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Category Archives: Romans

Romans 5:6-11

08 Apr

6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Romans 5:6-11

Dear God, am I really a friend of yours? That’s an incredible thought. But let me start back at the beginning.

I wonder how much of the timing of Jesus being born when he was was because of who was alive at the time. From Mary and Joseph to Peter, John, and Paul. These were all unique people who did remarkable things. When Paul says, “…just the right time…” I can’t help but wonder also about the other players in the story and how unique they were too. Even the bad actors such as Herod and Pilate.

Then there is the idea that you chose to wound a part of yourself, permanently scarred, for my reconciliation with you. Frankly, I don’t think I’ll ever fully grasp it or appreciate it. How could I? You’re so unfathomable. How could I ever really understand what it cost you, and then appreciate it adequately.

Finally, a friend of yours. You are my friend. I mean, it’s an unequal friendship to be sure. You are my God. I worship you. But I don’t worship you out of fear. I worship you out of love. I worship you out of gratitude. You’ve done so much to make it possible for me to be here praying to you. How could I not offer you my adoration?

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I worship you as my complete, Triune God. Thank you for what you have done for me and what you continue to do. You are my God. I am your servant. But I am also your friend. That is something that I can’t think of any other religion in the world can really claim. I’m probably wrong there, but the concept of you wounding and sacrificing a piece of yourself for us is certainly unique. Help me to live into that gift.

I offer this prayer to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on April 8, 2024 in Romans

 

Lent Day 46

30 Mar

Dear God, before I get into today’s passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer, I want to look at something the priest read yesterday when I attended a “Stations of the Cross” service at our local Catholic church. This is an excerpt from the 12th Station: 

My people, what have I done to you? 
Or in what have I offended you? 
Answer me. 
What more should I have done and did not do? 
I led you out of the land of Egypt, and you prepared a cross for me.
I opened the Red Sea before you, and you opened my side with a lance.
I gave you a royal scepter, and you give given me a crown of thorns.
With great power I lifted you up, and you have hung me upon a cross.
My people, what have I done to you, or in what have I offended you? 
Answer me.
(from the Reproaches of Good Friday)

There are shades of your speech to Job in this, but it’s very convicting for me because I know that if your time on earth had come now and not 2,000 years ago, I would be as guilty as any. I wouldn’t have gone to see you, so my attitude would have been more apathy that hatred, but I certainly would not have worshipped you or even defended you.

But there is a question that is asked here that people today could stand to answer: “What more should I have done and did not do? There are some example of human suffering I hate such as sex trafficking and war, but even those are manmade. What do I expect you to do to stop them? How do I expect you to intervene in our lives to smite the bad people and build up the good? Who is to say which side of the cutline from good and bad I would be on? You, of course. But my point is whenever I have stopped to think about how things should be different–how the Bible could be better or more clear and concise, how you should approach evil in the world, etc.–I have no idea. We are who we are as humans. Maybe I could take issue with how you created us in the first place, free will and all, but I cannot take issue with who you are and how you love us. What more should you do that you have not done?

Here are today’s passages. It’s interesting that there is no Gospel reading. Jesus is apart from us for the time being. Part of our God has died, sacrificed for me. Amazing

  • AM Psalms: 88, 95
  • PM Psalm: 27
  • Job 19:21-27a
  • Romans 8:1-11
  • Hebrews 4:1-16

Psalms 88, 95 – Once again, they are pairing the worship of Psalm 95 with a lament psalm. In this case, it is Psalm 88. My wife mentioned yesterday a sermon she heard saying that Jesus might have had Psalm 88 in mind as he walked his path yesterday. I would love to be able to see into Jesus’s mind that morning as he walked a brutal and terrible road.

Psalm 27 – “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” That’s what we are doing now as we wait for Jesus’s resurrection. It’s also kind of the word I was getting from you way back at the beginning of Lent: Patience. Wait. I will wait patiently, Father. I will not force my own timing or agenda. I will wait.

Job 19:21-27a – I almost wish they had left our verses 21-24 because those are words of Job I think you would take issue with. But the faith beyond his ignorance in verses 25-27 is beautiful: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Yes! Yes!

Romans 8:1-11 – “But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Sprit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Oh, Father, bring my spirit your life through your Spirit. Live in me! Forgive me of my sin. Forgive the mess of my bodily temple. Thank you, Jesus, for making it possible for me to have the Holy Spirit in me.

Hebrews 4:1-16 – Lord, teach me what I am supposed to carry with me past this Lenten season. What should my time in scripture look like? Prayer? Service? Loving my family? Impact on my sphere of influence? In the case of this passage, Sabbath? Show me what to do. Reveal your truth to me.

Oh, Father, I offer this prayer to you in the name of Jesus, your son, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 30, 2024 in Hebrews, Job, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 39

23 Mar

Dear God, I heard some news this morning that distressed me. Are you calling me to some sort of action? Have you put me in a unique position to act? Oh, please guide me.

And I had an odd interaction yesterday that almost felt demonic. It left me frazzled, anxious, and frantic. Maybe it was your Holy Spirit whispering to me to reveal it to me, but I finally wondered if it wasn’t a demonic spirit who was messing with me after the person and I parted ways. Oh, Father, protect me from the powers and principalities of the enemy–Satan. Please protect me. Holy Spirit, flow through me. Please, Jesus, bring me your healing.

Here are todays passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

  • AM Psalms: 137, 144
  • PM Psalms: 42, 43
  • Jeremiah 31:27-37
  • John 11:28-44
  • Romans 11:25-36

Psalms 137, 144 – I almost want to stop here and spend all of my time in Psalm 137. It is so powerful. I’m going to assume this was written during the exile prophesied in Jeremiah. And I don’t know how trained the psalmist is in the prophesies of Jeremiah. I don’t know if he is specifically familiar with the instructions of yesterday’s passage from Jeremiah 29 (the one we take out of context and foolishly proclaim over our lives) about you knowing the plans you have for the Israelites during and after their exile/captivity. Did he know of the instructions to building houses and have children? There is so much lament here. And it’s deep. And it’s appropriate. I get it. I’m not saying that every one of them shouldn’t feel lament. Perhaps this was written after he had seen Jewish children dashed against the rocks. But there is also living to do. You are to be worshipped by your creation. Generations are to be continued. Life is to be lived regardless of the awful circumstances. I’ve never thought about combining this psalm with Jeremiah 29 before, but it’s actually quite beautiful to think about. And then we go to Psalm 144, which David wrote. praising you and submitting himself to a life lived for you. Beautiful.

Psalms 42, 43 – I like how these two psalms are both worshipful and despondent at the same time. I like the question, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” that is within each one. I feel that sometimes. I am with you. I am worshipping you. I love you. Why is my soul sometimes downcast. Then I remember my sorrows and I remember that it is okay to mourn. I would be a heartless beast to not mourn over some of the circumstances in my life. And I bring that mourning to you and you comfort me. And I live a pretty joyful life in the midst of it. But I confess there is always a constant sorrow. But that sorrow keeps me strongly tethered to you. If for no other reason, I am grateful for that. I am grateful to be humbled before others because of this sorrow. I am grateful that I can be a source of comfort to others because of my sorrow. And I am grateful for all of the joy in my life in the midst of my sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:27-37 – This is a great set up for the new covenant. It literally says in verse 31, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” Thank you, Jesus! Oh, thank you!

John 11:28-44 – “Jesus wept.” Why did he weep? I don’t think it was over Lazarus (personal opinion). I think it was over the pain he saw everyone in. About 10 days ago, I was in a hospital room with a family shortly after they wife/mother had passed. While I knew the woman and was sad at her loss, my tears were fueled by the pain of her family and compassion for them. It’s amazing to think, God, that you, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit truly love us as much as you do. Amazing.

Romans 11:25-36 – I just feel compelled to retype Paul’s doxology from verses 33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has know the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who as ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him area ll things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Paul referencing Isaiah 40:13 and Job 41:11).

Father, I offer all of my heart to you this morning. My prayers. For my wife. For my children. For my community. For my friends. For my extended family. For my country and for the world. Oh, Lord, God Almighty!

I pray all of this in Jesus, your son, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 23, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 38

22 Mar

Dear God, this is a special day because it is a day that you have given to me. Don’t let me waste it. I want to use this day to glorify you. Frankly, I don’t have anything particularly special scheduled. I just have a lot of work to do. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what happened 25 years ago today. At this hour 25 years ago, my wife and I were getting ready to head to the hospital for her to be induced to have one of our children. Oh, how I love that child. Tears are in my eyes as I type this. So much love. Thank you for that child and that day. Things got complicated with the delivery and we had a complication, but you kept my wife safe and the child safe. Thank you for that too.

Here are today’s passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

  • AM Psalm: 22
  • PM Psalms: 141, 143
  • Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13
  • John 11:1-27
  • Romans 11:13-24

Psalm 22 – This is one of those great songs of lament. Of course, the opening words are familiar to the Passion and Easter stories: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” I have a friend with whom I check in each day through the WeTree app. Frankly, his check-ins are usually more upbeat than mine. Not that mine are doom and gloom, but sometimes I start to worry that I don’t see enough positive and focus on it. Then I read a lot of these psalms and remember there is always a place for lament. For me, through these prayers and different forms of self-reflection, I think I have a healthy amount of access to and working through those feelings. They don’t dominate me, but they are certainly part of the cocktail that makes up who I am as a person. So this psalm is a good reminder that it’s okay to lament. It’s okay to have sorrow. It’s the sorrow that sometimes motivates me into 1.) prayer, 2.) action, and 3.) empathy for others.

Psalm 141, 143 – Playing off of what I just said about Psalm 22, here is David exploring his heart through writing poetry and then laying it before you. And it’s not all pretty. Some of his psalms are very worshipful, but some of his psalms express agony, fear, sorrow, or any list of other negative (and I hate to say negative because that doesn’t mean they are bad to have) emotions. It makes me think of the movie Inside Out. The emotion of Sadness had its part to play in the little girl too.

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13 – Oh, how this passage (especially verse 11) is taken out of context, but in its correct context it is still such a beautiful thing, if not also being a tough pill to swallow for those receiving it. For me, it is counterintuitive what we read about yesterday that you were with those who were being sent into exile, but not the remnant left behind. It will be 70 years before this prophecy is fulfilled. Every adult hearing it will be dead when the time comes for Israel’s return. But they are given instructions to follow that will make it possible for their children, their children’s children, and so forth to live the fulfillment of the prophecy. They are to do everything they can to live for you–even live for the land they are in–so that you might bring their descendants to a new place. Father, right now, I don’t know that anything I am doing will benefit me personally, but I pray that the words of my mouth, the actions of my hands, and the thoughts of my heart will glorify you and set up your plan to be lived out through the world around me.

John 11:1-27 – As we move closer to the Passion and ultimately the resurrection, this story is an interesting precursor to it: Lazarus. But the sisters don’t even know what to ask you for. Jesus, you tell Martha that he will rise again, but she can’t think that big. She doesn’t know your real plan. I can’t think that big either. Help me to think that big.

Romans 11:13-24 – This seems like a lot of words to say that I, as a Gentile, am part of your plan, but I also have the opportunity to reject you and remove myself from that plan. Oh, Father, I want my branch connected to your vine. Thank you for grafting me into your Kingdom.

I offer all of this to you in Jesus, my Savior, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 22, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 37

21 Mar

Dear God, I am ready to be here with you this morning. I asked my wife last night how Lent was going for her and she said that it had hit a bit of a dry spot. I replied that I kind of felt like I was in the dog days of it as well, but maybe that’s also part of the point. This was a haul for Jesus. The first 30 years, the final three years, and then the final couple of weeks leading up to it. It was hard, but it was also just a day after day kind of slog. Well, my life and this slog isn’t nearly what Jesus’s was, and I don’t have crucifixion waiting for me eight days from now, but this is a reminder that Jesus really gave himself to this whole experience so that I could learn from him and be redeemed into relationship with you.

So here are today’s passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

  • AM Psalms: 131, 132, 133
  • PM Psalms: 140, 142
  • Jeremiah 26:1-16
  • John 10:19-42
  • Romans 11:1-12

Psalms 131, 132, 133 – I think I want to focus on 131 and 133, and not just because they are the shortest two of the three. Psalm 131 is probably one I should read every day (Gasp! Maybe even memorize?): My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore. Yes, I should probably read that every day. And then Psalm 133 makes me think of the ministerial association meeting I am attending later today: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. That is my prayer for our local ministerial association.

Psalms 140, 142 – While I don’t like all of the sentiments of Psalm 140, I do use this to pray for a friend I visited with yesterday. This friend has some people out there who are conspiring against them, speaking against them, and, just all in all, judging them for something they don’t really understand. So “rescue [them], O LORD, from evil men; protect [them] from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.” But I also pray for those who are judging. Raise up people who will speak your truth to them. Give them love. Give them peace. I know they think they are doing to right thing. And maybe there is some rightness in what they believe, and maybe there is some wrongness in what I believe and my friend is doing, but I know that the current path is not of you.

Jeremiah 29:1-16 – This is quite a story as part of Jeremiah’s journey. What I really like about it was the part where Jeremiah just surrendered to the situation you put him in and said, basically, “Yeah, do what you will to me, but it won’t make me wrong and it will only make you more guilty than you already are.” Father, help me to surrender my life to you today. Give me the right ideas and words. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, but if there is something you need me to do please give me the courage to do it.

John 10:19-42 – As Jesus was walking this difficult path, he was having to confront those he knew he would not change. He knew going in that they didn’t believe in him. He knew they would try to kill him. And yet he went to tell them the truth. He might have also been setting up the anger towards him that ultimately led to his crucifixion, but he also just spoke the truth to him. And I don’t know where Nicodemus was during this interaction, but I know that he was at least one who believed. Maybe all of it was partly for him too.

Romans 11:1-12 – I think one thread through all of these stories from Jeremiah and John and what Paul is saying here is that there are so many of us who think we are so right, and yet we are so wrong. Please give me eyes to see where I am wrong. Give me a willingness to see where I am wrong. Help me, Father, to see your truth and see the world with your eyes, regardless of what it costs me.

I pray all of this in Jesus, your son, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 21, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 36

20 Mar

Dear God, the funeral yesterday was lovely. My wife commented it was the best funeral sermon she’s ever heard. The main thrust of the comforting part of the message was that a few days before she died the pastor, who was the woman’s brother-in-law, asked her if there was anything she had to say. She had to go to a lot of effort to say the words, “It’s not fair.” Then the pastor related that emotion even to Jesus on the cross and his feeling of abandonment. This is a weird existence we have. And yeah, sometimes it doesn’t seem fair. But as we were told over and over again as children, even though none of us want to believe it, life isn’t fair.

Speaking of Jesus on the cross, let’s see what the passages are today from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

  • AM Psalm: 119:145-176
  • PM Psalms: 128, 129, 130
  • Jeremiah 25:30-38
  • John 10:1-18
  • Romans 10:14-21

Psalm 119:145-176 – This psalm reminds me of the error I sometimes make that I can bargain with you. “God, if I do this will you do that?” That is a pretty Pagan, idolatrous way of looking at you. Like I can own you and bargain with you. Like you are somehow subject to my demands. Can I pray to you for outcomes? Of course. But the idea that, well, going back to the funeral yesterday, life should be fair at all–that I deserve whatever I deem fairness to be–is simply making you in a small god, and the God.

Psalms 128, 128, 130 – Of these three, 130 is my favorite. It’s not expecting or asking anything of you but mercy and forgiveness. I think the psalms of lament full of repentance and then the ones that are just pure worship are my favorite. Most of the others bother me a little theologically.

Jeremiah 25:30-38 – This is pretty grim prophecy. It’s no wonder the people of the time embraced the false prophets instead. In the end, I suppose, the run of the mill Jewish person didn’t need to know this prophecy except to ultimately learn that you were using this pain to call people back to you. At this point, there was nothing they could do to stop it. They just had to live their lives each day. Make a decision to worship you regardless of their circumstances. Father, help me to always worship you, regardless of my circumstances.

John 10:1-18 – Jesus, thank you. I still don’t totally understand the lines between praying to the Father, you, or the Holy Spirit, but I know that I am grateful you are my shepherd. I am grateful you love me with the Father’s love because you and the Father are one. I am grateful you teach me through what is recorded of your words and actions. I am grateful for your reconciliation between the Father and me. Between you and me. Between the Holy Spirit and me. Thank you for being my good shepherd.

Romans 10:14-21 – Verse 21 from Paul to the Romans is powerful: “But concerning Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient people.'” Thank you for continuing to hold out your hands to me.

I offer all of these thoughts and prayers to you in Jesus Christ, and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 20, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 35

19 Mar

Dear God, I have a funeral to attend today. It’s one of those where I know the husband pretty well, and while it will be hard and sad to say goodbye to his dear wife, it will be a privilege to be there for him and his children. Please live through me today, Father. Live through me today with my wife, with my work, with my children, and with my friends. “Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.”

Here are today’s passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

  • AM Psalms: 121, 122, 123
  • PM Psalms: 124, 125, 126
  • Jeremiah 25:8-17
  • John 9:18-41
  • Romans 10:1-13

Psalms 121, 122, 123 – I had two thoughts while I read these psalms this morning. The first was about a workshop I went to yesterday about mental health needs and resources in our community. Our children are struggling. Our children need help. Those who care for them need help. Their parents. Their teachers. Their church youth workers and Sunday school teachers. There is a lot of pain, and the church actually has the answer, but I fear that they American Evangelical church is offering the wrong answer right now. It is offering more rules. It’s not offering what Jesus taught us to offer. Oh, Father, help us offer you to them. Reconciliation to you. Freedom in you. And when I say them, I mean not only the children, but their parents, teachers, youth leaders, and Sunday school teachers.

My other through was from what David said in 122: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.'” I just picture the scene of one of David’s friends, advisors, confidants, or whatever talking with him and saying, “Let’s go to the house of the LORD,” and David lighting up with that idea. It paints a great scene.

Psalms 124, 125, 126 – From this group, I am reminded of how you provide for me personally and the nonprofit where I work. One of our current campaigns is not going well, and there is a tendency in my heart to panic. But I have to ask myself the questions: Am I trusting in you in this moment? Have I taken too much credit for what has come before? Oh, Father, if I have taken any credit for the good you have done to our clinic, please let me know. If I am not trusting you enough, I am sorry. I do trust you, oh God. I repent of attaching my ego to our fundraising success. I am sorry.

Jeremiah 25:8-17 – As I was flipping through Jeremiah today and remembering how long the book is, it just made me think about this poor prophet’s life. There was no “best life now” for him except that he got to live in your presence and hear directly from you. But I would imagine that his daily check-in with friends on his emotional health would not have been filled with much good news. I am unbelievably fortunate to live the life I live.

John 9:18-41 – Reading the story of the blind man healed and the Pharisees being so upset about it makes me think about how all of us in the church can get focused on the wrong priorities–including me. Holy Spirit, please speak to me. Teach me. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see.

Romans 10:1-13 – I just have to reprint verses 1-4 here: Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. I seem to be coming back to this theme this morning. Perhaps it is my own biases that are bringing me here, but I am simply concerned about some in your church who are acting like Pharisees but can’t see it. Holy Spirit, help me to hear you clearly, repent where I need to repent and then act when I need to act. And let anything I do be done in your love.

I offer all of this to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 19, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 34

18 Mar

Dear God, one thing I have NOT liked about going through this devotional book for the last 34 days is that it has taken away some of the flexibility in the approaches I sometimes take with these times with you. Like yesterday, we sang this lovely song in church. I took a picture of the page in the hymnal so I could remember it for later and look at it later. It’s the kind of thing I might have focused on this morning to help keep these times with you fresh. Now, as I’ve done this 34 days in a row and I have 13 days left I am finding myself not as enthusiastic as I was at the beginning of this seasonal commitment. But then again, maybe that’s also part of this journey. Getting beyond the emotion of it and pushing through. Finding you when my enthusiasm isn’t there. Disciplining myself to submit to you and hear from you.

Speaking of hearing from you, I think I heard from you this morning. I have a complicated thing to deal with from my work, and I felt like you gave me a word about that this morning. Thanks for that too.

With all of that said, here are the passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer. Please speak to me as I read them this morning:

  • AM Psalm: 31
  • PM Psalm: 35
  • Jeremiah 24:1-10
  • John 9:1-17
  • Romans 9:19-33

Psalm 31 – What strikes me here is how down David could feel. I’ve said this before, but I’ve had people read my prayer journals and ask if I’m doing okay. What I tell them is I’m normally doing just fine, but some of this pain is inside me and it comes out through these prayers to you. It’s nice to be reminded that David himself, the most revered king in Israel’s history, felt this way often. I’m so impressed that he was vulnerable enough to share it in this way.

Psalm 35 – When I see these psalms of David where he is wishing ill on his enemies and claiming himself to be innocent, I am now experiencing them in a different way since I first discovered this concept a month ago. The concept is to think about David writing these words on behalf of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband whom he murdered. David was not alone in his life as a victim. And his abusers were not alone in their lives as abusers. We are all in both camps: abusers and victims. And when I say abuser, I’m not talking about child abuse, sexual abuse or things that are that heinous. I just mean people who sometimes either accidentally or intentionally cause harm to others. We all do that.

Jeremiah 24:1-10 – I would imagine the people being exiled were desperate in that moment. Downtrodden. Forlorn. But you were working it for their good. You were using it to refine them.

John 9:1-17 – It seems like Jesus did these things on the Sabbath intentionally. And maybe not. Maybe he healed so many people on the other six days it didn’t get mentioned, but the Sabbath healings always caused a stir. Either way, the Pharisees were split on who Jesus was. I would imagine Nicodemus was in the “Jesus is Messiah” camp. Your current church is split on so many issues. Oh, Holy Spirit, make us one. As Jesus and you and the Father are one.

Romans 9:19-33 – Paul’s words at the beginning of this passage, right after talking about you choosing to show your mercy to this one or that one, remind me of the lesson Job learned by the end of his story. Who am I to question you. You are God and I am not. They will be done.

I offer all of these prayers to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 18, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 32

16 Mar

Dear God, I’m working a little faster this morning so I’m going to jump right into the scriptures. I just want you to know really quick that I love you, I am grateful for you, I am humbled before you, and I am sorry for the times when my selfishness overrides everything else. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercy.

Here are the passages today from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

  • AM Psalms: 102, 108
  • PM Psalm: 33
  • Jeremiah 23:9-15
  • John 6:60-71
  • Romans 9:1-18

Psalms 102, 108 – I like the juxtaposition of a psalm of lament and a psalm of worship. While I don’t feel lament in this moment, I have certainly felt it this week. It’s been a hard week. At the same time, I was worshipping you as well. Oh, keep me in a heart of worship, even in my times of lament.

Jeremiah 23:9-15 – Father, there are people in my community (not pastors) who I think are lying prophets, but I am not 100% sure I am right. Speak to me and inspire me, Holy Spirit. Speak to me and inspire me to do what you want me to do. Correct me when I’m wrong. Encourage me when I’m right. And always fill me with a spirit of your love. Let me always communicate love.

John 6:60-71 – Still finishing up the sifting of the disciples story. Jesus not only speaks of Judas in verse 70, but I think he is speaking to Judas. He knows Judas is struggling with what he just heard. He knows it’s bringing up anger and disappointment in him. Oh, Father, let me never be driven to sin out of my disappointment in you.

Romans 9:1-18 – There are parts of this passage that are hard to read. Oh, thank you for grafting my branch to your vine.

I offer this to you in Jesus’s name,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 16, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Lent 2024, Psalms, Romans

 

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Lent Day 31

15 Mar

Dear God, I feel like my ship is leveling out a little. Thank you for walking with me this week. Thank you for being with me here this morning. Thank you for answer prayers, even when you say no.

I found out yesterday about another friend who is facing some personal challenges and scrutiny. I feel for them. Please help them. Please speak directly to them. Comfort them. Guide them. Love them. Help them to completely sink into your arms and feel your love. I know they love you. They have one of the most well-developed faiths for a fairly young person I’ve ever seen in person. Help them as they go through this.

And, of course, help the family of the woman who died two days ago. She has a son who turns 20 today. I don’t like that, for the rest of his life, he will likely relate his birthday with her death. Please redeem that somehow. And help his family and friends know how to love him today.

Here are the verses from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.

  • AM and PM Psalm: 107
  • Jeremiah 23:1-8
  • John 6:52-59
  • Romans 8:28-39

Psalm 107 – This psalm kind of reminds me of what C.S. Lewis said in The Problem of Pain. Not that this is a new concept, but it’s simply that you use trials that come into our lives to bring us back to you. We get so sinful and self-capable. But we are not as strong as we think we are. I am not as strong as I think I am. This week has been hard. I’ve needed you. Frankly, at times I haven’t even felt that comforted, but I still know I need you. With no trials I would never know I need you. But I need you today, Father. Jesus, and Holy Spirit. I need you today.

Jeremiah 23:1-8 – The part at the beginning about “the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of [God’s] pasture.” But you will send “a King who will reign wisely and do what is jut and right in the land.” I can’t help but think of Christian Nationalism here. I feel like there are some pastors whose hearts are in the right place, but they are scattering the sheep by making an idol out of political power. Help me know how to respond to this, and, if I am incorrect, help me to see my errors and teach me.

John 6:52-59 – Well, this passage makes me think of my difference in opinion with my Catholic friends and family regarding transubstantiation. But that difference really doesn’t matter. I tend to think the point of this passage is to thin the herd a little and find out who is really in and who isn’t. I’ve confessed many times that, had I been there, I’d have been out. But I want to be “in” today. I want to be totally “in” with you, your Kingdom, and what you are calling me to do.

Romans 8:28-39 – All things working together for good is something I’m incapable of evaluating. Going back to my need for suffering to draw closer to you and keep me close to you, I cannot say that I am a good judge at any given time of whether or not you are working things out for my good. Sometimes, it certainly doesn’t seem so. I’m sure my friend who just lost his wife doesn’t think this is working out for his good. And maybe he never will. And maybe I’ll never see it either. But our faith tells us that you are bigger than anything we can see. Please, work all of the different things that are on my heart out for the good.

I offer all of this to you out of gratitude, love, and submission, and I pray in Jesus and with the Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
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Posted by on March 15, 2024 in Jeremiah, John, Psalms, Romans

 

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