MONDAY, FIRST WEEK OF LENT - 2013

Scripture:

"Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness..." Luke 4:1

Reflection:
Immediately following his baptism, Jesus entered a 40-day period of prayer and fasting. This would be his final preparation for his earthly ministry. There in the wilderness he faced, not only hunger, loneliness and perhaps wandering thoughts about the reason for which he came, but great temptation from the devil. It is to be noted that this time of testing was at the leading of the Spirit of God. Oh, the temptations were from the devil, but these were necessary for the task ahead. Jesus remained faithful to the Word of God and his calling. He endured the trial and passed the test.

Prayer:

Lord, we often face wilderness times, times of doubts and fears, times of loneliness and tears. We feel like were are just wandering and getting nowhere. It's dry and barren, nothing is happening; it's desertlike. Sometimes we are tempted to sin, or give up, or listen to voices other than yours. During these time may we remain faithful to you and to your Word. May we understand that you are doing more in us during these times than we realize. Prepare us for the tasks ahead. Amen.

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT - 2013

Scripture:

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20

Reflection:

As those who are called by the name Christian, we are to see ourselves and live our lives as ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is a high-ranking, official representative. We represent both the Kingdom and the King. What an awesome responsibility we have been given. We are sent with a message that that not only invites, but implores others to be reconciled to God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As we examine our lives this Lenten season, should ask ourselves, "Are there areas in my life that are unbecoming of an ambassador of the King of kings?"

Prayer:
Lord, we are your representatives to those we meet and spend time with. Wherever we go, we go in an official capacity. We represent you; we represent your Kingdom. May we not bring dishonor to you by what we say or by what we do. May we not misrepresent you. For your sake, may we be found to be worthy ambassadors. Amen.

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Saturday After Ash Wednesday - 2013

Scripture:

Jesus answered and said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." Luke 5:31-32

Reflection:

As healthy as we may be, there are things that could be better. Physically, we could do with fewer aches and pains; we could use a little (or a lot) more energy; we could see better, hear better, or have fewer cavities. There may even be internal problems of which we are not yet aware. That is why regular check ups are highly recommended.

Spiritually, we could always do better, as well. That anger, that thought-life, that unforgiveness, that _____________... well, you can fill in the blank. Even more than the physical self, the spiritual self needs regular check ups. Sometimes with the physical, a change in diet can make all the difference in the world. The same often goes for the spiritual. The spiritual diet change is called repentance. As you pray this Lenten season, ask the Great Physician to examine you heart, your mind, your motives. As he finds areas that need attention - and he will find them - don't be surprised if you are prescribed a regular dose of repentance. Sometimes hard to swallow, it always what the Doctor orders.

Prayer:

Oh, Great Physician, I make an appointment for a complete spiritual check up. I'll take that immediate opening; I cannot postpone it any longer. Find what you will find, do surgery where needed, write me that prescription for daily repentance. I trust in you and look forward to better spiritual health. I ask for your sake. Amen.

Friday after Ash Wednesday - 2013

Scripture:

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free,

and that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

when you see the naked, that you cover him..." Isaiah 58:6, 7

Reflection:

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving, though emphasized and focused upon more during the Lenten season, should be part of the normal Christian experience. During Lent some of us "give up" certain things: meat, chocolate, TV, smoking, alcohol and any number of other things. Some do it out of some sense of obligation, while others, out of a sincere heart, truly seek to use this time to draw closer to God. Remember: what you do for Lent is far less important that why you do it. As you fast in some way this Lenten season, may God become more real to you and may your faith become more sure. May you see in yourself and others, bonds broken, burdens lifted and the oppressed set free.

Prayer:

Lord God, we commit this Lenten season to you. May our motives be pure and sincere. Use us in some way to meet the needs of others during this time. As we fast in some way and experience certain levels of hunger, may our greatest hunger be to know you more. In your mercy, grant that the more we know you, the more we see those bonds broken, burdens lifted and the oppressed set free. For your glory. Amen.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday - 2013

Scripture:
"Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23

Reflection:

Self-denial. Cross-bearing. Follow-the-Leader. In a day when self-promotion, crown-wearing and wanting to call all the shots seems to be the the mindset of the general populace - even within the Church - these don't sound like great selling points to market your "product." Jesus didn't offer a religion of convenience, nor did He promise a life of comfort. As Lutheran pastor and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoffer said in book, The Cost of Discipleship, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." The Master calls. He set the example. How will we respond?

Prayer:

Lord, we have heard the call. We have heard the terms of discipleship. We count the cost. May we not be content being mere believers, but put within us the desire be true followers. Your steps, your example goes before us. May we walk in those steps as you lead us through this life unto the next. May we be reminded that it is only your steps that lead to your Kingdom, and that our steps would lead us elsewhere. For the sake of the Master we ask this. Amen

Ash Wednesday - 2013

Scripture:

"Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Reflection:

With these words, or a variation of these words, Christians of various faith traditions receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and humility. Today, Ash Wednesday, we make a conscious and purposeful decision to begin a period of self-examination and repentance that lasts until Easter. "To repent" literally means to change your way thinking. It is a turning away from sin and, at the same time, a turning toward God with greater faith. True repentance, however, isn't just a one-time act, or something we so on a seasonal basis during Lent. True repentance is a lifestyle - a continual turning from sin toward God.

Prayer:

Lord, as we begin this Lenten season, reveal to us the areas of our lives where repentance is needed. Grant us the grace we need to turn away from the things that hinder our relationship with You and with our fellow man. Grant us the grace to faithfully believe the message of the Gospel. Amen.

Follow Jesus!

Regardless of what the new year brings... follow Jesus.

If you are mistreated, cheated or disappointed by others... follow Jesus.

Whether you are in good health or are faced with sickness... follow Jesus.

Whether you find success or fall into poverty... follow Jesus.

When fellow Christians fall short of what they should be... follow Jesus.

If the ungodly prevail and seem to prosper... follow Jesus.

If the politics of the Nation or the local government goes a different direction than you think it should... follow Jesus.

If faced with injustice, heartbreak and tragedy... follow Jesus.

Whether you find turmoil or peace in your situation... follow Jesus.
Whether you find yourself alone or in a great company...follow Jesus.

Regardless of what happens around you, your calling is to follow Jesus.

May your new year be truly blessed as you follow Him!

The Silence of Worship

With thankful hearts
We enter into the courts of the Lord in praise;
As we draw closer to the Holy of Holies
Our praise turns to worship;
Bowed before the Holy One
Our worship becomes... silence.

Knights of Prayer

Here is a link to a wonderful website dealing with: lay monasticism, prayer, Celtic Christianity and so many other topics I really can't begin to list them. The site has more than 1,300 pages, so you could spend much time there. A highly recommended site for fellow "monks at heart."

http://www.prayerfoundation.org/

If you agree to their statement of faith and their requirements of prayer and study, etc, you too can become a lay monk in the Knights of Prayer monastic order. I've been putting it off long enough, but yesterday I mailed my request to join. 

One starts out as a "Postulant" for the first year. In the second year, "Novice" status is granted. After the second year is completed, full lay monk status is granted.

Check it out!

The Advent Virus

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

May we all catch this virus!

The Message of Change

"The Gospel is inherently a missionary Gospel. It is a message that changes a life, changes a course, changes affections, changes values, changes world view, changes love, changes loyalty, and should change either our giving or going or both. But the Gospel cannot leave you as you are, the way you are, and where you are, or it cannot possibly be the Gospel you have received."

 --- Kevin Turner, Strategic World Impact.

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