Lent – Apprentice 2 Jesus

Idolatry

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;rather, he made himself nothingby taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himselfbyContinue reading “Idolatry”

The Pilgrimage, Pt. 4

Part 1Part 2Part 3 The last “part” of our pilgrimage involving the Whitney Plantation transpired this weekend. It was in two-parts, and I was so glad we chose to be in both events on Saturday that took place at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in Mobile, AL.

Thoughts on Lent

This Lent has been a bit different. The focus for us has been almsgiving. My main text has been Isaiah 58. There is still some time left in Lent, but my big takeaway to this point: Our private piety means nothing of the goodness of the Kingdom isn’t flowing out tangibly to bring goodness andContinue reading “Thoughts on Lent”

What is a spiritual practice?

Too often a “spiritual practice” may be assumed to be something “private” or “personal.” This was not the view of OT Israel, or God’s covenant. John Goldingay has an interesting insight: People in Jerusalem were particularly interested in the spiritual practice of fasting and were puzzled as to why it didn’t work. It’s obvious whyContinue reading “What is a spiritual practice?”

Lessons from Isaiah 58

I have touched Isaiah 58 from time to time in my journal during this Lenten season. Currently, I am finding a couple of things that stand out.

Prayers, Lent, and Justice

There are two different threads I have been thinking about in the past few days. One is concerning prayer and Ukraine. We pray for the people of Ukraine. We pray for the million plus refugees. How do we pray for Putin. There are some guidelines in Scripture.

Fasting and freedom

This Lent has been a challenge in my heart to not focus as much on my personal piety and fasting as it has been on setting the captive free. Isaiah 58 has been my base text. This is a note from a study Bible I reference from time to time on Isaiah 58:6. Fasting andContinue reading “Fasting and freedom”

Setting the oppressed free

Is not this the fast that I choose:to loose the bonds of injustice,to undo the thongs of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free,and to break every yoke? (Isa. 58:6) Let the oppressed go free. Israel had those definitions set early in their history and it was repeated through the generations.

Reset toward justice

Isaiah 58 will be my grounding text for Lent. I can get caught up in fasting “correctly” and making sure I do some readings. What I am challenged in this season is the walk I have in this world.

FOCUS… it is Ash Wednesday

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Gal. 6:14) “The Cross is the great revealer, exposing the temporary stuff of earth and directing our hearts and minds toward the everlasting substance of eternity.” — JayContinue reading “FOCUS… it is Ash Wednesday”