Lenten devotions part 2

Some random comments from more Lenten devotions

Devotion topic – Mark 1: 4-13 Temptation and Lent – most years I have given up something for Lent and have read devotions more thoroughly during Lent. Follow through, manipulation, and discipline are three of my biggest faults –3 of my “deserts of temptation” – I may see some growth, but my prayer is always to “to do better.” May I use this time to evaluate my relationship with the Lord, my relationship with those I care for deeply, and to look at my own temptation to take short cuts. Where are my deserts and who can help me through them? First I need to look at the Lord, prayer, the Bible for answers and look at myself and my habits that need to change.

Devotion topic – Psalm 146 – the writer talks of the handsome prince and knights in shining armour. How we want to rely on mere mortals and upon ourselves. It is true that the prince in shining armour is sometimes easier to understand than our God. At least that is what we would like to think, but other fallible humans are not the place to seek deeper meaning in life. Humans will always disappoint in some way at some time. If we place our faith or trust in any mortal- including ourselves- we will be disappointed, betrayed and unfulfilled.

Devotion, Genesis 37: 26-28, 31-36 Whew – today’s thoughts are about lying. We lie to look “better”, to impress, to protect someone else or to protect ourselves. The text tells of Joseph’s brothers lying to their father, Jacob, about Joseph’s supposed death. When do I tell lies to others or to myself? Way more often that I want to admit. Confronting my own lies is a step in my spiritual growth and in my peace in the Lord. I need to look to the Lord, to think on God's thoughts, to accept His love and forgiveness and to seek that forgiveness. God knows what I think and what I have done, He sees me as His loving creation - it is up to me to accept that love on a daily basis - sometimes on a minute by minute basis and feel His loving arms around me.

May I be slow to judge others' lies, but quick to recognize my own lies to myself and others and to ask forgiveness from God and from those that I hurt.

2010 Lenten devotions

Starting a bit late as usual.... may I continue this and follow through. Following through to the completion of anything is one of my biggest faults.

Saturday 2/20 - That we may be one John 17: 20 - 26
What is done or left undone. It is our unity as a community of believers that we must seek. It is my fellow believers that I am often most critical. May I remember that I fail on a daily basis to serve my Lord and people around me, whether part of the faith community or not. May I remember to forgive others, including especially the community of believers. Life is about love and relationship, may I be an example of right relationship and giving, and offer apology and seek forgiveness with I fail.

Sunday 2/21 - Temptation Luke 4: 1-13
All of us have our weaknesses and it is easy for me to wander down the wrong path. Often my choices are not "bad" - they are just not the choice the Lord would have me make. May I lean more on my Lord and listen for His voice. The popular "What would Jesus do?" is truly a valid and preferred question, as is "What would Jesus have ME do?" May I seek the Lord's will and then be able to walk gently away from temptation or from situations that do not honor the Lord. May I listen and obey.

Wednesday 2/24 - a few days later
Yesterday, the Lenton blog commented on a Lenten Devotion by Henri J. M. Nouwen on the Parable of the Prodigal Son: "In a very deep way, we are, in our lives, often leaving and returning. This isn't just a one-time event; it's an ongoing experience. .. It's important to understand that God's love fills you and surrounds you whether you are leaving or returning, and that God waits with longing to welcome you on your return."
I think of my own leaving and returning with my faith relationship - although I have never "left" my faith, I have certainly moved far away and allowed myself to become distracted. And I feel great peace and joy when I return to the Lord.
My prayer is for my children, that they, too, will return to their faith walk for they will find the loving arms of our Lord embracing them.
I believe He always embraces us, we sometimes do not notice or actively squirm from his embrace. Much more could be written here, but not now.

Part 3, back on track

The fall after Mike and I were married, a friend invited me to a Campus Crusade rally with featured speaker, Josh McDowell. There is no reasonable explanation why I agreed to attend, I didn't want to go, but now I believe that the Lord had his arm around me and I let Him lead me there. At that time I rededicated my life to the Lord.
Nothing changed much probably, but I felt a peace within that has not ever gone away. It was real. I wrestled with - and still do - the issue of a spouse that does not share the same level of relationship with the Lord and my daily prayer is that all of my family would come to know the Lord in the way that I know Him. Because my faith makes life on this earth so much more peaceful. Because through my faith, I know intense joy and peace and happiness - especially regarding my family. That does not mean that I do not get my feelings hurt or have "issues" at times, but I have a friend in Jesus that can lead me through those times.
Do I have it figured out? Nope, not a minute by minute basis, not back in 1973 or today. But I do know that God is in charge or our world and of our lives, of my life. The peace I have in that knowledge makes life worthwhile. I also rest in the peace of knowing that I do not have to figure it out - I have to have faith.

I believe that God uses many avenues and many people. We all fall short of God's expectations - that is why Jesus came! Josh McDowell has since been criticized for some of his choices, but I believe that the Lord used him that night for me and for several others.
I believe that we must keep our eyes focused on our Lord - if we look to people for example, we will always eventually feel disappointed or betrayed.