Simply Soul Searching

Wednesday, March 27th

Lighten: to relieve of a burden in whole or in part; lessen; to make less wearisome; alleviate; cheer; gladden

Matthew 10:42 (NRSV)

…and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.

My sister Janet was struggling as we hiked along the Rockies. Every step was excruciating. We were novice backpackers with the wrong equipment, and her hiking boots had rubbed huge blisters on her heels.  The rest of our youth group had gone ahead to the next campsite. With every step, we felt more alone and discouraged. She was near tears.

What a wonderful surprise to see a few of the young men from our group coming back over the crest of the mountain! After dropping their packs off at the site, they had returned to take Janet’s backpack from her. She was still in pain, but without the burden of the pack- and less pressure on her feet and heels- she was able to make it to the campsite more quickly and easily.

We are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). But there are LOTS of burdens, aren’t there? We can so quickly feel overwhelmed by the numbers of people who share the same burden, or by the size of the burden one person may have. We do want to help, but the problems seem too large to fix! Instead, we become stymied and intimidated, frozen into inaction.

As I think of the young men who helped Janet, I am reminded that we only need to do what we CAN do. No one could totally fix Janet’s troubles. No one could carry her to the next site. No one could immediately heal her blisters. She still had to keep hiking the rest of the way. But the guys did what they could do; they relieved her of the burden of her backpack for the remaining portion of the trail. They accompanied us all the way to the campsite. They lifted her spirits (and mine) by helping and going with us.

Jesus was warning the disciples of the hardships ahead as they went out to share the good news. He speaks of people who will be against them, but he is grateful for the ones who will welcome them and help them. He goes on to say how someone who shares even a cup of cold water will one day be rewarded. One simple act like a cup of water could refresh and bless the disciples as they endured hardships along the way.

When we look at the multitude of needs around us, we might feel that any actions we take would be futile. The magnitude of a problem may cause us to overlook the one thing we can do. And yet, one small act of kindness may do more than we can imagine. Is there one thing we can do to help someone today? We will never be able to eliminate all the troubles of the world, but a little help is much better than doing nothing at all.

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

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Monday, March 25th

Limit: to assign certain limits to; to restrict the bounds or limits; to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent

Mark 12:28-31 (NRSV)

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

My pastor-friend and I were finding humor after a church seminar years ago. In a heated debate, one man had claimed that the Bible instructs us to do “everything in moderation.” We knew that this was not a Bible passage, and later we began improvising such silly statements as “Love Jesus… in moderation.”  “Praise God… but not too often.” “Give to others… just not too much.” Of course these are not true! We are to love God with ALL of our heart, soul, and might. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. There should be no limit to our love for God and others.

Still, in other instances we are called to limit ourselves…

Some limits help us increase in love for God. Limiting our food or other forms of fasting can magnify our need for God and work to draw us closer to God. Limiting our social or recreational activities in order to worship, study, and pray regularly gives us more opportunities to praise God and grow in faith. Limiting our own earthly desires allows the Spirit to fill us with more of God’s desire.

Other limits enable us to demonstrate genuine love for others. Limiting our spending helps us to have more funds available to share with those in need. Setting limits on our work hours enables us to spend time with loved ones or to find time to help out someone in need of assistance. Actively limiting our speech helps us to refrain from gossip or reacting with hurtful words.

In addition, there are limits that help us to be better stewards of all of God’s creation. Limiting ourselves to using greener or reusable products helps maintain our environment. Limiting our intake of unhealthy foods honors our God-given bodies. Limiting our desire for more or better possessions enables us to share our resources and provide for all of God’s people.

In all of these, we find that when we set limits on ourselves- our own needs, desires, natural tendencies, worldly expectations, or successes- these limits open us up to more of God. Limits become a discerning gate that keeps our selfish ways contained but allows the in-pouring of God’s love and the outpouring of our love. Limits are good boundaries for life and yet, how often do we push these limits? And when we do, how often do we exceed or go beyond them?

This Lent, may we be more mindful of the limits that are healthy for us and all of God’s creation, the limits we heed for the well-being of others, and the limits that perfect us as followers of Christ. May we limit all that is needful- in order to expand all that is so very good.

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

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Saturday, March 23rd

Leap: to spring free from or as if from the ground; jump

Luke 6:22-23 (NRSV)

Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

I want people to like me and understand me. I want mutual love and care to abound between myself and those who know me. So to imagine I would “leap for joy” if people were to exclude, revile, defame, and even HATE me seems impossible! How could anyone find joy in those circumstances?

The answer is found in the words, “on account of the Son of Man.” This phrase clarifies what we are to do, what we must remember, and who we can cling to- so that we can and will experience that abundant joy in the midst of our trials.

~ We need to be certain that our words and actions (those which seem to agitate and upset folks) are truly being done only for Jesus or on behalf of Jesus for others. We must know in the core of our being that we are doing the right thing. We must examine our motives and our behaviors to be clear that we are not intentionally being hurtful or trying to get our own way. We must purely feel that our actions are sacrificial for us and only beneficial for Jesus. Joy is ours as we walk with integrity in humble service to God.

~ We must remember that “our reward is great in heaven.” What we are enduring now is minutia compared to our eternal joy and rest. Our time here is finite, but our lives in joy with Christ will continue forever. In this finite time, we are to do all we can to bless God and others, to reveal bits of heaven here- even as we suffer to accomplish this. Knowing that our suffering is only for a small time, we can anticipate our eternal joy (which leads to earthly joy)!

~ We can always cling to Jesus. We know that Jesus is with us and will continue to be with us, no matter what. Even if we were to be totally excluded from friends or family, we have a true and forever friend in Christ. We are never alone, never left to our own defenses. Jesus will be our joy-bringer.

In those times when we do know so profoundly that we are doing the right thing for Jesus or for others on behalf of him, we will feel an inexplicable peace. We will feel our integrity is intact. We will feel a sense of serenity in spite of everything. Oh, we will feel the pain of rejection and hurt- very much so- but in spite of this, it is truly “well with our souls.” When we do things on account of the Son of Man, we will even have an incredible lightness of being that enables us… to leap.

Blessed are you… 

Friday, March 22nd

List: to make a list of; enumerate; to include on a list; register

Psalm 40:5 (NRSV)

You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you.
Were I to proclaim and tell of them,
    they would be more than can be counted.

Today’s devotion will be your own creation- listing your blessings! We have been so very blessed by God’s love and bounty for us, but often we neglect to be mindful of our gifts and to thank God for them. When we begin naming our blessings specifically, our gratitude grows- as well as our joy. Here are some questions to help us begin listing some of the special gifts we have received from God.

1. What is one thing I really appreciate when I awaken each day?
2. Which of my five senses am I especially grateful to have today?
3. As I look out my window, what am I thankful for?
4. Who was the most influential person in my faith journey?
5. What would I say was the best blessing of this week?
6. Is there a song that has touched my heart recently?
7. What is a favorite childhood memory?
8. Where do I most like to spend time (consider travels, spaces at home)?
9. Who was my favorite teacher and why?
10. Was there a difficult time in my life in which I now find a blessing?
11. Who helped me most in that difficult time?
12. If I had breakfast with Jesus, what would I thank him for?
13. Which season is my favorite?
14. What Bible passage has most influenced my life?
15. What passage has helped me in recent times?
16. When did God help me do something that took courage?
17. What part of the day do I like the best?
18. How does each member of my family bless me?
19. In what ways am I gifted?
20. What is my favorite food or treat?
21. When I look in the mirror, what am I most thankful for?
22. Who has been a good friend to me?
23. What hobbies do I enjoy most?
24. Where do I see God moving in my life recently?
25. What is my favorite way to worship God?

With each gift we list, may our hearts grow in gratitude. May the listing of our blessings  become a prayer of thankfulness to our generous God, Giver of all good gifts. Enjoy!

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

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Thursday, March 21st

Look: examine; to search for; expect; anticipate; to have in mind as an end; to exercise the power of vision; see; to direct one’s attention

Psalm 27:4 (NRSV)

One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

At the Spiritual Writer’s Conference I attended last week, Barbara Brown Taylor graciously shared so many insights and helpful ideas with us! She is one of my favorite authors, and I am blessed by her deep spirituality. In one presentation, she spoke of the word behold, noting that the King James Version of the Bible used this word quite often. Interestingly, the word believe was used much less than behold. Since then, translators over the years have reduced the number of “beholds,” and in doing so, we have lost something.

Both words are necessary words when we speak of our faith. But if I didn’t know about Jesus, I would be more apt to listen to someone share their experiences of him. I would want to hear about the ways he has helped us, the things he has done for us, the ways he continues to move within and among us today. I would want to know all the ways Christ-followers behold him in their daily living. I would be uninterested if I only heard that I needed to believe in him as my Savior. I wonder if we have been too intent on inviting people to believe certain things about Jesus Christ rather than to behold him.

Could it be that we don’t share our experiences because we have forgotten how to look for them? In order to behold we need to be watchful for, mindful of those God moments. If someone were to ask me today how I experienced Jesus yesterday, I am not certain I would be able to share any specific examples- not because he wasn’t present, but because I didn’t notice. I believe in Jesus. I know he is working in me, but maybe I begin to take him for granted and then neglect to keep looking.

For us to be ready to share our faith with others, we need to be attentive. We need to look and to note our experiences in beholding the incredible goodness of God. We should retain in our hearts and minds the times we have seen God at work in this awesome creation, or the times we have been guided by the powerful movement of the Spirit, or the times we have felt the presence of Jesus so near to us. These are the compelling faith stories that draw others to want to know more. These are also the compelling faith stories that keep us ever deepening in our own faith.

Look…

The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” (John 1:37-39)

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

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Tuesday, March 19th

Linger: to be slow in parting or in quitting something; tarry

Exodus 33:7-11 (NRSV)

Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise and stand, each of them, at the entrance of their tents and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise and bow down, all of them, at the entrance of their tent. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then he would return to the camp; but his young assistant, Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the tent.

Are you like us, the moviegoers who stay in the theater all the way through the ending credits? Then you, too, have discovered the bonuses in doing so- at times there are funny outtakes, great music, or special dedications. As others are exiting the theater to go on with the day, we linger behind to see if there will be any delightful surprises or extras in store for us. The others do not know what they might be missing!

In this passage from Exodus, Moses goes to the tent of meeting to hear God speak to him. Moses would hear God’s word, then return to the camp to share the message with the people. But in a little phrase at the end of this passage, we learn that Joshua, Moses’ assistant, would remain in the tent.

Perhaps Joshua stayed to keep watch over the sacred tent. Perhaps he was offering a continuous prayer vigil for Moses and the Israelites. I like to think that he wanted to simply linger in the afterglow of Moses’ encounter with the presence of God. Like us movie theater lingerers, Joshua may have wanted to remain in the tent just in case there would be some bonus surprises or “extras” too.

I recently learned that there is an incubation period in our brains after we learn something new. In that incubation, we often recombine what we have just learned to form yet another new and creative idea. My morning walks are times when I ponder a certain thought and often additional ideas evolve from that. The incubation period is like watching the movie’s ending credits. We already have the initial message or point of the movie, but we receive additional insights, laughs, or beautiful extras if we linger with it.

When we linger with a Word or message we have received during worship, or a possible answer to prayer, or a song that has resonated with us, we give the Spirit more time to work. The Spirit can rearrange our initial thoughts and create new meaning from them. Lingering opens us up for additional insights and creative surprises on top of the original revelation. We move from what first caught our attention into something deeper and maybe even surprising at times.

The next time we notice a Word or inspiration that touches our hearts, may we linger a while- and not be so ready to exit and go on with life. We never know what we might be missing!

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

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Monday, March 18th

Legitimate: to make (someone or something) legitimate: 1. to give legal status to; 2. to show or affirm to be justified; 3. to lend authority or respectability to.

Proverbs 31

Speak out for those who cannot speak,
    for the rights of all the destitute.
Speak out, judge righteously,
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

I was driving home from a conference last week when I stopped to buy gas and a few snacks. As I waited in line, the gentleman ahead of me struggled to understand the cashier. He obviously could not understand English very well. I knew he only needed her to repeat her words slowly, perhaps showing him what she meant. Instead she raised her voice, as if yelling would make a difference. Then she quickly became openly hostile to the poor man, her anger and frustration raging upon him as he stood there quietly.

I did not speak. Perhaps I was shocked, or afraid, or simply dumbfounded, but I did not speak. How I wish I would have asked the cashier why she was being so mean. I wish I would have set my trail mix down and left the place. I wish I would have stayed outside to tell the man how sorry I was. Instead, I quietly paid for my things and drove away.

I have regretted this ever since…

Especially when I arrived home and read the news about the 49 Muslims who are now dead because someone else was raging. If I remain silent, I am part of the problem. If I do not speak up for the oppressed, I am part of the problem. If I don’t speak against every act of meanness, arrogance, hostility and prejudice, I am silently condoning them. May I never, never, never remain silent in the face of hatred again.

In these times, we are desperately needed to legitimate our immigrants, refugees, and all others who are treated this way. From the above definitions, my work to legitimate this man would have been to “lend him the respectability” he deserved. My unearned respectability and authority to lend comes only from looking like the cashier and speaking the same language! I may have been able to help her see she was out of line. I could also have made her more upset, but at least the gentleman would not have felt so alone.

We are called to speak out for those who cannot speak. I think of our dear Jesus, who mostly remained silent before his tormentors. Did he wonder why no one had the love and courage to defend him, to speak against these atrocities? When we speak up for the oppressed, we are speaking for him, too. I am so sorry, Jesus.

Open my mouth, move my conscience, give me the courage, God, when this happens again. For sadly, I know it will.

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

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Saturday, March 16th

Listen: to pay attention to sound; to hear something with thoughtful attention; to be alert to catch an expected sound

Mark 9:7

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”

In his too-short life and our too few times together, my cousin Glen taught all of his cousins so much about life and love. Some would say he was different from the rest of us, but we all found his differences beautiful. He delighted in all of the simple joys of life. His gentle spirit would become quite competitive each time he won his favorite card game. He genuinely loved and adored each of us, and we loved him.

We marveled most at his uncanny ability to hear the music of an ice cream truck. As we were running and playing and laughing and shouting together in the yard, Glen would suddenly stop, alert and attentive. Wondering why, we would pause our activity and he would announce, “Ice cream truck!” Sure enough- once we were quiet and still- we could hear the faint music in the next neighborhood as the ice cream truck wended its way toward our street. The refreshing treats were on their way!

Looking back, I now realize that Glen’s hearing was probably no better than ours. His excitement about the ice cream truck made him attentive, expectant, hopeful and ready to listen at any moment, no matter what would be going on around him. He did not need silence. The joy of the ice cream truck music would beckon from afar, and Glen would be ready to hear it. His ears were trained and attuned to the simple music that signaled the arrival of delightful treats.

Oh, may we be so excited to hear the voice of Christ that we too, are attentive, expectant, hopeful and ready! May we be so attuned to Jesus’ voice that we recognize it even in the midst of our chaos and noise. May we be so alert that we are able to hear his faint whisper from afar. In the midst of our everyday routines may we await and anticipate his beautiful word with eagerness. Most of all, may we rejoice each time we hear his word, for we know it is bringing us pure refreshment and joy.

(I know Glen recognized the voice of Christ, too. I know that he heard Jesus’ voice in all of his days, and now is spending eternity directly in his presence.)

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

Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash