Dear Grace,
I’m back! I was encouraged by how many folks stopped me to ask me about the trip overseas and also how they missed not reading Poema for two weeks. First of all, thank you for your prayers. There was really a spiritual protection over my family as I traveled. My children were cooperative (and even helpful!), and it made Sarah’s ministry that much easier and comforting. I’m so grateful.
I’m going to take a few minutes at the beginning of Sunday’s message to share about my experience with our field workers in two N. African countries. For security purposes, we’ll cut the livestream for a few minutes, so if you want to hear that part, make sure you’re here in person!
It was a very timely trip, especially as the Muslim period of prayer and fasting, Ramadan, began just two days ago. To be with our field workers in their context as they bear witness as salt and light in the Muslim world was so humbling. There’s a darkness and desperation that undergirds this observance. Even while each evening families and friends gather together to break fast in a fun meal (called an Iftar), our workers shared how there is a spiritual darkness that comes over their city as devout Muslims seek the favor and presence of Allah. It has caused me to enter this season of Lent with a renewed sense of intercession, asking God to reveal himself to those sincerely seeking him in the person of Jesus.
I was moved by the power of simply living among a people in a certain place and time, something that all of us are called to do. When we do it with intentionality and a sense of mission, I think it has the potential to open our lives – our work, our schooling, our play – to the heart of God to save and draw all people to himself. They happen to be doing it N. Africa. You and I are doing it here (and perhaps God is calling some of you to do it over there as well!).
Last night, our church gathered to start the season of Lent (which coincides with Ramadan this year). Pastorally, it’s always one of my most moving gatherings as I impose ashes on young and old alike. I was remembering last night that there are some over whom I spoke the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return…” who have since gone to be with the Lord. It’s a very sobering and tender experience – to look out and see our beautiful church families, each marked with a cross on our foreheads. It embodies for me Paul’s words to the Corinthian church: “for you are in our hearts, in dying together and living together.” I’m grateful to journey together in the short and fragile time that God has given to us.
As we begin the season of Lent, Sarah and I are embarking on a unique journey of our own. With the help of a spiritual director, we’re engaging in the Spiritual Exercises – a 9-month journey of meditation in Scripture, prayer, and examen – with the intent of becoming more aware of God and his love in all things. The first days have been really impactful for me, and I’m looking forward to what God will continue to have for us as He draws us deeper into His friendship.
Next Wednesday, we launch part 2 of the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship course called, Emotionally Healthy Relationships. It’s an 8-week course where we learn the skills of how to love others authentically and well. Please pray that God would continue to form us through courses like this!
This Sunday, I’ll be back in the pulpit taking on the ever mysterious Melchizedek in the book of Hebrews. I am excited to present a simple and clear explanation of why Melchizedek matters, and what it has to do with us. By God’s grace, I think you’ll find it very life-giving, especially in the first Sunday of Lent.
Until then, may this Lent season be for you a time of solace and simplicity, listening to His voice gently drawing you deeper into his love.