Feb.25 Sunday-Ps. 25 mentions the paths of God a good bit. By v. 10 we read that the paths a of the Lord are the characteristics of Ex. 34:6, steadfast love (or loyalty or loving-kindness) As I read it the paths of God are not set out for us brick by brick. we can recognize detours or ramps that are entrance or exists to the ways of life or the ways of sin. More to the point we can use the characteristics of God as tests about the quality of our path.
Monday- It just hit me that we can use the phrase, soul searching, as a Lenten phrase. When we usually say it, we mean deep reflection for a decision. In Lent, we could take it to mean real sustained spiritual reflection. For some reason my mind switched to a picture of a pearl diver going down deep, for a long time, to discover a precious pearl. lent gives us time to do that diving. We have many tools to go soul searching, to peer within our deepest self. We are fearful that we may not like what we will find, buried under repression. With God’s grace we will also glimpse our own true best self.
Tuesday-A fundamental spiritual practice is learning to say yes and no. Maybe a fancier way to put it would be to develop our sense of boundaries. What was the hardest, most demanding yes, you have uttered? What was a difficult no for you to utter? What are easy places for you to keep a boundary firm? when are they too permeable, or too rigid?
Wednesday-We have an extra day today for leap year. When we are in crisis, when we mourn a loss, we may well say, if only I had more time, if only I had one more day. OK, here it is. We get this gift but every four years and today is it. Please carve out some spirutal time for this day. Consider using this precious extra day to do something you have been putting off. Perhaps you can check off one item on your bucket list.
Thursday-yesterday I preached on a hymn. I selected In the Cross of Christ I Glory. In part some of the phrasing attracts me: “wrecks of time…head sublime…..sun of bliss…bane and blessing. Let me quote v. 2 in full (#84 in blue hymnbook) when the woes of life o’ertake me/hopes deceive and fears annoy/never shall the cross forsake me/lo, it glows with peace and joy.” When have hopes deceived you? What fears continue to annoy? In Christ, you need not fear. in Christ, your best hopes shall be realized.
Friday-My calendar calls today the World Day of Prayer. It is an outgrowth of the work of women. Malaysia is a focal point this year, and the theme is “let justice prevail.” I went to our BCW and found this international prayer (797) from Zaire “we bring before you the absurd violence….that breaks the courage of people…human greed and injustice which breed hatred and strife. Send your spirit to renew the face of the earth; teach us to be compassionate to the whole human family.”
Saturday-Economics comes from the Greek word for household management. Some people find it helpful to get a handle on their household management by making a group to go over their decisions in three area, essentials, non-essentials, and in-between/uncertain. Read through your recent spending in light of Lk. 12:22-34. Did you learn something about your relative priorities?
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