Tag: Jesus

A Meek and Quiet Spirit

Jeff1 Comment

Today is Thursday, the 6599th 29th day of January, 2026, in the third week of Epiphany.

May the peace of God embrace you today and may You feel His love for you.

It is day 29 of 2026, with 336 days left in the year.

20 days until Ash Wednesday

Day 24,794 of my life.

It is National Puzzle Day.

Daily writing prompt
What are your favorite sports to watch and play?
View all responses

I used to love to play baseball. If I were more in shape, I might like to play again. I might even like to play softball. But I do not confuse the two. Never tell me that you are going to play “baseball,” when, in reality, you are playing softball. Unless you’re playing fastpitch softball. That’s brutal. I do love to watch baseball. I say that, but I don’t do it very much anymore. It’s still my favorite sport, by far, though. In fact, it’s really the only “team” sport that I pay any attention to. If I were to rank sports, baseball would be at the top, and everything else would be in a pile at the bottom, with basketball being under all of the others. I really care nothing at all for basketball. Seriously, give everyone 100 points and play for two minutes. There’s your game.

I also enjoy bowling quite a lot. I mean, I met the love of my life while bowling. Not Jesus. The other one. C. We met in a Friday night bowling league. And now she works for the organization that oversees most of the league bowling in the U.S. (United Stats Bowling Congress), as well as several major tournaments. I also enjoy watching bowling. As an adolescent, I used to watch the big tournaments every Saturday afternoon on ABC television. I still remember seeing Mark Roth convert a 7-10 split on national television. Ah, the days of Chris Schenkel and Bo Burton, Jr.

I like watching parts of the Olympics, mostly winter. I especially like ice skating, ski jumping, and bobsledding (as well as the ones that are similar to bobsledding). I even like Curling.

😂😂😂😂😂

Okay. It’s late today, because I took C to her first post-op visit, this morning, which went very well. She is still in a lot of pain, but we found out reasons for that, and her surgery recovery is going as planned. According to her surgeon, everything is good. Part of the reason it is being more difficult than we expected has to do with the fact that she has had three prior spine surgeries and a neck surgery.

I’m off work today, and will be taking S to get her weekly injection immediately after posting this. I will get to go to work tomorrow, as far as I know. It is predicted to be below freezing again, in the morning, but the sun is shining, and it is 53 degrees outside, and there is no more precipitation predicted for a while. I seriously cannot wait to see my library peeps, and then my Jesus peeps on Sunday morning.

JESUS TIME

“The day has dawned, O Father in heaven, and everywhere Your children are lifting holy hands to You for strength for the day . . . Let my prayers be acceptable to You for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Savior, through whose merits my peace has been made with You. Let the Daystar rise in my heart, O Lord, by faith in that Savior through whom my place with You is sure forevermore. I beseech You, let not only my prayer but also my whole life, my every act, thought, and word, be a sacrifice to You today, unblemished and worthy, through the power of Your Spirit. Let the message of Your Word fill me with the assurance of the forgiveness of my  sin; let the counsel of Your revealed will point out to me the way I am to go; let Your Spirit give me courage and strength to choose the good part every hour. Hold me in oneness of faith with my fellow Christians, and let me be salt that has not lost its saltiness. Keep me Yours for the sake of Your Son, my Redeemer. Amen.” 
(Lutheran Book of Prayer, Prayer 26, Thursday Morning) 

Omnipotent, heavenly Father, as I awake to a new dawn, I entrust my life to Your care and favor. I thank You for another day to serve You. The apostle Paul exhorts, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5); may my thoughts be fixed on You. As my body is Your temple, enable me to remember that my physical life is not my own, but is Yours. As my soul can find satisfaction only with faith in Christ, help me to bring honor and glory to Him in both word and deed. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen. 
(Portals of Prayer, Prayer for Thursday Morning) 

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  
(Revelation 21:3-5 ESV) 

Today I am grateful:

  1. That C’s first post-op visit went very well 
  2. That at the end of all things, God will wipe away ever tear from our eyes, death will be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor pain; for He is making all things new 
  3. That I am able and willing to give to the Lord the thanks due Him, and that I can sing praise to Him 
  4. That while earthly crowns and kingdoms roll into dust, we have a King that men did not crown and cannot dethrone, and we are citizens of a city of God that they did not build and cannot destroy 
  5. That the most important thing in life is the presence of God; if I have not His presence, there is no reason to go on; Christ truly is everything. 
Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?

Psalm of the Day – Psalm 7 

God is a righteous judge,  
and a God who feels indignation every day.  
If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword;  
he has bent and readied his bow;  
he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, 
 making his arrows fiery shafts.  
Behold, the wicked man conceives evil  
and is pregnant with mischief  
and gives birth to lies.  
He makes a pit, digging it out,  
and falls into the hole that he has made.  
His mischief returns upon his own head,  
and on his own skull his violence descends. 
 
 I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness,  
and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.  
(Psalms 7:11-17 ESV) 

“One thing to trust the person 
Seated at my left, or right: 
That’s left to chance and lions’ 
Natures – they may not have 
        Right instincts, save 
To stalk, to spring, to savage. 
 
Meek enough, but still not meat, 
I have to trust what I know 
Of another, have to show 
My sunny side, my peach 
To one I choose, or hope to touch, 
Whose heart I hope to reach. 
 
But friends can foil, bare the tooth, 
Claw, snarl, scratch, bite when I turn 
My eye away, or when I sleep. Lord, 
Take the lion hunter and the lion 
In the pit one dug for the other. 
        Let me sing on trust.” 
(Laurance Wieder, Words to God’s Music, Psalm 7, LIVERISH) 

This was one of those days where everything I read was worthy of sharing here. So I’m having to make a tough choice. I may have to write another entry. But for now, I’m going with what was in My Utmost for His Highest, because it piggybacks off of yesterday’s reading about persecuting Christ.

“And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?'” 
(Acts 26:15 ESV) 

Chambers continues to look at Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road. Paul was “serving God” in the way that he thought was right. When we do that, suddenly, God will come upon us, “suddenly the voice of God speaks in a way that overwhelms us by revealing the depths of our ignorance. . . . We serve Jesus in a spirit that is not His, we hurt Him by our advocacy for Him, we push His claims in the spirit of the devil. Our words sound all right, but our spirit is that of an enemy.”  

This is a very profound statement, worthy of much consideration, especially in our current times. Just because what comes out of your mouth is from the Bible doesn’t make it “right,” because of the spirit in which it is given. “It has not fostered the meek and quiet spirit, but the spirit of self-satisfaction.” If you are quoting Scripture “at” someone, it’s kind of like hitting them in the face with a book. And that does no good for anyone, least of all Christ.  

My Father, I pray for a meek and quiet spirit when I am sharing Your Gospel with people. Let me not ever try to “serve You” in my own way, but only in the way in which You send me. Let me not be guilty of “persecuting Christ,” by “throwing” Scripture at people. Help me to love them, to speak peace and truth into their lives in an attitude of love, meekness, and quiet. May my words and my spirit be the same, the essence of Christ in the Holy Spirit, shining His light into my life, and, thereby, into the lives of others.

I thank You, Jesus, for everything, for You are everything. I seek no city on this earth, but only You, the King whom men did not crown and cannot dethrone, I thank You for my citizenship in the City of God, which men did not build, nor can they destroy. All glory to You, my God.

Amen.

Grace and peace, my brothers and sisters! Drink deep!

CHRIST IS EVERYTHING!!!

The Story of the Gospel

Jeff

Today is Monday, the seventeenth day of November, 2025, in the Season of the Church.

May the peace of God embrace you today and may You feel His love for you.

It is day 321 of 2025, with 44 days remaining in the year.

Day 24,721 of my life.

There are now only ten days until Thanksgiving (what??), and thirteen days until the first Sunday of Advent, my favorite season of the Church year!! I’m so excited for Advent!

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite place to go in your city?
View all responses

I honestly don’t go that many places in our city. We’re kind of boring. But I like musicals and plays, so maybe it’s Bass Hall, where the big productions happen, or Casa Manana, which is a smaller venue for shows. There’s a special place in my heart for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Noble Planetarium, because C and I had our first “date” there on December 7 of 1984, at a Laser Magic midnight show.

It’s a work Monday for me, and C is working from home, as usual. I’m still a little “under the weather,” with this nasty sinus stuff, but feeling some better, this morning. I actually went to an emergency dental place yesterday afternoon, thinking I had a serious toothache, but they really didn’t find anything, other than saying it looked like I had the beginnings of an infection in one of my teeth (which was where it was hurting), but they tapped on all the teeth around there, and that never caused any pain, which I thought was weird.

So they didn’t do anything else, there, and I have an appointment with our regular dentist on Thursday at noon, just for a checkup, because it’s been years since I have had a dental exam.

S and I went to church last night, where I helped lead our book study group, and S helped with the Confirmation class.

As I look at the word “lead” in that last sentence, I am reminded of a meme I saw, last week that said something like how weird it is that read and lead rhyme, and read and lead rhyme, but read and lead don’t rhyme. And now I’m wondering why the past tense of read is read, but the past tense of lead is led.

Obviously, I have too much time on my hands. Also, that is possibly a sign that I am, in fact, feeling better.

JESUS TIME

“Our Father who art in heaven, Thy kingdom come. O dear Lord, God and Father, You see how the wisdom and reason of the world not only profane Your name but also take the power, might, and wealth You have given for ruling the world and serving You and use them in opposition to Your kingdom. They trouble and hinder the tiny flock of Your kingdom that is weak, despised, and few in number. They will not tolerate Your flock on earth. 
 
Dear Lord, God and Father, convert and restrain them. Convert those who are still to become children and member of Your kingdom, so that together we may serve You in Your kingdom in true faith and true love and that from our life here we may enter into Your eternal kingdom. Restrain those who will not turn away their might and power from the destruction of Your kingdom, so that when they are cast down from their seats of power and are being humbled, they will cease their efforts. Amen.” 
(Lutheran Book of Prayer – Prayer 48, Monday Morning) 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  
(Hebrews 4:12 ESV) 
Your word is a lamp to my feet  
and a light to my path.  
(Psalms 119:105 ESV) 

Today I am grateful:

  • For God’s Word, living and active in me, daily showing me the path I should walk on 
  • That Christ will one day return and “will raise up all the dead, to give eternal life and everlasting joy to believers” (Augsburg Confession) 
  • That only grace can change my behavior, but that grace is given to me, unlimited and without measure 
  • That I have a full heart with which to sing His praise 
  • That Christ is the guardian of my soul, my defender and deliverer 
Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?

Psalm of the Day – Psalm 109 

But you, O GOD my Lord,  
deal on my behalf for your name’s sake;  
because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!  
For I am poor and needy,  
and my heart is stricken within me.  
I am gone like a shadow at evening;  
I am shaken off like a locust.  
My knees are weak through fasting;  
my body has become gaunt, with no fat.  
I am an object of scorn to my accusers;  
when they see me, they wag their heads.  
 
Help me, O LORD my God!  
Save me according to your steadfast love!  
Let them know that this is your hand;  
you, O LORD, have done it!  
Let them curse, but you will bless!  
They arise and are put to shame,  
but your servant will be glad!  
May my accusers be clothed with dishonor;  
may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak!  
 
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD;  
I will praise him in the midst of the throng.  
For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,  
to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.  
(Psalms 109:21-31 ESV) 

Psalm 109 is one of those that I struggle to pray back to God, because of the things it prays will happen to his enemies. But I like the way the authors of Endless Grace wrote their prayer around it.

“May the evil that afflicts me, 
the enemies that plague me, 
be utterly condemned, 
consumed, 
cast off: 
a ruinous reckoning, 
a back-breaking, 
soul-crushing 
defeat. . . . 
 
My head hangs heavy 
with sleeplessness and sorrow; 
my heart is plagued with fear and worry. 
I waste away while evil gloats. 
 
Cut them down where they stand, Lord; 
dismantle them 
while You build me up 
stronger than before – 
for You delight in showing me mercy. 
 
With a full heart 
I sing Your praise – 
that everyone would hear of 
Your saving hand, 
merciful pardon, 
abundant grace. 
 
You are the Guardian of My Soul: 
my Defender, 
my Deliverer. 
 
Amen.” 
(Excerpt from Endless Grace – Psalm 109: Rise to My Defense) 

“Father in heaven, God of power and Lord of mercy, from whose fullness we have received, direct our steps in our everyday efforts. May the changing moods of the human heart and the limits which our failings impose on hope never blind us to you, source of every good. Faith gives us the promise of peace and makes known the demands of love. Remove the selfishness that blurs the vision of faith. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.” 
(For All the Saints – Monday of the Week of Pentecost 23 – Opening Prayer) 

The following is from New Morning Mercies, by Paul David Tripp

“Since sin is deeper than bad behavior, trying to do better isn’t a solution. Only grace that changes the heart can rescue us.” 

Some people acknowledge that they have done wrong, or failed, but then become determined to fix it themselves. We who follow Christ, however, have given up on any sense of our own righteousness and we cry out for the help of another. The first group gets up in the morning with a promise to do better, but the second starts the day with a plea for help.  

One of the key pieces of our life in Christ is confession. “When you confess your sins to God, you don’t just admit that you have sinned; no, you also confess that you have no power to deliver yourself from the sin you have just confessed. True confession always combines and admission of wrong with a plea for help.” 

This is one of the reasons that confession/absolution is one of my favorite parts of our Sunday worships service. Together, as a congregation/community, we say something like this: Most merciful God, we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen. 

And then we hear the beautiful words from one of our pastors that say something like this: “By the mercy of God we are united with Jesus Christ, and in him we are forgiven. As a called an ordained minister of the Church of Christ and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” 

Here’s the thing. If we had the power to change ourselves with God’s help, Jesus would not have had to come. “The whole story of the gospel in Scripture is a story of people who are desperately trapped in sin and have no hope except for the rescuing grace of the Redeemer.” 

Father, I praise You for the grace that we receive from You, in Christ. I thank You that I am able to confess my sins to You and admit to You that I am 100% powerless to do anything about them. I gladly receive Your forgiveness with each confession, rejoicing the fact that all of my sins are removed from me as far as the east is from the west.

I also rejoice in the receiving of the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion each week (which I sorely missed, yesterday), sustaining me through another week of this journey of faith.

I thank You for faithful pastors who consistently preach the truth of Your Word to us, and hold us up in their own prayers and who teach us the way we should go. I am reminded of a dedication that I recently read in a book that had nothing to do with Jesus, but it nevertheless moved me: “May you always have something to run toward, and good people to run beside you.”

I have Jesus to run toward, and I have the best of friends and family to run beside me. Thank You, Lord!

And thank You for the story of the Gospel that assures us that we who are trapped in sin have hope in the rescuing grace of a Redeemer.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

Grace and peace, my brothers and sisters!

The Air That I Breathe

Jeff2 Comments

Today is Wednesday, the eighteenth day of June, 2025, in the Season of the Church.

May the peace of the Lord be with you always!

It is day 169 of 2025, with 196 days remaining

Day 25,569 of my life

Summer officially begins in two days (and a few hours, because it starts at 22:42 on Friday night, in my time zone.

Sixteen days until July 4th.

Daily writing prompt
What countries do you want to visit?
View all responses

That’s a good question. There are a few, and, at this point in my life, I don’t know if it will happen, but the dream is alive. Most of the countries that I want to visit are European. I want to visit all of the UK, but especially England, Scotland, and Ireland. I really want to visit Stonehenge, as it has been a fascination for me, ever since I wrote a research paper on it in high school.

I also want to visit Germany, because getting to see Neuschwanstein Castle in person is one of my top “bucket list” items (if I actually had a bucket list). I suppose I would really like to visit Italy, as well, because of the number of cathedrals there, as well as other archeological wonders.

I would also like to visit some South American countries. It would be cool to visit the Jesus statue in Rio, and, while I would love to see Machu Pichu in person, I’m not sure I’m up for the hike.

There is so much beauty in the world. I’ve seen pictures of places like Croatia and Cambodia that are stunning. I have a feeling, though, that some of the places of which I have seen pictures would be terribly difficult to get to. So I will be grateful for the Internet and keep looking at the pictures.

Last night was a great night at the library. There was a “slime” program that was very well-attended. This is a regular Summer Reading Club program where families get to make their own slime. It is a very popular event, and last night, our lobby was packed with people waiting to get into the program room. We have been having record numbers for events, this year, so far, so that’s a good thing for the library. And, as always, I had a small amount of shelving to do, and had some wonderful conversations with my library friends. My next shift will be Friday.

Today is a normal Wednesday. I am off work, and C is working from home. We plan to take a walk at around 11:30 this morning (even though it will probably be already between 85 and 90 degrees out there . . . ’tis the season). I have a couple of things that I would like to get accomplished today. So I should get moving with what is truly important for the day.

And when I say that, it is in no way “tongue in cheek” or taken lightly. My Jesus Time is truly the most important part of the day. It sets the pace and tone for the entire day. I cannot even imagine trying to get through a day without Him.

I failed to make note of the fact that yesterday was the four-month anniversary of the beginning of this “new life” in Christ. I call it that because I’m kind of at a loss for words on what else to call it. It was (and continues to be) “new,” but, as my pastor said, it wasn’t from “point zero.” I was already a “well-versed, Jesus loving, faith filled man.” He has brought me so much more, during this time, refreshing everything to the point that it really does, at times, feel like I am a “new convert.” He makes and is making all things new, all the time.

JESUS TIME

I love you, O LORD, my strength.  
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 
 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,  
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  
(Psalms 18:1-2 ESV) 

Today I am grateful:

  • That the Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer 
  • That it is You, Lord, who lights my lamp and lightens my darkness 
  • That God is the Sun that shines on my life and Christ is the air that I breathe 
  • For the faith that I have in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself FOR ME! 
  • That Jesus is the Bread of life 

Almighty God, I recognize that I cannot stand on my own this day. I need Your power to fill me with Your strength, wisdom, and protection. Let me put on Your whole armor this morning: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness given by the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Holy Word. When I have confusion or conflict, cause me to remember Your belt of truth and the Gospel of peace. When I am in danger, strengthen me to take up the shield of faith against the flaming darts of the evil one. May I share Your love with those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Wednesday Morning) 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?

For it is you who light my lamp;  
the LORD my God lightens my darkness.  
For by you I can run against a troop, 
 and by my God I can leap over a wall. 
 This God—his way is perfect;  
the word of the LORD proves true;  
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.  
 
For who is God, but the LORD?  
And who is a rock, except our God?—  
the God who equipped me with strength  
and made my way blameless.  
He made my feet like the feet of a deer  
and set me secure on the heights.  
He trains my hands for war, 
 so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  
You have given me the shield of your salvation, 
 and your right hand supported me, 
 and your gentleness made me great.  
You gave a wide place for my steps under me,  
and my feet did not slip.  
(Psalms 18:28-36 ESV) 

My heart is steadfast, O God!  
I will sing and make melody with all my being!  
Awake, O harp and lyre! 
 I will awake the dawn! 
 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples;  
I will sing praises to you among the nations.  
For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;  
your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.  
 
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!  
Let your glory be over all the earth!  
(Psalms 108:1-5 ESV) 

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, 
 who walk in the law of the LORD!  
(Psalms 119:1 ESV) 

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,  
but only in expressing his opinion.  
(Proverbs 18:2 ESV) 

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; 
 the righteous man runs into it and is safe.  
(Proverbs 18:10 ESV) 

A man of many companions may come to ruin,  
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  
(Proverbs 18:24 ESV) 

O Lord, open my lips,  
and my mouth will declare your praise.  
(Psalms 51:15 ESV) 

He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”  
 
And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”  
 
He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”  
(Luke 13:18-30 ESV) 

“Well, we haven’t yet answered the question we set out to answer: Which school of Christian thinkers did St. Paul belong to? Did he see the Incarnation as something important in itself, or as something important because of what it led up to – the Atonement? If you had put the question in that way, I don’t think he would have known what to answer; because to him the Atonement was part of the Incarnation, one aspect of it, one mood of it, not to be isolated in contrast with the rest. ‘All I know,’ he would have told you, ‘is that when Jesus Christ became man, you and I were somehow mystically identified with him. His life, not just by the circumstances of it but by the whole purpose and dedication of it, led up to his death on the cross. And when he died, you and I, mystically identified with him, became dead to our old life of sin and disobedience; we were buried with him, and rose again with him into a new life, in which God is our sun and Christ is the air we breathe. Was it the Incarnation, or the Atonement, that did that? I cannot tell; all I know is that my life is “the faith I have in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20.'” 
(For All the Saint – Wednesday After the Holy Trinity, Reading IV: Ronald Knox)

“Blessing and honor, thanksgiving and praise 
more than we can utter be unto you, 
O most adorable Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
by all angels, all men, all creatures 
for ever and ever. Amen and amen. 
To God the Father, who first loved us, 
and made us accepted in the beloved; 
to God the Son who loved us, 
and washed us from our sins in his own blood; 
to God the Holy Ghost, 
who sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts 
be all love and glory for time and for eternity. 
Amen.” 
(Closing Prayer: Thomas Ken)

The following is from New Morning Mercies, by Paul Tripp

“The temporary pleasures of this present world are meant to point you to the lasting pleasures of knowing God.” 

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” . . .  
 
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. . . .  
 
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”  
(John 6:25-27, 35, 48-51 ESV) 

Every now and then, multiple sources seem to go hand in hand. Today is one of those days. The main thing that I got from the reading from For All the Saints today was that Jesus Christ is the air that I breathe. He is essential for my life. I cannot live without Him.  

In this passage in John, the people want to make Jesus King because He fed them all with a little boy’s lunch. But He wants none of that. He then proceeds to essentially tell them, “I came to earth not just to be your physical provider, but to meet your deepest spiritual need.” Every beautiful and pleasant thing around us is designed to point us to the spiritual blessings that we receive when we surrender our hearts to Him. 

“What do we really want out of life? What do we really want from God? Do we really esteem his work of grace? Do we really admit how much we need his moment-by-moment rescue? Do we value his forgiveness? Do we really care to be transformed? Are we concerned about the character of our hearts and the conditions of our souls? Do we have an interest in being holy as he is holy? All these questions boil down to one question: Do we value God’s grace, or would we rather have comfortable lives – nice houses, cars, vacations, cuisine, and friends?” 

And then we remember what Jesus tells us in Matthew 6.  

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  
(Matthew 6:33 ESV) 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.  
(Titus 2:11-14 ESV) 

I thank You, Jesus, that You have become the air that I breathe. I cannot live without You. You are essential for my life. You are more than a provider of physical needs for me, for You have given me everything that I need for life and godliness, having made me alive in You and my life is hidden with You in the Father. You are truly everything to me, Jesus!

Thank You, thank You, thank You. I pray that Your love and life will overflow out of me, affecting everyone around me in a positive and loving way. Please give me the opportunity to show Your love to others today.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen!

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20-21 NRSV)

Grace and peace, my friends.

Friday Night Worship

Jeff

Heavenly Father, You who never slumber nor sleep, You have promised Your protection. Watch me as I sleep. Guard me from the evil one. Keep me always in Your loving care. Replace my worries with Your peace. Send Your comfort over my stresses, and lead me to trust in You alone. I have sinned today, and I am sorry, Lord. Forgive me. Thank You for the blessings of today, the opportunities to love my neighbors, and the new adventures. Help me always to look to You alone as my Lord. Thank You for providing all I need and more. Grant me calm, restful sleep. In the name of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
(Portals of Prayer – Prayer for Friday Evening) 

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,  
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;  
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,  
and your faithfulness by night,  
to the music of the lute and the harp,  
to the melody of the lyre.  
(Psalms 92:1-3 ESV) 

“You are my refuge, You are my shelter 
You are my hiding place forever 
I will run to You, I will rest secure 
In the presence of my Savior” 

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!  
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;  
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.  
(Psalms 84:1-2 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.”  
(Matthew 11:28-30 ESV) 

“Stay close, don’t be far 
You know how I need You 
Make in me a heart 
Pure enough to see You 
In every speck of dust 
In dry and lonely places 
and in every one of us 
Be light, be kind, be gracious” 

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;  
incline your ear to me; hear my words.  
Wondrously show your steadfast love,  
O Savior of those who seek refuge  
from their adversaries at your right hand.  
Keep me as the apple of your eye;  
hide me in the shadow of your wings . . . 
 
 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;  
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. 
(Psalms 17:6-8, 15 ESV) 

“Be present, merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of life may find our rest in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 
(For All the Saints – Compline) 

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;  
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.  
Do not forsake the work of your hands.  
(Psalms 138:8 ESV) 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”  
(Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV) 

The LORD is my light and my salvation;  
whom shall I fear?  
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;  
of whom shall I be afraid?  
(Psalms 27:1 ESV) 

Fear not, for I am with you;  
be not dismayed, for I am your God;  
I will strengthen you, I will help you,  
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
 Behold, all who are incensed against you 
 shall be put to shame and confounded; 
 those who strive against you  
shall be as nothing and shall perish.  
You shall seek those who contend with you,  
but you shall not find them; 
 those who war against you  
shall be as nothing at all.  
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; 
 it is I who say to you,  
“Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”  
(Isaiah 41:10-13 ESV) 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  
(Ephesians 6:10 ESV) 

“Father. 
Son. 
Spirit: 
Living Word –  
Above me. 
Below me. 
Around me. 
Within me. 
Strengthen my heart today; 
lead me in the path of peace. 
Amen.” 
(Sheltering Mercy: Psalm 29 – Living Word) 

Alleluia!

Jeff2 Comments

Today is Sunday! It is the 31st day of March, 2024, Resurrection Sunday, in the season of Easter!

May the peace of Christ dwell within you today!

Lent is over. The waiting is done. We can once again say the “Alleluia!”

Day 24,125

I am up early, this morning, preparing for a busy Sunday morning at church. I’m due there at 7:55, for orchestra warmup, and then at 8:10 for a short choir run-through. First service, playing and singing, at 8:45, followed by breakfast between, and then a repeat at 11:00. The choir will be allowed to exit after singing our anthem in the 11:00 service.

I am anxious to see the sanctuary, this morning, and to hear “Alleluia” once again, after having sealed it up 46 days ago. Lent is over. Whatever fasting we have chosen can be broken. It is time to feast.

JESUS TIME

Holy and Gracious God,
I confess that I have sinned against You.
Some of my sin I know - 
the thoughts and words and deeds
of which I am ashamed - 
but some is known only to You.
In the name of Jesus Christ
I ask for forgiveness. 
Deliver and restore me,
that I may rest in peace.
Almighty God, 
you give us the joy of celebrating our Lord's resurrection. Give us also the joys of life in your service, and bring us at last to the full joy of life eternal; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Amen.
(Lutheran Book of Worship, Prayer for The Resurrection of our Lord)
Heavenly Father, 
as Adam brought death into the world in the Garden of Eden, so from the garden tomb, Your Son, Jesus Christ, has brought life and bodily resurrection into the world. Grant that we may ever be joined to Him as branches to a vine, that we may bear the fruit of the Spirit and enjoy the fellowship of the new creation in Christ eternally, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Amen.
(Portals of Prayer, Prayer for The Resurrection of our Lord)

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
(Matthew 28:5-6 NRSV)

Today I am grateful:

  • that He is risen! Alleluia!
  • for the opportunity to gather on this Resurrection Sunday, with the community of saints, to sing “Alleluia!” and to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion
  • for the amazing love of our God; “Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou, my God, should die for me?”
  • for Jesus Christ, crucified, because of whom we can be baptized, washed clean of our sins and eternally forgiven
  • for the great mercy and steadfast love of our Lord, who, by His great mercy, has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
(1 Peter 1:3 NRSV)

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.”
(Mark 16:6 NRSV)

“It is because of Jesus who was crucified that we are baptized, washed clean in that washing of renewal and regeneration of the Holy Spirit. It is because of Jesus who was crucified that we continue to receive absolution for our sins. It is because of Jesus who was crucified that we can gather on days like today to receive the forgiveness of sins along with the Body and Blood of the Crucified One.”

Almighty God, 
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, today we give you praise and thanksgiving for raising Your Son from the dead, confirming that He who was crucified is now the source of all our lives. Keep us faithful unto the end.
 Amen.
(Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering, The Resurrection of Our Lord - Easter Sunday)
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 
his steadfast love endures forever! 

There are glad songs of victory 
in the tents of the righteous: 
"The right hand of the LORD does valiantly; 
the right hand of the LORD is exalted; 
the right hand of the LORD does valiantly." 
I shall not die, but I shall live, 
and recount the deeds of the LORD. 
The LORD has punished me severely, 
but he did not give me over to death. 

The stone that the builders rejected 
has become the chief cornerstone. 
This is the LORD's doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes. 
This is the day that the LORD has made; 
let us rejoice and be glad in it. 
(Psalms 118:1, 15-18, 22-24 NRSV)

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
(Matthew 28:1-10 NRSV)

Our Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name, 
thy kingdom come, 
thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us; 
and lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom,
 and the power, and the glory,
 forever and ever. Amen.
Risen Jesus, 
no one saw it coming, but your march out of the tomb has changed everything. This day leaves me breathless in wonder - death is conquered, hope lives, love wins, salvation is here! Give me profound delight as I enjoy your resurrection life and deep devotion as I follow your resurrection way. Christ is risen, hallelujah! 
Amen.
(Seeking God's Face, Easter - Day 1)

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20-21 NRSV)

The complete version for today!

Grace and peace, friends.

Reality Shift

Jeff

Today is Friday, the first day of March, 2024, in the second week of Lent.

May the peace of Christ surround you, today, and drive away all of your anxieties and fears.

Day 24,095

Thirty days until Resurrection Sunday.

I don’t know what’s so special about March 1, but there are twenty-three different “holidays” to choose from. Out of all those, I’m choosing Share A Smile Day, because that’s a great way to try to lift people up.

Yesterday was a nice, restful day, for the most part. There really isn’t much to write about. Dinner was good, and we have enough left over to have it again, tonight, which is nice, since I’m working today. C will just have to stick it in the oven for a few minutes to heat it up.

Since it’s Friday, I’ll be spending the day in the computer center. Tomorrow is my work Saturday, so I’ll be at the circulation department all day, tomorrow. Then Sunday, the choir sings at both services, so I will have to get up early three days in a row.

JESUS TIME

Gracious God,
have mercy on us.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone.
Uphold us by Your Spirit 
so that we may live and serve You
 in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of Your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lord, thank You for giving us all we need. Thank You for nourishing the soil of our souls so that we have the ability to grow, ripen, and bear fruit. Please help us to use the special gifts and charisms you’ve given each of us to do good for others, just as You have done for us. In Your exhortation for us to tend to those in need of Christ’s Light, we ask for the grace to properly emulate it unto others. May we always be strong enough to walk in the way of Your holy will. It is in Your good and holy Name we pray. Amen.
(Psalm91.com, Prayer for Day Fifteen of Lent)
O taste and see that the LORD is good; 
happy are those who take refuge in him.
(Psalms 34:8 NRSV)

Today I am grateful:

  • for my job and the people I work with at the Hurst Public Library
  • that the Lord has granted me the privilege to taste and see that He is good
  • for my baptism, that washed away my sins in perpituity
  • for the faith of Abraham, inspirational to my life
  • that perceived reality need not cause our faith to waver
Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
(1 Peter 3:18-22 NRSV)

"Lord God, 
through the washing of water with the Word we are one with Christ Jesus in His death and resurrection. Renew all who have been in Your Holy Spirit that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever. 
Amen."
(Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering, Friday, Lent 2)
In old age they still produce fruit; 
they are always green and full of sap, 
showing that the LORD is upright; 
he is my rock, 
and there is no unrighteousness in him.
(Psalms 92:14-15 NRSV)
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, 
or take the path that sinners tread, 
or sit in the seat of scoffers; 
but their delight is in the law of the LORD, 
and on his law they meditate day and night. 
They are like trees planted by streams of water, 
which yield their fruit in its season, 
and their leaves do not wither. 
In all that they do, they prosper.
(Psalms 1:1-3 NRSV)

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
(2 Corinthians 2:15-16 NRSV)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
(Philippians 4:4 NRSV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
and your dominion endures throughout all generations. 
The LORD is faithful in all his words, 
and gracious in all his deeds.
(Psalms 145:13 NRSV)
To you, O LORD, I call; 
my rock, do not refuse to hear me, 
for if you are silent to me, 
I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. 
Hear the voice of my supplication, 
as I cry to you for help, 
as I lift up my hands 
toward your most holy sanctuary. 

Do not drag me away with the wicked, 
with those who are workers of evil, 
who speak peace with their neighbors,
 while mischief is in their hearts. 
Repay them according to their work, 
and according to the evil of their deeds; 
repay them according to the work of their hands; 
render them their due reward. 
Because they do not regard the works of the LORD, 
or the work of his hands, 
he will break them down and build them up no more. 

Blessed be the LORD, 
for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
(Psalms 28:1-6 NRSV)

Hoping against hope, [Abraham] believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
(Romans 4:18-25 NRSV)

We are still reading about Abraham (I didn’t even get to that part, yesterday). But today’s brings me focus as I enjoy the presence of God, this morning. Abraham hoped against hope, Paul says. He believed what God told Him, “even when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead.”

The faith of Abraham is stunning. It did not waver, even in the face of what appeared to be “reality.” But reality shifts when we are dealing with God. God is reality. And in a way, He is the only reality. People who refuse to deal with God are not living in reality. Abraham, in spite of what his eyes observed, in spite of what his own body told him, believed “that God was able to do what he had promised.”

And this faith was “reckoned to him as righteousness.”

We have a different righteousness, after Christ. We have His righteousness. But we still must have faith, and we still must believe that God is able to do what He has promised. Once again, I find myself speaking the words of that father of the demon-possessed boy.

“I believe! Help my unbelief!”

Father, thank You, again, for the faith of Abraham. Thank You for Your great and precious promises, that enable us to participate in Your divine nature. We have, through You, everything that we need for life and godliness, in spite of what our eyes might tell us, in spite of what everyone around us might be shouting.

You are reality, Father. You are the only true reality. May my eyes be fixed on You, today and every day, for the rest of my earthly life. 

"Lord God, 
grow in me an unwavering faith that is more than head knowledge, greater than a conviction of the will, but also a deep-rooted assurance in my heart that all your promises are sure and everything you say is true. In Christ's name, 
amen."
(Seeking God's Face, Day 15 of Lent)
I wait for the LORD, 
my soul waits, 
and in his word I hope;
(Psalms 130:5 NRSV)

Let nothing disturb you,
let nothing frighten you,
all things will pass away.
God never changes;
patience obtains all things,
whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.
Amen.
(St. Teresa of Avila)

Grace and peace, friends.

Who Shall Ascend?

Jeff

Today is Monday, the twenty-sixth day of February, 2024, in the second week of Lent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Day 24,091

Thirty-four days until Easter.

Today is National Carpe Diem Day. Which I think is amusing, because “Carpe Diem” means “Seize the Day,” so that makes it “Seize the Day Day.” Sorry. It’s just how my brain works. So here’s a song by one of my favorite singer-songwriters.

I feel compelled to mention that today’s projected high temperature for my area of DFW is 95 degrees. Obviously, that will be a new record for February 26. In two days, the high will be below 60. Unbelievable. And it appears that March will be coming in like a “lamb.” We all know what that means, right? Or do we?

I had a great day, yesterday. The choir sounded good, and I really like the song we sang, yesterday. I will share it here, as soon as the video becomes available. The pastor really preached a good message, too, on “Called to Pray.” He used the passage from Luke 22, when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. The key thing that I took away was, of course, a very familiar passage, but we often need to be reminded of those, especially when certain prayers don’t seem to be answered. That is Jesus’s statement, “Yet, not my will by yours be done” (verse 42).

We had a nice lunch from Lone Star BBQ, and we all spent the rest of the day relaxing and resting. I really enjoy my Sunday afternoons. I spent some time reading, and spent the rest of the evening playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the PS5.

I did something a little different, yesterday. I set up today’s grocery delivery yesterday afternoon, so I could get it delivered on a Kroger truck, rather than through Instacart. We’ll see how that goes. They are set to deliver between 11:00 and 12:00, today. There is no delivery fee, as I am a “Boost” member, and I also am obligated to give a tip, since it is a company truck. So I’m saving a few dollars, there.

There will be a few chores to take care of today, and I need to take an Amazon thing to Staples for a return. I didn’t know Staples did that until a couple days ago. I knew Kohl’s was an option, but Staples is closer.

JESUS TIME

Gracious God,
have mercy on us.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone.
Uphold us by Your Spirit 
so that we may live and serve You
 in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of Your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
"Good morning, Jesus. 
Thank You for protecting me through the night. 
Thank You for teaching me to remember my Baptism every morning.
 Because I am baptized into Your death on the cross, my sins are forgiven. 
Because I am baptized into Your rising from the dead, I shall rise to everlasting life with You.
 Because I am baptized into Your resurrection, I am already a citizen of heaven and welcome to dine at the feast at Your altar. 
Because I am baptized into You, I can live a life of service to my neighbor and boldly proclaim You to everyone I meet. 
Keep me near You this week. 
Amen."
(Portals of Prayer - Monday Morning)
I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? 
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
(Psalms 121:1-2 NRSV)

Today I am grateful:

  • that my help comes from God, who will not allow my foot to be moved, and who does not slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121)
  • that I am a citizen of heaven, welcome to dine at the feast of the Lord’s altar
  • that Jesus Christ was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, and by His bruises we are healed (Isaiah 53)
  • that the Lord is never far from any of us
  • that His eyes are on us, keeping watch over us 
Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the LORD shall prosper. 
Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 
Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
(Isaiah 53:10-12 NRSV)

I recommend reading a larger passage, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, for a bigger picture of this. This is the well-known “suffering servant” passage that is such a marvelous foreshadowing of Christ and His suffering. 53:6, of course, really lays it down.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
(Isaiah 53:6 NRSV)

"God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, and have mercy upon us. We adore You, O Lord, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. For behold, by the wood of Your cross joy has come into all the world. 
Amen."
(Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering, Monday in the Second Week of Lent)

From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us.
(Acts 17:26-27 NRSV)

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
(Proverbs 15:3 NRSV)

Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.
(Jeremiah 23:24 NRSV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
(Psalms 145:13 NRSV)

The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; 
for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. 

Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? 
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. 
They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation. 
Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. 
[Selah] 

Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 
Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. 
Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. [Selah]
(Psalms 24:1-10 NRSV)

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the LORD came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
(Genesis 15:1-5 NRSV)

There is much richness in today’s readings. There is great comfort in knowing our God is never far from us, as Paul says in Acts 17. And the verse from Jeremiah 23 is reminiscent of Psalm 139. God fills heaven and earth, and there is no “secret place” where we can hide from Him.

This faithful God’s kingdom endures for “all generations.” He is faithful in all His words and in all His deeds. When I pray to Him, it is with confidence, not that I will get what I want, but that He will be faithful to do what is just and good, and that He will always provide what I need. I find myself, more and more, being able to pray those words of Jesus, “Yet, not my will, by yours be done.”

And while the qualifications for who might “ascend the hill of the Lord” in Psalm 24 may seem daunting, let us remember that, in Christ, we have those qualities. Our hands, along with everything else, are clean. We may, upon occasion, swear deceitfully, but we are forgiven and washed clean by the blood of Christ and our baptismal waters. Therefore, God does not see our sin. Rather, He sees the imputed righteousness of Christ upon us.

“Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.” David wrote this centuries before Christ, not knowing that He was describing what Christ would do for us.

Father, as Lent progresses (we are about a quarter through it), I pray for more of a sense of repentance. Not shame, not even guilt, but sorrow, indeed, over my sins. Even for sins of yesterday, Father, I repent, and I am only able to do this because of Your grace. I praise You for the blood of Christ that washes me clean, so that You do not see my sin. You do not remember my sin, even. What glorious truth!

I thank You that You are never far from us, that Your eyes are always upon us, keeping watch over us. I thank You that there is no place where I can hide from You, as if I would want to. I do not want to hide my sin from You. I know I cannot. 

"Promise-making God, 
you come to us sinners with a vision beyond our wildest dreams and seal it with a covenant. Like Abraham, may we wholeheartedly believe in your promises, and, believing, be covered in your righteousness. 
Amen."
(Seeking God's Face, Day 11 of Lent)

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
(Psalms 130:5 NRSV)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, you heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Traditional Doxology)

Grace and peace, friends.

All Is Grace

Jeff

Today is Sunday, the twenty-fifth day of February, the second Sunday of Lent.

May the peace of Christ surround you, today, and guard your hearts and minds!

Day 24,090

C and I had a marvelous afternoon at the Artisan Center Theater, yesterday! The show, “Bright Star,” was phenomenal (dee dee deedee dee) (bonus points if you get that)! The story, itself, was magnificent, written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, but the performance done by the folks at the theater was nothing short of amazing! We are very glad that we decided to get season tickets for this season. I will probably write a more in-depth article about it this afternoon or tomorrow.

I slept in a bit, this morning, and am not due at church until 10:40, as the adult choir is singing in the 11:00 service. But that gives me just over an hour to finish my devotional, so I’d best get moving. I don’t really have anything else on my proverbial plate for this day, though.

Oh, I almost forgot. Today is National Clam Chowder Day! I don’t know if I will be able to get any, but I wish I could. Specifically, the New England Clam Chowder (Chowdah!). I don’t want any of that red Manhattan stuff.

JESUS TIME

Most merciful God,
we confess that we are in bondage to sin
and cannot free ourselves.
We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved You with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us.
Forgive us, renew us, and lead us,
so that we may delight in Your will
and walk in Your ways,
to the glory of Your holy name.
Amen.
"God our Father, 
your Son once welcomed an outcast woman because of her faith. Give us faith like hers, that we also may trust only in your love for us and may accept one another as we have been accepted by you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."
(Prayer for Second Sunday in Lent, Lutheran Book of Worship)
O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. 
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. 
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually.
(Psalms 105:1-4 NRSV)

Today I am grateful:

  • for another opportunity to worship, this morning, along with the community of saints, and to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion
  • that God has created me to seek Him and His strength, seeking His presence continually
  • that our salvation is not gained by any works or by citizenship in any nation; it is gained by the suffering and death of our Savior, Jesus Christ
  • for the Word of God; may we be faithful to “rightly divide” it (2 Timothy 2:15) and walk in its truth
  • for the reminder that, even here, in this little room, I am in God’s presence; oh, the joy, the fullness of joy found in His presence! It is incomparable!
  • for God’s gift of my musical talent; may I continue to be faithful to use it only for His glory
Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
(Matthew 15:27-28 NRSV)

“It is not being a descendant of Abraham that saves. It is not citizenship in a particular nation. Believe on the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, and mind. Trust Him. Pray in faith. Humble yourself completely before the Holy God. And be comforted that God’s salvation is for all people, especially you.”

"O God, 
You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Amen."
(Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering, Second Sunday in Lent)

Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:17 NRSV)

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
(John 17:17 NRSV)

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17 NRSV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
(Psalms 145:13 NRSV)

I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me. 

As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved." 
By your favor, O LORD, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed. 
To you, O LORD, I cried, and to the LORD I made supplication: 
"What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? 
Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!" 

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 
so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever. 
(Psalms 30:1, 6-12 NRSV)
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." 
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
(Genesis 12:1-4 NRSV)

As I am reminded of God’s presence (oh, the joy!) in this place, I look over these Scriptures again to see what the Spirit might be saying to me, this morning.

There is a warning, I think, in today’s psalm. It is not explicit, perhaps, but I think it is there. You see, David starts out by praising the Lord. But then, in verse 6, he says, “As for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I shall never be moved.'” And then the Lord hid His face. And even though David did acknowledge, in verse 7, that it was the favor of God that had established him, there was still a measure of pride in his “prosperity.” David began to trust in his position, his strength.

God responded by hiding His face, and David immediately realized his error and cried out to God. All’s well that ends well, as they say. David writes, in verse 11, that God has turned his mourning into dancing, replacing his sackcloth with clothes of joy.

We must not begin to trust anything other than God. We are saved by Jesus Christ and His work. Even when we credit Baptism and Communion with characteristics of salvation, it is God’s work in those sacraments that does the saving. I am not saved by being baptized. But God saves me; God cleanses me through the baptismal waters, and God sustains me through the Body and Blood of Christ.

When I sang that solo, a couple Sundays ago, I received more compliments than I have ever received before. I shared my song on social media and received even more. But as I respond with “thank you” to all of them, I also point out that it is to the glory of God that I sing, not for my own glory. It is He who made my voice so clear that morning. It is He who gave me the talent. And it is He who gets the credit, the praise, and the adoration. I will not begin to say, “I shall never be moved” because of my talent or my strength or my perceived “prosperity.” All is grace, as Brennan Manning once said. All is grace; all comes from Him.

I am reminded of the little book by Horatius Bonar, called How Shall I Go to God? The first line of the book sets it right out there. “It is with our sins that we go to God, for we have nothing else to go
with that we can call our own.”

Father, I have long been inspired by that little line written by Horatius Bonar. I recognize that I have nothing that I can call my own; all that I have has been given me by You. You have gifted me this talent for music, and I confess that, to a large degree, it has not been used as it should. Yet You continue to bless me with it and continue to provide opportunities for me to share it with others, to the glory of Your Holy Name!

May I never become guilty of taking credit for anything that You have done for me. May I never think that “I shall never be moved” because of talents or prosperity or strength or anything else. It is because of You that my feet are on “the Solid Rock,” and as long as I remain in You, that will never change, and I truly shall never be moved. But as soon as I take my eyes off of you and my Rock that is Jesus Christ, You just might hide Your face from me, as You did Your servant David, and that would be too much to bear.

Thank You for the joy that is found in Your presence, O God! It is truly marvelous and incomparable.

Our Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name, 
thy kingdom come, 
thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us; 
and lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom,
 and the power, and the glory,
 forever and ever. Amen.
"Good God, 
you didn't turn your back on a world plunged up to its neck in physical and spiritual death but set out to rescue it. I worship you for your resolute goodness and wisdom that sought and found me; I thank you for the blessing that has come to me in Jesus, and pray that my life may be a blessing to others.
 Amen."
(Seeking God's Face, Second Sunday in Lent)

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
(Psalms 130:5 NRSV)

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalms 16:11 ESV)

Grace and peace, friends.

Coruscations

Jeff

Today is Saturday, the twenty-fourth day of February, in the first week of Lent.

May the peace of Christ dwell within you today!

Day 24,089

Thirty-six days until Easter.

I forgot to look at yesterday’s “holiday.” Today is National Tortilla Chip Day. For the more daring, it is also International Sword Swallower’s Day. I’m not more daring. I’ll stick with the chips.

I had a fine day at the library, yesterday. It was fairly busy, especially in the afternoon, and I was, once again, alone in the computer center, as the manager took the day off to oversee kitchen renovations at his house. As is the custom, I wasn’t aware of this until I arrived at work. But it was all okay.

Today is mostly a relaxing day, outside of attending our theater show, this afternoon. I’ll be cooking our traditional burgers for dinner, tonight.

The Texas Rangers won their first Spring Training game, yesterday, 5-4, against the KC Royals. You won’t see me talking much about ST games, though. I don’t put a lot of stock in them. It is exciting to know that they are playing baseball, but the scores and stats in these games don’t matter, other than to see how the players are performing and to come up with the final roster for the season.

JESUS TIME

Most merciful God,
we confess that we are in bondage to sin
and cannot free ourselves.
We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved You with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us.
Forgive us, renew us, and lead us,
so that we may delight in Your will
and walk in Your ways,
to the glory of Your holy name.
Amen.
God of all-encompassing and unconditional love, 
open our hearts to love You with our whole heart, our whole mind, and our whole soul. You are the only way, Lord; the true pathway to everlasting peace and joy. Please continue to guide us so that we may mirror and project Your light in a darkened world. Merciful Father, teach us to be perfect as You are perfect. Help us to be more merciful, forgiving, and loving of others just as You have been for us. 
We pray this all in Your good and holy Name, amen.
(Prayer for the first Saturday in Lent, psalm91.com)
For I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of hosts is his name. 
I have put my words in your mouth, and hidden you in the shadow of my hand, stretching out the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, "You are my people."
(Isaiah 51:15-16 NRSV)

Today I am grateful:

  • for Jesus Christ, the true pathway to everlasting peace and joy
  • that God, the LORD of hosts, has put His words in my mouth, and hidden me in the shadow of His hand
  • for the unconditional love of God; God is love
  • for the light of God, which directs us back to Him
  • for the suffering and death of Christ, which brings us to God
Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. 
May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 5:19-23 NRSV)
"You have come to us Emmanuel, teach us to choose the good and to ever sing Your praise as You teach us how to live: 
O come, Thou Wisdom, from on high, 
and order all things far and nigh; 
to us the path of knowledge show, 
and teach us in her ways to go. 
Amen."
(Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering, Saturday in first week of Lent)

I feel compelled to share this lovely poem, this morning, from Daryl Madden, titled, “I Love You Because.“

A prayer of Your Presence
Is a true blessing of
Letting go into
God’s embrace of love

I’ve learned to realize
It’s not something God does
Is to use the phrase
I love you because…

Because you are good
Or you show mercy
Because you serve the poor
Or even love me

Love without conditions
I am just love you see
I have loved you first
You love eternally

God simply loves us. There is no “because.” Please visit Daryl’s site at the link provided, to see more of his inspirational poetry.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
(Psalms 34:18 NRSV)

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 
Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor. 

The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. 
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 

The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, "Glory!" 

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. 
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! 
(Psalms 29:1-5, 9-11 NRSV)

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
(1 Peter 3:18-22 NRSV)

As I quietly enjoy God’s presence, this morning, these Scripture passages speak to me and teach me. I made note of a C.S. Lewis quote in regard to Psalm 29:1-2. The quote comes from Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, which I have read, and I actually remember these lines from the book. It says, “Gratitude exclaims, very properly, ‘How good of God to give me this.’ Adoration says, ‘What must be the quality of that Being whose far-off and momentary coruscations are like this!’ One’s mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun . . .”

What does that even mean? What are “coruscations?” I had to look that up. “Coruscation” is the noun form of “coruscate,” which means “to give off or reflect light in bright beams or flashes: sparkle.” Obviously, it is not a word we see very much. In fact, I’m pretty certain that the only place I have ever seen it is in this C.S. Lewis book. Does God “sparkle?” I don’t know about that, but we know from Scripture that He gives off pretty intense light, to the point that a person could not survive being in the direct presence of that Light.

But the gist of the whole quote, to me, is the bit about our minds running “back up the sunbeam to the sun.” When we experience the “coruscations” of God, we are directed to Him, the source of that light. This is true adoration, as we ascribe to Him the glory that is due His name, worshiping Him “in holy splendor.”

The passage from Peter is rich with meaning. First, we get the true purpose of Christ’s suffering. “In order to bring you to God.” The only way we can be brought to God is to be pure and sinless, and Christ’s suffering and death accomplished this.

Then we get this picture of baptism, and how the salvation of Noah and his family on the ark was a foreshadowing, a “prefiguring,” if you will, of our baptism, which saves us just as the ark saved humanity. Baptism does not literally wash dirt from our bodies, but it clears our conscience from sin by spiritually cleansing us. In baptism, we are cleansed from our sins, and saved.

Father, I thank You for Your “coruscations,” beams of intense light that direct our minds and hearts back up the sunbeam to You. Help us to adore You the way we should, and to ascribe to You the glory and strength, of which You are worthy, and of which You are due. Your voice, Father . . . Your voice is so powerful that it breaks the mighty cedars of Lebanon. I have never literally heard Your voice (at least, not as far as I know). Perhaps I have heard Your “quiet whisper,” thought.

I am grateful, Father, for Your gifts to me. But I want to show more adoration than gratitude. Make my heart adore You, Father. Help me to worship You and You alone (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. You are love, Father. You love us, and there is no “because.” There is no reason . . . You do not love us because we are worthy, or because of any works that we do. You just love us because You, Father, are love; the very essence of love.

We are the ones who love because. We can’t help it. And we love because You first loved us.

Thank You for Jesus, who went through what He endured that He might bring us to You, for that is the only way we could get to You. Thank You for the picture of baptism we see in the ark of Noah. As all humanity was saved through the waters of the ark, so we are saved in Christ through the waters of baptism. Help me to remember my baptism every day, Father, and to wake up remembering that I am baptized into Christ, and into His Church.

"Persuasive God, 
I know it sounds odd, but sometimes my sin seems too big and ugly even for you. Keep me from adding to my sin by thinking that your power can't forgive me now. Convince my unbelieving heart that through Christ's sufferings I'm forgiven and forever right with you. 
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
(Seeking God's Face, Prayer for Day Ten of Lent)

But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8 NRSV)

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love GOD, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that GOD, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
(Deuteronomy 30:19-20 MSG)

“In the first chapter of the Bible, we read that God created life; two chapters later Adam and Eve chose death. It’s important to note that the biblical story isn’t preoccupied with death but with life. It isn’t about damnation but salvation. It isn’t a funeral dirge but a celebratory song. Even so, God leaves it up to us to choose which sheet music we will sing from.” (Eugene H. Peterson, Conversations: The Message Bible with its Translator, at the end of Deuteronomy 30)

"Jesus, refuge of the weary,
Blest redeemer, whom we love,
Fountain in life's desert dreary,
Savior from the world above:
Often have your eyes, offended,
Gazed upon the sinner's fall;
Yet upon the cross extended,
You have borne the pain of all."
(Jesus, Refuge of the Weary, Girolamo Savonarola, Lutheran Book of Worship, 93)

Grace and peace, friends.

Supplications, Prayers, and Intercessions

Jeff6 Comments

Today is Friday, the twenty-third day of February, 2024, in the first week of Lent.

May the peace of God embrace you today and may You feel His love for you.

Day 24,088

Thirty-seven days until Easter.

There’s really not a lot going on, here, this morning. It’s a typical Friday. C is working from home, and I will be at the library all day, in the computer center. I’ve got Chicken Ranch Crockpot Soup in the crockpot for tonight’s dinner.

Speaking of dinner, the dish I cooked last night turned out great. It was a hit with the whole family.

We have a musical show to attend tomorrow afternoon at the Artisan Center Theater in Hurst. They are performing a show called Bright Star. We bought season passes for this season, after seeing their production of Oliver! last season. Bright Star was written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.

As mentioned yesterday, the first Spring Training game for the Texas Rangers is this afternoon. It’s baseball time in Texas! Well, technically, it’s Arizona.

JESUS TIME

Most merciful God,
we confess that we are in bondage to sin
and cannot free ourselves.
We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved You with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us.
Forgive us, renew us, and lead us,
so that we may delight in Your will
and walk in Your ways,
to the glory of Your holy name.
Amen.
All merciful Father, 
we are all guilty of hurting others; and we ourselves have been hurt. As such, we often carry around heavy wounds of the past. Today, however, we come to the foot of the Cross and wish to release all of our pain in faith. We know that by Your stripes we are healed; in You we are once again made whole. Please give us the courage to ask for forgiveness and to forgive those who have wounded us. We desire above all to honor Your command so that we may find perfect communion with You.
 It is in Your good and holy Name we pray, Amen.
(Lenten Prayer from Psalm91.com)

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
(Revelation 7:9-10 NRSV)

Today I am grateful:

  • that by His stripes we are healed and made whole; may we be faithful to forgive all who have wounded us
  • for this vision of worship in Revelation
  • that we have declared righteous through the blood of the Son
  • that we are all beautiful in His eyes, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139)
  • for the responsibility of prayer; may every follower of Christ be faithful in this
Lord, in Your mercy, hear, now, the prayers lifted up to you for all who need strength, healing, comfort, and peace. 

If you are reading this, I encourage you to stop and pray for someone, at this time. Or, if there is something on your heart, please leave a comment. What can I pray for you?

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
(Hebrews 5:7-10 NRSV)

"Holy Lord, Holy and Most Gracious God, 
we give You thanks for declaring us righteous through the blood of Your Son. Send Your Spirit upon us that we may ever dwell in this faith to life everlasting. Grant Your Spirit also to sanctify us, that having been redeemed by Jesus [we] may be imitators of Him in thought, word, and deed; 
through that same Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."
(Spiritual Contemplation of Christ's Suffering)

For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
(Psalms 139:13 NRSV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2 NRSV)

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
(Colossians 3:12 NRSV)

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
(Psalms 34:18 NRSV)

To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, do not refuse to hear me, for if you are silent to me, I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. 
Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. 

Blessed be the LORD, for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 
(Psalms 28:1-2, 6-7 NRSV)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For 
there is one God; 
there is also one mediator between God and humankind, 
Christ Jesus, himself human, 
who gave himself a ransom for all . . .
(1 Timothy 2:1-6a NRSV)

Prayer is a vital part of the Lenten season. Prayer is a vital part of life, in general. But it becomes even more precious, I find, as I work through this season. And even though I wasn’t raised in this tradition, even reading pre-written prayers can be very meaningful and inspiring. This past Wednesday night, as I led the small group in prayer, we read some pre-written prayers out loud, and they were very stirring, motivating us to pray our own spontaneous prayers, in between.

We have 150 pre-written prayers in the middle of our Holy Scriptures. I have long said that I do not think it a coincidence that the Psalms, called by Bonhoeffer the “Prayer Book of the Bible,” are located in the middle of our Bibles. In today’s selection, David cries out for God to hear him, saying that the silence of God makes him like “those who go down to the Pit.”

Silence is a good thing when we are meditating. But when we are awaiting an answer from God, silence is terrifying, almost torture. We beg for Him to hear our voice of supplication.

But then, later in the same Psalm, David rejoices. “Blessed be the LORD, for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.”

Paul calls upon us to pray in many places in his letters. We are famously told to “pray without ceasing.” Here in 1 Timothy, Paul exhorts his student to pray for everyone in “supplications, prayers, intercessions.” He then specifically mentions “kings and all who are in high positions.” We do not have kings (yet) in our country. But we have many in high positions, from the President on down.

Every follower of Christ has an obligation to pray for those people. Why? Well, first, because God instructed us to, through Paul. But also, as Paul says, “so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” If we are not experiencing this kind of life, could it be because we are failing in our responsibility?

Father, I thank You that You called me to the ministry of intercessory prayer, many years ago. But I also recognize that all believers, all followers of Christ, are, to some degree, called to pray. These admonitions from Paul are not directed to only those who are called to a specific ministry. We are all, in some way, a “Timothy” in this world, and called to pray, especially for those in high positions of government.

May we be more faithful to obey these commands, Father, and pray for those who so desperately need it. May we not let our bigotry and prejudice prevent us from fulfilling our God-given obligations.

Like David, I thank You that You have heard my cries and that You have blessed me in this life. I have seen Your goodness in the land of the living! And I have faith and confidence that this will continue, as long as I continue to walk in the paths that You have shown me. Teach me Your way, Father, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart that I may revere Your Holy Name!

"Gracious Lord, 
thank you for your big heart that wishes no one to be lost, but everyone to be saved. Today, we bring to you our family and friends who remain lost without Christ (take a moment to bring to God the names of those you know far from Jesus). We pray that your Spirit would bring them to Christ in faith so that they might find new life. 
In the Savior's name, amen."
(Seeking God's Face)

But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8 NRSV)

Yours, O LORD, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.
(1 Chronicles 29:11 NRSV)

Grace and peace, friends.