The Beautiful Unfolding

Up All Night

S: In the first light of dawn, all the high priests and religious leaders met and put the finishing touches on their plot to kill Jesus. Matthew 27:1 (MSG)

O: Does evil ever sleep? Surely, they must have been up all night – plotting with themselves oh how to “get rid of You.” It breaks my heart – reading this and knowing You knew what they were doing, what they were thinking and planning.

And yet You loved us enough to stay.

A: What am I giving my energy to? What is keeping me up at night? Are they thoughts that in the end lead to death – thoughts wrapped in judgement and accusations against others? Thoughts of worry and anxiety? Hurts and unforgiveness? Fear?

Where is the life in that? How does any of that bring You the glory You deserve?

It doesn’t.

Instead, I must take every thought captive and make it obedient to You. Set my mind on things above.

Praise. Worship. Pray.

P: I praise You, Jesus! For even when I was far away from you – when I was yet still a sinner – You gave Your life for me. How can I not give You mine? You are the Lord of lords and King of Kings! You are good and faithful! Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse our hearts and heal our minds. Help us to sleep peacefully. Allow us to find true rest in You. Amen.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Wake up, Dog!

S: “Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.” Matthew 26:41 (MSG)

O: I hate that this resonates so much with me – especially the part about the old lazy dog by the fire.

A: Why does my flesh desire comfort over transformation? Because I don’t want to do the work. Because the work requires effort – it requires me to leave my place of warmth and comfort – it causes interruption. And my flesh wants to be the boss of me. It tells me I can do what I want when I want. But the Spirit says to do what God desires when He desires it.

Just as You modeled on that night in Gethsemane.

It’s a moment-to-moment choice. It’s nothing passive, but more active – more engaging. And it starts with submission to You, dying to self, and seeking Your will above my own.

It requires me to wake up and get up!

When I picture an old lazy dog by the fire, I see one who is at the end of his race. One who can no longer hear and probably can’t see.

Wake up, dog! Your time’s not up!

Get up!

Feed the spirit, starve the flesh.

P: Lord, wake me up! No more lazy dogs. Don’t let me sleep by the fire – ignite one within me instead! Set me ablaze and get me moving!

Photo by Lisa Fotios

When Will Power Isn’t Enough

S: Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. Matthew 26:35 (ESV)

O: I believe this was Peter’s most earnest and honest plea. I know it is mine. But as my friend, reminded me last night, the disciples didn’t have Your Holy Spirit. So it was only will power that they could rely on. And relying on will power isn’t nearly as powerful as relying on Holy Spirit power.

A: I still rely too much on myself. I try to “will” my way through challenges and growth opportunities when what I ought to do is surrender. Surrender more to Your strength and power, because unlike the disciples (at this point), I do have Your Holy Spirit.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8, NIV (emphasis mine).

The things You want us to do for the Kingdom cannot be done with will power alone. Granted, will power enables us to accomplish those things in the natural, but it is Holy Spirit power that accomplishes things in the supernatural. And all things must occur in the supernatural – in the spirit and the unseen – before we can ever truly witness them in the natural.

Like Peter, there are things I want to do for You – to show that I am a believer and follower of You. But how can I accomplish – and sustain – those things without Your help? I might be able to for a little while – even a long while – but eventually my strength will wear out.

But not Yours. For Your Word promises:

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

P: Oh Lord, I need Your strength. Holy Spirit fill me today! You know what lies ahead and what challenges and growth opportunities are before me. Give me Your strength and Your power to do that which brings honor to Your name alone. I love you, Jesus. Help me to do the Father’s will – not by my strength or will, but by Your Holy Spirit power.

Let LOVE Lead

S: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV)

O: We are just people. Called to love God and others.

A: How can we demonstrate our love for one another? Especially at a time like this?

Withhold all judgement. Forgive quickly. Extend grace – and then do it again. Give extravagantly of what we have. Share kindness – tangibly and with words. Bring hope.

Remind people God is still good.

Be the goodness this world wants them to believe doesn’t exist.

Allow this moment to bring out the REAL hope of Jesus Christ, and let LOVE lead.

P: God, what are You asking me to do today? How can I demonstrate my love for you by loving those around me? Holy Spirit, empower Your Church to be the light that drives the darkness away. May each step we take, each word we speak, carry the hope and love You have given us – that we might share it with another.

Photo by samer daboul

Restore My Vision, Lord

S: “Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job. A God-blessed man or woman, I tell you.” Matthew 24:45-46 (MSG)

O: All in. Regardless of situations, circumstances, feelings and emotions. That is the heart You are after.

A: My greatest struggle has always been – and seems to still be – with laziness and apathy. I have not been very good about leading this group, about “feeding the workers on time each day.”

This current world pandemic has made me distracted, even depressed. I wonder how that happens to one in whom You have given the gift of faith and hope?

My word for 2020 (20/20 the year of perfect vision) is “promise.” The promise that You are Who You say You are, and that You will do what You say You will.

It is evident by my lack of zeal and how despondent I have become that my eyes have drifted from You and onto the waves of this storm engulfing us. It’s evident in my attitude, my words, and my actions.

It all feels surreal. And yet this is our reality now.

A decision must be made. Where do I set my heart – where do I rest my eyes – on the waves, or on the Way Maker?

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

P: God, save us! Save me, Father! Restore me, and make me strong, firm and steadfast. I am clinging to the Only One Who can bring me hope again. Help my eyes to see clearly once again. I need You, Jesus. Come quickly.

Photo by Bran Sodre

Out of The Spotlight

S: “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.” Matthew 23:11-12 (MSG)

O/A: Sometimes it seems like the only way to minister to others is from some sort of platform – the only way to reach more and more people. For a long time I thought this was what You were preparing me for – a place or level I had to “get to.”

But the air is thin at the top, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

I was trying so hard to please You – “performing” to make You proud. Seeking Your approval but missing out on the “living” part.

Stepping down from my formal ministry position was a very painful decision, but I knew You were with me. Even when no one else could see it coming, I could.

And so could You.

In these two years outside the church “bubble” You’ve taught me what it means to be a real servant. You’ve given me fresh perspective. You’ve given me ears that are fine-tuned to Your Spirit’s whisper. By removing all the other distractions, You gave me the most beautiful gift of all.

You taught me how to be content with simply being me.

Me with You.

You with me.

And the rest fell into place. Aligned with Your will and found in Your hand.

Now there is no other place or position that I’d rather be – than Me with You.

And You with me.

P: I love You, Jesus. Thank You for rescuing me. Thank You for teaching me to see myself as You do – I kind of like me now. Thank You for that. Thanks for taking me into that dark hidden place where I knew it was safe to be broken – in the shadow of Your wings – and where I knew You would put me back together. I praise You, God, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well! To You be the glory forever and always!

Photo by Allec Gomes

Hard Truths

S: They said to Jesus, “Teacher, we know that you’re an honest man of integrity and you teach us the truth of God’s ways. We can clearly see that you’re not one who speaks only to win the people’s favor, because you speak the truth without regard to the consequences. Matthew 22:16b (TPT)

O: Hard truths. You weren’t then, and you aren’t now, afraid to speak them.

A: This is the type of leader I want to follow. This is the type of friend I want to have in my life. One who loves me so much they aren’t afraid to say the hard things – even if it hurts, and even if it’s not popular.

And that’s the kind of leader and friend I want to be first.

One who loves so fiercely that I’m not afraid to speak up when it’s time. One who can speak the truth in LOVE and won’t cower away from the hard stuff.

I can’t do that without You.

P: Lord, speak to me. Speak through me. Mold my heart so much after Yours that what comes out of my mouth is from the love You’ve given me. Please help me to be wise in Your ways and in Your truth. And let me ALWAYS lead with love.

Photo by nappy

Chumpalina

S: Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others? Matthew 20:15 (NLT)

O: I know Jesus was using this parable to explain the Kingdom of Heaven to the Jews and the extent of God’s generosity to the world – giving the gift of salvation to ANYONE who wants to receive it.

But when I read it today, it stings a little, because I can relate to the all-day worker. I’ve made assumptions about how I think God should respond to situations, too. (Again, I know there is greater meaning here, but I can’t help but recognize this same spirit of pride/judgement/arrogance in myself regarding other situations.)

This is not easy to admit, but I don’t want to just put words on a page for the sake of writing something down. If I’m turning to God’s Word to be changed, then I need to address the issues that I’d rather skip over. I don’t want to take the easy way out. I want to do the hard work that will keep my heart malleable; I want Him to keep shaping my heart like His. And to start, I need to be honest.

A: So this is my confession. If I don’t get this out – if I’m not honest about this bitter root in my heart – it will stay buried and continue to grow in the place where His love is meant to be. I’ve been a chump about God’s generosity, and I know it doesn’t make sense at all, because it’s not at all like I’ve earned His free gift of grace! If anything, I should be ecstatic that others are witnessing and experiencing His goodness, too.

Who am I to be jealous of God’s generosity?

I am a girl with a human-fleshy heart that is still under construction. A girl who is still trying to grasp this crazy, radical, audacious gift of unearned grace.

P: God, please forgive me. I hate seeing these ugly things in my heart, but I’m so grateful You reveal them to me. Thanks for loving me still, even when I don’t love or like myself. Thanks for not giving up on me and helping me see these hard truths about myself and the faithful truths about You. You are a kind and generous Father. I’m so glad ALL of us can experience it. I’m sorry for being a “Chumpalina.”

Photo by Alexander Dummer

You Made the Impossible Possible

S: Stunned and bewildered, his disciples asked, “Then who in the world can be saved?” Looking straight into their eyes, Jesus replied, “Humanly speaking, no one, because no one can save himself. But what seems impossible to you is never impossible to God!” Matthew 25-26 (TPT)

O: No one can save himself. Not the religious and not the rich. Neither the elite, nor the celebrities. No one. Only God can do the impossible.

A: The world says that with the right job and enough money, with enough fame and enough followers I can have it all! When I reach the status of “enough” I will have it all. Then, I will really be living.

This is the lie – it’s always been the lie. The lie that drives us to keep trying, keep working, harder, faster…more, more, more. The lie that we can do it on our own…

Until we die trying.

Because it’s never enough.

This is the radical concept You wanted Your disciples to understand; radical then and radical now.

Surrender = freedom

Only when I fully surrender to God – when I accept and follow His way of doing things – am I free.

Only when I put my faith in the resurrected Christ will I be saved.

Only when I lay my life down and embrace His will I be made whole.

Only then will I be alive.

This is the only way. Through Jesus.

But God still loved us with such great love. He is so rich in compassion and mercy. Even when we were dead and doomed in our many sins, he united us into the very life of Christ and saved us by his wonderful grace! He raised us up with Christ the exalted One, and we ascended with him into the glorious perfection and authority of the heavenly realm, for we are now co-seated as one with Christ! Throughout the coming ages we will be the visible display of the infinite, limitless riches of his grace and kindness, which was showered upon us in Jesus Christ. For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ! Ephesians 2:4-8 (TPT) (Emphasis mine).

P: God, let those who have eyes to see, see. Let those who have ears to hear, hear! Only with You is life – real life – possible! Thank You for Your incredible grace. What an incredible gift, Jesus. May my life, today, reflect my gratitude for Your redeeming and saving grace. May I not waste this precious gift You gave – Your life for mine.

Photo by geralt

Cut It Off

S: And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. Matthew 18:8 (ESV)

O: You use a hyperbole here to address how aggressively I need to attack the temptations to sin in my life. A hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the real situation, and the real situation here is that I need to get serious about the ~~things~~ temptations I allow in my life.

Let’s talk about TV (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, fill-in-the-blank). I know You want to talk about this with me, because I’m already making excuses why we don’t need to talk about that.

So, let’s talk about it.

I was reminded last week of something a wise friend once told me, that I echoed to another. This wise friend had said, “I don’t want to be entertained by anything that put Jesus on the cross.” Ouch. When I look at some of the shows I watch, that sure isn’t true.

A: I want to make excuses – to convince me (and You?) that it doesn’t affect me. But You want me to cut it off.

You want me to remain childlike in my faith. If I wouldn’t let my children watch these things, why do I think I can?

I want to be wise in all things, Lord. TV makes me lazy – it’s my go-to when I want to chill-out. I cannot keep going back to those things which cause me to stumble – like a dog returning to its vomit.

It’s time to be the grown-up of my childlike faith. It’s time for me to get serious about what I’m allowing my eyes and ears to see and hear. It’s time to cut it off.

P: Jesus, forgive me. Forgive me for being entertained by those things which You died to save me from.

Photo by mojzagrebinfo