Prayer – I suck at it.
I just finished Philip Yancey’s Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?
Anyway, back to the book. The short answer is, yes.
You’ll have to read the book to get the long answer.
So, as with any book that I typically read I am forced to think about some things, confess some things, and even repent of some things. In the end, a book worth reading is one that will point out how much I suck, and then point me very gently back to Jesus.
This book, while not Yancey’s best, is definitely worth reading. The Jesus I Never Knew
I was confronted by the fact that God, my heavenly Daddy, typically views my prayers like my trips to the grocery store with my Ugandan kids. Every five seconds they point and yell, “Daddy, I want!” I was confronted with the fact, that if that was the extent of the conversation I had with my kids, then my relationship with them would be void of any depth or meaning. The repentance involved with this revelation is going to involve me praying differently. I am not supposed to quit telling Daddy what I want, but those requests should be embedded in a sea of other conversation.
How I am going to create that sea is still up for grabs, but I think it will have something to do with intentionally indicating that I want God to listen in and give me feedback on every thought. I want to invite Him to have input on those little conversations I have inside my head.
How about you?
How would God describe your conversations with Him?
How would you describe a relationship you had with someone if the only conversation you had was one way and included a laundry list? As a pastor this is often why we struggle to build relationships with others because we are often only sought out because people want something.
If you want to borrow the book just let me know, or if you have a Nook I can lend it to you.
Lent – Our Spiritual Winter
The season of Lent begins today, Wednesday, March 9th. Lent is a spiritual season that is a spiritual winter of sorts. Symbolized with ashes and being reminded of our need for repentance Lent calls us to die to the desires of the flesh in order to prepare for the new life we have in Christ as is represented by Passover and the Resurrection. It is a time for those of us who may be struggling emotionally, maritally, and spiritually to recalibrate. It is a time to reflect on who we are and who Christ is calling us to be. It is a time to be sobered by the wickedness that still resides deep inside of us, and to be overwhelmed by the grace of God that caused Him to save us anyway. It is a time to re-certify our commitment to allowing God to finish the work, eradicate the wickedness within, and reconcile us to Himself.
Many people already struggle at this time of year emotionally that often lead them to make life altering and destructive decisions in order to help themselves feel better. Statistics show that divorce lawyers are sought more often in January and February than at any other time of year. It may be the lack of sunshine, as it tends to be with my lovely wife Kristi, or it could be that we are unprepared to fight against the wickedness within. Whatever the reason for our unhappiness the reality is that our faith, in order to grow, must experience the perseverance of making it through Spiritual Winters.
I pray that you join me in doing so intentionally until Easter by picking up a new habit that helps you reflect on Christ or getting rid of an old one that is ultimately destructive to your mind, body or soul.
Tuesdays are for Super Bowl Commercials!
I missed the Super Bowl due to an unforeseen major life changing event that can be read about here. So, I’m just now getting caught up on the commercials. This one made me laugh out loud.
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