Gethsemane

Luke 22:41-44

He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

As a child, I remember standing in the small church I grew up in, looking behind the altar at an amazing painting of a peaceful Jesus, praying, leaning on a stone, with light surrounding his head and a pensive look on his face. I asked, "What is that picture about?" "It's Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane," was the response. I thought about how lucky it was for Jesus that he got to pray there. Obviously, it was a wonderful, peaceful place, and God was right there with him.

As I grew older, and was able to understand the story behind the painting, I began to realize that Jesus's time in the garden was not as peaceful as the painting portrayed it to be. He was pleading with God that he might be spared this suffering. He must have felt so alone. He knew that his best friends on earth were off sleeping and his greatest enemies were drawing nearer. He knew that great pain was ahead of him, for a crime he had never committed. And yet, he prayed, "not my will, but yours be done."

What makes me even more amazed is that Jesus was in this situation, not by his own doing, but by ours. I hate to see friends upset. When they have a small problem, I want to step in and fix it right up. But Jesus was pleading for the solution to a problem I caused. There is nothing I can do to fix it. Actually, he fixed it for me. I realize now what He did for me. It's amazing to think that in his love, God died for me. Aside from that he was afraid. He didn't use superhuman courage, but love. Love for you and love for me. I am full of gratitude for his willingness to do for me what I could never do.

The only appropriate response is to give him praise and live my life serving him and others. This Easter season let's remember the sacrifice and love present in Gethsemane that blessed night.

Holy Jesus,

You, in infinite love, faced fear and confusion. Rejected by your friends and hunted by your enemies, you prayed that things could be different. And yet, you walked into the hands of your accusers and died on the cross, not for your sins, but for mine. Thank you so much for you r love and mercy. Help me to live my life remembering your grace. Help me to show your love to others and praise you in all I do.

Amen

Opportunity

Colossians 4:5
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

I love getting to know people. My husband teases me because I talk to everyone. We can be in the parking lot at Target and I’ll see a van with bikes on top. The driver gets out the door and within seconds, I know where they’re headed and how long they plan on staying. That’s just how I am. At every opportunity I meet people.

Paul tells us that we need to take advantage of these opportunities. We are not supposed to isolate ourselves, associating only with other Christians. We are meant to meet, care for and minister to Christians and non Christians alike.

If we spend all of our time with other Christians, we’ll feel good, but we won’t be drawing others toward Christ. In the words of the classic song, This Little Light of Mine:
Hide it under a bushel…
No, I’m gonna let it shine!

We can hide our faith, or let it shine. We don’t have to bombard people with our faith, just glow consistently. I think in imagery and here’s what’s coming at me right now: two fires. One burns so hot, you can barely draw near. The other glows warmly, providing light and inviting others to draw in and feel its warmth. Which on will you sit by?

We burn too strongly when we share God’s word through judgment, hypocrisy and demands for faith. We glow warmly when we serve, give thanks and praise.

What opportunity lies ahead today, to allow you to burn gently, but consistently for Christ?

Lord God,
You provide us with so many opportunities to share your love. Help us to take advantage of those opportunities. Help us to burn for you, drawing others in, rather than pushing them away.

Amen

Faith

Mark 9:24
“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Each night, my daughters and I sit in their room and pray. First we tell God what we are grateful for that day. Then we ask God for help with something. I am used to the usual requests, “Help me fall asleep,” “Help me not hit,” “Help me reach things that are high (no joke, for almost two months we heard that one!) Then, one night, my oldest daughter stopped me in my tracks with “I need help believing in God.”
When I caught my breath, I was able to say, “That’s a really smart prayer. It’s not always easy to believe, sometimes we need help.” We had a great conversation, she went to sleep and I prayed for a long time.

Christianity calls us to do a very difficult thing. We are to believe in Jesus, who we cannot see and who lived two thousand years ago and who asks us to live in a way that is very different from our society’s norms. It sounds almost impossible, and it is. That is, it is impossible if we try to do it alone.

Jesus realized that his disciples would struggle with this, that’s why he sent the Holy Spirit to help them. The Holy Spirit can sense our struggles and calm our fears. The Spirit can give us words at just the right moment, and help us to stay quiet other times. The Spirit can affirm our belief in us when the winds of doubt blow through our mind. The spirit is there at every baptism, every funeral, every step of the way, if we only look.

Sometimes, I feel God’s presence more than others. I will admit that I have gone through many periods of doubt. “If God is real, why did that child die?” “If God is real, why do so many people have trouble having children?” “If God is real, why can’t we all respect each other?” These periods of doubt ultimately bring me closer to God. Somehow, the Spirit makes God’s presence known through a song on the radio, played at just the right time, the words of a friend, saying exactly what I need to hear, or the colors of a sunset as I drive home from an exhausting day at work. The presentation varied, but the presence is constant, God’s love is lasting and his arms are strong. He will pull me from the depths of doubt onto my foundation of faith, I just need to reach up and hold him.

Holy Spirit,
Your presence in my life is amazing. Without you, faith is impossible. Help me in the times I feel I can do it alone. Stand by me, so that when I fall, you can catch me. Enter my heart so that I can be your voice, helping others along their journey of faith, through your power.

Amen.

The Storm

Matthew 14: 25-33 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

When I was a little girl, I used to love to go out in the rain. I'd jump in puddles, catch raindrops on my tongue and dance with wild abandon, completely indifferent to the cold rain, wet hair or muddy shoes. Gentle rains were wonderful.

However, I was terrified of thunderstorms. I would wake up in the middle of the night, thunder rolling over the house. Then a loud crack and a flash of light would send me running to my mother's bed. I'd climb in, safe and secure, knowing that nothing could hurt me there.

Now I'm blessed to be on the other end of the storm. It's my bed that gets invaded and my arms that protect. I love it.

The disciples were in a storm, unprotected, on the water. I'm sure their confidence was as shaky as the boat they were clinging to. Then suddenly, Jesus appeared, walking on water nonetheless. I can't imagine what that felt like. Peter, in his typical impulsive manner, decided that he had to be a part of that. Boldly he challenged Jesus, "Let me come out there." He did it too, until he realized what was going on. Like a child riding a bike, who realizes that dad has let go, Peter fell. Luckily, Jesus was close at hand to pull him out.

I have been through many storms in my life. Sometimes I feel like Peter, unsure about my ability to stay afloat. But if I take a second, turn to Christ in faith, the storm seems to calm a bit and I remain afloat. I'm not saying my troubles go away, it's just that I find peace in the midst of them. Rather than sinking, I am able to peacefully move forward until I end up on solid ground.

Heavenly Father,

We brave so many storms in this life. Alone, they seem scary and impossible. Thank you for letting us crawl into your arms, like a child into her Mommy's bed. Safely help us until the storm passes. Help us to have faith in you despite the storms and trials of this life. Draw us near to you, that we may feel your peace.

Amen.

Strength

Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

When you were growing up, were you ever told that you could do anything, if you just tried hard enough? I think this is a very frustrating comment. I've mentioned before that I am athletically challenged. My mom enrolled me in all the right classes when I was a kid. She sent me to dance, gymnastics, swimming, tennis. The only one I had any success at was swimming.

For the rest of the classes, I tried, I just never succeeded. I tried. I really wanted to do well. Even to this day I have the desire. Recently a friend brought her Wii over and we tried to play tennis. By the end of the first game, her husband sweetly commented, "Maybe we should try different game." See, it's not that I don't try. It's just that I am not talented in that area.

That phrase, "you can do anything," is frustrating to me. I can't. I can't be Venus Williams. I just can't. However, the passage we are focusing on today says that we can indeed to all things through God. When I was younger, that frustrated me as much as my mom's admonition that if I practiced enough I could do anything. Somehow it felt that my failures were due to a lack of effort or a lack of faith, rather than a lack of talent.

As an adult, I understand what Paul is saying in a totally different way. See, I believe that Paul is encouraging us to stay firm on the path placed before us by God. For in our darkest hours, God will give us the strength to carry on.

I know that I am blessed in this life with family, friends, a job, a house and countless other blessings that I take for granted every day. However, there are days when I feel like I cannot handle all the responsibilities that come with these blessings. I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get all my work done. There's not enough of me to go around. On those days I feel like I need an escape. I know that I can never be successful, so I should just quit. I want to crawl in bed and let it all slip away for just a few sweet minutes. I know that if anyone could see my weakness, they would know what a fraud I am.

But honestly, people don't see the weaknesses. They don't hear my inner thoughts and doubts, instead they see me somehow make it all work out. They see me balance work, family, friends and God carefully. They see the end result. Sure, I drop a few balls along the way, but they don't notice that. Instead they see me "getting it done."

A couple of people have even said, "I don't know how you do it." Usually, I push away the comment by drawing attention to my many mistakes. Today though, I realized, I do get it done. I also realized how I do it. I don't do it with great organizational skills, for those are sorely lacking in my life. Instead, know that God gives me strength and grants me the grace to do what is set before me.

I try to spend time with him every day. I pray, listen to worship music, read the Bible, whatever works that day. Ironically, on the days that are very busy or stressful, I've found that time with God is longer rather than shorter. I may spend a few more minutes in prayer. I may search his word a little longer, looking for the passage that I need to focus on today. God reaches out through his word, through music and through prayer to strengthen me. He helps me to do the work he has given me; to raise my family, help children learn to communicate, share his love and serve my neighbors. He doesn't mind the mistakes I make along the way, as long as I keep running forward and giving it my all. He will see me through. I just have to rely on him.

Heavenly Father,

You have said that when I call on Jesus, there is nothing I can't do. While I wish that meant that with Jesus' help, I can become an amazing artist or tennis player, I know that you are telling me that if I follow your path and call on your name, you will help me to do the work you have given me to do. Thank you. I need your help. Please, Lord, help me to focus my energy on you, help me discern what it is you want me to do and keep me on the path, so that I may serve you.

Amen.

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Occasionally I get asked what my favorite season is. Almost immediately I say fall. I love the vibrant colors, the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet, the smell of fires returning to fireplaces. I even begin to enjoy the days growing shorter. I love to return home at dusk, driving by homes with lights on, catching a glimpse of the daily routines of my neighbors. Fall is a great time of year.

But right now, it is spring outside and I have to say, spring comes in a close second as far as favories go. I love to watch the rivers that form in the gutters as the snow melts. I love to hear the water as it trickles down landing in an unseen world with a constant, quiet tinkle. I love to grow accustomed once again to being awoken by the songs of birds in the morning. I love to watch as God carefully creates explosions of colors as trees bloom and flowers open. I love the drama of spring.

I think I like these two seasons so much because during them, it is obvious that God loves beauty. He paints with a patient brush, slowly filing in the color on the trees, first a little, then a little more, until finally the lush green leaves glisten in the sun. Every year, I wonder at the fact that God could make a living thing that is able to grow and blossom and make its' own food in the spring, summer and fall, then withstand the harsh and bitter cold of winter, without so much as a coat. How does he do it? I can feel God's presence in the spring and I find that very comforting.

I know that we all have favorite seasons. But somehow, I think that God's brilliance is found in his variety. When we move into spring from winter, I appreciate the sun's warmth anew each year. But the crisp cool days of fall are so welcome after the hot humid summer months. The contrast increases my awareness.

Sometimes I wonder if God does this with blessings too. In the times when I am struggling, I get so frustrated with God. I want to scream at him to fix things. When things even out and feel okay again, I praise him for his grace and wisdom. Does he allow these contrasts to remind me he is there? In the hard times, I call on him. I feel his presence. When things are going well, I sometimes skate along, without noticing all he does for me everyday. Maybe I need those speed bumps to remind me who is in control.

Solomon says, "for everything there is a season." What season of life are you in now? Do you feel God's presence? I am going to try to rejoice in each season, good and bad, summer and winter, spring and fall, for in these seasons, God has made his presence known to me.

Heavenly Father,

You have blessed us with so many seasons. You give us birth, life and death; grief and joy, summer and fall. Thank you for bringing us near to you through our experiences. Help us to rejoice through these seasons. Help us find wonder in your workmanship, faith in your workmanship and peace in your beauty. Help us to find you in our everyday experiences, good and bad.

Amen

Trust

Philippians 3:9
For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

My daughter Britta has perfect faith in me. Each morning, before we go downstairs, she stands at the top of the stairs, reaches out and falls forward, confident that I will catch her. Each morning I catch her, she lays her head on my shoulder, and snuggling, we walk down the stairs to begin the day.

She has no reason to trust me, other than the fact that we have a relationship and she hasn't fallen yet. Britta has great faith in me and I love it. It feels great to stand below her, looking up at her, knowing she trusts me to keep her safe.

Paul says that God wants us to have this kind of faith in him. He wants us to reach out to him, arms wide and fall into his mercy. He wants us to trust him unconditionally, just as he loves us unconditionally.

The problem with this concept for me is that I don't want to put that kind of trust in God. When I am standing on my own two feet, I feel strong, the minute I begin to fall, I lose control and get scared. There is a saying that you have to take e a "leap of faith". I think that is the perfect illustration. It makes no sense to leave this solid ground to fall uncontrollably into God's hands. However, without that leap, we never get the change to rest in his arms, confident that he will carry us through this life and the next. We never get that snuggle as we go down the stairs.

I went through a period of time recently, where I was irritable with everyone in my house. I didn't have the patience to deal with the constant demands, arguing, requests for help, questions, etc. that come along with being in a family of five. So I snapped, I was sarcastic, I rolled my eyes and became frustrated. I felt awful. It wasn't working for me. I was struggling to maintain control, yet I was on a roller coaster of emotions.

I decided that rather than just spending time in prayer and devotional reading at night, I would begin the day thanking God for the gifts in my life and asking for his help in handling them. I acknowledge that without him, I am out of control. So each morning, I reach out to him and fall into his arms, knowing he will guide me through the day. He will help me maintain my patience. But even more than that, he will give me peace. That's the snuggle as we go down the stairs. And for that I am grateful.

I'd like to think that just as I enjoy the feeling of joy I feel at Britta's unconditional trust in me, God enjoys my trust in him. I think that as we develop our relationship with each other, that trust grows stronger and it is easier to take the leap. I hope that on the days that I take God's presence and mercy for granted, he rejoices in the fact that we are intimate.

Heavenly Father,

You want us to trust that you will care for us. Help us to reach out to you. Give us confidence as we fall into your arms each morning. Give us peace as we place our trust in you. Help us to do your will in this world so that others can know this peace as well.

Amen.