Lent officially begins this Ash Wednesday, March 6th, and
ends on Easter, April 21st.
Excluding Sundays, that is 40 days, paralleling the 40 days
Jesus spent in the wilderness before He began His ministry.
This time of drawing nearer to the Lord
in reflection and repentance
can turn the winter of our souls into spring.
Jonathan Edwards felt God built spiritual lessons into all of His creation.
Likewise, Luci Shaw said: “God has given us two great books:
The Bible and creation — and they speak about one another.”
This is my yard as Lent begins.
And my heart could use a good thaw as well.
This is my yard in the spring,
and this is where I anticipate my heart being,
come Resurrection Sunday,
with a Gospel approach to Lent.
Lent has often been distorted, actually opposing a Gospel approach,
made more about self-denial, self-striving, and legalism
than about surrendering to the Gospel-Love of the Savior.
People give up sweets, or coffee, or Facebook,
but neglect Jesus, making Lent
more of a legalistic self-reformation project
than about abiding in Christ.
Even Jesus warned against sweeping a house
clean of demons, but leaving it uninhabited…
an open invite to many more and stronger demons.
In this opening week, I want us to grasp a gospel approach to Lent.
Do you remember how the bride in the Song of Songs
was ashamed of her vineyard in the beginning, asking him not to gaze on her?
But at the close, she is dancing, asking him to come and see her vineyard,
for she knows it is in bloom!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Though we will not focus on The Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally?
Heads Up For An Optional Opportunity for Lent
Tim Keller is doing a live-stream during Lent, each Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 EST, beginning this Thursday. (If Thursdays don’t work for you — those who subscribe can access it at other times through June.) It is 35 dollars for an individual. It consists of an opening by an artist, a 30 minute message from Tim, and a 30 minute Q and A. I am making this optional for us, for it costs 35 dollars, and I’ll ask for input on Fridays from those who watched. The reason I recommend this is because a gospel approach to Lent has at its core believing in the Lord and in His gospel-love. The reason we often disobey and run to false lovers is rooted in our lack of trust of Him. (I believe Keller’s messages, though oriented toward unbelievers, also help solidify our faith. However, you may want to invite unbelievers to watch with you.) If you have been a regularly participating member of this blog in the past, and want to do this, but can’t afford it, just drop a note to me (Dee) at comments@deebrestin.com and I’ll get a check to you. Read more about this optional opportunity here and sign up if you choose.
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.Mark 2:19-20
Dear Lord Jesus
There was a time when I used to view the season of Lent like late Summer football practice. A lot of blood, sweat and tears mixed in with a lot of striving, uncertainty and fear. “What’s the coach thinking about my performance? Am I doomed to sit on the bench? Will I even make the team this year?” Have mercy! O, but you did, Lord Jesus, you really did have mercy on my performance-based navel-gazing fear-laced soul! Now it’s your performance I trust in, not mine.
That’s why I begin Lent today anticipating mywedding, not my funeral! Jesus, you’re the quintessential Bridegroom that died to make us your beloved bride. The work is already done… the dowry has been pain in full… the wedding dress of your righteousness is already mine… the invitations have been sent out… the date has been secured… you’ll not change your mind! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus, over these next 40 days intensify my hunger, assurance, and longing about the Day of your return… the Day you will consummate your betrothal to me and your entire bride-at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. In light of that banquet, I choose to deny myself (fast) certain pleasures for this brief season. I’m NOT looking to get one thing from you… just to get more of you! I’m not trying to fit into my wedding dress, for it’s already as big as my sin is. I’m just looking to know you better and better and better, Jesus. I am yours, my Beloved, and your desire is for me… and your banner over me is gospel-love!
So please grant me, and my friends, a most gospelicious Lent, Lord Jesus. That’s all we really need. So very Amen, I pray, in your perfect and praise-worthy name.
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during that?
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get?
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here!
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
Tuesday:A Prayer from John Donne for Lent
Because the default mode of the human heart is works-righteousness, it is so easy to fall into thinking, “If I give up sweets, if I fast on Fridays…then God will bless me.” That is so opposed to a gospel approach. Instead of bargaining with the Lord with our works for His blessings, let us ask Him to show us His love. If I may be as bold as John Donne, to “ravish me so that I may be chaste.” For unless we are ravished by His gospel love, we will always be running to other lovers. We’re going to meditate on this famous poem and then, I hopefully can add light to a few of its more oblique phrases with questions.
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
Ash Wednesday, 2019: A Gospel Approach to Lent
Often people have given something up “for Lent” but not really understood the purpose, turning it into self-reformation, or bargaining with God, or just a ritual devoid of meaning. There is an interesting passage in John 6 that gives light. It begins with a miracle, and all the miracles in John are also “signs” pointing to a spiritual principle. This is the only miracle, other than the resurrection, that is in all four gospels. Obviously, it is important for us to understand the meaning. It is the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. An overwhelming need was presented — how could it possibly be met? So many hungry people, and only a little boy’s lunch available.
7. Read John 6:1-12.
A. What question does Jesus ask and why, according to verses 5-6?
B. What do the disciples think Jesus is asking of them and why are they frustrated, according to verses 7-9?
C. What does Jesus then do?
8. What spiritual principle do you think God intends us to understand from this miracle?
So you don’t miss it, reflect back to how Martin Luther said we need to see ourselves, as caterpillars in a ring of fire, whose only hope is rescue from above. What God asks from us is not good works, but surrender and trust, and from that He will produce good works.
What happens after the miracle, is another miracle. Jesus joins his disciples, by walking on the water, in a boat headed to the other side of the lake. The crowd whom he fed is now searching for him. When they find him, Jesus continues his “so Jesus like” dialogue, full of riddles, but riddles we must ask the Spirit to help us understand!
9. Read John 6:26-27
A. Jesus sees their hearts, and why they have sought Him out. What is their motive?
B. We are all capable of selfish motives in seeking God, in practicing disciplines for Lent in order to get earthly blessings. What does Jesus tell them to work for and why?
C. Pray for your own heart right now, that your heart might long for Jesus Himself, and to glorify Him, rather than to use Him.
10. Jesus has just talked about whom God places his seal of approval. If you were to complete this sentence, how might you do it? God will be pleased with me when I_______________________________________________.
11. Read John 6:28-29
A. What question is asked?
B. What is Jesus’ surprising answer?
C. Would Jesus’ answer change your response to question 10?
Our fresh approach to Lent is not going to be “do, do, do” but rather abide and believe and see what God does. How you abide will depend on how the Spirit leads you. I hope you will join us in this study — and then He may lead you to also subscribe to the Keller seminar, or read a classic edifying book by Tozer, Murray, or Oswald Chambers. Tomorrow you will seek Him on how to abide.
Thursday: Seeking God for Your Path For Lent
On Monday and Tuesday we looked at prayers from a contemporary and an ancient saint. If either of those resonated with you, you can use that to form your own prayer. Or you may want to use the opening of Psalm 42.
12. Begin your prayer by asking the Lord, in your own words, to help you have more of Him, to experience more of His love, and to set you free from other lovers. Be specific. If you don’t want to share it here, write it somewhere else.
13. Now, ask Him for wisdom on how He would have you participate with Him in experiencing more of Him. Does He want you to give something up so you have time for Him? Does He want you to add the Keller seminar, or a meaningful book, or simply do these lessons with a thoughtful heart? Ask Him, and when you sense His answer, write it here. If you don’t get an answer, keep your heart open, and share it when you do.
The first live-stream from Keller is tonight at 7:00 P. M. EST, if God has led you to participate.
Friday: Optional Keller Livestream
14. If you listened last night, or will today or tomorrow, share your notes and comments.
Two things stood out to me, the theme of freezing and thawing, we have touched before on that we need to come back to the gospel, letting it warm and soften our hearts, that the world makes us cold, we have to draw near to the love of Christ and allow our hearts to be softened and warmed. I think that imagery is really helpful.
Such lovely pictures of your home Dee, you are brave to trudge out on the water to get that shot!
The second thing that stood out was the change in the Shulammite maiden. I would like to get to that place too.
What stands out is how you explain all that the season of Lent can hold for us….it can be a season of renewal, repentance, and drawing near; abiding in Christ, and remembering the gospel. That is so different from seeing Lent as a time for self-denial, for giving up sweets or Facebook, but neglecting Jesus, making Lent more of a legalistic self-reformation project than about abiding in Christ. The words of Paul from Galatians 6:15 were in my mind this morning: “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.” Of course, I may need to give up spending time on my phone in the evenings or watching TV in order to draw nearer to the Lord by choosing instead to read a Christian book or to meditate on Scripture.
Funny that you should mention the bride in the Songs who was ashamed of her vineyard, asking her lover not to gaze upon her. For some reason, and perhaps it is the enemy attacking, I have awakened a lot of mornings to revisiting my past in my mind; way back to my childhood and things that happened to me; some things that were unjust and unfair and for some reason, I did not use my voice to speak-up, and sins that I committed and that when I look back at who I was and things I did, I do not like the person I was. And then I wonder, how is it possible that He loves me? I realize that I have some work to do on forgiving myself and fully accepting His forgiveness, too. These are the things that I talked to Him about this morning.
2. Though we will not focus on the Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally?
I know it wasn’t self-effort that changed her heart; there was nothing she could do to make herself more desirable to Him. I support that by the passage in SOS chapter 5, in which she had become complacent and would not get up to open the door for him. When she did get up, he was gone, but he left a gift for her – “I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the lock.” Even in her rejection or laziness, he left the myrrh. To me, this is a beautiful metaphor because when I think of the myrrh, I think of it being used to prepare the body for burial, as was done for Jesus. I sin, I fail, I ignore Him, I am lazy about spending time with Him, and yet….He gave Himself for me. There are many verses in The Songs in which He tells her that she is beautiful (All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you) and those verses encourage me to believe in the love He has for me, yet what transformed her heart and will transform mine is gazing at His beauty. I believe it was Mike Reeves, whose sermons we listened to on The Songs, who said something like when we find our affections have grown cold, we can’t stir them up by looking to ourselves, or trying harder; we look at Him, and see His affection for us, and it warms our hearts.
Dee, loved this song! Especially the line where he sings ‘you’ve got to learn to love to love your enemies, too’. I am my own worst enemy, and in that scenario, it is really hard to love me.
Wonderful song, Dee! I recently listened to an old podcast that had Peterson on as a guest, and he was talking about writing that song for his daughter.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
So I have been in the hospital recovering from a blotched colonoscopy (torn spleen) and hadn’t been able to get on but just looked through the posts I have missed. Oh wow..I so love the Ann Voskamp video with Christy! 🙂 🙂 🙂
In this post what stood out is this, because it resonates with me too: This is my yard as Lent begins. And my heart could use a good thaw as well.
Oh my goodness, I hope you are ok now. I will be praying for complete healing. You are the second person I know that has happened to. I’m so so sorry for what you had to go through.
Oh thank you Dee! 💕 I have been released from the hospital but still recovering at home and sooo covet your prayers. I’m still experiencing pain which isn’t normal so they are doing a f/u CT on Monday. I think it’s healing but would like for the pain to go away.
A picture paints a thousand words ~ Your photos are stunning. And I, like Chris, immediately pictured you walking out on the frozen lake to capture the photo of your frozen world. The themes of freezing and thawing ~ and how we often need thawing.
We too (in Montana) have been hit with record amounts of snow and this weekend we have as low as negative 43 degrees with a windchill. I was out doing errands as yet another storm hit us. When I turned the motor off, hundreds of tiny flakes continued to come down and produce rivulets of tears streaming down my windshield. But since the heat was no longer defrosting the windshield, all of these tears began to freeze. And so the other thing that stood out is Luci Shaw’s quote: “God has given us two great books: The Bible and creation – and they speak about one another.” For although I was in a hurry, doing errands, somehow the Lord put my attention on the windshield long enough to slow me down and speak into my hurry. And to simultaneously remind me of two things: that He weeps with me in my sorrow and that my sorrows can freeze my soul without the heat of his reassuring presence. Not describing it very well here, but that moment in my car caught me by surprise.
I am struck by seeing the Gospel here–without Christ, and even now when I forget the truth, I feel as the Shulamite woman did, ashamed of my vineyard, my heart, not wanting His gaze upon me. If we stay in that place, it leads to a cold, iced-over state, turned inward, non-relational, dead. But by His mercy, He doesn’t let us stay there. He chose us in our filthy, dirty rags, to be His Bride. He draws me out, He thaws my heart, He clothes me with His own garments. He lavishes love upon me, He gives me life.
I also thank Him for how He has used my Catholic upbringing to deepen my appreciation for Lent. I still remember receiving a Stations of the Cross book when I was 7. I used to gaze at the pictures, always brought tears, but He used it to prick my heart for the weight of the Cross. Easter is my favorite. And I love the discipline of Lent, to remind me to focus my heart, receive His rich mercies with more awareness and gratitude.
2. Though we will not focus on The Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally?
She was changed by His love for her. His pursuit, His declaring her beautiful, precious, loved.
“Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” Song of Songs 2:10-13
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? This time of drawing nearer to the Lord in reflection and repentance can turn the winter of our souls into spring…speaks to my winter weary soul!
2. Though we will not focus on The Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally? I did not study that but I would say that the love of the bridegroom king changed her heart. She began to believe that not only did she belong to the bridegroom but that he belonged to her…I am my beloveds and he is mine…his banner over me is love!
1. What stood out? Just as the scenery has a long way to go from the current ice and snow banks to the flowers of spring, my heart has a ways to go to be warmer and more responsive to Jesus. The pictures of the frozen shoreline and then the field of daisies really drew me in.
I love doing Lent with you, Dee, and the wonderful women on this blog. I come from a Christian tradition that does not observe Lent and I have learned so much from you here about how to do Lent well in a gospel centered way. This year my husband and I are starting Lent (God willing) with a week study trip to Israel. We are excited to go with other Christians to see the land of the Bible that we have heard about and studied all our lives but never seen. The amazement of the anticipation of walking where Jesus (and the Bible characters) walked and talked is surreal, almost hard to believe it could be true. So I will mostly be unable to participate for the next few weeks here. I would appreciate your prayers as we travel. To say I am excited about it does not even touch the richness of the anticipation of this once in a lifetime event for me!!!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – All of God’s beauty in those pictures. He is awesome to give us so much to look at. Though the winter one, by now I’m ready for that to change, but still beauty was created by Him. Just yesterday we went out to dinner and driving back I looked out the winder to see a beautiful nigh sky. I mentioned it to the others in the car and my friend commented, she needs to start paying more attention to things like that. The Creator gives so much for us to enjoy, no matter what season we are in weather wise or in our life. We just need to be open to looking and seeing it.
I don’t remember doing the Song of Songs, so I’m looking back for other’s answers.
3.a. Late summer practice. I loved his phrase “naval gazing, fear laced”. That is often how I approach besetting sins. As though looking at it more closely and trying to both analyze it and conjure up more repentance over it will make it go away. It is a lot like a funeral.
b. He looked to not get something FROM Jesus, but to get more OF Him.
c. It is my plan to use the following book during times I’d usually snack; Sara Hagerty’s “Unseen”
d. What stood out? “Over these 40 days, intensify my hunger, assurance and longing about the day of Your return…in light of that banquet, I choose to fast from__________ for this brief season.” I want to be someone who gets more of You, Jesus.
Looking forward to Tim Keller’s series as well as going deeper with Christ during the Lenten season. I paid the $35 and hope to be able to share with our Life Group.
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during that?
Physical, mental, and emotional pain and anxiety
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get
Something thing from God
and what did he look to get?
More hunger, assurance, and longing for the Day of His return, more of Christ and the gospel
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here!
I am praying about giving up television during the week. I don’t watch much tv, but it can be a comfort/escape trap for me. I have plenty of ways to spend time focusing on Christ, this blog, a book study I am in, a stack of excellent books that await my attention.
Yesterday the sound didn’t work on the tv, my husband was taking a test so I didn’t ask him to fix it, I dug deep into my book study instead. I was glad that the tv had not cooperated, my time was much better spent as a result.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
“Jesus, over these next 40 days intensify my hunger, assurance, and longing about the Day of your return… the Day you will consummate your betrothal to me and your entire bride-at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.”
The theme of what awaits has been in my thoughts a lot because of our church conflict, my desire for the joy and unity that is coming really has been heightened by the reality we face now. One day we will all be at peace with one another, so overwhelmed by his goodness to us as individuals that we really are one in our love for Him.
Also that this season is short, lent is short, our lives are short. The time we have to live well will go by quickly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05jKxv8ApuI
My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love
At the cross
My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed
At the cross
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest Treasure,
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other.
My soul is satisfied in Him alone.
As summer flowers we fade and die
Fame, youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us
At the cross
I will not boast in wealth or might
Or human wisdom’s fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ
At the cross
Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed – my ransom paid
At the cross
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during that?
Blood, sweat and tears mixed with a lot of striving, uncertainty and fear!
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get?
He is not looking to get anything from Jesus…just more of Jesus.
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here! Praying about this.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
I love that Scotty says I’m not trying to fit into my wedding dress for its already as big as my sin is. I’m just looking to know you better and better and better. I’m yours my beloved, and Your desire is for me…and Your banner over me is gospel love! Far too long I have struggled mentally and emotionally withtrying to fit into my wedding dress…wanting to be sure that it would hide all my sins. May this season of Lent be a time of fasting from my performance mindset and simply enjoying time with my Beloved.
Far too long I have struggled mentally and emotionally withtrying to fit into my wedding dress…wanting to be sure that it would hide all my sins. May this season of Lent be a time of fasting from my performance mindset and simply enjoying time with my Beloved.
What stands out is the idea of Lent being something to change about ourselves instead of using it to get closer to God.
2. Though we will not focus on The Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally?
Well, I did the study with the group but I must confess, I would have to go back to see what changed her heart. I’m thinking it was the myrrh (!) dripping on the door knob and she didn’t answer, so He left! She lost Him so she had to go running around to find Him again. She didn’t know what she had until it was gone. If that’s not it then I definitely need a review.
In fact, Dee, I know this might be more work for you (maybe not though), but could you do a review week of the study when we complete it; it would just help us solidify the past weeks work, intend to forget what we did a few weeks back. Maybe others are like me too? It wouldn’t have to be anything elaborate, just a review of each week last time, maybe no homework? It might be and easy week for you Dee..
First snow day this year! It always seems like I’m doing something wrong, with permission!
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during
that?
He says he endured blood, sweat, and tears. Painful.
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get?
He looked forward to a wedding not a funeral. He anticipated the Bridegroom and the chance to draw closer to Him. He looked forward to the day Jesus comes to receive His Bride. He says he doesn’t need anything more from God. LOVE his (made up?) word; “gospelicious!”
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here!
I’m thinking I will invest in the Keller series and see if I can get my husband to do it with me. My sister gave me a little bit of birthday money that I haven’t spent yet (thought I would do a chemical peel on my face…) I think the Keller series is a better choice!
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
I guess the urgency of his praying stands out. Also, that we really just need the gospel, that’s all.
Lizzy, thank you so much for this link! I peeked ahead, and see that it will be great to use these.
Dee, I see the changed format. One thing I am missing right now is that it used to be if I posted a reply to someone or contributed a post, I could continue adding more without having to put my name and email in over again. But now it is every time I post. Just a little thing….
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? How easily a ritual can become ritualistism. Our pastors on Sunday had the same message as you, Dee. To let the tradition remind of us of the Gospel, not to try and force the Gospel through tradition (meaning we can’t use loyal tradition to earn salvation or merit). My church is a heavy mix of used-to-be Catholics and current Presbyterians as well as other not so traditional upbringing … so there is a good amount of liturgy for a mainstream American church (technically non-denominational). We even have Ash Wednesday but impose ashes in sign of cross to remind of the hope of Christ. I truly enjoy the traditions as reminders … a slowing down to focus … God commanded as such of the Israelites so there must be wisdom in it!
2. What changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally? He awakened her desire for him, delighted her, spent time with her, and she came out leaning on him … then her vineyard was transformed (Chapter 8).
Whoa! New look for the blog?!?! I thought I broke it at first (because I had started my reply this morning in the old blog but didn’t submit it till this evening and whammy…new look!)! 😂😂 Sharp!
Yes it is except I can’t find a place to post my new comment, I can only reply to others….so confused. I work on my phone so that may be the problem? Going to refresh to see if a posting area shows up…
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during that? – Pain, sweat, agonizing under the weight of the equipment on a very hot day, wonder of not knowing if he was good enough to make the team.
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get? – He wasn’t looking to get anything but he looked to get more of God himself.
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here! – I’m so glad Dee that you showed us that we shouldn’t just give up something, but instead give it up and put God in.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why? – “I’m NOT looking to get one thing from you… just to get more of you! I’m not trying to fit into my wedding dress, for it’s already as big as my sin is. I’m just looking to know you better and better and better, Jesus. I am yours, my Beloved, and your desire is for me… and your banner over me is gospel-love!So please grant me, and my friends, a most gospelicious Lent, Lord Jesus. That’s all we really need.” This was good, to really search out Jesus Himself and once we find him, we will have it all. We don’t need to pretend we have it all together, he already knows we don’t. We just need to keep being focused on knowing Him better. He’s waiting for us, his bride, at the alter that is already prepared for us, by Him
Found it! Now to see if it posts at the bottom or not….
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
He is praying to the “three-personed God,” and he asks for his heart to be battered (?). Is this like built up with something, like a batter in cooking?? Reading a few more lines makes me see that he wants to become new with God.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
Because the enemy is all around us and is seeking to harm us. Only One so great can help us be armed with the best gear to defend ourselves!
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
Is it because God ultimately lives within him? This poem is way above my literal brain…
I also don’t see a way to bold, highlight, or modify the look of the text anymore. Is is there and I am just missing it?
Laura, batter my heart in Donne’s poem means to “conquer by force”, I think, as with a battering ram of olden days! Others are welcome to chime in our their understanding of the term. It might be interesting all the different interpretations.
(Hey, last night I could not post. Let’s see if this works!)
I was on FB just now asking for help….I came to the blog this morning on my regular browser and most of the study was blank….the entire opening and all the photos. I had to switch to Safari, so hopefully this will work. I can see the study now.
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he experience during that?
Physical pain and exhaustion and emotional fear, uncertainty. He had to constantly worry about his performance, earning the approval of the coach, and even making the team.
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get?
In contrast, during Lent, he did not look to get something from God, but rather he did look to get more of God – growing closer to Jesus and getting to know Him better. I think he’s saying that whatever way we choose to observe Lent, if we fast or give something up, we’re not trying to earn God’s approval or ‘make the team’ nor are we doing it in order to get God to bless us. It’s wanting God for God alone.
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages. Ask Him for wisdom here! I need to ask Him for help in staying off my cell phone in the evenings, using it as a way to relax as I check my mail or surf the internet. I need to put it away, out of sight! I ordered the book Seven Last Words by Fr. James Martin and want to begin reading it tomorrow. I want to be consistent here. Lord, my flesh is so weak and I often get off to a good start but don’t finish well. Please help me to draw closer to you, Lord, during this season of Lent.
Laura, I tried to reply right under your post, but it wouldn’t let me type anything in the box. I can see the controls for bold, italics, etc….but when I click on them it doesn’t work. I just posted and I ran out of room in the comment box and the arrow on the right wouldn’t let me continue any farther down, so I had to end it. Anyone else having that problem?
3. D. What stood out to you from this prayer and why?
I liked the metaphor of the wedding dress, when he said “I’m not trying to fit into my wedding dress, for it’s already as big as my sin is.” Whoa…that would be a really big size for me. It’s a bit hard to understand what he’s saying here; normally, a bride would strive to diet and exercise to get smaller to fit into a smaller dress. Here, we don’t have to strive to earn God’s favor; our ‘dress’ is already huge, we don’t have a problem fitting into it because we are sinful, and God knows it, yet He accepts his ‘sinfully overweight brides’ in our huge dresses anyway. So even if we fast during Lent, we’re not changing our standing with God. Accept and believe that He sees you as you are and loves you as you are, and remember that fact in whatever you decide to do.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
Because in our flesh are dead to the things of the Lord, we are God’s enemy unless he takes hold of us.
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
We keep returning to our idols unless we are captivated by the love the Lord has for us.
It occurs to me that the easier my circumstances the less I need the salve of the love and promises of God. When things are going well and I am comfortable in my life, it is easier to put the Lord on a ‘shelf’
When things are so monstrously hard that nothing in life eases the pain, then I really, earnestly seek Him.
The poem is a little bit scary to me, I don’t want to pray for pain, but I don’t want to be comfortable in the wrong things either…sorting out the Love and the Fear of the Lord feels like deep water.
I am grateful that having this neatly sorted out isn’t required of me, but I do feel the need to ponder and pray about it.
Chris, this is so true: “It occurs to me that the easier my circumstances the less I need the salve of the love and promises of God. When things are going well and I am comfortable in my life, it is easier to put the Lord on a ‘shelf’. I have seen this in myself and recognized it as the lie of self-reliance or self-sufficiency.
EVERYONE — THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE. YES, THEY HAVE REVAMPED THE WEBSITE AND AS OFTEN HAPPENS, THERE ARE GLITCHES. They have made it possible for us to post and continue to work. So very sorry! They are the best though, and I believe it will be in good shape soon.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I’m excited about approaching Lent through the lens of the gospel. It’s so true that the approach to Lent is made more about self-denial, self-striving, and legalism.
I want to share that I’m jumping in a little late as we have moved back into our home…Yay! It has been a long 5 1/2 months and now the work starts for my husband and I. When you’ve had to pack in a hurry so you can save things from getting ruined by water, the unpacking is much more laborious. I guess it was time to purge. I thank God for His faithfulness through all of this and I want to thank Dee and all you wonderful ladies for your prayers.
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line? – He is speaking to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and wants to be overthrown with His mercy, so he can be near to them.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope? – We cannot do anything without Christ. We fall to the peer pressure of our society, so need Him to help us stay focused on Him and him alone.
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see. – He wants the Lord to remove him from the snare of the evil no matter what it is and in any manner that it takes for him to be set free from their grasp.
7.a. Jesus asked, “where shall we buy bread for all these people?” He did it just to get the disciples thinking. He already knew what He would do.
b. Disciples went along a very literal track, thinking they needed to spend the money and buy enough for all. They were frustrated with both the amount of money and the sheer numbers of people.
c. Jesus had the people sit, He blessed what they had, and started handing it out.
8. We will never have enough time, money, energy, or other resources to do what God asks of us. It will always be too big for us. But it will never be too big for our God. God often surrounds us with that circle of fire to help us understand that He alone is our hope and help. So that we aren’t deceived into thinking that it just happened, or that we accomplished it.
Dee, just so you know….I clicked the button to save my name and email, but it didn’t save it.
9.A. The people want to be fed and cared for through no effort of their own.
B. Jesus tells them to work for food that will last for eternity, because that’s where God’s approval is.
C. O Lord, as much as I can know myself in this moment, I do want for Your glory and Your name to be lifted up. I want to both know You and praise You more. I don’t want to just use You. Show me any places I’m lying to myself, and put a right spirit inside me.
10. The verse says God the Father has placed His approval on God the Son for being the bread from heaven, lasting for eternity. God is pleased with me in Jesus, and only there.
11.A. The crowd wants to know what actions they need to do.
B. Jesus answers that the work they need to do is to believe in the One God sent.
C. It doesn’t change my answer to 10, but it makes me think about how it is sometimes an effort on my part to keep focused on Him and not get distracted.
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
He is praying to the triune God to batter open his heart.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
If Christ alone is not my hope I would never be able to rise and stand!
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it?
Christ must divorce or untie the knot…a death must take place so that under the law I am free to marry another!
Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
Captivate me with your love oh my Savior…for only when I am enslaved by Your love will I ever be truly free…I can never be pure until I am ravished or taken captive by Your love!
Trying two different browsers this morning….I can see text, but the only photo I see is the ring of fire….not the vineyard pictures nor the John Donne poem. I will try to look at the study on my Iphone. Is anyone else not seeing the pictures and Donne poem?
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
I googled the poem so that I can read it and answer the questions. The opening line is, “Batter my heart, three-personed God….” He is praying to the One True God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he asks that God would assail his heart, implying that there is a natural hardness or resistance there.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
The enemy and our own sinful nature are both strong forces that we cannot hope to fight and overcome in our own strength. Donne puts is like this, “I, like an usurped town, to another due, labor to admit you, but oh, to no end.” We are powerless to transform ourselves.
7. Read John 6:1-12.
A. What question does Jesus ask and why, according to verses 5-6?
How will we find food enough for the many?
B. What do the disciples think Jesus is asking of them and why are they frustrated, according to verses 7-9?
He thinks they are being asked to get the food without any resources. They acknowledge that a young boy has a lunch but it is not enough for all. They think Jesus expects them to figure it out.
C. What does Jesus then do?
He tells them to have everyone sit down. He asks for the lunch of the boy, give thanks to God, and then passes it out to everyone.
8. What spiritual principle do you think God intends us to understand from this miracle?
I think we are to have faith, at all times, no matter how dire the situation looks. Ashes to beauty.
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy – which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will he do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
God can only overcome our great affections and, let’s face it, our LOVE for our heart idols, by ravishing and overwhelming us with His love. It’s the power of a greater affection. Donne certainly uses some very strong words here: imprison me, enthrall me, ravish me. It seems odd that he would have this kind of insight because men usually don’t use this sort of language in speaking of their desire to be loved by God. This gets very practical, too; my 18 year old daughter has been following the current TV show, The Bachelor (ugh), which I watched with her last night. Last night’s episode was all the women who weren’t chosen. Many times I noted the cry of their hearts (because they said it) was, “I just want to be loved”. How sad, the ways they are looking for this love, and many were tearful, confused, upset, or angry. They are missing out on the love that God has for them, that He would choose each and every one of them, and they wouldn’t have to perform to get His love. Anyway, I can have some good conversations with my daughter but what a bunch of nonsense.
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he experience during that?
A lot of blood, sweat and tears mixed in with a lot of striving, uncertainty and fear. He was always thinking about what the coach thought about his performance, would he just sit on the bench or even make the team?
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get and what did he look to get?
He wasn’t looking to get one thing from Christ, just to get more of Him.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
“The work is already done…the dowry has been paid in full…the wedding dress of Your righteousness is already mine…You’ll not change your mind.” The gospel put so beautifully and so simply!
A. Scotty S it’s compares his former view of Lent to late summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he experience during that? “a lot of blood, sweat, and tears mixed in with a lot of striving, uncertainty, and fear.” Vain toil, sadness, forgetting who he is…
B. What did Scotty zenith not look to get, and what did he look to get? He did not look to get even one thing from God but just to get more of the Lord.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why? The analogy of being nervous about a decision for a team, whether or not the coach likes him and he’ll be allowed to be on the team… an exclusivity perspective… and then the certainty that the Lord will not change His mind! I can look forward to my wedding not my funeral because His love will not change, He has paid the price for the banquet, He does not need to be continually convinced to please show up that day, indeed, He shows up every day. Praise be! This all speaks to me because I very much resonate with that football player and am that football player in many arenas in life (or at least perceive myself to be that football player). The end of His prayer that the Lord would increase our assurance, let it be, Lord, let it be.
I didn’t see the prayer above so I googled it, hope I got the right one?!
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does he ask in the opening line?
He’s praying to the trinity…”three–person’d God.” He asks that his heart be battered (pound heavily and insistently) for Him. I think he’s asking God to break his heart with what breaks Gods heart.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
The song My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less came to my mind when reading this question…
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale my anchor holds the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the ‘whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy – which I see as our great affliction for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
He desires to be divorced, untie or break that knot again and be drawn to God, imprisoned by Him. He realizes that unless God enthralls (captivates) him, he’ll never be free, nor ever chaste (pure as the driven snow), except God ravish (fill him with intense delight) me. What stands out to me is, it’s the work of God…nothing he does. God captivates our hearts and fills us with intense delight for Him…our part is, is to desire it and ask for it.
A. What question does Jesus ask and why, according to verses 5-6?
He asks Philip “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip as He already knew what He was going to do.
B. What do the disciples think Jesus is asking of them and why are they frustrated, according to verses 7-9?
They think He’s asking them to provide food for all these people and to do that, would take months of working before they’d have enough money. They find a young boy with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish but know that won’t feed everyone.
C. What does Jesus then do?
He takes the boys food, gives thanks to God and feeds the people until they’re full, then tells His disciples to gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted.
8. What spiritual principle do you think God intends us to understand from this miracle?
With God, all things are possible. So often, well, too many times I find myself trying to come up with my own solutions. Fretting, worrying, going through my mind how I’m going to solve it and God is my last resort. The thing that really stood out to me in this story, something I never saw before is the reason why Jesus asked the question…to test and He already knew what He was going to do. I have failed this test so many times by not turning to Him first and putting my trust in Him.
9. Read John 6:26-27
A. Jesus sees their hearts, and why they have sought him out. What is their motive?
To be with Him because He fed them.
B. We are all capable of selfish motives in seeking God, in practicing disciplines for Lent in order to get earthly blessings. What does Jesus tell them to work for and why?
He tells them to spend their energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give them. Perishable things like food are only temporary.
C. Pray for your own heart right now, that your heart might long for Jesus himself, and to glorify Him, rather than to use Him.
Dear Lord, search my depraved heart and show me any wicked way, any areas that I’m not trusting You. I know I can’t do this on my own, so I pray today that You would give me a heart that longs for You, captivate my heart and fill me with intense delight for You. It’s not about looking to get something from You but just to get more of You…more of You, less of me. May all that I do be to Your glory. Amen
10. Jesus just talked about whom God places His seal of approval. If you were to complete this sentence, how might you do it? God will be pleased with me when I ___________.
God will be pleased with me when I put my faith in Him.
11. Read John 6:28-29
A. What question is asked?
We want to perform God’s works too? What should we do?
B. What is Jesus’ surprising answer?
This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent.
C. Would Jesus’ answer change your response to question 10?
I am still having trouble replying to posts on my phone. I had to get on my computer to post this reply to you. I closed out the session on the phone (iphone 7) and went back in hoping to be able to type in the comment box, but there was no keyboard available when I clicked in the box. I could put my name and email in those boxes however.
Also, I noticed I misspelled my name on a few posts and they are being moderated. I’m very sorry for that!
I just wanted to jump in and say the website looks AMAZING! great job David! I’m only having trouble posting due to work overload & lack of time right now 😉 but it looks great!!
A. What question does Jesus ask and why, according to verses 5-6? He asked “where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He asked this to test the disciples.
B. What do the disciples think Jesus is asking of them and why are they frustrated, according to verses 7-9? – Possibly for them to go get the bread on their own. They are frustrated most likely because they feel that Jesus should be able to see how many people are there and the impossibility of feeding them all.
C. What does Jesus then do? – He had the people sit down, took the bread and fish, gave thanks and fed the 5,000
8. What spiritual principle do you think God intends us to understand from this miracle? – to trust Him and remember that he provides us of our daily bread. We will always have what we need for that day and need to seek him out for that provision.
A. Jesus sees their hearts, and why they have sought Him out. What is their motive? – They want to be around him so they never go hungry. They saw what he did with the little bit of food that was around and thought that the food would always be available for them.
B. We are all capable of selfish motives in seeking God, in practicing disciplines for Lent in order to get earthly blessings. What does Jesus tell them to work for and why? – He tells them to work for the food that provides eternal life.
C. Pray for your own heart right now, that your heart might long for Jesus Himself, and to glorify Him, rather than to use Him. – Lord, please flood my heart so all the impure motives are removed from my heart and fill it Lord with the thoughts of pureness, joy, grace and mercy. I want to glorify you Lord through my actions, so whoever is watching will see you more than me. Thank you Lord for your washing of my heart. In Jesus Name AMEN!
10. Jesus has just talked about whom God places his seal of approval. If you were to complete this sentence, how might you do it? God will be pleased with me when I continue to work on cleansing myself of me, and add more of Him so others see his glory and not my motives.
11. Read John 6:28-29
A. What question is asked? – They ask “what must we do, to be doing the works of God?”
B. What is Jesus’ surprising answer? – “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
C. Would Jesus’ answer change your response to question 10? – I think I would add, this I can only do with his help and my trust in Him to complete it.
I just finished reading the blog Ann Voscamp put out today, and it is a strong echo of what we are talking about here this week. Giving up lesser things to have more of God. I don’t know how to put a link in here, maybe someone else does.
153 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Two things stood out to me, the theme of freezing and thawing, we have touched before on that we need to come back to the gospel, letting it warm and soften our hearts, that the world makes us cold, we have to draw near to the love of Christ and allow our hearts to be softened and warmed. I think that imagery is really helpful.
Such lovely pictures of your home Dee, you are brave to trudge out on the water to get that shot!
The second thing that stood out was the change in the Shulammite maiden. I would like to get to that place too.
So sweet to see you the first on for Lent, Chris. I so love how the Lord is shaping you, warming your heart, and that warmth spreads to us!
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
What stands out is how you explain all that the season of Lent can hold for us….it can be a season of renewal, repentance, and drawing near; abiding in Christ, and remembering the gospel. That is so different from seeing Lent as a time for self-denial, for giving up sweets or Facebook, but neglecting Jesus, making Lent more of a legalistic self-reformation project than about abiding in Christ. The words of Paul from Galatians 6:15 were in my mind this morning: “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.” Of course, I may need to give up spending time on my phone in the evenings or watching TV in order to draw nearer to the Lord by choosing instead to read a Christian book or to meditate on Scripture.
Funny that you should mention the bride in the Songs who was ashamed of her vineyard, asking her lover not to gaze upon her. For some reason, and perhaps it is the enemy attacking, I have awakened a lot of mornings to revisiting my past in my mind; way back to my childhood and things that happened to me; some things that were unjust and unfair and for some reason, I did not use my voice to speak-up, and sins that I committed and that when I look back at who I was and things I did, I do not like the person I was. And then I wonder, how is it possible that He loves me? I realize that I have some work to do on forgiving myself and fully accepting His forgiveness, too. These are the things that I talked to Him about this morning.
2. Though we will not focus on the Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally?
I know it wasn’t self-effort that changed her heart; there was nothing she could do to make herself more desirable to Him. I support that by the passage in SOS chapter 5, in which she had become complacent and would not get up to open the door for him. When she did get up, he was gone, but he left a gift for her – “I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the lock.” Even in her rejection or laziness, he left the myrrh. To me, this is a beautiful metaphor because when I think of the myrrh, I think of it being used to prepare the body for burial, as was done for Jesus. I sin, I fail, I ignore Him, I am lazy about spending time with Him, and yet….He gave Himself for me. There are many verses in The Songs in which He tells her that she is beautiful (All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you) and those verses encourage me to believe in the love He has for me, yet what transformed her heart and will transform mine is gazing at His beauty. I believe it was Mike Reeves, whose sermons we listened to on The Songs, who said something like when we find our affections have grown cold, we can’t stir them up by looking to ourselves, or trying harder; we look at Him, and see His affection for us, and it warms our hearts.
Susan – I always loved how you “got” the Song — something few do.
Your words made me want to have you contemplate on this song from Andrew Peterson and imagine your heavenly Father singing it to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYiM-sOC6nE
Dee, loved this song! Especially the line where he sings ‘you’ve got to learn to love to love your enemies, too’. I am my own worst enemy, and in that scenario, it is really hard to love me.
Wonderful song, Dee! I recently listened to an old podcast that had Peterson on as a guest, and he was talking about writing that song for his daughter.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
So I have been in the hospital recovering from a blotched colonoscopy (torn spleen) and hadn’t been able to get on but just looked through the posts I have missed. Oh wow..I so love the Ann Voskamp video with Christy! 🙂 🙂 🙂
In this post what stood out is this, because it resonates with me too: This is my yard as Lent begins. And my heart could use a good thaw as well.
Are you still in the hospital? Oh Rebecca!
Oh Father, we come before You for Rebecca, asking for Your mercy and healing hand – -and strength for the journey! Hear our prayer, O Lord.
In Jesus precious name
Oh, Rebecca. Praying, dear sister! Amen to Dee’s prayer!
Rebecca, I’m so sorry to learn that you’ve been in the hospital with a torn spleen….praying for you and please let us know your CT results.
Oh my goodness, I hope you are ok now. I will be praying for complete healing. You are the second person I know that has happened to. I’m so so sorry for what you had to go through.
I am sorry to see this happened to you, Rebecca :/
I hope you are feeling much better now.
Praying for you this evening… healing for you.
Oh Rebecca! I had no idea you were in the hospital! Praying for a pain free recovery for you.
Oh thank you Dee! 💕 I have been released from the hospital but still recovering at home and sooo covet your prayers. I’m still experiencing pain which isn’t normal so they are doing a f/u CT on Monday. I think it’s healing but would like for the pain to go away.
Rebecca,
Had missed you here. Hope you recover quickly!
Rebecca–I am SO sorry to hear this! Praying!!!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
A picture paints a thousand words ~ Your photos are stunning. And I, like Chris, immediately pictured you walking out on the frozen lake to capture the photo of your frozen world. The themes of freezing and thawing ~ and how we often need thawing.
We too (in Montana) have been hit with record amounts of snow and this weekend we have as low as negative 43 degrees with a windchill. I was out doing errands as yet another storm hit us. When I turned the motor off, hundreds of tiny flakes continued to come down and produce rivulets of tears streaming down my windshield. But since the heat was no longer defrosting the windshield, all of these tears began to freeze. And so the other thing that stood out is Luci Shaw’s quote: “God has given us two great books: The Bible and creation – and they speak about one another.” For although I was in a hurry, doing errands, somehow the Lord put my attention on the windshield long enough to slow me down and speak into my hurry. And to simultaneously remind me of two things: that He weeps with me in my sorrow and that my sorrows can freeze my soul without the heat of his reassuring presence. Not describing it very well here, but that moment in my car caught me by surprise.
Great parallels with nature, Nila.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I am struck by seeing the Gospel here–without Christ, and even now when I forget the truth, I feel as the Shulamite woman did, ashamed of my vineyard, my heart, not wanting His gaze upon me. If we stay in that place, it leads to a cold, iced-over state, turned inward, non-relational, dead. But by His mercy, He doesn’t let us stay there. He chose us in our filthy, dirty rags, to be His Bride. He draws me out, He thaws my heart, He clothes me with His own garments. He lavishes love upon me, He gives me life.
I also thank Him for how He has used my Catholic upbringing to deepen my appreciation for Lent. I still remember receiving a Stations of the Cross book when I was 7. I used to gaze at the pictures, always brought tears, but He used it to prick my heart for the weight of the Cross. Easter is my favorite. And I love the discipline of Lent, to remind me to focus my heart, receive His rich mercies with more awareness and gratitude.
2. Though we will not focus on The Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally?
She was changed by His love for her. His pursuit, His declaring her beautiful, precious, loved.
“Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” Song of Songs 2:10-13
Love the scripture reference you quoted!
He had His hand on you from the beginning!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? This time of drawing nearer to the Lord in reflection and repentance can turn the winter of our souls into spring…speaks to my winter weary soul!
2. Though we will not focus on The Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally? I did not study that but I would say that the love of the bridegroom king changed her heart. She began to believe that not only did she belong to the bridegroom but that he belonged to her…I am my beloveds and he is mine…his banner over me is love!
You got it, Lucy! 🙂
1. What stood out? Just as the scenery has a long way to go from the current ice and snow banks to the flowers of spring, my heart has a ways to go to be warmer and more responsive to Jesus. The pictures of the frozen shoreline and then the field of daisies really drew me in.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love doing Lent with you, Dee, and the wonderful women on this blog. I come from a Christian tradition that does not observe Lent and I have learned so much from you here about how to do Lent well in a gospel centered way. This year my husband and I are starting Lent (God willing) with a week study trip to Israel. We are excited to go with other Christians to see the land of the Bible that we have heard about and studied all our lives but never seen. The amazement of the anticipation of walking where Jesus (and the Bible characters) walked and talked is surreal, almost hard to believe it could be true. So I will mostly be unable to participate for the next few weeks here. I would appreciate your prayers as we travel. To say I am excited about it does not even touch the richness of the anticipation of this once in a lifetime event for me!!!
Diane, I am thrilled for you that you will travel to Israel! Prayers, too!
How exciting Diane and at this time of year too. What an experience for you. Have a great time and I will be praying for safe travels.
Oh Diane — this gives me such joy. I will be praying for you on your trip. Wow!!!!!!!!!!
Diane–prayers for your trip! SO thrilled for you–can’t wait to hear all about it!
Awesome Diane! I will be praying for you and Aubrey’s safety.
Less of me, more of Christ! Great reads! I accept this challenge to study a different direction for this Lent!
Welcome Cathy!!!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – All of God’s beauty in those pictures. He is awesome to give us so much to look at. Though the winter one, by now I’m ready for that to change, but still beauty was created by Him. Just yesterday we went out to dinner and driving back I looked out the winder to see a beautiful nigh sky. I mentioned it to the others in the car and my friend commented, she needs to start paying more attention to things like that. The Creator gives so much for us to enjoy, no matter what season we are in weather wise or in our life. We just need to be open to looking and seeing it.
I don’t remember doing the Song of Songs, so I’m looking back for other’s answers.
3.a. Late summer practice. I loved his phrase “naval gazing, fear laced”. That is often how I approach besetting sins. As though looking at it more closely and trying to both analyze it and conjure up more repentance over it will make it go away. It is a lot like a funeral.
b. He looked to not get something FROM Jesus, but to get more OF Him.
c. It is my plan to use the following book during times I’d usually snack; Sara Hagerty’s “Unseen”
d. What stood out? “Over these 40 days, intensify my hunger, assurance and longing about the day of Your return…in light of that banquet, I choose to fast from__________ for this brief season.” I want to be someone who gets more of You, Jesus.
Sara Hagerty is great! Prayers for you as you replace!
Looking forward to Tim Keller’s series as well as going deeper with Christ during the Lenten season. I paid the $35 and hope to be able to share with our Life Group.
Wonderful!
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during that?
Physical, mental, and emotional pain and anxiety
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get
Something thing from God
and what did he look to get?
More hunger, assurance, and longing for the Day of His return, more of Christ and the gospel
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here!
I am praying about giving up television during the week. I don’t watch much tv, but it can be a comfort/escape trap for me. I have plenty of ways to spend time focusing on Christ, this blog, a book study I am in, a stack of excellent books that await my attention.
Yesterday the sound didn’t work on the tv, my husband was taking a test so I didn’t ask him to fix it, I dug deep into my book study instead. I was glad that the tv had not cooperated, my time was much better spent as a result.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
“Jesus, over these next 40 days intensify my hunger, assurance, and longing about the Day of your return… the Day you will consummate your betrothal to me and your entire bride-at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.”
The theme of what awaits has been in my thoughts a lot because of our church conflict, my desire for the joy and unity that is coming really has been heightened by the reality we face now. One day we will all be at peace with one another, so overwhelmed by his goodness to us as individuals that we really are one in our love for Him.
Also that this season is short, lent is short, our lives are short. The time we have to live well will go by quickly.
What I posted has me thinking of this song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05jKxv8ApuI
My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love
At the cross
My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed
At the cross
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest Treasure,
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other.
My soul is satisfied in Him alone.
As summer flowers we fade and die
Fame, youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us
At the cross
I will not boast in wealth or might
Or human wisdom’s fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ
At the cross
Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed – my ransom paid
At the cross
Chris – this is one of my favorite songs…. 😊
Chris,
Thank you for posting this song. I soaked it in early this morning.
From Chris: Also that this season is short, lent is short, our lives are short. The time we have to live well will go by quickly.
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during that?
Blood, sweat and tears mixed with a lot of striving, uncertainty and fear!
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get?
He is not looking to get anything from Jesus…just more of Jesus.
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here! Praying about this.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
I love that Scotty says I’m not trying to fit into my wedding dress for its already as big as my sin is. I’m just looking to know you better and better and better. I’m yours my beloved, and Your desire is for me…and Your banner over me is gospel love! Far too long I have struggled mentally and emotionally withtrying to fit into my wedding dress…wanting to be sure that it would hide all my sins. May this season of Lent be a time of fasting from my performance mindset and simply enjoying time with my Beloved.
I needed this Lucy: May this season of Lent be a time of fasting from my performance mindset and simply enjoying time with my Beloved.
Thank you.
.
From Lucy:
Far too long I have struggled mentally and emotionally withtrying to fit into my wedding dress…wanting to be sure that it would hide all my sins. May this season of Lent be a time of fasting from my performance mindset and simply enjoying time with my Beloved.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
What stands out is the idea of Lent being something to change about ourselves instead of using it to get closer to God.
2. Though we will not focus on The Song of Songs for Lent, it does help us understand a gospel approach to Lent. If you studied The Song with us, what changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally?
Well, I did the study with the group but I must confess, I would have to go back to see what changed her heart. I’m thinking it was the myrrh (!) dripping on the door knob and she didn’t answer, so He left! She lost Him so she had to go running around to find Him again. She didn’t know what she had until it was gone. If that’s not it then I definitely need a review.
In fact, Dee, I know this might be more work for you (maybe not though), but could you do a review week of the study when we complete it; it would just help us solidify the past weeks work, intend to forget what we did a few weeks back. Maybe others are like me too? It wouldn’t have to be anything elaborate, just a review of each week last time, maybe no homework? It might be and easy week for you Dee..
I will keep that in mind, Laura!
First snow day this year! It always seems like I’m doing something wrong, with permission!
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during
that?
He says he endured blood, sweat, and tears. Painful.
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get?
He looked forward to a wedding not a funeral. He anticipated the Bridegroom and the chance to draw closer to Him. He looked forward to the day Jesus comes to receive His Bride. He says he doesn’t need anything more from God. LOVE his (made up?) word; “gospelicious!”
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here!
I’m thinking I will invest in the Keller series and see if I can get my husband to do it with me. My sister gave me a little bit of birthday money that I haven’t spent yet (thought I would do a chemical peel on my face…) I think the Keller series is a better choice!
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
I guess the urgency of his praying stands out. Also, that we really just need the gospel, that’s all.
Here is a link to free daily Lent devotions from Redeemer Pres. https://www.redeemer.com/learn/resources_by_topic/lenten_devotionals/
Lizzy, thank you so much for this link! I peeked ahead, and see that it will be great to use these.
Dee, I see the changed format. One thing I am missing right now is that it used to be if I posted a reply to someone or contributed a post, I could continue adding more without having to put my name and email in over again. But now it is every time I post. Just a little thing….
This is great Lizzy and might be a wonderful option for those trying to decide what to do to draw nearer during Lent.
Thanks Lizzy!
4. Donne, in the first line, is praying to the Triune God, asking to be conquered by God.
5. Nothing and no one has the power to free us except Christ.
6. God will overcome our heart idols by showing us more of Himself, so that we fall more and more in love with Him. Oh, how I am begging for this!
testing
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? How easily a ritual can become ritualistism. Our pastors on Sunday had the same message as you, Dee. To let the tradition remind of us of the Gospel, not to try and force the Gospel through tradition (meaning we can’t use loyal tradition to earn salvation or merit). My church is a heavy mix of used-to-be Catholics and current Presbyterians as well as other not so traditional upbringing … so there is a good amount of liturgy for a mainstream American church (technically non-denominational). We even have Ash Wednesday but impose ashes in sign of cross to remind of the hope of Christ. I truly enjoy the traditions as reminders … a slowing down to focus … God commanded as such of the Israelites so there must be wisdom in it!
2. What changed the heart of the Shulammite so that her vineyard was transformed? Can you support your answer scripturally? He awakened her desire for him, delighted her, spent time with her, and she came out leaning on him … then her vineyard was transformed (Chapter 8).
Whoa! New look for the blog?!?! I thought I broke it at first (because I had started my reply this morning in the old blog but didn’t submit it till this evening and whammy…new look!)! 😂😂 Sharp!
Yes it is except I can’t find a place to post my new comment, I can only reply to others….so confused. I work on my phone so that may be the problem? Going to refresh to see if a posting area shows up…
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late Summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he
experience during that? – Pain, sweat, agonizing under the weight of the equipment on a very hot day, wonder of not knowing if he was good enough to make the team.
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get? – He wasn’t looking to get anything but he looked to get more of God himself.
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages…ask Him for wisdom here! – I’m so glad Dee that you showed us that we shouldn’t just give up something, but instead give it up and put God in.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why? – “I’m NOT looking to get one thing from you… just to get more of you! I’m not trying to fit into my wedding dress, for it’s already as big as my sin is. I’m just looking to know you better and better and better, Jesus. I am yours, my Beloved, and your desire is for me… and your banner over me is gospel-love! So please grant me, and my friends, a most gospelicious Lent, Lord Jesus. That’s all we really need.” This was good, to really search out Jesus Himself and once we find him, we will have it all. We don’t need to pretend we have it all together, he already knows we don’t. We just need to keep being focused on knowing Him better. He’s waiting for us, his bride, at the alter that is already prepared for us, by Him
Found it! Now to see if it posts at the bottom or not….
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
He is praying to the “three-personed God,” and he asks for his heart to be battered (?). Is this like built up with something, like a batter in cooking?? Reading a few more lines makes me see that he wants to become new with God.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
Because the enemy is all around us and is seeking to harm us. Only One so great can help us be armed with the best gear to defend ourselves!
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
Is it because God ultimately lives within him? This poem is way above my literal brain…
I also don’t see a way to bold, highlight, or modify the look of the text anymore. Is is there and I am just missing it?
Laura, batter my heart in Donne’s poem means to “conquer by force”, I think, as with a battering ram of olden days! Others are welcome to chime in our their understanding of the term. It might be interesting all the different interpretations.
(Hey, last night I could not post. Let’s see if this works!)
Thanks Diane! I didn’t have time to look it up and was just musing….have a great trip overseas!
I was on FB just now asking for help….I came to the blog this morning on my regular browser and most of the study was blank….the entire opening and all the photos. I had to switch to Safari, so hopefully this will work. I can see the study now.
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he experience during that?
Physical pain and exhaustion and emotional fear, uncertainty. He had to constantly worry about his performance, earning the approval of the coach, and even making the team.
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get, and what did he look to get?
In contrast, during Lent, he did not look to get something from God, but rather he did look to get more of God – growing closer to Jesus and getting to know Him better. I think he’s saying that whatever way we choose to observe Lent, if we fast or give something up, we’re not trying to earn God’s approval or ‘make the team’ nor are we doing it in order to get God to bless us. It’s wanting God for God alone.
C. If you choose to fast from certain pleasures, then ask God to show you how to replace them with time with Jesus. It could be this blog, a spiritually edifying book, or the Keller messages. Ask Him for wisdom here! I need to ask Him for help in staying off my cell phone in the evenings, using it as a way to relax as I check my mail or surf the internet. I need to put it away, out of sight! I ordered the book Seven Last Words by Fr. James Martin and want to begin reading it tomorrow. I want to be consistent here. Lord, my flesh is so weak and I often get off to a good start but don’t finish well. Please help me to draw closer to you, Lord, during this season of Lent.
Laura, I tried to reply right under your post, but it wouldn’t let me type anything in the box. I can see the controls for bold, italics, etc….but when I click on them it doesn’t work. I just posted and I ran out of room in the comment box and the arrow on the right wouldn’t let me continue any farther down, so I had to end it. Anyone else having that problem?
3. D. What stood out to you from this prayer and why?
I liked the metaphor of the wedding dress, when he said “I’m not trying to fit into my wedding dress, for it’s already as big as my sin is.” Whoa…that would be a really big size for me. It’s a bit hard to understand what he’s saying here; normally, a bride would strive to diet and exercise to get smaller to fit into a smaller dress. Here, we don’t have to strive to earn God’s favor; our ‘dress’ is already huge, we don’t have a problem fitting into it because we are sinful, and God knows it, yet He accepts his ‘sinfully overweight brides’ in our huge dresses anyway. So even if we fast during Lent, we’re not changing our standing with God. Accept and believe that He sees you as you are and loves you as you are, and remember that fact in whatever you decide to do.
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
He is praying to all 3 members of the Trinity asking for his heart to be battered
bat·ter1
Dictionary result for batter
/ˈbadər/
verb
strike repeatedly with hard blows.”a prisoner was battered to death with a table leg”
4
1.pummel, pound, rain blows on, buffet, belabor, thrash, beat up, abuse;
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
Because in our flesh are dead to the things of the Lord, we are God’s enemy unless he takes hold of us.
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
We keep returning to our idols unless we are captivated by the love the Lord has for us.
It occurs to me that the easier my circumstances the less I need the salve of the love and promises of God. When things are going well and I am comfortable in my life, it is easier to put the Lord on a ‘shelf’
When things are so monstrously hard that nothing in life eases the pain, then I really, earnestly seek Him.
The poem is a little bit scary to me, I don’t want to pray for pain, but I don’t want to be comfortable in the wrong things either…sorting out the Love and the Fear of the Lord feels like deep water.
I am grateful that having this neatly sorted out isn’t required of me, but I do feel the need to ponder and pray about it.
Chris, this is so true: “It occurs to me that the easier my circumstances the less I need the salve of the love and promises of God. When things are going well and I am comfortable in my life, it is easier to put the Lord on a ‘shelf’. I have seen this in myself and recognized it as the lie of self-reliance or self-sufficiency.
EVERYONE — THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE. YES, THEY HAVE REVAMPED THE WEBSITE AND AS OFTEN HAPPENS, THERE ARE GLITCHES. They have made it possible for us to post and continue to work. So very sorry! They are the best though, and I believe it will be in good shape soon.
Dee
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I’m excited about approaching Lent through the lens of the gospel. It’s so true that the approach to Lent is made more about self-denial, self-striving, and legalism.
I want to share that I’m jumping in a little late as we have moved back into our home…Yay! It has been a long 5 1/2 months and now the work starts for my husband and I. When you’ve had to pack in a hurry so you can save things from getting ruined by water, the unpacking is much more laborious. I guess it was time to purge. I thank God for His faithfulness through all of this and I want to thank Dee and all you wonderful ladies for your prayers.
You are back home. Hurrah! It’s been a long stretch.
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line? – He is speaking to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and wants to be overthrown with His mercy, so he can be near to them.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope? – We cannot do anything without Christ. We fall to the peer pressure of our society, so need Him to help us stay focused on Him and him alone.
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see. – He wants the Lord to remove him from the snare of the evil no matter what it is and in any manner that it takes for him to be set free from their grasp.
7.a. Jesus asked, “where shall we buy bread for all these people?” He did it just to get the disciples thinking. He already knew what He would do.
b. Disciples went along a very literal track, thinking they needed to spend the money and buy enough for all. They were frustrated with both the amount of money and the sheer numbers of people.
c. Jesus had the people sit, He blessed what they had, and started handing it out.
8. We will never have enough time, money, energy, or other resources to do what God asks of us. It will always be too big for us. But it will never be too big for our God. God often surrounds us with that circle of fire to help us understand that He alone is our hope and help. So that we aren’t deceived into thinking that it just happened, or that we accomplished it.
Mary the name and email saving worked for me just now, 2:52 pm central time
Dee, just so you know….I clicked the button to save my name and email, but it didn’t save it.
9.A. The people want to be fed and cared for through no effort of their own.
B. Jesus tells them to work for food that will last for eternity, because that’s where God’s approval is.
C. O Lord, as much as I can know myself in this moment, I do want for Your glory and Your name to be lifted up. I want to both know You and praise You more. I don’t want to just use You. Show me any places I’m lying to myself, and put a right spirit inside me.
10. The verse says God the Father has placed His approval on God the Son for being the bread from heaven, lasting for eternity. God is pleased with me in Jesus, and only there.
11.A. The crowd wants to know what actions they need to do.
B. Jesus answers that the work they need to do is to believe in the One God sent.
C. It doesn’t change my answer to 10, but it makes me think about how it is sometimes an effort on my part to keep focused on Him and not get distracted.
I will tell them, Mary. Sorry for the frustration as they work out the glitches in the new website.
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
He is praying to the triune God to batter open his heart.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
If Christ alone is not my hope I would never be able to rise and stand!
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy — which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it?
Christ must divorce or untie the knot…a death must take place so that under the law I am free to marry another!
Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
Captivate me with your love oh my Savior…for only when I am enslaved by Your love will I ever be truly free…I can never be pure until I am ravished or taken captive by Your love!
I think that is such a good prayer! One we know is in His will.
Trying two different browsers this morning….I can see text, but the only photo I see is the ring of fire….not the vineyard pictures nor the John Donne poem. I will try to look at the study on my Iphone. Is anyone else not seeing the pictures and Donne poem?
Susan — let me know if that is still the case. They are working on the glitches and info is so helpful.
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does He ask in the opening line?
I googled the poem so that I can read it and answer the questions. The opening line is, “Batter my heart, three-personed God….” He is praying to the One True God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he asks that God would assail his heart, implying that there is a natural hardness or resistance there.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
The enemy and our own sinful nature are both strong forces that we cannot hope to fight and overcome in our own strength. Donne puts is like this, “I, like an usurped town, to another due, labor to admit you, but oh, to no end.” We are powerless to transform ourselves.
7. Read John 6:1-12.
A. What question does Jesus ask and why, according to verses 5-6?
How will we find food enough for the many?
B. What do the disciples think Jesus is asking of them and why are they frustrated, according to verses 7-9?
He thinks they are being asked to get the food without any resources. They acknowledge that a young boy has a lunch but it is not enough for all. They think Jesus expects them to figure it out.
C. What does Jesus then do?
He tells them to have everyone sit down. He asks for the lunch of the boy, give thanks to God, and then passes it out to everyone.
8. What spiritual principle do you think God intends us to understand from this miracle?
I think we are to have faith, at all times, no matter how dire the situation looks. Ashes to beauty.
Found the bold, italics and such!!
https://youtu.be/hk7_SBxYSZs
Laura,
Thank you for this song ~
At the foot of the cross where grace and suffering meet ~
🙂
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy – which I see as our great affection for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will he do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
God can only overcome our great affections and, let’s face it, our LOVE for our heart idols, by ravishing and overwhelming us with His love. It’s the power of a greater affection. Donne certainly uses some very strong words here: imprison me, enthrall me, ravish me. It seems odd that he would have this kind of insight because men usually don’t use this sort of language in speaking of their desire to be loved by God. This gets very practical, too; my 18 year old daughter has been following the current TV show, The Bachelor (ugh), which I watched with her last night. Last night’s episode was all the women who weren’t chosen. Many times I noted the cry of their hearts (because they said it) was, “I just want to be loved”. How sad, the ways they are looking for this love, and many were tearful, confused, upset, or angry. They are missing out on the love that God has for them, that He would choose each and every one of them, and they wouldn’t have to perform to get His love. Anyway, I can have some good conversations with my daughter but what a bunch of nonsense.
Monday
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty Smith compares his former view of Lent to late summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he experience during that?
A lot of blood, sweat and tears mixed in with a lot of striving, uncertainty and fear. He was always thinking about what the coach thought about his performance, would he just sit on the bench or even make the team?
B. What did Scotty Smith not look to get and what did he look to get?
He wasn’t looking to get one thing from Christ, just to get more of Him.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why?
“The work is already done…the dowry has been paid in full…the wedding dress of Your righteousness is already mine…You’ll not change your mind.” The gospel put so beautifully and so simply!
Dee,
The good news is that I can now post and respond to comments here on the blog.
But, like Susan, I cannot see the Donne poem or any photos (other than the ring of fire photo).
Thank you to tech person who is helping to resolve all of this.
3. Read the above prayer and answer:
A. Scotty S it’s compares his former view of Lent to late summer football practice. What kinds of misery did he experience during that? “a lot of blood, sweat, and tears mixed in with a lot of striving, uncertainty, and fear.” Vain toil, sadness, forgetting who he is…
B. What did Scotty zenith not look to get, and what did he look to get? He did not look to get even one thing from God but just to get more of the Lord.
D. What stood out to you from his prayer and why? The analogy of being nervous about a decision for a team, whether or not the coach likes him and he’ll be allowed to be on the team… an exclusivity perspective… and then the certainty that the Lord will not change His mind! I can look forward to my wedding not my funeral because His love will not change, He has paid the price for the banquet, He does not need to be continually convinced to please show up that day, indeed, He shows up every day. Praise be! This all speaks to me because I very much resonate with that football player and am that football player in many arenas in life (or at least perceive myself to be that football player). The end of His prayer that the Lord would increase our assurance, let it be, Lord, let it be.
Tuesday
I didn’t see the prayer above so I googled it, hope I got the right one?!
4. To whom is Donne praying and what does he ask in the opening line?
He’s praying to the trinity…”three–person’d God.” He asks that his heart be battered (pound heavily and insistently) for Him. I think he’s asking God to break his heart with what breaks Gods heart.
5. In the first metaphor, Donne likens himself to a captured town where the enemy rules, preventing him from letting the Lord in. Why must we realize that in Christ alone is our hope?
The song My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less came to my mind when reading this question…
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale my anchor holds the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the ‘whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
6. In the second metaphor, Donne likens himself as married to God’s enemy – which I see as our great affliction for our heart idols. Again, only God can overcome these. But how will He do it? Note the end of Donne’s prayer and share what you see.
He desires to be divorced, untie or break that knot again and be drawn to God, imprisoned by Him. He realizes that unless God enthralls (captivates) him, he’ll never be free, nor ever chaste (pure as the driven snow), except God ravish (fill him with intense delight) me. What stands out to me is, it’s the work of God…nothing he does. God captivates our hearts and fills us with intense delight for Him…our part is, is to desire it and ask for it.
Wednesday
7. Read John 6:1-12.
A. What question does Jesus ask and why, according to verses 5-6?
He asks Philip “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip as He already knew what He was going to do.
B. What do the disciples think Jesus is asking of them and why are they frustrated, according to verses 7-9?
They think He’s asking them to provide food for all these people and to do that, would take months of working before they’d have enough money. They find a young boy with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish but know that won’t feed everyone.
C. What does Jesus then do?
He takes the boys food, gives thanks to God and feeds the people until they’re full, then tells His disciples to gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted.
8. What spiritual principle do you think God intends us to understand from this miracle?
With God, all things are possible. So often, well, too many times I find myself trying to come up with my own solutions. Fretting, worrying, going through my mind how I’m going to solve it and God is my last resort. The thing that really stood out to me in this story, something I never saw before is the reason why Jesus asked the question…to test and He already knew what He was going to do. I have failed this test so many times by not turning to Him first and putting my trust in Him.
9. Read John 6:26-27
A. Jesus sees their hearts, and why they have sought him out. What is their motive?
To be with Him because He fed them.
B. We are all capable of selfish motives in seeking God, in practicing disciplines for Lent in order to get earthly blessings. What does Jesus tell them to work for and why?
He tells them to spend their energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give them. Perishable things like food are only temporary.
C. Pray for your own heart right now, that your heart might long for Jesus himself, and to glorify Him, rather than to use Him.
Dear Lord, search my depraved heart and show me any wicked way, any areas that I’m not trusting You. I know I can’t do this on my own, so I pray today that You would give me a heart that longs for You, captivate my heart and fill me with intense delight for You. It’s not about looking to get something from You but just to get more of You…more of You, less of me. May all that I do be to Your glory. Amen
10. Jesus just talked about whom God places His seal of approval. If you were to complete this sentence, how might you do it? God will be pleased with me when I ___________.
God will be pleased with me when I put my faith in Him.
11. Read John 6:28-29
A. What question is asked?
We want to perform God’s works too? What should we do?
B. What is Jesus’ surprising answer?
This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent.
C. Would Jesus’ answer change your response to question 10?
No
Hi Everyone,
If you are still having issues after you see this post, please let me know. They’ve been working hard to fix things on the new website!
Dee
Hi Dee,
I am still having trouble replying to posts on my phone. I had to get on my computer to post this reply to you. I closed out the session on the phone (iphone 7) and went back in hoping to be able to type in the comment box, but there was no keyboard available when I clicked in the box. I could put my name and email in those boxes however.
Also, I noticed I misspelled my name on a few posts and they are being moderated. I’m very sorry for that!
Thanks Laura — I am copying your complaint to give them Monday. Let me know if it gets worked out before then. Thanks.
I just wanted to jump in and say the website looks AMAZING! great job David! I’m only having trouble posting due to work overload & lack of time right now 😉 but it looks great!!
7. Read John 6:1-12.
A. What question does Jesus ask and why, according to verses 5-6? He asked “where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He asked this to test the disciples.
B. What do the disciples think Jesus is asking of them and why are they frustrated, according to verses 7-9? – Possibly for them to go get the bread on their own. They are frustrated most likely because they feel that Jesus should be able to see how many people are there and the impossibility of feeding them all.
C. What does Jesus then do? – He had the people sit down, took the bread and fish, gave thanks and fed the 5,000
8. What spiritual principle do you think God intends us to understand from this miracle? – to trust Him and remember that he provides us of our daily bread. We will always have what we need for that day and need to seek him out for that provision.
9. Read John 6:26-27
A. Jesus sees their hearts, and why they have sought Him out. What is their motive? – They want to be around him so they never go hungry. They saw what he did with the little bit of food that was around and thought that the food would always be available for them.
B. We are all capable of selfish motives in seeking God, in practicing disciplines for Lent in order to get earthly blessings. What does Jesus tell them to work for and why? – He tells them to work for the food that provides eternal life.
C. Pray for your own heart right now, that your heart might long for Jesus Himself, and to glorify Him, rather than to use Him. – Lord, please flood my heart so all the impure motives are removed from my heart and fill it Lord with the thoughts of pureness, joy, grace and mercy. I want to glorify you Lord through my actions, so whoever is watching will see you more than me. Thank you Lord for your washing of my heart. In Jesus Name AMEN!
10. Jesus has just talked about whom God places his seal of approval. If you were to complete this sentence, how might you do it? God will be pleased with me when I continue to work on cleansing myself of me, and add more of Him so others see his glory and not my motives.
11. Read John 6:28-29
A. What question is asked? – They ask “what must we do, to be doing the works of God?”
B. What is Jesus’ surprising answer? – “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
C. Would Jesus’ answer change your response to question 10? – I think I would add, this I can only do with his help and my trust in Him to complete it.
I just finished reading the blog Ann Voscamp put out today, and it is a strong echo of what we are talking about here this week. Giving up lesser things to have more of God. I don’t know how to put a link in here, maybe someone else does.