Today’s Scripture readings:  Psalm 27; Genesis 14:17-24; Philippians 3:17-20
 
Brothers and sisters, become imitators of me and watch those who live this way – you can use us as models. --Philippians 3:17
 
Even though I enjoy crafts and painting, I was a bit surprised to open a gift last Christmas and find a paint-by-number set. I don’t think I have painted anything by number since I was a child. I usually prefer to create my own color schemes and designs rather than follow a prescribed course.
 
The gift was from someone special, though, so I determined to give it a try. I set up a table with an easel and my color pallet, grabbed some of my favorite paintbrushes, and began my work. Tedious work it was! This particular picture had spaces so small that the numbers were difficult to decipher. Was that an 8 or a 6? Wait, maybe it’s a 3? Only a magnifying glass could know for sure, and I utilized one throughout the painting. A tiny line here, a miniscule drop there – as I began, I was certain I would never complete such an intricate project. Who knew water has so many different colors involved?
 
Little by little I dabbed away, and the final scene slowly came into focus. A small beach, beautiful cliffs, a lighthouse that stood against a stormy sky, rays of sunlight breaking through and reflecting off the water, and, of course, the ocean water itself – all emerged as if they had been there all along waiting to be discovered.
 
Just before I completed the piece, I noticed that it was lovely, but it still looked like a paint-by-number set. It’s my work, I thought, and there are no rules that say I can’t be innovative. Unapologetically, I began to create some new lines and blend my own colors using the original drawing as a template rather than an end result. Finally, with my own flourishes, I felt the waves flowing and ready to jump off the canvas.
 
“Become imitators of me and watch those who live this way – you can use us as models,” Paul says. Paul was living a life that had completely turned from his former self and now embraced the teaching and example of Jesus Christ. He took the course that was prescribed for him, and he chose to make it his own. Paul knew that by continuing his lifestyle of persecuting Christians, he would only fail in the end. His eternity would be lost.
 
When Paul experienced the risen Christ, a new creation emerged – one that had been there all along waiting to be discovered. Paul began to use his old life as a template rather than an end result. He created new lines and blended his own thoughts and actions into a life-giving presence ready to jump up and enhance the lives of others with colorful expressions and flowing love. Paul was unapologetic and innovative – developing disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the rest of his days.
 
Paul’s model for us is to experience Jesus personally and then go and share that experience. There are no rules that say we cannot be innovative; I believe God relishes our creativity. (After all, we are created in God’s image – we have no choice but to be creative!) Paul points us to understand that we are in this together and are expected to live good and holy lives all while sharing the Gospel message in colorful and expressive ways.
 
During Lent, may we study, reflect and dab away at life until we become the resurrection people we are created to be.
 
Dear God, thank you for developing my creativity and honoring my uniqueness all while embracing me in your fold. May I live and share my colorful gifts until your picture emerges from my heart. Amen.
 
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Today’s Scripture readings:  Psalm 27; Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18; Philippians 3:2-12
 
The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? --Psalm 27:1
 
I don’t like the dark. It’s… well, dark. Things hide in the dark. Things that seem normal when there is light can take on a very sinister role under the cover of darkness. A cabinet door left open in the morning can be easily seen and avoided. That same door left ajar in the middle of the night will cause bruising.  Ask any parent who has stepped on a Lego piece in the early hours of the morning. Dark hides dangers.
 
Dark is the place where people lurk. I don’t usually think of people lurking in the daylight. Lurking draws images of being up to something dishonorable. During the day, a person stands or waits. At night, that same person in that same spot appears to be lurking.
 
Dark is where the creepy-crawlies cannot be seen. Spiders are not my favorite thing in the world, but they are manageable when there is light. It’s the same with snakes. I can either avoid them or deal with them. I cannot do that with something I cannot see. Things hide in the dark.
 
Doors and Legos, spiders and snakes, and even lurking people are all things that might hide in the physical darkness. The other side to that dark coin includes things that lurk in spiritual darkness. What thoughts or behaviors do we hide in the shadows that we desperately want to keep others from seeing? Our own actions may be the source of paralyzing fear. What if someone finds out about our mistakes? What if they think less of us because of that thing in our past? The worry that comes from being discovered is sometimes terrifying – we would rather bury transgressions in the dark spaces of our lives than risk them shining in the light for all to see.
 
No one knew better than King David how the dark spaces of our lives can be suddenly illuminated before others. From adultery to murder, David wanted nothing more than to bury parts of his life in darkness. Having light to shine on his sins was a distressing prospect for David. He greatly feared that others would find out his dishonorable actions. When he realized that illumination is especially focused when generated by our God who knows all, David’s fear was enhanced – but the spotlight of God created a new opportunity.
 
Rather than remain paralyzed by fear and darkness, David finally acknowledged his sins, confessed them and repented before God. His story became one of light as he found a new and brighter way of living. Under the cover of God’s forgiveness, David himself lit up and began to shine for others to see.
 
David shared many beautiful sentiments about life and light, death and dark, but in Psalm 27 he composed these words: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone?” Oh, how I wish I could hear his voice singing his tune! I can only imagine his powerful faithfulness booming through his hymn.
 
During this season of repentance, we have a gift to receive. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have the same opportunity that was given to David. Repent and believe so that the Light of Christ may shine in you.
 
Creator God, shine your light on my heart. Hear my cries seeking your forgiveness, and move me in enlightened ways. Amen.

Today’s Scripture readings: Psalm 17; Job 1:1-22; Luke 21:34-22:6
 
My steps are set firmly on your paths; my feet haven’t slipped. --Psalm 17:5
 
Supper time! No matter where we were in the neighborhood, we knew to be home by supper time. As a teenager, I left my friend’s house one particular spring evening in plenty of time to be home for supper. Down her street, around the big curve, right at the stop sign, and only one large hill to go before turning onto my own street.
 
We lived on the corner with a knee-high hedge completely surrounding the yard. From the edge of the road, I could get two good running steps before bounding over the ditch. One further step allowed me enough push-off momentum for sailing over that hedge. As always, I cleared both with ease. As I jogged across the yard toward the front stoop, I was probably thinking about what we would have for supper. Two more steps and I would be in the house greeted by yummy smells.
 
I’m not sure what happened at that moment when I bounced up onto the stoop. Maybe my shoes were damp from the evening grass. Maybe I just landed in a bad way. Whatever the cause, my foot slipped and my ankle turned… hard. Immediately I hit the concrete knowing I wouldn’t be getting up right away. Pain soared through the joint, and I instinctively reach for the ankle to check it out. It was already growing,  throbbing and turning a dark ugly color. Through tears, I reached up and rang the doorbell so someone would quickly come to help. A trip to the local emergency room showed no break but a nasty sprain that required crutches for a while.
 
In David’s psalms, he often writes of difficult times when he faces personal struggles and depends on God’s pull from darkness into light. Psalm 17, however, approaches his circumstance from the other side. Here, David proclaims his faithfulness and calls on God to recognize that he is wholesome when compared to others. “You’ve looked me over closely, but haven’t found anything wrong,” David says. “My steps are set firmly on your paths; my feet haven’t slipped.”
 
We all slip at one time or another – sometimes physically and sometimes spiritually. David slipped, just as you and I do. The result can be as uncomfortable as a sprain or as devastating as death. The difference comes in whether we clumsily fall to the concrete or faithfully fall to our knees.
 
Our goal, of course, is to be mindful of each step so that we are balanced, sure-footed, and steady on our feet. We don’t want to lean on any crutches for support. We only want to keep our eyes on Jesus and remain firmly on the good path that leads to eternal life. Lent provides a wonderful time for reflecting on God’s ways, repenting of our failings, and then creating habits that keep us steady.
 
Holy God, with your help, may my steps be set firmly on your paths, and may my feet never slip from your ways. Amen. 
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Today’s Scripture readings: Psalm 17; Zechariah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 2:4-21
 
Now Joshua was dressed with filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And to him he said, “See, I have taken your guilt away from you, and I will clothe you with festal apparel.”  --Zechariah 3
 
I headed to the dry cleaners this week in preparation for Easter. I had just worn my favorite white stole for Transfiguration Sunday and knew I wanted it pristine for Easter Sunday morning. Since I won’t be using it again during the Lenten season, off I went to have it laundered.
 
When I arrived, I noticed more than the usual filth. It’s a hazard to wear white during a service of Holy Communion. Somehow, I always manage to splash the grape juice. While that’s not a problem during Lent (since my robe is often black and my stoles are purple), those dark red juice stains against the stark white of an Easter morning will shout to the world of my clumsiness. Add that to the inevitable makeup, sweat stains around the collar and the color of whatever I leaned against that day. Yes, time for a cleansing.
 
Visiting the dry cleaners seemed a mundane chore at the time. With a bit of reflection, though, I am reminded that the early Christians spent many weeks prior to Easter Sunday preparing for their initiation into the Body of Christ. On that day, they would enter into the baptismal pool and emerge to be clothed in bright white robes – a symbol of their inner cleansing in the sight of God. Being wrapped in that new and pure clothing was an extraordinary moment in time – a moment you had prepared for so intently, a moment you would carry with you forever, a moment when you embraced your standing as a child of God. When viewed as an act of preparing for Easter, suddenly dry cleaning isn’t so routine. I’ll be thinking about that when I take my white robe to be cleaned this week.
 
In Zechariah’s vision, Joshua, the High Priest, stands before the Lord in dirty clothing. Actually, the word is translated ‘filthy’ and is the strongest Hebrew expression of filth possible. In this setting, filthy means disgusting, despicable, revolting and anything else you might think of as vile. It’s an outward sign of an inward condition. Joshua is filthy physically and spiritually – clothed in nastiness and covered in sin.
 
Satan is quick to point out the High Priest’s filth, but God stands firm in shielding and taking care of Joshua. Through God’s messenger, Joshua is purified. His dirty clothes are taken away, and he is clothed with rich robes. In other words, Joshua now stands before the Lord cleansed from his sin and clothed by God in righteousness.
 
Zechariah’s beautiful vision promises peace and a holiness of life to those who keep their eyes on Jesus. Having this season to study God’s Word, reflect on God’s promises, and prepare for our resurrection story is a Lenten gift.
 
Cleansing God, I want nothing more than to keep my eyes on you. Free me from my sin and wrap me in the purity of your Love. Amen. 
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Today's Scripture readings:  Psalm 17; 1 Chronicles 21:1-17; 1 John 2:1-6

And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the command to count the people? It is I who have sinned and done very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray, O Lord my God, be against me and against my father’s house; but do not let your people be plagued!”   --1 Chronicles 21:1-17
 
Cody could feel his heart pounding as he lowered himself onto the angry bull. At only eighteen years of age, he may not have the experience of the older riders but bull riding is his passion. For Cody, the rodeo excitement is the same every time.
 
He felt the anger of the bull beneath him as the gate opened, and the animal began to thrash into the arena. Within a couple of seconds, Cody was caught off balance and began his fall to the dirt below. In that moment, Cody’s world disappeared into darkness.
 
From the stands, Cody’s dad, Landis, watched as his son hit the ground, and every fiber of his being willed the boy to get up… but Cody didn’t move. Landis instantly realized the massive bull was still angry and thrashing, and now had lowered his head and was headed straight toward the lifeless Cody. He didn’t have time to think as he hurdled the arena fence and pounced on top of his son covering Cody’s body with his own just as the massive animal connected. Dad took the brunt of the headbutt – a punishing blow that was meant for his son.
 
When I read that news story from a couple of days ago, I was intrigued by the depth of a father’s love. While I cannot speak for my own quick thinking and selfless actions, I have no doubt that my own children have such a father. Would it even occur to me to jump in front of a charging bull? I’d like to think so, but I’m afraid my body and my mind would be frozen in place unable to form a plan of action.
 
Cody was on the verge of a very damaging outcome when his father intervened, and I find myself recalling another story that might had ended differently without selfless intervention.
 
The beginning of David’s story in 1st Chronicles 21 is unlike Cody’s in that David had intentionally placed himself against God, and the Israelites were caught off guard paying the price for David’s disobedience. Where I see similarity is later in the story when David places himself directly between an angry God and the Israelite children. As a very displeased God strikes out against Israel, David falls on his face and cries out to God: “Let your hand be against me… but do not let your people be plagued!” David was willing to take the brunt of God’s punishing blow that was meant for God’s people. Even though David had caused the troubles in the first place, his Landis-like heart emerged and selflessly pounced on top of the problem diverting the angry energy away from the intended target.
 
Cody and Landis both walked away from that bull unscathed because of the love of one for the other. Landis would do it again; Cody will always regard his dad with honor. David also walked away even though he was wounded in the process. His heart was battered, but in the end, through selfless intervention, he gained a better understanding of the love he had for his Father.
 
As we move further into the days of Lent, may our thoughts and our actions be those of God’s servants. May we claim the purity of heart that sends us willingly into the direct path of charging evil, and may we – with God’s help – come out unscathed.
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Protective Father, as I am battered each day with what feels like a ton of evil, may I turn my heart to you selflessly and cover others in love. Amen. 

Today's Scripture readings: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Exodus 6:1-13; Acts 7:35-42

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. –Psalm 51
 
We were all around fifteen years old, and this surely would be the best week of our lives. All of us were the best of friends headed to a week-long youth camp in the mountains of NC. Lake Junaluska would provide a setting like no other, and we would be learning and worshiping alongside hundreds of other youth from around the South. Of course, all the actual lodging facilities had filled up long ago, but we thought camping in tents just added to the excitement. We would not be stuck in some hotel; we would have campfires and s’mores, singing and telling stories under the starry mountain skies.
 
Once we arrived at our campsite just across the road from the Junaluska entrance, we found that things were a bit rocky and not exactly level. Our enthusiasm was interminable, though, and we pitched our tents as best we could amid laughter and playfulness. Life was as beautiful as the scenery that first night – so beautiful, in fact, that I didn’t really mind the rock just between my shoulder blades. I reasoned that I must have a bit of a princess bloodline because that pea-sized rock felt like a boulder. Still, the atmosphere was light and happy, and we slept soundly… until the first sound of thunder rumbled in the distance.
 
The rest of the week was spent in what I assume was a NC monsoon which filtered mudslides right through our soaked tents and penetrated all our clothing. We were wet, we were filthy, and we were cold. A scourge had descended upon our tents.
 
I not sure that’s exactly what the psalm writer meant in today’s scripture, but my mind’s eye wandered right into that memory when I read the text. No evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. And why? Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place.
 
I love that we have constant reminders throughout scripture that when God comes first in our lives, we are safe. As our shelter and the place we live, all other matters are secondary.
 
The curse of muddy tents is a faint memory that briefly returns from time-to-time, but the changes of heart that occurred during that one youth week have followed me throughout my life. I reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit whom I recognized in the times of worship. I remember the purity of the music which warmed my heart. Those memories feed my soul and drive my pursuit of Jesus every single day.
 
Precious Spirit, continue to move in my life and work with me. May my way of living glorify you and bless others. Amen. 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Exodus 5:10-23; Acts 7:30-34

Then the Israelite supervisors came to Pharaoh and cried, “Why do you treat your servants like this? No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ Look how your servants are beaten! You are unjust to your own people.” He said, “You are lazy, lazy; that is why you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’ Go now, and work; for no straw shall be given you, but you shall still deliver the same number of bricks.” --from Exodus 5
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Courtney recently learned she is to be promoted from one job to another within her company. She already works countless hours and struggles to keep everything balanced. In her new position, her workload will be nearly double and the expectations high. As someone outside the company, I wonder how she will manage. Company leadership, however, considers it a lateral move with no change in status, benefits or pay. Twice the work, twice the expectations, no increase in pay. Why accept the new position? Because no one asked her. Courtney was simply told this would be her new role. Can she refuse? Nope. This is her job now; take it or leave it. Her way of life depends on her ability to ramp up her personal production. The task before her feels impossible, and she feels beaten before she even begins.
 
Under the rule of Pharoah in Egypt, the Israelites found themselves in much the same position. Pharoah felt the Israelites were lazy and were asking for time to worship God just to keep from working. His solution: provide them with no materials for their labor while expecting the same amount of production. Did he ask their opinion? Nope. This was their job now. They were already enduring a full day of brick making, but it takes straw to create bricks. Pharaoh wanted the same number of bricks every day, but he withdrew the resources and told them to gather their own straw. When the Israelites could not keep up the pace, they were physically beaten.
 
In the Book of Acts, Stephen recounts this story for the Pharisees, but he doesn’t stop with the bricks and goes on to describe continued injustice against God’s people. Stephen includes God’s response of speaking to Moses through a burning bush and promising that the people’s cries have been heard and they will be delivered from the wrongs inflicted on them. Stephen points out that God’s people have been unjustly treated throughout history. He speaks openly about how the Pharisees’ ancestors have been a large part of that discriminatory story, but he doesn’t stop there either. Stephen critically revisits the unfair treatment of Jesus through his betrayal, arrest, trial and sentencing to death. Stephen paid a steep price for his proclamations – he was physically beaten to death with stones.
 
Before he was stoned, though, Stephen went on to detail deliverance from sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The story for God’s people never ends with injustice or even death. Our story continues for all of eternity!
 
During Lent, our goal is to remember the promises of our faithful God and return our hearts to living into that love. That’s our job now, and (rather than having it forced on us) we are invited into the work. Through our efforts of praying, fasting and giving, we are reconciled to God and our personal relationship with Jesus is enhanced. These are the ways in which injustice will be addressed, lives will be changed… and, ultimately, Courtney will be just fine.
 
Holy God, hear me when I cry out to you. When burdens are difficult and I feel beaten down, remind me of your promises and the victory that awaits me. Amen.
 

Today's Scripture readings: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; ​Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. --Matthew 6:6
 
“Singing makes me feel happy, and I get a lot out of it. I feel closer to God when I sing – especially in church.”
 
She was a very sincere teenager who was pushing back at my teaching. We had been studying our role in worship. In our class discussion, I had noted that during worship services we are giving of ourselves when we sing and pray. Worship is meant for God who receives our gifts; the worship hour is not about us. She took that to mean we are not supposed to benefit from worship times.
 
After a pause, I started over. We are certainly to benefit from the worship of God, but those gains are the by-product rather than the reason to approach the throne. We sing because we want to honor and glorify God. We pray because we want to develop our relationship with Jesus. We give of ourselves freely and without expectation of acknowledgement. Our goal is not to get that pat on the back that the choir sounded great today. The end result is not self-satisfaction because others like to hear our pretty prayers. We give ourselves in worship because we love, and in that giving and loving, worldly approval is worthless.
 
The other side to that coin is that when we glorify God and seek personal connection with Jesus, we are blessed. When we sing or pray, study or listen, fast or give and we do those things with a holiness of heart, God provides unmatched approval.
 
Jesus references hypocrites in the Gospel of Matthew – rather, he warns not to follow their example. Don’t do good things just so others can see you. If your motive is to receive praises, then those human praises are your reward.
 
When you pray big flowery prayers just to show off or you sing hoping others enjoy it enough to applaud, your purpose is flawed. Lift your voice for the glory of God only and nothing else. Go into a private space to pray so no one hears but God. Allow your spiritual life to grow without concern for comparison to others, but only for the benefit of adoring Jesus.
 
As we enter into this Lenten season of fasting, praying and giving, may you be blessed as you offer your gifts of glory to God.
 

Holy God, receive my praise as my gift to you. Let me offer it quietly, seeking no other eyes or ears but yours. Amen.