Lenten Devotional...February 29

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

(Mark 1:35)

"alone, without companions; unattended"... These are defining terms for the word, "solitary," as given by Dictionary.com. Unless you're sitting on the Beltway at rush hour, standing in the middle of the opposing team's student section after their star player makes the winning shot, or suddenly feeing the gaze of everyone in a crowded room because of something embarrassing you just did, you may view the term "solitary" with some contempt. We think of solitude at times in association with loneliness, perhaps even a friendless existence where hours and minutes are marked by a longing to be embraced and accepted by others.

Though that kind of loneliness can be devastating, there is a solitude that is good for the soul as highlighted by our text. As news of Jesus's teaching and healing spread through the countryside, he found it difficult to move about without attracting a crowd. On several occasions, after healing someone in miraculous fashion, he instructed them, sometimes quite sternly, not to tell others about the source of their healing, but some could not keep such news to themselves. In the preceding verses of our text, word has gotten out that Jesus is at the home of Peter and as a result, the whole town gathered at the door and Jesus brought healing to the hurting and broken. There had to be moments when Jesus wanted and needed to get away...to find a solitary place where he could pray and find respite from the noise and demands of the world around him.

We do not spend our days miraculously healing the sick, nor do crowds flock to see us as neighbors and strangers tell about our great and wonderful deeds. But you and I do live in the midst of a busy world where there is often little escape from the demands that press in around us. Jesus embraced the significance of solitary moments that helped him experience again and again a closeness with his heavenly Father. Dare we hint that our busy lives leave little or no room for such connection?

The Psalmist wrote, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." (Psalm 37:7a) The season of Lent is a very appropriate time to heed the admonition of the Psalmist and the example of Jesus.

Prayer: God of storm and stillness, at some point today, may we walk a solitary path with you where your Spirit moves like a gentle breeze and your presence is felt like a welcome friend. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 28

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

(Proverbs 15:1-2)

Perhaps it has never happened to you, but most of us have had that experience along the way (some of us, several times along the way!) where we have said something that, almost immediately, we wish we could retrieve as if the words had never been spoken. Sometimes we speak from ignorance on a particular subject, sometimes we are misunderstood, and sometimes our anger in the moment gets the best of us, causing us to say something hurtful that threatens to disrupt or even break relationship with another. Have you been in that situation where, as the wise writer of our text says today, your mouth..."gushes folly"? Maybe that sounds extreme, but some of the things we say to others would surely qualify as such.

English author, Dorothy Nevill, once wrote, “The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. “ The last part of this quote is perhaps the most difficult part of managing our words and conversations, particularly in the context of argument. The desire to make our case, or worse, to have the last word, opens the door for escalating conflict and gushing folly. Jesus called his followers to an active identity as peacemakers in Matthew 5. This is an intentional approach to relationship with others that makes our words, and the attitudes behind the words, take on new significance. Instead of stirring anger through harsh words, we are to choose our words wisely so that we might be a part of the solution in conflict instead of stirring up anger.

I am not a big proponent of "giving things up for Lent." We too easily identify something that probably means little to us as an indicator of our willingness to sacrifice. Instead, I would challenge you, as I challenge myself, to consider an intentional choice to become a peacemaker in the context of conversation, to purposefully choose our words, motivated by the love of Christ instead of our own shortsighted emotional responses. Maybe it would be good to remember the words of the Psalmist whenever we open our mouths to speak..."May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, TNIV)

Prayer: Living Word, touch our hearts and our tongues with your gentle Spirit, that we may speak words that help and heal. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 27

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
(Psalm 103:13-14)

Parents see their children through very unique eyes. These are not objective eyes, but eyes that will always view their particular child in a different light from other children. The reason, quite simply, is that the child is their own. Now this doesn't necessarily speak to possession because children are not possessions to be handled, but gifts to treasure. The Psalmist reminds us that God looks at us with very unique eyes because we are God's children. Through compassionate eyes God recognizes our frailties, and loves us still...he knows how we are formed, he remembers we are dust."

Of the subject of love, C.S. Lewis writes, "On the whole, God's love for us is a much safer subject to think about than our love for Him." The Psalmist's words would seem to reinforce this truth. For the compassionate love of the One who has created us and knows everything about us...even the dusty, dirty parts, let us give thanks.

The words of twentieth-century British poet and novelist John Oxenham, perhaps give us a glimpse of the compassionate father who generously gives of himself, again and again.

Love ever gives.

Forgives, outlives,

And ever stands

With open hands.

And while it lives,

It gives,

For this is love's perogative--

To give, and give, and give.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 26

Then Jesus cried out, "Those who believe in me do not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When they look at me, they see the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."

(John 12:44-45)

A Sunday School teacher gave her first-grade class a few minutes at the close of the hour to color anything they wanted. She noticed one little girl working quite diligently on her picture. She asked the little girl who the picture portrayed, and she quickly responded, "God." "No one knows what God looks like," the teacher said, to which the young artist responded with confidence, "They will now."

Jesus sought to show the world his heavenly Father. "When they look at me," he said, "they see the one who sent me." As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to help the world see Christ in us. "Let your light shine before others," Jesus said, "that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." You and I are painting God-pictures whenever someone else sees Christ in us. Give careful attention to detail, allow the light of Christ to shine through you in everything you do, and the world around you will see the One who sent you.

Prayer: Help us Lord, to allow your light to shine through, that others will be drawn to the picture of Christ at work in us, Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 25

"Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit." (Psalm 32:1-2)

A Sunday School teacher had just concluded her lesson and wanted to make sure she had made her point. She said, "Can anyone tell me what you must do before you can obtain forgiveness of sin?" After a brief pause, a voice was heard from the back of the room as a little boy said, "Sin." This simple story tells a significant truth about who we are, but more importantly, it tells us about who God is. Sin is not a creation of God, but grace and mercy certainly are. Therefore, blessing comes to the sinner whose transgressions are covered by God's mercy, whose failures are not counted against him. The apostle Paul said that this grace is not a license to sin, but a continual reminder of God's love.

One could argue that without sin, there could be no forgiveness. To the one who has experienced the undeserved grace and mercy of God, however, the argument turns on the initiation of God's forgiveness made flesh in Jesus Christ, who as we said in yesterday's devotional, became sin "so that we might become the righteousness of God." The forgiven...that's you and me, are blessed indeed.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for not keeping count of the sin that marks our lives. Through Christ, we find forgiveness where sin is remembered no more. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 24

"We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (II Corinthians 5:20b-21)

Paul gives us a unique perspective on the depth of God's willingness to bring redemption to his human creation. He tells us that Christ was willing to become the very thing that condemns us,,,sin. Now this does not identify Christ as a sinner. Indeed, the writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us that though Jesus was tempted in every way, he did not sin. Yet, Paul says that God "made him to be sin" for our sakes.

David Livingstone, nineteenth century Scottish missionary to Africa, wrote about the supposed sacrifices he had made for the gospel. "People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply acknowledging a great debt we owe to our God, which we can never repay? I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father's throne on high to give Himself for us."

Livingstone died in a small African village in May, 1873. Though encouraged to return to great Britain to seek medical attention, he chose to remain among the people and country he adopted as a missionary for Christ. Some believe he died a martyr, unwilling to save himself if it meant leaving the people of Africa, yet he considered his sacrifices nothing when compared to the sacrifice Christ made in becoming sin "so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

We talk of sacrifice during this season, often in the context of the little things we will "give up" for Lent...chocolate, caffeine, movies, sports, etc. The sacrifice Paul talks about as Christ becomes sin for us exposes the arrogance of our tiny and momentary deprivations. Perhaps we would do well to hear Livingstone's words once more..."Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father's throne on high to give Himself for us."

Prayer: Gracious Redeemer, Living Christ, who set aside perfection to become sin so that we might know righteousness through You, we give you thanks. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 23

“We look for light, but all is darkness;

for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.”

Isaiah 49:9b

I remember my first trip to New York City, some 30+ years ago. After emerging from Union Station on a bright, sunny day, I believe I only saw the sun three more times that day. Oh, it was a beautiful day…crisp March winds…not a cloud in the sky. The three times I remember seeing the sun were when we stepped onto the observation deck at the Empire State Building, looking through the glass in the crown of the Statue of Liberty, and looking out across the city from the 110th floor of the World Trade Center. Much of that beautiful day was spent walking the streets, engulfed by the surrounding buildings that hid the sun and cast long shadows across our steps.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of looking for light, yet finds himself walking in deep shadows. Scholars believe this text reflects the sinful failures of a people in exile. The prophet speaks in Isaiah 49:2, “your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you…” The shadow cast across this people was the shadow of sin…a shadow which marks every human being.

Eighteenth-century American poet, Henry David Thoreau, once wrote, “Every man casts a shadow; not his body only, but his imperfectly mingled spirit.” Just as a shadow is cast by the body’s encounter with light, a shadow is cast as the sin of our lives is confronted by the glorious light of the Creator God. The sin that causes us to walk in shadows cannot overcome the brightness of God’s love and mercy. Speaking of the living Word that was with God from the beginning, the apostle John wrote, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The sin of our lives condemns us to the shadows…the light of Christ exposes and overcomes that shadow of sin, drawing us to the brightness of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...Ash Wednesday

“Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your hearts,

with fasting, with weeping, and with sorrow; tear your hearts
and not your clothing. Return to the LORD your God, for he is

merciful and compassionate, very patient, full of faithful love,

and ready to forgive.” (Joel 2:12-13, CEB)

The season of Lent begins today, Ash Wednesday. Christians around the world will mark this day, literally, as the beginning of a journey toward the cross. It is a return to the familiar story of sacrifice and redemption as Jesus moves toward Jerusalem and the cross. It is also an opportunity for believers to have their lives marked once again by repentance, to hear once more the words of the prophet Joel, as God speaks through him, “Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate…ready to forgive.”

Lent calls us to return, to see again the grace of God at work in the midst of our sin as we follow Jesus to the cross. It is an invitation that summons us to “return…with fasting, weeping, and with sorrow.”

Seventeenth-century hymn writer, Paul Gerhardt, captures this sense of humble repentance as he writes, “What Thou, my Lord hast suffered was all for sinner’s gain: Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain; Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ‘Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, vouch safe to me Thy grace.”

…here I fall, my Savior! ‘Tis I deserve Thy place. In humility, with hearts that are torn through repentance, let us follow Jesus to the cross, finding forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

Prayer: The Lenten journey begins, O God. We ask to humbly walk beside the Christ as we journey together to the cross. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Join us Ash Wednesday for a service of ashes at 6:30 in the Sanctuary at Westwood.

President's Day is for Prayer

I read not long ago that one of the most profitable times in the automotive retail industry is President's Day weekend. I'm not sure what the incentive is to buy a car in the middle of February, but if you've seen a paper in the last few days or watched any commercials on television, you have been encouraged to buy a variety of things at someone's "President's Day Sale." American retailers are good at packaging their goods in a holiday bundle, marked with a "sale" sign...as consumers, we buy it, literally, every time.

Perhaps as we approach this holiday weekend we might remember that there is more to these days than saving a few dollars. Perhaps as we reflect on Presidents Washington and Lincoln, men revered in our nation's history, we might also take time to pray for our current leaders...President Obama and the men and women of congress. These are challenging days for the president and congress...both have been much maligned as stalemates have marked most attempts at meaningful legislation. There are many opinions about why this is so. As often happens in political conflict, there is some truth mixed along with a fair amount of partisanism that makes progress painfully slow, and frustration among the electorate, very high. My opinions about the direction of these discussions is really insignificant here...some would agree with my point of view, and others disagree. However, perhaps I can call us to something that can be beneficial for all parties involved. Could it be that the best thing you and I could do for our president and the leaders of our nation is to pray for them? Some would think this suggestion too simple for the complexity of opinions and issues that divide our nation. I would argue that prayer is essential to gaining wisdom and that makes prayer absolutely essential for this time.

So, pay less attention to the sale ads for this President's Day weekend, and closer attention to prayer for our nation's leaders. They need that prayer, and you and I need to focus on the spirit of prayer that diminishes differences and encourages cooperation.

Jim Abernathy

The Best

"Best meal I've ever had at a homeless shelter," said one of our guests last night. I'll admit, Jessie's dinner last night was delicious. I got an early sample yesterday afternoon and wondered into the kitchen last night and snuck a bite of mashed potatoes as well. Jessie and Kathy Hallmark had prepared a wonderful meal and a good number of volunteers helped serve, greet, and provide security for these new friends. We find ourselves at times comparing experiences, declaring something perhaps as best or worst we ever had. It is hard to say something we ate is the best ever, but for the moment, when the taste is savored and the stomach filled, it may seem that what we have just experienced is indeed the best.

A hot meal and a warm and safe place to sleep is a blessing, particularly for those who do not always have access to what most of us simply take for granted. Throughout this week we have welcomed such persons into our building and into our lives, and in doing so, have been reminded of the treasure within every human being created in the image of God. We tend to compare ourselves to others, either feeling inadequate or thinking more highly of ourselves than we should. But this week of hypothermia prevention should serve to remind us that we are all blessings to the One who has made us, and blessings to each other if we take the admonition of scripture seriously to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Maybe Jessie's meal last night was the best ever served in a shelter...or just maybe, the entire experience is a reminder to us all that every person has within him or her self the best of what God created us all to be. That is something we are to share with each other...that is the best that we can do!

Jim Abernathy

Hypothermia Update & Prayer Requests

Hypothermia week at Westwood got off to a great start Sunday evening!! Twenty-three guests settled in for the night having enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by the Hope Class, been welcomed by friendly greeters including Bela the therapy golden retriever, entertained by watching the super bowl, and engaged in meaningful conversations with volunteers who enjoyed getting to know these new friends. All in all, a great start to what will hopefully be a very meaningful week for everyone. Our partners in this project from Burke Presbyterian Church led the ministry efforts last evening, and tonight, our Westwood folks will again be on the job. God is at work in the midst of these efforts. The most significant thing we can all do is pray. With that in mind, listed below are prayer needs for our hypothermia week we discussed around the tables at Church Family Night last Wednesday evening.

• Pray that the guests will feel welcomed and that they feel treated with dignity
• Pray for all the volunteers that God will use their gifts of time and talent this week to bring blessing to the guests
• Pray for the Facets employees who work alongside us this week
• Pray for good weather and safe travel throughout the week
• Pray for opportunities to share God's love in every circumstance
• Pray for our leadership team as they coordinate these efforts and make decisions throughout the week
• Pray for good health for residents and volunteers alike
• Pray for our ministry partners at Burke Presbyterian who will lead these efforts Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will be at work to guide volunteers and guests alike throughout the week

You can make a difference in many ways through our Hypothermia ministry this week...none more important than prayer. Pray faithfully, expect great things from the Lord, and wait and watch throughout the week for further updates.

Jim Abernathy

Rest, Renew, Recharge

The battery on my computer is growing weaker..says there is perhaps 20 minutes left before it is expended completely. With that in mind, I will be brief today... the battery problem with my computer can be rectified with a power cord and electrical outlet. Once connected, power flows immediately into the computer and I can work while it charges. If, however, there is no access to electricity, the cord is faulty, or misplaced, the screen soon goes dark and the computer becomes useless.

Sometimes our batteries grow weak in the everyday occurrences of life. We grow tired, weary, unsure about next steps. How do you recharge when your physical, emotional, and spiritual batteries wear down? Jesus told his followers in the midst of what were often very trying and tiring circumstances, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus knew something about burdens and weariness. The gospel writers tells us that Jesus knew the struggles of the people and was moved with compassion. His invitation in Matthew 11:28 is a call to renewal, rest, and yes, recharging.

My computer signals me when it is time for recharging. God's word signals us about the need for renewal as it tells us the stories of generations of men and women who have emerged amidst the trials and weariness of their lives to become conquerors. Never is it in their strength alone, but always by the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit of God.

The battery indicator on my computer is flashing, "Danger! Danger!". I'll connect it to the source that gives it life. I remind you that there is a source of life-giving power as well that you can connect to. "Learn from me," Jesus said, "for I am gentle and humble of heart." Rest, renew, recharge...that is a connection we all need to make!

Jim Abernathy