“…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.”
2 Corinthians 1:4-6
Life on this planet is filled with pain, not one of us is immune to it - the truth is we will all be hurt at more than one point in our lives. There is no place to go where it is completely safe and sometimes the most severe pain comes in those places that should be safe. There are all sorts of pain - physical, emotional and spiritual or a combination. Some pain is inflicted by others, by the spear throwers in our lives, some pain is inflicted by our own bodies and sadly some pain we inflict upon ourselves. There are also degrees of pain; a scraped knee for instance isn’t nearly as painful as broken leg. An offense by a stranger is not nearly as painful as an offense by someone we care about. Not even Jesus was immune.
A number of years ago I was hit by spear, thrown by someone I would have never expected to throw one. Seriously wounded and in the wilderness, had it been a physical wound, it would have been life threatening. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit came and tended the wound. Family and real friends comforted me. Coming through the other side to healing, made me not only stronger, but more compassionate and uniquely equipped to comfort others who have been wounded in the same way.
This is what Paul is telling the church at Corinth. The Lord sends his Spirit to comfort us in the midst of the pain, in the midst of the wilderness of life and that allows us to comfort one another. I would hazard a guess and say that if you have lost a loved one, the person who was able to best comfort you was someone who had to deal with the same pain. You see we are never alone in the pain we face on this planet.
If you are in a painful place right now, if you look for comfort you will find it. If you are woundless at the moment, you may be the very person the Holy Spirit will use to tend to someone else’s wound and to comfort them in the wilderness.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for understanding how we feel whether the pain is physical, emotional or spiritual you understand. Thank you for sending you Holy Spirit to comfort us. Thank you for the people who pick us up and carry us in the wilderness. Bring healing to those who need it and thank you for loving us through the pain. May we share with others the comfort and compassion we received from you through your Son Jesus. Amen.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Confidence
“…till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Isaiah 32:15-18
The first real full day in the wilderness is always the hardest. It’s the kind of day where staying in bed and trying to ignore the world seems like a good idea, but not really. It’s the kind of day filled with questions - what’s next? Why? Seriously? Lots of things can bring us to the wilderness, some of those things will cause doubt, some fear, some will cause us to question our purpose and call.
The verses that lead into this week’s passage are strong words of warning, the people have become complacent - comfortable in their circumstances, they didn’t really think too much about Who had given them the comfortable life and He was getting ready to shake them from their comfort. They were about to be in the wilderness again for a little while.
But then something amazing happened - He poured out His Spirit and turned the wilderness into something beautiful, something that could provide what had been lost. Justice and righteousness bring about: peace, quietness of spirit, and confidence. The wilderness becomes a great place to live because He is present in the everyday and we must rely on Him.
If you find yourself wondering in the wilderness, filled with questions and wanting to hide - look up and watch as that dry place becomes fertile with the Spirit of God. Watch what happens to your heart as it is filled with His peace and as confidence in Him becomes your dwelling place.
A Prayer
Father, you know we do not like being in the wilderness, because it means we are not in control. Bring us to a place where we can appreciate the wilderness, because it is there your Spirit will revive our hearts and help us to see You more clearly. It is not easy to be here, but teach us what we need to learn and prepare us for the next part of the plan you have for us. In the name of Jesus who walks with us in the wilderness. Amen.
Isaiah 32:15-18
The first real full day in the wilderness is always the hardest. It’s the kind of day where staying in bed and trying to ignore the world seems like a good idea, but not really. It’s the kind of day filled with questions - what’s next? Why? Seriously? Lots of things can bring us to the wilderness, some of those things will cause doubt, some fear, some will cause us to question our purpose and call.
The verses that lead into this week’s passage are strong words of warning, the people have become complacent - comfortable in their circumstances, they didn’t really think too much about Who had given them the comfortable life and He was getting ready to shake them from their comfort. They were about to be in the wilderness again for a little while.
But then something amazing happened - He poured out His Spirit and turned the wilderness into something beautiful, something that could provide what had been lost. Justice and righteousness bring about: peace, quietness of spirit, and confidence. The wilderness becomes a great place to live because He is present in the everyday and we must rely on Him.
If you find yourself wondering in the wilderness, filled with questions and wanting to hide - look up and watch as that dry place becomes fertile with the Spirit of God. Watch what happens to your heart as it is filled with His peace and as confidence in Him becomes your dwelling place.
A Prayer
Father, you know we do not like being in the wilderness, because it means we are not in control. Bring us to a place where we can appreciate the wilderness, because it is there your Spirit will revive our hearts and help us to see You more clearly. It is not easy to be here, but teach us what we need to learn and prepare us for the next part of the plan you have for us. In the name of Jesus who walks with us in the wilderness. Amen.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
He's Already There
“My days have passed, my plans are shattered. Yet the desires of my heart turn night into day; in the face of the darkness light is near.”
Job 17:11-12
It had been one of those weeks, nature had wrought its fury and for many including myself the journey of life was taking another detour into the wilderness. It is in times like these when the why questions start, when because we cannot see the entire plan, we think the designer has made some kind of mistake.
As I was thinking about the return trip to the wilderness - a couple of songs popped into my mind, and one by the group Casting Crowns really resonated with me. The opening verse goes “From where I'm standing Lord it's so hard for me to see where this is going and where You're leading me. I wish I knew how all my fears and all my questions are gonna play out in a world I can't control.” I can relate to that, can you? I think Job would have been able to relate to that as well. Job’s life had taken a major detour and his “friends” were pretty much telling him it was his own fault - they were obviously not balcony people.
The song goes on to say that when we are lost in the mystery, when we do not understand the Lord has already been there, He sees the whole plan from beginning to end. I love the words that come near the end of the song: “One day I'll stand before You and look back on the life I've lived I can't wait to enjoy the view and see how all the pieces fit.” I think Job understood, you can hear the why questions that must have been in the back of his mind and yet he knows that God is near the darkness he is in will soon be chased away by the Light.
I don’t know what you are facing as you read this. I don’t know how this detour is going to get me to the desire of my heart. What I do know is that my Lord is the architect of my life and yours knows and He is already there. So walk in faith, hope and peace.
A Prayer
Father, we do not like being uncomfortable, we do not like the feeling of having no control over our own destiny, but it is hard to control a plan we do not fully understand. Help us to remember that Your plan is always better than ours. Help us to remember you have traveled the detour, you have been in the wilderness and that you are already there with the desire of our hearts. In the name of Jesus, who is light is always near. Amen.
Job 17:11-12
It had been one of those weeks, nature had wrought its fury and for many including myself the journey of life was taking another detour into the wilderness. It is in times like these when the why questions start, when because we cannot see the entire plan, we think the designer has made some kind of mistake.
As I was thinking about the return trip to the wilderness - a couple of songs popped into my mind, and one by the group Casting Crowns really resonated with me. The opening verse goes “From where I'm standing Lord it's so hard for me to see where this is going and where You're leading me. I wish I knew how all my fears and all my questions are gonna play out in a world I can't control.” I can relate to that, can you? I think Job would have been able to relate to that as well. Job’s life had taken a major detour and his “friends” were pretty much telling him it was his own fault - they were obviously not balcony people.
The song goes on to say that when we are lost in the mystery, when we do not understand the Lord has already been there, He sees the whole plan from beginning to end. I love the words that come near the end of the song: “One day I'll stand before You and look back on the life I've lived I can't wait to enjoy the view and see how all the pieces fit.” I think Job understood, you can hear the why questions that must have been in the back of his mind and yet he knows that God is near the darkness he is in will soon be chased away by the Light.
I don’t know what you are facing as you read this. I don’t know how this detour is going to get me to the desire of my heart. What I do know is that my Lord is the architect of my life and yours knows and He is already there. So walk in faith, hope and peace.
A Prayer
Father, we do not like being uncomfortable, we do not like the feeling of having no control over our own destiny, but it is hard to control a plan we do not fully understand. Help us to remember that Your plan is always better than ours. Help us to remember you have traveled the detour, you have been in the wilderness and that you are already there with the desire of our hearts. In the name of Jesus, who is light is always near. Amen.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Into the Unknown
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’”
Genesis 12:1
I am not really a Star Trek fan, but it is interesting the things that pop into ones head when contemplating life. As I have been praying about some possible changes, the lines from the Star Trek introduction came to mind. You know the “to explore strange to worlds and to boldly go where no one has gone before.” It made me think about when God asked Abram to leave everything he knew and go to the land I will show you.
Abram and his wife had no way of knowing what twists and turns life would take as they set out in response to God’s call. They had no idea they would get new names, that they would become parents when they were really, really old. They had no way of knowing about anything they would encounter - good or bad, yet they went.
Abram wasn’t the only one God asked to go into the unknown. Moses was asked to lead his people from what was known to what was unknown. Jesus told his disciples to “go into all the world” (Mark 16:15). These fishermen, reformed tax collectors, converted Pharisees and women who most likely had never strayed far from home, went and changed the world.
I know I will probably not be heading into the “final frontier” any time soon, but each day offers the opportunity to go into the unknown. God doesn’t let us see the whole picture, He only reveals enough of the path ahead so that we can take that step of faith and He tells us repeatedly to not be afraid because He is with us.
I don’t know what everyone is facing this week but I expect more than a few of us are praying about changes and will need to step into the unknown in order become who we are intended to be in Christ.
So take a deep breath, breathe out a prayer for wisdom and guidance, then take the step and know that you are not alone.
A Prayer
Father, you know we humans like to stay where we think it is safe, where we feel comfortable, yet daily you call us to enter into the unknown that is life. Thank you for going with us, for being our wisdom and our guide. You tell us to fear not, we ask that you be our courage. The abundant life you offer cannot be found in our comfort zone, it is found in You. In the name of Jesus, who leads the way - Amen.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Oh... Give It A Rest
“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”
Exodus 33:14
Moses had led the people out of Egypt, had spoken with God on the mountain and dealt with the whole golden calf situation and again found himself on the mountain talking to God. If you read the verses leading up to this week’s verse you can hear Moses’ frustration, he is already tired of being the leader and tired of dealing with the people. God tells him, I am pleased with you - you are doing fine, I will go with you and I will give you rest.
So how do we find rest in our modern world, where we don’t think there are enough hours in the day to do all we think we need to do?
- Make sure the Lord is going with you - into your day, into each activity. Let him make corrections to your agenda.
- Remember the Lord created each day to be the perfect length, in the “good old days” people got up at sunrise and went to bed at sunset - if you need to turn on the lights it’s time to rest.
- God built a whole day of rest into His plan, honor that.
- Teach your children to rest.
- Take care of yourself and enjoy the company of friends and family.
- Remember all that needs to get done will; you don’t have to work yourself to exhaustion.
- Finally, make sure like Moses, that you have people around you who will lift you up and help you carry the load.
When the Lord was leading Moses and the people, when He stopped they stopped. This week let the Lord lead and when He stops, accept the rest He is giving.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for building rest into your plan. Forgive us for not resting as we should. Go with us into each day, each activity and when You stop help us to stop too. We need the kind of rest you want to give us so that we can do the work You have for us. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
He's Got You
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:4-5
A friend had called; she wanted to tell me personally about a health issue she was dealing with. As she told me, my heart ached for her - but she was good, well as good as you can be when you get a cancer diagnosis. She told me God had the whole situation in hand and she was filled with peace.
How often do we forget that we serve a God who has got us? He holds us in His hands, he knows our thoughts, the desires of our hearts and everything we need. What troubles or trials have we not faced because of His protection? He knows what we can handle and He gives us what we need to face the adversity of life.
God know us, we don’t have to speak for Him to know, but because He is a God of relationship He wants to hear what we have to say. He loves the sound of our voice whether we are speaking words of praise or crying out in anguish. He understands the true meaning of what we are saying even when we may not.
I love how this passage reads in The Message “You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in!” (vv. 4-6).
The point is this, no matter what you are facing today or this week - He is there, He is going before you, He’s got your back, He walks beside you. Everywhere you go and in everything that you face, He is there.
Deal with what you need to deal with, but no matter what, fear not and have peace because He’s got you.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for knowing us so well. Thank you for being present with us even when we may not be present with You. You know everything we will face, be our strength, our wisdom and our peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm 139:4-5
A friend had called; she wanted to tell me personally about a health issue she was dealing with. As she told me, my heart ached for her - but she was good, well as good as you can be when you get a cancer diagnosis. She told me God had the whole situation in hand and she was filled with peace.
How often do we forget that we serve a God who has got us? He holds us in His hands, he knows our thoughts, the desires of our hearts and everything we need. What troubles or trials have we not faced because of His protection? He knows what we can handle and He gives us what we need to face the adversity of life.
God know us, we don’t have to speak for Him to know, but because He is a God of relationship He wants to hear what we have to say. He loves the sound of our voice whether we are speaking words of praise or crying out in anguish. He understands the true meaning of what we are saying even when we may not.
I love how this passage reads in The Message “You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in!” (vv. 4-6).
The point is this, no matter what you are facing today or this week - He is there, He is going before you, He’s got your back, He walks beside you. Everywhere you go and in everything that you face, He is there.
Deal with what you need to deal with, but no matter what, fear not and have peace because He’s got you.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for knowing us so well. Thank you for being present with us even when we may not be present with You. You know everything we will face, be our strength, our wisdom and our peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Monday, April 22, 2013
An Age of Innocence?
“Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”
Psalm 20-6-8
It had been a very difficult week in the world - the Boston Marathon bombing, a factory explosion in Texas, poison in the mail for elected officials major earthquakes in Pakistan and China, North Korea’s finger on a missile trigger and plenty of acts of random violence. All of this had some asking what do we teach our children? All of this had some longing for a bygone age of innocence. As I thought about these things I began to wonder how long ago had that age of innocence really existed. The thought that came to my mind is the only real age of innocence was in the Garden of Eden - when everything was still perfect.
We try to protect our children from all the bad in the world, but I wonder how aware they really are. I wonder if there were children present at the crucifixion of Jesus. I wonder how many other crucifixions they had watched. I remember hearing grown- ups talk when they thought little ears weren’t paying attention. I remember listening to the news on the radio as the story of a bus load of children who had been kidnapped were found buried in a storage container not far from where I was. Yes we try to protect the children, but today it is hard to find a place to get away from the bad in the world.
So what are we to do? We teach them to trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We teach them that bad things happen but they need not be afraid. We can teach them to respond with compassion and grace. So what are we to do? We are to remind ourselves that we trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We remind ourselves that we live in a fallen world surrounded by fallen humans, so bad things are going to happen, even to us sometimes. We remind ourselves that because we trust in the Lord we must respond with compassion and grace.
Yes, to find the age of innocence we have to go back to Eden. Some day Jesus will be back and for those who have trusted in Him a new age of innocence will begin.
A Prayer
Father, help us to trust in you so that in the midst of this fallen world we can stand firm. Help us to trust in you so that we can be strong and courageous. Remind us that you have never promised and easy road - but you have promised to be faithful, never leaving or forsaking us. Thank you for the promise of your Son’s return - a return that will signal the return of the age of innocence. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm 20-6-8
It had been a very difficult week in the world - the Boston Marathon bombing, a factory explosion in Texas, poison in the mail for elected officials major earthquakes in Pakistan and China, North Korea’s finger on a missile trigger and plenty of acts of random violence. All of this had some asking what do we teach our children? All of this had some longing for a bygone age of innocence. As I thought about these things I began to wonder how long ago had that age of innocence really existed. The thought that came to my mind is the only real age of innocence was in the Garden of Eden - when everything was still perfect.
We try to protect our children from all the bad in the world, but I wonder how aware they really are. I wonder if there were children present at the crucifixion of Jesus. I wonder how many other crucifixions they had watched. I remember hearing grown- ups talk when they thought little ears weren’t paying attention. I remember listening to the news on the radio as the story of a bus load of children who had been kidnapped were found buried in a storage container not far from where I was. Yes we try to protect the children, but today it is hard to find a place to get away from the bad in the world.
So what are we to do? We teach them to trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We teach them that bad things happen but they need not be afraid. We can teach them to respond with compassion and grace. So what are we to do? We are to remind ourselves that we trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We remind ourselves that we live in a fallen world surrounded by fallen humans, so bad things are going to happen, even to us sometimes. We remind ourselves that because we trust in the Lord we must respond with compassion and grace.
Yes, to find the age of innocence we have to go back to Eden. Some day Jesus will be back and for those who have trusted in Him a new age of innocence will begin.
A Prayer
Father, help us to trust in you so that in the midst of this fallen world we can stand firm. Help us to trust in you so that we can be strong and courageous. Remind us that you have never promised and easy road - but you have promised to be faithful, never leaving or forsaking us. Thank you for the promise of your Son’s return - a return that will signal the return of the age of innocence. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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