Sanctuary

Hiding Place

Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt encompass me with songs of freedom.”

When the sun is beating down heavily upon us, don’t we look for shade to just cool off? When the cold night is bearing down hard on us don’t we look forward to getting back to the warm confines of our homes and family that comfort us? Don’t we all wish we had a place we could go far away from our anxieties and concerns where streams of mercy and love flow? So also when the pressures of life are bearing down hard on us don’t we look for that place where we can relax and regroup and refocus?

Jesus went away from his disciples or the crowds that followed him around to a secluded or solitary spot where he could pray (Ref.Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, 6:46, Luke 5:16).

Psalm 32 starts of so well. The Psalmist finds joy in knowing that his sins are forgiven. There are so many of us, who carry with us daily reminders of the things we did that we ought not to have. The consequences of actions done long time ago that still seem to haunt us time after time. Lent is a time when we come to God, and ask to find strength to let go of those encumbrances that come between God and us.

The pressures and pleasures of life make finding time to be with God impossible. Just as there is joy in living in Gods way there is always joy in straying away. But where does the straying away lead? In Christ we find peace in the things of the world we only find a craving for more.

When we are overwhelmed with fears and concerns of the day we can always find refuge in the shade of God’s love. A hiding place where we listen with our hearts. It is a time when the Holy Spirit fills our hearts and minds with the comfort and strength of his mercy and love. When we are weak and let down we can say we find strength to go on. The Lord reminds us that our God is love and wants us to come to him with our weaknesses that he may make us strong.

No Way Out!!

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Exit Strategy

Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not tempt you above you are able; but will with the every temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

 

Imagination and innovation are considered today’s most valuable gifts to have in the world today. Those institutions and companies that are on the cutting edge of academia, research, business, and technology are the most successful because of innovation in a fast changing world. In the same way in a small way it is those people who have consciously made an effort to stay healthy, who have remained in the pink of health.

The Temptations of Christ, 12th century mosaic at St Mark's Basilica, Venice

Our Christian lives are no better. It is only when we make a conscious effort or see the need to improve our habits that we make progress. But what does one do when temptations are always there. How does one resist the temptation? God’s Word says there is no temptation that is common to man that if we strive to be faithful, God will always be faithful. He will always show us a way out. Todays temptations are no where near the ones that were there a few generations back, but with healthy imagination and shrewd innovative strategies we can find ourselves out of a risky situation. 

Where ever you go, “Be prepared and Have a plan.” A fellowship group where we can share our thoughts and anxieties, a friend we can confide in, a ministry we can be part of, the Bible or a good book to read, prayer, memorized scripture, and meditation are plans of action to have in times of enticement.

“Any man is liable to err; only a fool persists in error,” the wise words of the Roman philosopher Cicero. When we do stumble and fall, the wisest thing to do is to admit the mistake, seek forgiveness and get back on the right track.  Learn from King David, who fell from grace yet was humble enough to seek Gods forgiveness. God is always ready to forgive. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee (Psalm 86:5).

EarthworksGardens, St. Peter, Minnesota

Lent is a time to plan exit strategies in times of temptation. Let us never forget that Christ was tempted and suffered, but never yielded to temptation (Hebrews 2:18). It is Christ who can be the rock on which we can stand firm. Lent is a time to perceive those habits in our lives that are of no use or those mistakes we have made that need to be mended. Look at that beautiful apple tree; it did not bear fruit over night. With the grace of God we will be able to find a way to restore our lives and live fruitfully.

Jesus Laments

 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, You shall not see me again, till you shall say, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 23:37-39

Church of Dominus Flevit (the Lord wept) lovely depiction of Jesus as a hen gathering chicks   

God is the Lord, who has showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the Lord; for Lord is good: for Lord’s mercy endures for ever.

Psalm 118:27-29

As Jesus ministry came to an end, he lamented that although God, time and again, wanted to draw Jerusalem under God’s wings, they were unwilling to accept that protection. Jesus came as a servant of peace and justice, and yet he was rejected and scorned. People deliberately refused to let Jesus change the way things were. The magnitude of their actions led to the destruction of the temple before the turn of the century.

Lent is a time when we reflect on the words of Christ calling us patiently to return to God with thanks and praise. Many of us grieve and hurt from the scars and unhealed wounds that come to us over time. We turn to other avenues seeking instant cures to our pain. Christ calls us to instead seek solace in Christ and turn to God, to accept God’s comfort and protection, and dwell in God’s light.

Prayer – Lord you are my light and my salvation. I will always praise you and thank you for your love and peace that endures forever. Amen

Blindsided ??

Jesus predicts his death many times

You know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man will be betrayed and will be crucified. Matthew 26:2

 

We see that there were multiple times when Jesus predicts his death in all three of the synoptic gospels. (Mathew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34 and Luke 18:31-34) Why is it the disciples could not understand the eminent death of Jesus? They just could not believe or even comprehend that Jesus the Son of God would die on a cross.

Death is an extremely difficult stage to understand. Particularly when it involves some one close. We see them with us and we just do not want to imagine a time when they will not be there. Can we do anything to prevent it from happening?

Despite saying it multiple times, the disciples just could not face the situation. They continued to think everything was going to be okay.

Yet we see the courage with which Jesus goes to face his death. His disciples were no comfort or support. Barclay says many men can be courageous on the spur of the moment (sudden death. Isn’t that what most men wish for), but to face it with a finality it takes a different kind of courage. When one faces death it is not the absence of fear but to have courage to face it despite the fears.

Were the disciple’s blind-sided when Jesus was arrested and sentenced to crucifixion? Jesus probably knew the intense pain and suffering he would have to under go before his death. Yet he knew to finally to break the grip death has on all of us and to reconcile us with God the Father this would be the journey he would have to undertake.

Salem Moravian Graveyard Also known as: Salem Moravian God's Acre

Henri Nouwen when he talks about dying well he says, the big question, therefore, is not "What can I still do in the years I have left to live?" but "How can I prepare myself for my death so that my life can continue to bear fruit in the generations that will follow me?"

Salem Moravian Graveyard Also known as: Salem Moravian God's Acre

The hymn, Abide with me was written by a Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte, who was dying from Tuberculosis. This was the last hymn he wrote before he died (1847) . Yet this hymn continues to be sung in many churches all over the world. It has turned into a classic whose profound words continues to inspire and touch the hearts of millions who have sung it down through the years.