Ash Wednesday is a very unique day in the life of the church. Though it is not commanded or instituted by Jesus, it is still a very important day. Because this day allows us to look at our lives, look at the God moments, the moments filled with laughter and rejoice, but it also is time for us to be concerned. We should be concerned for the moments when we've been impatient, rude, judgmental, or prevented others from knowing Jesus. Allow Ash Wednesday to be the start of a new beginning, a reminder for you to live out your faith each and every day. Here are a few ideas to make Ash Wednesday and this season of Lent very effective.
1) Pick a passage of scripture and read over it several times.
One of the problems in our fast paced society is we see a lot of information and facts but we don't really absorb them. Now, I will say some people are gifted and can learn a lot just by glancing at a book or article or so on. For most of us that is not the case. We need to see and hear things, many times. I encourage pick out a book (now you won't make it through Psalms), or two of the Bible and read over them several times. Pay attention to details, insert your own name in the place of pronouns, pray each night that the spirit would illumine your mind to something new, and be amazed at what you learn.
I encourage you to read over many different books. Two of my favorite are 2 Corinthians or Philippians.
2) Pray really big prayers.
I'm sure if God had a nickel for every person who prayed, "Bless me." He would have A LOT of money! But, aren't we selling God short by praying such small prayers? Isn't the God of the universe capable of big, sweeping life change? I encourage start praying that racism would be eliminated in this generation. Start praying that the church would be so moved that they would seek to eliminate world hunger or water-borne disease. Ask God for healing for the victims of domestic or sexual violence. Don't sell God short. Pray big, and be amazed but patient at the opportunities that God brings into your family's life.
3) Try something brand new.
How many of us always play it safe? I do, often, and I will admit I do feel really guilty about that. This Lenten season try something brand new. Volunteer for a ministry at church. Start doing devotions together as a family. Begin to increase your monthly giving to your church or ministry of choice. Sponsor a child who lives in a poor country. Volunteer your time at an after school club. Step up to clean up at church after a big function. I think you get my point. The list of new opportunities is endless. It's time to step off the sidelines and into the game! Enjoy this Lenten season!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
on Proverbs 10
Wisdom at all junctures in life is an incredibly valuable asset in every single area of life. Wisdom isn't flashy, catchy, or even sexy, but if the word of God serves as any guide to us it is that foolishness actions bring about some disastrous consequences. Wisdom brings about long life, blessing, and abundance, most of the time. Please be advised that some very moral, very wise people have sadly met tragic ends all too soon. Let's dive into Proverbs 10. . .
Proverbs 10:2, "Ill-gotten treasures have no long lasting value. . ."
We live in a "now" society, we want fame, riches, free stuff, even our burrito we popped in the microwave to be finished and received now. So, often the necessary step to receive all of this stuff now is to take short cuts, cheat the system, be dishonest, and all for the gratification without the necessary work. We have received our treasures but they are ill-gotten. They fade away. We don't appreciate them as much because we didn't really earn them, and even worse is the reality that someone at some point could find out how we achieved the goal and then have the goal take away.
The remedy is to work hard. Be above reproach. Be honest with people, always try your best, and never stop improving. I think many of us believe that our society would be greatly improved by men and women who focus on building honest achievement, our generous with their treasures to those less fortunate, and look to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ more and more.
Proverbs 10:8, "The wise in heart accept commands. . ."
One of the passages of scripture you will rarely see preached on are the several passages of scripture that say the people of God obeyed the Lord's commands. You just won't every hear that sermon, because it's mundane, route, daily. That passage doesn't bring up strong emotions in many people, but what it does do is bring about the power of the gospel and what the gospel asks of us, to obey the word of God.
Now, I will say it isn't easy to obey God. In fact as a youth pastor, I even mess up daily. But, the idea is that we journey closer and closer to become more like Jesus Christ each and every day. Learn to be teachable, understand you don't have all the answers, and never stop reading the word of God.
Definitely check out the rest of the chapter. Especially look at these three verses: 10:11, 10:26, and 10:32.
Proverbs 10:2, "Ill-gotten treasures have no long lasting value. . ."
We live in a "now" society, we want fame, riches, free stuff, even our burrito we popped in the microwave to be finished and received now. So, often the necessary step to receive all of this stuff now is to take short cuts, cheat the system, be dishonest, and all for the gratification without the necessary work. We have received our treasures but they are ill-gotten. They fade away. We don't appreciate them as much because we didn't really earn them, and even worse is the reality that someone at some point could find out how we achieved the goal and then have the goal take away.
The remedy is to work hard. Be above reproach. Be honest with people, always try your best, and never stop improving. I think many of us believe that our society would be greatly improved by men and women who focus on building honest achievement, our generous with their treasures to those less fortunate, and look to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ more and more.
Proverbs 10:8, "The wise in heart accept commands. . ."
One of the passages of scripture you will rarely see preached on are the several passages of scripture that say the people of God obeyed the Lord's commands. You just won't every hear that sermon, because it's mundane, route, daily. That passage doesn't bring up strong emotions in many people, but what it does do is bring about the power of the gospel and what the gospel asks of us, to obey the word of God.
Now, I will say it isn't easy to obey God. In fact as a youth pastor, I even mess up daily. But, the idea is that we journey closer and closer to become more like Jesus Christ each and every day. Learn to be teachable, understand you don't have all the answers, and never stop reading the word of God.
Definitely check out the rest of the chapter. Especially look at these three verses: 10:11, 10:26, and 10:32.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)