Lenten Devotional - Day 23

Psalm 145

"The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down." 

It is no secret, life can get messy sometimes. We all have moments when we feel like we are falling with no safety net in sight. We all experience those times when we feel continually bowed down in defeat. It is easy to question God's presence in these moments. How could a God of abundant love, grace, and peace allow for such hardship and heartache? This is a question we all wrestle with and one that is not easily answered. Though amid the struggles to find God perhaps the best place to look is in our very struggles. As we are falling, God is there holding us up. As we are bowing down, God is there raising our heads. 

Are you currently feeling as though you are falling? Are you feeling bowed down in defeat? Where might God be present? How might you find God's presence?

We are falling and we are bowed down. We are searching for your presence, God. We will be patient in our pursuit of you during our struggles knowing that you are our safety net to catch us and our back brace to erect us. Amen.

Lenten Devotional - Day 22

Mark 7:1-23

"Then he called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.'"

Have you ever said something you regret? We all have. Whether it be during an argument, a heated discussion, or a frank conversation we have, at one time or another, gotten caught up in the moment and said or done something we later regret having said or done. This is all part of being human. We become prideful and stubborn and our own personal agendas get in the way. As a result we speak and act in ways such that our words and actions become a source of defilement for not only ourselves, but for those around us. The exciting part about these situations is that they can be invaluable learning tools. We learn how to speak more compassionately and act more peaceably. In doing so we are able to take in and give out those things that are in direct contradiction to defilement; love, peace, grace, and understanding.

Think about a time when you said and/or did something you regretted. What did you learn from this situation?

Almighty God, we are not perfect. We say and do things that defile you, others, and ourselves. Help us to find the right words and actions in these difficult situations so that what goes in and what comes out is healthy and fulfilling. Amen.

      

Lenten Devotional - Day 21

1 Corinthians 9:16-27

"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it."

It is never a bad thing to strive for excellence. Having a desire to do the very best at whatever task is at hand is very often our natural human inclination. We enjoy being successful; it is exciting to experience the thrill of "winning." The same standard should hold true for our faith. Just as we practice and perfect our various gifts and talents, so too should we work on our faith as a means to run in such a way that we may "win." 

How might you "win" in your faith? 

Our legs are moving, our lungs are pumping, and our hearts are beating. We are faithfully racing to win in our faith. Amen. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 20

Psalm 126

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy..."

Let's be honest, life can get difficult. We spend a lot of our time getting caught up in the daily grind that is life. Work, school, boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, children - We all have commitments and we are all busy, all of the time. Amid the chaos are we giving ourselves a chance to stop and laugh? Are we providing ourselves the space to be in true fellowship with others where the to do lists are put aside and we are in community through genuine joy and laughter? Deadlines and expectations can certainly make this difficult, though when we provide ourselves with the time and energy to inhale deeply and exhale in laughter we are better able to shout with joy to the God who is laughing with us. 

Think of a time when you laughed uncontrollably or a time when you laughed so hard you cried. Who were you with? What did it feel like to be so happy and carefree? 

Listen to our laughter. See our smiles. Feel our joy. Amen. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 19

Psalm 51

"You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart."

Have you ever heard the saying, "The truth will set you free." Wouldn't that be nice? It sure would make life a lot easier if it were so clean cut and concise. Rarely is life so simple. In life's multitudes of complexities secrets often arise. We all have them and we all, for a variety of different reasons, keep these secrets near and dear to our hearts. Is the only way to find truth in our inward being to reveal all of our secrets? One would certainly hope not. It seems as though the psalmist is not looking for the courage to reveal their secret heart, but pleading for the courage to accept their secret heart, to find truth in their past, peace in the present, and anticipation for the future. 

How have you discovered truth in your own inward being?

God, we have secrets that we want to share and secrets that we want to keep. Give us the courage to be exposed and open to you, learning to find truth from our secrets. Amen.

Lenten Devotional - Day 18

Genesis 45:1-15

"And [Joseph] wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it."

Joseph has just revealed himself to his brothers. Quite understandably it is an emotional moment for Joseph and his brothers, their emotions are raw and real. Joseph is crying loudly and seemingly uncontrollably. His brothers, so stunned, cannot even speak.
The rugged and overwhelming realness experienced in this story is all too familiar. We have all experienced these moments. Moments when the reality of life and the emotions that coincide become too grand to control. Life overflows and our emotions erupt. Though amid the deafening silence or the unquenchable weeping something beautiful has taken place. We have opened up our lives and our emotions to one another. In doing so, we have made ourselves vulnerable and available to receive love, forgiveness, and grace from those around us.

Reflect on a time when you allowed your true emotions to be seen.

Enduring Presence, our hearts are open. Our lips are sealed. Our tears are flowing. Help us to experience the healing power of making ourselves vulnerable to others. Amen. 

  

Lenten Devotional - Day 17

Mark 5:24-34

"He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"

This moment above comes on the heels of Jesus having just healed a woman of her hemorrhages, a condition she has suffered for twelve years. The interesting part about this story is the way in which she was healed. While Jesus was passing through a large crowd the woman simply reached out and touched Jesus' cloak. She said to herself,  "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." She was in fact made well, however Jesus shouted to the crowd, 'Who touched me?" The woman came forward "in fear and trembling" to admit what she had done. Jesus' above response, "your faith has made you well..." is a powerful reminder of how it is that we are required to live out our own faith. Jesus was not sent to the Earth so that we might be free to do as we please, being healed without rhyme or reason. It is quite the opposite, Jesus was sent to the Earth so that we might be healed because of our tireless faith. 

How can you reach out for Jesus' cloak?

Our hands are stretched and we are reaching for you, Jesus. Amen.  

Lenten Devotional - Day 16

Psalm 43

"O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling."

 Throughout our lives we are called to be both leaders and followers. Depending upon the situation we may need to lead and in other times we may need to follow. Much like the psalmist is describing above, our light and truth can often lead. Similarly, the light and truth of others can, and often does, lead us. In these moments, when we have been called to lead or called to follow, recognizing that call is most important. We may not want to lead, we may not want to follow, but leading and being led are both imperative when pursuing those holy hills in our lives.

When have you led? When have you followed?

Creator of the hills, we are prepared to lead and we are ready to follow. Equip us with the tools to lead and follow with humility. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 15

Mark 4:35-41

"He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?'"

In this moment Jesus has just calmed a fierce windstorm that he and his disciples had been caught in while travelling by boat. Prior to his calming this storm Jesus had been asleep. He was awoken by his disciples, they frantically called out to him saying, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 

In moments when we are frightened, in moments when we are riddled with fear, it can be incredibly hard to find our faith. Moments of fear are so often partnered with difficult and/or painful situations. Situations that make having faith next to impossible. So, how do we maintain our faith? How do we avoid the question, "Have you still no faith?" Maybe it is not asking for the "storm" to be calmed, but for guidance amid the storm?

What are you afraid of?

God, we are afraid. Life can be scary and messy. Life can be ugly, hurtful, and dangerous. We pray that in these storms you would help to navigate us, to help sort through the wind and rain, so that we might overcome these fears. Amen.   

Lenten Devotional - Day 14

Mark 4:21-34

 "...With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed..."

Really? A mustard seed? When Jesus first draws upon the parallel of a mustard seed to the kingdom of God it feels not only inadequate, but disappointing. Though just as we are left pondering how a mustard seed could possibly equate to the kingdom of God Jesus goes onto say this, "...when sown upon the ground, [it] is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." 

Really? A mustard seed? Yes. A mustard seed. So often the kingdom of God is seen and felt in the small things. The seed is planted in the small things, cultivated in the culture of the small things, and grows into a big thing as a means to support the further planted seeds.  

How can you plant a mustard seed during the season of Lent?

Sower of all seeds, your mustard seed has been planted in us. Amen.

Lenten Devotional - Day 13

Psalm 27

"Your face, LORD, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me."

Does God ever really hide God's face from us? Or do we hide our faces from God and in our selfishness and brokenness assuming it is God doing the hiding? It is easy and at times necessary to be angry with God, to feel like God's face is being hidden from us. Though it is in these moments, these moments when God's face is hidden, that we must learn to fully expose ourselves so that we might see the face of God in unfamiliar places. 

Where is God's face being hidden from you in your life? How might you go about discovering God's face?

God you have revealed your face to us. In your openness we find our openness, fully exposed to you and your grace. Amen. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 12

Psalm 34

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."

It sure would be nice if life were this simple. Recognize evil. Depart from this evil. Do good in place of this evil. All the while seeking and pursuing peace. Obviously, our daily lives are a bit messier than this. Sure, we can often recognize those things that are in fact "evil," but it is much more difficult to recognize how exactly to "do good." If a friend is getting bullied, how do we respond? If we are given an opportunity to cheat on an exam, how do we respond? If we have hurt someone's feelings, how do we respond? 

Take time to reflect on a way in which you might "do good" during Lent.

God we ask that you surround us with your love and grace so that we may respond to evils appropriately, that we might relentlessly seek and pursue peace while doing good amid the evils.

  

Lenten Devotional - Day 11

Psalm 121

 "The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore."

It is nearly impossible to deny the magnitude of this statement. The Psalmist is assuring us of the Lord's never ending presence in both this life and hereafter. As human beings, how can we possibly comprehend a love so loyal? Maybe that is the point? In this assurance of God's "keeping" comes doubt, yet from doubt arises faith. A faith to feel assured and confident that the Lord will in fact be with us now and for evermore.

What are some specific moments in your life when you felt God in both your comings and goings?

God of Love and Grace, we feel your presence both now and for evermore. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 10

Mark 2:23-3:6

"The Pharisees said to him, 'Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?'" 

Have you ever been so focused on "doing what is right" that you actually lose focus on doing the right thing? In this particular passage the Pharisees were upset with Jesus and his disciples for harvesting grain to eat on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by saying,  "The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath" (v.27). This can be a hard message to hear and an even harder lesson to live out. As human beings we are conditioned to follow the rules and to uphold the protocol. Jesus has just flipped that notion upside down. How are we to respond? It less about breaking the rules and more about understanding the need to express the grace, love, and compassion that God has so abundantly shown us. If your sisters and brothers are hungry, regardless of when it might be, harvest the grain so that they may eat.

How might you "break the rules" during this season of Lent?

Creator of the harvest, let us remain humble and reasonable in our understanding of how to best honor you. Amen. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 9

Psalm 130

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning."

Waiting can be hard. Especially if it is something we have been waiting a long time for or if it is something we are waiting for in high anticipation. Maintaining our patience while waiting can be a difficult process. We want answers. We want results. We want them now! Though it is in these moments, moments of waiting, when we find ourselves uniquely challenged. How can we use these seemingly stagnant moments of waiting to positively reflect on the past, present, and future? What are we called to do during these moments of waiting? 

Amid the season of Lent, as we patiently wait, what might you be called to do while you wait?

The Great I Am, we know waiting can be hard. We so often become impatient and consumed by our anticipation. Help to maintain in us a patient mind and calm spirit so that we might respond to our call amid the waiting. Amen. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 8

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15

"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."

At times it can be so easy for us to take all of the credit for things we have done. We get caught up in our own successes and accomplishments and we fail to remember all of those people who helped us along the way. No task, big or small, goes without help. Sure, we should always be proud of the work we have successfully completed, but amid our triumphs it is important that we take a moment to reflect upon those who positively affected and aided in these endeavors. It is a simple thing, but acknowledging those who have helped you with a simple "Thank You" can certainly have a far reaching impact. 

Challenge yourself today to say "Thank You" to someone who has recently helped you.

Creator and Sustainer, we know we cannot experience success without the help of others. Help us to remain grounded in our triumphs as we graciously and humbly thank those who are willing to help us. Amen.

Lenten Devotional - Day 7

Psalm 147:1-11

"How good it is to sing praises to our God; for God is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting...Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre."

There are so many ways in which we can glorify, celebrate, and praise God. It can be done through music, athletics, academics, through caring conversation, and even through a simple expression of love and compassion. So often how we offer our individual praise to God is dependent upon our own unique gifts and talents and how exactly we utilize them. Praise can be heard in a song. Praise can be seen in humility after an important win. Praise can be felt in a compassionate hug. Praise can be exemplified in active listening. 

What are some ways in which you offer praise to God?

Hear our praise, O God! We offer up our prayers of joy and thanksgiving! We are thankful for the many gifts and talents you have blessed us with. Let us be continually reminded to always use these tools as a way to glorify you, our gracious and loving God. Amen.   

Lenten Devotional - Day 6

1 Corinthians 1:20-31

"God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God."

Ever wounder why things happen the way they do? Why certain situations have undesired outcomes? Or what we thought would be the resolution to an issue proves to be quite the opposite? It is a funny thing to be so boldly and publicly humbled. God's desires are rarely in congruence with our own as God so often chooses "what is low." Obviously, in our brokenness we often choose "things that are" as opposed to "things that are not." Those "things that are" often are prettier, more glamorous, and, at times, downright boastful. As we have all experienced, God quickly humbles our boastfulness, choosing those things in our lives that "are not" instead those that "are." However, it is important to recognize that this is not an act of defiance by God. It is not God keeping us in check. It is God's reminder of God's presence and deep love that encircles and surrounds us daily amid those humbling moments, so that when we do boast, we might boast in the Lord.  

When have you been profoundly humbled by God?  

Weaver of all things that are and that are not, help us to recognize your humbling and supportive presence. Guide us through the times that are in our lives. Guide us through the times that are not in our lives. Amen. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 5

Psalm 121

"The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night."

Have you ever experienced a long summer day when it seems as though the sun will never set? How about a long winter night when it feels like the sun might never return? These moments can be simultaneously hopeful and helpless. In these moments we are often humbled by the reality that we cannot always be in control. Though while we might not always be in control we can rest assured that those moments of the persistent "sun" and the constant "moon" shall not strike without God's presence and protection.

Reflect on a time when a long summer day or a long winter night was filled with God's presence.

God of Day and Night, continue to remind us that the seasonal rhythms of life strike us only as you allow them.  

Lenten Devotional - Day 4

Philippians 4:10-20 

"I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need."

It is so hard to ignore this "secret" that Paul is writing about. How do we best handle situations of plenty and/or little? Is it responsible resource management? How do we fall into situations of plenty and/or little? Is it luck? So often it is our innate human nature to try and find the secret behind our supposed successes and failures. Perhaps the secret is living fully into each moment. To understand God' presence amid the moments of plenty and of little.

When have you been in a situation of plenty? When have you been in a situation of little? How did you handle them?

Lord, we have been full. Lord, we have been hungry. Amid the times of both plenty and little help us to live fully into the present moment.

Lenten Devotional - Day 3

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

"Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord GOD. Turn, then, and live."

What a challenge God has set out before us in this passage... "Turn, then, and live." Forget your past wrongdoings. Move past your shortcomings and iniquities. To wallow in the self-pity of our transgressions is not only not living, but it is, in so many ways, a "death." As so often is the case, God reminds us that in spite of our brokenness, God's love for us is abounding. It is this exact love that, amid our brokenness, allows us to "turn, then, live."

Is there a specific "transgression" you have been holding onto recently? How might you work on letting that go during this season of Lent?

God, we are broken. Too often we carry our brokenness with us. We pray that you would open our hearts and create in us a spirit that longs to turn and live.  

Lenten Devotional - Day 2

Habakkuk 3:1-18

"Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation."

At times, when we catch ourselves in the daily doldrums of life, when we are stuck in a seemingly endless routine of monotony and repetition, it is hard to rid ourselves of negativity and frustration. Life is not always easy nor is it always overwhelmingly exciting. At these moments, when we feel the pressures and  relentless cycles of life we must do our best to seek out God's presence in it all. It may only be the laughter of a small child, the perfect song on the radio, or a warm cup of coffee, but God's presence can seen and felt even during those time when our fig tree does not blossom.  

Amid the routine of your daily life, where have you seen or felt God's presence today?

God, we are humbled. Humbled by your never-ending presence in our lives. Help us to escape our own negativity and find your love and grace in our every moment. Amen. 

Lenten Devotional - Day 1

Scripture: Psalm 5

"Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray." 

The season of Lent is one marked by a time of self-reflection. We are afforded the opportunity to spend 40 days celebrating, contemplating, and even wrestling with our own identity as it pertains to our relationship with God. As we spend this season of Lent "struggling" without those precious sweets, our morning cup of coffee, or our daily fix of social media let us replace that time with prayerful self-reflection in relationship with the God who we so often replace with convenient and comfortable distractions. 

In the midst of our busy lives, how can we prayerfully self-reflect on our relationship with God?   

Loving God, please listen to our prayers. Give us the courage and strength to honestly and diligently reflect on our lives as we pray to become open to the boundless grace you have bestowed upon us. Amen.  

A Prayer As We Prepare

As you read and speak this prayer, take time before, during, and after to reflect on the coming season of Lent. 

What does this particular season of Lent mean to you?

Righteous God,

in humility and repentance

we bring our failures in caring, helping, and loving,

we bring the pain we have caused others,

we bring the injustice in society of which we are a part,

to the transforming power of your grace.

Grant us the courage to accept the healing you offer

and to turn again toward the sunrise of your reign,

that we may walk with you in the promise of peace

you have willed for all the children of the earth,

and have made known to us in Christ Jesus. Amen.

*This prayer comes from: http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=23 

To Be Transfigured

15th century painting by Theophanes the Greek.

Yesterday we celebrated and contemplated the Transfiguration of the Lord. As described on the PC(USA) website, transfiguration Sunday celebrates the glorious revelation of God in Jesus Christ and Christ’s manifestation as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Jesus’ radiant appearance on the mountaintop evokes the devouring fire of the glory of the LORD at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24.17). Here, as at Jesus’ baptism, God claims him as a beloved child, in whom God is well pleased.

Similarly, in Jesus’ transfiguration, we are assured that Jesus is the hope of the ages. Jesus is the One who fulfilled the Law given through Moses, the one dreamed of by the prophets, of whom Elijah is the greatest.

In celebrating this event, we rejoice in the divine majesty of Christ, whose glory shone even when confronted with the cross. It is given us for our journey through Lent toward the agony of the cross and the victory of the empty tomb. We celebrate this mystery in order that our faith may be renewed. We are transformed into the new being in Christ as we join Christ in his death and resurrection in Lent and Easter.

As we begin a new week and prepare ourselves for the season of Lent we are challenged to celebrate and contemplate our own transfiguration...

How are you going to be transfigured and how are you going to transfigure others? 


*The above information from the PC(USA) can be found at http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/worship/transfiguration-lord/

How Sweet The Sound

You carry me through the waters

Where Your peace clears away all my sorrow

And nothing can separate us from Your love

Oh, Your love it will always be...