Simply Soul Searching

Romans 8:38-39 (NRSV)

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We should know that we are loved by God. Jesus showed us that in unforgettably horrendous and beautiful ways. But I sometimes wonder if I have completely accepted this love. The world seems to show us that we need to prove our worth. We learn that we need to keep up our image and to be successful, attractive, intelligent, or perfect in order to be loved and accepted. So it becomes difficult for us to fully comprehend that we are loved by God- completely, exactly as we are, no matter what.

Our Lenten focus for today is belovedness. How would our lives change if each of us fully embraced the complete, perfect, generous, constant, unfailing, unmerited, boundless love of God for ourselves? How would each of us actually live as a beloved child of God? What would this look like?

As beloved children of God, we would trust in our God who always works for good when we face uncertainty. We would feel Christ’s loving presence when we are lonely. We would gain strength for our weakest moments from our awesome Creator. We would have courage for intimidating times because the Spirit guides us. We would receive comfort and peace in our sadness because our God heals and redeems it all. We would know relief and freedom from our guilt because of the merciful love of Jesus.

We would also know that our loving God rejoices in our successes, delights in our joys, and smiles on us in our laughter. We would cherish our enjoyable, happy times while being fully aware that God is sharing them with us. Our lives would be richer, fuller, and truer. We would live that abundant life Jesus has promised us.

Perhaps the most noticeable change would be revealed by how we treat others. Living as God’s beloved, we would share more generously because we trust God’s provision for us. We would care more sincerely because we comprehend God’s tender care for us. We would love more deeply because we feel God’s abundant love ourselves. We would live more freely because we know God’s redeeming grace is holding us all.

One more thought… A year ago, our daughter Angie adopted a rescue dog that had been severely neglected. Angie loved Opal, not because of her good behavior or perfection, but because Angie wanted to love her and save her. She loved Opal through her wariness, her skittishness, and her misbehavior. Now Opal is perky, happy, and healthy. Opal wants to please Angie. She stands and watches the door for Angie’s return at the end of the day. She remains close to Angie every moment she can. Opal’s pure devotion and her joy of being with her loving rescuer can inspire us all. This is how we can live as beloved children of God.

Our reminder symbol for today is a heart. May it remind us all that we are truly God’s beloved children, and may we live accordingly.

Loving God,

Oh, how you have loved me! Thank you for loving me, despite my unworthiness. Thank you for loving me, even when I can’t comprehend love of this magnitude. Thank you for loving me, even when I fail to live as your beloved child. Help me to fully understand that in Christ Jesus there is nothing that will separate me from your love. May I begin fully living as your beloved child, that others may witness your love through me. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-3

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

“Every one of us is all we need.” ~ The Beatles, Yellow Submarine

Jim and I had the privilege of taking our youth groups on three different mission trips. Each time, we returned home with treasured, lasting friendships between us all. These bonds were formed because everyone- with their varied personalities, quirks, temperaments, and preferences- had worked together to make good differences in other communities. We had worked together to serve God and one another. In doing so, we learned that each one of us had something to contribute, something we all needed. We valued one another in spite of our differences; even FOR our differences. Our one purpose of serving God by serving others was our unifying factor.

Our Lenten focus for today is unity. Paul calls his people in Ephesus to make “every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” These are wise words for us today, as we struggle to live in unity in this world, in our communities, in our churches and even in our homes. Our sinful, human nature can become selfish, self-focused, and self-righteous. We begin to see our differences as challenges rather than gifts. We lose sight of the unity and the togetherness we are called to share.

Today let’s make the effort, as Paul tells us, to live a life worthy of our calling as followers of Christ. This DOES take patience, humility, gentleness, and love. We will be challenged by different personalities, different ways of seeing the world, and different ways of being in the world. Unity isn’t meant to make everyone the same, but we can be united in our one purpose: to love and serve God by serving others in love.

I have a beautiful patchwork quilt that my friend Sarah made. Every piece is needed to add interest and color to the quilt. If I were to combine the patches, I would not consider putting some of these colors together as a color scheme. Yet, in this quilt they work well together! They make the quilt vivid and eye-catching. Each patchwork piece has been united with others for one purpose- to make a warm, soft, beautiful quilt.

Our reminder symbol today is a bottle of glue (or a quilt, if you have one). May it remind us that we are stronger together, and that each of us is needed for one purpose: to love and serve God by loving and serving one another.

A Prayer for Unity

Dear Father,

Just as it was when Jesus made his home on earth,

The world can be a hateful and cruel place.

We ask that you would guide our actions as believers.

Give us an eagerness to be humble and gentle.

Help us have hearts of patience and forbearance.

Thank you for the hope we have in you;

May your hope unify our thoughts and decisions

And invoke peace through the Spirit.

Amen

~ Rachel Wojo, Dayspring,com

Romans 12:10-13

¹⁰ Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹² Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

I like my cell phone for two reasons. First, it gives me a way to stay in touch with my loved ones. Our calls aren’t billed at long distance rates, so we can call often. A quick text can remind someone that I’m thinking of them or they’re thinking of me. I can keep my phone with me all the time, in case someone needs to reach me. We can even exchange photos or videos. Staying in touch has become much easier!

But the second reason I like my phone is that it gives me something to do so I don’t have to communicate with others! A stranger sits beside me on an airplane? I can pull out my cell and look busy so I don’t have to chat. Waiting in a doctor’s reception area? I can avoid having a conversation with anyone by checking out my photos or Facebook account. I can avert my eyes and keep to myself very easily. My cell makes me appear to have some important things to do, when really I am just playing Sudoku.

I love my cell phone because I can communicate with loved ones. I love my cell phone because I don’t have to communicate with anyone else. I’m certain this irony is not lost on God.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Matthew 25:35b). What if one of those strangers is a God-moment for me to accept (what if they ALL are)? What if God is providing an opportunity for a kind word, a listening ear, an understanding presence for that person-or even for me? Is my cell keeping me from answering God’s call to initiate a friendly conversation with someone? Is my self-important appearance keeping me from welcoming Jesus himself?

Today our Lenten focus is fellowship, but especially fellowship with those we don’t already know. Does your cell phone keep you from paying attention to the needs around you? Are you missing out on some precious opportunities to be God’s love for someone, or to receive God’s love from someone? Let’s be mindful of those times when we might set aside our cells, and turn our attention to those around us.

Our reminder symbol is a cell phone. May we be mindful of our opportunities to communicate God’s love for others- those we love, and those we have yet to know.

(Our prayer is based on the Romans 12 passage.)

Loving God,
You are always providing opportunities for me to share your love and to receive your love. Help me to…love others with mutual affection…honor others with respect and kindness…be ardent in spirit, not lagging in zeal about your love for us all…be patient in suffering even when a conversation is unpleasant…persevere in prayer for those around me…contribute to the needs of the saints by keeping in touch with dear ones…and most of all, extend hospitality to the strangers around me.      Amen.

Philippians 1:6

⁶ I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 

There once was a young dreamer who truly wanted to please God. She knew that God had given her special talents and gifts. God had even given her exciting dreams and goals, too. She would often envision the day when she would serve God and people by using her unique qualities in a way she loved! But she kept waiting for that day. She kept waiting for the moment when the conditions would be perfect, the opportunity would be clearly discerned, and the timing would be right. She watched for a sign. Seasons changed. Years passed. She was afraid to venture forward until she was certain she would succeed.

One day, she heard God whisper, “Please. Take the first step. I will be with you. Then take the next step, and the step after that. I will still be with you. Today is the perfect time to walk with me. My whispers and nudges are your signs. Any pursuit will have blessings and challenges. The meaning is in the exploration of them. The purpose is in the journey we share together. There will be lessons to learn, people to meet, joys and sorrows to experience. But I need you to take those first steps; to venture out in faith.”

God calls us in whispers, too. We have been given special gifts, talents, experiences and passions for God to use. God is calling us to live our lives in loving service, fully and abundantly. And we have many options to do so.

Have you ever put a dream on hold until a better time? Have you ever hesitated to begin a new dream because it’s too late?

With my age and previous health concerns, I often hesitate to begin new projects or set new goals until my current projects are completed. I’m concerned that I may leave something unfinished. There is merit in keeping some space and not over-committing ourselves. But maybe I will gain more insight, faith, maturity and wisdom in the trying and the pursuit of my dreams and callings, than with the end results. Maybe this is where God can change me most.

Paul’s words can relieve all of us: God has begun a good work in us, and God will bring it to completion! We need not concern ourselves with deadlines or wrap-ups. Our part is to begin the journey. Today, let’s venture out in faith, exploring and working toward those dreams that God has given us. We can step out, knowing God is with us all the way. God will bring us to completion, whether or not we finish ourselves!

Our reminder symbol is our calendar or planner. May it remind us that now is the time to respond to those callings, those whispers and nudges.

Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.         Amen.

(– Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Luke 15:8-10 (NRSV)

⁸ “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ ¹⁰ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Jim and I were on a mission trip with our youth group. He was sharing a lesson about repentance, but when he said the word, “repent” the youth laughed. His southern drawl made the word sound like “repaint” to our Toledo teens. After that, they would occasionally ask him to say it again- just for laughs. We are not sure whether they remember any lessons from that day, but we know they will never forget the word! “Repaint!”

To repent is to regret and be sorry for our sinful actions. Repenting also means turning from our sin and living in more perfect obedience to God. Perhaps repenting IS a lot like repainting. Like paint that fades over time, our enthusiastic faith may wane into lackluster living. Our sinful nature blisters with anger or impatience in the heat of the moment, much like paint bubbles up in the hot sun. Life’s challenges, like the weather on a painted wall, gradually strip away our “perfect” outer façade- and we don’t like what we see exposed underneath. And so we know it’s time to “repaint.”

We examine ourselves to uncover all of our flaws and imperfections. As we find all of the flakes and debris of our sinfulness, we ask God to wash us, cleansing us from our unrighteousness. We cover ourselves in God’s mercy and grace. God restores us and brings us again to newness. We are made beautiful in God’s love. But soon it’s time to “repaint” again, isn’t it?

With God there is always good news. Our desire to even acknowledge our sins and repent of them is God-given. Our desire to be better people and refrain from sinning is also a gift from God. God knows that our faith growth is a lifetime process. Martin Luther’s first thesis reads, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said “Repent,” he intended that the entire life of believers should be repentance.” We can turn from our sin with the freedom and trust that we are forgiven, as God showed us through Jesus. Every time. We are freshly restored and made new, able to begin again.

Spring has arrived in the northern hemisphere. Is it time to repaint? In what way would you like to be made new?

Our symbol for today is a paint brush. May the paint brush remind us of the gifts we have in repentance and forgiveness, restoration and renewal. Today let’s take a moment to consider ways we would like to turn from sin, and to turn to the God who lovingly makes us new.

Forgiving God,

With humble gratitude I thank you for it all- the awareness of my sinful nature, the desire to repent, the assurance of your loving mercy and forgiveness, and the restoration and renewal you offer me every time. Open me to be more fully aware of my unworthiness. Open me to be more fully aware of your generous, merciful love that comes to me in spite of my worth. Thank you. Amen.

(I have a busy weekend ahead, so the next few devotions are being published early.)

Mark 6:30-32

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and  taught. ³¹ He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. ³² And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 

 Matthew 11:28-30

²⁸ “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

It may seem strange to think of rest as our Lenten practice for today. “Practice” involves doing! But let’s consider our practice of rest as a new way of living, not just a break from doing.

In our reading from Mark, Jesus invites his disciples to “come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.” They had been busily teaching, healing, traveling, and answering the needs of many. If we read further, we learn that they would soon be busy again. Jesus understood the need for respite and rest. His invitation was to rest FROM the overwhelming crowds and challenging days.

What might you need to “come away from” for a few moments? How might you separate yourself from those needs for a while? What quiet place of solitude is beckoning you?

In the Matthew passage, there is another invitation: to rest IN Jesus. Jesus invites all of us who are “weary and carrying heavy burdens” to come to him for rest. This is more than rest from activity. It is his offer to take our emotional and mental burdens to him, and find rest for our souls. Often when our souls are burdened we want to sleep, perhaps to find a break from our worry.  But this does not give us the rest we need, and we awaken just as weary and burdened as before. What a gift Jesus is offering us- to relieve us from our burdens!

What burdens are you carrying now? How might you bring those burdens to Jesus? What might you learn from Jesus today?

In any creative work of art, the empty spaces are as significant as the artwork. A melody is enhanced by the rests between notes, the deliberate pauses of music. A poem is created with special breaks and meters for pace and emphasis. A painter or sculptor uses both medium and space to bring beauty to our eyes. God desires to make a beautiful work of art with our lives. We too, need to allow spaces. Spaces for resting from, and spaces for resting in.

Our reminder symbol for today is a musical rest. May we remember that our silent spaces of rest are as important and as needful as our works.

Jesus, my resting place,

You invite me to rest from my busyness. Help me to bring you my agenda. Together we will find a quiet time and place for me to be alone with you.

You invite me to rest in you. Help me to bring you my cares. Together we will restore my soul with respite and renewal in you.

You invite me to be your work of art. Help me to bring you my life. Together we will create your beautiful image of me, as only you can do.

Amen.

Isaiah 43:1-2

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.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.

The little dog was keeping his human companion company while the gentleman worked in his yard. As I walked along the fence, the dog ran along the other side, barking fiercely. I was very relieved to have that fence between us! This morning I approached the same house and the dog began barking again. But when I came closer, the little imp turned and ran to the front door- where he cowered! I believe he lost his courage because his human companion wasn’t out there with him.

As silly as that little dog seemed, I know that I am quite like him. I am much braver if I have someone with me. I never would have ridden a roller coaster if it wasn’t for my peer-pressuring friends. I am more comfortable entering a room full of people if someone accompanies me. I travel to new places less fearfully when Jim and I go together. Life’s journeys are less intimidating when we have companions with us on the way. Courage is found in company.

Friends in faith can “companion” one another even though we are apart. This is a true gift for us all. I know that I am braver, more secure when friends tell me, “I am praying for you.” We keep company with one another by our united love of Christ, by holding one another in our thoughts and prayers. When Jim and I were ill, many dear friends surrounded us with prayers and accompanied us with cards, meals and gifts. We couldn’t be together with them- but we felt totally loved and supported, never alone. We found strength and courage for each day through this wonderful companionship.

Best of all, we have this God who goes with us in every moment, every challenge, every fear we face. God told Isaiah, “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10). God didn’t say, “Do not fear, I will be cheering you on from the sidelines.” I am with you. God knows that God’s presence will be enough for Isaiah. God’s presence is enough for each of us. Wherever life takes us, God will be there with us.

This earthly life is a rough and tumble time of joy and sorrow, peace and anxiety, smooth sailing and rough waters. We need God. We need one another. For our Lenten practice today, let’s consider our own courage and also how we might accompany others who need it. May our day be filled with prayers for courage- for ourselves, for one another, and for others we know who are facing trials and heartache. Remembering that we are never alone, that God is with us all the time, let’s lift up one another as mutual companions for this day. I am praying for you all.

~Are you going through a fearful, uncertain, difficult time? If so, know that today the rest of us are accompanying you in love, with our heartfelt prayers for strength, for stamina, for protection, for peace.

~Do you have a friend who needs courage for these days? How might you accompany him or her along this way? The rest of us will be praying for these unknown-yet-connected friends, too.

Our reminder symbol is an electric cord. May we remember that God is our constant source of power and strength. May it also remind us that we are forever connected to God, and to one another through faith and love.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”   ~Mary Ann Radmacher

God, our constant companion,

I am so small. But you are infinite, mighty, awesome- and ever present. Help me to remember this when I am facing trials or fearful times. Give me courage for the way. Thank you for going with me! Help me to share your love with others who are fearful, and to find ways to accompany them through their difficulties, too. Amen.

Galatians 5:22-23

²² By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 

Our Lenten practice for today is self-control. Most of the Bible passages about self-control are directed toward controlling passions and lust. But self-control can encompass many aspects of our character. We learn to control our tempers. We refrain from gossip. We discipline ourselves in spiritual practices. We restrain ourselves from judging. We deepen in faith as we learn to control any undesirable qualities, which then enhances our good qualities such as patience, humility and perseverance.

Imagine if our self-control could be like holding the TV remote controller… We could turn up the volume on our words of encouragement and kindness. We could mute our negative or unkind thoughts. We could change the channels of our minds to fruitful and uplifting subjects. We could fast forward through the faults of others and disregard them completely. We could brighten our image with the radiant love of Christ. We could replay an idea or inspiration for a second consideration. Of course, we could turn ourselves off completely for rest and renewal.

My Word Thesaurus shows the antonym of self-control is self-indulgence. I appreciate that understanding. For if we were to become fanatical about our self-control, we might actually be indulging ourselves! I know that my striving for self-control could easily become less about growing in love for God, and more about my determination, pride and ego. Disciplines such as fasting, abstaining from something, or any Lenten practice could end up to be an aggravating test of my will, instead of a reassuring rest in God.

Self-control sounds like it’s all about us and our willpower, doesn’t it? Where is God in our self-control? Our Bible verse shows us. It isn’t really SELF control, but our self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit gives us this gift! It’s as if we are giving the Spirit the TV controller of our beings. All we need to do is surrender the controller. (I know… that’s not easy, is it?)

Our symbol for today is (of course) a TV remote controller. May it remind us that the Spirit will give us the gift of self-control when we open ourselves to receive it. May it bless us to know that the Spirit does not guide us “remotely”, but is present here within us! Let’s consider those self-indulgent qualities we would like to surrender to the Spirit today. What would you like the Spirit’s power to control?

Spirit of God,

Your presence gives me so many fruits- today I thank you for the gift of self-control. Help me to grow in discipline, restraint and self-control in all the ways I should, and to release any self-indulgent desires. I want to be a more perfect follower of Christ. Thank you for working within me as I continue on this journey. Amen.

1 Peter 3:8 (NRSV)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

When we think of being tenderhearted, we think of being kind, compassionate, sympathetic, soft, and sensitive, but with a deeper nuance. Our care and compassion are dearer, more tender; our hearts are more fully involved. I find being “tenderhearted” happens more easily with children and animals. Their innocent, free spirits readily bring out my tender heart. Show me a commercial that depicts adults who are lonely, in poverty, or enduring hardships and I will be sympathetic and compassionate. But show me a hungry child or an abused animal, and my heart breaks.

What makes the difference? I wonder if I subconsciously protect my heart, picking and choosing which plights will be allowed to wound it. Maybe I inwardly reassure myself that someone else will care so I can save my tenderheartedness for loved ones, children and animals. Or I might actually help in some way, but my heart won’t be involved; it will just be “the right thing to do.” But keeping my heart from tenderness is not allowing it to grow.

For our Lenten practice, let’s try to be tenderhearted toward all people in all circumstances. Being tenderhearted means our hearts will hurt. They will ache with deep love and sympathy and care. But our hearts will be okay. Perhaps the wounds will even open our hearts to fill with more loving kindness. Bob Pierce, Founder of World Vision, once said, “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” Today let’s allow our hearts to be broken.

What are the things that break your heart? Is there room for one more?

Our reminder symbol for today is a rock. May it remind us to not let our hearts become hardened, but allow them to be wounded and vulnerable, as well as soft and tender. May we remember that every hurting soul is a child of God who needs our tenderhearted love and care.

²⁶ A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  (Ezekiel 36:26 NRSV)

God of all tenderness and compassion,

Forgive me for those times when I am hardhearted or self-protecting or detached. So many people need my tenderhearted love- please show me who I might help with genuine care and concern. Remove my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh. Thank you for loving me with your perfect, generous, tender love. Amen.

James 1:22-25 (NRSV)

²² But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. ²³ For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; ²⁴ for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. ²⁵ But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.

When we moved into our new home, I was determined to be the NEW Karen. I was going to have all of our belongings in appropriate places, purposefully organized and efficiently arranged. The keys would be in a basket near the garage door. All of our kitchen utensils would be stored for easy access at the proper food preparation area. I took some time to unpack as I considered the best places to place our items. Life would run so smoothly!

But I keep forgetting where these organized, efficient places are! Out of habit, I return to the old places we used to keep our belongings. I’m taking lots of extra steps to find my keys, or utensils, or other items. My efficiency is hindered by my old habits, my usual ways of doing things. I forget how to go about this new way of living. NEW Karen has largely reverted back to usual Karen.

Our Lenten practice for today is obedience. The writer of James is correct- we need to be doers of the word. So many times a sermon message or Bible reading has inspired me to change my ways or take steps to make a difference. But by the next Sunday, I’ve often forgotten what moved me the week before. Because I didn’t follow up my inspiration with action, I was unable to even recall the lesson I’d learned, the nudge I should have acted upon. Life had remained the usual life.

Today let’s try to obediently respond to what we notice or hear. If we feel a nudge or an inspiration from God, let’s make that change or take that step. The more we practice responding to God’s word, the more we will understand and remember what God is teaching and showing us. We will be less likely to forget the new way God is calling us to live. In fact, with enough follow-through, our new way of living may become a habit!

“Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience.”   A. W. Tozer

Our symbol is a mirror. May it remind us of these words from the book of James. May we hear what God is teaching us, see what God is showing us, sense how God is nudging us, and then wholly, immediately, and obediently take action to do them.

Inspiring, moving, teaching God,

You are revealing new ways to live and to be. Reveal them to me.

You are calling me to listen and obey. Show me the way.

You are inviting me to love like you. Move me to DO.

Amen.