Thought at all about giving up something during Lent? WHY!?
Have your answer to “why” in place before your answer to the
“what” (you’ll give up).
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” –Jesus
It is crucial that you give up, or lay down, what is in the
way of you completely offering your unique self in communion. In this youtube I’ll
walk you through the important first question: WHY!?
I know someone that has been trying hard at life, and at their
work. I mean no one is perfect, but they are more or less diligent. They love their
family, often at the expense of their own pursuits. There are friends this
person cares about, and is a good friend—always there to listen and be of help.
When it comes to work, the person is intent on trying hard. And, even, there is
honest thought about how they can be glorifying God through the work.
But then there was a time recently, when despite this overall
strong approach to their life, anxiety, frustration, and even the
occasional sense of defeat was beginning to creep in.
I share this person's struggle, as I know for a fact more than a
few of us share in it.
Prayer Poverty. It's the real deal. God fills our life with such
joy, blessing and gift. All of this is sucked out of your life by prayer
poverty.
In this message I address the utmost
importance of living with prayer.
Imagine this coming Sunday, as we came together, that I asked for
anyone to stand that bears no grudge—to stand if they have forgiven everyone. And
that then, without hesitation, everyone in our sanctuary rises to their feet in
confidence. As far as we knew, and as far as it depended upon us, we were in good
standing with all others. The power of that moment would perhaps be the most
powerful sermon I had ever experienced.
Jesus commands his followers to practice forgiveness. Furthermore,
taking such steps for forgiveness comes first before any others service to a church.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and
there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the
altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift”
(Jesus, Matthew 5:23,24).
I wonder how our
churches are still operating with such a radical command. So many of us, most
really, are too good at carrying grudges. Jesus would have us step back from
serving in the church. How many leaders, preachers, people with keys to unlock
sanctuary doors, people that turn on lights & microphones, people that play
instruments, etc… How many of us need to put down our gift, first go make good
with others, and then serve?
This message
leads us deeper into the vision of Jesus for our human-to-human relations. The
Way of God is forgiveness.
