THURSDAY, THIRD WEEK OF LENT - 2013

Scripture:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Reflection:

Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. Action words for sure, but take it even deeper and think of these as "attitude words." May these outward actions flow from an attitude within. May we rejoice because we are filled with sincere joy. May we always be aware of God's presence in a way that enables our hearts to be continually prayerful, even though the responsibilities and routines of life prevents us from verbalizing those prayers. May we truly have hearts that are so thankful that our gratitude is expressed in our countenance and evident to those we meet. Don't think of these as merely nice sentiments, but as "the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, may these be our attitudes within. The world around us needs to see joyful, prayerful, thankful Christians. Fill us with your joy, give us a constant, prayerful awareness of your presence, and make us truly grateful. This is your will for your children in Christ. May we never seek to find contentment in anything less. With joy-filled hearts we ask this. Amen.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Oh, God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work, help me
to remember the jobless;
When I have a warm home,
help me to remember the homeless;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer;
And remembering, help me
to destroy my complacency
and bestir my compassion.
Make me concerned enough
to help, by word and deed,
those who cry out
for what we take for granted.

~ Samuel. F. Pugh

Discontent in the Outer Court

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful to him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4

The picture here is of the tabernacle. There is at least a sense of awareness that people are gathering in the Name of Yahweh. I imagine busyness, the noise of people, the noise and smell of animals being brought for sacrifice, commotion, much activity and, perhaps an atmosphere of celebration as people draw near with thanksgiving and praise. This was good. This was necessary.

This was the outer court.

There was and is another place, a holy place, the Holiest of Places, where none of those outer court practices will be tolerated. The Overwhelming Presence demands, requires, compels: silence, reverence, a breathtaking sense of awe as we approach with holy fear... the very throne of God. There... the Almighty speaks to us and we are... broken so we can be made whole, humbled so we can be raised up, made to see our sinfulness so we can fully appreciate and experience His forgiveness. In that Place and only in that Place we are truly... changed.

The veil of separation has been torn asunder; access has been granted; the Father, with outstretched hands, beckons us to "Come."

May we and our churches never be content with mere "outer court" worship.