Lenten Devotional...March 31

“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”

(Matthew 6:27)

 

“Sixty is the new forty,” I heard someone proclaim not long ago.  I’m not sure about that.  I’m in the vicinity of that milestone birthday and if I recall correctly, there is quite a difference between those two decades!  Yes, I understand that you’re as young as you feel, and that age is just a number—colloquialisms we like to throw out to distract us from the reality of the passing years.

 

We are at times consumed with age, worrying about what is ahead, what once was, and the challenges of today.  Doctors tell us that worry does nothing good for our health, and in measurable ways diminishes our lives.  Jesus must have understood this as he reminded his followers that worry would not add a single hour to life.

 

So, why do we spend so much time in worry? The answer, of course, is that we are finite human beings who struggle to turn loose of that which we cannot control.  Jesus, citing the wonder and beauty of God’s creation, said, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field…will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”

 

Perhaps for today, we can try to worry less and trust God more.  Tomorrow?  Well, Jesus said tomorrow will take care of itself.

 

Prayer: Ever-faithful God, may the beauty of all your creation inspire me to trust you more, and worry less. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 28

“Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever.”

(I Corinthians 9:25)

 

Athletes in the ancient world trained to win a prize that today would seem rather insignificant.  A crown of laurel leaves was the coveted prize the runner would receive after winning the race.  The accolade of the crowd was further compensation, but that sought-after crown that had been worked for so long, was withered and brown in a matter of days.

 

Today’s athletes receive trophies, rings, automobiles and more as a result of their hard work.  But even these seemingly more valuable treasures tarnish, are lost, or break down.  Paul reminds first-century Christians that the prize they seek as faithful followers of Christ is an eternal one that will not be destroyed…an eternal relationship with the living God. Indeed, the preparations, the race itself is worth the effort!

 

Prayer: We ask for strength and courage, Lord, as we run the race you have set before us, keeping our eyes on the prize. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 27

“In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.”

(Psalm 86:7)

 

Have you ever picked up the phone, sat at the keyboard, or called out to someone in the next room to let them know you needed help?  Most, if not all of us, have done so, probably many times.  We do this because there is something we cannot do on our own, some challenge or problem that holds us captive and in need of assistance.

 

The Psalmist speaks with clear and certain assurance that the Lord will respond to his cry for help. The day of trouble presents an opportunity of faith…a look beyond self.  “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”(Psalm 121:1)

 

If you haven’t done so lately, maybe it’s time to ask for help.

 

Prayer: It’s me again, Lord.  I need your help.  I wait for your voice. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 26

“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”

(Psalm 119:133)

 

Someone stood on my front porch today while I was away from the house.  How do I know?  No, the person didn’t leave information in the door.  No, Max the wonder dog didn’t tell me, though he was pretty excited when I got home. The reason I know someone was on my front porch today is because he left a trail of footprints in the snow that left the sidewalk, crossed through the grass, moved up the steps and onto the front porch.  It was a clear and traceable path.  The identity of the person and purpose for his visit remain unknown, but the footsteps are evidence of his presence.

 

The Psalmist knows the One who guides his footsteps and finds his direction in the word of God.  The pathway is traceable, the destination a matter of trust.  His purpose? Holiness…let no sin rule over me.   How about your footsteps?

 

Prayer: Guide my steps, Lord. Let no sin rule over me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 25

^“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

(I Peter 4:8)

 

Victor Hugo once wrote, “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” That is the great good news of the gospel…For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…  It is that love that covers a multitude of sins…mine and yours.

 

The cross of Christ is the evidence of that love.  Isaac Watts, in the second verse of his great hymn,  “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross, writes, “See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?”  Yes, love covers a multitude of sins, and yes, thank God for the cross.

 

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for covering my sin with your love.  Thank you for the cross.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 24

“...let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you.”

(I Corinthians 7:17)

Much of the marketing across various media streams today challenges consumers to pattern themselves after someone else.  From the clothing one wears, to the soft drinks one consumes, to the medications one takes, there is the constant challenge to be like someone other than one’s self.  Paul challenges the Christians in Corinth to celebrate the uniqueness of every soul.  Yes, there is a model to follow, but this model is unlike any other; this model is the living Christ.  Paul sets forth the challenge in following this pattern in Philippians 2:5, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”

God calls us not to be clones of one another, but faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:    Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me. Amen. (St Patrick—5^th Century)

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 21

“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.”

(John 15:18)

 

Sally Field won the academy award in 1984 for her portrayal of Edna Spalding, a widow fighting to save her family farm, in the acclaimed motion picture, “Places in the Heart.”  This was her second Oscar and she acknowledged that winning was sweeter the second time around.  “The first time I didn't feel it,” she said, “but this time I feel it, and I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!”

 

Most of us want to be liked.  We want to know that others respect and appreciate us.  That is a common human trait.   Jesus knew, however, that being true to his heavenly Father was much more important than being liked by the world around him.  In fact, he knew that being obedient to God would bring out the worst in some people and that was proven again and again. 

 

We should not be surprised that following Jesus makes friends and enemies. The cross is a popular piece of jewelry, but not so popular a way of life.  “If any want to become my followers,” Jesus said, “let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”   There will be few earthly rewards in such a pursuit, but the blessings from heaven will indeed make it worthwhile.

 

Prayer: Grant me the strength, dear Lord, to seek faithfulness more than popularity, obedience instead of acceptance. May the cross of Christ guide my every step. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy 

Lenten Devotional...March 20

"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next

generation, your might to all who are to come."

(Psalm 71:18, NIV)

 

Retirement is big business in the United States.  If you're not sure, just watch a little television and count the number of commercials pertaining to financial planning for your "golden years." Add to that marketing in the travel and real estate industries and you begin to realize that we are graying as a nation, and Wall Street and Madison Avenue have taken notice.

 

One gets the impression, with all this attention, that seniors are to focus squarely upon themselves, their needs and desires in their post-working lives.  The Psalmist, however, seems to have a different idea.  He sees his graying years as opportunity to bear witness to younger generations about the wonder of the Creator God who has sustained him. The 71st Psalm is a tribute to the faithfulness of God that has spanned the seasons of life. 

 

Planning for retirement is indeed a responsible thing to do, but there is more than money involved in these preparations.  Living and sharing the blessing of faith with the next generation is the greatest gift you can offer to others and to the Lord. In whatever season of life you find yourself, make preparations to share the good news of God's love.

 

Prayer: God of the ages, past, present, and future, no matter our stage of life, help us to be faithful witnesses to the wonder of your love. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy 

Lenten Devotional...March 19

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”

(Psalm 62:1-2)

 

“It kind of freaked us out,” a UCLA architectural student commented following Monday’s 4.4 magnitude earthquake in Southern California.   I remember my own experience with the earthquake that hit our region a few years back.  I shared the UCLA student’s assessment in the immediate aftermath of that quake for it kind of freaked me out too!

 

In the midst of an earthquake or storm, one seeks shelter.  The Psalmist finds his shelter in God.  Trusting in the Lord, he affirms, “I shall never be shaken.” The earth may move, the winds may howl, and yes, the snows may continually come, but God is an ever-present help in time of trouble…our rock, our salvation, and our fortress.

 

Prayer: Gracious God, Rock of Ages, for your sheltering arms about us, we give you thanks. Amen.    

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 18

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him.  A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.”  And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” 

(Mark 3:31-32, 34-35)

 

The family of Jesus wondered about his state of mind.  Earlier in this chapter, Mark tells us that they came to take him home because they had heard the reports that made them question his sanity. They have returned in our text, hoping that the connection they shared as family would lure him away from the crowd and back home.  He wasn’t out of his mind, but in response to their concerns, he taught them and others about relationship in the kingdom.  Doing the will of God is the true indicator of relationship with Jesus. 

 

No, Jesus’ words here are not anti-family, but they do remind us that our relationship with God is of greatest value. We are a part of the family of God, brothers and sisters whose identity is observed in obedience to the will of God. The cross calls us to obedience as Jesus, our brother, willingly gives his life for all.  Sisters and brothers, that is good news for our Lenten journey.

 

Prayer: May we follow faithfully, obediently wherever you lead us, Lord.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 17

"You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it." 

(Psalm 65:9)

 

The Psalmist celebrates the provision of God.  As rain replenishes dry, dusty soil, God will "greatly enrich" the parched soul.  The depth of God's provision is certain..."the river of God is full of water."   Lent can indeed be a season of spiritual struggle.  With the claims of the cross ever before us, the river of God offers refreshment in time of need.  God has prepared this refreshment for you...drink from the abundance of God.

 

Prayer: May we drink from the river of your provision, Lord, and find our thirst satisfied.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 14

^“When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’  When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’”

(Mark 2:16-17)

 

Jesus bothered little with social expectation.  The religious leaders scolded him for associating with “sinners.”  Jesus told them, however, that “sinners” were his kind of people!  Perhaps we would do well to raise our standards to those of Jesus…after all, you and I are some of those sinners Jesus came to save.

 

Prayer: Lord, your embrace is broad enough to welcome all sinners.  Help us to do the same. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 13

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voices goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”  

(Psalm 19:1-4)

 

Twentieth-century American humorist Will Rogers once quipped, “Never miss a chance to shut up!”  We might do well to heed his advice from time to time.  Seems we are often so impressed with what we have to add to the conversation that we spend more time talking and less time listening.

 

The Psalmist reminds us that praise isn’t dependent on words. “Look up,” he seems to be saying. “Take in the wonder of God’s glory.”  Words are superfluous…shhhhhhh!

 

Prayer:   _________________________!!  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 12

“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’”

(Mark 1:35-37)

 

What must it be like to know that everyone is searching for you?  The popularity of Jesus was growing with every miracle, every story, every deliverance.  Word of his movements were hardly secret and as a result, he faced large and sometimes demanding crowds wherever he went.  Even his disciples hunted for him.

 

Jesus seems unimpressed with his celebrity, at times, impatient with it.  Perhaps because of it, he sought the sanctuary of quiet moments alone to think and pray.  I don’t know that you face the same demands of the crowd, but if you are a mother, manager, teacher, or coach you have most likely felt the need to step away quietly, unnoticed to rest and recharge. 

 

Regardless of the level of popularity or demand placed on you by others, we all need that intentional, quiet place.  During this season of Lent, seek it out, make room for quiet reflection and prayer.

 

Prayer: I am too busy, too distracted Lord.  Help me find quiet moments to spend with you.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 11

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

(Mark 1:14-15)

 

Mark’s gospel begins not with family lineage, birth narratives, or cosmic identity as do the other gospels, but with John, the cousin of Jesus whose calling is to prepare the way for Messiah.  Our text finds John in prison and the focus quickly shifting to Jesus as he begins his preaching ministry.  John had called people to repentance and baptism, now Jesus is doing the same.  The difference is that John was preparing the way for Messiah; Jesus was Messiah.

 

It is amazing how the story takes on greater meaning, depending on the storyteller.  Now obviously, some folks are better at telling stories than others, but this isn’t about the skill of the storytellers, this is about their identities.  John said that one was coming whose sandals he was unworthy to bend down and tie.  You see, the story of the cross is the story about Jesus, and who better to tell his story than Jesus himself.  “Repent and believe in the good news.” These were words that John had said, but in Jesus, they found fulfillment.

 

Prayer: Thank you God for Jesus, the storyteller and the story.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 10

“We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old.”

(Psalm 44:1)

 

When he was just a young boy, Clayton would sometimes ask about things that happened when I was his age.  He would often say, “Daddy, tell me what it was like in the back times.”  That phrase made me feel old every time he used it, yet it was a reminder to me and a teaching moment for him about life lessons from the past. 

 

The Psalmist recalls the blessing of past stories that serve to revitalize faith as the persistent love and provision of God is remembered.  The cross is a symbol of faith that calls us to remember the deeds of old that still impact eternity.  Stories of the cross passed on to you that you then pass on to others, truly make a difference…an eternal difference.

 

Prayer: We are grateful for the good news that has been passed on to us, O God.  Help us to be faithful in passing along those stories to others. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 7

^“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”

(Philippians 4:4-5)

 

Presence makes a difference.  Clay Nettles recently spoke of the significance of knowing the presence of caring friends and family in the immediate aftermath of his serious bike accident.  Just knowing someone is there in the midst of brokenness means everything.

 

Paul reminds the Philippian Christians that God is near.  That presence empowers joy and gentleness, among other things.  In this season of Lent, remember that God is near.

 

Prayer: Ever-present One, may the joy of knowing You empower our Lenten steps.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 6

“…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”

(Philippians 3:13b-14a)

 

The Lenten journey can seem a long one.  We find ourselves at times like the child who just a few minutes into the family vacation, asks, “Are we there yet?”  Paul reminds us that our journey is a forward one, focusing not on where we have been, but where we are going.  As a result, he is straining forward to what lies ahead. 

 

We so want to arrive at what we perceive to be our Lenten destination, resurrection, and yet, confession, repentance, and contemplation are the mileposts along this journey that cannot be bypassed.  So, though we have just begun and there is quite a way to go, press on dear friend, press on.

 

Prayer: Help us, dear God, to press on in our journey to the cross.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...Ash Wednesday

“Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

(Psalm 32:1)

I slipped on the ice recently while walking the dogs.  Like any self-respecting resident of the neighborhood, I first looked around to see if anyone saw me fall, then got to my feet.  We often focus on ourselves in such moments, not wanting to compound our slip-ups with the embarrassment of an audience. 

We speak of sin in terms of falling, not just Adam’s sin in Eden’s Garden, but also our own failures.  We hope no one notices these “slips,” but there is One who is ever aware.   The Psalmist reminds us, however, that God’s forgiveness covers our falling…our sin.

Our journey to the cross this Lenten season begins with this assurance.  When you fall, God is there, offering forgiveness through the One who took our  “falls” upon himself. 

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for picking us up when we fall, and forgiving us through Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Lenten Devotionals

Friends,

 

Tomorrow, March 5, the season of Lent begins. Each Monday through Friday throughout the season of Lent, I will be posting a brief devotional based on the daily lectionary text for the day. Scripture references, unless otherwise noted, will be from the New Revised Standard Version.  My hope is that as we walk together toward the cross we will be reminded of God's great love and our great need. 

 

May God guide our journey together.

 

Jim Abernathy