Simply Soul Searching

Wednesday, April 17th

Leave:  to have remaining after one’s death; to cause to remain as a trace or aftereffect

John 14:27 (NRSV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 

How I hate to see loved ones leave after a special family gathering! With our children scattered all over the country,  I know it will be a long while until we are back together again. Yet, I am so richly blessed by all that remains forever in my heart… the laughter, the gentle teasing, the memory sharing, the caring and thoughtful listening, and even the heated discussions. Love has come, and love is what has been left behind.

Jesus will soon be leaving, and in his final days he tries to prepare his disciples with beautiful words of instruction and assurance. In John’s gospel narrative, Jesus predicts what will happen, offers words of comfort, promises the Holy Spirit, warns them of future trouble, and then assures them that their grief will turn to joy.  Jesus also tells the disciples that he does not give as the world gives, and so in these parting words he tells his friends that he is leaving his peace with them. There is no talk of wills or trust funds or beneficiaries. He is leaving something so much better- his peace and his Spirit.

What will we leave behind as our legacy? Will the world (our little corner of it) be better off for having us in it? What would Jesus have us leave for others, by not giving as the world gives?

We do hope to bless our loved ones with financial gifts and other treasures when our will is read. But even more, we want to leave them spiritual treasures they can hold in their hearts forever. The little blessings can add up to one big difference in someone’s life. I enjoyed getting a little creative making an alphabetical list of some gift ideas we might leave for others…

Acts of kindness
Bits of tenderness
Collections of memories
Dreams of futures
Extensions of grace
Feasts of celebration
Giggles of laughter
Hugs of forgiveness
Instances of charity
Journeys of adventure
Kisses of healing
Labors of love
Moments of joy
Nights of stargazing
Opportunities of improvement
Pauses of silence
Quips of wisdom
Rituals of comfort
Stories of faith
Times of understanding
Umbrellas of protection
Visions of hope
Words of encouragement
Xtras of generosity
Yards of playtime
Zones of sanctuary

What gifts might you like to leave as your legacy?

Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.  (Peter Strople)

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Cross photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Tuesday, April 16th

Lull: to cause to sleep or rest; to cause to relax vigilance. 

Matthew 26:36-46 (NRSV)

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

In the weeks leading up to all of the unbelievable events of what we now call Holy Week, Jesus was teaching, encouraging, sharing, serving and equipping his disciples, so that they would be prepared to carry on after he was gone. He was also warning his disciples about what was going to happen to him- his suffering, death and resurrection. The disciples would become upset and dismayed for a time. Yet, while Jesus was agonizing in Gethsemane, his closest disciples- Peter, James and John- fell asleep. They even did this two more times after Jesus implored them to stay awake!

Either the disciples were utterly exhausted or they were in denial. Knowing myself and human nature, I imagine it was their denial that led to their seeming complacency. They had lulled themselves into believing that nothing would happen to their Master and Teacher. Perhaps they thought that such terrible things could never happen to the One who was able to work miracles. I wonder if they chose to close their ears to Jesus’ words because they just didn’t want to hear them. I wonder if they chose instead to lull themselves into blissful ignorance.

I can relate. In the few months before my cancer diagnosis, I was beginning to feel some signs, beginning to notice that some things were amiss within my body. I would become greatly concerned when I had pain, but then I was just as relieved when the pain subsided. I would tell myself that my troubles were just the minor ailments of aging. I tried to convince myself that something like cancer couldn’t happen to me- I had no family history of cancer, I led a pretty healthy lifestyle, and I had just had my physical exam a few months before. I was choosing the path of “blissful ignorance.”

The truth is, I just didn’t want to know the truth.

May the events of this Holy Week serve as a wake-up call for all of us. May we never take the suffering and death of Jesus for granted. When life is going well- or even when life is routine- we can get lulled into a sense of self-confidence, security and complacency.  We allow normalcy to lull us into normal living. We can forget how much we need Jesus and how much he has done to show his love for us.

The truth is, we are desperate for Jesus. We need his love, forgiveness, healing, comfort, strength, compassion, and guidance for this life we are living, in normal and happy times as well as surprising and challenging times. May we never lull ourselves into thinking otherwise!

May we live each day fully awake, aware and appreciative of our need for him… and in doing so, may serve as visible reminders for all who need to know the truth.

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Cross photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Monday, April 15th

Lodge: to provide temporary quarters for; to serve as a receptacle for; contain

John 14:23 (NRSV)

Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

Jesus gives us such a beautiful image in this verse. We long for a close relationship with Jesus, and he assures us that he and God (through the Spirit) will come to us and make their home IN us! We could not be any closer than that. What a gift we have in being able to lodge Jesus in our very heart and soul!

How might we be gracious hosts? I think of the times I have felt welcomed as a guest in someone’s home. The kind acts of hospitality of my considerate hosts can serve to foster our own welcoming spirit in which Jesus abides. Here are the ways I was helped to feel special, loved and wanted…

The porch light was on, indicating I was expected. Why not turn on our bedside lamp each morning and prayerfully welcome Jesus into our new day? “Jesus, I am SO glad you’re here with me! Today we are going to have a lovely time together!”

My friends met me at the door before I needed to knock. I am reminded of the Autom Sallman painting, “Christ at Heart’s Door” in which Jesus is knocking on a door (with no door handle), hoping to be let in. Jesus has so much to offer us- and we have so much to share with him- why should we keep him waiting?

Tasks and routines were paused so that we could sit and enjoy the time together. Yes, there is work to be done, and yes, our hasty prayers will be understood and lovingly answered. But both of us will be blessed when we set aside special times to be together, simply resting and enjoying each other’s presence.

Refreshments were served or we gathered at the family table for a meal. Jesus is present, he is remembered, and he is honored when we gather at the Communion table with one another. He also delights when we feast together on God’s precious Word.

My hosts demonstrated their sincere interest in me. They asked me about the things that were happening in my life, and they genuinely listened to my answers. In turn, they also honestly shared their joys and sorrows and news with me. Jesus is our attentive listener, caring about everything in our lives. We too, can be attentive to Jesus. We can read the gospels to seek greater understanding of his life. We can prayerfully ask questions and quietly listen for his answers. In our honest sharing, we remain attentive to his heart (not just our own) and aree mindful of any new direction he may be taking.

My room was ready with clean linens, towels and extra comforts of home. We can maintain our clean spirit by confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness. We should fill our souls with all the good things Jesus hopes to find in us. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

My needs were well taken care of. I was shown where I could find the essentials and I was invited to make myself at home. Even with all that, I was still asked, “Is there anything I can get for you?” We can open our souls for Jesus to explore and ask him to let us know what we might be missing, what he desires us to have, and what he would have us do for him.

In what other ways have you felt welcomed by generous hosts? We can use any number of kindnesses to turn our souls into gracious and hospitable places for Jesus to lodge. What brings us joy will bring joy to Jesus. The true gift in all this is that when Jesus makes his home within us, we are the ones who find our true home. Blessing Jesus with our welcoming heart actually becomes our blessing, doesn’t it?

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Saturday, April 13th

Laud: to praise (someone or something)

Matthew 21:1-3, 6-11 (NRSV)

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately…

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd^[b] spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

A few months ago I wrote to my senator, praising and thanking him for taking a position that differed from the popular opinion of my state. I was pleased that he voted the way I believe is right and so I commended him for taking this independent stance. Of course, a short while later he voted for something I was against. I then was annoyed that he was so independently minded- the very thing for which I had just lauded him!

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. As Jesus rode into town on a humble donkey, people gathered at the roadside with palm branches, praising and shouting hosannas! It would seem that this should be a glorious day for Jesus, but he knew better. He knew that they were lauding him only because they thought he would be the Messiah they were expecting, a new king who would rescue and restore them from Roman oppression. By the end of the week, their disappointment in him had turned into outrage…

We are fortunate to have the whole Holy Week and Easter Resurrection story, so we can understand how Jesus is worthy of our praise in all situations and circumstances. We now know that his words and actions, which at the time turned their world upside down, had greater meaning and purpose. (In Matthew’s account, the next thing Jesus does after his triumphal entry is to wreak havoc in the temple by overturning the tables of the money changers! No wonder the people were confused.)

We may laud people because they meet our earthly expectations, only later to find they have disappointed us. I lauded the senator for his independent thinking- until I found his independent thinking contrary to my thinking.  People lauded Jesus as their Messiah and then turned against him when he wasn’t the Messiah they had in mind. We are ordinary humans with earthly expectations. Jesus was the Son of God with heavenly expectations.

Jesus’ purposes are God’s purposes. Even now, there are times when we don’t understand why life is the way it is, or why God is the way God is. We cannot fully fathom God’s ways and purposes. But we DO know that God gave us Jesus to show us that we are fully loved, that we are fully forgiven, and that our salvation is fully guaranteed- which is so much more than we could ever expect or imagine!

Jesus IS worthy of our praise! All Glory, Laud and Honor!

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Cross photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Friday, April 12th

Learn: to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience

Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSV)

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

(Yoke photo credit: https://lifehopeandtruth.com)

Jesus invites us all to find rest in him, but he also tells us that we will learn from him by taking his yoke upon ourselves. Looking at the yoke pictured here, I cannot imagine how wearing such a contraption would make learning easy or resting possible! What is Jesus really telling us?

I came across a commentary about these verses that I found helpful and beautiful:

Farmers used to train young oxen to plow by partnering them with stronger and more mature oxen. The job of the younger ox was simply to follow in the same direction and keep pace with the teacher ox. The older ox pulled most of the weight and understood the commands of the plow driver…

The heavy-laden people Jesus spoke to did not know grace. Instead, they were yoked to a complex system of Jewish regulations referred to as “the law.” Obeying the law as perfectly as they could was how they stayed in right relationship with God and made sure that the work they were doing for Him was acceptable…

The people in Jesus’ day were using the yoke of the law to pull their life and everything in it along. It left them “tired, worn out, and burned out on religion.” The yoke of grace Jesus offered was contrary to the yoke of the law. It was a move from depending on one’s own efforts and ability to depending on God’s grace and power.¹

By yoking ourselves with Jesus each day, we have someone to share the workload and relieve the burdens that we carry. We also have someone to guide us and help us obey the Driver. If Jesus pulls us one way, the yoke takes us that way, too. If Jesus nudges us another way, we go right along with him. Jesus has given us this yoke through his Spirit. We no longer need to be burdened by our own efforts to obey every letter of the law. We can trust and depend on Jesus alone.

You may have heard that there are a variety of preferred learning styles. Some people learn best by visual images, some do better with words, others prefer using their physical senses, and so on. As followers of Christ, we could say that we learn best by what we choose to wear each day. We learn by putting on his yoke and heading out the door- together!

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Cross photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Thursday, April 11th

Liken: compare

John 14:6-7 (NRSV)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

During Jesus’ ministry he described the heavenly kingdom by using parables- earthly examples that would help his followers understand the kingdom more easily, while confusing those who “look but do not perceive” (Matthew 13:14). He would begin each parable with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” and adding such examples as someone who sowed good seed in his field (Matthew 13:24)…  a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31)… yeast (Matthew 13:33)… a treasure hidden in the field (Matthew 13:44)… a merchant in search of fine pearls (Matthew 13:45)… a net thrown into the sea (Matthew 13:47)… He was able to help people understand the kingdom by likening it to everyday situations and stories. 

More importantly, as God’s son Jesus showed us who God is. Jesus says, “If you know me, you will know my Father also (vs. 7).” Jesus’ life helps us to know God- by his teaching, feeding, healing, sacrificing, forgiving and loving. God came to us personally in the form of Jesus. Otherwise we would have had no way to understand how God IS love, God IS good, and God IS for us. We can look at Jesus and know what God is like.

Now it’s our turn. We are called to be Jesus- the Body of Christ- in the world. This means we are to show others who Jesus is by living our lives like he did. Jesus even gave his Spirit to guide us this way! May we live and serve as Jesus’ Body in our homes, community and world. When we love like Jesus, when we live like Jesus, people can look at us and know what Jesus is like. They can know Jesus!

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Cross photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Wednesday, April 10th

Label: to put a word or name on something to describe or identify it

Isaiah 43:1 (NRSV)

But now thus says the Lord,
    he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.

Almost every survey or questionnaire we complete asks us to classify ourselves according to age, gender, race, citizenship, income level and years of education. There are so many labels available for grouping us into specific categories. My “identity” could be labeled in a number of ways: female, baby boomer, U.S. citizen, spouse, middle-aged, college graduate, and so on. These labels may be important to the survey data collectors, but anyone reading them wouldn’t really know who I am. These labels only place me into groups that could describe any number of people.

I like other labels better. Karen, wife, Mom, Grammy, sister, daughter, friend, volunteer coordinator, writer, walker, contemplative, Sunday school teacher, neighbor. These labels describe the roles I love to do, the way I like to live, the way I hope others see me and know me. Those who know me by these labels know me quite well. Names like these are more personal, and they differentiate me from the larger classifications.

The best labels are the ones God uses for us. Through Jesus we can know how completely God knows us, how completely God loves us. This passage from Isaiah tells us that God calls us by name and calls us God’s own. What other words does God use to describe and identify us? They are beautiful ones, intimate ones, that show us we are unique and precious to God. Here are a few.

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.   (1 John 3:1)

I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.   (John 15:15)

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.   (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?   (1 Corinthians 6:19)

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!   (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am the vine, you are the branches.   (John 15:5)

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.   (Galatians 3:28)

For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.   (Ephesians 2:10)

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.   (Ephesians 5:8-9)

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.   (Colossians 3:12)

In all the names we have been called, there are none more special and sacred than the ones God chooses for us. They describe our purpose and our preciousness, but they also describe the goodness of God. God labels us to clarify who we are, but more than that, to reveal who God is!

Some verses were found at https://bible.org/article/who-does-god-say-i-am

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Tuesday, April 9th

Land: to come to the end of a course or to a stage in a journey; arrive 

John 14:1-3 (NRSV)

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

In our devotions these past few days, we have considered our response to God’s call on our lives. When God calls, we launch… we last… and one day, we will finally land. Our mission will be finished and we will be safely home. I have noticed a correlation between following God’s call and walking my daily miles. I hope my story serves as a parable of sorts to describe how our anticipated ‘kingdom landing’ influences our earthly journey.

Launch…

The idea of landing is what inspires me to walk each morning. On the days when I am not motivated to get out there, I remind myself how good I will feel when I arrive home with my exercise finished for the day. When I ‘land’ I am rewarded with a cup of coffee, a refreshing shower, and a sense of accomplishment with my self-care regimen. The rewards of good coffee, better health, and an already-completed task motivate me to keep my routine.

The ending I envision is what inspires me to begin. 

Last…

The idea of landing also guides my path when I plan to walk a little farther. My goal this year has been to walk at least 20 miles each week. When I need to catch up with a mile or two, I will do better if I circle a few neighborhoods while I am farthest from home. I choose to extend my walking route along the way because once I begin nearing home- I want to BE home. Rarely do I arrive home and then decide to walk another mile!

The ending I envision is what motivates me to go the extra mile early on. 

Land…

Finally, the anticipated landing opens my heart to delight in the journey itself. I can venture out with joy on new and different paths because I know where my home remains and where my loved ones are waiting. There is no need to seek and search for a new place to land. My home base has been secured, which gives me the serenity to simply enjoy the adventure. I consider my return as the final reward, but all of the paths leading me there provide challenging workouts, beautiful moments in nature, quiet times for contemplation, friends to meet along the way, and always the presence of the One who walks with me all the way home.

The ending I envision is what brings joy to the walk itself, giving each and every path a sense of purpose, presence… and peace.

All definitions are excerpted from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash