, had it not been for the lack of distractions during those moments.

In today’s moment, we are constantly bombarded with attention-getters. Everything is at the tip of our fingers, from purchases of anything, to check on friends half-way around the world, to looking up a how-to video. There are games to be played, puzzles to solve, and things to check. I wonder, where are the silent moments that give us time to think? How strange it has become for one to just observe the world around them?

How about you? Do you set aside some time to think? Do you do well in silent situations? Today, I encourage you to set aside an adequate amount of time today so that you can practice the age-old habit of thinking deeply. You can pick a topic, or focus on an observation. A topic could be why so many are afraid of silence. A focus might be on something you find beautiful, with time spent on “why” you call it “beautiful”.

There are unlimited options for your mind to wander, and don’t be shy about letting those wandering moments of thought turn into prayerful discussion with Almighty God. God will never attempt to defeat the noise and distractions we place between Him and us. Almighty God is always ready to talk to us when we let those distractions go. In fact, Almighty God is often talking to us in a way that can only be heard in moments of silence, and we miss the Voice as our attention is turned away.

So today, try to spend some time in silence from the world and open your ears to the Voice of Almighty God. Do not fear the quiet. Though the silence may present you with challenging reflections you’d rather not face, remember that we know the Great Physician who can help us and heal us, protect us and provide for us, because we are loved. Eternally, sacrificially loved. Consider our verse for today, from Psalm 46:10 (ESV, read the whole Psalm HERE):

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Almighty God, calm our hearts and minds that we might approach Thee, hear Thee, and know Thee more deeply; through Christ Jesus our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost are One God, world without end. AMEN.

By Design - Day 13 - 40 Days of Lent

What did you dream of being when you were younger? I recall being 6 years old, gathered with my fellow kindergarten graduates sitting in the studio of WISTV, waiting to speak to Mr. Knozit (aka Mr. Joe Pinner, late local personality, weatherman, and reporter).

If you didn’t grow up in the area, Mr. Knozit hosted kindergarten graduates on his show, and he would ask various questions of the kids. It was an exciting thing to be on TV, and to meet Mr. Knozit.

When Mr. Knozit got to me, he asked me two questions-“What’s your favorite food?” and “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. The first was a swift answer-“Mash potatoes and gravy”. However, it was more of a pressure answer than a truthful one. I did like mash potatoes and gravy, but there were (and are) many things I like more. But in the pressure of the moment, sometimes you say the first thing that comes to your mind, and so it is this is how I answered.

To the second question, I answered honestly. Unlike the other boys who said they wanted to be batman or superman or a firefighter or a police officer, I told Mr. Knozit I wanted to be a truck driver. I don’t know where this fascination originated, but fascinated I was. And if I had been asked my second option (which I wasn’t) I would have said a fighter pilot (flying a Corsair F4U of course).

What did you dream of being when you were younger? I think about how God has been active in my life from the time I was a child, and how my dreams have become God’s purpose for me instead of my will for myself.

I would have never experienced life as I have if I had designed it. In fact, I doubt I would be writing this devotion for us today. I am thankful how many times Almighty God did not listen to me, my petitions, and my desires. He had better plans for me, gifting me with blessings and a testimony of Presence that would have never been by my plans and desires.

Today, reflect on the many ways the LORD has derailed your plans and expectations for God’s greater purpose for you and the people you have walked with and who have walked with you in this life. Take a moment to remember how Divine love has been revealed to you. A verse for today’s task of reflection is from the Prophet Jeremiah (29:11, ESV):

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Almighty God, may we be granted a moment to see Thy Hand’s work in our lives, encourage us in Thy Presence, and nourish us in Thy Truth, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost are One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Bonus for those interested-

The year of my senior year of High School my theme song of the year went to number one-hear it here.

Want another great truck driver song, check out the tale of Phantom 309 here.

Memories - Day 12 - 40 Days of Lent

I was recently drawn into a moment of recollection, and as times long past came to mind, I began to consider the power of memories. I consider my memories to be mental snap shots of moments of significance. I have great memories of many simple and benign moments. I also have great memories of those moments that proved to be complex with highly charged emotions, all from childhood, life, marriage, kids, and even pets (and much more). I have memories of moments when I stared at the stars on a chilly night camping, watched sunsets explode with colors so vibrant from airplane trips over the Gulf, locations where I found myself hearing songs for the first time, and seeing the black smoke pour from the exhaust pipe of an old John Deere tractor on a cold frost-bitten morning.

I remember saying “I do”, and placing the ring on the hand of my bride. I remember the first look at my baby girl just born. There are so many great memories that are forever with me. We all have them, moments that seem so vivid as to have just occurred all over again.

We also have vivid memories of not-so-great moments too. These are even more easily recalled, and can come back in a way as to be relived once again. In truth, these not-so-great memories often supersede the good ones, one of these often serving to replace 100+ good memories. We are reminded of how we fall short, especially in the eyes of others. We also are often swift to recall the single moment in which another has caused us hurt at the expense of anything good they have ever done.

Thankfully, we are not to apply this pattern to Almighty God. When we confess our sins, repent, and turn away from our disobedience of the commands of Almighty God the memory of them is removed forever.

The prophet Micah records that the sins of God’s people will be cast into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-20). The Psalmist teaches us our transgressions will be as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Saint John reminds us that Jesus Christ is our advocate, and the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:1-2).

Today, remember that the memories that bring about shame and sorrow in reflection of your actions of disobedience, if confessed and repented before Almighty God, are gone. Gone forever. This is true as long as those who have done wrong to you have likewise been forgiven by you. Consider this verse today, as you recall the memories that shape your mind and life:

For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:2, ESV)

Almighty Father, help us forgive others who have hurt and wounded us, and help those memories to flee from us and be forever gone; Remind us that as we do so, we can believe with confidence that our sins are forgiven for which we confess and repent, and forgotten by Thee forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory and honor, forever and ever. AMEN.

Discipleship - Day 11 - 40 Days of Lent

Today I have the privilege and honor to speak at a Lenten luncheon. The topic is on discipleship. As I began my topic research, I was drawn into the amazing clarity of the Patristic Fathers and Scripture. In the assessment of biblical discipleship, I was particularly drawn to Philippians 1:21 which is familiar to many. Here the Apostle Paul writes simply “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna would all agree with this statement, going so far as to declare that true discipleship meant martyrdom.

I think that this idea of discipleship is fairly distant from the idea of discipleship most who congregate would declare today. Statistics reveal that many Christians find it hard to attend worship consistently, and that might be the barometer some might say is what defines a true disciple. Others may contend a true disciple is one who reads their bible daily and strives to adhere to the instruction within. Certainly, it is true the Christian disciple should regularly attend worship and gain daily instruction from scripture, but real discipleship goes much farther.

I would contend that the core tenant of the Christian disciple is found first in the Great Commandment noted in Deuteronomy 6:5-6 then second as the Summary of the Law as noted by Jesus in Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27, and I also add John 14:15. Summarily these all point to one thing, the heart’s desire. The command is to love God above all else, in every way, which is also reflected in the way in which we love one another.

Today we remember St. Patrick, the “Apostle of Ireland”, who was taken into slavery from his native Britain by pirates. These pirates took Patrick to Ireland, where he would eventually escape and find his way back home, but later as a cleric return to evangelize the country of Ireland. The act displayed by Saint Patrick is one of surrendered obedience, where his life was offered for the benefit of others in obedience to the call Almighty God laid upon him.

We can see in the witness how Saint Patrick walked as Christ Jesus did, in sacrificial witness. This is certainly a window into what it looks like to love God in every way, a great example for us to consider. Today let us consider first what the true desires of our hearts are, then second our devotion to obedience, and lastly our willingness to walk as called. Consider again these words of Saint Paul-

For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore thee. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Direct me in mine endeavors; give me thine orders. I promise to submit myself to all that thou desirest of me and to accept all that thou permittest to happen to me. Let me only know thy will. Amen. (Prayer #91, 2019 Book of Common Prayer, Traditional Language Version)

Strive - Day 10 - 40 Days of Lent

In our reading for this Sunday, the 2nd Sunday of Lent, we encounter the words of Jesus saying “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

When Jesus says “strive”, St. Luke records the word as meaning to fight, compete, as an athlete does. So today, as we approach these readings for Sunday, let’s consider what this might mean for us.

By using the word associated with competing, with a fight from the individual as they compete, we can grasp the construct quite easily. If one wants to be a great football player, as an example, they must spend many hours in practice, in strength training, in study, in competition. This also works for other areas of analogy, such as one becoming a professional musician through many years of practice and dedication. So to for the best-selling author, the sought-after mechanic, the roofer, the electrician, the animal trainer, etc.

The narrow door that Jesus speaks of is one that is approached by our striving, our competitive fire of pursuit which results in growth, strength, and endurance. The narrow door is the door to salvation. Many will seek it, many will seek to enter through it, and many will not be able.

Speaking of the “able” part, this may also be understood as the competitive fight. The ability noted here in this verse is about strength, endurance, and growth. A runner does not begin their running by entering a marathon. If they do, they will not be able to find the finish line (most likely). This is the “able” that Jesus speaks of here in this verse.

So today, as we approach the 2nd Sunday of Lent and reach the end of the first quarter of the season, let us reflect upon our fire and our competitiveness. Are we truly and deeply with every ounce of our being striving to enter through the narrow door? Jesus says many will seek to do so, but many will not be able. Here are a few familiar verses to pray over as you self-reflect (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV):

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer #77, 2019 BCP, pg. 669).

Anxiety - Day 9 - 40 Days of Lent

The Apostle Paul tells the believers in Philippi to be anxious about nothing (Philippians 4:6). I think many today would respond to the Apostle with a letter back saying “if it were only that easy!”. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million adults (over 19% of the population) are affected by anxiety disorders. That statistic reveals the depths of life’s struggles and uncertainties.

I haven’t seen the statistics for first century Philippi, so it’s only speculation as to the level of prevalence anxiety held in the part of the Church to which the Apostle wrote. Regardless, it was prevalent enough that he was intentional about giving instruction to the Body there in Philippi.

He says to be anxious about nothing, BUT.....BUT is one of my most favorite words in all of Scripture. You know something good is coming when we encounter this word. Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving....

The counter focus to anxiety is to take everything, everything in mind, in heart, in hope, in health, in fear, in life; take it to prayer and make your supplications before God. And then comes the eyebrow raising part, “with thanksgiving”. How often we lose sight of the wonderful gifts we enjoy and have been blessed with from above as we focus on the source of our anxiety. The Apostle says take the whole construct of anxiousness to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. This is how we make our requests known to God.

And here is the point for us today, we pour it all on God. God the Creator, God the Savior, God the Reveal-er of whom we are challenged to love with ALL our heart, and ALL our mind, and ALL our strength, and ALL our soul (Mark 12:30). Almighty God is ready and willing to receive it all.

Do we trust Almighty God to love us, protect us, heal us, restore us? Wherever you lack confidence, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be know to God. From this the Apostle proclaims a truth, as he says that by doing this “... the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

A peace that comes upon you, that is beyond anything we can ever understand, will stand like soldiers around your thoughts and your very being, your heart and your mind, to comfort you in Christ Jesus. Do you know this peace? Have you experienced this peace? Anxiety has it’s root in the moment of unknown, and the moment of un-knowing.

When we are found in Christ Jesus, and turn to His Truth as we offer our prayers and supplications with thanksgiving, we acknowledge His future for us, that He has won for us, because of HIS unyielding love, and it is then we are guarded and set at peace. Archbishop William Temple gave us a prayer that we might recall now, and in moments of anxiousness:

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Slipping Away - Day 8 - 40 Days of Lent

A little over two years ago we welcomed a new member into our family, a rescue puppy we named Buddy. He is a very cool little dog, very loving and smart. He adapted very quickly to the rhythms of our home and has learned our rules for him (which are really few).

Now saying he has learned the rules doesn’t mean he always obeys them. He, like most smart dogs I have known, knows how to press the edges of the rules when he thinks he can get away with it.

I’ve always had a tendency towards verbal training of pets as opposed to restraints. I prefer to train Buddy to listen without a leash instead of always needing a leash on him, as an example. This can create lots of issues and challenges, and in truth is much more difficult to develop, but once developed I believe it forms a much better environment and relationship.

Buddy adapted to this training very well from the beginning. He displayed a disposition from the beginning of not wanting to be alone, and I used that to my advantage. It took very little time for him to learn the borders of our yard. In fact, one neighbor thought we had installed an underground fence because of the way Buddy stopped at the yard’s edge every time he was out.

However, Buddy is a clever little feller, and he also learned really quickly that if I wasn’t in eyeshot he could slip around the corner without me noticing, for at least a short period of time. But Buddy is certainly a dog of habit, and his habit is to try and slip away at the same spots in the yard every time. He has many options, but is tempted by the same few openings and so becomes predictable.

And you know, we are not dissimilar. Almighty God has set boundaries for us to observe, commandments for us to obey, as we journey around our environment. When we walk knowingly in Almighty God’s sight, we tend to observe more readily the commandments, but when we get a sense that we are alone or without oversight, we are tempted to slip into a place we are not supposed to go.

In truth, our tendencies to stray tend to also find consistency. The weaknesses unique to each of us are often repetitive, and we end up stumbling in similar ways through weakness to similar temptations. Oftentimes these are, in part, a product of our life experiences, and the paths we try to take away from God’s command get well-worn.

What paths are you prone to take, or find temptation too strong to resist? Today, consider these two verses as you look introspectively into the areas of your particular weaknesses:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Cor. 10:13, ESV)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Rom. 3:23-24, ESV)

Almighty and most merciful God, help us to see the weaknesses of our flesh, and being strengthened in the Spirit, remain steadfast in your commands; and when we fall short, convict us of our waywardness that we might repent and return to Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit are One God, world without end. AMEN.

Darkness - Day 7 - 40 Days of Lent

Is there anything more frightening than the dark? For many people, their first childhood fear was centered upon what lurked in the closet at bedtime, or maybe what lay in wait under the bed. The Boogie Man, various monsters, things built from frightened imaginations became the resident villains of the night.

The problem, of course, is the inability to see clearly into the areas of the room where beast and monster may dwell hidden while the light is on, waiting for the lights to go off and create the opportune time to pounce from out of the darkness. The senses begin to play tricks on the mind, ‘what was that?’ is asked (silently) as the floor creaks.

In this moment most will succumb to paralysis, often choosing to hide under the sheets, even going as far as fearing to cut the lights on and see what really is there. Have you ever experienced this for yourself?

Do you still have fears of the dark? I’m thinking most adults would answer “no” to that question. But I bet that if you were taken into the swamp to camp in a hammock alone without a light, the bravery might just give way to outright fear! Of course all that would change if you are given a big ol’ bright flashlight, or even better, a flashlight and a big ol’ fire! That way you could see everything that is around you, and seeing what is around you eliminates the unknown, for it is the fear of the unknown that is the worst fear of all.

Our faith can be consumed with fear when we experience the darkness of the world in which we live. A darkness that comes from emotional hurt, physical illness, spiritual weakness, etc. Darkness that can consume our imaginations and paralyze us in fear. But true love casts out all fear, and we are taught in Scripture that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (in Him there is no darkness at all, did you hear it sung?). But being taught it, and believing it are not one in the same.

When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He becomes the guiding Light of our walk as we sojourn through this life. Through His Spirit we are illuminated within, and without, such that the world becomes more clearly understood, and the path ahead becomes defined. The fears of this life disappear, because we know that the Light will bring us through the valley of the shadow of death, so we fear no evil.

What frightens you? Have you called upon the Light for help, guidance, clarity, and assistance? Today we pray this first verse of the 27th Psalm (and I encourage you to take it all to heart for your walk to be illuminated today):

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (KJV)

Christ Jesus our Lord, Light of the world, illuminate our hearts to see Your presence, love, and protection! Set us free from all fear, as we do put our trust in Thee! AMEN.

Germination - Day 6 - 40 Days of Lent

When a seed is planted into the ground, a lot of things must happen in order for that seed to become a plant. First, there must be moisture. That moisture is absorbed through the seed coat and the water initiates the beginning of the transformation. The tough outer layer begins to give way as the cells inside begin to divide, grow, develop.

The first new part to emerge is the young tender shoot of the root. This young shoot begins to work through the soil and spread and divide, and soon will begin to draw up the moisture and nutrients needed for growth. At this point, the reserves are being metabolized within the seed giving the energy to produce the roots. Soon, another shoot emerges and begins to head towards the surface, the first shoot to reach for the sky. Soon, it will push its way through the soil surface and emerge, spreading open the very first leaves drawing in the sunlight and beginning the transition from consuming reserves of the seed to transferring the power of the sun into energy to live.

As the last semblance of the seed disappears, the plant stands firm and takes its place. The seed is no more, and the life that was in it has been renewed to reach its potential, and the plant has come to be.

And yet, there are many challenges yet to endure. Wind, drought, insects, diseases, floods, and many more hazards await to risk the life of the plant before it is able to bear fruit. And yet as it reaches into the depths of the soil, it is strengthened for the task to bear fruit (for that is the only purpose of the plant, to bear the seed of regenerative live embodied in or through its fruit).

What part of your Christian walk resembles this pattern? Think science and Christianity are at odds? I beg to differ. We are born in the waters of baptism, changed and begin to become the fullness of what we have been gifted to be. We grow through the various challenges of life, and for the heart changed by Christ Jesus, we know nothing more than bringing forth life by the Fruit born through us.

Consider today your walk in faith, your growth and the challenges that have affected you and your ability to bear fruit, as you pray over our verse from Scripture today, as Jesus said:

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5, ESV)

Almighty Father- when the winds blow, shield us; when the drought comes, provide for us; when the floods come, keep us dry; when the Sun rises, may we be touched eternally by His warm and love; that we may bear good fruit and life to Thy glory, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit dwell eternal, One God, without end. AMEN.

Time - Day 5 - 40 Days of Lent

Isn’t time a funny thing? I’ve yielded to the wisdom of the saying many have heard I feel sure- “the days are long, but the years are short.” This is a quote from Gretchen Rubin, whom I had never heard of until I looked up the originator of this quote. She appears to be a very accomplished lawyer and author. I don’t know much more that than, except her quote is very wise.

Time is a funny thing, and certainly a moment can seem to last forever, and ages ago can seem like yesterday. It really depends on one’s perspective, and the nature of the moment. A young parent struggling to get any sleep at all as their newborn cries all night experiences long days for sure! The same parent sitting at a stop light that is red for 5 seconds, who is late for work, may say those seconds feel like hours. But when that same parent looks up at their child graduating high school, they wonder how time ever moved so fast!

We mark time because of the effect it has on us. Consider, if it wasn’t for the curse of sin, which leads to death, time would be of little consequence. If we never grow old, the passing of each day would arguably be meaningless. But we do age, as do the ones we love. St. James writes:

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15, ESV)

If the Lord wills......

So often the urgency of the moment and the finality of an event or situation can inspire our wills to supersede the Lord’s will. Parents struggle to let their children grow and to come into their own. Children struggle to leave the shelter of their parents to venture out and find their way. Most friendships enjoy seasons that are one day strong and later fade. I think of Alan Jackson’s song “Remember When” (you can hear it here).

The blessing is in the moment. In The Screwtape Letters (C. S. Lewis), Wormwood is taught by Screwtape “For the Present is the point at which time touches eternity.” He says this so that his junior demon nephew realizes the impact of the Christian living in the moment, as one who is keeping in step with the Spirit (note this is my interpretation).

Today, as we begin the week, let’s spend our day considering the benefits of the moment, the time that we are given, and how it is lessened by the expectations of tomorrow or the sorrows of yesterday.

Our verse today for reflection is Psalm 90:12 (ESV) and I’d encourage everyone to spend some time praying Psalm 90 also (HERE):

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Most Merciful Father, help us find the value in our moment, and teach us to have a heart to do Your will in wisdom; through Christ Jesus our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit are One God, now and forever. AMEN.

Percision - Day 4 - 40 Days of Lent

Some may not realize this, but I am one of those people who love precision (and some are laughing at this declaration about now). I find great satisfaction when a complex system hits a perfect rhythm. I continue to stand in awe of farm machinery, as one example. The complexity and brilliant design of cotton pickers and combines are amazing. As I have aged, I have also grown in amazement of complex music with intricate harmonies and complimentary parts that blend into one magnificent piece.

When I was in high school, I participated in the Army JROTC program. I loved it when we marched and everyone was perfectly in line and in step, and not so much when anyone was out of step. I did not participate in the drill team, but I admired that team’s level of precision and unity.

When I think on the Church, I picture a group of individuals called to be precise and united heading in one direction (walking The Way). The Church is certainly made up of many members, but we are not to be individuals in expression. Instead, we are to function as one body (1 Cor. 12:12). We are not all the same, just like a platoon isn’t composed of identical height, or length, or strength; yet all are to march in step as one. Our uniqueness should not disrupt the unity, but become a part of it.

When united, those marching are no longer soldiers, instead they become a squad, or platoon, or battalion. When united, the bearings and pullies and doffers and blowers and belts become parts of a cotton picker. When the saxophones and the violins and the trumpets and the drums become one, they are no longer individuals but an orchestra. The individuals remain, but each individual finds their greater identity in unity.

From cover-to-cover Holy Scripture points to a greater identity for God’s people when they are united. And in unity, when one is honored all rejoice, and when one suffers all suffer (see 1 Cor. 12:26). We are to march together, individuals with specific talents and gifts, that work together to the glory of God, being the Church.

Our natures encourage us to express our individuality as the highest priority, and our faith demands precision of unity as the greater call. Consider, the platoon is not disbanded when a few individuals get out of step, nor does the cotton picker cease to be if the spindles become dull, nor does the combine cease to be when the belt becomes loose. The parts that fail to operate in unity are fixed, or replaced, because the united and precise working of the individuals in unison is the greatest purpose to work as they are meant and designed to do. The Church should be the same, and our goal is to be united and in step with our fellow Christ followers. In reflection, we consider these verses today (ESV):

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23a)

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25)

Almighty and Most Merciful God, help us to put Thy purpose and will ahead of our own, such that our will becomes completely yours. AMEN.

Images - Day 3 - 40 Days of Lent

Back in 2015 a perplexing phenomenon took over social media and challenged what many claim to be absolute and true. The topic was a dress, and a picture of that dress had some seeing white and gold, while others saw blue and black. The magnitude of difference between these two color schemes had each opposing side disbelieving one another. How could it be possible two people could see this dress so differently? (Here is a short video that claims to make sense of it all)

I admit to seeing the dress white and gold. No matter how hard I try, I cannot see it as blue and black (what do you see?). However, I believe that there are others who do see what I am not able, in this case blue and black.

We can learn something very important from this contradictory assessment of color. We could argue until the cows come home about who is right and who is wrong without realizing both can be right. It depends on how you see, and not what you see. The dress is seen by all, in every detail without variance, except for the color. It appears our brains process the picture differently, yet it is the same picture. It is the perspective of the individual not the substance of the image that is different.

We can look upon Almighty God in Trinity: the Father, The Christ, the Son of the Father, our Lord Jesus, the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Breath of God, the Comforter-all with nuance based on life experience affecting one’s perspective. We must be careful to understand others’ eyes may see something different than our own, and yet both our perspective and theirs are still without error. The only thing we need to be certain of is that we are both looking at the same Image.

When we all see the dress, and differ about the color, our disagreements are inconsequential. However, if we disagree about the image itself (as in debating whether or not the image is of a dress), then there is a significant problem. This distinction must be kept in mind when walking together, because thinking we all understand and perceive God’s work in our lives as identical in every respect (or only as we see it) can cause great harm to our brothers and sisters (and to ourselves as well).

So no matter whether one sees the dress as white and gold or blue and black, as long as they both see the dress, they’ve agreed on the most important part. That’s why the creeds are so important, they contain the most important part, and confessing the creeds allows us to walk together (Review the creeds here).

Now, let us also consider how the Lord looks upon us, here’s a verse for today:

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV)

Almighty and Most Merciful God, give us the eyes to see you, ears to hear you, minds to know you, and hearts to love you. AMEN.

Treasure - Day 2 - 40 Days of Lent

The gospel reading (specifically Matthew 6:21) for Ash Wednesday challenged me to consider anew what I truly treasure. The reflection began with a simple need to explain what “treasure” meant to a young child.

I described “treasure” as that thing that you would lock away and keep while letting everything else go. It would be the one thing you would hide, vow to never surrender, and protect with every ounce of your ability. Then, the depths of this truth began to hit home! If I am right, I pondered with increasing conviction, then what is my treasure? And not treasures, but treasure. Saint Matthew did not pen the plural, so I believe Jesus spoke it in the singular as recorded, therefore there is no truckload of treasures to possess. Just a singular treasure.

What is that one thing that would be the very last thing I’d ever give up? I know what the answer is supposed to be, to love Almighty God completely (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27, Joshua 22:5, Nehemiah 1:5, Proverbs 3:5).

Surely I love Almighty God, I do, but I ponder........what if I was like Abraham and was asked to sacrifice my most precious child? Could you choose obedience to God and take the life of your child? Maybe that one is too hard to consider, so instead of Abraham we consider John or James. They are sitting on the edge of their boat with brother and father washing and mending their nets, and Jesus walks up and says “leave it, and come follow me”. I wonder, would I follow? Would you?

So let’s take a moment and ponder together, what is our true treasure? I recall King David’s words from Psalm 51, which is also part of our Ash Wednesday liturgy, which says (verse 5) “Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin hath my mother conceived me.” Fact is, I’m broken, I’m selfish, I’m controlling, I’m so many other things than righteous.

Then the Spirit taps my shoulder, and these words come to life in my heart, and lift my countenance, and sets me free-

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor. 5:21, ESV)

Christ Jesus covers me in His righteousness, a gift to treasure indeed! Truly, I love because He first loved me (1 John 4:19)! So I see my treasure, renewed once again, back on loving Almighty God-The Father to which we will go, the Son by which we are able, and the Spirit through which this has been revealed. One God mighty to save, Creator of all things, in control of all things.

Lord God, may my focus always be upon you, and may you forever remain the treasure of my heart. AMEN.

ASH WEDNESDAY - THE LENTEN SEASON BEGINS

When I was 9 years old, I trotted out into our backyard with a couple of golf balls and a 9 iron in hand. It was time to practice my chipping. But with every swing the ball didn’t participate with my will. As my frustration grew (in truth it was anger that bubbled up with each unsuccessful attempt) I set out to punish the ball. Drawing back a full backswing, I brought my hips around like a pro and struck the ball beautifully! Only, my aim was towards the back of our house, and within a millisecond of the ball exiting the iron’s blade so perfectly, the moment of jubilation changed to horror as the sound of breaking glass rippled through the community.

What seemed so satisfying, ultimately proved very painful. Though I was home alone, and nobody had seen the incident, it would not go unnoticed. The broken window could not be hidden. I knew I had to confess what I had done.

And if you have ever been in a similar situation, you know how hard confession can be. It is a frightening act to look up to authority and confess to the one who has the ability to ascribe any sort of punishment or repercussions as a consequence of the act being confessed. And yet, if healing is to occur, it must be done.

We come to Lent with a cross of ashes placed on our foreheads. It is placed there with the reminder that we are but dust, and to dust we shall return. A dark Truth some may try to avoid, but to no avail. The Truth is we have sinned, all of us. Just like my parents would know the window was broken, Almighty God knows our sins, all of our sinful actions and thoughts. If we desire healing, we must stand before Almighty God and make our confession.

I didn’t intend to break that window, and the truth is, I never even considered the possibility. Those who are desiring to walk as Christ followers often stumble this way, falling into sin that they never saw coming until the act was already done.

On this Ash Wednesday, we are reminded just how much we need a Savior. We continue to stumble. We try to speak love, and by our words others can be hurt. We try to help, and by our actions others may suffer more. We may feel like failures, and begin to lose hope. But our verse for today reminds us there is hope, and our failures have been overcome-

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV

Thank you Lord Jesus for your love! Amen.