Mark 3:7-11
Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God! But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.
How did Jesus draw such a big crowd?
He had no PA to help him speak loud
or Facebook or Twitter or mass mailing
and no techniques of good retailing.
A person was healed and told another
and that person went and told his brother.
The message was spread from one to one
and folks from all over came on the run.
With all the available tools today
For us to use God’s love to convey
the best is still words shared face to face
allowing God to move with great grace.
When we find something good we must tell
other people and sometimes we yell
because our excitement is contagious
and we invite because we’re courageous.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
second sunday in Lent
As I said when I began,
I don't post a poem on Sundays during lent
because Sunday is always a celebration of the resurrection.
I'm primarily doing this project
as a discipline for my Lenten experience.
I am glad you read it
because that means
you are holding me accountable for it.
If I said I was going to give up
Peanut Buster Parfaits for Lent,
I could go out and get one
and I might be able to do it without anybody "catching" me.
I hope some of these poems speak to you
-- I'm sure they are not all THAT GOOD.
We have had almost 250 "hits"
since I first announced it.
That keeps me going.
I pray that you have also found
a "meaningful" discipline
during this season of Lent
and that it is blessing you
and helping you to be ready for Easter.
I don't post a poem on Sundays during lent
because Sunday is always a celebration of the resurrection.
I'm primarily doing this project
as a discipline for my Lenten experience.
I am glad you read it
because that means
you are holding me accountable for it.
If I said I was going to give up
Peanut Buster Parfaits for Lent,
I could go out and get one
and I might be able to do it without anybody "catching" me.
I hope some of these poems speak to you
-- I'm sure they are not all THAT GOOD.
We have had almost 250 "hits"
since I first announced it.
That keeps me going.
I pray that you have also found
a "meaningful" discipline
during this season of Lent
and that it is blessing you
and helping you to be ready for Easter.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
a non-lenten poem
The “Keep Out” Sign
By Larry R. Linville
“Keep out,” the sign shouted
in letters red as blood.
It’s not just a drizzle
but more like a big flood.
What is it protecting
property or person?
Did something bad happen
continue to worsen?
Is this guy a loner
or is he very scared?
When he put up the sign
were his emotions bared?
Many folks have “keep out”
all over their face
and separate themselves
from the whole human race.
Pray to God for a way
we can help them find ease
and open up their hearts
to get out of their freeze.
By Larry R. Linville
“Keep out,” the sign shouted
in letters red as blood.
It’s not just a drizzle
but more like a big flood.
What is it protecting
property or person?
Did something bad happen
continue to worsen?
Is this guy a loner
or is he very scared?
When he put up the sign
were his emotions bared?
Many folks have “keep out”
all over their face
and separate themselves
from the whole human race.
Pray to God for a way
we can help them find ease
and open up their hearts
to get out of their freeze.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Lenten Devotions for Feb. 27 -- Pharisees
February 27, 2010
Mark 3:1-6
Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” 4Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
Poor Pharisees,
caught up in their legalism
preferring to see people suffer
rather than seeing the scriptures
in a different light.
“Don’t heal him today, Jesus!
the law is more important than a handicap
who is probably sick
because he broke the law.”
Christians can get so dogmatic
with their tunnel vision eyes
believing they have the complete truth
and they are defending God.
If we disagree
does one of us have to be wrong?
For the Pharisees to be right
they believed Jesus was wrong.
Jesus reacted with anger
and was grieved at their heartlessness
as he asked if it’s wrong to do what is right.
“Ignore them and stretch out your hand”
he said to the suffering man
“don’t let other’s biases keep you from God.”
As he stretched his hand he was healed
just as we are healed by stretching our faith.
Mark 3:1-6
Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” 4Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
Poor Pharisees,
caught up in their legalism
preferring to see people suffer
rather than seeing the scriptures
in a different light.
“Don’t heal him today, Jesus!
the law is more important than a handicap
who is probably sick
because he broke the law.”
Christians can get so dogmatic
with their tunnel vision eyes
believing they have the complete truth
and they are defending God.
If we disagree
does one of us have to be wrong?
For the Pharisees to be right
they believed Jesus was wrong.
Jesus reacted with anger
and was grieved at their heartlessness
as he asked if it’s wrong to do what is right.
“Ignore them and stretch out your hand”
he said to the suffering man
“don’t let other’s biases keep you from God.”
As he stretched his hand he was healed
just as we are healed by stretching our faith.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lenten Devotion for Feb. 26 - The Scribes
February 26, 2010
Mark 2:13-22
13Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. 14As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 15And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. 16When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
The scribes sat in comfortable pews
condemning those on the outside.
Jesus went out to knock down the walls
to be with those the scribes wished to hide.
The scribes among us haven’t changed
our judging of those whom we don’t approve
while Jesus points out our shortcoming
by helping those outside to improve.
The sick aren’t healed while doctors help the well
rather than reach out to those who are ill.
We are called to go into the streets
helping them find things that fulfill.
It’s easy to be a scribe today
by turning judgment from self to others
and in closing our doors to those outside
we avoid our sisters and brother.
Mark 2:13-22
13Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. 14As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 15And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. 16When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
The scribes sat in comfortable pews
condemning those on the outside.
Jesus went out to knock down the walls
to be with those the scribes wished to hide.
The scribes among us haven’t changed
our judging of those whom we don’t approve
while Jesus points out our shortcoming
by helping those outside to improve.
The sick aren’t healed while doctors help the well
rather than reach out to those who are ill.
We are called to go into the streets
helping them find things that fulfill.
It’s easy to be a scribe today
by turning judgment from self to others
and in closing our doors to those outside
we avoid our sisters and brother.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Lenten Devotion for Feb. 25 - Healing the Paralytic
Mark 2: 1-12
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7“Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’?10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the paralytic— 11“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Are we like that paralyzed man
unable to reach out for healing?
It is good to have friends to help
by lowering us through the ceiling.
It’s good when friends go out of their way
even when inconvenient
to help, undeserving as we are,
because their judging is lenient.
Do you suppose that man arose
and ran with his mat neath his arm
to help another person
whose life was beset with much harm?
You didn’t come to Jesus alone
others have helped you along.
It’s good to take your once weak faith
and help others become strong.
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7“Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’?10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the paralytic— 11“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Are we like that paralyzed man
unable to reach out for healing?
It is good to have friends to help
by lowering us through the ceiling.
It’s good when friends go out of their way
even when inconvenient
to help, undeserving as we are,
because their judging is lenient.
Do you suppose that man arose
and ran with his mat neath his arm
to help another person
whose life was beset with much harm?
You didn’t come to Jesus alone
others have helped you along.
It’s good to take your once weak faith
and help others become strong.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Devotion for Feb. 24, 2010
February 24, 2010
Mark 1:29-31
29As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
Peter’s mother-in-law was sick
and was suffering in her bed.
Her family helplessly gathered
fearfully thinking she’d soon be dead.
They took their concerns to Jesus
in what today we would call prayer.
He took her hand and lifted her
and in awe they just stood to stare.
After this lady was healed
which she knew she didn’t deserve
she got up and went back to work
doing what she could do to serve.
Jesus heals us from so many things
that put our lives on a shelf
and we can show thankfulness
by serving others instead of self.
Mark 1:29-31
29As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
Peter’s mother-in-law was sick
and was suffering in her bed.
Her family helplessly gathered
fearfully thinking she’d soon be dead.
They took their concerns to Jesus
in what today we would call prayer.
He took her hand and lifted her
and in awe they just stood to stare.
After this lady was healed
which she knew she didn’t deserve
she got up and went back to work
doing what she could do to serve.
Jesus heals us from so many things
that put our lives on a shelf
and we can show thankfulness
by serving others instead of self.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lenten Devotion for Feb. 23
Mark 1:14-20
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
They were fishers when he called them
to make a big change in their lives.
What things might we be doing
when Jesus with his call arrives?
How many times has he called us
to follow in a certain way
but we think we are too busy
and should wait for a better day?
Some say they cannot hear him
and they know not what to do
but perhaps we’re not focused
to make a big change in their lives.
What things might we be doing
when Jesus with his call arrives?
How many times has he called us
to follow in a certain way
but we think we are too busy
and should wait for a better day?
Some say they cannot hear him
and they know not what to do
but perhaps we’re not focused
and his message does not get through
Lent is a very good reason
to open our spiritual eyes
so we are able to react
when such a call will arise.
to open our spiritual eyes
so we are able to react
when such a call will arise.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lenten Devotion for Feb. 22
Mark 1:4-11
4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Freshly baptized
Jesus heard a voice from heaven say,
“You are my Beloved Son
And I am well pleased.”
At this time in his life
He had not healed anybody
Or preached any sermons.
Had not performed miracles
Or taught in parables.
Yet God was well pleased with him.
There are many things we have not done
And we are not famous
Nor have we done miraculous things.
We may feel life is passing us by
And we are only pedestrians on the road of life.
We know we’ve done nothing to deserve God’s love.
We have not seen any dove descend from heaven
And we have not heard God’s voice.
And yet
Because of God’s grace
We are God’s beloved sons and daughters
And he is well pleased with us.
Celebrate!
4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Freshly baptized
Jesus heard a voice from heaven say,
“You are my Beloved Son
And I am well pleased.”
At this time in his life
He had not healed anybody
Or preached any sermons.
Had not performed miracles
Or taught in parables.
Yet God was well pleased with him.
There are many things we have not done
And we are not famous
Nor have we done miraculous things.
We may feel life is passing us by
And we are only pedestrians on the road of life.
We know we’ve done nothing to deserve God’s love.
We have not seen any dove descend from heaven
And we have not heard God’s voice.
And yet
Because of God’s grace
We are God’s beloved sons and daughters
And he is well pleased with us.
Celebrate!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
First Sunday in Lent
Since Sundays have been viewed by the church as a time to celebrate the resurrection, it not appropriate to fast on such days. I will not be including a poem on the Sundays of Lent.
It has been interesting to me that the "hits" on the blog have jumped drastically this last week with over 100 hits. Thanks for following. It encourages me to keep at my goal.
I also hope that this is helpful to your lenten development as well.
It has been interesting to me that the "hits" on the blog have jumped drastically this last week with over 100 hits. Thanks for following. It encourages me to keep at my goal.
I also hope that this is helpful to your lenten development as well.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Lenten Devotion for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010
John 17:20-26
”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one,23I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one,23I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Oneness was import to the Lord
and he shared it as he spoke every word.
He must be unhappy when we decide
to use words and actions that divide.
Our world is more divided in our day
with much hatred in all that we say.
With these words spoken by so many folk
including often in a tasteless joke.
Jesus asks for God to give us the love
which He gave to Jesus from above.
Now we need to complete Jesus’ prayer
by taking that love and with others share.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Feb. 19 - 3rd Day of Lent
John 17:9-19
9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.
11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
He prayed that we might be one
like the Father and the Son.
We’re protected by his truth
whether old or in our youth.
In a divided world we live
denying what God wants to give
as we shout out words of hate
because we don’t take time to wait.
Today I read Jesus’ great prayer
and ask God to help me prepare
to let the Holy Spirit lead
to freedom from this world’s greed.
9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.
11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
He prayed that we might be one
like the Father and the Son.
We’re protected by his truth
whether old or in our youth.
In a divided world we live
denying what God wants to give
as we shout out words of hate
because we don’t take time to wait.
Today I read Jesus’ great prayer
and ask God to help me prepare
to let the Holy Spirit lead
to freedom from this world’s greed.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Feb. 18 - second day of Lent
John 17:1-11
After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
6”I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.
When Jesus prayed for his disciples he prayed for me
he prayed these words out where nobody would hear or see.
Jesus made God’s name known by the example that he gave
before he made the sacrifice which led him to a grave.
We’ve received the truth of Jesus’ mission to earth
reminding us that we are all of sacred worth.
His placed his mission completely in God’s hands
and we are called to take this to all this worlds lands.
Just as Jesus shared all his concerns in this prayer
we can offer up our prayers knowing God is there
as we glorify God in the same way Jesus did
knowing that God’s glory is also in us hid.
After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
6”I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.
When Jesus prayed for his disciples he prayed for me
he prayed these words out where nobody would hear or see.
Jesus made God’s name known by the example that he gave
before he made the sacrifice which led him to a grave.
We’ve received the truth of Jesus’ mission to earth
reminding us that we are all of sacred worth.
His placed his mission completely in God’s hands
and we are called to take this to all this worlds lands.
Just as Jesus shared all his concerns in this prayer
we can offer up our prayers knowing God is there
as we glorify God in the same way Jesus did
knowing that God’s glory is also in us hid.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
ASH WEDNESDAY
I'm trying to write a poem each day during lent to go with the scripture of the day. Here we go.
Luke 18:9-14
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
As we start the season of Lent,
a time we are called to repent,
it’s good to see the way we’ve been
so we can start over again.
Sometimes we proclaim we are good
when we only do what we should.
We want to hire a big brass band
to spread our name throughout the land.
Superiority we proclaim
and look for someone we can blame
for the evil world in which we live,
evils we can replace when we give.
Today, O Lord, help me imitate
the humble tax collector’s state
of admitting his imperfection
by going in a new direction.
Luke 18:9-14
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
As we start the season of Lent,
a time we are called to repent,
it’s good to see the way we’ve been
so we can start over again.
Sometimes we proclaim we are good
when we only do what we should.
We want to hire a big brass band
to spread our name throughout the land.
Superiority we proclaim
and look for someone we can blame
for the evil world in which we live,
evils we can replace when we give.
Today, O Lord, help me imitate
the humble tax collector’s state
of admitting his imperfection
by going in a new direction.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
My Lent commitment
OK, I may be sorry, but I felt moved to commit myself to a very difficult discipline during lent. I was listening to my pastor at North Star this morning and he set my mind in motion. Lent begins on Wednesday with Ash Wednesday. It lasts for 40 days (not counting Sundays).
We often are asked, "What are you GIVING UP for lent?" I don't particularly like that. Of course there are things to give up but I also believe you should add something. I believe we often settle for things that are easy to do so we won't fail. So---I am committing myself to something which will be very difficult and I may fail.
Here it is:
I want to commit myself to use this blog to quote and comment on a scripture each day (except Sundays) during Lent. I hope to do a poem each day about the scripture but some days it may have to be prose. (Prose would be hard enough).
I will be using the daily scripture readings for Lent from the Book of Common Prayer (which is the official book for the Episcopal Church).
Am I crazy? Probably, but I'll be a "fool for Christ."
I hope you will follow each day and hold me responsible.
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