March Madness – the crazy time of year when basketball tournaments dominate many conversations. “What is your bracket?” become the enthusiastic question many spend hours pouring over.I am NOT a basketball fan – it probably one of my least favorite sports. Yet last weekend as March Madness progressed, I asked my husband about certain games, watched the closing minutes of a few, and quietly cheered when I heard two underdogs made it to the final four. Many of the top teams (including my favorite Ohio State) toppled out unpredictably out of first place.These players play every game like it may be the last one they are ever in. Players who may never see any action, cheer with their entire being and know they are as part of the team as the star player. As the excitement grew, the interest in basketball became infectious. Many of us try to guess who will be number one when March Madness is finally over.Makes you wonder how our spiritual lives would be like if March Madness become a … [Read more...]
Joanna Weaver’s Lazarus Awakening – Wake Us Up, Lord!
Lent is a time to stir our souls and awaken our spirits by feasting upon great writing. Joanna Weaver’s newest book, Lazarus Awakening, is a read that will provide much nourishment for your spiritual journey. Many of you know Weaver for her best selling and wonderful book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and I recommend Lazarus Awakening which also explores the famous family that were close friends with Jesus. Weaver dissects many spiritual questions we all have: what do we do when God doesn’t come through the way we hope He would? What should we feel when what is dearest to our hearts is suddenly snatched away? Does God really love me? What does it mean to be a friend of God? “I wonder what would happen in our lives if we stopped resisting God’s love and started receiving it. What if we spotted trying to do the math, spotted striving to earn His favor? What if we just accepted the altogether-too-good-to-be-true news that the yardstick has been broken and the cross has … [Read more...]
God’s Springtime Invitation – Lectio Divina
“Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” Song of Solomon 2:10-13Come with meLord, two doves have perched outside my office window this week. As I work I hear their rhythmic lullaby.Coo, coo, coo…I wonder what they are singing. I imagine they are singing with You, Lord. Are you inviting me to join in this praise chorus? I hear You say softly, “Come with me.”I pause and as they coo, I silently pray with them, “Lord… Lord… Lord…”Ahhh, the winter has past…the season of spring has come…Your invitation in all of nature shouts to us still hibernating….“Arise!”“Come!!”“Come with me, my beautiful one.”Lord, Your love is my invitation. I come. … [Read more...]
The Pursuit of God – A. W. Tozer – Quote of the Week
“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our soul, closer than our most secret thoughts.”A. W. Tozer from the Pursuit of God … [Read more...]
Lenten Quotes to Ponder – Nouwen, Merton, Luther and more
During Lent I have been trying to pause more, listening deeper for and to God. One of the verses I have memorized this month is: “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) My prayer is Christ will make his home in my heart.In my silent time I have lingered over several quotes. I thought I would share a few of them with you today that may help deepen your Lenten walk with Christ.Lord Jesus, You are my righteousness, I am your sin.You took on you what was mine; yet set on me what was yours.You became what you were not, that I might become what I was not.Martin LutherSometimes I think of life as a big wagon wheel with many spokes. In the middle is the hub. Often in ministry, it looks like we are running around the rim trying to reach everybody. But God says, "Start in the hub; live in the hub. Then you will be connected with all the spokes, and you won't have to run so fast." Henri J. M. NouwenEvery moment and every event of every man's life … [Read more...]
Eye-Service – Who are You Serving?
Eye-service is an interesting phrase, which refers to service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer. We concentrate on our work and do our best when the boss is watching. If those in charge are present, we focus on what we need to accomplish and at least look busy. We don’t want to appear to be lazy or unappreciative of the work. If we are not working away, the boss may think we are not necessary and we may soon lose our job.The phrase is actually biblical:Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Colossians 3:22 (English Standard Version)Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Ephesians 6:6 (New Living Translation)One of the devotions I read each morning is Edward Hays' A Book of Wonders. His March 16 entry lingered with me as it pointed to a different meaning … [Read more...]
Praying in the Dark with Jesus – Lectio Divina
In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35While it was still very darkLord your words today jump from the pages right into my heart.Jesus didn’t wait until He could clearly see to seek You.Jesus didn’t begged for sunlight before enjoying Your presence.He got up while it was still dark to find You.I want to be like that.When burdened with dark moods and deep disappointments, I want to get up with Jesus and pray.When shadows dim my vision, I will join Jesus in a quiet place and spend time with You.Trusting in You, I will step out into the unknown, praying and glorifying You even if I have no idea what lies ahead.I may start in darkness but the candlelight of prayer lights my path.The time may be filled with darkness, but Your presence lights my way. … [Read more...]
Spring! – Quote of the Week
Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. William Alexander … [Read more...]