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...]
St. Patrick’s Prayer
March 17 is of course St Patrick’s Day when we celebrate the fifth century Christian bishop and missionary who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. I have always enjoyed this holiday though not for all the spiritual reasons. I do like those Shamrock shakes, look good in green, have Scot-Irish background, and love knowing that spring is around the corner.In researching background about St. Patrick, I learned more about a prayer attributed to him. I have read it in the past, a shorter version, but its history and longer version are worth the time to read.This prayer is called "St. Patrick's Breastplate" because of those parts of it that seek God's protection, especially protecting the heart. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. Recent researchers think its author was anonymous. In any case, this prayer certainly reflects the … [Read more...]
Nourishing our Relationships during Lent
I had the honor of assisting with a marriage retreat this past weekend. Twenty-one couples committed the time to each other to nourish the roots of their relationship. The best part of the weekend was not the material Jo, Fred and I presented, but the stories and sharing the couple themselves told. Stories that brought both laughter and tears, but always drenched in love.We shared inspirational quotes throughout the weekend and reflecting on these wonderful sayings this morning, reminded me of our other most important relationship – with God.Strengthening a marriage relationship involves more listening than talking, intentionally spending time together, and connecting. These can also serve as ways to open our heart to God. Lent is a great time to nourish our roots with God. May these quotes prime your prayers and light your love as you linger with our Lord.To love another person is to see the face of God. – Victor HugoLove does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking … [Read more...]
God’s Caution Sign – Lectio Divina
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Deuteronomy 4:9a Let them slip from your heart as long as you liveLord, you warn me to be careful.You say gently, don’t forgetDon’t let what I know to be true to slip away.I let my hands get so filled with others things I cannot cling to Your hands.I chose, yes it is my decision, to follow the shiny objects of the world instead of focusing only on You.Yet Lord you never leave me.You wait patiently, guarding me, watching me.You seek me where I stray and gently nudge me back into Your heartYou see me start to wander off Your chosen path for me and warn me – Be careful Don’t forget Don’t let them slip from your heart.Lord Your love is the Velcro around my heart to help me cling to You.Lord You are the straight and narrow road and only You keep me from falling and losing my way.You catch me when I fall.Lord You … [Read more...]
God is All in All – Quote of the Week – Thomas Merton
"Let me seek, then, the gift of silence, and poverty, and solitude, where everything I touch is turned into prayer: where the sky is my prayer, the birds are my prayer, the wind in the trees is my prayer, for God is all in all." Thomas Merton inThoughts in Solitude Thanks Colleen for bringing this great quote to ponder to my attention. … [Read more...]
Who Influences Your Spiritual Journey? – Book Review – From the Library of A.W. Tozer
A great practice for Lent is to dig deeper into the writings of those who feed you spiritually. To take off the shelves and dive into those writers who nourish your spirit and stretch your mind. The ones who leave you refreshed like you and God were reading the words together, side by side.Some of the best books I have discovered are ones that influenced the very writers that influenced me. I love Richard Foster and his writings led me to Thomas Kelly, Dallas Willard, and Frank Laubach. Henri Nouwen introduced me to Meister Eckhart and Brother Lawrence.Bethany House Publishers sent me a review copy of the new book compiled by James Stuart Bell titled, From the Library of A.W. Tozer – Selections from Writers who Influenced his Spiritual Journey. I was under no obligation to give it a positive review and am not compensated for my review. But I do enjoy and have read Tozer. Tozer is much studied, read, and quoted by contemporary writers now -makes you wonder, doesn’t it – who inspired … [Read more...]