God is Here

~~~ 2 Kings 2:1, 6-11 ~~~ Psalm 31 ~~~ Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18 ~~~

The bases are loaded...God has them all covered...you are up to bat...you cannot miss the ball...a home run is within your realm of possibilities.

That is exactly what comes to mind as I reflect on today's readings. They are two very different extreme readings. God wants us to see that he is in every part of our lives. He wants us to see him in the 'whirlwind'...'parting waters'...'flaming chariots'...'behind closed doors'...'hidden in silence'.

Whatever you could imagine happening in your life God is there.

When I read about Elijah being drawn up to heaven in a 'whirlwind' I cannot help but recall the many scenes of tornadoes. Tornadoes pick up everything in their path, destroying and splintering whatever is in their way.

But even out of this devastating destruction; we hear stories of how God was present keeping people safe from harms way. Sometimes the stories are truly amazing, maybe only one small piece of a structure remains standing in the middle of complete annihilation.

God is making a really bold statement here with Elijah's flaming chariot and horses.

Elisha has no doubt; his prayers were answered. He would indeed be granted his prayer request for a 'double portion' of the spirit.

The psalmist encourages us to remember...

"Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord."

The gospel gives us the stark contrast.

"...when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,
and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."

I personally feel more comfortable praying in an inner room.

But I do recognize that praising God through vibrant song and even dance is also acceptable. There are as many ways to pray as there are people to pray.

Earlier in the first book of Kings:

"Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.

When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, Why are you here, Elijah?"

(1 Kings 19:11-13)

Even in the midst of whirlwinds and flames God comes as a whisper or even in the silence of you inner room....your heart.

Listen for his voice even when you think you cannot hear it.

God is here...He has all the bases covered!

The 40 Day Marketing Campaign

~~~Joel 2: 12-18 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~ 2Cor. 5: 20-6:2 ~~~ Matt. 6: 1-6, 16-18 ~~~

"Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep..."

Today begins Christianity's intense marketing campaign held every year at this time. This campaign will only last for 40 days...it is called Lent. In order to let the world know you are participating in and supportive of this annual event we ask that you come forward to be marked with ashes. This marking of the cross with ashes high upon your forehead is visible for all to view. In fact this is a temporary branding signifying that you willingly agree to share.

 Just for today as we begin this time together we ask you to tell the whole world by this action of being marked with the cross...the time is now.
The permanent branding for a Christian is both the crucifix and the crown of thorns. They are, each one, quickly identified with our salvation.

In order to believe in this salvation the prophet Joel offers us a few guidelines.
"...return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God."

The anointed ministers are urged to offer additional prayers an our behalf even to the point of weeping. Intervening before God for us, each of us, not only those in most need due to grave sin, but me and you.

The prophet taps into our human emotions of compassion for our sisters and brothers. Weeping implies a deeper emotional content; it is not only reciting prayers.

The salvation marketing campaign continues with Psalm 51.
"...wipe out my offense...wash me from guilt...cleanse me...
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me."
And finally, "...a willing spirit sustain in me."

A marketing campaign is only successful if people respond. We, the people, have to take some action. That is what a good campaign does, it moves people to take action. Effective marketing campaigns make the listener or observer believe he or she cannot live without the intended product.

With that in mind we are given Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, "We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." Take action. Do not wait. "...now is a very acceptable time...now is the day of salvation."
Here we are poked with some high pressure sales tactics. You know the drill...this offer is only good until...act before midnight...the price is increasing tomorrow...this offer will never again be made.

The church chose one more person to present the salvation message today and that is with the gospel of Mark. Mark says, 'oh and by the way if you choose to accept this message for your salvation' there is more you need to know. We know that if you accept and agree to take action on your own behalf, it will require time spent in prayer and fasting.

This wonder of salvation comes with a few strings attached...and those would be sacrifices. No one can really make sacrifices in your place. You are the one who must your cross.

Prayer is the most important way to draw strength. Through the power of prayer you are able to make  the necessary sacrifices. Through the power of prayer you can carry your cross.

"But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your father in secret."

While the priests and ministers are on the porch praying and weeping for us we in turn must go to our inner room, behind closed doors to pray. During these next 40 days sequester yourself away for personal prayer and fasting. Do this in secret without boasting about how you have bought in to this life saving marketing campaign. Let your prayers rise like incense to the father in heaven.

This is your life.
This is your salvation.
The time really is now.
The crucifix logo is for you.

Pray to your father in heaven like you have never prayed before; start today. Do not wait!

Let the burned ashes of today create your clean heart of tomorow.

Original photo taken of incense rising at the foot of the cross.

This kaleidoscope image to me reflects leaving the colorful busy outside world;

entering into the inner prayer room.

May this season of Lent bring you ever closer to Our Lord.

May your truly rise like incense upward to the Father.