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Christian, devotion, faith, Lenten Devotion, Mark, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: mark 5: 1-20. Morning Psalm-84; Evening Psalm-42

Text: And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. (Mark 5: 42)

    The story of the Gerasene demoniac reminded me of George Mac Donald’s  poem, “What Christ Said”.

I said, “Let me walk in the fields.”

   He said, “No; walk in the town.

I said, “There are no flowers there.”

   He said, “No flowers, but a crown.”

I said, “But the skies are black,

   There is nothing but noise and din”;

And He wept as He sent me back;

   “There is more,” He said, “there is sin.”

I said, “But the air is thick,

   And fogs are veiling the sun.”

He answered, “Yet souls are sick,

   And souls in the dark undone.

I said, “I shall miss the light,

   And friends will miss me, they say.”

He answered, “Choose tonight

   If I am to miss you, or they.”

I pleaded for time to be given.

   He said, “Is it hard to decide?

It will not seem hard in Heaven

   To have followed the steps of your Guide.”

I cast one look at the fields,

   Then set my face to the town;

He said, “My child, do you yield?

   Will you leave the flowers for the crown?”

Then into His hand went mine;

   And into my heart came he;

And I walk in a light divine,

   The path I had feared to see. 

They demoniac who was restored to his right mind wanted to get into the boat with Jesus and the disciples. He wanted to leave his past and the people behind. But Jesus said to him,  “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.”(vs. 41)  

I think that that is true for each one of us. We are to set aside our plans for Christ’s plans. I believe that Christ touches us so that we might bear witness to how much He did for us.

    Lord, bend our wills to Your will. Cast aside our plans and lead us into seeing your plans. In this season of Lent, let us tell others–in ways that are appropriate to the circumstances–how you came into our lives and changed us into a reflection of Your image. Amen. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Christian, devotion, faith, Lenten Devotion, The Gospel of John, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for they 16th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: John 7: 1-13. Morning Psalm -43; evening Psalm 31

Text: “While some were saying, ‘He is a good man,’ others were saying, ‘No, he is deceiving the crowd.’ Yet no one would speak openly about him…” (vss. 12b & 13)

Jesus once told his disciples, “Blessed/Happy are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me…for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”  And again, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.”  

“Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not.”*  If you are going to take Jesus seriously you are going to love those people whom Jesus loved and you will see the brokenness of this world through His eyes. You will not try to “fix” other people but work on “fixing” yourself. You will do the work of God’s Kingdom here on earth, as best as your understanding will lead you. You will acknowledge that even your best intentions have a darker side and unintended consequences. You will be humble in heart. You will accept the fact that some people will praise you while others will condemn you. But as a Jesus follower, you will neither be encouraged by the praise nor intimidated by the condemnation. Followers of Jesus do not seek the accolades of this world. They live their lives simply and courageously. Their goal in life is not to be famous or remembered but to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”**

In this season of Lent explore your motivation for doing “good” things in this world. Also explore how dependent you are to the applause of “the crowd.”

Lord, lead me in a moral inventory. Give me a heart that loves you above all else. Purge from me the quest for fame, glory or money. Let me not have the false humility that lets me think that I am doing good and noble things when I am merely “playing to the crowd” in a more clever way. Amen.

*Senator Edward M. Kennedy quoted these words in his eulogy of Robert F. Kennedy. President John F. Kennedy spoke similar words in his address to the Irish Parliament, Dublin, Ireland on June 28, 1963. George Bernard Shaw is the original author.

**The response to the first question of the Westminster Catechism of faith.

 

 

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Christian, confession, devotion, Lenten Devotion, The Gospel of John, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 15th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: John 5: 30-47. Morning Psalm–22; Evening Psalm–105

Text: I can do nothing on my own…(Jesus, John 5: 30

In today’s gospel lesson Jesus told his critics that He could only do that which God enabled Him to do. He was dependent upon God. In saying this, he set an example for His disciples.

So often we say that we are going to do great things or fix this and that problem. The truth of the matter, though, is that we can only do Kingdom work when we are in direct relationship with God. Jesus did promise His disciples that they would do greater things than He did (John 14:12) but only if they stayed connected to the Father. “I am the vine, you are the branches”, He said, “… cut off from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

In this season of Lent we are called to reflect upon our separation between God and ourselves, as well as our contribution to the world’s brokenness. But we are also called to recommit ourselves to being connected to God–the Creator of the Universe, the One made visible in God’s Incarnation–Jesus, whom Christians call the Christ. 

Lord, give me a reflective and penitent heart. During this season of Lent, as I practice the spiritual disciples of worship, fellowship, generosity, prayer and mission reconnect me to the True Vine, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

han good. They will try to sabotage

 

 

 

 

 

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Christian, devotion, faith, Lenten Devotion, The Gospel of John, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 14th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: John 5: 19-29. Morning Psalm–27; Evening Psalm 126

Text: I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. (Jesus, John 5:24)

A frustrated supervisor came into my office and sat down. After talking to one of his direct reports he said, “He doesn’t listen. He simply doesn’t listen.” An exasperated partent asks their child, “Aren’t you listening?”   Implicit in “listening” is “understanding” and “doing”. In our text for today Jesus said that those who do His work of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and dying, and visiting the imprisoned are forgiven of their “sin”–of their inherent brokenness and the they cause because we cannot escape the fact that we are less than perfect. Jesus also said that by listening we pass from death to life. What a curious phrase.

At various points in the gospels Jesus told his disciples that if they wish to save their life, they will lost it, but conversely, if they lose their life for His sake and the gospel’s they will find their life. And in the so-called parable of the prodigal son, the son “comes to his senses” when he remembered not only who he is, but whose he is. When the father saw his “lost” son returning home, he told the servants to celebrate for his son who was lost is found and who was dead and is now alive. It strikes me that we can be spiritually dead throughout life. We are only truly alive when we are engaged in the Risen Lord’s work.

Today, listen for the voice of Jesus. Commit yourself to discipleship. To the glory of God.

Lord God, thank you for your forgiveness that is given even before I know my need. Give me the ears to hear your call and the will to do your work. Amen.

 

 

 

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Christian, confession, devotion, faith, Lenten Devotion, The difficulty of change, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 13th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional  Reading: John 5: 1-18. Morning Psalm–5; EveningPsalm–27

Text: When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”  (John 5:6)

“Do you want to be made well?” is one of the most insightful questions in the Bible. We automatically think, “Of course, I want to be made well?” but the truth of the matter is that that is not always the case. By asking the question Jesus was asking if the lame man wanted to change. At some level we want to change–we want to get a new job, move to a new place, lose those accumulated pounds, go back to school, be a better parent, be a better spouse, etc., but change means…well, it means “change!” It’s hard. We’ve become quite comfortable where we are, even if we know that it is a bad spot. We want change only if it does not cost us anything. Subconsciously we–or those closest to us–sabotage our efforts at change. I am a stutter.  At one point in my life when I was going to begin a new therapy program for stutters someone closest to me wasn’t sure that the therapy was such a good idea. If I wasn’t a stutter, who would I, then, be?

The man’s response to Jesus was not a direct answer to our Lord’s question. It was an excuse–“I have no one to put me in the pool…” (v. 7).  The man wasn’t sure he wanted to change. He could say that he was a victim and that was quite acceptable. Being a victim wasn’t really so bad.  Jesus challenged him. “Stand up, take you mat, and walk.”  At that moment the man had to decide if he was a victim or a victor.

In Lent we say that we will make a change; tradition says that we will give something up. My experience is that it is usually something that we needed to give up anyway but were just afraid to do it; chocolate, sugar, smoking, etc. We’ll do this for 40 days and struggle through, quite proud of ourselves if we succeed. But the gospel reading challenges us: Do we want to make a forever change? Do we want to walk in the path of Jesus? Do we want to be a disciple? Discipleship is not just for 40 days. It is for a lifetime. Do we want to take of risk of not asking God to bless our plans but rather ask God to show us His plans and where we can fit in?

Lord, in the season of Lent let me hear the voice of Jesus ask, “Do you want to get well?” Give me the courage to trust in you. I give to you my life; do what you will, for I am yours. Amen.

 

 

 

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Christian, devotion, faith, Lenten Devotion, The Gospel of John, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 12th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: John 4:43-54. Morning Psalm–34; Evening Psalm–25

Text: The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way (vs. 50b)

I am drawn to the father in today’s reading. I am a father and grandfather. I have been scared for my children and grandchildren. I know the kind of fear that drove him to Jesus. What I am most struck with, though, is his faith. He believed and went home to whatever awaited him. Fortunately, by the time he returned home, his child was well. Things do not always work out this way, though.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 RSV)

     When a new follower of Jesus comes to me and wants to know what he or she should do, I suggest that they devotionally read the letter to James. I call it “Christianity 101”. It talks about the practical application of faith in every day life. It tells someone how to “walk home” holding on the “word” that Jesus “spoke.” James foundational statement for me is found in the very first chapter. “If any of you lack wisdom, ask God who gives generously. But ask without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wind tossed sea. Do not be double-minded.” (vss. 5 & 6) While he talks about wisdom, I believe that it applies to every aspect of our faith journey.

We do not always get the answer that we want. Bad things happen. That is a part of the Lenten season–it leads to the Cross. But we must never doubt that God is faithful.

Lord, give me the faith of the father. Let me ask boldly and live with confidence, sure of your presence whether I be on one of life’s mountaintops on in the valley of shadows. Amen.

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Christian, devotion, Lenten Devotion, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 11th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: Romans 1: 1-15. Morning Psalm–145; Evening Psalm–121

“Devotional reading” means to ask God to speak to you as you read a given passage.  When something jumps out inviting you to pause and reflect for a moment or two, do it. In the devotional reading for today verse 14 gave me such an invitation; “ I owe a great debt to you and to everyone else, both to civilized people and uncivilized alike; yes, to the educated and uneducated alike.” (Today’s Living Translation)

When I reflect upon my own life I realize that I have been shaped by a great many people and experiences. You have, too. Some people I would have preferred to avoid, but even they taught me something. (As the quip says, “If you can’t be a good example, at least be a good warning!) There are others I wish I could have spent more time with. It has been said that the teacher appears when the student is ready. I think this is true.

Years ago I wrote a letter to a university professor who had a great influence upon my life. I forgot about the letter until I received a phone call from the professor’s attorney. The professor died in an automobile accident. Being without wife or child, it was left to the attorney to settle the estate, including opening his lock box. Inside the box the attorney found the letter that I had written year earlier. He called to tell me that the letter must have meant something to the man.

As a part of your Lenten discipline today, write a letter to someone who greatly touched your life. Let them know what their touch meant to you. Do it today. Tomorrow may be too late.

Lord, like the apostle Paul I owe a great debt to many people. Thank you for their touch upon my life. Nudge me to set aside the time to write them a note of thank you–for your glory. Amen.

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Christian, devotion, faith, Lenten Devotion, Parable of the Sower, Sowing Seed, Uncategorized

Glimpse of Grace for the Second Sunday of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: Mark 3: 31-4:9. Morning Psalm–84; Evening Psalm–42

Text: “Listen! A sower went out to sow.” (Mark 3: 3)

I’ve always been fascinated by the parables of Jesus. Perhaps you have, too. The thing that I discovered about Jesus’ parables is that they are mirrors reflecting not only the nature of God’s Kingdom, but where we are in life. So many times I’ve approached this parable cautioning listeners not to be like “the path”, “the rocky” ground, or the weedy” patch.  But then I realized a couple of things that I never saw before. First, soil cannot change itself. Second, only the gardener or farmer can change the nature of the soil.

Maybe the point of this parable is not the ground, per se, but the sower. Maybe Jesus is telling us that we are the sowers of the Kingdom presence. Maybe this is a parable about faithfulness; being faithful to our task.  In the parable the sower scattered seed broadly without even thinking about the soil. His job was not to judge but to simply be persistent in sowing seed.

Could it be that that  is what we are called to do, too? Maybe we need to worry less about the soil and leave that to God.

Lord God, make me slow to judge and quick to forgive. Give me the strength to be faithful in sowing the seed of Your Kingdom at all time and places. And if our words fail, let our action proclaim Your Promise. Amen.

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Christian, devotion, Lenten Devotion, The Gospel of John, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 10th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional Reading: John 4: 1-26. Morning Psalm–43; Evening Psalm–31

Text: Jesus said to her: I am he, the one who is speaking.” (John 4: 26)

So often the most important things happen “behind the scenes”. Slow service in a restaurant it is not the waitresses fault; she’s at the mercy of the cooks–or chefs, in high class establishments. If a scene doesn’t go quite right in a play, more likely than not–unless an actor forgets a line–it is the fault of the director or one of the stage hands.

The exchange between the Samaritan woman at the well and Jesus gets into a deep theological discussion very quickly; living water vs. well water, where and how “our” people worship, etc.  Finally Jesus says quite clearly Who He is; “I am he, the One who is speaking. (The Christ). That is good to know, but what happens next is arguably more important, and it is off stage of today’s reading. The woman goes back to her village and tells everyone she sees, “I have met the Christ.” She then brings them to Jesus.

Many, if not most, “mainline” Christians know that Jesus is the Christ, but they keep it a secret. We simply don’t tell others; we don’t tell others that we are a Jesus follower but we also don’t tell others how He touched our lives and changed them. It is fine, well and good for us to know who Jesus is, but Jesus says that we have this knowledge because we are His “witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Christ does not want undercover agents but heralds of God’s Kingdom.

Lord, having revealed Yourself to me, show me how to be a witness to Your life-changing presence.  Amen.

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Christian, confession, devotion, faith, Lenten Devotion, sin, Temptation, Uncategorized

Glimpses of Grace for the 9th Day of Lent, 2017

Devotional Readings: Hebrews 4: 11-16;  Morning Psalm-22; Evening Psalm–130

Text: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness that  we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need. (Hebrews 11:15, 16)

    To be reminded of our mistakes, short-comings, indiscretions or whatever we want to call it, is uncomfortable for most people. Like Adam and Eve trying to hide their nakedness, it seems that our default mode of operation is to deny, lie and cover up. All this does, though, is separate us more and more from God.

Each week, at the church I serve, we join together in a Prayer of Confession of Sin. From time to time someone will tell me that the Confession is depressing. Owning our sin is very counter-cultural. We often enter this part of the service by reminding worshipers of the words of  I John.  “If we say we are without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”(1: 8)  The apostle Paul wrote that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3: 23) Whether we like to hear it or not, we are sinners living in a state of sin. Period.

Today’s reading from Hebrews reminds us that sin does not have the last word, though. Like us, Jesus was tempted in every way but unlike us, Jesus did not fall. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness that  we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need.  As the Incarnation of God, Jesus knows who we really are and has compassion upon us. With the confidence of a child standing before a loving parent, we can confess our sin and the part that we play in the world’s sin knowing that we will receive mercy and grace.

Lord, with David I can ask for Your forgiveness. It is against You and only You that I have sinned. Give me the courage and the wisdom to mend broken relationships without harming myself. Heal my wounds of the spirit and draw me more and more into the likeness of Christ. Amen.

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