"For the One who sactifies and those who are sactified all have one Father. For this reason, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters..." -- Hebrews 2: 11-18
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One of the functions of my job is to negotiate contracts with customers and suppliers. These contracts are rarely less than 10 pages long, covering all sorts of concepts, but in general, they are meant to protect each party from harming the other in some way. Even those these contracts contain thousands of words, I often find myself making arguements over a few single words. One of the ways I win these arguements is to go into detail about what a particular word can imply if read the wrong way, and negate the other's position.
Unfortunately, at times, I forget to turn this mode off when I step away from work for the day. Greta may make a comment to me about something and I go to work on her, breaking down her point by arguing over a single word. She may start her point by saying "You always...". Of course, my comeback is "Always? You mean 100% of time? You are telling me that there is never an occassion when this is not true?" The trouble with that approach is that I choose to battle the issue unfairly by picking on a poorly chosen word, even though I understand her point and...as always...she is right.
It is sometimes easy to get caught up in the words chosen to describe a certain idea or point of view and, by picking on the word, chose to negate the whole intent of the idea. I find this the case when we think about the things we are "supposed" to do as it relates to our faith and our relationship with God. We hear our religious leaders telling us things like, the only way to the Father is through Jesus, or, we must repent our sins and foresake our evil ways or we are going to Hell. When we hear these direct commands, these directions which seem to obligate us to a certain path, we can often choose to pick certain words and go to battle with them. We say, "The only way to the Father...really? I must repent?".
I believe that a key concept sometimes missing from the messages we hear about the "obligations" of our faith, is the acknowledgement of the importance of choice. When we as humans feel forced into a situation, our natural instinct is to push back. But when we feel like we are given a choice, when we realize that the decision is our own, we take a different point of view. We are able to move from "we have to" to, "we want to".
In today's reading, the author of this letter to the Hebrews is appealing to the logic of the Jewish people at the time who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. The goal was to convince the reader with evidence that Jesus was aligned with and fulfilled the law. The author intended that once the Hebrews recognized these facts, they would want to believe in Jesus Christ.
So, do you need Jesus? I do. But what is really important is to want to need Jesus. When we want something, when we desire it and choose it, the thing becomes our own and not a forced march. The gift of free will we have received from our Father allows us to open ourselves to all that a life in Christ has to offer; peace, love, hope...which are wonderful things to want.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Mar 13 - "Thirsty"
"O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you as in a barren and dry land where there is no water." --- Psalm 63: 1-8
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As many of you know (my wife painfully so, especially during the last few weeks of marathon training), I am a runner. A part of having a good run, meaning, you don't die somewhere along the way or pass out after, is making sure you are properly hydrated. Before I head out on my almost daily runs, I am sipping water or some type of electrolyte drink; for those long runs of 12 miles plus, I take some along with me for when I get thirsty.
Thirst is such an interesting concept. Think about the marvel of physical being that you are and the perfect design God created in each one of us. Our body needs water and fuel in order for it to function properly. Since we are such a forgetful spieces, God created a physical yearning for water in order to make sure we did not forget to drink, shrivel up and die. He created the feeling of thirst, a feeling that is so powerful at times, we can become consumed by it...we would do almost anything to quench it.
But, we are not just physical beings, we are also spiritual beings. And, just as our physical beings require fuel to function, our spiritual beings require the equivalent, a spiritual "Gatorade", per se. What is this spiritual fuel we need? I believe it is moments spent in communion and in relationship with God. Do you not thirst for this relationship? If you dig deep down into your heart of hearts, the place where all things are the brutal truth, which you may never share with anyone else, don't you thirst and feel an emptiness longing to be quenched?
One of my favorite songs from Christian radio is "God-shaped Hole" by Plumb. The chorus of the song speaks to our thirst: "There's a God-shaped hole in all of us, and the restless soul is searching. There's a God-shaped hole in all of us, and it's a void only he can fill." When we came into our human existence at birth, each of us is born with this God-shaped hole. Unfortunately, many of us spend a good portion of our lives...I most certainly have and still often do...trying to fill that hole with something besides God. This effort to fill the "hole" is so consuming and compelling that we find ourselves in an addictive state: additicted to food, alcohol, drugs, lust, anger, hate, work or some other thing which causes us to pour greater and greater amounts of the addiction into a hole that can never be filled in such a way. We continue this unquenching behavior to complete our spiritual beings to a point where we are able to destroy our physical beings.
How do we quench this thrist? How do we fill this God-shaped hole? There is no cost to pay, no prerequisite for entry, no act we can perform or goal we can achieve which will allow us to drink from the bottomless chalice of grace and love He gives to us. All we have to do is ask Him for it; seek it; knock on the door. By opening ourselves up to the gift He has already given to us, by allowing ourselves to be filled up, our great and unending thirst is sweetly quenched.
So, partake, dear friends, from the cup that has already been filled and offered to you. Quench your thirst by seeking that relationship with God that is unique and defined only by you and God, not by the world. Drink deeply and thirst no more.
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As many of you know (my wife painfully so, especially during the last few weeks of marathon training), I am a runner. A part of having a good run, meaning, you don't die somewhere along the way or pass out after, is making sure you are properly hydrated. Before I head out on my almost daily runs, I am sipping water or some type of electrolyte drink; for those long runs of 12 miles plus, I take some along with me for when I get thirsty.
Thirst is such an interesting concept. Think about the marvel of physical being that you are and the perfect design God created in each one of us. Our body needs water and fuel in order for it to function properly. Since we are such a forgetful spieces, God created a physical yearning for water in order to make sure we did not forget to drink, shrivel up and die. He created the feeling of thirst, a feeling that is so powerful at times, we can become consumed by it...we would do almost anything to quench it.
But, we are not just physical beings, we are also spiritual beings. And, just as our physical beings require fuel to function, our spiritual beings require the equivalent, a spiritual "Gatorade", per se. What is this spiritual fuel we need? I believe it is moments spent in communion and in relationship with God. Do you not thirst for this relationship? If you dig deep down into your heart of hearts, the place where all things are the brutal truth, which you may never share with anyone else, don't you thirst and feel an emptiness longing to be quenched?
One of my favorite songs from Christian radio is "God-shaped Hole" by Plumb. The chorus of the song speaks to our thirst: "There's a God-shaped hole in all of us, and the restless soul is searching. There's a God-shaped hole in all of us, and it's a void only he can fill." When we came into our human existence at birth, each of us is born with this God-shaped hole. Unfortunately, many of us spend a good portion of our lives...I most certainly have and still often do...trying to fill that hole with something besides God. This effort to fill the "hole" is so consuming and compelling that we find ourselves in an addictive state: additicted to food, alcohol, drugs, lust, anger, hate, work or some other thing which causes us to pour greater and greater amounts of the addiction into a hole that can never be filled in such a way. We continue this unquenching behavior to complete our spiritual beings to a point where we are able to destroy our physical beings.
How do we quench this thrist? How do we fill this God-shaped hole? There is no cost to pay, no prerequisite for entry, no act we can perform or goal we can achieve which will allow us to drink from the bottomless chalice of grace and love He gives to us. All we have to do is ask Him for it; seek it; knock on the door. By opening ourselves up to the gift He has already given to us, by allowing ourselves to be filled up, our great and unending thirst is sweetly quenched.
So, partake, dear friends, from the cup that has already been filled and offered to you. Quench your thirst by seeking that relationship with God that is unique and defined only by you and God, not by the world. Drink deeply and thirst no more.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Mar 12 - "How can we forget?"
"If you say to yourself, 'These nations are more numerous than I; how can I dispossess them?', do not be afraid of them. Just remember what the Lord your God did to Pharoah and to all Egypt, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out." --- Deuteronomy 7: 17-26
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What are you struggling with? Do you have an issue which has been persistently troubling you for the last day...week...month...year?
Your problem may or may not be as big as the challenge faced by Moses and his people who were held in captivity in Egypt, but to you, it may seem just as daunting because you are living in the midst of it. During this time, you have probably tried all sorts of ways to resolve the issue, trying to work through it and bring it to closure. But, brothers and sisters, have you prayed for God to help? Have you put your need before Him and sincerely asked for His mighty hand to save?
You may say, "I have been praying...I have been asking for help, but help has not come!" But, don't forget that God works in mysterious ways. The simple act of offering up your problem to God in prayer may also help you to realize that the problem is not a big as you thought...or that there is a deeper problem at hand which, when resolved, will take the current problem away. The process of prayer and supplication to God sometimes allows the problem to "work itself out". Is that a coincidence, or is it God's hand at work?
It is amazing to me how forgetful we are, this human species. We can look to the Bible and see wonders and miracles abounding. Not a week goes by that, somewhere in the news, we don't hear about the person who was thought lost, but was found; the family whose house was destroyed by fire or storm, but somehow they were saved. I am sure that in the aftermath of the horrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan this week, we will hear wonderful stories of rescue and healing.
All of these things we are witness to, and yet we forget that if we merely offer our problems in prayer to God, He will deliver. Sometimes, the answer to our prayers come in a way we don't expect, but the solution, in accordance with His will and plan for each of us, will most certainly come.
So, don't forget...God can help. Put your troubles in His hands. Remember all that He has done, all of the amazing works and wonders He has delivered for us over time. Pray for His help in the knowledge that there is nothing beyond His power to resolve and that by putting our troubles in His hands we bring ourselves in line with His will and allow Him to show His love for each of us.
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What are you struggling with? Do you have an issue which has been persistently troubling you for the last day...week...month...year?
Your problem may or may not be as big as the challenge faced by Moses and his people who were held in captivity in Egypt, but to you, it may seem just as daunting because you are living in the midst of it. During this time, you have probably tried all sorts of ways to resolve the issue, trying to work through it and bring it to closure. But, brothers and sisters, have you prayed for God to help? Have you put your need before Him and sincerely asked for His mighty hand to save?
You may say, "I have been praying...I have been asking for help, but help has not come!" But, don't forget that God works in mysterious ways. The simple act of offering up your problem to God in prayer may also help you to realize that the problem is not a big as you thought...or that there is a deeper problem at hand which, when resolved, will take the current problem away. The process of prayer and supplication to God sometimes allows the problem to "work itself out". Is that a coincidence, or is it God's hand at work?
It is amazing to me how forgetful we are, this human species. We can look to the Bible and see wonders and miracles abounding. Not a week goes by that, somewhere in the news, we don't hear about the person who was thought lost, but was found; the family whose house was destroyed by fire or storm, but somehow they were saved. I am sure that in the aftermath of the horrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan this week, we will hear wonderful stories of rescue and healing.
All of these things we are witness to, and yet we forget that if we merely offer our problems in prayer to God, He will deliver. Sometimes, the answer to our prayers come in a way we don't expect, but the solution, in accordance with His will and plan for each of us, will most certainly come.
So, don't forget...God can help. Put your troubles in His hands. Remember all that He has done, all of the amazing works and wonders He has delivered for us over time. Pray for His help in the knowledge that there is nothing beyond His power to resolve and that by putting our troubles in His hands we bring ourselves in line with His will and allow Him to show His love for each of us.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Mar 11 - "Why it Feels Good to Be Good"
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to us all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." -- Titus 2: 1-15
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After spending this week in "Sin City", where there is an abundance of ways to be "bad" instead of good, I find today's scripture from the oft forgotten book of Titus to be a refreshing reminder of why it feels good to be good.
As is the case with scripture, on occassion, you have to remember the time in history during which it was written and not get caught up in all of the words, but in the intent of the words. Some people find this chapter of Titus a bit off-putting because it also recommends that "slaves" be submissive to their masters and show fidelity to them. However, within this obscure epistle of Paul, buried deep in the back of the New Testament, there is a wonderful section of verse which, after listing many ways we can be good people, says, "...so that in everything they may be an ornament to the doctrine of God our Savior."
I believe that our sole purpose, the reason we are in this world and exist in our human condition, is to glorify God. Now, when we think about the word "glorify", we can sometimes think it means that we are here to "serve" God or be in some perpetual state of worship and praise. We may also find ourselves thinking that God somehow "needs" our praise and our glory. But, think for a moment about how the word "glory" or "glorify" can also mean to put a thing to its best use and by doing so, presents a perfect realization of the full potential of that thing. When we sing...we glorify God by using the gift of our voice. When we run or swim or otherwise go break a sweat for a good purpose...we glorify God by using the gift of our body. When we pray, when we love...we glorify God by using the gift of our heart.
Glorifying God in the little things...and the big things...that we do every day allows us to put into action the gift of our sheer existence. The feelings each of us have when we know we have been good or done a good thing is when we become Holy and are closest to God.
So, glorify God by doing that good thing. Whether it is a kind word, a smile, a helping hand or that unselfish act which is only known by you and by God, all of these things fulfill your purpose and, dear friends, it feels good!
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After spending this week in "Sin City", where there is an abundance of ways to be "bad" instead of good, I find today's scripture from the oft forgotten book of Titus to be a refreshing reminder of why it feels good to be good.
As is the case with scripture, on occassion, you have to remember the time in history during which it was written and not get caught up in all of the words, but in the intent of the words. Some people find this chapter of Titus a bit off-putting because it also recommends that "slaves" be submissive to their masters and show fidelity to them. However, within this obscure epistle of Paul, buried deep in the back of the New Testament, there is a wonderful section of verse which, after listing many ways we can be good people, says, "...so that in everything they may be an ornament to the doctrine of God our Savior."
I believe that our sole purpose, the reason we are in this world and exist in our human condition, is to glorify God. Now, when we think about the word "glorify", we can sometimes think it means that we are here to "serve" God or be in some perpetual state of worship and praise. We may also find ourselves thinking that God somehow "needs" our praise and our glory. But, think for a moment about how the word "glory" or "glorify" can also mean to put a thing to its best use and by doing so, presents a perfect realization of the full potential of that thing. When we sing...we glorify God by using the gift of our voice. When we run or swim or otherwise go break a sweat for a good purpose...we glorify God by using the gift of our body. When we pray, when we love...we glorify God by using the gift of our heart.
Glorifying God in the little things...and the big things...that we do every day allows us to put into action the gift of our sheer existence. The feelings each of us have when we know we have been good or done a good thing is when we become Holy and are closest to God.
So, glorify God by doing that good thing. Whether it is a kind word, a smile, a helping hand or that unselfish act which is only known by you and by God, all of these things fulfill your purpose and, dear friends, it feels good!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Mar 10 - "Don't Worry...Be Happy"
"Do not fret because of evildoers; do not be jealous of those who do wrong. For they shall soon wither like the grass, and like the green grass, fade away. Put your trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on its riches. Take delight in the Lord and He shall give you your heart's desire." -- Psalm 37: 1-18
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Do you ever find yourself spending time fretting over people who are obviously doing wrong and yet are still prospering?
Given the constant flow of information we receive from 24-hour news channels or the Web, we certainly are not at a loss for numerous examples of people doing the wrong things on a daily basis. One microcosm of this is what seems to happen in Hollywood almost every day; some celebrity dragged back into court for breaking the law, then released or receiving a hand-slap sentence, pretty much walking out the door without material consequences to their actions. Doesn't this drive you crazy? Similarly, we often see associates at work or in our other social and volunteer activities, where someone continues to move ahead or receives accolades for their work, even though you and others know they are not doing their fair share.
I certainly find myself in this spot every once in awhile. There are times when I get too focused on those people in my work life who seem to be getting ahead or at least, not being held to account, while continually doing the wrong things. This can be a pretty negative way to spend my time and mental energy, but yet, I go there and find myself getting incredibly frustrated. But, what good does this serve? Have I improved the situation at all by binding myself in this fabric of worry?
Now, I am not advocating that we should just let evil run its course and lazily allow bad things to happen. There are plenty of ways we can take action to help those who are being wronged or support those who do battle with hatred or oppression in the world. This is really more about the wasted time we spend on petty jealousies. I do believe God wants us to take a different approach to the mental anguish we can put ourselves through, unproductively worrying about these minor things. The fretting and focus can take us away from the things we should be spending our thoughts and efforts on.
This Psalm, written with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does not tell us to take action against those who do wrong or give us guidance on the steps we should put in place to resolve their nefarious acts. The Psalmist simply says that we should put our trust in the Lord. Let Him handle it. Find joy in the fact that He will take care of all things and bring us to a place of joy and peace.
The words of the Bobby McFerrin song come to mind. My apologies if you now have that song stuck in your head the rest of the day. But the advice it gives is good when it comes to these times when we can find ourselves overly-focused on others' acts.
S0, don't worry. Let the Lord take care of those things which are out of our control and cause us unproductive mental anguish. Be happy in knowing that God has got it covered.
********************************************
Do you ever find yourself spending time fretting over people who are obviously doing wrong and yet are still prospering?
Given the constant flow of information we receive from 24-hour news channels or the Web, we certainly are not at a loss for numerous examples of people doing the wrong things on a daily basis. One microcosm of this is what seems to happen in Hollywood almost every day; some celebrity dragged back into court for breaking the law, then released or receiving a hand-slap sentence, pretty much walking out the door without material consequences to their actions. Doesn't this drive you crazy? Similarly, we often see associates at work or in our other social and volunteer activities, where someone continues to move ahead or receives accolades for their work, even though you and others know they are not doing their fair share.
I certainly find myself in this spot every once in awhile. There are times when I get too focused on those people in my work life who seem to be getting ahead or at least, not being held to account, while continually doing the wrong things. This can be a pretty negative way to spend my time and mental energy, but yet, I go there and find myself getting incredibly frustrated. But, what good does this serve? Have I improved the situation at all by binding myself in this fabric of worry?
Now, I am not advocating that we should just let evil run its course and lazily allow bad things to happen. There are plenty of ways we can take action to help those who are being wronged or support those who do battle with hatred or oppression in the world. This is really more about the wasted time we spend on petty jealousies. I do believe God wants us to take a different approach to the mental anguish we can put ourselves through, unproductively worrying about these minor things. The fretting and focus can take us away from the things we should be spending our thoughts and efforts on.
This Psalm, written with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does not tell us to take action against those who do wrong or give us guidance on the steps we should put in place to resolve their nefarious acts. The Psalmist simply says that we should put our trust in the Lord. Let Him handle it. Find joy in the fact that He will take care of all things and bring us to a place of joy and peace.
The words of the Bobby McFerrin song come to mind. My apologies if you now have that song stuck in your head the rest of the day. But the advice it gives is good when it comes to these times when we can find ourselves overly-focused on others' acts.
S0, don't worry. Let the Lord take care of those things which are out of our control and cause us unproductive mental anguish. Be happy in knowing that God has got it covered.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Mar 9 - "Good for the Soul"
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12: 1-14
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Does God require us to confess our sins? Is there something holy or spiritual that happens when we bow ours heads and come face to face with our actions which have hurt ourselves or others?
This season of Lent is a time of reflection and preparation for what we know is to come; the conviction, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the time when we orient ourselves towards the recognition, praise and thanksgiving of this most gracious gift. One death in a perfect sacrifice which paid the debt of our sins...past, present and future...and saved all of us from death.
This time of preparation causes me to think about other ways we prepare for various events and occasions. In my extended family, we are in the process of preparing for yet another baby coming into our lives! Niece or nephew #15 for Greta and me; grandchild #10 for my parents and child #3 for my sister...will be born into our family sometime before we celebrate the first day of May. How is my sister and her family preparing for this arrival? They are moving furniture around, painting, cleaning up, removing any obstacles which would not allow their new baby to be easily and wonderfully received into their family and household.
Through confession of our sins, we prepare our hearts and souls in this same way. When we confess and repent, we remove the obstacles that can get in the way of having a relationship with God. How many times have you said to yourself, "I don't deserve His grace...I don't deserve His love. I have sinned too much and am not worthy of His forgiveness." Let me tell you, brothers and sisters, you ARE good enough because God made you as His perfect creation. Christ died on the cross so that you might be fully forgiven...not because of things you do or going to church or being a good person...but because He already paid your debt in full.
When we are angry or feel hate for someone because of an offense, don't we feel that burden, that obstacle which prohibits us from a relationship with that person? When we do something wrong, can we not feel the wall which is put up between us and others or us and God?
God does not "require" us to confess our sins. God does, however, want, us to confess our sins because, by dealing honestly with our transgressions and putting them aside, we clear the way for receiving the full measure of grace and love which has already been given to us via our relationship with Christ Jesus. God wants us to confess our sins because he wants to be in relationship with us. Confession removes that wall and prepares our hearts for being filled with the love he brings to us. All we have to do is push our sin aside by the simple act of confession and repentance.
So, be good to your soul. Confess the thing you have done; do not be owned by it...but own up to it. For by tearing down the wall of guilt, anger or hurt, you open yourself up to the gift already given, a perfect love and grace which refreshes, renews and brings you peace.
*******************************
Does God require us to confess our sins? Is there something holy or spiritual that happens when we bow ours heads and come face to face with our actions which have hurt ourselves or others?
This season of Lent is a time of reflection and preparation for what we know is to come; the conviction, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the time when we orient ourselves towards the recognition, praise and thanksgiving of this most gracious gift. One death in a perfect sacrifice which paid the debt of our sins...past, present and future...and saved all of us from death.
This time of preparation causes me to think about other ways we prepare for various events and occasions. In my extended family, we are in the process of preparing for yet another baby coming into our lives! Niece or nephew #15 for Greta and me; grandchild #10 for my parents and child #3 for my sister...will be born into our family sometime before we celebrate the first day of May. How is my sister and her family preparing for this arrival? They are moving furniture around, painting, cleaning up, removing any obstacles which would not allow their new baby to be easily and wonderfully received into their family and household.
Through confession of our sins, we prepare our hearts and souls in this same way. When we confess and repent, we remove the obstacles that can get in the way of having a relationship with God. How many times have you said to yourself, "I don't deserve His grace...I don't deserve His love. I have sinned too much and am not worthy of His forgiveness." Let me tell you, brothers and sisters, you ARE good enough because God made you as His perfect creation. Christ died on the cross so that you might be fully forgiven...not because of things you do or going to church or being a good person...but because He already paid your debt in full.
When we are angry or feel hate for someone because of an offense, don't we feel that burden, that obstacle which prohibits us from a relationship with that person? When we do something wrong, can we not feel the wall which is put up between us and others or us and God?
God does not "require" us to confess our sins. God does, however, want, us to confess our sins because, by dealing honestly with our transgressions and putting them aside, we clear the way for receiving the full measure of grace and love which has already been given to us via our relationship with Christ Jesus. God wants us to confess our sins because he wants to be in relationship with us. Confession removes that wall and prepares our hearts for being filled with the love he brings to us. All we have to do is push our sin aside by the simple act of confession and repentance.
So, be good to your soul. Confess the thing you have done; do not be owned by it...but own up to it. For by tearing down the wall of guilt, anger or hurt, you open yourself up to the gift already given, a perfect love and grace which refreshes, renews and brings you peace.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Mar 7 - "The Journey Continues..."
"Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song." -- Psalm 100
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Hello again Dear Friends!
Almost a whole year has passed since we were last together in this way. Many of us are better than a year before; a few of us may be struggling with something new; all of us are changed. We have the ability each year in Lent to reflect upon our lives and upon our Walk as new and different people than we were the last time we set out on this path together from Ash Wednesday until Easter.
I invite you, once again, to join me on this Lenten journey. When I first began this effort 2 years ago, I took the approach of "giving something out" instead of "giving something up" for Lent. I had no idea how abundant the gifts would be, which have come, and continue to come back to me each day, as a result of this daily sojourn through The Word. God is good!
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and in you always.
***********************************
Hello again Dear Friends!
Almost a whole year has passed since we were last together in this way. Many of us are better than a year before; a few of us may be struggling with something new; all of us are changed. We have the ability each year in Lent to reflect upon our lives and upon our Walk as new and different people than we were the last time we set out on this path together from Ash Wednesday until Easter.
I invite you, once again, to join me on this Lenten journey. When I first began this effort 2 years ago, I took the approach of "giving something out" instead of "giving something up" for Lent. I had no idea how abundant the gifts would be, which have come, and continue to come back to me each day, as a result of this daily sojourn through The Word. God is good!
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and in you always.
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