SHROVE TUESDAY
For those planning to observe the season of Lent; in its strictest sense, today is the last hurrah. Today is Mardi Gras, literally French for Fat Tuesday. Depending upon your heritage, this day is also known as Shrove Tuesday, Packzi Day, and Pancake Day.
"Shrove" is the past tense of the word "shrive," meaning to hear confession, assign penance, and absolve from sin. Shrove Tuesday is a reminder that we enter a time of penance tomorrow. In the Eastern European heritage; particularly in Poland, today is Paczki Day (pronounced: PONECH-KEY). Paczki are Polish jelly-filled doughnuts, deef-fried, filled with jam, and traditionally finished with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. They originated in Poland in the Middle Ages during the reign of August III who invited French cooks to work at his castle. Nobody eats just one "paczek," or its American equivalent - the jelly bismarck.
If on'e heritage is British, today is Pancake Day. Typically, pancakes in England resemble the French crepe more than the fluffy American pancake. Seems to me that we find a lot of French influence on this day. My advice, no matter how the day is known to you, "Le vivre en haut!" - "Live it up!" (SOURCE: about.com/catholicism)
THE BEGINNING OF LENT
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. I've always thought that it's not what you GIVE UP for Lent that matters as much as what you GIVE. With that in mind, I'd like to introduce this group as a forum to share the insights you have, past or present, from Bible study.
It seems to me that no matter how often you read the Bible, each time you pick a passage, think about it - you discover new insight - something you never thought of that's a revelation to you at this time in your life.
This is an invitation to share your thoughts - and don't give up but give during this Lenten season. Please join me on Ash Wednesday - and let us begin.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. I've always thought that it's not what you GIVE UP for Lent that matters as much as what you GIVE. With that in mind, I'd like to introduce this group as a forum to share the insights you have, past or present, from Bible study.
It seems to me that no matter how often you read the Bible, each time you pick a passage, think about it - you discover new insight - something you never thought of that's a revelation to you at this time in your life.
This is an invitation to share your thoughts - and don't give up but give during this Lenten season. Please join me on Ash Wednesday - and let us begin.
The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest."
And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, "Who is this?" And the crowds replied, "This is Jesus, the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee."
[MATTHEW 21: 9-11]
Passages through Lent . . .
[1]
ASH WEDNESDAY
[GENESIS, 3:19] "By the sweat of your face shall you get bread to eat, until you return to the ground from which you were taken. For you are dust, and unto dust you shall return." (Source: The New American Bible).
The season of preparation commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday begins today. It is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Today, some Christians choose to have their foreheads marked with ashes in recognition of our sinful human nature. Many leave the
ashes on their foreheads all day as a sign of humility. As a form of penance, practicing Caholics
also observe a day of fast and abstinence today; eating only one complete meal, two smaller
ones, no snacking and no meat.
The season of Lent is a time to take stock of our spiritual lives; set a spiritual goal we would like
to reach before Easter, and decide how we will pursue it. (SOURCE: about.com/catholicism).
[GENESIS, 3:19] "By the sweat of your face shall you get bread to eat, until you return to the ground from which you were taken. For you are dust, and unto dust you shall return." (Source: The New American Bible).
The season of preparation commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday begins today. It is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Today, some Christians choose to have their foreheads marked with ashes in recognition of our sinful human nature. Many leave the
ashes on their foreheads all day as a sign of humility. As a form of penance, practicing Caholics
also observe a day of fast and abstinence today; eating only one complete meal, two smaller
ones, no snacking and no meat.
The season of Lent is a time to take stock of our spiritual lives; set a spiritual goal we would like
to reach before Easter, and decide how we will pursue it. (SOURCE: about.com/catholicism).
Jesus Is Laid In the Tomb
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
DEAR JESUS, You are all ready to be laid in the tomb. / Your wounds have been washed / and You are wrapped in clean white linen clothes. / You must be buried tonight. / In a garden close by / which belongs to one of Your friends / there is a new tob cut in the rock. / Now, You are being carried there. / Your Blessed Mother looks at you for the last time / how can she bear to let you go? / But You will rise from the dead / all bright and glorious / to go back to Heaven / never to suffer any more. / Teach me, among the joys of earth / always to remember the joys of Heaven. / Help me to love You so much / that, when I die / I shall be happy with You there forever.
The Jesuit, Paul L. Blakely, who authored the pamphlet pictured above remarked: "With our ancestors in the Faith, "The Way of the Cross" was a favorite devotion. In these days of rush and hurry, there is reason to fear that it no longer occupies its ancient place of honor. If a reform be called for, the point at which to begin is with the child."
During the Season of Lent in the late 1950s, youngsters attending parochial school in the Archdiocese of Chicago ended their Friday school day with the nuns shepherding us to church to participate in The Stations of the Cross. During the service, the priest paused at each Station; symbolically represented by a picture or carving hung around the perimeter of the church, to recite a prayer as we followed along with the booklet shown above. The Sisters numbered copies of this booklet before distributing them, and collected them prior to dismissing their classes at the conclusion of the service. I suspect they wondered whatever became of copy 24.
Follow this Journey by reading and reflecting on a numbered passage each of the 40 days of Lent. Keep a Lenten journal to record your thoughts as you use this guide.
[2]
". . . .my eyes have failed with looking for my God." [Psalm 69:4]
Is it any wonder, Lord, that as we grow old, You begin to clear our minds?
Long do we endure the great and small moments of our lives.
So much to bear on shoulders stooped with time.
We see their faces changing and know You take great care
to put the shadows in their eyes to soften up the glare
of all that seeing clearly now would be too much to bear.
Now mingled past and present, knowingly we smile,
grateful they are able to remember for awhile.
Shaken by the frailty and weakened at the loss
of all the strength that held a child in safety at all cost,
we struggle to defend the very children they've become.
All the dreams that we believe they failed to realize
are written in the future, right before our eyes.
Life is the gift given us that we may bring light and warmth to one another
- a candle consumed by the passion of the flame unto its barest glow.
Then does the Hand of God reach out to slip the flame from a life well spent.
And in that moment when the wisp ascends, it points our way.
~ In Loving Memory of Aunt Fran Polis (1913-2011) ~
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[3]
"He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into our hearts, without our ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done." [ECCLESIASTES 3:11]
FIRST, LOVE . . .
God, grant that I may never forget Your unconditional love for me. As we love our children for the incomparable miracle each one is, You love me. You love me no less though I am stubborn or unable to understand what it is You see in me. You love me no less though I fail to appreciate the gift of a snowflake, the smile of another face, the smallest details of my life. You filled me with muscle, brain and heart that I might move in the world. When I stumble, wipe away my tears. You know... in time I'll learn that You inspired me with Love, so that each time I seek it, feel it, share it, I would remember how You feel about me. Amen.
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[4]
O Lord, my God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made…
I see the stars! I hear the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout the universe displayed!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in.
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration and, there, proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art!”
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
“How Great Thou Art” was written in 1885 by Swedish poet Carl Gustav Boberg and set to the melody of a Swedish folk song. According to Boberg’s great-nephew, the inspiration came as Boberg walked home from church one day. “It was the time of year when nature seemed to be in its richest coloring. The birds were singing in the trees. It was very warm and a thunderstorm grew on the horizon. Lightning flashed across the sky and strong winds soon swept over the meadow. The fields of grain billowed as the church bells tolled. The rain came in a cool, fresh shower. Then, in a little while, the storm was over and a rainbow appeared.”
There are over seventeen hundred recordings of “How Great Thou Art.” A beautiful recording features the group “2nd Chapter of Acts,” and is sung by Matthew Ward. As a teenager, following the death of their parents, Matt and his two sisters began singing together around the family piano. They also performed in coffee houses and at small gatherings, gaining the notice of the New Christy Minstrels, and Pat Boone. You'll find a recording at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyj25vD3AkA
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[5]
Many expressions are attributed to the heart: “It breaks my heart… with heartfelt thanks… from the bottom of my heart.” But the heart is a physical organ incapable of emotion. Expressions spoken of as "from the heart" are really expressions of the soul, for it is the soul that knows its Creator. It was the soul of Carl Boberg that was touched by the wonder of nature around him and moved him to write this timeless hymn of praise.
It is the soul of God that was moved as well to find the only way He could imagine to redeem his terrible disappointment in the growth of his creation. God had envisioned so much of us, but we spent “the entire Old Testament” bickering, fighting, warring, neglecting, ignoring. What was God to do?
He created a Son to live the life He intended for his finest creation - one more God-given human being, born to live our ordinary life and to show us how it was meant to be lived. From the beginning of the thought, God knew how it would end. Don't you think that at some point in that Son of God’s life, the Son of Man also knew how it would end? God went for it - His Son not sparing. Christ wasn't so sure. He shared our fear of death and prayed, "Let this cup pass. But not my will. Thine be done." Do you ever think about how dramatic this is? To have deities behind us? To have the Creator of the universe wanting SO much for us and of us? Do you ever think about how much importance has been placed up you? How could we ever manage to live up to God's expectations of us? Damn good job we were redeemed by His only begotten Son!
Turn up your speakers, listen, and consider the Redeemer who went through hell for you rather than go to heaven without you. AND LET YOUR SOUL SING!
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[6]
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [COLOSSIANS 3:12-14]
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[7]
A bit of a departure today, with thanks to a new friend who was kind enough to share these words:
Eternal God, our beginning and our end, be our starting point and our haven, and accompany us in this day's journey. Use our hands to do the work of your creation, and use our lives to bring others the new life you give this world in Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all. Amen.
Eternal God, You never fail to give us each day all that we ever need, and even more. Give us such joy in living that we may gratefully make use of all Your blessings. Amen.
Eternal God, you call us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden. Give us faith to go out with courage, not knowing where we go, but that Your hand leads us and Your love supports us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[The Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church].
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[8]
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. [LUKE, 3: 39-40]
Son of Man, what did you think when you grew
Up and knew that Father worked not only wood
But galaxies afar?
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[9]
God of my fathers, Lord of mercy, you who have made all things by your word
And in your wisdom have established man to rule the creatures produced by you,
To govern the world in holiness and justice, and to render judgment in integrity of heart:
Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne, and reject me not from among your children;
For I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, a man weak and short-lived
and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws.
Indeed, th0ugh one be perfect among the sons of men, if Wisdom, who comes from you,
be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem. [WISDOM,9:1-6]
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[10]
What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life. For every man, moreover, to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of all his labor is a gift of God. I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever; there is no adding to it, or taking from it. Thus has God done that he may be revered. What now is has already been; what is to be already is; and God restores what would otherwise be displaced. [ECCLESIASTES, 3:9-15]
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[11]
Do you not know or have you not heard?
The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny.
He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound.
Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall,
They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings;
They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God.
[ISIAH, 40:28-31, 41:10]
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[12]
One who pays heed to the wind will not sow, and one who watches the clouds will never reap.
Just as you know not how the breath of life fashions the human frame in the mother's womb,
So you know not the work of God which he is accomplishing in the universe.
In the morning sow your seed, and at evening let not your hand be idle:
For you know not which of the two will be successful, or whether both alike will turn out well.
[ECCLESIASTES, 11: 4-6]
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[13] - [14] - [15] - Pending
[16]
If you think of Lent as a season to earn God’s favor by your good intentions or good works, you’ve got a theological problem. God’s favor - His grace - has already been fully given to us in Christ. We can’t earn it by doing extra things or by giving up certain other things for Lent.
If you see Lent as a time to make yourself more worthy for celebrating Easter by "giving up" something - candy , favorite food, television or internet, etc. - then perhaps you shouldn’t keep the season until you’ve grown in your understanding of grace. If, on the contrary, you see Lent as a time to grow more deeply in God’s grace, then you’re approaching Lent from a proper perspective. Lent is not a requirement for Christians. Dallas Willard has said that if a certain spiritual discipline helps you grow in God’s grace, then by all means do it. But if it doesn’t, don’t feel like you must do it.
The 40 days of Jesus in the desert, that is used as a template for Lent, is not about giving up things. It is a picture of Jesus who was fully human and feeling alone. It was a time when he surely considered the life he'd thus far led and how he would approach the days ahead.
~Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts.
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March 17th
Missionary work has always been central to Christianity. Today we celebrate the feast of St. Patrick, renowned missionary to Ireland, who used the indigenous shamrock to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity – three persons in one God: Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
Long before Patrick, another renowned missionary shared his insight about the person of Holy Spirit. His name was Paul, once known as the Saul who made it his business to persecute Christians. That is, until the day he had a personal encounter with the First Person of the Holy Trinity. God wanted Saul’s attention and knocked him from his horse to get it. The Father had other plans for Saul, who finally saw the light and became one of the most widely respected visionaries in Biblical history. His conversion was so complete that, to distance himself from the life he had formerly led, Saul changed his name to Paul.
This is an excerpt from Paul’s letter to the Christian community in Corinth. Paul writes to this community he founded, five years after its establishment. The year is 56:
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given; through the Spirit, the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.” [1 CORINTHIANS, 12: 4-11]
Reading this excerpt, you can almost hear Paul speaking his words. He starts out making a very clear point. He spends a few more words illustrating his point. Soon he’s on a roll. He can’t stop thinking of all the ways to bring this message home to the hearts and minds of his readers. With every sentence he adds fuel to the fire that burns within, until it becomes a blaze of glory illuminating the Spirit within him. Powerful stuff. Powerful God. Powerful gifts – given to each of us.
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[18]
May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in his works!
He who looks upon the earth, and it trembles; who touches the mountains, and they smoke!
I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live.
Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord.
[PSALMS, 104: 31-34]
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[19]
“All that is of earth returns to earth, and what is from above returns above.
All that comes from bribes or injustice will be wiped out, but loyalty remains for ages.
A child or a city will preserve one’s name, but better than either, attaining wisdom.
The flute and the harp offer sweet melody, but better than either, a voice that is true.
Charm and beauty delight the eye, but better than either, the flowers of the field.
Gold and silver make one’s way secure, but better than either, sound judgment.
Wealth and vigor build up confidence, but better than either, fear of God.
Fear of the Lord leaves nothing wanting; he who has it need seek no other support.”
[SIRACH, 40: 11-12,18,21-22,25-26]
The Book of Sirach derives its name from its author, Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, a Hebrew sage who lived in Jerusalem and wrote it between 200 and 175 B.C. It considers many matters which reflect the religious and social customs of the time.
The text was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson around 132 B.C. As a foreword to the Greek translation, the writer begins by speaking of his grandfather:
Those who are familiar with truths must not only understand them themselves but, as lovers of wisdom, be able to, in speech and in writing, help others less familiar. Such a one was my grandfather, Jesus, who devoted himself to the diligent study of the law, the prophets, and the books of our ancestors. Having developed a thorough familiarity with them, he was moved to write something himself in the nature of instruction and wisdom, in order that those who love wisdom might make even greater progress. I found a reproduction of this valuable teaching while in Egypt and considered myself duty bound to devote diligence to the translation of this book for the benefit of those living abroad.” (SOURCE: New American Bible)
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[20]
The wisdom of the prophet Isaiah as the journey through Lent continues...
They seek me day after day, and desire to know my ways. They ask me to declare what is due them, pleased to gain access to God. "Why do we fast, and you do not see it, afflict ourselves, and you take no notice of it?
Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits. Your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked claw. Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high! Is this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of penance: That a man bow his head like a reed, and lie in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.
If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted; Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday. Then you shall delight in the Lord.
[ISAIAH, 58: 2-10, 14].
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[21]
[PSALM 121]:
I lift my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me?
My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you:
The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand.
The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life.
The Lord will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever.
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[22]
Each of us has been touched by the passing of a friend or loved one. Throughout history, writers have sought to divine the mind of God in this most devastating circumstance of our existence. Perhaps it's even air to say that the death of a beloved is the greatest cause of human suffering.
I don't think that this truth of the human condition was lost on our "Heavenly Father." God knew the toll the finally of death would take on our ability to live well. With nothing to look forward to beyond an earthly existence mankind would surely live in selfishness. So God sent His only Son to us to teach us how to live and to undertake the destruction of death. The Christ lived the length of one human life but throughout the ages, people have lived their lives in the company of philosophers, poets, songwriters, theologians and others who shared their divine inspiration on this great matter. These individuals have shared their recognitions but for many it doesn't matter. We don't listen. We lack faith.
"But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. He who pleased God was loved. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord. (But) the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take into account. They see the death of the wise man and do not understand what the Lord intended for him, or why he made him secure." [WISDOM, 4:7-8,10,13-14,17]
These words were written about a hundred years before the coming of Christ. (SOURCE: New American Bible). It's not like our Creator hasn't been trying to reach us all along. He sent His very own Son to offer comfort to a world in despair - to live, to love, to suffer, and to die just as we do. Do we realize this?
Christ said, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live - and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" [JOHN,11:25-26]. For emphasis, the Savior spoke these words just after raising Lazarus from the dead - and said them to the sister of Lazarus, Martha, the Lord's dear friend. Why would he lie?
The failing is not in the fact, promise, hope delivered personally by Jesus Christ but in our failure to accept the truth of it. If you're not familiar with the wonderful song "Where There is Faith" (my favorite recording is by the group 4Him), search for it.Lent is not a requirement for Christians. Dallas Willard has said that if a certain spiritual discipline helps you grow in God’s grace, then by all means do it. But if it doesn’t, don’t feel like you must do it.
". . . .my eyes have failed with looking for my God." [Psalm 69:4]
Is it any wonder, Lord, that as we grow old, You begin to clear our minds?
Long do we endure the great and small moments of our lives.
So much to bear on shoulders stooped with time.
We see their faces changing and know You take great care
to put the shadows in their eyes to soften up the glare
of all that seeing clearly now would be too much to bear.
Now mingled past and present, knowingly we smile,
grateful they are able to remember for awhile.
Shaken by the frailty and weakened at the loss
of all the strength that held a child in safety at all cost,
we struggle to defend the very children they've become.
All the dreams that we believe they failed to realize
are written in the future, right before our eyes.
Life is the gift given us that we may bring light and warmth to one another
- a candle consumed by the passion of the flame unto its barest glow.
Then does the Hand of God reach out to slip the flame from a life well spent.
And in that moment when the wisp ascends, it points our way.
~ In Loving Memory of Aunt Fran Polis (1913-2011) ~
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[3]
"He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into our hearts, without our ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done." [ECCLESIASTES 3:11]
FIRST, LOVE . . .
God, grant that I may never forget Your unconditional love for me. As we love our children for the incomparable miracle each one is, You love me. You love me no less though I am stubborn or unable to understand what it is You see in me. You love me no less though I fail to appreciate the gift of a snowflake, the smile of another face, the smallest details of my life. You filled me with muscle, brain and heart that I might move in the world. When I stumble, wipe away my tears. You know... in time I'll learn that You inspired me with Love, so that each time I seek it, feel it, share it, I would remember how You feel about me. Amen.
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[4]
O Lord, my God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made…
I see the stars! I hear the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout the universe displayed!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in.
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration and, there, proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art!”
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior, God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
“How Great Thou Art” was written in 1885 by Swedish poet Carl Gustav Boberg and set to the melody of a Swedish folk song. According to Boberg’s great-nephew, the inspiration came as Boberg walked home from church one day. “It was the time of year when nature seemed to be in its richest coloring. The birds were singing in the trees. It was very warm and a thunderstorm grew on the horizon. Lightning flashed across the sky and strong winds soon swept over the meadow. The fields of grain billowed as the church bells tolled. The rain came in a cool, fresh shower. Then, in a little while, the storm was over and a rainbow appeared.”
There are over seventeen hundred recordings of “How Great Thou Art.” A beautiful recording features the group “2nd Chapter of Acts,” and is sung by Matthew Ward. As a teenager, following the death of their parents, Matt and his two sisters began singing together around the family piano. They also performed in coffee houses and at small gatherings, gaining the notice of the New Christy Minstrels, and Pat Boone. You'll find a recording at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyj25vD3AkA
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[5]
Many expressions are attributed to the heart: “It breaks my heart… with heartfelt thanks… from the bottom of my heart.” But the heart is a physical organ incapable of emotion. Expressions spoken of as "from the heart" are really expressions of the soul, for it is the soul that knows its Creator. It was the soul of Carl Boberg that was touched by the wonder of nature around him and moved him to write this timeless hymn of praise.
It is the soul of God that was moved as well to find the only way He could imagine to redeem his terrible disappointment in the growth of his creation. God had envisioned so much of us, but we spent “the entire Old Testament” bickering, fighting, warring, neglecting, ignoring. What was God to do?
He created a Son to live the life He intended for his finest creation - one more God-given human being, born to live our ordinary life and to show us how it was meant to be lived. From the beginning of the thought, God knew how it would end. Don't you think that at some point in that Son of God’s life, the Son of Man also knew how it would end? God went for it - His Son not sparing. Christ wasn't so sure. He shared our fear of death and prayed, "Let this cup pass. But not my will. Thine be done." Do you ever think about how dramatic this is? To have deities behind us? To have the Creator of the universe wanting SO much for us and of us? Do you ever think about how much importance has been placed up you? How could we ever manage to live up to God's expectations of us? Damn good job we were redeemed by His only begotten Son!
Turn up your speakers, listen, and consider the Redeemer who went through hell for you rather than go to heaven without you. AND LET YOUR SOUL SING!
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[6]
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [COLOSSIANS 3:12-14]
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[7]
A bit of a departure today, with thanks to a new friend who was kind enough to share these words:
Eternal God, our beginning and our end, be our starting point and our haven, and accompany us in this day's journey. Use our hands to do the work of your creation, and use our lives to bring others the new life you give this world in Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all. Amen.
Eternal God, You never fail to give us each day all that we ever need, and even more. Give us such joy in living that we may gratefully make use of all Your blessings. Amen.
Eternal God, you call us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden. Give us faith to go out with courage, not knowing where we go, but that Your hand leads us and Your love supports us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[The Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church].
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[8]
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. [LUKE, 3: 39-40]
Son of Man, what did you think when you grew
Up and knew that Father worked not only wood
But galaxies afar?
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[9]
God of my fathers, Lord of mercy, you who have made all things by your word
And in your wisdom have established man to rule the creatures produced by you,
To govern the world in holiness and justice, and to render judgment in integrity of heart:
Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne, and reject me not from among your children;
For I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, a man weak and short-lived
and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws.
Indeed, th0ugh one be perfect among the sons of men, if Wisdom, who comes from you,
be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem. [WISDOM,9:1-6]
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[10]
What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life. For every man, moreover, to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of all his labor is a gift of God. I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever; there is no adding to it, or taking from it. Thus has God done that he may be revered. What now is has already been; what is to be already is; and God restores what would otherwise be displaced. [ECCLESIASTES, 3:9-15]
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[11]
Do you not know or have you not heard?
The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny.
He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound.
Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall,
They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings;
They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God.
[ISIAH, 40:28-31, 41:10]
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[12]
One who pays heed to the wind will not sow, and one who watches the clouds will never reap.
Just as you know not how the breath of life fashions the human frame in the mother's womb,
So you know not the work of God which he is accomplishing in the universe.
In the morning sow your seed, and at evening let not your hand be idle:
For you know not which of the two will be successful, or whether both alike will turn out well.
[ECCLESIASTES, 11: 4-6]
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[13] - [14] - [15] - Pending
[16]
If you think of Lent as a season to earn God’s favor by your good intentions or good works, you’ve got a theological problem. God’s favor - His grace - has already been fully given to us in Christ. We can’t earn it by doing extra things or by giving up certain other things for Lent.
If you see Lent as a time to make yourself more worthy for celebrating Easter by "giving up" something - candy , favorite food, television or internet, etc. - then perhaps you shouldn’t keep the season until you’ve grown in your understanding of grace. If, on the contrary, you see Lent as a time to grow more deeply in God’s grace, then you’re approaching Lent from a proper perspective. Lent is not a requirement for Christians. Dallas Willard has said that if a certain spiritual discipline helps you grow in God’s grace, then by all means do it. But if it doesn’t, don’t feel like you must do it.
The 40 days of Jesus in the desert, that is used as a template for Lent, is not about giving up things. It is a picture of Jesus who was fully human and feeling alone. It was a time when he surely considered the life he'd thus far led and how he would approach the days ahead.
~Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts.
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March 17th
Missionary work has always been central to Christianity. Today we celebrate the feast of St. Patrick, renowned missionary to Ireland, who used the indigenous shamrock to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity – three persons in one God: Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
Long before Patrick, another renowned missionary shared his insight about the person of Holy Spirit. His name was Paul, once known as the Saul who made it his business to persecute Christians. That is, until the day he had a personal encounter with the First Person of the Holy Trinity. God wanted Saul’s attention and knocked him from his horse to get it. The Father had other plans for Saul, who finally saw the light and became one of the most widely respected visionaries in Biblical history. His conversion was so complete that, to distance himself from the life he had formerly led, Saul changed his name to Paul.
This is an excerpt from Paul’s letter to the Christian community in Corinth. Paul writes to this community he founded, five years after its establishment. The year is 56:
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given; through the Spirit, the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.” [1 CORINTHIANS, 12: 4-11]
Reading this excerpt, you can almost hear Paul speaking his words. He starts out making a very clear point. He spends a few more words illustrating his point. Soon he’s on a roll. He can’t stop thinking of all the ways to bring this message home to the hearts and minds of his readers. With every sentence he adds fuel to the fire that burns within, until it becomes a blaze of glory illuminating the Spirit within him. Powerful stuff. Powerful God. Powerful gifts – given to each of us.
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[18]
May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in his works!
He who looks upon the earth, and it trembles; who touches the mountains, and they smoke!
I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live.
Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord.
[PSALMS, 104: 31-34]
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[19]
“All that is of earth returns to earth, and what is from above returns above.
All that comes from bribes or injustice will be wiped out, but loyalty remains for ages.
A child or a city will preserve one’s name, but better than either, attaining wisdom.
The flute and the harp offer sweet melody, but better than either, a voice that is true.
Charm and beauty delight the eye, but better than either, the flowers of the field.
Gold and silver make one’s way secure, but better than either, sound judgment.
Wealth and vigor build up confidence, but better than either, fear of God.
Fear of the Lord leaves nothing wanting; he who has it need seek no other support.”
[SIRACH, 40: 11-12,18,21-22,25-26]
The Book of Sirach derives its name from its author, Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, a Hebrew sage who lived in Jerusalem and wrote it between 200 and 175 B.C. It considers many matters which reflect the religious and social customs of the time.
The text was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson around 132 B.C. As a foreword to the Greek translation, the writer begins by speaking of his grandfather:
Those who are familiar with truths must not only understand them themselves but, as lovers of wisdom, be able to, in speech and in writing, help others less familiar. Such a one was my grandfather, Jesus, who devoted himself to the diligent study of the law, the prophets, and the books of our ancestors. Having developed a thorough familiarity with them, he was moved to write something himself in the nature of instruction and wisdom, in order that those who love wisdom might make even greater progress. I found a reproduction of this valuable teaching while in Egypt and considered myself duty bound to devote diligence to the translation of this book for the benefit of those living abroad.” (SOURCE: New American Bible)
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[20]
The wisdom of the prophet Isaiah as the journey through Lent continues...
They seek me day after day, and desire to know my ways. They ask me to declare what is due them, pleased to gain access to God. "Why do we fast, and you do not see it, afflict ourselves, and you take no notice of it?
Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits. Your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked claw. Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high! Is this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of penance: That a man bow his head like a reed, and lie in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.
If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted; Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday. Then you shall delight in the Lord.
[ISAIAH, 58: 2-10, 14].
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[21]
[PSALM 121]:
I lift my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me?
My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you:
The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand.
The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life.
The Lord will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever.
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[22]
Each of us has been touched by the passing of a friend or loved one. Throughout history, writers have sought to divine the mind of God in this most devastating circumstance of our existence. Perhaps it's even air to say that the death of a beloved is the greatest cause of human suffering.
I don't think that this truth of the human condition was lost on our "Heavenly Father." God knew the toll the finally of death would take on our ability to live well. With nothing to look forward to beyond an earthly existence mankind would surely live in selfishness. So God sent His only Son to us to teach us how to live and to undertake the destruction of death. The Christ lived the length of one human life but throughout the ages, people have lived their lives in the company of philosophers, poets, songwriters, theologians and others who shared their divine inspiration on this great matter. These individuals have shared their recognitions but for many it doesn't matter. We don't listen. We lack faith.
"But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. He who pleased God was loved. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord. (But) the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take into account. They see the death of the wise man and do not understand what the Lord intended for him, or why he made him secure." [WISDOM, 4:7-8,10,13-14,17]
These words were written about a hundred years before the coming of Christ. (SOURCE: New American Bible). It's not like our Creator hasn't been trying to reach us all along. He sent His very own Son to offer comfort to a world in despair - to live, to love, to suffer, and to die just as we do. Do we realize this?
Christ said, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live - and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" [JOHN,11:25-26]. For emphasis, the Savior spoke these words just after raising Lazarus from the dead - and said them to the sister of Lazarus, Martha, the Lord's dear friend. Why would he lie?
The failing is not in the fact, promise, hope delivered personally by Jesus Christ but in our failure to accept the truth of it. If you're not familiar with the wonderful song "Where There is Faith" (my favorite recording is by the group 4Him), search for it.Lent is not a requirement for Christians. Dallas Willard has said that if a certain spiritual discipline helps you grow in God’s grace, then by all means do it. But if it doesn’t, don’t feel like you must do it.
[23]
"Have faith, hope and charity. That's the way to live successfully." Got that? Then, perhaps, the next virtue to consider on our journey through Lent is "humility."
The Book of Job, particularly [JOB 38-42], offers one of the most dramatic lessons in humility ever conceived. The text is credited to an author thought to have lived between the 7th and 5th centuries B.C. The insight is so stunning as to make me wonder. Is this the work of one "man" or many? How could a single mind come to such remarkable understanding?
Owing to the length of these passages, please take to your Bible and read for yourself what is referred to as one of the literary masterpieces of all time. It certainly seems to be the inspired work of someone humbled by what "his" imagination led him to believe of God. Then, sings his soul.
[PROVERBS, 16:28-30]: "The just man weighs well his utterance, but the mouth of the wicked person pours out evil. The Lord is far from the wicked, but the prayer of the just he hears. A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart; good news invigorates the bones." (SOURCE: New American Bible).
My friend, Deanna, mentioned her experience with co-workers who adopt the common practice of "giving up something for Lent." Unfortunately, in Deanna's experience, their unsatisfied cravings for what's missing from their diet results in giving those around them a bad time. Deanna says, "They make life miserable for the next 40 days"
Back in the 50s, "The Bible Tells Me So," (written by Don Cornell and popularized by Dale Evans) gave us the reminder, "Have faith, hope and charity. That's the way to live successfully." If we can adopt these three virtues, we learn to "act" and not re-act. Let us pray, "Lord, rescue me from the extremes."
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[24]
http://www.crivoice.org/lent1.html
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http://www.crivoice.org/lent1.html
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This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice!
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned home.
But Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" She thought it was the gardener and said to him, "Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' " Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord." [JOHN 20: 1-18]