But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees.
Daniel 10:10
Today’s scripture verse describes something of an awakening. The prophet Daniel, left in a state of paralysis by a great vision, was awakened by the touch of a hand. Daniel’s awakening is not a sudden awakening, but a slower, deliberate preparation for the future. How fitting that our Lenten journey begins with touch, the imposition of ashes. The experience of slowing down, being touched, and entering a time of awareness and reflection.
In considering how this photo relates to the scripture, we were struck by three things. First, this took place outside of Trinity’s walls. This is significant because it invites others from the community to experience their own awakening. Second, we shared this faith-activity as a family. Lent marks an important part of our spiritual year and by sharing in this experience, we grew together and supported one another.
Last, but not least, when we all first heard about a “drive-through” imposition of ashes, it sounded like a crazy idea. “We’ve never done this before.” “What if it rains?” “What if no one shows up?” Any number of reasons could be used to discourage this sharing of faith. And yet we, as a church, continue to show up, serve, and focus on how God is working in our lives.
Let yourself be roused and use this season of Lent for intentionality in faith…as together we strive to become an Easter People.
But get me a musician. And then, while the musician was playing, the power of the Lord came on him.
2 Kings 3:15
In one version of the Bible I found over 800 references to music, musician, song, sing, instruments, and/or specific instruments. I once read that in creation the river provided the music and the birds sang the chorus. Music is a gift from God, and He speaks to us through music. When I am frustrated or angry, music calms my mind and my heart. When I am sad or discouraged, music lifts me up. When I sing about the love, grace, and mercy of God, music causes me to raise my heart and hands in praise. Ephesians 5:19 says, “…as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts…” We find God and learn of His wisdom and truth through Sermons and Bible studies. Hymns and sacred music often remind us of what we have learned in a way that keeps Him in our hearts. At least I know that’s how it is for me. There’s within my heart a melody Jesus whispers sweet and low: Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still, in all of life’s ebb and flow. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know, fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go. (There’s “Within My Heart a Melody”, words and music by Luther B. Bridgers).
But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
Luke 18:16
As I walk through the hallways of Trinity with our beloved Trinity Preschool children, they often look around at the artwork that adorns the walls of the church. When the children walk up the red stairs to go to music class, they often stop and study the stained glass of Jesus and the children. Some will ask, “Who is that man?” or “What is the man saying to the children?” Some will comment on the doll the child is holding, but most just stare in awe. I often begin to sing, “Jesus Loves the Little Children” as we pass by the beautiful display. I hope that the children will make the connection that like the children in the artwork, they too are loved by Jesus and that this will be a reminder of His love forever in their minds.
Jesus loves the little children All the children of the world Red, brown, yellow Black and white They are precious in His sight Jesus loves the little children Of the world
“…but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4:14
My husband’s parents own a home on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They have generously shared this place with us and our family for many years. We love the wonderful memories of times spent with grandparents, cousins, and friends. This place fills me with a peace, contentment and joy like no other. The power of the water delights all of my senses and I adore every moment I spend there. When I am tired, cold, down, overwhelmed or uninspired, I sometimes close my eyes, and mindfully put myself on that beach next to the water. I feel the coolness of the water invigorate my body and the rays of the sunshine, warm me to the core; I see the intense rays of the breaking dawn over the horizon, which renews my spirit; I hear the waves lull a sense of calmness over me; I taste the salt permeating the air, reminding me of the spice of life and inspiring me to grasp all that the day has to offer. I smell the scent of the ocean and know that all is well with my soul. Most importantly, I feel the presence and fulfillment of the Holy Spirit of which Jesus speaks to the Woman at the well, whom I am depicting in this picture. My prayer this Lenten season is that you open your heart to the Holy Spirit and that he gushes in you, bringing you peace, contentment and joy that is known only through his love.
The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
Isaiah 32:17
God’s sanctuary is wherever we encounter him. It is the place where your heart is. I was raised at Trinity and my family experienced many special memories in the sanctuary. I reflect back that as a family, we sat in the same pew each Sunday. Since 1957, Trinity has brought me many blessed memories including christenings, weddings, singing in the choir as a youth and funerals which were all celebrated at Trinity. Church involvement is evidence that you are a Christian and keeps you from abandoning the faith.
On Sunday, the church becomes a sanctuary of God’s people and God will greatly bless his people. The season of Lent is a season to die for our sins and to enter into a new way of life.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.”
John 15:1
What better assurance of God’s love than to know that He is the gardener who plants the seeds and tends our growth. When I am in my garden, I feel closer to God than at any other time. It gives me great joy to plant a bulb, a shrub, a vine or a tree…to dig in the warm soil and position a plant so that it will get the necessary sun and water to grow. It brings to mind the first garden and the seeds of mankind.
No vine or any other plant can grow without the proper nutrients from the soil, the warmth of the sun (or protection of the shade), and the water from the rain.
God came to us as His Son to tend His garden. When He prunes and nurtures us, we bear fruit around us by spreading the teachings of Jesus, the vine. As I walk in my garden, I see the tender new growth of daffodils bursting forth. As we follow the vine and walk with Jesus, we spread His love and kindness everywhere.
During this season of Lent, take a moment to observe the wonder of a tree silhouetted against the sky and how it grew from a tiny seed in God’s garden.
Thank you, Lord, for your tender, loving care and for reminding us to spread it around.
