Friday, April 25, 2014

Run With Perseverance

Cindy and I went to Nationals Park last night and had a great time.  We were with good friends, ate some delicious food, and enjoyed being outside on a beautiful spring evening.  One might say it would be hard to top such an experience, except...the Nationals lost in twelve innings, 4-3. It was the kind of game that frustrates managers, players, and fans alike as the Nationals collected sixteen hits and left fourteen runners on base.  To say they had their chances to win would be an understatement.  Obviously the outcome of the game was not what we hoped for, and yet, Cindy and I remarked this morning about how much we enjoyed the evening.  I suppose the results could have overshadowed the experience, but in reality, the experience, for us overshadowed the loss.
 
I have heard a familiar statement over the years about the ups and downs of life and the persistence needed for this life's journey.  Perhaps you have heard it too...Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The idea is a simple, if not terribly exciting one.  The speed and instant gratification of the sprint is initially very attractive, and yet, one covers very little ground and experiences only momentary challenges.  The marathon, however, takes one through long distances where hills and valleys, smooth and rough terrain, and noisy crowds and sudden quiet mark the experience.  Walking with God is a marathon experience where joys and sorrow mark the landscape and faith empowers the long view that isn't consumed with the moment, but trusts that God has been, is now, and will continue to be at work in the midst of it all.  Even when the outcomes aren't what we hope for, there is strength for next step living that makes the entire journey well worth taking.
 
The admonition of the writer of Hebrews 12 is vital to our understanding of this journey; "let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith..."   Looking to Jesus, we can run with perseverance, wherever the race may take us.
 
I hope you will join us for a very special worship experience this Sunday as our youth lead in worship.  Youth Sunday provides an opportunity for our young men and women to share, and for you and me to encourage them as together, we worship the living Lord.   I am looking forward to this Sunday and to seeing you there.  Remember, also, that our quarterly church conference will be held this Sunday evening at 7 in the music suite.
 
Twelfth-inning losses are hard to take, but tonight will bring another game, and tomorrow, another. Every day is an opportunity. With our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, let us run with perseverance.
 

Jim Abernathy

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Lenten Devotional...Easter Sunday

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 
(John 20:19-21)
 
There’s a wonderful old saying is southern circles about bringing things to a joyous conclusion… “it’s all over but the shoutin’.”  Jesus stands among his friends, alive.  They were locked away, fearing for their lives, and he suddenly stands before them offering greetings of peace.  He shows them the marks of crucifixion that prove his death, then they let loose the shoutin’, rejoicing that the One who was dead, is now alive.  But their shoutin’ wasn’t the end of the story. Good news came with a challenge and a calling; “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 
 
Easter Sunday is a day of shoutin’.  But it is much more than that.  It is a day of commission.  To embrace and celebrate the living Christ is to also embrace and celebrate His challenge and calling to us; “As the Father has sent me, so send I you.”
 
Go and tell the good news!
 
Prayer: Come among us once more, dear Jesus, that in seeing your nail-scarred hands and feet, we might celebrate again your victory of life over death.  Then, may we faithfully answer the call to go and tell. Amen.
 
Jim Abernathy
 

These Lenten devotionals conclude today, but our journey to the cross and empty tomb hasn't been exclusively a seasonal walk.  Jesus calls us daily to take up the cross and go into all the world to tell the good news.  The work of salvation is done...now the story must be told!  

Friday, April 18, 2014

Lenten Devotional...Good Friday

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
(Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46)
 
The Psalmist’s words of desperation become the Savior’s cry of isolation.  Wrongly accused, beaten, cursed, humiliated, abandoned by his friends, Jesus hangs on the cross, near death.  The taunting crowd has grown weary of the sport and some have, no doubt, gone back into the city. The few “bystanders” as the NRSV calls some of those who remain, think he is calling Elijah.  They wait in cynical anticipation to see if Elijah will come, but no one comes to rescue him.  Once more he cries out, then “breathes his last.” 
 
Few are left now to witness the end.  A Roman centurion, having observed it all, in stunned reverence says, “Surely this was the Son of God.”   
 
How could it end this way? 
 
How could it end any other way?
 
Prayer: I can never understand fully the depth of your love, O Christ, enduring such pain and abandonment to pay my debt of sin.  Surely this was the Son of God. Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Lenten Devotional...Maundy Thursday

Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!”  Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”
(Luke 22:31-34)
 
This story is told again and again in our passion recollections.  Peter is proclaiming his undying allegiance to Jesus, while Jesus forecasts a completely different outcome.  Our own best intentions for commitment and faithfulness to Jesus are heard in Peter’s bold words.  Our focal point, however, should not be on Peter’s words or his failure, but on the words of Jesus found in verse 32… but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  Peter’s failure was assured, but so too was Jesus’ faithfulness in praying for him and believing the best about him.  We focus on the failure…Jesus sees the possibility.
 
Maundy Thursday calls us to the table, the garden, the betrayal, the trial, and then, the cross.  The failures of Peter and the disciples are significant for us because we see ourselves there.  The words and actions of Jesus, however, are much more significant for they speak of redemption for Peter, and for you and me.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you hear our bold proclamations as well as our anxious denials, yet, you believe in us still.  In your grace and mercy, may we, like Peter, find restoration.
Amen.
 
Jim Abernathy
 

Plan to join us for Maundy Thursday services at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 16

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lordand turn away from evil. It will be a healing for
 your flesh and a refreshment for your body.”
(Proverbs 3:7-8)
 
Victor Hugo once wrote, “Wisdom is a sacred communion.  Along the Lenten journey, one comes to realize that human wisdom is sorely lacking in the shadow of the cross.  There, the ugliness of sin meets the wonder of God’s love.  There, human wisdom is exposed for its shortsightedness.  There, the wisdom of God brings healing in sacrifice, mercy in the midst of humiliation.
 
The admonition of the wise writer of Proverbs is a clear call to sacred communion.  To depend on my own wisdom is failure.  To trust in the One who has created me in His holy image brings healing and refreshment.  Turn away from evil…turn toward the Lord.
 
Prayer: I ask for wisdom today, Lord, for I cannot…I must not lean upon my own understanding.  Guide my thoughts, my words, and my steps. Amen.
 
Jim Abernathy

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 15

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost.”
(I Timothy 1:15)
 
Comparisons are inevitable. We spend much of our time evaluating everything from soft drinks to automobiles to biblical translations.  Paul does not seem interested in comparisons.  He readily embraces his identity as the foremost of sinners.  The Message translates Paul’s confession as “Public Sinner Number One.”
 
The point is not whether Paul’s sinfulness is greater than any others, or that your or my sin is comparable…Christ came into the world to save sinners…that is the point. The cross proves the point and sin is overcome…Paul’s, yours, and mine.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for coming to this world to save the foremost of sinners…like me. Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Monday, April 14, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 14

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.”
(Psalm 51:1)

These opening words of David’s great confession call for a quality of relationship that is undeserved…mercy.  David could not claim his greatness as king before God.  His position and influence would not sway the Almighty.  The quality of mercy is unearned.
 
Timothy Keller, in his book, “The Prodigal God,” writes, “Mercy and forgiveness must be free and unmerited to the wrongdoer. If the wrongdoer has to do something to merit it, then it isn't mercy.”

One doesn’t view the cross and think of worthiness.  The third verse of Isaac Watts great hymn, “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed,” communicates this truth.  “Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! Grace unknown!  And love beyond degree!”

…love beyond degree…that may be the greatest definition of mercy.

Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me, according to your steadfast love…love beyond degree. Amen.


Jim Abernathy  

Friday, April 11, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 11

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10:35)

Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for what is about to happen.  He tries to tell them about their final journey to Jerusalem and about his death, but they just can’t seem to grasp what he says. James and John, in the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ stunning words of crucifixion and resurrection, press him to allow them to be at his right and left hand when he comes into his kingdom. We marvel at their arrogance and insensitivity, and yet, their questions are really ours.  We like to be special treatment, to find ourselves at the front of the line or in places of recognition and honor. 

Jesus said that he did not come to be served but to serve, ultimately giving himself fully for others. His example countered the argumentative, self-centered approach of the disciples with an authentic picture of servanthood.  It isn’t a rush to be first in line or to grab a position of authority and lord it over others.  Jesus called his followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow.  Bearing the weight of that cross diverts our attention away from our petty self-interests, calling us to trace and then follow the footprints of the Servant, Jesus, the Christ.

Prayer: Forgive our selfish ways and help us, Lord, to willingly embrace the cross of Christ, and in doing so, to serve. Amen.

Jim Abernathy       

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 10

“O Lord, what are human beings that you regard them, or mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a passing shadow.”
(Psalm 144:3-4)
 
Do you ever feel small, insignificant?  I think we all struggle at times with our sense of self-worth in the often overwhelming stage of life.  The Psalmist’s words might lead us to believe that we have little value in the vastness of the Creator’s universe, and yet, though he acknowledges that our days are as a passing shadow…the wisp of a breath, he affirms that God does indeed acknowledge God’s human creation.  Again, we need look no further than the cross to witness the depth of God’s love for a sinful, rebellious people.  Yes, our days are as fleeting as a breath, our shadows passing quickly before us, but in these moments we live, God is present with us through Jesus Christ, offering life, and life more abundant. 
 
Take a deep breath…pause to watch the briefly lingering shadows, then give thanks that the living God desires to fill your moments and days with his abundance.
 
Prayer: In every moment, with every breath, help me know the wonder of your abundance, Lord. Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 9

“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.”
(Psalm 119:176)
 
Jesus told a wonderful parable about a shepherd tending a flock of sheep.  Ninety-nine of the one-hundred sheep were accounted for.  Now, by today’s standards, a 99% success rate would be considered quite successful, but for this shepherd, losing even one lamb was unacceptable. So the shepherd left the ninety-nine and went out to find the one lost sheep…risking everything to redeem the one.
 
It’s a great story because we often see ourselves as the one.  The Psalmist surely saw himself as a wanderer in need of redemption.  He also believed that God would search for him; that God would seek him out in the wilderness of his sin.
 
The cross reminds us that God has sought the sinner and brought redemption through Jesus, the Christ.  Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  Have you strayed away?  Remember, the Good Shepherd is ever seeking the one…you.
 
Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, thank you for seeking a wanderer like me. Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 8

“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”
(Psalm 121:8)
 
No matter the hour, no matter how late I came in, my dear mother always knew.  It wasn’t that she stayed up to wait for me or greeted me at the door when I would come home in the wee hours of the morning. Though I would tip toe down the hall as quietly as I could past her room, she always called out softly, “Is that you, Jim.”  She knew it was me and her question was not about personal identification.  Those four words were her way of letting me know she was there, that she cared about me, and that she was aware of more than I realized.
 
The Psalmist acknowledges his need for God in this wonderful 121st Psalm. “My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth,” he writes. He finds it reassuring that God knows his comings and goings.  I’m not sure I always appreciated my mother’s awareness those many years ago, but now as I reflect on those memories, I see the example of the Creator who was and is always there, always caring about me, always aware of more than I realize.
 
Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for letting me know you are there.  Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Monday, April 7, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 7

“Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
(Mathew 18:4)
 
Jesus defined greatness in a most unusual way.  His contemporaries believed that greatness was a God-given blessing that manifested itself through power, influence, and wealth. When asked about who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called a little child over, placed the child in the middle of the gathering and said, “this is greatness; this is what you must become.”  I would guess there were whispers, perhaps astonished glances exchanged. Maybe there was the stirring of dust beneath the feet of a few who got up and walked away.  Jesus was used to such responses; he got them all the time.
 
Defining greatness in such a way would likely bring similar responses today.  We still struggle to understand the correlation between humility, trust, faithfulness and love when defining greatness.  The way of the cross, however, is a way of self-denial that calls the follower of Christ to a different perspective.  Where else would greatness be defined by the qualities of a child?
 
Prayer: Gracious God, please forgive my arrogance and pride. May the childlike qualities of humility, trust, mercy, and love be seen in my words and actions today. Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Friday, April 4, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 4

Love does not insist on its own way…”
(I Corinthians 13:5)
 
“It’s his way or the highway.”  You’ve probably heard someone say that in frustration about another person’s demanding expectations.  This kind of attitude leaves little if any room for meaningful dialogue or a valued sense of shared community.
Paul counters this attitude with the example of Christ as he writes, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.”(Philippians 2:5-8)
Jesus didn’t come demanding his way; he simply showed the way to God.  Humility, sacrifice, obedience…the way of love, the way of the cross.
Prayer: Help me put aside my demands for my own way, Lord Jesus, and follow you. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 3

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?”
(Luke 6:46)
 
The question from our text today hits us right where we live.  At some time in our lives we have each struggled with obedience.  One might think of young childhood or early adolescence when personal independence is a burgeoning concept that challenges parental authority. Frustration is a byproduct of this quest for independence that affects parent and child alike.
 
Jesus seems to show a bit of frustration with the above question.  “You say one thing and do another,” he seems to be saying.  Now, some of you may be thinking, right about now, of a five or fifteen year-old in your house.  But what about you…does obedience characterize your life, particularly your faith journey?  Is Jesus calling you to reconcile your words and actions?
 
Read the final few verses of this sixth chapter, beginning again with verse 46.  Jesus parallels the consistency of words and actions with the building of a strong foundation…something that will last, no matter what.
 
Prayer: Lord, may my words and deeds be reflective of the sure foundation of faith built upon the Rock, Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 2

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.”
(I Corinthians 12:4-6)

Bishop Desmond Tutu once said, Isn't it amazing that we are all made in God's image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people?”  I think that is what Paul is trying to say in the context of the gifts God has given, particularly in the body of Christ.  We are one in Christ, yet unique in gifts.  That is the wonder of the church…somehow God is at work in the midst of such diversity to accomplish so much.

The Lenten journey can at times isolate our steps for we are reminded of our own sin.  But let us also be reminded with each step, that there are others who walk this path, gifted uniquely as are we, but made one by the sacrifice of Christ.  Many gifts, but the same Spirit.

Prayer: Each step is uniquely mine, Lord, and yet, others walk alongside.  In our uniqueness, bind us by your Spirit. Amen.

Jim Abernathy 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Lenten Devotional...April 1

“Don’t talk before you think or make promises to God without thinking them through. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so don’t talk too much.”
(Ecclesiastes 5:2, CEV)
 
I appreciate the encouragement of scripture to be quiet before the Lord.  These words aren’t meant to isolate us in our silence before God, but to provide the space necessary to allow for the hearing of God’s word.  It’s hard to listen when you are constantly talking.  The words from the teacher of Ecclesiastes speak of reverence, measured thought, and respect for the Creator of heaven and earth.  This isn’t “pins and needles” anxiety brought on by utter fear of the Almighty, but authentic wonder and awe when confronted by the eternal One.
 
We’re all guilty of speaking at times before we think. But when we come before God, words aren’t always necessary… a listening ear and open heart, however, are.
 
Prayer: Quietly, we wait and listen, Lord….
 

Jim Abernathy