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Raised form the Ashes: Lent – Day 8

Lent – Wednesday, Day 8

“ For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1 Cor. 3:11

Read 1 Cor. 2:14-3:15

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

Be Careful How You Build

I’ve always admired those who could draw up a plan to build something and then do it, and do it well. I tried to build a wooden kneeling bench for prayer when I was a teenager. It seemed a simple task at first. I carefully drew a picture of what I wanted it to look like when done. Then, I set about finding the right materials and to make measurements for each cut, of each piece of wood. However, I quickly realized it was much harder than I expected. There were several things that didn’t seem to work as I tried to assemble the pieces. I didn’t know how to make all the pieces fit just right, which should come as no surprise considering I’d never had a woodworking class in my life. As a result, the bench when done, although recognizable when done, was not sturdy or comfortable.

I was building the bench on a poor foundation. Actually, it was more like no foundation, considering my lack of gifts, skills and training in such things. Life is a lot like my kneeling bench experience. Without the proper foundation, life, while recognizable as such, will not be sturdy or comfortable. Jesus Christ is the only foundation for life as it is meant to be lived. You can build with another foundation, like your own self, or that of another person, but it will eventually fail you.

Our Responsibility

Every generation is responsible to pass the faith of Jesus Christ on to the next, being careful to build on the foundation that is Jesus. The people of the Corinthian church were getting off track. As they grew, they had the right foundation but were not using the best building materials. They started out with gold and silver, and somewhere along the way settled for wood and straw.

How many of our lives are like that? We started out with the right foundation – faith in Christ. However, along the way we ended up substituting the wrong building materials, and we’re not even sure how or when we did it. It’s easy to do if we aren’t diligent about what we’re doing. Maybe we’ve traded authentic worship for false worship, or perhaps we’ve settled for the desires of our flesh rather than the hard work of rooting our desires in the will of God.

This is why Lent is my favorite season of the year. It’s like a 40-day spiritual check up to be sure my foundation is secure, to be sure I’m building with the right materials. Through extra times of fasting, prayer, and works of mercy, we can better listen for the gentle voice of Jesus calling us to correct our course, and bring us back onto a secure foundation

All Will Be Revealed

Are you listening? Jesus is calling to each of us in these days of Lent. Let us therefore, as St. Paul has said, “take care how we build”. In the end of days, how we built will be revealed; Paul tells us fire will reveal it. That which was built poorly will burn and be consumed. But, the good news is Jesus always raises His own 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 7

Lent – Wednesday, Day 7

“And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed”

Mark 1:35

Read Mark 1:29-45

 

Lonely Places

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

Generally speaking, loneliness is not good for us humans. However, we can acknowledge that there are times when we need “lonely places”. Lent is certainly one of those times. Today we are seven days into our Lenten journey. The gospel today from St. Mark speaks to us of the ministry of Jesus to heal and restore, as well as of His need for lonely places.

During Lent, we often make the mistake of thinking the journey is about us; how we can grow stronger through more prayer, fasting and reflection. Indeed, we hope to grow stronger in our faith through observing a holy Lent, but may I submit to you today that that is a blessed consequence and not the goal of our journey

Our Lenten Goal

The goal of observing the Lenten season by dedicating more time to the spiritual disciplines is quite simply – union with Christ. It can be said that if we are followers of Jesus, the goal of all our earthly life is union with Christ, a union which consummates fully in Heaven. And, along the way we find great moments of “commUNION” with our Lord when we concentrate on practicing the disciplines of our faith as we do in Lent.

Jesus is our model for such practice of faith. While on earth, He found great strength and peace from times of concentrated prayer and communion with the Father, such as we read about in today’s gospel. But, we must also notice that those times were often found in lonely places like the wilderness and gardens where scripture tells us it what his habit to be alone in prayer (Luke 5:16).

The longer I live, the more I value times of quiet and aloneness, not to be alone with myself, but rather to be alone with God. Yes, I actually seek out lonely places. Today, I rose to write this devotional the morning after my father’s passing from this earth. Beginning with my father’s passing yesterday around noon, I have found myself in a particularly lonely place, even though surrounded by family. Yet in that aloneness, I realize my heavenly Father is with me. I am not alone.

Are You in a Lonely Place?

The psalmist says, “ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me” We are truly never alone, whether we realize it or not. God is always with his children. What a comfort it is to know in my loneliness without my father, I know my dad is with his heavenly Father, and will never feel alone again.

What are you going through on your journey? Are you in the valley of the shadow of death? Are you feeling alone in a crowded world? This Lent, my prayer for you is that you may realize that even in lonely places…you are never alone.

There’s a line from an old gospel song that I need to hear today. Perhaps you do too?

In the very thought of Jesus His presence can be found
He’s as close as the mention of His name
There is never any distance between my Lord and me
He’s as close as the mention of His name

You can listen to the song here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6i-Ry1wSgA

As you read and listen today, let the Father 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: Tuesday – Day 6

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

The Way of the Fool

“30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption;”

I Corinthians 1:30

Read I Corinthians 1:18-31

 

Have you ever been called a fool? If so, chances are it hurt to hear it. As a kid, my mom always told me not to call anyone a fool, not matter how foolish they act. She was thinking of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:22 that says, if we call anyone a fool we are “in danger of hellfire”. I didn’t understand why I would go to Hell for using a simple word, but it worked. I stopped using the word fool. However, as I grew I always remained curious of what Jesus meant by such a damning sentence for the use of a simple word.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul talks a lot about fools. He speaks of how God used what the world calls foolishness, on which to build His kingdom. You, see the message of the gospel seems foolish to the those who are perishing, but the wisdom of God for those who believe (Vs 18).

In Lent, we often think we should focus on ourselves, and how we are trying to deny ourselves in order to become more like Christ. But, the focus of Lent is actually Christ himself, not us. When we turn our attention to meditating on the mystery of our faith, Jesus calls us deeper into the Spiritual life

Are Lenten Sacrifices Foolish?

In the wisdom of the world (an oxymoronic thought), Lenten sacrifice seems foolish. Denying our flesh in order to tame its cravings, concentrating on serving others through works of mercy, spending time in prayer, meditation, and study, such is folly to those who think they are wise already. Though their actions are indeed foolish, Jesus would not have us call anyone a fool, because a fool is one who thinks he/she is wise in their own eyes, and as such are lost. The one who thinks they don’t need God is as Jesus’ said, “in danger of hellfire”, and that is a label we don’t wish on anyone.

Have you ever felt foolish for your faith? Great! You should know it’s a hallmark of honor to be counted a fool for Jesus. God our Father is the source of all life. He is the fountain of all wisdom, and that wisdom is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He alone is the source of our redemption and sanctification. He alone is the hope of the world. If we are to be fools in anyone’s eyes, then let us be “fools for Christ” (1 Cor. 4:10), for we may look foolish now, but soon we will be 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: Monday, Day 5

Lent – Monday, Day 5

 

“6 even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I Corinthians 1:6-8

Read I Corinthians 1:1-17

 Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

Waiting for the Revealing

As we begin the first full week of our Lenten journey, scripture reminds us that we need each other. Our journey isn’t a solitary one. We fast and pray, and practice self-denial as one body in Christ, not as individuals. Like all of life, we are called to live in community, not isolation. The truth is if I’m going to grow to be the best disciple I can be, I need you my brothers and sisters to pray for me to the Lord our God.

When we practice our faith together, worshiping, learning, and serving, we enter into the life of the most Holy Trinity. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit exist in a continual exchange of love. St. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that when the “testimony to Christ” is confirmed among them, they lack no spiritual gift. None of us have all spiritual gifts, but all of us have at least one, and together we form a unified whole of the body of Christ, lacking nothing. That is the true church. That is the church the world needs to see.

What is Our Testimony?

The testimony to Christ is the testimony to love. We know that God is love and in Him there is only love; He sent His only son to die for the saving of the world. If we’re to be His body, we too must have a testimony to love. St. John tells us to love one another, for only those who love are born of God (1 John 4:8). When we love each other, people see God in us, His body becomes manifest to the world

And So, We Wait

Lent is a microcosm of the whole of life. In it we journey together toward our ultimate end – life with Christ. At the end of Lent, we will celebrate the great mystery of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And, in His resurrection we too are raised to new life. At the end of our earthly lives we celebrate the mystery of our redemption, eternal life with Christ. However, until both the end of Lent and the end our earthly lives, we wait for the “revealing of Jesus Christ”. While we wait, He sustains us through His all Holy, and life-giving Spirit, guiltless until the end, guiltless until we are 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: The Perfect Hiding Place

First Saturday: My Secret Hiding Places

 

“You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; *you surround me with shouts of deliverance.”

Psalm 32:8

Read Psalm 32

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

Kids love hiding places. Hide and seek is one of every kids’ favorite games. They’re so good at it because they’re small and fit in lots of unseen places. I remember as a boy, I had a several secret hiding places-places to hide from my mom or my big sister if I was in trouble. The problem was I eventually had to come out in the open and face my trouble; never mind I was usually innocent (sarcasm intended).

As grown ups we still like hiding places, don’t we? Whether it’s needing a break from the kids and family, or a break from work, sometimes we just need to get alone and hide. Of course we can’t really hide from our problems. That’s part of being an adult, right? Or, maybe we can hide from our problems.

The Perfect Hiding Place

The psalmist saw in God the perfect hiding place. No matter what was happening in his world, whether chased by enemies or whether pursued by his own guilty conscience, God was his true hiding place. The Psalms are filled with songs of praise to God for his protection and deliverance from all enemies. Psalm 32 is one of those songs.

The psalmist sings of the joy of being forgiven and released from guilt. He admonishes the reader to not be stubborn like a mule, but trust God – He is our hiding place. But, He becomes our hiding place only when we confess our sins. When we are open and honest with God, His arms are open wide to receive us in mercy, not in condemnation and punishment.

Everyone is Welcome

The psalmist saw into the future a day when all people would be welcomed into God’s arms, not just the Jews. Jesus Christ opened wide the arms of God as He hung on the cross so that, no matter the sin, no matter the enemy, no matter the trouble all may find the perfect hiding place. At the cross of Christ there is perfect love, and acceptance. No one who comes in repentance is denied refuge.

As you enter the first weekend of your Lenten journey, I hope you will find peace and safety in the cross today. It is in God’s hiding place we are 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”: First Friday, The Power of the Cross

“Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins shall die.”

Ezekiel 18:4

Read Ezekiel 18: 1-9

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

The Power of the Cross

Have you ever felt as though you were living with some sort of family curse? That may sound strange to you, but many people do. Perhaps it’s stems from a cycle of abusive behavior, or even a hereditary trait. In the Old Testament, scripture taught the people of Israel that the sins of the fathers were visited on the 3rd and 4th generation (Ex. 20:5). Clearly we see this throughout history. Many family members have suffered due to the consequences of their fathers’ and grandfathers’ sinful actions. But, that isn’t a curse; it’s a consequence, not a punishment.

Sadly people often misunderstood what God was teaching in the several verses of the Old Testament that speak to the consequence of sins affecting future generations. We see this even in Jesus’ day as His disciples asked if a man’s blindness from birth was because of his father’s sin, or of his own (John 9:1-3). Jesus, set them straight. The man’s blindness was not a result of sin, but to show that God is sovereign over all things, even birth defects that happen in a sinful world.

The Prophet Ezekiel had some very important words for a people who seemed lost in superstition. He told them they could no longer use their old saying of a father eating sour grapes and his child’s teeth being set on edge. God is sovereign over every soul. There is no such thing as superstition. Each person is ultimately responsible for his or her own sin. He also made it clear that there are consequences to sin, natural ones, not superstitious curses.

So what are we to make of what seems like family curses passed down in our world today? First we need to understand that a curse can only be spoken into existence by one who has supernatural power over the forces of our world, and the only one with that power is God. While we do see God putting a few curses on subjects in the Bible (the serpent in the garden, and Jesus cursing the fig tree), we know that His curse is given out of his divine knowledge of what is needed.

So What Are We to Do With Curses?

Scripture teaches us God is love, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). God loves us so much, that when nothing else could save us from sin and darkness, at the right time He sent His only son to die for us on a cross. And, as the powerful hymn “Before the Throne of God” says, “sin’s curse has lost it’s grip on me”. Jesus, our great High Priest whose name is Love, has saved us so completely, we can give our lives over to him and his sovereignty, such that even death cannot touch us.

To enter a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and our God, is to enter everlasting life. Jesus tells us in John 5 that those who believe have passed out of death and into life. One day, when our body is laid to rest, then we will live as never before. A wise man once said, “If you die, before you die, you’ll never die when you die.”

Friday’s in Lent are a day for dying. We remember and honor Jesus’ death on the cross by meditating on his cross, and how He broke the curse of sin and death. Has your curse been broken? It’s your choice. Don’t live blaming your ancestors any longer for things you know you shouldn’t do, things God’s power can help you overcome.

Won’t you click the link below and listen to this powerful hymn of faith by one of my favorite artists, Selah? Then spend some time today meditating on the power of the cross that can raise you from the ashes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoPyLcY6Zv4

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: Week One, Thursday

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?”

Matthew 6:30

Read Matthew 6:27-33

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

When I was a younger man I made my living as a Haberdasher. That’s a cool way of saying I was a retail, ‘clothing salesman’. I sold men’s suits for a living, expensive ones. I literally worried about what I was going to wear. After all, you only get one chance to make a good first impression and I was totally wrapped up in making sure people thought I was a success. Well, let’s just say I’ve grown a lot since then. I still think about those days. It was fun wearing all those expensive clothes. However, when it was all said and done, I didn’t feel ‘expensive’ on the inside.

What are you worried about?

You see, in those days I was worried about all the wrong things, superficial things like looks, and what other people thought of me. But, what I’ve grown to learn as a follower of Jesus is when you realize you’re a child of the King, you should realize how expensive you really are. God puts infinitely more value on you, than the flowers of field, which He adorns so beautifully. Yet, knowing that God treasures we humans as infinitely more valuable than the beauty of creation, we still worry about how our lives are going to turn out. Even in Bible days they worried. They worried about what to wear, what to eat, and how their lives would end up. Doesn’t make much sense does it?

Last night I went to church and had an ashen cross smeared on my forehead. As he put the ashes on my head, the minister reminded me that I was mere dust, and that one day I will return to the dust from whence I came. Perhaps you had a similar experience? As a minister, I too was placing ashes on the heads of others. I wondered what the people felt as they heard those sobering words about our mortality. Then it was my turn and I realized in that moment with just me, the minister, and the Holy Spirit, that I was worried about far too many things in this world that really don’t matter in the real scheme of things.

What I really need to worry about

The one thing I really need to worry about is how I can learn to live in the truth of God’s love for me. If the Father clothes the flowers of the field with beauty and splendor, and yet tomorrow they’re gone, how much greater are his plans for our lives? God loves all His children, but those who choose to love Him back can rest in the knowledge that He knows what we really need. Why should we worry about how things will turn out? St. Paul reminds us if God is for us, who could be against us? (Rom 8:31)

As we set out on this Lenten journey, won’t you turn your worries over to Him at the start? Don’t carry those burdens, it’s wasting away your energy, and robbing your hope. Won’t you listen today to this song from David Crowder? The words call us to lay down our burdens and shame, and come to our Father just as we are. You are His child, His most prized of all creation. There’s one person you’ll never have to worry about what He thinks of you – and His is the only opinion that counts. You are special, believe it.

Click Here to listen to “Come as You Are”

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: Ash Wednesday

“…if you pour yourself out for the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness, and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually,”

Isaiah 58:10-11a

Read Isa. 58:1-12

Lent 2016 Daily Devotions-4

 

Why ashes? Ashes are a reminder of death. All living things eventually end up in ashes. In the Old Testament, God’s people would often put ashes on their head as a sign of sorrow and repentance. They knew that outside of relationship with God, they were dead so they put ashes on their head to show their sorrow at being dead in sin. Early Christians began to practice a day of remembrance called, Ash Wednesday, to mark the beginning of a season of repentance, and preparation for those who were coming into the faith. This season has been handed down to us as the season of Lent.

There’s an old saying, “You are never taller, than when you are on your knees.” This saying captures my hope for the season of Lent, which begins today for those who follow the Western Christian calendar. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day devoted to asking God to sanctify our 40-day journey into the heart of Jesus as He becomes our Paschal lamb, our Passover sacrifice. St. Paul said of Jesus, “For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast,” (1 Cor. 5:7). But, how do we keep the feast?

Easter, or Pascha, which means Passover in Greek (as our Eastern Christian brothers call it), is the pinnacle of our faith; its significance to our lives cannot be contemplated too much. Where would we be without the cross? Even still, where would we be without the resurrection? We would be dead in our sins. We would be nothing but ashes. But, Jesus has raised us from the ashes. He conquered death to give us life everlasting.

What Is Lent All About?

The season of Lent calls us to bow down and worship through fasting, prayer and works of mercy, which is the model Jesus gave us for living in His Spirit. Today we bow our heads and mark them with ashes to remind us we are dust, and to dust we will return (Gen 3:19). We also consecrate to God the season of Lent as a time for fasting and prayer, and to do the works of mercy Isaiah tells us helps our spirit rise from the darkness.The 58th chapter of Isaiah was an indictment of the people for their false worship of God. They gathered together and consecrated their fasts, but they didn’t live them out.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools.” (Ecc. 5:4).

 What Will You Do?

 What will you do with Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent? If you will bow down and serve the living God, He will, as Isaiah said, “turn your gloom into noonday” Go ahead, give it a try this year. Join me on the journey. I’ll be here everyday talking us both through it. Let’s admit we are dust and to dust we will return… and then, let God raise us from the ashes.

In peace, for a Holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

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

Matthew 5:6

Never miss a day! Click Here to have Pastor Brad’s devotions delivered to you email.

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Mercy Always Wins

Click Here to Read Today’s Epistle: James 2:1-13

mercy wins

 

Why are the poor so important? When Jesus said, “…the poor will always be with you”, He wasn’t saying we should take them for granted, that they were somehow unimportant. As a matter of fact, I think he was saying something quite the opposite. I think He was raising our awareness to the poor around us. The disciples were upset the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume had poured it out on Jesus’ feet; they felt it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. You can read the story in St. Mark 14.

Jesus taught the disciples (and us) that giving to Him is the highest priority. By telling them He would not always be with them, He showed the immediacy of the importance of what the woman did in anointing his feet, since He would soon leave them. However, the poor are always with us and we must show them mercy and grace – in doing so we honor Jesus.

St. James has a way of getting in our face when he writes. His letter offers some of the most convicting scriptures; they convict us because in them we see our true selves. Though we don’t mean to, we often show partiality in how we treat others, especially the poor. And, James tells it to us straight out – partiality is sin.

If we’re honest with ourselves we will admit we often tend to gravitate to the wealthier people in a room, and away from those we deem poorer. I don’t mean that we do it on purpose. It is for the most part, an unconscious movement. But, what a sad commentary that is on our instincts.

James teaches us when we show such partiality we have judged people. And furthermore, when we make such judgments we judge ourselves. Instead of instinctively judging people on their perceived wealth or influence, or what we may gain from association with them, as followers of Jesus we should be servants of His mercy. Mercy always wins over judgment. If we hope to receive mercy, in both this world and the next (I do!), then we must be servants of Christ’s mercy.

This Weekend:

There is perhaps no better place for us to practice such mercy than at church. Often people who visit churches decide not to return because they felt they were judged (or worse, completely over-looked). While it may sometimes be the case the visitor came in with a chip on his/her shoulder still, we need to show mercy, not judgment.

People’s lives really are at stake in how we, as servants of Christ, treat them. We have the privilege of seeing people through the eyes of Jesus, and to show His love to all humanity. Listen to singer/songwriter Brandon Heath’s message in his song “Give Me Your Eyes”.

Here’s a link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mhpLjPslbM

Evey time I hear this song I’m convicted of the partiality in how I see others. Listen to it with me today and ask Jesus to help you see others differently. This weekend, resolve to go to church (and wherever else you go) and see others as Jesus sees them, – with eyes of mercy. Mercy always wins.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

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

Matthew 5:6

Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nCInUHPcas