Lenten Devotional...February 21

II Timothy 1:3-7

I received my first guitar when I was thirteen, a fine instrument, procured as many such treasures were at that time, from the Sears Catalog. The instrument’s quality wasn’t as important to me then as its availability. It had six strings, picks, and a Mel Bay chord book…everything I needed to become the next Les Paul!

While I learned quickly, I must say I have never threatened Mr. Paul as an excellent guitarist. I did take a passion for music, however, and turn it into something I have enjoyed over the years and used occasionally in ministry settings. You might say I fanned into flame a spark that my parent’s helped ignite with a simple purchase.

Paul encouraged a young colleague in ministry to “fan into flame the gift of God” he had been given. Timothy shared a rich heritage of faith with his mother and grandmother, and had been set apart for ministry by Paul. The spark had been lit…now, Paul was saying, the flame must burn brightly.

The work of salvation has been done through the cross of Christ. If you have by faith embraced Christ, then there is for you this simple question…is that spark of faith being fanned into flame within you?

Prayer: Light of the World, may the spark of faith be fanned into flame within our hearts. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 20

Matthew 18:10-14

Mention the word “"search"” today and many folks think about their computer, opening their Internet browser where typing the subject or question surrounding the aforementioned search brings them to some conclusion. Such searching requires little more than the right equipment, connection, and the time and patience to scroll through seemingly endless data.

The kind of searching that Jesus mentions in our text today is an intentional effort to find that which has been lost. This isn'’t casual exploration, but impassioned pursuit of that which is greatly valued. When this story is told in Luke 15, Jesus focuses on the celebration over the one that has been found as the shepherd calls his friends together and proclaims, “"Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep."” Then Jesus says, "“in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”..."

One would be hard pressed to view the cross as a symbol of joy, and yet, it reminds us of the depth of God'’s love in impassioned pursuit of that which was lost.

Prayer: Searching God, find in me a repentant heart. Restore to me the joy of salvation. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 19

Hebrews 4:14-16

Faith is defined in Hebrews 11: 1 as "... being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." One might not see this definition as a ringing endorsement for confident living. We desire in this twenty-first century to live in the shelter of absolutes, where questions find answers and doubts are overcome. "Seeing is believing," we boldly proclaim. The Hebrews 11 definition of faith...not exactly the absolute many are looking for.

It's interesting to see Jesus' definition of faith, offered to a doubting disciple. Thomas brashly declared that he would not embrace resurrection until he saw Jesus before him with nail prints in his hands and feet, and a wound in his side. He further claimed that unless he could put his fingers in the wounds themselves, he would not believe.. His disbelief surely empowered his crude declaration. But when Jesus did appear before him, offering freely the evidence Thomas demanded, he fell at his feet, proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Then Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Our text today challenges believers to "hold firmly to the faith" and "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Words like firmly and confidence might not seem appropriate here, and yet, they are absolutely vital. The cross is our destination in this season of Lent, but the road that leads us there is full of uncertainty. Sure of what we hope for...certain of what we do not see, we take each step in faith, for there, at the cross, you and I receive mercy and find grace.

Prayer: Dear God, mercy and grace are gifts of the cross. By faith, may we hold firmly, confidently to these gifts. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 18

I Kings 19:1-8

How quickly things change! In the preceding chapter, Elijah has called down fire from heaven and routed the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel. This was not subtle confrontation, but total domination as the power of God is displayed. One might think Elijah would be so emboldened by God's faithfulness, and yet, when Queen Jezebel hears what he has done, she promises to have him killed within twenty-four hours. In absolute terror, Elijah runs for his life. He stops along the way long enough to rest under a tree, declaring, "I have had enough, Lord."

There have probably been those moments on your walk of faith when, like Elijah, you have felt that you have had enough. You have experienced the wonder of God's power and presence, yet threatened by something or someone, you have forgotten what once gave you strength. God did not change in the aftermath of Mt. Carmel's victory, yet Elijah's fear overshadowed his faith. Neither have the promises of God changed because your circumstances have changed.

The cross of Christ reminds us that defeat can be overcome by victory. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When the hope of faith is overshadowed by the uncertainties of this life, take heart...trust that God will continue faithful.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 17

Psalm 32

It is hard to overestimate the gift of forgiveness. The Psalmist is empowered by such a gift, committing himself to walk anew in the way of the Lord…to rejoice, even sing! “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

 
Lent leads us to the cross of Christ, the ultimate symbol of forgiveness and grace. There we are confronted by the One whose sacrifice empowers next steps. Forgiven, we move in the shadow of the cross to forgive others…forgiven, we move to become more of what God created us to become.

 
Issac Watts, in the fourth verse of his hymn text, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” offers this challenge: “But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe. Here, Lord, I give myself away, tis’ all that I can do.”

 
Lord, I give myself away…what does forgiveness empower you to do?

Prayer: Gracious God, may the forgiveness we know through Jesus Christ empower our thoughts and actions this day. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 16

Matthew 18:1-7

Greatness is debated in many forums today. Often the discussions are simply talking points to fill air time on radio or television broadcasts, intellectual debates between scholars or students, or perhaps the rivalry between competing siblings or friends who want to establish who is greatest among them.

Jesus offers a different perspective about greatness in our text today, reminding those closest to him that greatness isn't measured by arrogance, but rather, by humility; "whoever takes a humble place--becoming like this child--is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." His perspective isn't always well received in our modern culture where we seem to admire the personal arrogance and drive that enables domination.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe in the power of the cross. There, I witness the unmatched, conquering power of love. This power, however, wasn't packaged in arrogance and pride, but punctuated by humility as the Son of God took on human form and gave himself to die for your sin and mine. Such humility is indeed the definition of greatness.

Prayer: Eternal God, help me reevaluate my definition of greatness in light of the humble Christ. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 15

Psalm 51:10-19

In this throwaway world, there is little patience with broken things. In our affluence, that which is flawed is often discarded, quickly replaced with something new. In ancient Israel, the brokenness of sin was often “fixed” by the sacrifice of an animal in the temple. The burning flesh of that sacrifice supposedly appeased the God of heaven who, upon breathing in the smell of such sacrifice granted forgiveness to the people. It was an easy fix, requiring little from the sinner.
 
As David confesses his sin before God, he realizes such sacrifice fails to get to the heart of the matter. “You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings,” he says. “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” David’s confidence in the unfailing compassion of God melts his arrogance, and for that moment, reveals a brokenness that he knows can only be repaired by God.
 
The cross of Christ reminds us of God’s willingness to repair broken hearts and lives. May the brokenness of your heart and mine open the door that God might continue the great work of grace in us.

Prayer: God of compassion, may we come before you in brokenness, allowing you to mend our hearts and lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Jim Abernathy