Lent 2023 Day 35 “Before and After”

Daily Scriptures: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20143;%202%20Kings%204:18-37;%20Ephesians%202:1-10

Ephesians 2:1-10 

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³ All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Before and After Grace

Scanning through social media I came across a picture labeled before and after. The picture showed the contrast between the persons size before and after their decision to embrace a more healthy lifestyle. As you can imagine the contrast was startling. The person had lost almost 60 pounds. Quite an achievement. The question that could be asked is what was the turning point? What made them stick to the plan and eat and exercise when sleep and slumber would have been easier. That same contrast can be observed in the life of a person who walks with Jesus. In the believers’ life there should be a before and after picture that shows the contrast between before and after grace.

The writer of Ephesians either Paul or his protege directs our attention to life before grace. Before grace, the writer say we were dead people walking in our transgressions and sins. In other words, we were caught up in an unproductive deathstyle. We were not alone. Living to satisfy our natural desires like misery loves company. When we walked that path we grew a crowd. Before grace, we were destined for wrath and destruction. We were self-consumed and selfish. We clung to a life of me first and fulfill every thirst. And then came grace. Grace, the writer says was initiated by the love of GOD and transforms us from a “deathstyle” to a lifestyle. We were once dead in sin and we became alive in Christ. Grace comes on the scene and is given to us before we started walking with GOD. Grace was the invitation to come alive. Grace sees the best in the midst of the mess in us. Grace is given not earned because if we thought we could earn it we might also think we could deserve it. There was nothing the reader could do to validate the opportunity to come alive and thrive. Grace was given without merit so that we could not boast but so that we could believe and be better for ourselves and others.

Nearing the end of the Lenten season the question is what will our before and after picture look like? Will there be any evidence of the residence of GOD in our life? Will we be more loving or patient or playful? Will our light shine brighter and our load be lighter? I encourage you today to walk with GOD and make sure we leave this experience with GOD refreshed, renewed, and restored.

Points to Ponder: How Will you be different after Lent? Will the contrast be visible to others? Are you excited to present the new you?

Lent 2022 Day 7 “Rescued and Restored”

Zechariah 3 New International Version

3 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. ² The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” ³ Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. ⁴ The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” ⁵ Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by. ⁶ The angel of the Lord gave this charge to Joshua: ⁷ “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here. ⁸ “‘Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. ⁹ See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes^[b] on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day. ¹⁰ “‘In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

Rescued and Restored

It is day 7 of our dedication to consecration. After a week I pray you are not getting weak. One of the things that we address through consecration is an awareness that we have been the recipients of grace. Think of a time where you knew you were out of control. You may have fallen into some bad habits and they consumed every thought you had. After a while you became so identified with your frailty that you forgot who you truly were. Like a garment that never gets changed you wore the residue of your recklessness and it weighed you down. Without consistent care we become fragile, fractured, and fallen. This happened to Israel and led to their exile from Canaan and it almost led to their extinction until YHWH extended grace.

In our text from Zechariah 3 we have the writer writing Joshua the priest as a representative of Israel. Joshua like Israel is being accused and judged by satan for his sin. While in the midst of this the LORD rebukes the accuser and reminds the accuser and us, We are like burning sticks snatched from the fire. The LORD has rescued us from the fire and we are no longer to carry the penalty and punishment for our actions. In short we are granted a second chance. We were frail and fractured but the LORD says we are still functional. The thing about fire however is it leaves a residue. The residue is like a reminder of where we’ve been. Knowing this the angel of the LORD instructs Joshua’s filthy clothes be removed. By doing this we learn to move on we have to leave the past behind.

On this 7th day of consecration I encourage you to leave the past behind. Take off your filthy clothes from the fire and put on your best clothes. You have been through the fire and even though you may have set the fire, the LORD, the ALMIGHTY CREATOR, has rescued you from destruction and you are restored.

Points to Ponder: How are you confronting the residue of what you’ve been through? How are you showing grace to others? How will you move forward in the confidence of your new garments?

Holy Week Monday “Hope Over Hype”

 

Matthew 21:18-22

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree

¹⁸ Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. ¹⁹ Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

²⁰ When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

²¹ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. ²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Building upon 40 Days of Devotion we begin Holy Week. After 40 days of sacrifice, and repentance we are now faced with the prospect of an even more difficult task. Some might say we come out of the frying pan and jump right into the skillet. Yesterday we had a moment to exhale, to celebrate. Palm Sunday reminded us that every now and then people get it right. Jesus enters humbly into Jerusalem but he is welcomed like the King he is. The people greet him with shouts of save us and blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. For just a moment it seems like things are going to get better. Still Jesus did not get caught up in the hype. Instead of relying on the emotions of the people to dictate his future actions, Jesus continue his pursuit to the cross. Jesus chooses the Hope of eternity over the hype of humanity.

Our text begins the next morning. After the hoopla of yesterday Jesus is on his way back to the city and sees a fig tree. Upon seeing the tree there is the expectation there would be figs on the tree. Jesus is hungry and is anticipating a breakfast of figs and fellowship. What he finds is an empty tree. Looks good but producing nothing. How often are we like this fig tree. We look good on the outside, we have our bibles, and we have memorized some key verses. We know “church talk” and can be seen in some of the “right” places. But upon closer inspection, we are full of sound and fury signifying nothing. There is no substance to us. Far too often we focus on our shell and neglect our soul. Jesus expects fruit and finds fakery. He then utters what I sense to be a scary utterance. Jesus says “may you never bear fruit again”. Wow and owww. The first law GOD gave creation was be fruitful and multiple. For Jesus to say be no more fruitful is to take away its purpose. Immediately the tree withers. Life without purpose is death. When I read this I can imagine what it would be like if all hope were gone. Even further when I read this I sense Jesus challenging us on being true to fulfilling our purpose. We are called to do more than look good and talk the talk. When we are fig trees in a world that is hungry, we are intended to bear fruit. Not just leaves, but fruit.

Jesus challenges us on bearing fruit and also uses this experience as a teaching moment for the disciples. Jesus replied to the disciples amazement by saying, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” When we pray we are exposed to an unlimited supply of power. Jesus helps us to unlock a treasure of incalculable value. Faith without doubt. The power is not in the praise of people but in the presence of GOD.

Today I am encouraged to be intentional about bearing fruit. The hype of should should not dictate the life we live. Beyond the hype, the work for the kingdom must still be done. Do not grow weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap a harvest i we faint not. #livebig

POint to Ponder: How will You choose hope over hype? Who have you hyped up only to find they disappointed you? Would you rather be loved for people pleasing  or respected for telling it like it is?

Lent 2020 Day 35 “Before and After Grace”

Daily Scriptures: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20143;%202%20Kings%204:18-37;%20Ephesians%202:1-10

Ephesians 2:1-10 

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³ All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Before and After Grace

Scanning through social media I came across a picture labeled before and after. The picture showed the contrast between the persons size before and after their decision to embrace a more healthy lifestyle. As you can imagine the contrast was startling. The person had lost almost 60 pounds. Quite an achievement. The question that could be asked is what was the turning point? What made them stick to the plan and eat and exercise even when sleep and slumber would have been easier. That same contrast can be observed in the life of a person who walks with Jesus. In the believers’ life there should be a before and after picture that shows the contrast between before and after grace.

The writer of Ephesians either Paul or his protege directs our attention to life before grace. Before grace, the writer say we were dead people walking in our transgressions and sins. In other words, we were caught up in an unproductive deathstyle. We were not alone. Living to satisfy our natural desires like misery loves company. When we walked that path we grew a crowd. Before grace, we were destined for wrath and destruction. We were self-consumed and selfish. We clung to a life of me first and fulfill every thirst. And then came grace. Grace, the writer says was initiated by the love of GOD and transforms us from a “deathstyle” to a lifestyle. We were once dead in sin and we became alive in Christ. Grace comes on the scene and is given to us before we started walking with GOD. Grace was the invitation to come alive. Grace sees the best in the midst of the mess in us. Grace is given not earned because if we thought we could earn it we might also think we could deserve it. There was nothing the reader could do to validate the opportunity to come alive and thrive. Grace was given without merit so that we could not boast but so that we could believe and be better for ourselves and others.

Nearing the end of the Lenten season the question is what will our before and after picture look like? Will there be any evidence of the residence of GOD in our life? Will we be more loving or patient or playful? Will our light shine brighter and our load be lighter? I encourage you today to walk with GOD and make sure we leave this experience with GOD refreshed, renewed, and restored.

Points to Ponder: Reflect on life just 35 days ago. When we began the Lenten season there was no shelter in place, no quarantine in America, no stimulus package, and no schools shut down. Now we are in another world it appears. How will you be better when the Covid19 runs its course? Will you be more loving, caring, or compassionate? What will be your before and after?

Lent 2020 Day 32 “Homecoming”

Daily Scriptures: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20130;%20Ezekiel%2036:8-15;%20Luke%2024:44-53

Ezekiel 36:8-15  (NIV)

⁸ “‘But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home. ⁹ I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor; you will be plowed and sown, ¹⁰ and I will cause many people to live on you—yes, all of Israel. The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. ¹¹ I will increase the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the Lord. ¹² I will cause people, my people Israel, to live on you. They will possess you, and you will be their inheritance; you will never again deprive them of their children.

¹³ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because some say to you, “You devour people and deprive your nation of its children,” ¹⁴ therefore you will no longer devour people or make your nation childless, declares the Sovereign Lord. ¹⁵ No longer will I make you hear the taunts of the nations, and no longer will you suffer the scorn of the peoples or cause your nation to fall, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

Homecoming

Have you ever just wanted to go back home? Have YOU ever endured a struggle that seemed to never end and the only thing YOU had to look forward to was being back in your comfort zone?  Think back over your high school days of grueling studies, ok maybe not grueling but at least it may have felt that way and every day YOU looked forward to homecoming or the prom? We often look forward to the big day when troubles will be over and wondering and wandering will end. What we may not always recognize is YHWH is a step ahead of us and has been making preparations in the midst of our perspirations.

Our text from Ezekiel is set as the Israelite community is in exile. Their disobedience has led to a hedge of protection being lifted and the Babylonians taking the land and exiling the people. After years of yearning to go back home YHWH responds to their cry by getting the land ready. The text says,“‘But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home.” YHWH is doing the homecoming preparations even while the people are still in exile. Just as Noah built the ark before there was ever any rain, YHWH is preparing the land even before the people return home. This dynamic is helpful for us today as we go through unknown situations will countless possible outcomes. Many are worried and stretched and stressed. It may seem like all there everything is in turmoil. This thought can be so overwhelming that we may not recognize our situation is not a condition and  YHWH may be preparing the land for us.

The season of Lent is can be very challenging for those who choose to sacrifice during the season. There may be some days where we don’t think we can take it and it would be easier to quit. I encourage YOU to stick with it. There is a blessing on the other side of what we are going through. YHWH is commanding the land to be ready to produce fruit for those who are returning home. This fruit will be able to sustain the growth and reestablishment of the nation. FRiends keep the faith through this season of Lent and pandemic of Covid-19. YHWH has not forgotten about us.

Points to Ponder: What are YOU most hopeful today? Are YOU able to keep the faith when all YOU feel is fear? How do YOU define home?

Lent 2020 Day 8 ‘Guilty”

 

Daily Scriptures: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2032;%20Exodus%2034:1-9,%2027-28;%20Matthew%2018:10-14

Exodus 34: ⁶ And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, ⁷ maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” ⁸ Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. ⁹ “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

Guilty

A few days ago I was in traffic court and was asked, “How do you plead?” In that moment I wanted to give every reason and excuse I could think of to say I didn’t do it or “You see what had happened was…”. I wanted to say these things, but the truth was my taillight was out. Knowing this it was hard to admit but I was guilty as charged. At that moment I was at the mercy of the court. Gratefully I can say GOD is a lawyer in a courtroom and I was graced with minor fine because I had fixed the problem.

In our text from Exodus, Moses is being given a second chance to deliver the 10 commandments. The first time ended in him angrily breaking the tablets after seeing the golden calf and the people dancing around it.  Moses had lost his cool and he knew he was guilty. Even so, GOD was compassionate and gracious and gave him a second chance. Even though Moses was guilty, he was forgiven.

Through this Lenten season, we have an opportunity to examine our lives and identify areas that we have missed the mark. each day through our reading of scripture and intentional prayer we recognize we are guilty. we have slipped and fallen and although we want to give excuses, in the end, we know the truth. we have messed up. As it was in court so it is with GOD. When we come clean and acknowledge our sin we are at the mercy of GOD. the awesome thing is GOD is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and forgives wickedness. We may not always get it right but I encourage you not to compound your mistakes by being unaccountable. Moses advocates for GOD to not only be merciful to him but also to the people and so I also do for you. GOD has grace for your guilt.

Points to Ponder: How have you missed the mark? In what ways has guilt affected you? How can you advocate for someone else today?

 

Lent 2020 Day 7 “Bold Before The Throne”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2032;%20Genesis%204:1-16;%20Hebrews%204:14-5:10

^{Hebrews 4:15} For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

It is day 7 of Lent 2020 and by now we have probably come face to face with the reality, We have some weaknesses. An honest observation will reveal some variables between who we want to be and who we have become. Like any child with a loving parent, we would love to be pleasing in all areas of our life to our parents. One of the hardest things to hear a parent say is, “I am disappointed in YOU”. These words sting. Being aware of disappointing our loved ones will often lead us to want to hide or just not deal with it.

YHWH is our DIVINE Parent and pleasing YHWH is at the core of most of our lives. This text from Hebrews reminds us that even though we have weaknesses, even though we stumble through temptations and fumble the faith when under fire, we can still approach the throne of grace with confidence. Many people will beat up verbally and mentally the moment they see weakness. They will overstate the obvious that we already know, we fall down. Although this is true we don’t have to beat ourselves up or dress in sackcloth and ashes to have an audience with GOD. We can come boldly with confidence trusting that we will receive grace to help us in our time of need.

Unfortunately, church can be a dangerous place to look for grace. all around we see “Aint’s dressed like saints” who take every chance ungrace us. Thankfully we have a GOD who understands and will help with no strings attached.

Point To Ponder: How have YOU ungraced someone? How have YOU ungraaced YOURSELF? How can YOU show grace to someone today?

 

 

Lent 2020 Day 5 ” Keeping it 100″

https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=24

PSALM 32 

¹ Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,  whose sins are covered.
² Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them
    and in whose spirit is no deceit.

³ When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.^[b]

⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin.

⁶ Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.
⁷ You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
¹⁰ Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him.

¹¹ Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Authenticity

Authenticity

“Son, Never let them see you sweat”. These words echo within me whenever I am in a challenging situation. My mom’s intent of sharing this witticism with me left the impression that sweating is showing weakness and weakness would mean being vulnerable. Instead, keep your head up and shoulders square at all times. This philosophy may work on the job but when it comes to our spiritual walk with YHWH we cannot pretend to be cool, calm, and collected. When we enter the presence of the DIVINE we must enter as we are and not as we hope to be. In order to fully experience the full impact of LOVE we must be authentic.

The Psalm attributed to David pronounces a blessing on the one who has been forgiven of sin and in whose spirit there is no deceit. As hard as it is to admit sometimes, we have sinned. These sins have not all be an overt offense or blatant disregard for GOD yet they all have impacted our relationship with GOD. The writer speaks of trying to live life holding it in, never being caught sweating even with GOD and it has had a negative effect on him. The writer says I was wasting away on the inside. I looked strong but I was really weak. How true is this for YOU? Have you been tossing and turning, missing sleep, living on edge? Could it be that this Lent season is right on time for you and I to come clean with GOD? When I say come clean I mean be authentic. Be real. Be transparent. It is in this authenticity we gain the confidence that GOD welcomes us as we are thus enabling us to be who we can be.

This Lent, let us choose to be who we are. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Love of GOD surrounds all who trust GOD. How will you trust today?

Point to Ponder: Are YOU living with any regrets? If the worst thing YOU have ever done has been forgiven by YHWH, why are YOU still holding on to it? Create a safe space for others to be authentic by actively listening without judgement.

Lent 2020 Day 3 “Anger Management”

Todays Scriptures https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah%204:1-11;%20Romans%201:8-17

Jonah’s Anger at the Lord’s Compassion

4 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. ² He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. ³ Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

⁴ But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

⁵ Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. ⁶ Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant^[a] and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. ⁷ But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. ⁸ When the sun rose, God provided scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

⁹ But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”

“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”

¹⁰ But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. ¹¹ And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Anger Management

 What is the angriest YOU have ever been? Think back and identify with how YOU felt. What was the cause? What did YOU do about it? Anger has a way of wanting to take control of our mind and body until something or somebody pays the price. For me, it was a wall in my apartment. Before I had time to fully process the consequences I punched and suddenly there was a hole in my wall and soon to follow in my wallet. How did I lose control like that? Honestly to this day, I cannot tell YOU but I can say it happens.

In our text today from Jonah 4, Jonah is angry and the source of his anger is the compassion of YHWH. Jonah was angry because Jonah wanted Ninevah to be punished but YHWH wants Jonah to preach to them. After his encounter with the big fish, Jonah relents and preaches and to no one’s surprise, Ninevah repents. From the King to the commoner everyone repents. YHWH is pleased and Jonah is peeved. YHWH then provides an anger management lesson for Jonah. A big leaf pops up and gives Jonah shade on a sunny day and as quickly as it pops up a worm eats it and causes it to wither. Jonah gets angry with the tree and YHWH challenges him with the reality, YOU did nothing to make the tree grow but YOU enjoyed its shade.

Friends, how often have we eaten fruit from trees we did not plant with any thought of the farmer, or worker in the field, or truck driver who drove it to market? We often benefit from blessings and yet buckle when others who may have wronged us get blessed. During this Lenten season, let us choose gratitude over grudges. Identify with the Ninevites and repent. Identify with Jonah and see how we have received compassion we were not ready to extend to others. Today, I encourage YOU to be more patient, loving and forgiving.

Point to Ponder: After YOU cooled down, How could YOU have handled YOUR anger differently? How will YOU deal with anger in the future? Forgive a past hurt by building a bridge and getting over it. LIVEBIG

Ten Tips to Deal with Anger

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434

Lent 2019 Day 34 “Cracked Pots”

Mon Apr 8

Psalm 31, 35

Jeremiah 24:1-10

Romans 9:19-33

John 9:1-17

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31%2C+Psalm+35%2C+Jeremiah+24%3A1-10%2C+Romans+9%3A19-33%2C+John+9%3A1-17&version=NIV

^{Psalm 31:11} Because of all my enemies,
    I am the utter contempt of my neighbors
and an object of dread to my closest friends—
    those who see me on the street flee from me.
¹² I am forgotten as though I were dead;
    I have become like broken pottery.
¹³ For I hear many whispering,
    “Terror on every side!”
They conspire against me
    and plot to take my life.

¹⁴ But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
¹⁵ My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    from those who pursue me.
¹⁶ Let your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your unfailing love.

^{Romans 9:20} But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”^[a] 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

Cracked Pots

An Indian proverb tells the following story. A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.  The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”  The Pot replied, “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion, he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” At the end of the journey the bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

The Psalmist and the writer of Romans speak of broken pottery. The Psalmist says “I have become like broken pottery”. Someone reading this may agree. You look in the mirror and only see your flaws. You try being positive, but at your root there is a sense of unworthiness or even worthlessness. Like the reference in Romans you may be wondering why GOD has allowed you to be this way. What we miss when we choose to judge ourselves is the fact that we belong to GOD. We are the clay and GOD knows us and chooses to love us and use us as we are. Our life and light are only to be compared to OUR purpose. Every one is unique. Like the water bearer in our story, GOD can use cracked pots for GOD’S glory. Embrace who you are, cracks, worts, wrinkles and all.

Point to Ponder: How have you judged yourself too harshly? How have you overlooked opportunities to be a blessing due to not feeling worthy? Think on the possibilities that loving who you are as you are can turn cracks into carnations.