“Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied and a colt wither; untie them and bring them to me…The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them.” Mathew 21: 2,7 Wait, Lord, there were two donkeys? A mother and a colt? Lord, I love it when something new pops out of your Word and pokes my spirit, waking me up. Why a mother and her colt? I know the Old Testament prophesized about riding on a colt, but I never imagined two donkeys that day. I wonder if they were frightened. I wonder if they knew. I wonder if Jesus whispered into their ears, thanking them. Is there a meaning to two donkeys? Learning to sharing celebrations with others? Learning to help to carry burdens with others? If I were God you would have entered Jerusalem as a King – in a regal carriage or on a prancing stallion. But you knew better, Lord. You knew how the story would soon … [Read more...]
Thank You for Hearing Me, Lord – Lectio Divina
“Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I know that you always hear me...” John 11: 41-42a Lord of the Universe, how your ears must ring and your heart overflows with the prayers of the world. You watch over the sparrow and observe the ants. World leaders bow their heads to you; parents cry out for help. The trees dance in your honor and the birds sing your praise. Majestic choirs tell of your love and you smile at the soft bedtime prayers of a young child. Thank you for listening, Lord. For hearing my repetitive prayers, my concerns, and my whining. For celebrating with me with good news and staying by my side when I fall. Your attentiveness to each of us reflects just a portion of your endless unconditional love. It is hard to comprehend that with all the noise, talk, racket and clamor heading towards heaven, you hear each individual whisper. You tenderly gather each word, spoken and unspoken. You collect each … [Read more...]
Living as Children of the Light – Lectio Divina
For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— Ephesians 5:8 Live as children of light. Once I was blind but now I see. I see you Lord and I believe. I used to live, alone and afraid, in the darkness of my sin. But you never left me, you held my hand, you watched over me. You stayed when I closed my eyes in fear, lust, and even selfishness. You bring the light into my shadow existence and brought me home. Home where you shine eternally. Where we dance together in the cascading beams of your love. Home where darkness never comes. Where we play, laugh and gaze lovingly within your radiance. Shine on, Lord Jesus. Your glorious glow lights my way Illuminate my heart so I can live as a child of the Light. … [Read more...]
Thirsty for Gushing Water – Lectio Divina
Jesus said to her,” Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4: 13-14 Lord, you amaze me. You approached the Samaritan woman – unheard of in your time – to asked her for her water. You knew what would happen. You knew her better than she knew herself. You knew her sin. Yet you still came to her in her place and time and spoke to her in a way she understood. You spoke about water to a thirsty person. I know you approach me too in my place of need. You come to me without me first asking. You are already here. You know exactly what will be happening next in my journey. You know me better than I know myself. You know my sin. Yet you still come to me here, in this place and in the perfect time when my heart will soften and I will hear your words with the ears of my … [Read more...]
For God So Loved the World – Lectio Divina
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3: 16 Lord, I smiled when I read these verses, so deeply engraved within my soul. Your words here are probably the first ones I ever memorized as a child and they still warm my heart today. “For God so loved the world” that tiny word, “so” intensifies the significance of this phrase and expands it height and depth. Short words linked together into a mighty verse by your powerful mercy and grace. I feel love just reading this verse, Lord. FOR God so loved the world. For GOD so loved the world. For God SO loved the world. For God so LOVED the world. For God so loved THE world. For God so love the WORLD. I love you, Lord. Thank you for so loving the world. Thank you for so loving me. P.S. Don't forget to enter below the March 13 post to win a $50 Amazon gift card as part of my 5 year celebration. You can … [Read more...]
Only God is in Control, Not Me – Lectio Divina
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So either the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3: 6-7 Only God Only God. Only You, Lord. Only God gives the growth. I’d like to think I have some say, some sense of power. My ego yearns to rule and direct my steps. But I am only one small piece of the grand Divine puzzle. You know Lord, at times I am relieved you are in charge, not me. When I don’t fully understand tragedy. When I am overwhelmed by daily hassles and inconveniences and realize how poorly I would cope with real life changing problems. When I am tired and want to sleep or hide from the world for awhile or take the evening off watching Downton Abbey. You remain awake, alert and available. Thank you for being God. Thank you for being in control. Thank you, Lord. Only you. Only God gives the growth. Only God. … [Read more...]
Light of the World – Lectio Divina
You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before others. Matthew 5: 14, 16 Light of the World Lord you call us to be the light of the world. Not just in the world but of the entire world. That is quite an assignment, Lord. My self doubts cast shadows. My sin darkens my heart. My busyness and ego smudge my good intentions. I look deep inside of me, Lord and barely see a small glow, hardly the brilliant beam needed to shine your love for others. I can take my little flashlight and flicker it here and there. Yet you call me, call us, to shine for the whole world. This reminds me of the space above my kitchen sink. Boring and nondescript, I created a stained glass border. At times the colors of the broken pieces shimmer softly across the room. But when I turn on the illumination behind the decorated frame, colors cascade and glimmer and sparkle everywhere. Lord be the power that intensifies my glow for you. Take my small spark and swell its … [Read more...]
Standing at God’s Door – Lectio Divina
Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of wicked people. Psalm 84: 10 Holman Christian Standard Your door, Lord. That is where I stand. Not fully entering into your house, yet no longer amidst the chaos of the world. I hear you beckon to come in, but I hesitate. Wait for what? I don't know. Somehow it feels safe here. Within your reach in case I need you. Yet one foot in the world if its temptations lure me away. Keeping one eye on you while knowing you want both eyes, both hands, all of me. Forgive my indecisiveness, my unwillingness to run into your open and waiting arms. Thank you for your patience in letting me linger here a little longer. So close. I dawdle, not dwell with you. I skim, not savor. I rather be here at your door than without you, Lord. Thank you for getting me this far and guide me the rest of the way into my new … [Read more...]