Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34 (NIV)ListenWatchWaitAll passive words, Lord. I want to tell you what I want and need. I think I know the answers. I strut around believing my opinion is the most important.“Blessed are those who listen to me.”I don’t want to stand on the sidelines and watch. I want to work, play, and take part. My ego shouts that my ‘doing’ is essential. “Blessed are those who watch daily at my doors.”I rush into my day, my to-do list, my goals and dreams without You. Wait? That is so hard, I whine. Wait for Your timing? “Blessed are those who wait at my doorway.”Lord, help me let go of my babbling, my doing, and my busyness to follow You for the blessings of listening, watching and waiting. … [Read more...]
God – The Master Builder – Psalm 127:1 – Lectio Divina
The Carpenter by Nathan GreeneUnless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psalm 127: 1Lord, You are the Master Builder. I am a mere apprentice.You are in charge.You hand me the supplies I need for the day’s work.You give me the tools and teach me how to use them.You guide my hands in learning the craftsmanship of my trade.You hold the final blueprints - I just follow your daily assignment.You see the the whole picture - I only see the nail and board in front of me.Oswald Chambers wrote: “Jesus, the Master Builder, takes us over so that He may direct and control us completely for His enterprises and His building plans; and no one has any right to demand where he will be put to work.” Reporting for duty! Where to, Boss? … [Read more...]
Loving Others as Jesus Love Us – Lectio Divina – 5/2/10
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34Love one anotherLove one another? Love the person that hurt me? Love the lady in church who thinks she is better than the rest of us? Love the person who created so much sadness in my life? Love that smelly, dirty person lying in the back alley? Love another whose values seem so foreign to me? Love others who strapped bombs to themselves and slaughter innocent people? Lord I am sure I can never love others as you have loved me.My heart is not large enough, not strong enough, not wise enough.My efforts fail to keep this command.I come to You with my weak and empty heart: only You can strengthen me and fill me with Your love. My love is inadequate. My love is weak. My love fails.Your love is plentiful. Your love is robust. Your love thrives.You are Love! … [Read more...]
God says, “Yes” – Lectio Divina – April 25, 2010
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)Yes!No matter my questions; the Lord answers YES.No matter my doubts; the Lord answers YES.When I am full of fear, is God still with me? The answer is YES.No matter when the answers in this world and lifetime seems to be no; the Lord is saying YES.All my no’s disappear because in Christ they are a YES.Does God keep His promises? The answer is YES!Is Christ the answer? YES!My words are inadequate. All I can answer is AMEN!Hymn of Promise by Natalie SleethIn the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.From the past will … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget God’s Blessings
O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing! Psalm 103:2 (The Message) Don't forget God's blessings! Pay attention to all you have received. Take some time today to write out a list of at least 10 of God's blessings you hold near your heart. Then bring that list to God in prayer and thanksgiving. Tell him how grateful you are for his gifts. Just sit still in his presence, smiling together. Later share with someone else one or two of God's blessings and ask them what they are most grateful in their lives. Be aware. Be thankful. Help someone else give thanks. A circle of thankfulness for all of God's blessings. Here is my prayer based on this Bible passage about God's blessings: Lord you shower me with blessings - thank you. I am grateful for all God's blessings I am nothing without You - everything I have, everything I am and everything I will be - all come from Your hand. I will never be able to count all the blessings. Blessings found in … [Read more...]
Doubting Thomas – Lectio Divina- April 11 2-10
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:24What a statement of faith - Thomas recognized You for who You are and all he could say was “My Lord and my God.” That is probably all he needed to say isn’t it, Lord?Lord forgive me when I get too wordy, focusing my prayers only on my needs, my doubts, my fears.Lord when I see You - really recognize You - with the eyes of my heart - I know. Yes I know deeply You are my Lord and my God.No other words are neededA prayer of worship and praise - my Lord and my God.A prayer when I can’t find the words - my Lord and my GodA prayer when I am filled with doubt and have lost my way - my Lord and my God.A prayer to whisper in your presence - my Lord and my God.You are my Lord and my God! … [Read more...]
Spring – the Season of Singing – Lectio Divina – March 28, 2010
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. Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (NIV)The season of singing has come!Lord, I love how you wake up the earth in spring. How your hope blasts through the trumpets of daffodils with the music of “I am alive and love you.” The bells of pink and yellow tulips ring in triumph beating away the chilled wintry air. The scent of lilacs drift through the warming breezes. Spring does make me want to sing.The season of singing - what a great way to describe the feeling of this year. I can almost hear the earth singing with you, Lord. Can I join in too?I hum my little tune of thankfulness for arriving safely through dark January and February into the light-filled March and April. I jump with joy seeing the robins, dancing in the rain puddles. I am like a child anticipating Christmas when I see the first signs of pointed green leaves erupting from … [Read more...]
God Holds Us Firm – Lectio Divina – March 21, 2010
When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. Psalm 75:3 (NIV)“it is I who hold its pillars firm.”Another earthquake? I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the news. Lately it seems as if the earth is restless.Yet, Lord when I read this verse, I feel safe knowing you hold the pillars firm.What an image! God cradling the earth in his mighty hands. Staying with us no matter what life and nature heaves into our lives.God holds us firm.Though destruction surrounds us, you restore and rebuild,God holds us firm.Though all we knew and relied upon is gone,God hold us firm.If our hearts break with loss beyond our comprehensionGod holds us firm.Our actions and sins threaten the world, Lord, yet you are there, holding us firm. You never let go and I rest in that promise. God holds us firm. … [Read more...]