Psalm 119:57: You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised
to obey your words.
With joy, the poet claims God as his portion and his
inheritance. David had often seen prey hunted and divided
up. This passage could be the voice of David, rejoicing as
one who has seized his part, his “portion” of the treasure.
Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words.” In
dedicating himself to the word of God instead of worldly
things, David resolves to keep and store up God’s words, a
heritage that outlasts all others.
As I walk through my spiritual journey, I often address God,
Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When I was adopting my
daughter, praying helped me to cope while I waited for the
bureaucracy to grind towards a resolution. I prayed for
strength, for my child’s health and safety, and for the Spirit
to move the hearts and minds of those with the power to
complete the adoption process. I was so overjoyed the day I
met my daughter and held her for the first time. Just as we
treasure the ones we love and claim them as our own, we
can claim God as our portion, promise to keep his words,
and continue to search for understanding and grace.
Psalm 119:49-72; Genesis 37:25-36; 1 Corinthians 2:1-13; Mark 1:29-45
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
In our life journey there are many paths. Some lead us in
wrong directions, saying, “Try us, we are fun, we are easy.”
On the other hand, the path of faith is often difficult. Joseph
probably wondered where God was when he was thrown
into the deep pit by his jealous brothers. Jesus asks
fishermen to follow him on a journey that will lead to
hardship, fear and death. Jesus doesn’t ask Peter, Andrew,
James and John if they believe or have faith. He just says,
“Follow Me.”
Paul writes that we should not follow the wisdom of men
but the power of God. God’s power was with Joseph in that
deep pit and with the disciples on their perilous journey. His
power is with us on our path. He knows sometimes we don’t
believe or have faith. He knows we will stumble and fall. He
is right beside us to raise us up.
Our journey with Jesus begins with acknowledging we have
no power on our own. I knew I could not live after my long
illness without the help of Jesus. It just was not possible. It
came to me that Jesus had gone through far more pain and
suffering than I and so could relate what I was going
through. I just asked Him to help me remember that He was
there beside me. I was not alone. Not one of us is alone with
the power of God beside us.
Psalm 45; Genesis 37:12-24; 1 Corinthians 1:20-31; Mark 1:14-28
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
wrong directions, saying, “Try us, we are fun, we are easy.”
On the other hand, the path of faith is often difficult. Joseph
probably wondered where God was when he was thrown
into the deep pit by his jealous brothers. Jesus asks
fishermen to follow him on a journey that will lead to
hardship, fear and death. Jesus doesn’t ask Peter, Andrew,
James and John if they believe or have faith. He just says,
“Follow Me.”
Paul writes that we should not follow the wisdom of men
but the power of God. God’s power was with Joseph in that
deep pit and with the disciples on their perilous journey. His
power is with us on our path. He knows sometimes we don’t
believe or have faith. He knows we will stumble and fall. He
is right beside us to raise us up.
Our journey with Jesus begins with acknowledging we have
no power on our own. I knew I could not live after my long
illness without the help of Jesus. It just was not possible. It
came to me that Jesus had gone through far more pain and
suffering than I and so could relate what I was going
through. I just asked Him to help me remember that He was
there beside me. I was not alone. Not one of us is alone with
the power of God beside us.
Psalm 45; Genesis 37:12-24; 1 Corinthians 1:20-31; Mark 1:14-28
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Mark 1: 12-13: The Spirit immediately drove him out into
the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted
by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels
waited on him.
How appropriate for the Lenten season! After Jesus is
baptized by John, after the Spirit descends on Jesus like a
dove, and after a voice came from heaven declaring, “You
are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased,” then,
the Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness.
It is somewhat shocking how fast the scene changes from
the glory of Jesus’ baptism to forty days of deprivation and
temptation in the wilderness. Sometimes I feel like there
should be a more gradual shift into Lent, too. To go from
parties and King cake to ashes at 6:30 am is also shocking. I
am not prepared for it. But maybe that’s the point.
Jesus emerged from his forty days in the wilderness to begin
his ministry and road to the cross. The glory of baptism did
not prepare him for ministry and obedience unto death.
Forty days in the wilderness did that. Lord, may these forty
days of Lent prepare us to better love and serve you in our
ministries and in obedience to your will.
Psalm 41, 52; Genesis 37:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted
by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels
waited on him.
How appropriate for the Lenten season! After Jesus is
baptized by John, after the Spirit descends on Jesus like a
dove, and after a voice came from heaven declaring, “You
are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased,” then,
the Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness.
It is somewhat shocking how fast the scene changes from
the glory of Jesus’ baptism to forty days of deprivation and
temptation in the wilderness. Sometimes I feel like there
should be a more gradual shift into Lent, too. To go from
parties and King cake to ashes at 6:30 am is also shocking. I
am not prepared for it. But maybe that’s the point.
Jesus emerged from his forty days in the wilderness to begin
his ministry and road to the cross. The glory of baptism did
not prepare him for ministry and obedience unto death.
Forty days in the wilderness did that. Lord, may these forty
days of Lent prepare us to better love and serve you in our
ministries and in obedience to your will.
Psalm 41, 52; Genesis 37:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
John 12:46: I have come as light into the world, so that
everyone who believes in me should not remain in the
darkness.
In our journey with Christ, we have many opportunities both
within and without St. Barnabas to serve as His light in the
world. We serve as light in the world when we have
fellowship with each other and with everyone we meet. We
serve as light in the world through the Altar Guild, senior
and junior choirs, and numerous projects and committees to
care for the church. We serve Christ as His light in the world
when we participate in St. Barnabas’ outreach groups such
as the Annandale Safe Youth Project, Women of St.
Barnabas, Facets, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
St. Barnabas sheds Christ’s light in our lives in the weekly
communion services, the sermons we receive, Adult Forum,
Sunday School, the parish website, and in the Great Vigil of
Easter when we carry the Paschal candle and the cantor
says, “The Light of Christ,” and we answer “Thanks be to
God.”
Psalm 63:1-8(9-11), 98; Daniel 9:3-10; Hebrews 2:10-18; John 12:44-50
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
everyone who believes in me should not remain in the
darkness.
In our journey with Christ, we have many opportunities both
within and without St. Barnabas to serve as His light in the
world. We serve as light in the world when we have
fellowship with each other and with everyone we meet. We
serve as light in the world through the Altar Guild, senior
and junior choirs, and numerous projects and committees to
care for the church. We serve Christ as His light in the world
when we participate in St. Barnabas’ outreach groups such
as the Annandale Safe Youth Project, Women of St.
Barnabas, Facets, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
St. Barnabas sheds Christ’s light in our lives in the weekly
communion services, the sermons we receive, Adult Forum,
Sunday School, the parish website, and in the Great Vigil of
Easter when we carry the Paschal candle and the cantor
says, “The Light of Christ,” and we answer “Thanks be to
God.”
Psalm 63:1-8(9-11), 98; Daniel 9:3-10; Hebrews 2:10-18; John 12:44-50
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
I can do all things through God who strengthens me.
In whatever state I am may I learn to be content!
Having crashed on the hearth of depression, on bended knee,
I have fallen up into God’s Grace.
Tumbling down slopes of fear, I am lifted into peace, which
passes understanding.
Plummeting the depths of confusion, I am carried in the
arms of God.
Into the blackest of days an altar flower shines.
Through loneliness rings the voice of a friend.
Lose control to find peace.
Walk with the strength of Barnabas.
Let go and find Jesus.
Confess, repent, meet me in Galilee,
With reconciliation, the unending light of Resurrection!
Oh Lord, my God may I give thanks to Thee forever!
Psalm 30, 32; Ezekiel 39:21-29; Philippians 4:10-20; John 17:20-26
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
In whatever state I am may I learn to be content!
Having crashed on the hearth of depression, on bended knee,
I have fallen up into God’s Grace.
Tumbling down slopes of fear, I am lifted into peace, which
passes understanding.
Plummeting the depths of confusion, I am carried in the
arms of God.
Into the blackest of days an altar flower shines.
Through loneliness rings the voice of a friend.
Lose control to find peace.
Walk with the strength of Barnabas.
Let go and find Jesus.
Confess, repent, meet me in Galilee,
With reconciliation, the unending light of Resurrection!
Oh Lord, my God may I give thanks to Thee forever!
Psalm 30, 32; Ezekiel 39:21-29; Philippians 4:10-20; John 17:20-26
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
Friday, February 24, 2012
They were simple men. Husbands, fathers, brothers and sons
that would be changed forever. They were chosen to walk
not behind, but alongside Jesus. I wonder how they were
able to just stop and go. Did they really know this was the
Messiah? Did they simply illustrate the biggest act of faith
that a simple man could do? They left their families, their
businesses, their comfort level, their familiar, their routine,
to walk with Jesus, a man that they did not fully know.
To be compelled by the Spirit is an awesome act. To be able
to receive God’s calling loud and clear in a world with so
much noise and distraction does not take a special skill,
talent, or training.
The apostles’ reward for acting on faith was becoming heirs
to the heavenly Kingdom of God. By receiving Jesus as my
Lord and Savior, and living a life under God’s
commandments, I, as a simple man, a husband, father, a son,
can also be an heir to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Stay open
to the call, be willing to receive the invitation, and let Jesus
immerse himself in you, as you immerse yourself in Him.
Psalm 31; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25:32; Philippians 4:1-9; John 17:9-19
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
that would be changed forever. They were chosen to walk
not behind, but alongside Jesus. I wonder how they were
able to just stop and go. Did they really know this was the
Messiah? Did they simply illustrate the biggest act of faith
that a simple man could do? They left their families, their
businesses, their comfort level, their familiar, their routine,
to walk with Jesus, a man that they did not fully know.
To be compelled by the Spirit is an awesome act. To be able
to receive God’s calling loud and clear in a world with so
much noise and distraction does not take a special skill,
talent, or training.
The apostles’ reward for acting on faith was becoming heirs
to the heavenly Kingdom of God. By receiving Jesus as my
Lord and Savior, and living a life under God’s
commandments, I, as a simple man, a husband, father, a son,
can also be an heir to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Stay open
to the call, be willing to receive the invitation, and let Jesus
immerse himself in you, as you immerse yourself in Him.
Psalm 31; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25:32; Philippians 4:1-9; John 17:9-19
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
In Philippians 3, Paul speaks of reaching out and working
towards the goal. What is the goal we set before us? Do you
have a goal – maybe a five-year goal? For years one of my
goals was to drive an 18-wheeler, not for a living but maybe
just around a parking lot, pulling that horn so all could hear!
What excitement. During Lent we are called upon to look
within ourselves as we await the Resurrection. I have also
set another goal for myself – having a closer relationship
with God. God has shown us the way through Jesus to show
compassion to others, to help the needy, and to feed the
poor. God sent Jesus so that we may know God better.
In The Message version of the Bible, Paul speaks of
“keeping track of those you see running this same course,
headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking
other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go
along with them…all they want is easy street.” How do we
have a better relationship with God? Love those we meet—
have an open heart in all circumstances and imitate God’s
compassion toward us. Let go of self-destructive conduct
and go back to love.
So what is your goal – to drive an 18-wheeler or to keep
company with God?
Psalm 37:1-18; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18;
Philippians 3:12-21; John 17:1-8
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
towards the goal. What is the goal we set before us? Do you
have a goal – maybe a five-year goal? For years one of my
goals was to drive an 18-wheeler, not for a living but maybe
just around a parking lot, pulling that horn so all could hear!
What excitement. During Lent we are called upon to look
within ourselves as we await the Resurrection. I have also
set another goal for myself – having a closer relationship
with God. God has shown us the way through Jesus to show
compassion to others, to help the needy, and to feed the
poor. God sent Jesus so that we may know God better.
In The Message version of the Bible, Paul speaks of
“keeping track of those you see running this same course,
headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking
other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go
along with them…all they want is easy street.” How do we
have a better relationship with God? Love those we meet—
have an open heart in all circumstances and imitate God’s
compassion toward us. Let go of self-destructive conduct
and go back to love.
So what is your goal – to drive an 18-wheeler or to keep
company with God?
Psalm 37:1-18; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18;
Philippians 3:12-21; John 17:1-8
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ash Wednesday
In most ways, we make our lives the center of our universe.
It’s not unnatural. We are focused on our needs; we
experience the world through the lens of our emotions; and
we consider how the actions of others will affect us.
On Ash Wednesday, we receive the imposition of ashes and
with it the reminder of our mortality. And all too often, this
becomes yet another way in which we make things about us.
We use Ash Wednesday to remember that we are mortal, that
we too will die, and we use that to motivate ourselves to live
more wisely—perhaps even to try to live more faithfully.
But the imposition of ashes is not about us. It is about God.
We are reminded with the ashes that we are not God, and
that we are wholly dependent upon God. We are not at the
center of the universe—God is at the center of all things.
As we enter this season of Lent, may we make it our
discipline to always remember that God is at the center, and
to look for Him and to trust Him, even as Jesus himself did.
Psalm 32, 143; Amos 5:6-15; Hebrews 12:1-14; Luke 18:9-14
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
It’s not unnatural. We are focused on our needs; we
experience the world through the lens of our emotions; and
we consider how the actions of others will affect us.
On Ash Wednesday, we receive the imposition of ashes and
with it the reminder of our mortality. And all too often, this
becomes yet another way in which we make things about us.
We use Ash Wednesday to remember that we are mortal, that
we too will die, and we use that to motivate ourselves to live
more wisely—perhaps even to try to live more faithfully.
But the imposition of ashes is not about us. It is about God.
We are reminded with the ashes that we are not God, and
that we are wholly dependent upon God. We are not at the
center of the universe—God is at the center of all things.
As we enter this season of Lent, may we make it our
discipline to always remember that God is at the center, and
to look for Him and to trust Him, even as Jesus himself did.
Psalm 32, 143; Amos 5:6-15; Hebrews 12:1-14; Luke 18:9-14
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
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