Lenten Devotional, Day 39: Evening and Nighttime, Morning, and Noon

Dear Saints,

The Scriptures for Saturday are Psalm 31, Lamentations 3:55–66, Mark 10:32–34.

This is the final day in one sense.  Sunday is Palm Sunday: Day 40 of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week or Passion Week or Great Week. If you were of the band who sojourned with me—thank you, bro-sis.

LENT DEBRIEF:

I learned a few things. Did you? I don't mean the devotionals or whatever they were. In fact, they were reflex. But did you learn about yourself? Did you learn about God? E-mail if you would like to actually respond. I maybe got a dozen interactions over our time together—loved ‘em. Anyway, these are my big three refections:

#1. Writing is Thinking…and Loving:

I know my journals and missives and poems and sermons will almost never be read again (if even read in the first place). That includes me with rare exceptions. And that is OK. It is a rare echelon that writes to be read. But let us write anyways. Why? Because writing is thinking…and loving. It is the writing not the written that transforms or bears fruit in us. Now I know it doesn't work this way: But someday when He queries me and says: ‘Tim, do you love me?’ I muse to think of pulling out a few poems and saying: ‘Yes, Lord! Let me count the ways!’ I have a lil collection for Deanne, the kids, Tucker, Brio, a few friends, and the church, too. Someday at just the right time one of the above will need to know how I held them in my heart.

#2. Exercise profits some but sitting at His feet does more.

In fact, I proved the Scripture: “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Let me explain. For Lent I never thought to ‘fast’ anything. I had some desire to follow a 1500-year ancient path. Oddly, a few months before Lent I was cutting carbs, losing weight, and getting an average 12,500 steps/day on my way back to being an elite, olympic-level footslogger. But I crashed. I found I could not walk and write at the same time. I mentioned I like writing, but dysgraphia makes it taxing. All this proved a fast. I thought to bail and keep walking. But I'm glad I chose writing (sitting at His feet) over walking (being on mine). And yes, I know I need exercise. I have the Fitbit charged and ready to go.

#3. I've been graced past ought-to when it comes to Jesus.

Jesus is my 1st, 2nd, 3rd best friend. I have sins I still wrestle with and slowly get a couple-few behind me each year. More I fight some fears but the same as above. But neglecting the prayer closet isn't one of my struggles. In prayer closet, quiet time, devotional life, private worship, watch & pray—call it what you will—it seems He has graced me from discipline to disciple. Thank You, Jesus! Praise the Lord! O to touch even the hem of One Thing Fellowship (e.g. David, Psalm 27:4; Mary of Bethany, Luke 10:42; Moses, Exodus 33:11; Mary the Mom, Luke 2:19; Cleopas&Friend, Luke 24:32; Simeon, Luke 2:25; sons of Issachar, 1 Chronicles 12:32; Patmos John, Revelation 1:9–10, Peter, Acts 10:9–10; Paul&Sila, Acts 16:25; Bereans, Acts 17:11; and O!!! Anna, Luke 2:37; and above all Jesus Himself, Luke 5:16). And a PS. to Dr. Luke, who wrote a Gospel & Acts, he was surely in the One Thing Fellowship…of a Burning Heart, as the majority of accounts come from him. I feel like I imagine him: Just to be a mouse in the corner was rapture!

Here is a hymn that sums it up for me. Let our lives testify: “That [we] had been with Jesus.” (Act 4:13).

HYMN REFLECTION ON PSALM 55:17…AND WELL THIS LENT:

“Evening and morning and at noon…He hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety.” (Psalm 55:16–17).

I love to spend my morning time with You—

New each day my Lord to adore—

To watch You wake the dawn with Your smile,

With mine the wonder of a wide-eyed child.

I love to repose with You at noontide—

While shines the sun in all its strength—

To bask in beams of mercy from Your face

And feel the breeze of Your amazing grace.

I love to spend the evensong with You—

To follow Your brushstrokes in the sky—

While peace alights upon me as a dove,

I sing of Your great glory and Your love.

I love that You're the Watchman of the night—

A Shield to me without, within.

First Your drifting reveries deep to deep,

The sweetest dreams to Your be-lov-ed in his sleep.

tIM