Posted on March 10, 2009 at 8:56am.
Mondays are tough at my house. Getting that whole school-work week started all over again on Mondays is almost like going back after a long summer’s break. For some in my house it is agony. Like many of you, I’m sure, some Mondays are pretty long. Yesterday was one of those days. I heard it was actually hot outside. I only felt the warmth briefly heading to a dinner meeting across the courtyard. Last night was our monthly Board meetings. Now, I have been in church meetings for decades, and if I were honest, I would have to say that often they are “bored” meetings rather than Board meetings. But in recent years I would say my dread and agony about another meeting has turned to wonder and even anticipation. Last night was a night that made me feel guilty for ever bad mouthing a church meeting, and I have, some of which I have led. But last night, after the “business” part, we prayed. Talked about our need for God, and prayed some more. We prayed for the needs of our community, prayed for folks specifically, and prayed over a family in crisis. If a Monday is going to leave you climbing into bed tired and worn out like yesterday - sign me up.
Posted on March 9, 2009 at 8:41am.
Paul was praying for the believers in Colosse, praying that they would be filled with the knowledge of His will . . . in order that they may live a life worthy of the Lord. I am praying that for us too, for me. That I would live up to who I have been called to follow, in no way to earn anything - that’s been done. But to look like Jesus, to live like Him in all the areas of my life today. I want to live a life worthy of the Lord. It sounds simple, but is a challenge in this very moment. From the first interaction this morning outside my bedroom door, to the multiple exchanges with folks already today I sense the pressure to live for myself, to live for others - to live a life worthy of others. The call is so much greater than that. To live a life worthy of Jesus, and His mark on my life. This strength, the kind of power to live like this, is not in me, so I am asking God to do what only He can do - to give me this strength and power. Trusting Him, even now, for something beyond me.
Posted on March 5, 2009 at 7:28am.
I am reading in the book of Leviticus, and in the wee hours of the morning was wondering about the “take aways” from ceremonial cleansing, rashes, infectious diseases, and worse. I know all Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching . . . but I was wondering how these chapters were going to fuel me for the day. I was looking for a verse to hang on today. I didn’t get a verse, but I am struck with the reality that God is holy, in fact the Bible says He is holy three times over. And before I rush to claim access to Him through Jesus - which I have, I am struck with His pure, righteous, perfect reality. And this thrice holy God wants something to do with me. I am stopped by this, stooped by it even. But I am so very grateful, and so very thankful that Jesus brings me to the Father.
Posted on March 4, 2009 at 4:36pm.
I have worked my tail off today, and got nothing done. At least not the things I thought I needed to get done. I have a decent energy level, and can whip through things, switch gears, and attack a “to do” list with spunk. The day is moving to a close, at least here at church, and I leave this day with a different thought than other days like this - that left me feeling more behind, or like I had spun my wheels all day for no good reason. I prayed, I followed, I showed up, I spoke, I did the work in front of me. It must have been what I was supposed to do. I will live satisfied with that. Hope your day went well.
Posted on March 4, 2009 at 7:18am.
Struck by a passing comment in Jim’s sermon this past week. So much of our prayer lives ends up looking like a grocery list. We beseech God for our friends, our family, ourselves. We bring all of our hopes, desires, and requests before Him, and plead with him to intervene or even come through for us. More often than not, these are my prayers. I have been trying to pray more of “The Lord’s Prayer”, not my will, but yours. And even more specifically, show me what you are up to Lord, reveal your presence in the situations I lay before you, show me how I can be a part of your movement, rather than asking you to join mine. Easy to pray, tough to live. I am longing to follow today, longing to show up today and join Him.
