(Thursday)
I have never built a house, but I watch enough HGTV to know that it is a huge undertaking. From securing and clearing land to choosing finishes and paint colors, the endeavor has all the makings of an overwhelming task. Coordinating subcontractors who specialize in different areas can be time-consuming and burdensome, and missed deadlines can be devastating. The thrill of the challenge is often replaced by anxiety and dread, and the anticipation of the finished product almost always wanes during the process.
Our youngest child recently purchased his first home, and currently I am watching as he and his dad move walls and repair damaged areas. I even offer opinions on finishes and future plans – but only when asked! This may not be a new build, but there are moments when I wonder if new construction may have been less of a challenge. Either way, the work is necessary, is progressing nicely, and I continue to be excited about the end result!
The concept of building applies to others areas of my life as well. I’m not a house, but the way I approach life can be compartmentalized into different rooms and hallways, each with its own special layout and purpose.
With a little imagination, I can envision a kitchen space within me where my family gathers and my soul is fed. Ingredients such as contentment and thankfulness are carefully blended to feed my heart. From there a corridor lined with framed memories of fairness and loyalty leads me to a living room of wonder. This place is furnished with the couch of encouragement and a recliner of reliability. In the corner is a fireplace providing me with a sense of warmth as the glow of truthfulness and understanding are cast throughout the room.
I pass through and enter into the next area immediately recognizing a lovely den designed for rest. Here I find a bed of humility, the comforter of compassion, and the pillows of kindness and love. Next door is a study filled with wisdom, orderliness and confidence where I can sit behind my desk of dedication in my chair of creativity to organize my thoughts and develop my plans.
As I move about my imaginary internal home, I recognize that the spaces align perfectly with my desired sense of self – a complete picture of who I want to be as one created in the image of Almighty God. I want to embrace my moral character and live into the qualities that make me a beloved child of God. Am I trustworthy and honest? Do I consistently offer respect and integrity? Would I be viewed as dependable and just?
Lacking in any of these areas simply means I am a fixer-upper, ready for the hand of God to begin my rehab. I have walls that need to be torn down and new finishes to install. I am convinced that God has the blueprints, as well as the carpentry and designer skills, to build me into a perfect dwelling for his Holy Spirit. The only remaining question is this: do I trust God to lead me through each of the rooms in my new construction?
“Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram’s high moral character.” The result was the fulfillment of God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would number as many as there are stars in the sky. That’s quite an overhaul for a human being who had already lived one hundred years! Talk about rehab!
As for me, I will pray that God continually sees me as a project worthy of the needed work. I want my internal rooms and my character to be progressing nicely, and I continue to be excited about the end result!
Building on faith,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PSALM 22
Let all who revere you Lord, praise you and stand in awe of you! You never despise or detest the suffering of the one who suffered, and you don’t hide your face from me. No, you listen when I cry out to you for help. Because of your faithfulness, I offer my praise to you! Indeed, all the earth’s powerful will worship you; all who are descending to the dust will kneel before you; my being also lives for you. Future descendants will serve you, and generations to come will be told about you, my Lord. They will proclaim your righteousness to those not yet born, telling them what you have done. Yes, let all who revere you, praise you! Amen.
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
PSALM 22 – I offer praise in the great congregation because of you; I will fulfill my promises in the presence of those who honor God.
GENESIS 15 – Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram’s high moral character.
ROMANS 3 – All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but all are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus.
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html
I have never built a house, but I watch enough HGTV to know that it is a huge undertaking. From securing and clearing land to choosing finishes and paint colors, the endeavor has all the makings of an overwhelming task. Coordinating subcontractors who specialize in different areas can be time-consuming and burdensome, and missed deadlines can be devastating. The thrill of the challenge is often replaced by anxiety and dread, and the anticipation of the finished product almost always wanes during the process.
Our youngest child recently purchased his first home, and currently I am watching as he and his dad move walls and repair damaged areas. I even offer opinions on finishes and future plans – but only when asked! This may not be a new build, but there are moments when I wonder if new construction may have been less of a challenge. Either way, the work is necessary, is progressing nicely, and I continue to be excited about the end result!
The concept of building applies to others areas of my life as well. I’m not a house, but the way I approach life can be compartmentalized into different rooms and hallways, each with its own special layout and purpose.
With a little imagination, I can envision a kitchen space within me where my family gathers and my soul is fed. Ingredients such as contentment and thankfulness are carefully blended to feed my heart. From there a corridor lined with framed memories of fairness and loyalty leads me to a living room of wonder. This place is furnished with the couch of encouragement and a recliner of reliability. In the corner is a fireplace providing me with a sense of warmth as the glow of truthfulness and understanding are cast throughout the room.
I pass through and enter into the next area immediately recognizing a lovely den designed for rest. Here I find a bed of humility, the comforter of compassion, and the pillows of kindness and love. Next door is a study filled with wisdom, orderliness and confidence where I can sit behind my desk of dedication in my chair of creativity to organize my thoughts and develop my plans.
As I move about my imaginary internal home, I recognize that the spaces align perfectly with my desired sense of self – a complete picture of who I want to be as one created in the image of Almighty God. I want to embrace my moral character and live into the qualities that make me a beloved child of God. Am I trustworthy and honest? Do I consistently offer respect and integrity? Would I be viewed as dependable and just?
Lacking in any of these areas simply means I am a fixer-upper, ready for the hand of God to begin my rehab. I have walls that need to be torn down and new finishes to install. I am convinced that God has the blueprints, as well as the carpentry and designer skills, to build me into a perfect dwelling for his Holy Spirit. The only remaining question is this: do I trust God to lead me through each of the rooms in my new construction?
“Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram’s high moral character.” The result was the fulfillment of God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would number as many as there are stars in the sky. That’s quite an overhaul for a human being who had already lived one hundred years! Talk about rehab!
As for me, I will pray that God continually sees me as a project worthy of the needed work. I want my internal rooms and my character to be progressing nicely, and I continue to be excited about the end result!
Building on faith,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PSALM 22
Let all who revere you Lord, praise you and stand in awe of you! You never despise or detest the suffering of the one who suffered, and you don’t hide your face from me. No, you listen when I cry out to you for help. Because of your faithfulness, I offer my praise to you! Indeed, all the earth’s powerful will worship you; all who are descending to the dust will kneel before you; my being also lives for you. Future descendants will serve you, and generations to come will be told about you, my Lord. They will proclaim your righteousness to those not yet born, telling them what you have done. Yes, let all who revere you, praise you! Amen.
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
PSALM 22 – I offer praise in the great congregation because of you; I will fulfill my promises in the presence of those who honor God.
GENESIS 15 – Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram’s high moral character.
ROMANS 3 – All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but all are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus.
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html