Week 3
March 19 - 25
Week 4
March 26 - April 1
Week 5
April 2 - 8
Holy Week
April 9 - 15
Easter Sunday
Day 4,
Wednesday
March 8, 2006
Day 7,
Saturday
March 11, 2006
Day 10,
Tuesday
March 14, 2006
Day 11,
Wednesday
March 15, 2006
Day 12,
Thursday
March 16, 2006
Day 14,
Saturday
March 18, 2006
Day 17,
Tuesday
March 21, 2006
Day 18,
Wednesday
March 22, 2006
Day 19,
Thursday
March 23, 2006
Day 21,
Saturday
March 25, 2006
Day 24,
Tuesday
March 28, 2006
Day 25,
Wednesday
March 29, 2006
Day 26,
Thursday
March 30, 2006
Day 28,
Saturday
April 1, 2006
Day 32,
Wednesday
April 5, 2006
Day 33,
Thursday
April 6, 2006
Day 35,
Saturday
April 8, 2006
Day 38,
Tuesday
April 11, 2006
Day 39,
Wednesday
April 12, 2006
Day 40,
Thursday
April 13, 2006
Day 42,
Saturday
April 15, 2006
Updated
March 1, 2006
Preparing to Encounter the Risen Christ
Daily Readings for Lent 2006
Memphis Free
Methodist Church
By Pastor Steve Tungate
Lent is the time of year leading up to Easter Sunday. Traditionally, the church has viewed Lent as a time of fasting and preparation—a shedding of old ways and a renewed focus on Jesus Christ. My prayer is that this Lenten season will be a time of preparation for you and that you will encounter the risen Christ in a very real way.
This booklet is designed to help you focus more intently on Christ during the forty-two days approaching Easter. It is divided into six weeks with readings for each day of the week. On Sundays, you are given a brief structure for prayer and reflection with the Scripture reference for that morning’s sermon. The other days offer a passage of Scripture to read followed by devotional reflections based on that theme.
I encourage you to commit to taking time out of your busy schedules to spend with God this Lenten season. A simple guideline to follow includes: choosing a time, finding a place, and following a method. Choose a time where you may be least distracted; it could be first thing in the morning, at night before bed, during a lunch break, or some other time that works best for you. I encourage you to be consistent with this time as you build this habit into your day. Find a place away from distractions; a certain room, an office, or your car could become for you a place of prayer, study, and worship. Finally, the method you use may help structure you time with God, preventing the wandering mind syndrome. I offer this possibility: begin with a brief prayer of preparation, read the Scripture, pause for prayer and meditation, read the daily devotional thoughts, pause briefly to reflect, then spend time in prayer including thanksgiving, confession, and requests.
You may want to consider the tradition of "giving up" something for Lent. Maybe there is something that in itself is neither good nor bad, yet you find it distracting your focus away from God. Perhaps, there is an addictive or bad habit you would give up for Lent. Make a prayerful decision. Be careful not to make a big deal about it to others following the guidelines Jesus gave about fasting, prayer, and giving in Matthew 6.
May God bless you this Lenten season as you Prepare to Encounter the Risen Christ.
Preparing Your Mind through Scripture
Spiritual Training
Prepare Your Mind for Worship
Read Psalm 119 (this is a long Psalm, read as much as time allows today).
Pray prayers of Thanksgiving.
Spend time confessing your sins to God.
Are there any people you need to make amends with?
Pray for the morning service and Sunday school classes.
Pray for the church, the community, and the nation.
Pray for family, friends, neighbors.
Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.
Spiritual Training
"The Meaning of Life"
Read Ecclesiastes 12:13 and 1 Corinthians 8:6
"What is the meaning of life?" "What is my purpose in life?" "Why do I exist?" These questions consumed the minds of philosophers for centuries. The conclusions remain more numerous than the stars in the sky. Few have addressed these queries with the simplicity, eloquence, and profound wisdom as King Solomon and the Apostle Paul. To them, our existence, our purpose, our meaning, our lives rest in God--nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.
"Why do I exist?"
For God--nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
"What is my purpose in life?"
For God--nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
"Why do I work?"
For God--nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
"Why do I get up in the morning?"
For God--nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
"Why do I eat, sleep, and exercise?"
For God--nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
"Why do I breathe?"
For God--nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
I encourage you to make time this Lenten season to focus your mind more intently on God. Take a moment to write down two or three tangible ways you would like to center your life more intently on Christ during this time of Lent.
1._______________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________
3._______________________________________________________
Spiritual Training
"Life’s Roadmap"
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We were traveling to a familiar destination—a town we frequently visited. Along the way, the surroundings turned strangely unfamiliar. However, we pressed on. Before long, we verbalized our honest confession: we were lost. With reluctance, I set aside my male pride caving in to my wife’s suggestion to examine a map.
Upon inspection, the map exposed the mistake I made. With further investigation, I discovered the roads necessary to return on course. The map also displayed what I should have known all along—the roads that would carry us to our intended destination.
Scripture serves as a roadmap for life. It teaches us, showing the route we ought to travel. It rebukes us, alerting us when we make a wrong turn. It corrects us, guiding us back on track. It trains us, providing the tools to stay on the right path. It equips us, making the journey beneficial to those we encounter along the way.
Travel seems much smoother when we look at the map before heading out on a day’s journey.
Spiritual Training
"Scripture’s Power against Temptation"
Read Psalm 119:9-11
Something captures your eye, your thoughts, and your feelings. The enticing lure dangles before you. You know better than to follow after it, but it beacons you to move closer. "Maybe a closer look, but I won’t grab on," you think, but closer does not seem close enough. The pull becomes too strong—you feel your will overtaken. The magnetism intensifies. You know you are going too far. You try to fight, but the fighting makes you want it even more. You wrestle against it, but wrestling just exposes its force over you. The temptation overpowers you—you give in. There you sit, beaten, defeated, filled with shame and guilt, wondering how you messed up again.
E. Stanley Jones, missionary to India, often said, "What has your attention has you." Take time to evaluate. What has your attention? When no one is around, what do you think about, what goes through your mind? Are you haunted by thoughts of worry and fear? Are you plagued with images containing the demise of someone for whom you hold un-forgiveness? Do the tempting pictures of television, magazines, or the inter-net cause covetousness or lust?
When we memorize Scripture, we carry a powerful weapon capable of defeating the allure of sin. The Word of God diverts our attention away from temptation shifting it toward God Himself. Jesus combated temptation with Scripture in the desert. Like the psalmist, we too must hide God’s word in our hearts that we may not sin against Him.
Spiritual Training
"Reading and Believing"
Read Deuteronomy 8:1-3
You take one last look in the mirror before going out for the night. You gently pat your hair into place, straighten your favorite shirt/blouse, check your teeth, turn your head to the left, then the right; everything looks good. Turning off all the lights, you head out the door.
After a short drive, you pull up to the front door. The valet takes the car as the doorman opens the large, carved oak entrance to this fine restaurant. Somehow, the lighting creates an ethereal atmosphere as if you are stepping into another world. The host escorts you to the table pulling out the chair for you. Sitting down, you take in the ambience. The water is poured and the candles lit. Excitedly, you open the menu anticipating the wide variety of gourmet foods ready for your indulgence.
Intrigued by the blank white pages, you look closer to find only one selection appearing on the pages of the menu: "Bread…$14.99". You become disappointed and upset. "What about the meat, the vegetables, the side dishes, the mouthwatering appetizers; and they must serve desert," you think angrily to yourself. You are certain they serve more than this; but no, just bread.
You walk out disappointed and upset, fling open the door, grab the keys from the valet, get into your car, and slam the door. You drive to the nearest fast-food joint looking for some way to fill your now painfully empty stomach. As you pull up to the menu you see a change in their selection as well. Again, one item: "Bread…$1.99."
What if bread was our only option for food everywhere you went? You would certainly get quite hungry and malnourished. Your energy level would plummet from a lack of protein.
We wouldn’t dare treat our physical bodies this way, yet how often we leave our spiritual needs unmet; progressing through the day hungry and malnourished. "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Are you feeding on those words found in Scripture?
If we believe Scripture we will read it, and if we read it I am certain we will believe it.
Spiritual Training
"The Joy and Delight of Scripture"
Read Jeremiah 15:15-16
Life throws another curveball his way. Devastation and sorrow rush over him like a crashing wave. He sinks into a deep depression. Hopeless and confused, he cannot think—he only feels.
He walks to the mailbox, usually a daily habit, perhaps out of necessity, but these days as a way of temporary escape from the house—a brief recess from emotion. He sorts through the bills, the advertisements and fliers. He discovers a personal card addressed to him. Eagerly, he opens the curious envelope. Inside he finds a typical card, he scans the picture, skims the poem, his eyes rest upon the hand written words, "I am thinking about you and praying for you today."
Sorrow remains, but hope lessens the sting. Although still saddened, he finds a little more strength to continue. The right words at the right time offer great encouragement.
The words of God not only convict, but also encourage. The Bible records these words, becoming for us the right words at the right time when we take a moment to listen. As Jeremiah discovered, the words of God bring joy and delight even in the midst of suffering and pain.
Spiritual Training
"The Dangerous Words"
Read Hebrews 4:12-13
CAUTION: READING AND STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD MAY CAUSE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT! THE WORD OF GOD HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CUT DEEP INTO ONE’S SOUL, PLUNGING INTO THE RECESSES OF THE SPIRIT.
SCRIPTURE IS KNOWN TO EXPOSE ONE’S FEARS, UNCOVER ONE’S DARKEST SECRETS, POINT OUT PAINFUL FLAWS AND SINS. IN MANY CASES, AMPUTATION AND DEATH OF THE PRECEDING HAS ENSUED.
THE WORD OF GOD IS VERY POWERFUL. IT MAY AFFECT ONE’S WALK, BE MIND ALTERING AND EVEN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN ONE’S HEART. IF MISUSED, ABUSED, OR NEGLECTED, THE CONSEQUENCES PROVE DEVASTATING.
HANDLE WITH CARE!
Preparing Your Heart through Purity
Spiritual Training
Prepare Your Heart for Worship
Read Colossians 3:1-17
Reflect upon the contrasting lists of characteristics between the sinful and spiritual natures.
Spend time in confession and prayer.
Pray for the morning service and Sunday school classes.
Pray for the church, community, and nation.
Pray for missionary efforts world-wide.
Spend time reflecting on the goodness of God.
Close with the Lord’s Prayer.
Spiritual Training
"The Soil of the Heart"
Read Psalm 1
Scorching heat continues; the sun-baked soil cracks. Transpiration persists, moisture lost finds no replacement. One by one the leaves turn brittle and wither. Vibrant green gives way to dreary brown. Drought denies the plant its life. Death creeps in like a predator. The stem and branches stand barren. The point of no return draws near.
The arid desert? The Sahara? The Mojave? No, the dining room, once again I forgot to water the houseplants. I place the sickly flora under the faucet saturating the soil. Soon, the leaves return supple. Green overpowers brown for dominance. The plant stands tall. Health is restored.
Our souls are a barren wasteland devoid of life. As we meditate on the law of God day and night a ceaseless current of life-giving nourishment flows in the soil of our soul. New life buds and grows. Strength increases as the roots grow deeper. Beautiful fruit fills the branches. Seeds scatter around us producing life wherever we go. Our lives are transformed from deep within.
Are you watering your soul?
Spiritual Training
"God’s Art"
Read John 6:68-69, 1 Peter 1:13-16
Art, it is said, shows a reflection of the artist—a window through which one peers into the soul of its creator. Upon observing Michelangelo’s Pieta or Sistine Chapel we see an artist attune to detail, an intellectual contemplative devoted to study and reflection upon the word of God and His divine nature.
Van Gough’s portraits reflect the compassionate heart of a missionary, telling a story of the heartache and intense labor experienced by those he ministered to. Rembrandt, an intuitive student of people, captured expression like no other. One look at his sketches and paintings and the subjects’ faces seem to communicate their most secret thoughts and feelings.
You are a magnificent artistic expression of the Creator—created for a beautiful holiness. How are you reflecting the nature of the Divine Artist?
Spiritual Training
"What’s Inside Must Come Out"
Read Proverb 27:19 and Matthew 12:33-37
A certain container reads:
CONTAINS: Active ingredient: Sodium floride 0.24%. Inactive ingredients: sorbitol, water, hydrated silica, PEG-12, sodium lauryl sulfate, flavor, cellulose gum, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium saccharine, mica, FD&C yellow no. 6
Have you ever read these words before? Do you know what they mean? Do you even care? What would you picture this substance to look like, smell like, or taste like? Would you even want to taste it?
Chances are you may have never read these words before, or for that matter many of the other words on this container. You may perhaps know the specific brand name you use, or even some of the advertised claims. However, many of the other words on the container do not concern you, yet you probably use it every day.
What is the substance? Toothpaste. Uninterested in the label, your main concern is what comes out when you squeeze the tube (or if the last person using it squeezed from the end or the middle).
When life presses in on us, our labels, appearances, and externals are meaningless. Only one thing matters—what is on the inside? What comes out in our words, expressions, attitudes, and actions is nothing more than a representation of what lies within our heart. If a true love for God and for others lies within, words of encouragement and kindness come out. If a heart calloused by the hurts of life resides in our being, then words of attack and anger come out.
What comes out of you when you are squeezed?
Spiritual Training
"The Snowball Effect"
Read James 1:13-15
A young girl plays in the snow. She scoops up an armful, gives a tight squeeze packing it together then begins rolling a tiny white ball along the ground. At first, she bats it back and forth like a kitten chasing a toy. Soon, the snowball grows. The carefree play quickly turns to exerted effort. The girl leans with all her might into the large white boulder. She steps slowly one foot at a time as her hands lift the backside of this mammoth sphere in an attempt to keep it rolling. Eventually, the giant snowball grows beyond her strength. The snowball stops, the girl slips, her shoulder and cheek hurl forward into the cold, icy mound. With panting breath and muscles beyond fatigue, the young child accepts her limited strength.
Sin is much like a snowball. It starts small—a thought, a look, or a desire.
Sin’s genesis is often enjoyable. We bat it around, carefree and enthusiastic. Quickly, however, the sin grows. Strain enters the body. Our life-giving breath escapes us. We find ourselves weakened by the guilt and shame. We collapse into a heap of despair and regret, unable to move from under the weight of this giant mound of mistake.
If only we stopped it in sin’s infancy. If only we stomped it out at the thought. Why did we encourage it to grow into an action? How did it so quickly become a habit?
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV).
Spiritual Training
"Strong Tears"
Read Hebrews 5:7-10
What could move a strong, well-built carpenter to tears? What might make the Son of God cry? What may cause the one who holds the power of eternity to weep? What can drive the King of kings to sorrow? What could possibly compel the Lord of lords to mourn?
He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. Agony overcame him at Gethsemane. He grieved over the moneychangers in the temple.
Perhaps he cried as he gazed over Jerusalem or possibly when the world turns its back. Maybe sorrow fills him when children suffer in a famine, or when the innocent are victimized, or when sin runs rampant. Sadness may move him when people suffer illness or loss.
What renders distress in the heart of the Majesty?
Maybe he weeps for you and me.
Spiritual Training
"Deep Cleansing"
Read Psalm 51 and 1 John 1:5-2:2
Have you ever been really dirty? Perhaps you found yourself in a situation that made it impossible to shower for days or even weeks. Maybe you had to perform a job that left you covered in mud or grease. Do you recall the gritty texture of your hair and the oily surface of your face? The aromas were far from pleasant, searing themselves semi-permanently into your nostrils. Self-conscious feelings of embarrassment filled your chest and abdomen overflowing into your mind at the thought of someone seeing you in this state. Somehow the grime left you feeling unmotivated and, for obvious reasons, antisocial.
Finally, the time came when a shower stood before you. With eager anticipation, you turned the water on—warmer than usual. The steam already provided a soothing effect. You stepped into the stream of water flowing from the wall. Somehow, it felt like a source of renewal and refreshing, not just to your body but your mind and soul as well. The dirt swirled down the drain into oblivion. The shampoo and soap scrubbed away the remaining filth. With a fresh set of clean clothes, a hair brush, and deodorant to top it all off, you felt brand new again—energized and ready for the day.
When we fail to confess our sins to God, a spiritual sludge builds in the crevasses of our soul. The filth of shame embarrasses us. The grit of guilt wears away our spirit, leaving it dry and cracked.
Then, we confess. God then plunges us into the cleansing power of His love, destroying the stain of sin. The grime flies off us into the unknown. We rise up restored and strengthened, ready again to meet the world and enter into God’s service.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness" (1
John 1:9).
Preparing Your Eyes and Ears through Prayer
Spiritual Training
Preparing Your Eyes and Ears for Worship
Read Luke 11:1-13
Sit quietly listening to what God has to say to you through Scripture. Did any word, phrase, line, or idea stand out to you?
Pray for a willingness to listen to God and for the eyes to see His working around you.
Spend time in silence before God. Is there anything He is saying to you? (If not, that is O.K. but keep practicing the habit of listening to God).
Pray for the service and Sunday school classes. Pray that we would listen to God and watch for His moving among us.
Pray for the community, the church, and the nation.
Pray for God’s servants to listen to His voice.
Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.
Spiritual Training
"Hungering for Righteousness"
Read Matthew 5:6
You feel the pressure increase, a low rumbling noise ensues. Pain quickly fills your upper abdomen like the rush of a torrential rain. Your stomach acquires an intense sensation of emptiness. You experience dizziness and light headedness developing into a difficulty to concentrate. Fatigue sets in. Attempts toward accomplishment become futile. Attention shifts compulsively to one thought and one thought alone. Only a single item will bring relief and satisfaction—food! You are hungry!
You make a sandwich. Each bite is savored like a priceless treasure. As the protein absorbs into the body, dizziness dissipates. The internal rumblings cease. Your energy and ability to focus return. Your body grows contently full once more. That is, for a little while until the process begins again.
Do you hunger for God and for His righteousness in this way? Does your soul yearn for Him so intensely that nothing will satisfy until you have spent sufficient time with Him? As the body needs food to function, to grow, to exist; our souls need daily nourishment through prayer, Scripture, and the various means of connecting with Jesus—‘the Bread of Life’. What are your spiritual meal times?
Spiritual Training
"The Persistent Present"
Read John 15:1-17 (reflect especially on verse 5)
It is impossible to live in the past, for the past departed. It is ridiculous to live in the future, for the future remains uncertain. We reside, instead, in the persistent present.
Perhaps we may recall a time we once experienced closeness with God. Conversely, we may discuss future plans of serving God when this or that happens. However, we remain ultimately responsible for abiding in Him now, obeying Him now, serving Him now.
Abiding assumes this persistent present, continually gaining strength from the Source of life in the ongoing now.
Yesterday departed
Tomorrow eludes us
Today we abide in the Lord
Spiritual Training
"Plugged Into the Source"
Read Colossians 2:9-10
The furniture store contained a new lamp. The lamp appeared attractive, yet boasted no extravagance—no markings of Tiffany or Stiffel applied to the base. No expensive gemstones, no stain glassing to adorn the ordinary structure; just an ordinary lamp with a mediocre shade awaiting a buyer.
What purpose can such a mundane object serve? None. That’s right…alone; it remains a worthless dust collecting knickknack unable to fulfill the purpose for which it was created. However, plug it into the power source and the lamp illumines the darkest room like the daylight, fulfilling the manufacturer‘s purpose of design.
The fullness of the deity dwells bodily in Christ; He is the ultimate power source. Alone, we remain worthless dust collectors; even our best efforts result in vanity. But, connected to Him we fulfill the purpose for which we were created as His power flows through us. Our fullness of life is dependent upon, and directly proportional to, our connectedness to Christ. Have you plugged in today?
Spiritual Training
"Everything Matters, Nothing Matters"
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We often talk about God’s will in the context of career choices, housing decisions, or life phase options; like who to marry, if to marry, or when to retire. Have you ever thought of God’s will for our lives, His ultimate desire for us, as being that of continual prayer, constant joy, and unceasing gratitude?
According to Paul, this trio seems to take precedence over major life choices. I suppose if we live in steadfast prayer, accompanied by ongoing joy, and always giving thanks; it wouldn’t matter where we live or work, or when we progress through life’s stages. However, if we truly live every moment in prayer, with joy, and offering thanks; I am certain God will guide us in these important decisions. Therefore, these things do matter.
The Quaker missionary, Thomas R. Kelly, in his book A Testament of Devotion stated that the Christian life is one of paradox where "everything matters and nothing matters." It is easy for us to hold on to things, people and situations too tightly, not yielding them to God. Conversely, it is also common to remove our hands completely from the cares of life, living a nonchalant existence thus failing to give God the best of our devotion.
As we grow in persistent prayer, may we live in this mysterious paradox and with open eyes and ears may we see and hear what truly matters to God.
Spiritual Training
"Voice Recognition"
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-18
The telephone rings, you lift the receiver to your ear reciting your standard greeting, "Hello!" part exclamation, part question. A familiar voice responds, "Hi, it’s me!" No need for introductions, you have known the voice of your friend for years. "How are you?" you respond enthusiastically. The conversation ensues. The dialogue comes to a close; you hang up, pause, and smile having enjoyed hearing from a good friend.
The phone rings again. You answer, "Hello!" Silence returns your greeting. "Hello?" you speak again hoping for a voice. "Hello, Mr./Ms. So-and-So?" replies the unknown caller. "Yes," you respond, knowing what comes next; "This is So-and-So of Such-and-Such Company and I would like just a moment of your time." You listen patiently to their pitch, waiting for the caller to inhale allowing you to quickly insert the phrase "I am not interested now, thank you." You repeat this canned response verbatim three or four times, then hang up frustrated by the intrusion.
What happens when God speaks? Are you encouraged by the familiar voice of a friend, one that needs no introduction, or frustrated by the intrusion of a stranger’s "pitch". Friendship and familiarity come when we spend time with another. Take time this day to talk with your Friend.
Spiritual Training
"I have a secret"
Matthew 6:5-18
Secrets in their essence possess a certain power: they possess the power to bring two people closer together when one is entrusted with personal information by another; secrets hold a mystery when properly concealed; they can act as explosive dynamite blowing apart friendships when important facts are withheld. Secrets, when handled properly, ought to be heard and observed, not spoken and passed on to others.
Prayer is a secret—God revealing His divine mysteries to His people. Prayer ought to be more listening and observing than talking and informing. Prayer has the power to bring closer friendship with God and has the explosive strength to break bondages.
Our prayer time with God is a trust—a private conversation between two friends. We do not run and boast about our prayer life to others. If we need to tell people we are committed to prayer, then we probably are not all that committed. If we are committed to prayer, then we do not need to tell others because our lives, in time, will show it.
Preparing Your Hands through Service
Spiritual Training
Preparing Your Hands for Worship
Read John 13:1-17
Reflect: who has recently "washed your feet," symbolically speaking? Whose feet have you washed recently?
Pray for opportunities to serve others today, and each day this week.
In the Old Testament times, the priests underwent a washing ceremony before entering the tabernacle or temple so as not to contaminate the things of God. Go to a sink and wash your hands, symbolically offering your clean hands for God’s service this week.
Pray for the service and Sunday school classes.
Pray for the nation, the community, and the church.
Thank God for the servants He has brought into your life.
Close with the Lord’s Prayer.
Spiritual Training
"Effective Service through Training"
Read Joshua 1:6-9
Great athletes never possess their strength at birth. Muscle tone, stamina, and speed are not obtained merely through genetics. Such competitors achieve their abilities and characteristics only through rigorous training. Day by day, they keep close tabs on what they eat, they run, lift weights, bike, swim, and exercise. They push their bodies to the limit as they strive toward their goal.
Similarly, one does not obtain spiritual strength and courage naturally. Personality traits and temperament bring no offering of spiritual potency. Such power comes only from God—through the rigorous training of Scripture and daily connecting with Him, reflecting upon Him and His word. Joshua learned that the only way to experience success in his mission was to reflect on God’s law, obey, and trust in God’s presence.
Spiritual Training
"Inseparable Duo"
Read James 2:14-26
Batman and Robin, The Lone Ranger and Tonto, peanut butter and jelly, Laurel and Hardy, Oreo cookies and milk, movies and popcorn, Dora and Boots, politics and intense emotions…some pairs can never be divided—without one, the other remains lacking purpose. So it is with faith and deeds.
Take time to write a list of the things you did today—every item you can recall. Subjectively rank the degree of faith required to accomplish each item on a scale of one to five (one being very little faith required and five being a great amount of faith required). For example, putting your jacket on may not require as much faith as trusting God for the salvation of a family member. If faith is expressed through deeds, do you think your deeds reflected your level of faith today? Why or why not?
Let us long for a life in which all that we think, say, and do is a reflection of one who trusts completely in God.
Spiritual Training
"The Familiar Stranger"
Read Matthew 25:31-46 and Hebrews 13:1-3
You drive hurriedly to work running five minutes behind schedule. In one hand, you hold your favorite coffee from Tim Horton’s. Your other hand steers the car in and out of traffic; all the while nervously tapping your thumb on the wheel like a pressure valve slowly releasing the built up frustration inside. You wish the traffic would just move faster!
On the side of the road, a man stands beside his car watching the traffic zoom past with a set of jumper-cables in his hands. "Poor guy," you think to yourself, "I wish I had time to help…Oh well, someone else will give him a hand." You drive on glancing in your rearview mirror. The man catches your eye in the reflection. Something about his posture looks strangely familiar; unable to put a finger on it, you drive on giving no further thought to the unfortunate stranger.
Arriving at work, a homeless beggar asks for a handout. Annoyed by the delay, you create a lie, "sorry, I don’t have anything to give you." As you walk inside, the wind catches the door; turning to pull it shut, you make eye contact with the vagabond. Something in her eyes reminds you of someone you know. You rush on, however, to reach the time-clock before it counts you late.
Along the way, you see a co-worker sitting alone with his face buried in his hands, clearly distraught. "I wonder what’s wrong," you think, wishing you could answer your own question, "maybe I will find out at the break." You walk on quickly opening the office door; the glass in the door reflects the image of your co-worker. This time, something about his hands reminds you of the homeless woman and the stranded commuter.
Immobilized by this eerie feeling, you turn your head slowly hoping to remain unnoticed. Upon closer inspection, you see the scars on his wrists; the same scars owned by the beggar and the stranded motorist—puncture wounds, deep and round. Suddenly, an intense flood of emotion rushes over you. Uncertain of what to feel; you collapse into a nearby chair as you recognize these familiar strangers. Each one is Jesus.
Today, look for Jesus in the people you encounter. You never know
where you may come across this familiar stranger.
Spiritual Training
"Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?"
Read Exodus 22:20-27; James 1:26-27
An old children’s song asked, "Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?" Then, proceeded to describe the various people—workers and residents—one might find in his or her neighborhood. Who are the people in your neighborhood? Do you know what they like to do in their free-time? Do you know where they work or where they grew up? Are they currently facing some difficulties in life? Perhaps they are down and just need someone to talk to, a listening ear.
In countless verses and in numerous ways, Scripture urges us to care for those in need. How can we care for those we don’t know? Maybe it is time to visit the people in your neighborhood, or that friend you have been thinking of for a long time now. "Who are the people in your neighborhood?" Take time today to find out.
Spiritual Training
"Going for the Gold"
Read Matthew 6:1-4
The previous roar of the crowd turns to silence at this solemn moment. The three Olympic athletes walk humbly in single file toward the platforms. Each one steps proudly onto the display pedestal. With a smile eclipsing their faces, each athlete offers a wave to the cheering crowd then leans forward as the medal is placed tenderly around their necks. Next, the representative flags are raised during the playing of the victor’s national anthem. Tears form in the competitor’s eyes for the accomplishment of a life-long dream. The years of hard work, sacrifice, and pain receive their due compensation. Your eyes become watery as well while you watch this moving event.
We dream of and strive for awards, recognition and fame. In fact, we are an award saturated culture. Ribbons, trophies, medals, and certificate are as numerous as snowflakes in a harsh blizzard. What if the giving of awards ceased? Would athletes still compete with no medal to motivate? Would workers give their best efforts if no pay-raise or promotion was ever offered? Would companies continue to strive to be the best, the fastest, the cheapest, the most efficient if no prophet was to be made?
Why do we serve God, striving to do what is right? Is it for the accolades, the ‘at-a-boys, and the pats on the back? Do we crave the reputation or position? Would we continue to serve God if this were all taken away?
As an act of discipline, I encourage you to do one kind deed today. Keep it completely anonymous; do not tell anyone else. Find one creative way to express God’s love to another. Do not seek attention or recognition, but know that a reward waits.
Spiritual Training
"Life at the Intersection"
Read Psalm 139
You drive hurriedly to an appointment. The traffic light changes to yellow, the car positioned right on the brink—that place where you could go either way. Speed up or stop? Split second decision. Your right foot rapidly relocates to the break pedal bringing the car to a sudden halt; the light remaining yellow for a moment longer. "I could have made it!" you think to yourself as you hit the steering wheel in frustration. Regaining composure, you observe the people around you.
The man beside you adjusts his seat. Across the intersection a woman uses her mirror to apply the final coats of makeup. To the right, a nicely dressed young man talks with intensity on his cell phone. "Looks important; must be a high-powered business executive closing a deal or checking his stocks," you think to yourself, "or maybe he is just ordering take-out."
To the left, you hear something like the sound of repeated cannon fire. Looking, you notice a teen bobbing his head to the rhythm of the bass echoing through the streets. "Was I really that young when I started driving?" You ponder in amazement, forgetting the amount of time elapsed since your sixteenth birthday. "At least we had good music back then," you conclude with a gleam of nostalgia in your eyes. In your mirror you notice the frazzled woman behind you checking her hair, talking on the cell phone, writing vigorous notes, searching through her purse, and hushing the screaming children in the backseat; you offer a prayer, "Lord, help her."
The light shifts back to green. You drive on, never giving another thought to the people you examined at the intersection. I wonder what would have happened if you just drove through the light, never stopping to notice the people at the crossroads. Is your life somehow different because of the encounter you experienced? Were the lives of the others impacted because you stopped?
I sometimes ask myself, how detailed is God? Does He orchestrate the timing of those intersection encounters? In a store, does God choose the checkout line for us, ordaining that our lives intersect with another’s in a significant way? Did God choose our neighbors and co-workers; does He arrange who we pass by on the street? Is my mail carrier or paper deliverer appointed by God to my house?
What if those moments in time where our lives intersect with others truly are prearranged by God? I imagine our conversations would transform into something more meaningful, our attitudes would shift from impatience to serenity when the cashier orders a price check for the person in front of us, and criticism would give way to intercession. Perhaps we would speak more boldly, or maybe serve more humbly.
What if God is that detailed in His plan! Perhaps life at the intersection can have significance.
Preparing Your Feet through Obedience
Spiritual Training
Preparing Your Feet for Worship
Read the book of Jonah.
Reflect on Jonah’s response to God’s call.
What may God be asking of you?
Spend time in prayer, pray for a willingness to go where God calls you.
Pray for the service and Sunday school classes.
Pray for world missions, the nation, the church, and the community.
Take time to be silent before God.
Close with the Lord’s Prayer.
Spiritual Training
"The Haunting Command"
Read Matthew 28:18-20
One word in Jesus’ great commission haunts me. I cannot get away from it. This word determines some of my actions. One simple utterance will not permit me to sit still. This declaration compels me. However, I just want to be left alone. Let me take a nap; sleep in just a little longer; remain in my own world avoiding the people around me. How can I escape this nagging command? Yet, I cannot, I must not. Can two mere letters possess such power over me—haunting my mind, guiding my steps? The short pronouncement, "Go!" troubles my mind and judges my decisions.
Then again, His loving presence is with me always. Of course I will go, how can I not? There is a hurting world around me needing a savior. I know this savior. There is no room for complacency, no time to be a sluggard. I want to go, I enjoy going. Yes, I will go!
Spiritual Training
"A Christian Epidemic"
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2
The bird flu of Asia, SARS, the common cold, influenza, meningitis, all found their way into the headlines over the past few years as reports of massive outbreaks flooded the world. How do illnesses spread so quickly? One person at a time. Before we know it, a pandemic is at hand.
We long for an infectious Christianity, sweeping through an entire nation, spilling over into the rest of the world. Paul knew for the world to be ‘infected’ with the gospel of Jesus, contagion needed to spread one person at a time. Jesus himself poured his life and ministry into Peter, James, and John, and the rest of the twelve. Peter, James, and Barnabas, along with Ananias, invested their lives into Paul. Paul then took what he learned from them and passed it along to Silas, Mark, Timothy, and Titus. They, in turn, infected others and thus the Gospel continues to this day.
Theoretically, if one person invests his/her life into two other people for one year—bringing them to a point where they would each invest in two other people for one year, who would each invest in two others, etc.—then the entire population of St. Clair or Macomb County could be reached in sixteen years, the state of Michigan in 23 years, the United States in 28 years, and the whole world in 33 years.
Who are you pouring your life into in order to bring others closer to God? Begin the process today, make a phone call, write a note, or stop and visit someone. May we all be infected with a contagious Christianity.
Spiritual Training
"Building Permit"
Read Matthew 7:24-27
The real estate advertisement described your house as a "handyman special." Upon moving in, you discovered that "handyman" ought to have read, "expertise level of Bob Vila necessary." Patiently, you resided in this "fixer-upper" for years, saving every penny toward a down payment on your dream home.
Finally, the day comes when you can make the move. You find the perfect setting to build, a wooded lot on the lake, close to town with little traffic. Able to pay for the land completely, you still have enough left over for a sizable down payment on the house. After what seems likes years working on the perfect layout and design, the general contractor begins building.
Eventually, the house reaches completion. The wait felt like a life-time. You move in finding the house to be everything you dreamed of and more.
After a few months however, you notice cracks forming in the drywall. A few weeks later, the floor starts sloping. Next, the foundation cracks and the roof leaks. Now unsafe to live in, you move out and investigate the problem.
With some research you find that the city records show this sight as "unsuitable for building." You find that after countless warnings, the general contractor built anyway.
So often, we are warned through Scripture of those unsafe building sites yet we build anyway. God set in place a book of "building codes" upon which to construct our lives through Scripture. The wise builder not only hears these words, but puts them into practice. Will you build according to code?
Spiritual Training
"Jesus the Life Saver"
Read 1 John 4:14; Acts 4:12
A sinking feeling fills your gut like that felt during the sudden drop on a roller coaster. You know something is terribly wrong. Distant cries for help echo through the woods piercing your ear as sharp as a dagger. You walk toward the disturbance; you observe the commotion from a distance. Your walk shifts to a jog, your heart races. A fury of splashes fills the water‘s edge. The jog transforms into an all-out sprint. Your friend is drowning!
You spot a life-ring on the dock. No time to devise possible scenarios ("if I only had a boat," "if only she enrolled in swimming lessons"). Only one thing will save her, you know the need. As quickly as your adrenaline-filled body can move, you grab the life-ring hurling it toward your friend…she grabs on…you pull her to shore. Her life is spared.
Many people around us are drowning in a sea of despair. Hopelessness entangles them, devastation fills their lungs, they splash around in the abyss of meaninglessness, and they are blinded by the waves of sin. God provides a life-ring; the one thing that will save them--Jesus. Our friends are drowning! We know what we need to do--run with all our might to offer the life-ring of our savior.
Spiritual Training
"Follow the Leader"
Read 1 Peter 2:25
"One, Two, Three…NOT IT!" dins through the playground. ‘It’ has been selected. The remaining children file in behind like soldiers in a parade or a well polished marching band. ‘It’ leads the way. Hopping, skipping, jumping, and crawling. The others follow in perfect synchronicity--climbing, turning, and rolling. All imitate as the rules insist. No competition, no winner, and no loser (except, of course, those who don‘t participate); just one goal, one purpose: ‘Follow the leader.’
Similar to the Christian life, there remains no need for competition or ‘one-upmanship.’ Just a single goal and purpose: ‘Follow the leader.’
We are ‘not It’ in the game of life. Jesus alone serves as the leader--the shepherd of our souls. We merely fall in behind. With careful observance we watch the leader. With attentive precision we go where He goes and do what He does. His actions become our actions; his direction, our direction.
Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did
(1 John 1:6)
Spiritual Training
"Don’t Let Us Cry Out"
Read Luke 19:28-40
Allow me to introduce myself, I am William A. Stone. I have a hard life; not much ever changes. You can often find me just sitting and waiting by the road. "For what?" you ask. I’m not quite sure, but I know I will recognize it when I see it. My dreams are big, there’s so much I want to do and see. Yet they too often go unfulfilled. I don’t have the means to travel and possess no real talents. So I stay put, watch, and wait.
The view rarely changes, just the seasons. In the summer, I bake in the scorching sun. The winter chills me to the core of my body. I have seen a lot in my day, people coming and going often stopping by for a place to rest. Their conversations tell many stories; stories of love, of pain and loss, of triumph and success. I know the history of this place like the back of my hand.
One day, however, my mundane life was changed. I heard a great commotion forming over the hill. I saw a large group of people yelling and cheering. They waved palm branches and laid their coats on the ground in front of a man riding a colt. Word had it that He was the Messiah. Then, I saw Him. He was incredible; the love and care in His eyes was unlike any I had ever seen. I wanted so much to cry out in worship, but that wasn’t my job; that is not what I was created for. No, the people were worshipping, I didn’t need to; that was their job, the purpose for which they were created. Yet if they stopped, I was ready to sing praise to this King of kings; but they continued to praise Him. So, I watched and waited.
Here I sit today, watching and waiting. If the people stop worshipping, then I will jump in; but that is not my job, it is yours. Please, don’t make me cry out for I am just William, a stone.
The Sayings of Christ on the Cross
Spiritual Training
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34
They deliberately pushed the crown of thorns into his scalp;
Yet he replied, Father forgive them?
They whipped his back until his flesh hung loosely;
Yet he replied, Father forgive them?
They intentionally pounded nails gruesomely through his wrists and ankles;
Yet he replied, Father forgive them?
They hurled insult upon insult;
Yet he replied, Father forgive them?
They killed him;
Yet he replied, Father forgive them!
We mock him;
Yet he replies, Father forgive them?
We deny him publicly;
Yet he replies, Father forgive them?
We fail to show his love to others;
Yet he replies, Father forgive them?
We do not follow all of his commands;
Yet he replies, Father forgive them?
We crucify him again with our sin;
Yet he replies, Father forgive them!
Thanks be to God.
Spiritual Training
"Dear woman, here is your son…Here is your mother."
John 19:26-27
There He hung, the weight of His body now pulling at the nails suspending Him to the cross. His strength sucked away by the numerous beatings. Dizziness and fatigue drop upon Him like an anvil; the result of excessive blood loss. The jeering and mocking were hurled at Him in an inescapable barrage. The pain shot through Him with the intensity of a wrecking ball.
Yet none of this distracted Him from expressing His loving care. Even in the midst of this most horrific event, Jesus’ concern was for the care of His mother Mary and His friend John.
So often we become absorbed in our own situations, our view of others becomes obstructed by the pains and discomforts of life. With Christ as our example, let us get our eyes off ourselves and see that those around us are cared for. And may we all experience the loving care of our great God and Shepherd.
Spiritual Training
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Luke 23:43
The remorse for your crime has clung to you for quite some time. As you sit in your prison cell, you try to read, draw, and make up games to pass the time. However, nothing seems to alleviate the painful sorrow you feel. "If only I were a better person," you think to yourself, "then I wouldn’t be in this place." Many other thoughts of "if only…" plague your mind like the destructive locusts during the Exodus.
You don’t know what strikes the greater pain within you; the excruciating regret, or the fearful anticipation of your own execution. You count down the hours. Each day the pit in your stomach grows larger, the adrenaline increases your heart rate every time you think about the approaching day of your demise.
Knowing what tomorrow brings, you toss and turn all night. Exhaustion compels you to sleep, but fear keeps you awake. The sun rises, the rooster crows, devastation rushes in. You are ready to get it over with. The nails, the ropes, the torture can’t be as bad as the intense anguish of anticipation.
There you hang in your distress, positioned next to perfect innocence. You see the contrast between your guilt and His purity. Then, He speaks the words to you, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." They pierce through your heart to the depths of your being. A torrent of peace pours over you; the weight of your sin is lifted. You have encountered firsthand the grace of God. Even amidst your certain death, hope is restored.
This amazing grace can restore any life and bring the promise of eternal paradise; even a criminal on a cross; even you and me.
Spiritual Training
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew 27:46/Mark 15:34
Finish the line:
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that…"
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder…"
"Oh say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light; what so proudly…"
Music possesses a powerful ability to penetrate deep into our memories. We use music to memorize the alphabet, Scripture, and state capitols. Certain songs remind us of significant life events or eras since passed, we find comfort in beautifully constructed lyrics, and familiar melodies make us want to dance.
On the cross, Jesus found comfort through music. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" is the first line of a song known by His hearers, recorded in Psalm 22. Written hundreds of years before Jesus’ crucifixion, the rest of this psalm prophetically describes Jesus’ situation on the cross in amazing detail (please read it and see).
Jesus’ referral to this song announced to the world that He is the Messiah, the one to whom this psalm refers! The lyrics expressed His deep pain, yet offered comfort as He proclaimed the fulfillment of these prophetic words. May the songs of our savior offer comfort to our souls in those times in which we too feel forsaken.
Spiritual Training
"I am thirsty"
John 19:28
His mouth became like cotton; dry and course. His tongue now stuck to the roof of His mouth. The back of His throat grew painful; to swallow was nearly impossible. A thirst so intense it momentarily eclipsed the other grueling pain of the crucifixion.
The one who said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6) now thirsted. The one who promised living water that would make one never thirst again (John 4) Himself became parched. He thirsted physically by nature of His humanity.
Perhaps He thirsted too from His divinity. Maybe He thirsted for righteousness—not for Himself, for He is the measure of righteousness—but righteousness for you and for me. Perhaps He thirsted for the living water—not for Himself for He is the source—but living water for you and me. Maybe this thirst momentarily eclipsed all other pain from the crucifixion. As He died, He may have thirsted for our righteousness and filling.
Spiritual Training
"It is finished"
John 19:30
The discovery of fire, the invention of the wheel, the use of iron, the Egyptians freeing the Hebrew slaves, the fall of the Roman Empire, the invention of the printing press, the industrial revolution, computer technology; on occasion, one profound event changes the course of history. Any of which, however, pail in comparison to the most significant event of all history: Jesus’ death on the cross.
The Greek word for finished recorded here in John (tetelestai) means to bring to completion. The form of the verb indicates a past action with present implications. In other words, Jesus’ work was not done and over; through the cross, Jesus’ work was brought to completion and continues to have an impact today.
In Matthew 5:48, Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (the word perfect, teleioV, coming from the same root as finished above). Jesus’ work was brought to completion so that we too may be brought to completion. One event in history, occurring two millennia ago, still transforms lives today. Jesus cried out, "it is finished," and it was; yet in many ways this work is just beginning in you and me. May His work be brought to completion in us.
Spiritual Training
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
Luke 23:46
We commit our beliefs; Jesus committed His spirit.
We commit a little time; Jesus committed His spirit.
We commit some money; Jesus committed His spirit.
We commit a few talents; Jesus committed His spirit.
We commit an hour on Sunday; Jesus committed His spirit.
We commit our ideas and opinions; Jesus committed His spirit.
We commit a handful of good deeds; Jesus committed His spirit.
What if our commitment to Christ were even a portion of His commitment to us? I imagine the church would be even more of an unstoppable force in this world.
As Christ committed His life, His body, His work, and even His spirit—the essence of His being—for our sake and for the will of the Father; let us commit our lives, our bodies, our work, and even the depths of our spirit to Him this Easter weekend.
Read John chapters 20-21