“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...]
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...]