March 24, 2014

 

Good Monday Morning To You!

I pray this week's devotional finds you well on our Lenten Journey To The Cross: Remembering Jesus! I hope that you were able to find and practice real Solitude this week. I was able to take a quick but relaxing drive while enjoying the beautiful weather and God's creation. There is a peace that passes all understanding when you are able to find time to connect with God. Practicing Solitude this week, made the Surrender that much easier. It is amazing how each of the disciplines build one upon another, all drawing us into a deeper fellowship with God.

Silence, Surrender and Solitude are practices that are polar opposites to practices celebrated in our culture. Busyness, Control and Constant Consumption have become the hallmarks of society and for many of us our lives. We work more, to attain more and then fight to retain more believing this gives us control. We often do so at the expense of our health, our relationships and our walk with God. Everyday through media and other avenues, we are encouraged to spend more, buy more, eat and drink more all while being told that somehow possessing more makes us better, more viable people. Possession of itself is not a problem; it is the undue attachment to these possessions that are dangerous. But Jesus provides for us another perspective, a higher way of living. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus tells us that there needs to be a shifting in our focus and priorities. Rather than focusing our lives around pursuing, "these things", perhaps we should embrace and practice the concept of Simplicity. Simplicity is an inward discipline that has outward expression. It is freeing ourselves from physical, spiritual and relational attachments that hinder our ability to live fully in the purpose of God.

So often we allow "these things" to get in the way of our complete trust and dependence on God. As you read, reflect and respond to the scriptures this week, ask the Lord how and where you can simplify your life. Perhaps we need to re-examine our priorities. For some, we have some physical things we need to just give away to others. For others, we may need to curb our consumption. And still for others, our relations need some simplifying. Whatever the area, let the Holy Spirit reveal to you this week how less is truly more.

Monday - Matthew 6:25-33 .
Tuesday - Luke 10:25-37
Wednesday - Matthew 6:19-21 .
Thursday - Matthew 13:45-46
Friday - Luke 3:10-13 .
Saturday - Matthew 10:5-13
Sunday - (Worship)

Know that I am praying with you and for you as we continue abstaining, adopting and studying. We are on this Journey together!

Let's Grow!

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor