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Showing posts with label Soul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soul. 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
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
Although it was 20 some years ago, I still remember the sinking feeling as I sat on my countertop in my parent’s bathroom trying to gather up the courage to tell Mom what had happened at school that day. I couldn’t get my lips to move. I tried but my throat was dry, and my tongue seemed to stick to the roof of my mouth. The harder I tried and greater thought I gave it; the more impossible it seemed. How could I tell mom, how could I admit to her that I received a blue slip at school? I was so ashamed.
In hindsight, I can clearly see this was hardly the scandal my mind made it out to be. One blue slip didn’t mean much. They were given out for things as small as forgetting to bring a pen to class or talking to a neighbor at an inappropriate time. Moreover, it took at least 5 slips in a short period of time before any real punishment (like a short detention) would be administered. Yet my tender conscious was pricked, I needed to tell her - but I was far too ashamed to speak.
I don’t remember much of the actual conversation, outside of the reassuring words that one infraction didn’t make me a hardened criminal, and the feeling of pure relief when it was finished.
As I look back at this experience I can’t help but feel a little silly. Did I really think that this one small offense would change how my Mother felt for me? Would this truly change our relationship, my reputation, and bring my future crumbling down? Would my parents disown me? Of course not. I never questioned their love, but the feelings of guilt and shame paralyzed my soul.
Shame has a powerful effect on our lives. It causes us to think incorrectly, act out of character, and live in fear of what might happen. It often keeps us away from those whom we love and respect. This scenario is played out far too often in the lives of many Christ-followers. The unresolved guilt and shame of what they have done (or failed to do) begins well up in their soul.
The Accuser comes, whispering into their ear, lies which only strength the grip shame and guilt have on them. Much like me, many sit at the edge of life burdened by the guilt of actions, knowing - desiring - to have the sting of sin removed. Yet they remain silent; afraid of how their heavenly father might treat them. With sealed lips, guilt ladened souls, and walls of shame; many remain silent staying far away from God and His people.
King David experienced this guilt isolation. In Psalm 32:3 he wrote “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” Ironically, silence and avoidance of God only leads to greater soul struggle, for the only relief is found in confession to Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews invites us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Not in ourselves, but in Christ’s perfect life, sacrifice, and resurrection. Trusting in His Work for the forgiveness of all our sins. When we do, we are assured to “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Instead of rejection, judgement, and harsh greeting, our heavenly father is eagerly waiting at the end of the road for each “prodigal” to return. When we do, He eagerly meets us with a warm compassionate embrace receiving, forgiving, and restoring that which sin has taken away.
Don’t let the shame of your sins keep you away from the Joy of fellowship with Christ. Heed God’s invitation given in Isaiah 44:22 “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”
And experience the Father’s sweet embrace of Grace.
Labels: Criminal, David, Detention, Devotions, Forgiveness, God, Guilt, Hebrews 6:14, Isaiah 44:22, Jesus, Luke 15:11-32, Mother, Prodigal Son, Psalm 32:1-11, Redeemed, School, Shame, Silent, Sin, Soul
A few months ago, a friend of mine asked me to read Psalm Seven and share some of my thoughts and reactions concerning it with him. I gladly accepted.
Over the course of the week I read and meditated on the Psalm. We learn from the prescript to the chapter that King David was under much distress and persecution caused from a man named Cush. Throughout the rest of the Psalm, David wrestles with and pleads for God to help.
Each time I read or thought about this passage I was bothered by Cush. Who was he? How did he know David? What did he do to cause David such great anguish? Why did he attack him? Where did Cush end up? When was the conflict resolved? These and questions like them have nagged at me each time I have read or thought about Psalm 7.
My friend, Jason, rightly stated in his blog post “First Impressions of Psalm 7” we know nothing about this man or the distress he caused David outside of the heading of this psalm. Yet, I must confess I’m still curious…. It was at this point that my inquisitive mind took a turn from attempting to figure out why we know nothing about Cush, to how come God doesn’t tell us more about him?”
At first, I was tempted to think that Cush and his attacks against David are not mentioned because they weren’t that important compared to the many other hardships David faced. However, that didn’t sit very well with me, for these attacks were very significant to David. He described the situation in verse 2 as “tearing at his soul.” Moreover, our Heavenly Father is concerned with all things in our life regardless of their size or perceived significance to others. Remember, He even counts the hairs on our heads. So then, what could it be?
Then, it hit me. God doesn’t tell us who Cush is, or the kind of trouble (big or small) he brought to David, because these details are not the focus of the Psalm; but rather David’s response is.
When faced with soul-tearing adversity: David first runs to the Lord in verses 1-2 telling Him about his problems and seeking His help. When he is safely in the arms of His Sovereign, David reflects on his own guilt in verses 3-5, asking the Lord to reveal any wrongdoing in his life that may have caused this to happen.
After some soul searching, He remembers the Lord’s sovereignty in verses 6-16, that the Lord is in control and justice falls from His hand. Comforted by God’s presence and character, David rejoices in verse 17 in the Lord’s care. Knowing and finding hope in the promise that God will deliver, avenge, and care for him.
We all have “Cushs” in our life, people or situations that tear at our soul. Instead of focusing on the cause, size, or whys of them, we should heed David’s example and run to the Lord, reflect on and examine our lives with God’s Word, and to remember and rejoice His sovereign care. This may not change our circumstances or ease our affliction, but it changes our attitude and outlook.
Remember, God cares for you and all the details of life.
Yes, I was duly warned. My older sister was very clear in her explanation and warnings to me. Vanilla Extract does not taste good. Over and over again she admonished me, telling me not to drink it. But I refused to believe her. It just can’t be. I knew that it enhanced the flavor of many goodies my mother baked, and besides it smelled so good. She must be wrong, or worse yet she doesn’t want me to enjoy this treat.
It wasn’t long before the pleasant aroma had convinced me. My sister must be wrong, How can something that smells so good be as bad as she describes? Besides, I could nearly taste the Vanilla on my lips. I raised the plastic bottle to my mouth and took a giant sized gulp. It never made it to my stomach. As soon as the liquid touched my tongue, I spewed it out and quickly attempted to rid my mouth of that horrible taste.
Trying to control her laughter, my sister said with smile, “see I told you it tasted nothing like it smells.” Many, many years later, I find myself still asking the same question “how can something that smelled so good taste so bad.” I learned a valuable lesson that day, looks can be deceiving. I do take comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who has learned that lesson; Lot did as well.
In Genesis 13 Abraham and Lot had to part ways since their herds had gown too large to remain together. In verses eight and nine Abraham tells his nephew to choose where he would like to settle, and he, Abraham, would go in the opposite direction. He did just that; Genesis 13:10-11 says. Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east.
Yes, this land looked perfect. It was beautiful, large, and luscious; appearing to have everything Lot needed for his family and farm to be successful. However, instead of peace, growth, and success; his family experienced hardship, loss, and spiritual decay. It wasn’t long before war broke out in the region and Lot was captured; only to be rescued by Abraham.
Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked and immoral cities and eventually were destroyed. The hedonistic and depraved life modeled in these cities undoubtedly had a profound effect on Lot's children, who later got their father drunk and slept with him order to conceive. Lot lost everything, his wife who was turned to a pillar of salt, his home and farm which was consumed in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the spiritual life of his family. The land that looked so good, proved to be so bad. Looks can be deceiving.
What can we learn from Lot? What looks good to the eye, may not be good for the soul. Many things in life look appealing yet prove to be destructive. Seem innocent, yet rob our innocence. Physically appearing to offer the best life has, but causing spiritual decay and death. Let’s not be fooled by our flesh, captivated by the culture, or seduced by Satan; instead let us stand firm in our faith, letting God’s Word and His Spirit be our guide.
Labels: Abraham, Bad Taste, Bible, Christ, Deceived, Devotions, Genesis 13, Genesis 14, Genesis 19, God, Gomorrah, Jesus, Life Lessons, Lot, Sodom, Soul, Vanilla Extract
I am not one who especially enjoys going to garage sales, instead of finding treasures I often find it to be a waste of time. However, when I do stop by one I am often amazed at what people are selling; or maybe a more accurate way to say it is, I am amazed at what some people think their stuff is worth.
This truth has been driven home for me by the TV show “Pawn Stars.” This program is a reality show about a family owned and operated pawn shop based in Las Vegas NV. The tagline for the show, I never know what is going to walk in that door, is proven true each week as people from all walks of life bring in their odd, different, and downright unusual stuff for the pawn shop to buy. However more striking than items brought into the pawn shop is what people think that their stuff is worth. Even more surprising is how soon they are swayed by the proprietors and agree on an amount much less than they were first set on; sometimes putting up very little fight.
Sadly this far too often resembles life. Again and again we give in to momentary pleasures that carry lasting consequences. We know what is right. We know what is good. We know what God’s desires are. Yet we give in to temptation and dabble in things contrary to His Word, at times barely putting up a good fight. We are exchanging our holiness for temporary gratification. Ignoring God’s Spirit and feeding our flesh. For what? What do we really gain through such actions? What return is there in the investment of sin?
Galatians 6:7-9 tell us “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
This is also seen as man puts His desires and pursuits before that of God’s; when the focus of his life is to acquire stuff. Money, Health, a good job, a stable family, a safe place to live… the list goes on and on. But at what cost? What good is all this stuff when we exhale our last breath?
Christ asked the same question is Mark 8:36-37. He said “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Does the pursuit of earthly possessions gain us anything in the end? Does the pleasure of a moment really last for eternity? Are any of these things really worth our soul? Better yet what is your soul worth?
God knows. He said your soul is worth everything. That’s just what He gave: everything, even His Son’s life. Christ willingly give His life as a ransom, a payment for your soul! He paid the debt sin had dug and redeemed a life that was set for loss. Christ exchanged His life for yours. As the Apostle put it “You are not your own, you’ve been bought with a price therefore honor God with your body.”
Instead of pawing our soul for momentary pleasures or selfish gain we are called to seek God’s kingdom first; to seek His righteousness in the person of Jesus Christ. Daily putting to death our sinful nature and desires in Blood of Christ, allowing His Word and Spirit to guide our paths each step of the way. While seeking to expand His kingdom of grace by sharing His love with others.
Let’s stop chasing after things of the moment and pursue the righteousness found in Jesus Christ.
I could hardly believe my eyes as I watched the 10PM news two years ago. Right before the commercial break a new company entitled “Eternal Image” was featured. On my 36 inch TV screen was a computer generated rendering of a casket with the Minnesota Twins logo pasted all over it. In fact, Major League Baseball has entered into a licensing agreement with Eternal Image, which makes urns, caskets, and headstone markers containing the logos for all 30 MLB teams.
However, if baseball is not your thing, there are many more options to choose from, a full line of Vatican, Precious Moments, and Star Trek caskets and urns. Not to mention memorials for your beloved pet. Now, matters of life and death are very serious, and I do not mean to make light of them; moreover, what a person wishes to be buried in is completely up to them, for the Bible provides no guidelines for burial places. Yet what worries me, is how many in our culture view life and death.
Oftentimes the grave is referred to (and seen) as our final resting spot. The end of our life. However, this is not true. While on earth Jesus spoke very plainly about life and death; and life after death. In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, found in Luke 16:19-31, Christ is clear that while death is end of our physical life, our soul continues to exist for eternity.
In John chapter three, Christ has a late night meeting with a man named Nicodemus. In verse 16 Jesus gives this promise “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Christ promised Life, not Death. In fact, this was the reason why Christ was sent to earth. In verse 17 Christ expands this thought “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him coming to earth.”
Christ came paying the penalty for sin; offering the promise of everlasting life in the presence of our magnificent and glorious God for all of eternity. This promise is universal, and is offered to everyone who repents, believes, and trusts in Him alone.
This promise will never fade, spoil, or perish; but will last for all eternity, and will change you for eternity as well. The only true rest one can ever find in this life or the next is found in Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord for offering hope, peace, and the great promise of new life in Jesus Christ. Teach me to rest in His peace.
Labels: Baseball, casket Luke 16:19-31, Christ, Death, Devotions, Eternal Image, Eternal Life, God, John 3:16-17, MLB, Precious Moments, Promise, Resting, Robinson, Ruth, Soul, Spock, Star Trek, Urn
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