Devotion for Friday, March 31

John said, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us."  Jesus said, "Do not stop him ... Whoever is not against us is for us. (Mark 9: 38-40)

I have always found this to be a particularly poignant and someone funny story.  Can't you just see John running up and tattling to Jesus about this dude who "was not following" the way that John thought he should?

It is sad that we have not really learned a lot from this story.  We still look at our Christian brothers and sisters and say, "Jesus, Jesus stop them because they are not doing it like we are?"  I know I have been guilty of this in my life.  Others have been guilty of it toward me.

Jesus however puts the emphasis on the healing, the serving, the blessing that we do.  This is what matters.  I may not always agree with you, but I can value your purpose and place in the kingdom with me.  Maybe loving our neighbor begins at home, in the family of faith?

Loving Jesus, help me to see others who love you the way you see them. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, March 30

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. (Mark 8: 27-30)

Who do you say that I am? Jesus asks.

C.S. Lewis was an Oxford University medieval literature scholar, popular writer, Christian apologist, and former atheist. In a series of BBC radio talks, later published as the book Mere Christianity, Lewis answered this question, especially for those who saw Jesus as a great moral teacher, but did not believe he was God. 

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. ... Now it seems to me obvious that He was neither a lunatic nor a fiend: and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God.

Who do you say I am, Jesus ask you? In your heart? In your life?

Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom and faith to trust you and believe in your promises. Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, March 29

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul (Psalm 94:19)

The image above, a heart on fire, is often used to describe someone's passion for the Gospel.  I also can see that the cares, concerns, and struggles of our heart can also be described as a heart on fire.  In this instance, our hearts are consumed with pain and suffering; the kind of heartache that seems will never burn out.  This can lead us, also with great passion, to wish pain and suffering on those who have wronged us.

The psalmist writes these words in this kind of context.  The psalm is a calling forth of God's vengeance on those who have wronged the people.  The psalm is explicit in calling for God "wipe them out of their wickedness."

I often share with others that feelings are neither good nor bad; they simply are.  What we do with these feelings and the actions we take in response to them, however, is what we are called to consider in our discipleship.  

I don't believe going to God honestly with these kind of feelings is wrong.  It is actually a very human reaction, one that I am sure God understands.  Still, the reconciling nature and compassionate love of God will console our hearts and lead us toward a love of enemy that seems both counter-intuitive and counter-cultural.  Yet, it marks the path of Jesus.

And as we move beyond these moments of pain and hurt, with the Lord's guidance and strength, then our hearts on fire with consuming pain and hatred are turned to hearts on fire for the amazing grace and healing work of Christ. 

Consoling God, turn us from our pain and lead us toward love. Amen. 

Devotion for Tuesday, March 28

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved (Acts 2: 46-47)

"So there is no area of the church which is not wholly and exclusively subject to Christ. It is a dreadful reduction of the New Testament concept if today the church is often seen to have its existence only in preaching and the administration of the sacrament," a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book The Way to Freedom.

Church is not always easy, nor is it always pleasing.  What church is, when it is church at its best, is life together.  Common and shared worship.  Companionship in the joys and struggles of life. Being hospitable, and loving the neighbor, even if he/she is a stranger.  Finding purpose in something greater than ourselves.  Church is not wholly about meeting my needs.  Church, at its best, helps me to meet the needs of the world.  

Jesus, help the church to be life together, both in the sanctuary and especially beyond it. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, March 27

He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go, the demon has left your daughter." (Mark 7:27-29)

This is one of those readings that can often confound us about Jesus.  It is an example of Jesus clearly acting out of his humanity.  Jesus is initially dismissive of this woman seeking help for her daughter, who has a demon .  Now, what do we do with this?

I am of the opinion that this is a rather significant moment in the life of Jesus.  You see, according to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus' ministry, healing, and preaching have, up to this point in the Gospel, been primarily directed to those who are Jewish, those who he calls "children".  The woman, and her daughter are Greek, of Syrophoenician origin. In other words, she is a Gentile, a non-Jew.  And Jesus had, until now, not brought his message of salvation to those outside the Jewish faith.  

In my estimation, I believe that Jesus, through His own faith and trust in the Father, experiences this woman's faith as an opening up of his ministry, one that takes his mission beyond simply the Jewish people to Gentiles as well.  For from this point on in Mark, Jesus begins expanding his mission to Gentiles as well.  

This can be very helpful for us as we consider our own journey of faith and discipleship.  Jesus was a model of faithfulness.  Jesus models an openness to God doing a new thing in his own life.  As we grow in following Jesus we will find that just as the Father opened new paths of ministry for Jesus, then indeed the Father will do the same in our lives. 

Father God, help us to be open to your ways in our lives, especially those that are new. Amen.  

Devotion for Friday, March 24

When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat." But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." 

(Mark 6: 35-36)

The feeding of the 5000 is a wonderful and well-known story from scripture.  I have absolutely no problem believing it as a miracle.  Jesus, the Lord of creation, could easily have transformed five loaves and two fish into a bounteous feast, enough for everyone.  Not an issue for me.

For others, well, this becomes a stumbling block for them in relating to Jesus.  And I get it.  I truly do. I've heard the following, alternative, interpretation of the story and I find it to be a welcome interpretation.  Why? Because I believe it has something meaningful to say to us, perhaps even more than a miracle of Jesus will.

The reading says that disciples ask Jesus to send the folks away so that they can "buy something for themselves to eat."  The assumption here is that everyone should go their own way and be responsible only for themselves and their food.  Jesus, however, offers another possibility, one that powerfully models the purpose and power of the kingdom of God.

When Jesus says, "You give them something to eat" could it be that he was suggesting we use what we have to take care of each other, feed each other, and share with each other instead of just going our separate ways? Could it be that Jesus is inviting us to experience what life in the kingdom of God looks like? 

What if the act of Jesus blessing and sharing the loaves and fishes was to model for his disciples and inspire everyone else to share their food with each other? By doing so, there was not only enough, but plenty leftover. 

It could have simply been an awesome miracle.  Or it could be another kind of miracle; one where we learn to share, to love each other, and to use what God has first given us to be blessings to others in our world.  As we do what Jesus invites us to do, we will come to find that we not only enough for all of us, but in fact we have an abundance.  This is what life in the kingdom of God can be!

God of abundance, work the miracle of faith and loving of neighbor in my life. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, March 23

"Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob" (Psalm 81:1)

The word shout is interesting to me here.  When shouting occurs in our world it is generally seen as something not pleasant.  Shouting in the home means that either your kids are not listening, you are trying to communicate up two flights of stairs to someone, or else the wife is rather perturbed about the husband not doing the things around the house he said he would (from personal experience).

In any case, when the psalmist writes that we are to "shout for joy" I take this to be akin to what happens when I'm watching the Redskins or Duke.  I shout mostly in frustration (for example, last Sunday night when Duke lost to South Carolina).  Still, I will shout for joy as well.  I've often wondered, "Why don't I shout for Jesus?"

This may be a bit disturbing to others in our culture, but hey it could be a lot of fun.  When someone tells you about a great blessing why not shout "Whoo hoo!" just like I would with a Redskins touchdown.  When someone tells you about an amazing peace they have come to experience in their life, why not shout, "Yeah, baby, that's what I'm talking about Jesus! You da man!"

Of course, people may think we're crazy.  But I don't know, maybe they will be edified and do it themselves.  Next thing you know people could be shouting to the Lord all over, and wouldn't that truly be something to shout about?

Lord, may we shout our praise and thankfulness to you always and in all ways. Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, March 22

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? (Isaiah 55: 1-2)

One of the devotions that I am reading this Lenten season is A Way Other Than Our Own by Walter Brueggemann.  As perhaps the preeminent Old Testament theologian of the 20th century, Dr. Brueggemann challenges and delights in his expositions.

I was fortunate to have taken Old Testament theology with him during my second year of seminary in Atlanta.  Later on, after he moved to Cincinnati, I was blessed to form a friendship with him.  Our love of baseball and Jesus brought us together.  He is a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and I attended a Cards-Reds game with him.  We sat in the 4th row behind the Cardinals dugout.  I am not sure what excited me more ... sitting beside Walter or seeing Albert Pujols up close.

In one of the Lenten devotions he writes these words,

"Lent is a question, a gift and a summons. The questions of Lent are: What are we doing? Are we working for that which does not satisfy?  Are we spending for that which is not bread?  The gifts of Lent are free, gifts in the gospel that sustain life: free wine and milk, free water and bread, all the markings of sacrament. The summons of Lent is to bear new fruit. Do what is in sync with the God of the gospel, the God who has another intention for our lives, who wants us out of the rat-race of big is better."

Are you asking the questions of Lent? Are you receiving the free gifts of God's abundant grace and love? Are you bearing fruit through lives turned again toward God?

You are the God who disrupts our lives with an invitation. During this season of Lent, may we stop and may we start again: may we stop our strivings marked by greed and anxiety, may we start again the work of compassion and generosity. Amen (prayer by Walter Brueggemann).

Devotion for Tuesday, March 21

When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat." But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." 

(Mark 6: 35-36)

The feeding of the 5000 is a wonderful and well-known story from scripture.  I have absolutely no problem believing it as a miracle.  Jesus, the Lord of creation, could easily have transformed five loaves and two fish into a bounteous feast, enough for everyone.  Not an issue for me.

For others, well, this becomes a stumbling block for them in relating to Jesus.  And I get it.  I truly do.  I've heard the following interpretation of the story.  It is a welcome interpretation for me because it has something meaningful to say to us, perhaps even more than a miracle of Jesus can.

The reading says that disciples ask Jesus to send the folks away so that they can "buy something for themselves to eat."  The assumption here is that everyone should go their own way and be responsible only for themselves and their food.  Jesus, however, offers another possibility, one that more powerfully resembles the purpose and power of the kingdom of God.

When Jesus says, "You give them something to eat" could it be that he was suggesting what life in the kingdom of God looks like; a place where we take care of each other, we feed each other, and we share with each other instead of just going our separate ways? 

What if the act of Jesus blessing and sharing the loaves and fishes was to model for his disciples and inspire everyone else to share their food with each other? By doing so, there was not only enough, but plenty of leftover. 

It could have simply been an awesome miracle.  Or it could be another kind of miracle, one where we learn to share, to love each other, and to use what God has first given us to be blessings to others in our world.  When we do, we come to find that we not only enough, we have an abundance.  This is what life in the kingdom of God can be!

God of abundance, work the miracle of faith and loving of neighbor in my life. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, March 20

I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds (Psalm 77:11-12)

One of the great gifts we have in life is the ability to remember.  When this escapes us, as perhaps you  have experienced with a loved one, it can be disheartening.  I remember visiting my grandmother who was suffering with dementia.  She had no idea who I was.  Fortunately, she was "pleasantly confused" as our family would say.  She enjoyed seeing me, and her love for me was evident.  She just couldn't remember me.  And it was sad.  

The psalmist speaks to the powerful gift that remembering can be for our lives of faith.  In the midst of struggles and pains, we are encouraged to remember that God has come through before and God will come through again. In fact, God comes through for us, for our world, and amidst the events that shape our lives as a matter of course.  It is was God does, even though it may not seem like it at times, primarily because God is not coming through how we want God to do so.  Still, we have many millennium of evidence that God does and will work hope and promise into our lives.

The psalmist reminds us to meditate and muse on how God meets us, redeems us, and restores us in our lives.  As we do this, we come to find that we can trust God yet again to encourage hope and offer grace to us.  I believe that one of the great gifts of worship is having a weekly reminder of this activity of God.  Worship invites us to remember again the mighty acts and wonders of God in Christ.

God who remembers us, help us to be faithful in remembering who you are and whose we are. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, March 17

The Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house."  And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. (Mark 6:4-6)

The first sermon I ever preached for my preaching class in seminary was on this text.  I remember I entitled it, "Jesus, no Hometown Hero".  I still find this story, especially Mark's version, to be quite comical and also poignantly confronting.  

We are told that Jesus "could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them."  Now, I don't know about you, but I find this to be a pretty impressive deed of power!  In fact, when Jesus does this same thing at other points of scripture, it is considered as much. I wonder if Mark is making a bit of a joke here; in effect saying that the issue is not that Jesus is unable to use his gifts of power amidst those familiar with him, but that, in fact, he still can, but they can not see it for what it is!

The question then becomes, why? What is it about them that did not allow them to see the power of Jesus to heal in their midst.  Perhaps it is because they felt that already knew all there was to know about him?  

Earlier in the reading the people say things like, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?"  The issue, in my estimation, is that they were unable to see what Jesus was doing because they believed they already knew him.

Now, this can be a difficult for us too.  Do we not fall into the same trap? Do we not believe we have Jesus figured out from time to time? We know how Jesus should act, who he should bless, and what he will do in any particular situation?  "Is this not the Jesus we have known since Sunday school?"

We are called to be open to the ways Jesus is active and healing and saving the lives of those around us, especially those with whom we are not ready for Jesus to be in relationship.  As we do, we can see the active, living and healing power of Jesus in a new way.  A new way that calls us beyond our preconceived notions of the kingdom of God.

Lord Jesus, allow us to see you with new eyes and in new ways. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, March 16

But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, 

"Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" (Mark 4:38)

In the midst of anxiety and the storms of life, how often do we wonder if Jesus is asleep on us too? I remember a particularly difficult time in my life, a time of anxiety, uncertainty, and stress that continually led me to a place of wondering if God was anywhere to be found.  It is a very real human reaction in the midst of fear and struggle.

However, Jesus is there, even if we don't believe that we have his full attention.  I love that in this account he is asleep, resting amidst our storms.  When he wakes he stills the storm and eases their anxiety.  Yet he questions this anxiety of theirs by asking, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" 

I don't hear this as condemnation as much as I hear it as surprise.  Jesus is genuinely surprised that his teaching and leading still has not taken root with the disciples.  Yet, do we not have similar experiences in our families, with our children, in our professions, with co-workers, etc.?  

During my difficult time, I remember Heidi listening to me as I spoke out of fear and frustration one afternoon.  After I was finished she simply looked at me and asked, "David, don't you believe in God?"  When I said that of course I do, she said, "Then trust that God's got this! It's going to be fine!"

It was her "Have you no faith?"  moment to me.  And it worked. It reminded me that the storms and stresses and struggles of our lives can not drown the power of Jesus to bring healing, wholeness, and new life.  

As my friend Tom says, "Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big your God is!"

Loving Jesus, help us embrace the storms of life with the confidence of your saving grace. Amen.  

   

Devotion for Wednesday, March 15

Listen! A sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold (Mark 4:3-9)

Jesus tells this parable and then explains it verses 13-20.  You have probably heard the explanations that each of the four soils show how the Word of God can be experienced, dependent on the reception and circumstances of those who hear it.  The path indicates that for some the word never takes any root and is blown away.  The rocky ground indicates those who receive the word immediately and joyously, but because it is not rooted, it does not endure.  The thorny ground indicates those who respond to the Word, but the cares, desires, and struggles of the world (thorns) choke it out of them. The good soil indicates those who hear the Word, accept it, root it in community and scripture, and bear fruit.

I interpret this parable as not exclusively talking about different people, but instead addressing the different kinds of soil that we can be at different times in our lives.  At times I have been a stone path and not responded to the Word in midst.  At others times I been rocky ground, responding immediately but doing little to preserve and root my faith.  Still, at other times, I've allowed the cares of the world and my selfish desires to choke away my faith.  Yet, graciously, at times I've also been good soil, where the Word has comforted me, inspired me, and transformed me.

The best news of this parable, however, is seen in that the sower, God, keeps on sowing seeds in our lives, giving us continuous opportunities to respond as good soil.

Lord, make my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your Word. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, March 14

And [Jesus] replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3: 33-35)

At first glance, these words from Jesus seem harsh, if not at least ungrateful.  Isn't his mother Mary, the Virgin mother, the one who was visited by the angel Gabriel, given the incredible news of her pregnancy, and who shows an incredible trust and witness to faith in the aftermath of such news? Are not his brothers the ones who will lead his ministry in Jerusalem in the future?

I interpret Jesus' words as carrying a hyperbole that emphasizes life in the kingdom of God.  Less dismissive than prescriptive, Jesus is showing those around him that the ultimate familial relationships in our lives are found within the kingdom of God.  While our families at home and our families of faith often comprise the same people, Jesus wants to make it clear which holds priority. And this is how it should be.

Our relationship with Jesus shapes all other relationships we hold dear.  As the words of the familiar hymn share, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness."  As we do, we come to find that all of our relationships can become more blessed and more a fulfillment of the abundant life God desires for us all.

Jesus, help us to live in harmony with those around us, finding strength and wisdom in our relationship with you. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, March 13

During the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly. [Joseph] gathered up all the food of the seven years when there was plenty, and stored up food in the cities ... The seven years of plenty came to an end: and the seven years of famine began to come.  And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians ... Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 41: 46-57)

It is this act of Joseph, being prepared and divinely inspired, that leads to his greatest triumph.  His foresight and his willingness to trust God's guidance is what saves the day, literally for the Egyptians and the many nations around them.

I have always seen this story of Joseph as one that hints at the power of the Jesus narrative.  Like Jesus, Joseph goes through significant struggle - from being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery to being wrongly imprisoned in Egypt.  Throughout it all, Joseph remains committed to his relationship with God and trusts God to see him through.  Joseph then becomes the one who "saves" the lives of countless people during a pervasive drought.

The key for me in this whole saga is Joseph's faith.  And it is this kind of faith that can indeed serve our lives as well.  As we remain steadfast to the God who is steadfast toward us, we find our way through struggles and doubt, and become instruments whom God uses to bring blessing to the world. How beautiful it is when we come to realize that our lives, regardless of their particular circumstance, are ripe for God's renewal, redemption, and reclamation.

Steadfast Lord, inspire our faithfulness and trust so that we can be blessings to others. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, March 10

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God (Psalm 40:3)

In Psalm 40, we are encountered by a writer who has definitely felt a sense of rescue, forgiveness, healing, and renewal.  It is a powerful psalm with which, I believe, we can all identify. 

In our most desperate moments, during our most heart-wrenching days, and amidst our most painful experiences, we can feel as if we are languishing, if not drowning, in sorrow, struggle, and shame. We need and cry for deliverance.  And when we feel and experience this desired deliverance, we move, almost literally, from mourning into dancing. 

I love the image of a "new song" as indicative of life-giving renewal of spirit and hope.  I always enjoy it when I find a new favorite song (which happens a lot).  Back in the day, when it would come on the radio, I would turn it up and sing with gusto.  I expect you know what I mean.

So, whenever you experience a strong and powerful sense of forgiveness and grace it is like a hearing your favorite song!  It will bring you joy! And your joy will lead you to praise and thanksgiving!

Saving God, help us to sing and dance to the rhythm of your grace and hope. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, March 9

And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay (Mark 2:4)

To what lengths will you go to bring others to Jesus?  

The lesson today from Mark is one that encapsulates the beauty and power of Christian community. The friends of this paralytic man are unwilling to let barriers keep them from bringing him a chance at healing, wholeness, and new life.  The commitment they make to not let anything keep them from doing something special for their friend is inspiring and humbling.

I ponder if I am as supporting of others as these friends.  I wonder if I readily seek opportunities to share with those in need the healing and life-giving message of Jesus' love?  How willing am I to not only pray for others, but, in the moment, pray with others?  Do difficult barriers dissuade me from following through with helping others who truly need my help?

May the message today of courageous Christian friendship invite us to consider how we can model this same loving and selfless behavior in our lives.

Loving Jesus, guide us to serve others and love others as you have first served and loved us! Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, March 8

In the morning, while it was still very dark, [Jesus] got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed (Mark 1:35)

I once read a book by Henri Nouwen called Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life. He wrote the following words about Mark 1:35 as an introduction to his book.  I want to share them with you today.

In the middle of sentences loaded with action - healing suffering people, traveling from town to town and preaching from synagogue to synagogue - we find these quiet words.  In the center of breathless activities we hear a restful breathing.  Surrounded by hours of moving we find a moment of quiet stillness.  In the heart of much involvement there are words of withdrawal.  In the midst of action there is contemplation.  And after much togetherness there is solitude.  The more I read this near silent sentence locked in between the loud words of action, the more I have the sense that the secret of Jesus' ministry is hidden in that lonely place where he went to pray, early in the morning, long before dawn.

In the lonely place Jesus finds the courage to follow God's will and not his own; to speak God's words and not his own; to do God's work and not his own.  It is in the lonely place, where Jesus enters into intimacy with the Father, that his ministry is born (Nouwen).

Loving Lord, guide us toward those special places apart where we can find intimacy with you. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, March 7

We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple (Psalm 48:9)

Why worship at church?  I've been asked this question many times.  People tell me how they can worship God at home, reading their Bible, looking at the beautiful creation, or simply walking through the woods or on the beach.  And now, in this time of the technological and digital revolution, you can worship online - via live streaming, through interactive prayer websites, and by watching videos of worship music on Youtube.  It is true that these can be meaningful worshipful experiences and engaging.

I usually answer that worship in community is different.  To be sure, we can have meaningful personal moments in worship.  Still, worship in community is not so much about our personal feelings or experiences.  Community worship is where the disciples of Jesus consider the nature and wonder of God's love, grace, forgiveness, and peace together.

We gather together to be reminded amidst our anxiety, struggles, and brokenness that Christ remains steadfast and His word has something to say to our experience.  Sharing this reality with others strengthens us .  We are reminded that our brokenness and our sinfulness do not disqualify us and that we are not abandoned amidst our doubts, fears, and failings.

God remains ever faithful to us.  And it is this ever-present, ongoing promise that makes worship not only meaningful, but necessary!

God of steadfast love, may we remain as faithful to you as you are to us. Amen.  

Devotion for Monday, March 6

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1)

The Gospel of Mark is unique among its close brethren, Matthew and Luke.  Mark was written first (65-70 A.D.).  Matthew and Luke made use of Mark when writing their gospels.  Because of this, the three gospels are called the synoptic gospels, meaning that they are similar to each other (syn means "with"; optic means "to see", i.e. "to see with"). 

However, unlike the other two, Mark has no infant narrative and no genealogy.  Instead, in these first 13 verses we move quickly through the account of John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus, and then his temptation in the wilderness.  Mark wastes no time moving into Jesus' Galilean ministry and his journey to Jerusalem.  It is the shortest of the four gospels and the one with the least amount of extraneous stories and accounts, because Mark is almost single-minded in his focus on Jesus' journey to the cross.

For Mark, it is the cross that most fully defines Jesus as messiah.  This seeming act of defeat, the crucifixion, is actually victory; victory over sin, over the power of death, and over all the forces that seek to dominate and claim superiority in this world.

At the time of Jesus, the term gospel referred to the good news of Roman military victories abroad. However, in an act of defiance, Mark claims this designation, gospel/good news for Jesus' victory over sin, death, and yes, even the Roman empire.  And all the other gospels followed suit!

Victorious God, may the cross be an ever-present reminder to us of your power, your love, and your grace. Amen. 

Devotion for Friday, March 3

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 4-7)

How can we rejoice in all things? When a loved one dies? When a natural disaster occurs? When war rages? When we lose our job? When a relationship ends? When our parent, spouse, or child are struggling with addiction?  What can it mean to "rejoice always"?

Paul offers here that the act of rejoicing in the Lord is a choice.  Amidst any struggle and even during emotional or physical pain, the Lord has promised to share these moments with us.  And he does so by offering a "peace which surpasses all understanding."  A peace that can accompany the death of a loved one, or the horrors of war, or the disillusionment of a relationship.  This is the only kind of peace that can comfort and sustain us when the promises of this world fail us yet again.

Rejoice as choice does not mean celebration of unfortunate incidents or condoning of hurtful actions. It simply allows us to trust God and to live with hope amidst the uncertainty, frustration, and anger that so often befalls our world and our lives. 

This promise of Hope, this promise of the Lord's unwavering commitment to us no matter what, gives us every reason to rejoice that we are not alone, nor ultimately defined by our struggles, pains, and doubts. God offers real, lasting, and surprising hope. Always.

Loving God, enliven our spirit during difficult times and help us to live with hope. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, March 2

Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way, though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand, (Psalm 37: 23-24)

When I was a child I delighted in holding the hand of my father or mother.  At some point, this changed and it seemed less important to me.  I now see it in my children.

Oh, how I love it when my kids hold my hand.  It is such a special thing to feel connected to my children.  I am missing the hand-holding portion of our lives together.  I imagine God feels the same.

When we hold the hand of our Lord, like when we do so as children with our parents, there is an inherent trust and love there.  Of course, in our society it would seem a bit strange for me to walk around holding the hand of my almost teenager.  I get that.  Still, as a metaphor for our life with God, I hope that I have never let go of God's hand in my life.  I am still that child who needs the security and safety of the Father's hand.  For like my earthly father, my heavenly Father can keep me from running out into unknown dangers and remain by my side in the midst of fearful moments.  This comfort and peace, which God desires for us, is something I hope I never forget to cling to in my life of discipleship.

Loving Father, help me to remain side by side with you in my walk of faith. Amen.

Devotion for Ash Wednesday - March 1

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit (Psalm 51: 10-12)

As we begin our Lenten season, a season of reorientation, realignment and renewal, I invite you to take these words to heart as Jesus seeks to change our hearts, our words, our actions and our minds. 

For some, change can be seen as a bad word.  No one really likes change.  I don't necessarily embrace it as much as perhaps I should.  However, the world around us and the realities of our lives are always changing. We can't stop that from happening.

So, how can we change with an eye, ear, and heart focused on God?  That is the call of Lent, that is the hope and promise of this season.  I invite you to change over the next forty days.  Read a devotion daily. Share resources with the needy and poor.  Offer forgiveness you've been denying.  Embrace a healthier lifestyle.  Lent affords you an opportunity to do something new, a holy do-over if you will.

Throughout, Lent, Monday through Friday each week, I will be offering daily devotions.  Perhaps these can serve to help you in this effort.  Also, we worship each Wednesday evening during Lent, beginning tonight, at 7:00pm as a time for weekly renewal for you and your family.  You will be in my prayers dear friends during this special, dedicated time of spiritual growth. 

Let us pray ... God of all, guide me to change in ways pleasing to you, in solidarity with others, and for the purpose of the Kingdom.  Amen.