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Raised form the Ashes: Lent Day – 31

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.”

Psalm 23:1

Read Psalm 23

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

A Question of Want

Humans have a natural propensity for want. It seems to have nothing to do with what we have, we just want more. Look at most any person’s closet or pantry, and you will find an ample amount of just about everything you can imagine. When it comes to clothing, you won’t find just one coat, you will find at least four coats. You won’t find a shirt for each day of the week. You will find a shirt for almost every day of the month. I am speaking here primarily of American culture, where there seems to be an abundance of everything.

Yet, in such an abundant culture, we still want more. It doesn’t seem to matter that we have plenty of food on hand, or more than enough clothes. When we see a “good buy” on something, we want it, and we get it. This is true of just about every item we can imagine in our homes. In such a culture of abundance, can we really identify with the Psalmist who says… “I shall not want”?

The psalmist speaks of how the Lord, his “Good Shepherd”, supplies all he will ever need. He speaks primarily of spiritual needs; rest, quiet, comfort, and release from fear. Yet, he also speaks of being fed by the Shepherd at a great banquet table, and receiving an anointing that overflows in his life.

The Realization of Lent

During the season of Lent, I’m always convicted of how “rich” I truly am. Even as I try to go without some things in my practice of self-denial, I still find my self not really identifying with true need or hunger. By American income standards, I’m definitely not part of the upper income bracket, but yet, I am rich.

Are you rich? Do you realize it? If we know the love of God, we are truly rich. He will supply our every need. The real key to the spiritual life is learning how to detach from the material things of our overloaded, consumerism that tempts me to forget to rely on my “Good Shepherd”.

The truth is, we think we’re in need, when we really should be satisfied. We think we’re alive when we’re really dead. The only way to say with the Psalmist, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”, is to daily realize, as we do at the beginning of Lent, that we are dust, and to dust we will one day return. Until then, our Shepherd is faithful each day to supply all our needs, as He raises us from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 29

23 And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

 

Mark 9:23-24

Read Mark 9:14-29

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

If!

“If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can’t I paint you.” Those of you who are hopeless romantics like me will recognize that as the opening line of the song, “IF”, by the 70’s group Bread. I love that song. I know David Gates didn’t write it as a love song to God, but I think it works. The lyrics express the human longing to know why we can’t seem to do the great things we want to do, but acknowledges we still love. And, it says that love is so strong it will be the only thing that lasts in the end of time.

Big things really do come in small packages, don’t they? Take the word, “if”. Such a small word can mean the difference in everything we believe. It did for the father of the epileptic boy Jesus healed, and it does in our life as well.

God’s Will Is Always Done

Too often, we approach Jesus in our time of need just like the father of the boy in Mark 9. We believe, but do we really believe? Have you ever approached God with a great need, only to say, “Please Lord, if you will…” I know I have. It feels polite to say “if”.  As beloved children of our Father, we need to know we can come boldly before his throne, with all reverence and humility, and ask for anything, knowing whatever we receive will be God’s will. We must pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…”

Do we believe God wants to give good gifts to His children? I hope so. Jesus said so in Matthew 7:11, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Everything God does is good.

In verse 22, the boy’s father said to Jesus, “but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus repeated the father’s words with exclamation; “…if you can!” The father came to Jesus and his disciples because he’d heard of his miracle working ministry. He too hoped for a miracle. But, Jesus wants us to know, as He did the boy’s father, that we need not doubt. Only ask in faith believing. Jesus can do ALL things, because He is God.

Of course, just like from our earthly parents, we don’t get from God everything we want just because we ask nicely, even so, we can trust that whatever we receive from God is the best for us; faith will reveal so in the end.

So, no matter what you may be feeling, and no matter how much you think God isn’t listening – He is. And, He promises to give good things to His children…to always raise them from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 28

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

 

1 Cor. 12:27

Read 1 Cor. 12:27-13:3

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

The Perfect Body

For a society that is quite preoccupied with our bodies, we seem to know little about our true body. From advertising images to social media, marketing campaigns always show us images of perfect looking bodies along side every product. Diet programs and pills, abound promising to help us achieve a perfect shape. But, there is one perfect body few seem to be aware of – the Body of Christ.

If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, you’re a part of His body, but what does that mean to Christian churches that concentrate almost all of their time and ministry on the individual’s relationship with Jesus? Don’t get me wrong. Our individual life in Christ is important, but not at the expense of our corporate life. We are His body. Every believer is a member of the one body, and every member is essential. If the Body of Christ (churches) is to function at maximum impact in our world, we must realize there are no optional members.

How Lent Can Help

Churches that observe Lent, do well at building the Body of Christ when they offer Lenten services at various times throughout the season; services like Ash Wednesday, weekly devotionals, and Holy Week services like Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. While Lent offers us a time to reconnect with Jesus in an intensely personal way through prayer, fasting, and works of mercy, it is at the same time a journey we take together.

The journey to holiness is a long and winding road, and it can be a very lonely road if we have no companions. Of course, we always have the Holy Spirit so we’re never really alone, but what a joy it is to sense that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves, that we’re a part of a perfect body. Church Lenten services and devotional times help us realize our place in the Body.

We’re Stronger Together

When we fast together, we are stronger. When we pray together, God inhabits our prayers with a special presence. If your church doesn’t offer any such services during Lent, ask your Pastor about it. Perhaps he wasn’t taught that such services are beneficial. I know the church in which I serve did not always observe Lent. Not all denominations observe Lent, but many that haven’t in the past, are waking up to its value in our faith journey.

Regardless of whether your church observes Lent or not, you have the privilege of observing it individually. But, as you do, remember that you’re a part of a greater body, a perfect body. Jesus Christ has offered all who believe in Him to become a part of His body, and when you realize what you’re a part of – then realize you’ve been raised from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

 

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 27

“33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.”

 

Mark 8:33

Read Mark 8:27-9:1

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

What Side Are You On?

Have you ever found yourself on the wrong side of an argument, when you knew you had to be right? I know I have. Sometimes we think we know what the right thing to do is only to realize we were wrong all along. None of us are right every time (though some think they are), but we can know what it takes to be right. This idea of thinking we know what’s right is really intensified in election years. It’s pretty obvious this year that all the Presidential candidates think they’re right. However, we must remember, there is only one truth, and they can’t all be telling it. But, how do we discern what’s right? Read on and I’ll tell you.

I often wonder if, before he met Jesus, Peter was one of those persons who thought he was always right. You know, sort of a Donald Trump personality. I don’t mean any offence if Trump’s your guy in this election, but I have noticed throughout his career that he’s brash guy who often speaks before he thinks. Scripture shows Peter as one with a brash, outspoken personality. He often spoke before he thought things through; that is until he met the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. In today’s gospel, Peter even thinks he knows better than Jesus. Ouch, that’s pretty bold. But, before we’re too hard on Peter, we often do the same thing, don’t we?

Life’s Ultimate Resource Tool

The only way to really know the right thing to do in life is to be led by the Holy Spirit. King David said in the Psalms, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:105). No matter what decisions we face in life, there is no better guide than the Bible; it is the ultimate topical resource tool; I challenge you to think of a topic or problem it doesn’t deal with in some way.

One of the things I love about Lent is spending more time in the study and devotion of God’s word. Often, Lent becomes a time of testing for me personally, on things that are of great importance to me. I dedicate my fasting, prayer and study to finding God’s truth for areas of concern in my life. Of course, we can and should do such things all year, not just in Lent, but I’m glad the church devotes a season to encouraging us to be intentional in such things.

As the season leading us to Easter, Lent is the perfect time for challenging ourselves to be sure we’re on the right side of things in our life. After all it is the power of Christ’s resurrection that empowers us to overcome all things.

How about you? Are you on the wrong side of something right now? Do you need power to discern right from wrong, to make the right decision, no matter how hard? Then, let the words of St. Paul in the Philippian letter be your prayer today, “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Phil. 3:10) When we die to Jesus, all things become possible. His divine, resurrecting power is the power that raises us from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Raised form the Ashes: Lent – Day 26

12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

Mark 8:12

Read Mark 8:11-26

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

Signs

“Signs, signs, everywhere a sign, blockin out the scenery, breakin my mind. Do this, don’t do that. Can’t you read the signs?” Those were the words to a hit song for the Five-Man Electrical Band in 1971. It was a satirical commentary on a society filled with signs telling people how to dress, how to act, and to keep out. It also would have made a great answer by Jesus to the Pharisees in Mark 8.

They wanted a sign to prove Jesus was the Messiah. Can you believe it? After healing the lame, deaf, and dumb, and even raising the dead – they still wanted a sign. Verse 12 says, “Jesus, sighed deeply in his spirit”. And then, He said “NO”. I love that. Jesus, full of love and compassion, still knew how to say no. Jesus knew if they didn’t believe what their eyes had already seen, they wouldn’t believe yet another sign.

I think we are often like the Pharisees without realizing it. We still want signs from Jesus, don’t we? Have you ever been unsure of something, perhaps a real important decision, and so you said, “Please Lord? Just give me a sign of what to do?” Sure you have. So have I. But, that is because of the littleness of our faith.

Jesus has given us so many great and precious promises, that He will always be with us, never forsake us, and will give us whatever we ask in His name; it’s a wonder we still ask for signs. One of the reasons I think we ask for such signs is because we don’t know the New Testament or Jesus well enough. We haven’t really walked the gospels with Jesus to hear His promises. We believe in Him, but don’t really “know” Him.

Lent is a time for getting to “know” Jesus intimately. Of course anytime is, but Lent offers us a time to be intentional about doing so. Jesus wants to give us the desires of our hearts, providing we find those desires in line with His will. In other words, providing our desires don’t violate his moral law, then we are free in Christ to pursue what our hearts feel called to do.

St. Paul reminds us that, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Col. 3:23). Jesus doesn’t care if we want to work in a factory, start a business, or become a doctor, as long as we do it for him and his glory.

Next time you think you need a sign, try reading scripture. I’m sure you’ll hear God speaking wisdom to you. And, if you need wisdom on a subject, remember that St. James tells us to ask, and God will give it. But, don’t doubt when He gives you the answer (James 1:5). But, most of all, rather than wait till you’re in a situation and need a sign, make the most of every day by spending time getting to know Jesus. He loves you more than you’ll ever know. And, no matter how bad things get, He will always raise you from the ashes

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

 

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 25

2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat;

 

Mark 8:2

Read Mark 8:1-10

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

Fast Until You’re Full

How goes your fast? We are 25 days into Lent, and some of you are fasting, I’m sure. Fasting is an often misunderstood discipline. If you are attempting to fast during these 40 days, always remember that, like He did on the four thousand people in the desert with him, Jesus has compassion on you.

Biblical fasting is always a fast from food for a period of time. Several in the Bible (Moses and Elijah), including Jesus, fasted forty days without food at all. That, is a supernatural fast and not what is meant by fasting as a spiritual discipline. However, a partial fast during a period of 40 days has always been a part of Christian practice. (If you can’t fast a meal for medical reasons, God knows your heart. Fast something else of significance to you)

The Real Purpose of Fasting

Fasting from food by giving up a meal at specific times or days, is probably the only time I recommend we set ourselves up for temptation. Whenever we try to deny ourselves something we are used to, Satan will tempt us with it; you can count on it. But, the whole purpose of fasting is to learn to resist our fleshly desires, and in exchange, connect more with what truly satisfies – the Bread of Life. No matter how tough it gets, don’t give up; fast until you’re full…full of Jesus.

Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6), and as He said, “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4). John also tells us Jesus is the “Word” of God. Jesus, is the very substance we must have to truly live life as it is meant to be lived.

The four thousand who followed Jesus those three days, without regard to food, were fasting from earthly bread, and living in communion with the very Bread of Life. But, Jesus knew they would soon need earthly food to sustain their physical strength, and so He had compassion on them; they received a miraculous feeding. And, He has compassion for you too. Don’t give up on your Lenten fast.

What miracles do you need? Are you tired of your fast? During Lent I find it helpful to re-focus my self on my purpose for fasting; to spend time with the Living Bread. Please know, Jesus has compassion on you too. He is waiting to bless and feed you with his presence. All you need to do is re-focus and draw new water from His well. His well never runs dry. And, no matter how dry you get, no matter how tired or used up you feel, He is always faithful to raise you from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 24

37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”

Mark 7:37

Read Mark 7:24-37

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

The Astonishing Jesus

Jesus is astonishing, isn’t He? I think so, but so many people don’t. Jesus’ ministry was so astonishing because the people alive at that time had never seen God intervene in their world. It had been about four centuries since the last prophet spoke to Israel, and it was many centuries before that since God had miraculously intervened in the affairs the nation. Many people in Jesus’ day had lost hope of God rescuing them from their oppressors.

Then came Jesus. Touching hearts, healing the lame, the deaf, and the dumb. He even raised the dead! Everything Jesus did was astonishing. Do you see this astonishing Jesus at work in your world today? Do you see Him at work in your life? I hope so. All that Jesus ever was, He still is. And, all that Jesus ever did, He can still do – if we believe.

Can You See His Astonishing Work?

One of the things I love about the season of Lent, is that it offers me a special time to reconnect with Jesus in special ways. As I read the gospels during this season I relive the miracles Jesus did, and I am encouraged to see His miracles in my life too. Can you see any miracles in your life? They are there, I assure you. The miracles of Jesus recorded in the scriptures are but a fraction of what He actually did, I’m sure. But, the miracles are there to help us believe, to astonish us as well.

Lent is a season for deepening our faith. We are now more than half way through the season, and Holy week will be upon us quickly. How are you doing? Are you growing closer to Jesus? I hope so. If not, take a few moments to reconnect with Him today as you start this week. Think back on how you first met Him, and how you got to where you are today. I’m pretty sure there are some astonishing stories there if you’ll try to remember.

It’s good for us to remember. Photographs are a great way of remembering. Take a look through an old photo album you have. You will soon see that everyday has been a miracle. God has brought you through so much, and He’s not through with His astonishing work in your life yet. As you take your trip down memory lane, I think you will be astonished at the times God has raised you from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

 

 

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 23

 “6 Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did.”

1 Cor. 10:6

Read 1 Cor. 10:1-13

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

The Desires of the Heart

It is said that in tough times our true character is revealed. What we really desire in our hearts is what we really lean toward in difficult times. St. Paul reminded the Corinthians about the many ways the Israelites failed God after He delivered them from slavery. You would think being miraculously delivered from generations of bondage would give rise to a strong faith; a faith that wouldn’t backslide the minute things got tough. Not so with the Israelites, and sadly, not so with many peoples ever since. History has a sad way of repeating itself.

What about the desires of your heart? How often do you think about them? Many people get caught up in just existing from day to day. Pretty soon months turn into years and they haven’t thought about what they really desire for a very long time. All they can do is exist. If we don’t take time to fully admit to ourselves our true desires, and stay connected to them, we will drift through life without real purpose.

The Purpose of Life

The real purpose of the lives of humans hasn’t changed since we were created. We exist to glorify God through the way we live and love God, others, and His creation. But, that purpose must be passed on from one generation to the next. We aren’t born with a sense of that purpose. It is the role of godly parents and friends to teach us our purpose in life. And, the vehicle God chose through which to teach us is His church. It is as a community of people, called together with a common purpose to we discover who we are, and where we are going in this journey called life.

If we don’t know our true purpose in life, our desires will be shaped by the worldly influences around us. We see this lived out over and over again in the lives of the children of Israel. That is one of the many reasons the ancient church developed the season of Lent. Lent offers us a time for reflecting on who we are, and where we are going. In our times of prayer and fasting, our true desires are revealed. We must always concentrate on growing our desires after God’s heart.

Are You Repeating History?

The Apostle Paul knew the Corinthian people were going to drift back into their worldly culture, unless they had an anchor on which to hold. Knowing the history of God’s people, and the lessons learned were critical to spiritual formation of the Corinthians, and are still critical for us. History will repeat itself, if we don’t learn it’s lessons.

Perhaps, you have found yourself this Lent feeling burned from repeating past mistakes? As you take some time for meditation and prayer this season, look deep inside and discern your true desires in life. Think of it as a sort of spiritual checkup. If you don’t like what you see, remember, our God always promises to raise us from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

 

 

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 22

“19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all,

that I might win the more.”

1 Cor. 9:19

Read 1 Cor. 9:16-27

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

The Heart of a Slave

Are you a slave? We may feel as though we are slaves to many things, our work, lifestyle or debt. I know many housewives who feel they are slaves to their routines, and many employees who feel as slaves to their jobs. Yet, we really aren’t slaves, are we? In all of these, at the end of the day, we have a choice to change, to walk away, if we so desire. A true slave has no choice in the matter, and Christians, though we are free in Christ, truly have no choice but to serve others, if we are to be His disciples.

Supposedly, real slavery was abolished in the U.S. many years ago. However, we know that even today human slavery through sex trafficking and forced labor are harsh, evil realities in much of the world, and we should do all we can to stop such slavery. Those realities, along with the fierce independence of the American spirit, make slavery one of the most difficult images of the Christian life for people to grasp. Yet, slavery, is the true life of a Christian

Slavery, is the image St. Paul most often uses to describe his life as a follower of Jesus. He speaks not only of being a slave to Christ, but also a slave to humanity. Most believers can understand the image of Jesus as a Slave Master, because we know He is a loving master, who bought us with the price of His blood. But, slaves to humanity? That’s more difficult for people to swallow. Yet, to serve others without regard to whether we respect them or feel we should, is precisely the life Paul speaks of to the Corinthians.

Involuntary Servitude

The great Apostle didn’t take his leadership position for granted. He chose to make himself a “slave to all”, that his ministry of serving might win people to Christ. One of the things we focus on in Lent is the discipline of almsgiving, which when properly understood means more than giving of monies to the poor, but even works of mercy towards them. To serve others with no regard to position or status (to be a slave) is the example of Jesus, given for us to follow.

Are you a slave? Do you identify with the idea of making yourself a slave to others? And, not just to others you like, but as Paul says, “to all”. If not, then spend some time today praying for God to give you the heart of a slave. As Christians, we really don’t have a choice. We must serve others. Ask God to show you how to serve others so that they might see His love through your service. Serving others is the highest form of Christian love. When bend low to serve the needs of others, it is then that God raises us from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

 

 

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Raised from the Ashes: Lent – Day 21

 “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.”

Psalm 42:5

Read Psalm 42

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

Silence Is Golden

Silence isn’t always a bad thing, though in a world that is constantly moving and seemingly never sleeps, it’s sometimes a rare thing. If you’re a busy mother with little kids running around the house all day, you may even long for silence. However, when silence comes to us in our relationship with God, it is often misunderstood. When spiritual silence falls upon us we are quick to assume God isn’t listening. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.

In Psalm 42, the Psalmist is experiencing the silence of God. He isn’t feeling God’s presence and as a result his soul is feeling despair. His opening words speak of how much he longs for God’s presence, as much as a thirsty deer longs for a cool drink. It’s in that moment of despair, he asks himself the right question – why? “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?”

Don’t Stay In Despair

Despair is a natural human emotion, however, it’s not one we are meant to dwell in. In his despair and believing God to be silent, the psalmist actually hears from God; it is God who reminds his spirit that he will have hope again. He remembers the faithfulness of God. He knows God will not leave him alone forever.

God never leaves us alone. His promise from of old is that He will never leave or forsake us. When we feel alone, and despair that God is not with us, it is because of one of two reasons. First, God has not moved, we have. We have allowed ourselves to be drawn away form God by the world. Second, God’s silence can mean that He has a greater purpose for us, but we aren’t ready to hear it. Either way, God’s faithfulness is reminding us to hope in Him, even when that hope seems delayed.

God is always speaking to us, if we will stop and listen. Lent is a great time for listening to God, a time to slow down the busyness of our lives and meditate on Him and His Word. God’s Word is filled with what His Spirit wants to say to us, but like the children of Israel were not ready, so to0 we are not always ready to hear it.

Listen Through the Silence

“The Sound of Silence”, was a hit song in 1964 by the pop artists Simon and Garfunkel. The song had a kind of prophetic warning to it about the real nature of silence. The last verse says:

“The words of the prophets

 Are written on the subway walls

 And tenement halls

 And whispered in the sounds of silence

Silence isn’t always bad. In fact, sometimes it’s golden. Silence can be God’s chosen way of communicating with us. Sometimes we need silence to remind us to wait on God. Let’s face it, we can tend to get in a hurry and do things our own way.

I hope you’re finding times of intentional silence this Lent so that you can concentrate on God. But, if you’re silence is not intentional, if you’re feeling despair, and that God is silent with you…remember His promises. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. He will always – raise you from the ashes.

Grace & Peace for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6