Tag Archives: God

Lent, pt. 15

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We read yesterday how the woman, who was subject to bleeding, was in Pain.

In that pain, she was driven to desperation.

However, she soon had a Problem.

Reading Mark 5:25-34 can, again, give context.

If Pain=Desperation, then Problem=Disillusionment.

Here is what I mean.

Before she found Jesus, she tried normal methods to get healing.

Doctors, medicine, etc. But none of that was not working. In fact, she was getting worse.

This disillusionment with the world’s system can sneak up on us. This is what it might look like in today’s day:

     Going to the casino because you can’t make rent this month.

     Hiring a prostitute because you can’t find a wife.

     Leaving a job because you were treated unfairly.

     Breaking up with your boyfriend because of trust issues.

     There maybe more in your life. We all can have problems.

These circumstances become problems because we don’t go to Jesus first. 

The text says that the woman was going to doctors and getting worse before she ever heard of Jesus. She was disillusioned.

But thanks be to God because we have heard of Jesus.

Ironically, He may choose to use the very problems in our lives to bring about healing.

A doctor could do surgery.

An angry spouse could have a change of heart.

You could get a raise at work.

Life with Jesus does not exclude problems. Life with Jesus gives hope through problems.

It is okay to let you Pain push you towards Desperation.

But please don’t let your Problems bring about Disillusionment.

Tomorrow, you can come back to see what part the People will play in our narrative.

 

Lent, pt. 12

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Did you go to church this morning?

I did and I loved it. God was speaking and I heard Him.

Our pastor read some verses from Mark 5. It was not, however, part of his message.

I feel like God was speaking to me through those verses. Stay tuned because the next couple of days will be the result of this morning’s encounter with God.

But as for this post, there is one word that I want to look at closely.

That word is change.

I have asked the question, “What is the purpose of Lent?”

Maybe you inquire about that as well.

Besides the story from Mark 5, I feel like God wants me to hit on that word, change.

Lent is useless unless it produces change.

Don’t bother fasting or praying if it won’t bring about change in you.

In chemistry, that change is called a catalyst.

I don’t want to try and tell you what to change. I just want to encourage you to change.

We are almost a third finished with Lent, take time to do something that will bring about the change that God wants in you.

That way, we can all avoid the Lent trap.

Good night.

Lent, pt. 11

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I would like to start with a verse.

“6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” NIV I Peter 1:6-7 

I was at war today. In my brain.

Sometimes, I really dislike being at war. It is no fun getting shot at constantly.

According to the verse at the beginning, I should greatly rejoice. What!?!?

Lent, for me, has been tough. I have not done very well at getting up early to pray.

I am slightly behind on my devotional.

And the devil keeps shooting at me.

But Jesus will be revealed!!!

It might be tomorrow or next week. Perhaps next year. Maybe in a decade.

But he will be revealed…and that is enough to keep me moving forward.

Has Lent been difficult for you?

Are you stuck?

Do you feel like all this is even worth it?

I think it is. If gold could talk, it would scream at the pain of the refiner’s fire.

Then, when all is said and done, God uses lots of gold in heavenly construction.

refining gold

You and I will get to heaven but only after God has refined us.

So hang in there! God is not finished with you!

Lent, pt. 9

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Today, 3.14, is Pi day.

What is Pi?

“Pi (π) is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.”

Here is the link to the website that gives that definition.

https://www.angio.net/pi/whypi.html

pi

I know, you are thinking about the connection between Pi and Lent.

Well, there isn’t one. I keep going round and round in circles but just can’t find one…

So as far as Lent is concerned, the fact that today is Pi day is irrelevant.

Some days are just like that. You go through your day without incident. The commute to work is unremarkable. Work itself, is plain and routine.

Nothing big or fantastic happens. No signs from God today! See yesterday’s post.

But that does not change the fact that God is still reigning on his throne.

He is the God of the storms and seas but also of the gentle breeze and still waters.

God is here, there, and everywhere.

So even if you don’t see, feel, or sense God’s presence, you can trust that He is right here.

Good night fellow God-chaser.

 

Lent, pt. 5

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If the speed limit is 65, then people should drive 65. Why is it then, people slow down only when they see a police car?

Maybe one should drive the speed limit because it is the right thing to do.

65 mph

For Lent, the same principle applies. I call it the 40/325 principle.

People go about their business month and after month. Then, almost suddenly, they give up something or do other holy activities for Lent. After Easter, they go back to their regular way of life.

They live regular for 325 days of the year but for 40 days, things change.

Like driving the speed limit, doing the right thing is good simply because it is right.

As a follower of Jesus, why is living in obedience or righteous living only being done part of the time? Shouldn’t I be living for God every day of the year?

Please understand that I realize there are certain times for prayer, fasting, etc.

I am all for making changes in one’s schedule to make time for God. That is what I am trying to do during this Lent season.

People should live right out of love, fear, and respect for God, not because they could get in trouble.

What are my motives during this 40 days?

And that is what I think I need to say:

What is your motive for giving up something during Lent?

You be the judge of your own heart.

And if it means slowing down a bit, I applaud you.

Good night and God bless.