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Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Do you have any Garden Friends? I understand this term may be somewhat unfamiliar to many of you as it was to me.
Before I met a man named Tiger Mcluen eight years ago at a conference for Youth Ministers, the phrase "Garden Friend" was not in my vocabulary. In fact, when he suggested that I needed to have garden friends, I was confused. Why would I need to have friends to garden with?
Now I had been told many by people that I needed a hobby or interests outside of ministry, but gardening with other guys seemed to be a stretch, even from a man named Tiger.
But over the past eight years I have come to understand and believe that I need garden friends. My family needs to me to have garden friends. My ministry needs me to have garden friends.
Mathew 26:36-40 says, "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'”
It was the final hours of Christ’s Life, just moments before he was to be arrested, tried, beaten, abandoned, and crucified; where He would bear the full extent of all sin, absorb the complete scope of God’s wrath, being fully separated for the first and only time from His Father, where he would experience death.
It’s no wonder He couldn't sleep. So, as was His custom, Jesus went for a walk in cool night air - to one of His favorite places, the Garden of Gethsemane. He went there to spend His last hours in prayer. But he didn't go alone. He took his friends, those whom he had taught, lived with, and invested in for three years. On reaching the place, He asked eight of them to remain and join him prayer.
Then, He gently invited three of his closest friends to walk a little further with him. As they stepped on dew covered ground, Jesus let his guard down and laid bare His soul, His struggles, and His burdens.
“Began to be sorrowful and troubled” the scripture says. Jesus didn't try to be strong, or act as if nothing was wrong: for it was. Christ was facing sin, separation, and death. He shared His deepest fear and struggles. He wasn't filled with pride, worrying about what they may think of him. No. Jesus needed support. He needed His friends.
Christ in full transparency turned to these men and said “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” Jesus, the one who spoke and Lazarus was raised, spit in mud and blind men saw, this Messiah’s soul was burdened and filled with despair. He could not take it any more.
Turning, He asks His closest and most trusted friends to shoulder this burden with Him and join Him in prayer. Jesus had Garden Friends. Men whom he trusted. Men whom he cared for deeply, friends who shared the same for Him.
Companions, whom He did not need to put on a mask for, or pretend to be strong. Friends who he trusted to share the deepest and hardest struggle His, or any, soul had ever faced.
Friends who gladly walked with Him, didn't judge or try to offer false assurances that things were fine. Friends who (although failed) were willing to shoulder these burdens with Christ — with their presence and in Prayer.
In his time of need Jesus, God’s own Son, needed these garden friends.
And I do too. In fact, every one of us does. We need friends who are willing to walk into the garden with us. The garden so often covered in darkness and muted with despair.
Friends who will listen, who can share our soul's hurts, struggles, and burdens with.
Friends who are not interested in judging, gossiping, or even offering a quick Bible verse to cover up the ache.
Friends who will not abandon us because we open up.
Friends who will support us with their presence and with their prayer.
Over the last eight years I have come to see how garden friends are something I need. Men who listen, counsel, and correct me. Who celebrate my achievements and mourn my failures. Love me when I am unlovable. Support me in prayer, shoulder my burdens, to laugh together, and share my tears. I need my garden friends and they need me. Like the Apostle Paul said in Romans 1:12 that we may be “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Who are your garden friends, those whom you can share life's joys and struggles with? Perhaps it’s time for another walk in the garden with them today.
I pray that God will provide you with godly friends to share life's ups and downs.
Labels: Alone, Burden, Death, Depressed, Despair, Encouragement, Fear, Friendship, Garden Friends, Gethsemane, Hurt, Jesus, Joy, Matthew 26:36-40, Prayer, Presence, Romans 1:12, Soul, Struggle, Trust
Tomorrow begins the season of Lent. While most are familiar with the term, for many Christians Lent is a mystery. For some it is simply a period of going on a diet; for others Lent is a time when their Catholic friends wear ashes on their foreheads and eat fish on Fridays. Although many are attracted to Lent, few know much about the Lenten season.
Although, the word “Lent” is not found in the Bible, nor are we commanded to observe this season, I believe this is an important time in the life of the Christian and the Church. Let’s take a moment and explore this special time.
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. The Lenten season is generally referred to as being 40 days long (which mirrors Christ’s time of fasting and prayer in the wilderness, Matthew 4:1-11) even though it is spans 46 days, because Sundays are generally not counted as part of the season.
Lent is designed to be a season of fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. Lent comes from the Germanic word for springtime, and can be viewed as a “spiritual spring cleaning,” or a time for taking a spiritual inventory and cleaning out those things which hinder our relationship with and service to Christ.
Lent is a time for serious self-examination. It is often a time spent in prayer, repentance, and fasting. In Scripture (see I Samuel 7:6, I Kings 21, and Ezra 8) fasting is often connected with times of repentance and prayer.
Fasting often means abstaining from all food and drink for a period of time. However it can also mean going on a disciplined diet, or simply giving up anything that you normally consume. This reminds us Who is in control; and also reminds one to spend time in prayer when their belly growls or they see the things they have given up.
Traditionally Catholics fast on Good Friday, and traditionally eat fish rather then other meat on Fridays during Lent. This tradition could stem from a couple of reasons. Some say that giving up meat was forgoing a luxury, as it was rare for most people to have. Others point to the early days of Christianity, they were forbidden to eat meat every Friday .
Friday’s were chosen because this is the day that Christ died, and is the day (sixth) where God created animals. Some believed that abstaining from meat is a symbolic "stay of execution" for cows, pigs, and sheep; symbolizing how the cross saves us from eternal death. Good Friday is also considered a fast day, where one goes without the usual luxuries as a form of penance, purification and remembrance of God's laws. This idea has morphed into the large fish fries we see today.
In any case, Lent is a time for serious, disciplined self-examination, spent in prayer and repentance before the cross of Calvary. Where we are reminded of our sin and the sacrifice of our Savior.
2 Corinthians 7:9–10 says, “Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Take time this season and consider how great our need for Christ is; and how His sacrifice completely met that need.
Labels: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10, Bible, Cross, Devotions, Easter, Fast, Fasting, Fish, Forgiveness, God, Good Friday, Jesus, Lent, Prayer, Preparation, Repentance, Sin, Spiritual Inventory, Spiritual Spring Cleaning
Sweeping, Scrubbing, and Scripture. Preparing for a Busy Week.
0 comments Posted by Eric at 10:33 AM
As we face the start of this week, I’m sure many of you, just like me, have much to get done in order to be ready for Thanksgiving this Thursday. For some, it requires packing and traveling some distance to spend time with family, while others are expecting a house filled with family and friends.
As a result, there is plenty to be accomplished in order to ensure your house is ready for your guests. Floors need to be washed and linens cleaned, enough food must be bought, thawed, and cooked at the right time, adequate sitting and tableware for everyone must be secured and sleeping arrangements finalized. As the “Must Do” list grows and appears impossible to finish, it becomes increasingly difficult to be thankful for anything, let alone find quiet time to spend with God. Yes, as I reflect on the busyness of the season, I am reminded of Luke 10:38-42, where Jesus and his disciples drop in on their friends Mary and Martha. Luke says,
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!""
Undoubtedly this was a large task to be completed. An entire meal for at least 15 people. Even with our modern kitchens and appliances, this would not be an easy or quick thing to accomplish. And here, Martha was left all alone in the kitchen to make all the preparations by herself while her sister lazily sat and visited with the guests. How could she do such a thing? As Martha worked in the kitchen, her frustration grew, and emotions boiled over until she burst into the room where Jesus was and demanded Him to instruct her sister to leave and help her with the preparations.
However, Christ lovingly looks back and correct her. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha was so wrapped up in the tyranny of the urgent - she forgot that the Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself, was at her house. She was so focused on her tasks she neglected to spend time with Christ.
Here Jesus doesn’t admonish her for preparing a meal, but reminds her there is something much more important than the feast she was preparing; that there is only one thing in life that really, truly matters, and it can never be taken away: time with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it is more important to feed the soul than to feed the body.
See, it is easy to become overwhelmed and distracted by all work and pressures of life, especially during the holidays. Despite all there is to do, there is only one important thing that must never be left undone; time spent in prayer and reading God’s Word.
This week, would you place time with Jesus on the top of your MUST DO list? Would you put down the mop and broom for a few moments each day this week and spend time in God’s Word and in prayer? Ask Him to realign your priorities, and help to restore an attitude of thanksgiving this season.
May you take time each day for the Best: Jesus Christ.
Labels: Best, Better, Bible, Busy, Christ, Devotions, Holiday, Important, Jesus, Luke 10:38-21, Martha, Mary, Meal, Prayer, Preparation, Soul, Thanksgiving, Time, To Do List, Work
When people outside of our church hear me talk about the FLY Convention, it’s easy to think I’m speaking about an aviation conference. However, this is far from the truth. Rather F.L.Y. is an acronym for Free Lutheran Youth, and the FLY Convention is the bi-annual youth convention for our Church Fellowship.
FLY, (as many call it) is held on the YMCA Camp of the Rockies which is nestled in the Rocky Mountains just outside of Estes Park, CO. Last year’s convention, was held over the week of July 4th; and I served as the Technical Manager for the Convention. I oversaw the pre, post, and live production, of the events held in our main meeting area; which is an oversized gymnasium. This was a massive task, one that required months of planning and lots of manpower.
The weeks leading up to the convention were filled with stress as I scrambled to complete all the last minute details. As I drove up the mountain Saturday July 2nd all the stress from the past weeks melted away, and I eagerly waited to begin the transformation of the stark gym into a warm and engaging meeting room.
From the moment I set foot on the YMCA Camp, I was faced with set backs. A storm in South Dakota nearly blew our semi off the road, our rented truck overheated on it’s ascent up the mountain, and this was only the beginning. Once all the supplies and staff landed safely onsite, we began to unload, unpack, and build the stage. Already behind, we had less than 48 hours before 1800 people descended on the Camp.
For the next 36 hours, breaking only for food and little sleep, my crew worked hard; handling every task with care and completing them as fast as humanly possible. As I collapsed on my bed early Monday morning July 4th I had only one desire - more time. That’s what I truly needed, more time. As I drifted off for a short nap, I was unsure if we would be able to finish before our opening service that evening.
More time is all I asked for, as others continued to inquire how they could help, or what they could get me. More time, I would say. I just need more time.
This theme continued throughout July 4th, along-with a few more surprises. Before I knew it, the camp was bustling with people and according to my watch, the opening service was less than 90 minutes away. We were not ready. More time, that’s what I needed. It seemed like an impossible request.
Soon, I was greeted by the leaders of the convention. I assumed they were coming to check in on the progress. I was wrong. They were coming to give me a progress report. It seemed I wasn’t the only behind that day.
Due to the holiday, the kitchen staff was not adequately prepared to serve supper for the 1800 people who had arrived that afternoon. The lines were backed up a good ¼ mile. It was evident that many of the conference attendees wouldn’t be done eating by the scheduled start time. As a result, they were coming to ask if we could start later. Without a second thought, I said YES!
As I reflected on this a year later, I was again amazed at my God. He gave me the one thing, the only thing I needed - more time. I was reminded that God knows of and cares for all my struggles; that He is all powerful and capable of doing exceedingly more then I can ever imagine. Even the impossible - Giving more time.
James 4:3 says “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Upon reflection, I realized during the stress of the event I never asked God for the one thing I needed. More Time. Sure, that’s the answer I gave everyone else, but I never took it to God. I thought it was a fruitless prayer since it was impossible. (Apparently I forgot the time when God caused the sun to stand for Israel.) Despite my unbelief God gave me just what I needed - more time. However, I can’t help but wonder what stress I would have been spared if I had only gone to Him in prayer sooner.
Let heed Christ’s encouragement to you bring all our needs, especially the impossible ones to the Lord in prayer.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7
The buzzing of the alarm, the chirping of the birds, the crack of thunder, or rustling of the wind through the leaves; there are many sounds that can wake us each morning. However, none quite compare to the sound of little feet.
Most mornings, before my alarm sounds or the song of the birds reach my ears, I am awakened by the sound of little feet racing across the hardwood floors at our home. Soon the hinges on our bedroom door begins to squeak and before I know it, our bed has some extra occupants, a five and three year old.
Although, this has happened for years, it never ceases to amaze me. The first thing my kids want to do each morning is to be with their dad. They don’t reach for the remote, or rush off to play with their toys. No, they simply want to be with me. If I have gotten up before they have stirred, they quickly leave our bedroom and set out on a hunt to find me.
But what about us? What do we seek out each morning? Coffee? Breakfast? A shower? The paper? Or maybe it’s the snooze button. Yet should’t we reach for something else?
Consider the words of David in Psalm 63:1 “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” Likewise the Prophet Isaiah said “All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God.” (Isaiah 26:9)
Each morning before our day begins there is a need, a desire, a blessing in seeking God through His Word and Prayer; feeding our spiritual life as we do our physical one. Receiving nourishment, strength, refreshment, and encouragement for the day ahead. We are reminded that our sins are forgiven, that we are His, and that this day was made by Him for Him.
Before you reach for your morning caffeine or hit the snooze button one more time, grab your Bible and crawl up into your Abba Father’s lap and enjoy some time with your Dad.
I hope you are eager to see and spend time with your heavenly Father first thing each day.
Labels: Bible, Dad, Devotions, Father, Father's Day, God, Isaiah 26:9, Jesus, Kids, Morning, Prayer, Psalm 63:1
There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. ~ Mark 9:1-2, 8
As an avid sports fan, I hear this phrase often. It's usually spoken by an analysts about an up and coming athlete who has yet to preform at the consistence level most believe he can. Whereas, most of the time his performance is average (or below) there are moments where his sensational play shines light on just how good he could be.
This is the experience that three of the Apostles in Mark 9. What started out as an ordinary day, soon turned exceptional. For a brief moment, they saw their Rabbi in fullness of His divine glory; a small glimpse of what is to come. For some time they had heard Him teach, heal, and even perform miracles. But they never had seen anything like this before; the stunning presence of God's Glory. Although it was for only a moment, it had a lasting affect on their lives.
As we go about our days, life can seem anything but remarkable; thats when it happens - we get a glimpse of God Power, His Glory. In the life a person broken by sin, though the prayers of another surrendered to Christ, or the testimony of God's healing in a family, we get to see His Power, His Work, His Glory. Like the apostles, may these times leave us speechless and changed for life. During the dry and discouraging days, let us recall these Glimpses of Glory. May they encourage, inspire, and remind us whom we serve.
Lord, please open my eyes so that I do can see your glory as the Apostles did, and remind me of these during the mundane days ahead.
Labels: Apostles, Christ, Devotions, Disciples, Encouragement, Glory, God, Greatness, Jesus, Mark 9:1-13, Power, Prayer, Sports, Testimony, Transfiguration, Transfigured
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