Lent Day 18: Who's talking?

Are you listening?

Last night I met with other writers for the monthly meeting of the Northwest Christian Writers Association. I highly recommend the organization for aspiring and published authors.

The opening devotional spotlighted grace:

• G - everyone is gifted. (Those in the room are gifted with writing, among other things.)
• R - we're redeemed. Rescued. Given a testimony to share.
• A - we're anointed to minister (writers: through writing); God's authority goes with us.
• C - we need commitment and courage. (Writers are criticized and scrutinized.)
• E - we need endurance. (The path to publication or any other worthy goal is often long ... lined with rejection and failure before recognition.)

I was ready to go home at that point. Full of things to think about.

What do you hear?

Even before our word-crafting session, an exercise to stimulate writing creativity. We were asked to choose one scripture from several on a handout. Then we wrote for 5 minutes "without editing your writing."

I chose Isaiah 55:8-9, 11 for my writing meditation. God tells the prophet (also a writer):

So shall My word be that goes forth
from My mouth;

it shall not return to Me void

but it shall accomplish what I please.

And it shall prosper in the thing
for which I sent it.

This tells me God's Word is:

1. Purposeful. God is intentional in sending out His word.
2. Proper. It comes from His mouth with intentionality, force, and character.
3. Prosperous. It is effective and accomplishes what God sets out to do.
4. Pleasureful. God is pleased when His word does its work.

The Word spoke worlds into existence. His words fill all of creation with movement, breathing among us -- the power of God-with-us.

What does the Word speak to you?

Who's talking to you today?

Do you schedule time to listen to and hear the Word -- through scripture, prayers, the church, and other believers?

• If so, what does He say to you? 
• If not, why not? You are missing out on the Grand Conversation, the mystery of a God who created us for relationship with Him.

A year with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

Joanna and I, celebrating together a few years ago

It's cool to know that Jesus had good friends. Not just those he traveled with, that bunch of disciples and women who supported them, but a family where he could hang out, bring friends, and feel comfortable.

The three siblings who took him in, fed him and his disciples, and provided a respite close to Jerusalem were Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. The Bible talks about them a few times - and their stories are compelling. One was a homemaker who got tired of getting stuck with all the chores (while her sister hung out with the teacher). Another was an eager learner, pouring out her most precious possession to honor Jesus. The other was a beloved peer who came back to life because of Jesus' intervention.

I'm giving a rare shout-out for a book by one of my friends, best-selling author Joanna Weaver. In her latest book on the family, Joanna offers a year of reflection and devotion with humor, insightful stories, and deep love for God: At the Feet of Jesus.

One of the things I like about Joanna and her writing is that she's real. No pretenses. No masks. I treasure her passion to know God and follow him with all her heart. BTW: She's also really funny in person; I love that she makes me laugh while we're talking about God and the adventures of faith. She's become well-known as a speaker over the past decade, too. Find out more about Joanna at http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/.

Enter here.

Note: Joanna is hosting a webcast on November 8. She's got some cool prizes, including an IPad and some of her books for a lucky participant. You might want to check in with her that day. Click here for more info.

If you're looking for a special birthday or Christmas gift or just need a treat for someone worthy of recognition, Joanna's book will be a year-long blessing. Order by clicking here.