From my book, Lean Into Lent, a call to service:
LEAN INTO LENT DAY 9
(Philippians 3:14-) The apostle Paul writes: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We may not face shipwreck, imprisonment, beatings, and arduous travel like Paul did in sharing the Gospel, but it wouldn’t hurt us to study, to witness, to serve, and to sacrifice time and assets for the cause of Christ.
Perhaps God has been urging us to visit shut-ins, to sponsor a teenage Bible study, to fill shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse, or to really witness to our family members or associates who do not yet know the joy of salvation. Today, may we seek places where we too, like Paul, cam run the race that is set before us to God’s glory.
PRAYER: Lord, during this Leaning into Lent time, show me realms of service You have prepared ahead of time for me, that I might develop a servant attitude and thereby find fulfillment of the true Gospel. May I share this Good News with others only I can reach. Show me true Godincidences, not mere happenstances, but Your plan for me. I’d like to run the race and not merely sit in the grandstands watching others. Sign me up for the race, Lord.
Let my car be my Godmobile, let my home be a refuge, let my kitchen feed others, let my moments be divine. Amen.
From my book, Restore My Soul Psalms: A Lenten Journey, My Psalm 310
MY PSALM 310 RESTING IN GOD
Dear Heavenly Father, Abba, Father
This day I rejoice that in all the clamor of life,
In all the distractions, in all the busyness,
I can rest in Your Presence.
With the Psalmist, I can attest to this truth:
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant;
Their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him
And He delivers him.” [1]
With Anna Laetitia Waring, whose hymn I love, I proclaim:
“My heart is resting, O my God, /I will give thanks and sing;
My heart is at the secret source /Of every precious thing.
I thirst for springs of heavenly life,
And here all day they rise;
I seek the treasure of Thy love,/ And close at hand it lies.
“I have a heritage of joy,/ That yet I must not see;
But the hand that bled to make it mine
Is keeping it for me.
And a new song is in my mouth,/ To long-loved music set;
‘Glory to Thee for all the grace/ I have not tasted yet.’
“My heart is resting, O my God,/ My heart is in Thy care
I hear the voice of joy and health/Resounding everywhere.
‘Thou art my portion,’/Saith my soul,
Ten thousand voices say,
And the music of their glad Amen/Will never die away.”[2]
And so, while all the babble of talking heads
And the rancor on the news,
The politics, the threats of war
The ceaseless problems posed,
I have the assured blessing to know
You’re Sovereign, You’re in charge,
Tall hedges of protection
Stand ’round me and those I love.
So as the new day dawns,
And fresh challenges arise,
I rest in Him, my only joy,
And leave this world behind.
I concentrate on Kingdom things,
Your Word, Your Presence, Your comfort, my joy,
And look at creation with wonder and awe—l
Listen to bird songs, plant my gardens and
Watch the clouds go by,
Knowing my todays and tomorrows, both
Are guided by Your hand;
You will rule from heavenly places.
So I rest here in Your peace
Until the glorious day I enter Your heavenly realm,
Bow down at Your feet, and rise to praise
Your Name eternally. Amen.
[1] Psalm 34
[2] The Hymnbook John Ribble. 406
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