Sunday, March 27, 2016

Lenten Devotional...Easter Sunday

John 20:19-22

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’”
(John 20:21)

I’ve never really been too big on religious slogans or sayings.  Quite honestly, I often find them trite and too often misused.  Some have become so popular that people mistake them at times for scripture and quote them as such, though they can’t ever seem to remember the book, chapter and verse from which they come.

One of these popular axioms is “When one door closes, another one opens.”  It is often used to speak of opportunity and God’s provision in the midst of challenge.  Perhaps there is application in the story of resurrection and the immediate aftermath.  When the stone was rolled into place, perhaps with a jarring thud to seal the tomb of Jesus, it could certainly be said that a door was closing.  The life and ministry of Jesus, and the hopes of his followers seemed finished, closed up in death.  Yet, in our focal text today, the resurrected Christ stands before them, fully alive, and soon, so too are their hopes.  Another door of opportunity is opening as Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  Salvation empowers service…resurrection revives calling.

As our Lenten journey concludes, sorrow gives way to joy and death is overcome by life.  One door closes…another one opens.

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Jim Abernathy

Thanks for traveling with me on this Lenten journey.  I have appreciated your comments and been glad for the opportunities to discuss the truths of scripture we have encountered.  May God continue to guide your steps as you live in the shadow of the cross and the light of the empty tomb.

Jim

Friday, March 25, 2016

It's Friday...but Sunday's Coming!

Our Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service concluded last night with a reading from Mark's gospel about the burial of Jesus. in the darkness of the sanctuary, the large pulpit Bible was slammed shut after the reading as symbolism for the tomb being sealed by the stone.  It was an abrupt sound...a sound of cold finality.

Apart from Resurrection Sunday, there is little hope in the events of Good Friday.  The sad truth is that an innocent man was wrongly accused, savagely beaten, unfairly sentenced, and cruelly killed on a cross.  Surely, many would agree, he was a good man...a man who didn't deserve such inhuman treatment. To the followers of Jesus, the events of Good Friday were devastating.  The one they thought would save the world couldn't save himself.  In grief and fear, they retreated behind closed doors to wait...but for what?

Our modern lives are marked by experiences that often leave us struggling to understand what's next. We have hoped, yet been disappointed; trusted, yet been let down; believed, only to be proven wrong.  We cower at times behind doors and walls of doubt and despair.  Like our first century brothers and sisters, we wait...but for what?

Yes, it's Friday...but Sunday's coming!

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...Good Friday

Mark 15:1-15

“Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
(Mark 15:15)

To satisfy the crowd is a challenge indeed.  Popular opinion can change in a moment; what satisfies today may bring a riot tomorrow.  Pilate was surely aware of the buzz around this man Jesus.  Perhaps some of his soldiers or advisors had told him about the celebrated entry of Jesus into the city earlier in the week.  Several days later, Pilate may have thought the angry crowd was gathered to displace him and establish Jesus as ruler over Judea.  And yet, the man hailed as Messiah on Sunday, now stood before the Roman Governor as the crowd called for his crucifixion.

“Why?” Pilate asked no one in particular, “What crime has he committed?”  The crowd could not or would not answer. Mark says they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” In that moment, Pilate made the expedient choice…he satisfied the crowd. 

This scene continues to play out again and again. Certainly the characters change and the scenario is not the trial of the Savior of the world.  And yet, whenever truth is shouted down by the crowd and decisions are made that placate, bringing destruction to the innocent, couldn’t it be said that Christ is crucified once more? 

Anger, frustration, fear, and doubt are potent political weapons.  The Sanhedrin used them well to incite the crowd.  It could be said the same is happening today.  The problems and threats we face in our nation and world are real and must be addressed, but allowing the ever-louder voices of fear, anger, and prejudice to dominate the discussion makes the expedient choice all the more accessible. 

Pilate gave the crowd what they wanted on that early Friday morning, yet God overcame the expedience of the moment to bring about deliverance.  In the ever-growing angry voices in our nation and world, may God yet, overcome.

Prayer: Lord, amidst the angry voices and temptation to give in to the crowd, may we be still and listen for your voice, and know that you are God. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Lenten Devotional...Maundy Thursday

Mark 14:26-31

“But he said vehemently, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And all of them said the same.”
(Mark 14:31)

It has been said, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”  These cautionary words remind us that it is often easy to speak of commitment, but certainly more challenging to follow through.

Today’s focal verse features the words of Peter, whose good intentions are displayed in his declaration of allegiance after Jesus has spoken of the disciple’s betrayal.  “Not me,” Peter says.  His intention is to distance himself from his fellow disciples.  If we did not know the rest of the story, we would be impressed with his courage in standing firmly with Jesus.  However, we do know the rest of the story because, quite honestly, it is also our story.  How many times have we committed ourselves to walk with Christ and been unable to follow through?  The words of commitment come from willing hearts, but as Jesus said to his disciples, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Marked by our failures, we carry a burden of guilt that hangs heavy, as did Peter’s betrayal.  One might assume that the resurrected Jesus would cast Peter aside as a worthless friend whose betrayal was the final act of infidelity.  But post resurrection, Jesus did a curious thing…he welcomed Peter as a friend, and called him to greater service…“feed my lambs.” 

The brokenness of betrayal, Peter’s and ours, is displayed in the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  For that, the road to hell seems a likely destination.  Our faith, however, isn’t based on good intentions; indeed, it isn’t based on anything you or I can do.  The cross, an ugly and detestable instrument of punishment, becomes for us the beautiful symbol of God’s love.  Our good intentions aside, God’s grace overcomes. Thanks be to God!


Prayer: Lord, we mark this as a day of betrayal…Maundy Thursday.  Our good intentions are exposed. So too, is your matchless love.  We humbly ask your forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 23

Matthew 26:6-13

“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached in all the world, what this woman has done will be told, and people will remember her.”
(Matthew 26:13)

How will you be remembered?  As with many things these days, we consider such a question from the extremes.  One might humbly say that he or she has done nothing noteworthy that anyone would remember.  Someone else might brashly profess a desire to be somebody, as if notoriety was the greatest goal of life. Ignoring your gifts or thinking too highly of yourself, however, aren’t the best reasons to be remembered.

In those last hours before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, Matthew tells the powerful story of a woman who comes to Jesus, bestowing upon him a great gift. It is not a gift of wealth, though the perfume she brings was likely quite expensive.  She didn’t come seeking notoriety or to make a bold statement. Jesus said that by pouring the perfume on his head, she was preparing his body for burial.  It was a gift of love and appreciation that his followers could not understand.  And yet, Jesus said that what she had done would be remembered whenever the good news was told.  Two thousand years later, I am telling and you are reading her story…she is being remembered.

In a moment, under relatively routine circumstances something marvelous was done.  The host, Simon, didn’t recognize the significance.  The disciples seemed clueless. Jesus, however, knew that a heart had been transformed and the resulting kindness was worth remembering.  In the small things, the seemingly unimportant movements of your day, it is quite possible that something you say or do will be remembered by someone.  With every step, every word, and every action, you may share the good news of Christ that will one day be remembered.

Prayer: Lord, guide my words and steps that your love may be remembered through me. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 22

James 2:14-17

“So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”
(James 2:17)

In reading today’s full text, my mind wandered some eight thousand miles to the small Indian villages I visited with Leena Levana and our team on a recent ServeTrust mission trip.  Every day we encountered children and adults whose needs were often overwhelming. 

Leena’s passion to share the gospel is multi-faceted, reaching to exemplify the love of Christ to the total person. “How can I tell them about the Bread of Life,” she told us, “if I don’t help feed their empty stomachs.”  I have affirmed over the years this broader perspective of reaching out in Jesus' name, but I had never seen it exemplified more powerfully.  HIV/AIDS patients, hungry children, those without good dental hygiene, those who had perhaps never had a pair of shoes of their own, those bound in the horror of the sex trade, those who had been cast aside because they were elderly or infirmed, those whose lives had been turned upside down by the devastating fire at the railroad yard…all of these people witnessed the love of Jesus not simply through a preacher who stood on the street corner and talked, but by someone who tirelessly worked to heal and feed and clothe and liberate and embrace them in the midst of their need.

The Message translates our focal passage with stunning clarity: “Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?”  I didn’t have to travel 8,000 miles to find evidence of this truth, but I am surely glad I did.


Prayer: God of one, God of all, give us compassion and courage that our God-talk may be accompanied by God-acts. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Monday, March 21, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 21

Matthew 11:28-30

“Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
(Matthew 11:30, MSG)

Perhaps you heard your mom, a teacher, or maybe worst of all, a preacher say to you, “Be careful of the company you keep!” The implication was of course that one can easily be corrupted by the influence of others.  Surely there is truth in that warning, but might it also be said that the reverse can be true as well.  A good influence can indeed challenge one in positive ways.

The Message translation of today’s text is evidence of this.  By keeping company with Christ, one has the opportunity to learn and grow in ways that are not only beneficial to self, but others as well.  I like the outcome here of keeping company with Jesus…to learn to live freely and lightly.”  In the busyness of our lives, wouldn’t we love to live freely and lightly?  “Come to me,” Jesus said, “and I will give you rest.”  Sounds like good company to me!


Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I keep company with you, and learn to live freely and lightly.  Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Friday, March 18, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 18

Isaiah 64:8-9

“Lord...we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
(Isaiah 64:8)

Growing up in a Baptist pastor’s home in the 1960’s, I can honestly say we were at church almost every time the doors opened…Sunday morning and evening, Wednesday nights, and usually several other times through the week.  As I reflect on those days there are some things I remember fondly and others, well…not so much.  One cherished memory, however, is the singing of hymns.  Every time we gathered, we sang, and over the years, the tunes and texts of those great hymns became ingrained within me to the point I could match hymn titles and numbers by memory long before my tenth birthday.

In reading today’s scripture, those “ancient” memories of singing hymns came quickly to mind, particularly Adelaide Potter’s compelling text, “Have Thine Own Way.”   The hymn was often sung as a invitation to faith or recommitment at the close of the service.  “Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay.  Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.”

As I recall, "Have Thine Own Way" was number 355 in the old 1956 Baptist Hymnal. (I may not remember a conversation I had last night, but I can remember hymn numbers from fifty years ago!) They were powerful words back then.  The words of the prophet, Isaiah, were powerful when written centuries before the birth of Jesus, and they are still a powerful part of discipleship today.  You are the potter, Lord. I am the clay.

Prayer: Mold me and make me, Lord, after your will, while I am waiting, yielded and still. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Doubt Gives Way to Hope

A few hours into March Madness my bracket is already compromised.  Upsets have taken their toll on some favored teams and I am confident there will be more! Some folks have detailed formulas, while others are driven by their hearts to choose favorite teams, and some just close their eyes and pick.  The national champion will be crowned April 4, and while there are favorites to win it all, at this point, it's anybody's guess.

Sunday morning we will gather for worship to celebrate Palm Sunday.  It was a day in which Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem by the cheering crowd, a favorite among them. They were ready to crown him King, a sure thing.  But before the week was over, he seemingly had been defeated.  Life can change in a moment, the favored become the defeated and all seems lost.  The story of Jesus, however doesn't end in defeat.  Easter Sunday we will gather to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, hope over disappointment, and life over death.  it begins, however, with this Sunday's celebration.  I know many of our folks are out of town during spring break, but if you are in town, I look forward to sharing this great story with you Sunday.  Invite a friend to join you!

The outcome of March Madness is still very much in doubt. As Palm Sunday gives way to Good Friday and ultimately Easter, doubt gives way to hope. Looking forward to sharing this Holy Week with you.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 17

Ecclesiastes 5:15

“Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands.”
                                                            
“You can’t take it with you,” might be a more succinct way to convey today's text.  Of course, our life-long quest to amass some degree of wealth might make one wonder if we truly believe this. 

The writer of Ecclesiastes, not known for his warm, fuzzy outlook, has, as did Joe Friday from the old Dragnet television series, a "just the facts" mentality.  But there is something more to this discussion which he could not have fully anticipated when writing nearly four centuries before the birth of Jesus.  Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus wasn’t encouraging good works that would bring some materialistic, heavenly reward.  He was challenging his followers instead to live so they could share and build blessings that would make an eternal difference. In that context, we can take with us something that truly matters.

Like most preachers, I have a hard time being succinct, so this devotional is going on a bit longer than usual.  But I close with a few words from Annie Johnson Flint’s wonderful poem, “The World’s Bible.” 

We are the only Bible the careless world will read.
We are the sinner’s gospel, we are the scoffer’s creed.
We are the Lord’s last message given in deed and word.
What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to live in your light so others may clearly see your love. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 16

Colossians 4:6

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how your ought to answer everyone.”

I may sound here like the old fogey I fear I am becoming, but it seems to me that there is something missing from many of our conversations these days.  Now, I have always been a bit suspicious of statements that communicate things aren’t like they used to be, as if they were always better in the past.  Constantly looking at life through the rear view mirror does not give one a healthy perspective for contemporary living. That said, allowing me just a moment on my nostalgic high horse, it seems to me that there is less grace in our conversations today.  We seem to make assumptions that put others at a disadvantage before the first word is ever spoken.  The benefit of the doubt is lost in the midst of such self-serving, self-absorbed discussion, and dialogue actually becomes monologue.

The Message translation perhaps communicates more positively than my curmudgeonly way.  “Be gracious in your speech.  The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”  Young, old, yesterday, tomorrow, and certainly today, that has been, will be, and is now good advice.

Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 15

Psalm 37:7

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
Do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Recently, there have been recurring themes in the political discourse of our nation calling us to respond in kind to the abuses of our enemies.  The rhetoric implies that if an enemy uses cruel and inhumane measures, it is only fair that we respond in kind so our conflict is waged on level ground.  Inherent in this argument is the danger that we succumb to the very evil we say we oppose.

I cannot change the course of a nation on my own, but transformed by the love of Christ, I can help bring change in my home, school, office, church, and community.  To be still and wait before the Lord requires a discipline of faith that resists the temptations of flawed, human parity.  You see, it isn’t about keeping my eyes on the actions of others, and then emulating them. Rather, it is about keeping my eyes upon God and then emulating the actions of Jesus, the Christ. 

Perhaps the words from the chorus of Helen Lemmel’s great hymn give us perspective here: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”     


Prayer: Guide my steps, my sight, my thoughts this day, O Lord. May I see and follow Jesus.  Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Monday, March 14, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 14

Luke 18:15-17
 
"Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
(Luke 18:17)
 
Having returned recently from India, I have been asked what had the greatest impact on me during those days.  It would be hard to isolate one experience, but among the many blessings that still capture my thoughts and heart were the children.  In every village, church, or school we visited, their sweet smiles welcomed us warmly.  We didn’t share a spoken language, but love isn’t confined by words.  In many cases they exemplified pure joy in meeting new friends, genuine appreciation in receiving the gifts we brought, or simple curiosity in encountering guests who had come from so far away.  Their smiles are as fresh in my memory today as the moment I met them.
 
I am grateful that Jesus chose a child to define God’s kingdom.  What a beautiful picture!  Perhaps we need to revisit this portrait of kingdom living, rediscover the child of God we each are to be, and then remember…“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black, and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” 
 
Prayer: Loving God, may my heart and mind be open like a child’s, that I might trust you more every day.  And may my heart, mind, and arms be open to receive a child in your name, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
 

Jim Abernathy

Friday, March 11, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 11

Mark 9:30-32

“But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
(Mark 9:32)

Questions often serve to empower the learning process.  Maybe you have heard a teacher say somewhere along the way that there are no dumb questions.  The motive in saying this is to encourage students, at whatever level of understanding, to be engaged in the learning process by giving voice to their questions.

It would seem that the disciples suffered from this timidity of inquiry.  Jesus had just told them of his impending death and resurrection.  They were hard words to hear.  Whether their uncertainty and fear in voicing their concerns was lack of understanding, fear of what this might mean for them, or simple denial at the prospect of something they would rather not face, they were afraid to put their questions to Jesus.

The shame in this or any circumstance where learning is stifled by doubt and fear is the loss of what could be.  Had the disciples found their voices and engaged Jesus in dialogue, they might have had a better understanding of him and of what was to come.  As it was, their fears closed the door on meaningful conversation and when Jesus’ words became reality, they were unprepared. 

Are there questions you are afraid to ask?  Is it possible that the answers could free you to become the person, parent, spouse, friend, child of God you are to become?  You’ll never know if you don’t ask!

Prayer: Help me have the courage to ask, then trust you with the answers, Lord. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 10

Jonah 4:1-11

“…for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing.”
(Jonah 4:2b)

The story of Jonah often centers around his encounter with a big fish. Children are captivated by the tale of a man stuck in the belly of a whale for three days. Come to think of it, children of all ages are fascinated by the tale.  But there is much more in the story of Jonah than a wet and most assuredly stinky encounter with a large sea creature.

In the final chapter of the book, the anger and frustration of Jonah are on display and it is not a pretty sight.  As he suspected, the grace of God won out over judgment and the people of Nineveh were spared.  We see here a side of Jonah that makes us uncomfortable, not just because of the angry fit he throws before God, but because deep down, we also struggle with our own attitudes about grace.  Now, we welcome the grace of God in the midst of our failures and those of people “like us” or those we love.  But sometimes, we’re not sure about God’s grace and “other” sinful people.

Jonah’s anger is an indictment against himself, not God.  The antidote for sin, you see, is grace, not judgment.  Otherwise, the cross means nothing. The glimpse of God’s grace in sparing the sinful people of Nineveh is but a foreshadowing of God’s ultimate work of grace on the cross.  Thanks be to God!

Prayer: God of grace…God of mercy, help me carry anew the cross of Christ and there, be reminded that grace is a gift for all. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 9

Mark 8:11-13

He sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
(Mark 8:12)

Jesus was asked again and again to prove himself.  The blind were given sight, the deaf their hearing, the lame walked, and the dead brought back to life…but it wasn’t enough.  Still, there were skeptics and perhaps others who simply wanted to be entertained.  When Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, Herod was delighted because he wanted Jesus to do some miracle before him, as if Jesus was a carnival performer whose purpose was simply to entertain. When Jesus refused, Herod mocked him and sent him back to Pilate.

The Pharisees in today’s text wanted a sign. They, like Herod, weren’t really interested in a change of life Jesus might bring, only the miracle of the moment.  Reminiscent of the skepticism and contempt of his hometown where Jesus could do no great work, the hearts of these religious leaders were closed to what Jesus could have brought to their lives.

We still look for signs, for ways in which Jesus can be proven to us. The absence of a sign should not weaken our faith, however.  “Blessed,” Jesus said, “are those who have not seen, and yet, believe.”
    
Prayer: May I trust you Lord, by faith, and not by sight. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 8

Mark 5:18-20

“Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.”
(Mark 5:19)

Transformation often breeds loyalty.  So it seems in the story of the Gerasene man whose demons banished him to the tombs where he howled like an animal while his friends and neighbors sought to bind and control him with chains.  He was a menace to himself and the community until Jesus calmed his troubled spirit.  Changed by this encounter, the man pled with Jesus to allow him to go with him as he departed.  Jesus knew that the man’s deliverance was a testimony to the power of God, so he sent him back to his family and friends as evidence of God’s mercy. The result was amazement for those who once feared and reviled him, as the change was undeniable.

Few of us will exemplify such extreme transformation, and yet, the mercy and grace of God that has been extended to each of us provides the platform for sharing the good news of Christ.  Perhaps in recognizing God’s hand at work in our lives, we too might hear the words of Jesus as he says to us, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.”

Prayer: Thank you, Lord for your transforming mercy and grace.  May I go and tell the good news. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Monday, March 7, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 7

John 16:33

“In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

What does it mean to follow the way of the cross? Jesus did not sugarcoat the expectation for his followers.  They would face persecution because he was persecuted.  They would be hated because he was hated. He told them that if they desired to follow him they would have to deny themselves.  Doesn’t sound like a formula for attracting a great following, and yet, there were men and women who did follow him, even in persecution.

Why? Because they found courage. No, it wasn’t a courage gained at the edge of a sword.  No, it wasn’t courage found in the rhetoric of political persuasion.  No, it wasn’t courage found in following the crowd.  The courage they found was in the example of Jesus.  He persevered.  He risked himself.  He was obedient to God. Yes, he conquered the world and through him, they could too.  Through him, we can too!

Prayer: Eternal God, give me courage to overcome, in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Friday, March 4, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 4

James 1:16-20

“You must understand this, my beloved; let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.
(James 1:19-20)

Most of us, at some time in our lives, have had a conversation with someone whose anger clouded their perspective, disallowing meaningful dialogue.  No matter how justified one’s defense, no matter the facts of the situation, anger controls the moment and no words can penetrate that formidable barrier.  Whether you have been the one whose anger got the best of you, or whether you have been caught up in another person’s anger, it is a circumstance that makes effective communication nearly impossible. 

James’ words offer help for effective communication as he encourages quick listening and slow response.  He calls those who hear his words to be intentional listeners who approach communication in a redemptive fashion.  Here, one does not assume that he or she is always right and therefore, others will always defer to his or her wisdom.  Rather, there is a sense of humility that is willing to consider that another’s opinion has value and therefore should be heard.  This doesn’t mean you will always agree, but there will be more common ground found when one is quick to listen, and slow to speak.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to be quick to listen for your voice that you may help me listen to others. Amen.


Jim Abernathy

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Maturing

When describing myself these days, I often use the word "maturing." It is perhaps a softer way of communicating the aging process. It also allows me to adhere to the goal Paul set forth in Philippians 4:13 as he writes, "God's goal is for us to become mature adults...to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ." (CEB)  Like Paul, I would quickly say that I have not attained this maturity, but am continually striving towards it. 

If indeed, God's goal is for us to mature in our faith, we must be intentional about the process.  So many things contribute to that growth.  Scripture shapes our perspective as the Holy Spirit empowers that word and its application for our daily lives.  Quiet time spent in prayer and contemplation, help focus our thoughts and actions in an often chaotic world.  Investing ourselves in community keeps us connected to those who share a faith in Christ, providing a platform through which we are empowered to then share that faith in the world around us. This maturation process in faith includes a variety of life experiences that are both joyous and heart-breaking.  Learning that God can be at work in the midst of all things, enables next step living that trusts God in every experience.  I want to be that maturing follower of Jesus Christ, but I have a ways to go.  Again, Paul's words challenge me..."lets grow in every way into Christ." (Ephesians 4:15b)  I am maturing chronologically; my gray hair and creeking joints give evidence to this truth.  My hope is that there is evidence as well that I am maturing as a follower of Jesus.  In the end, that is a far superior goal than simply adding years.

Thanks for reading the musings of a "maturing" pastor.  See you this weekend for Mama Mia's and for worship this Sunday!

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 3

1 Corinthians 8:1-6

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
(1 Corinthians 8:1a)

We are, it seems, easily swayed these days.  Given the current political climate in our country it would appear that the candidate who talks loudest, who boldly proclaims truth whether or not it is factual, who bullies and berates opponents or others who are different, gains our attention, and it seems, our vote.  We are too often impressed by the wrong things.

Paul reminds the church in Corinth that that which is too often celebrated as significant pales in the presence of something greater…love.  Unfortunately today, many Christians seem to be chasing a model of significance that covets power and influence and preferential treatment more than selfless service.  Such abuse puffs up, but it does not build up. 

Jesus spoke of love in the context of sacrifice and he called those who would follow him to bear that cross every day.  This selfless love most likely won’t get one elected to public office, but perhaps it is the foundation upon which you and I can help build Christ’s kingdom.


Prayer: God of love, help me resist the call of the crowd, and hear again the voice of Jesus, saying, “Come, follow me.” Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 2

Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
                                   
I’ve spent a lot of time traveling lately. My recent trip to India included a return of 35 hours between bus and airplane travel. Yesterday, Cindy and I returned from spending a few days with Clayton in Kentucky, and that was eight hours in the car.  I find that as I am “maturing” my body reacts a bit differently to these trips than it did in younger days. It is just one more reminder of what someone has noted as “the tyranny of time.”

The psalmist acknowledges his frailties with honesty, but offers hope in the midst of his physical challenges. “God,” he writes, “is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  The demands of the cross are wearying, yet, our hearts and minds are strengthened by the sure and steady hand of God.

In your aches, in your struggles, in the heaviness of life, find strength for your heart and mind and body in the living God.

Prayer: In my weariness, Lord, strengthen my heart. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Lenten Devotional...March 1

Mark 6:1-5

“And he could do no deed of power there…”
(Mark 6:5)

Mark tells a sad story of missed opportunity.  Jesus comes home to family and community.  He teaches in the synagogue and the tongues begin to wag.  “Isn’t that Mary’s son?” “Why, he’s just a carpenter.”  “Who does he think he is?”  “He must think he’s somebody!” 

 Mark says they “took offense at him.”  The Message translates their rejection, “They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling.”  Their offense was self-inflicted. Isn’t that often the case? We allow our pride to get the best of us, or we are drawn in by the narrow-mindedness of the crowd.  The gifts of others are compromised, but in the end, we are the losers. 

One gets the impression that there was great opportunity for Jesus in his hometown, but given the attitude of the crowd, there ultimately was very little he could do. How often do our attitudes and actions become a barrier to the work of Christ?  How often do we share in this sad story of missed opportunity?

Prayer:  Forgive my stubbornness and pride, Lord.  May I be open to the opportunities before me and learn from you and others. Amen.

Jim Abernathy