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.

God speaks. Can you hear him?

Need a God-phone?

Do you ever wonder if God still talks to people? Would he talk to you? If so, how can you tune in to listen? I'm sharing a few ideas about conversing with God today. Remember that a conversation involves talking AND listening:

1. The most reliable source for God-talk is the Bible. Find direct quotes or "God said" to eavesdrop on a God-to-humanity conversation.
2. Join a good church. Don't look for fads or trendy gatherings. The best companions are found among people on the journey of faith together. Here are a few churches I can recommend in looking for such groups around Seattle: Creekside in Shoreline; Neighborhood in Bellevue; New Life in Maple Valley or Renton; and Calvary in the UW district. (Add your recommendations in comments below.)
3. Take time to hear God speak and to talk to God. That might include setting regular "let's talk!" appointments of meditation or prayer.
4. Listen to the conversations of others. Seek out friends who have a relationship with God and talk to them about their stories.
5. Watch for God at work in your workplace or community, as you meet the needs of others, and as people share life with you. He's personal and loves to interact with us. Become intentionally aware of God's presence during the day or night.
6. Take a walk in nature or a neighborhood to observe God's beauty, his sense of order and renewal, and his care for the planet and its inhabitants.

Seems like a lot of people are inventing "designer gods" to suit themselves. They set up altars of nature or "important stuff" and worship god-in-their-image. They pursue greed or asceticism, seek nirvana (the winking out of the light of life), and cover the bases (doing good or being better than the next guy).

What an unsatisfying way to live: such human-made gods can never be bigger than we are. Life devolves into a continual DIY project and self-help. Co-creators of "god-likenesses" often infringe on others' rights and expectations, too.

The apostle Paul notes that the one true God reveals himself in nature so that everyone is without excuse: God already reaches out to each person (Romans 1:20).

No matter how wonderful or weird your life has been to date, God is waiting to chat with you, to introduce himself, and be found by you. Tune in today!

Read more:

*Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and does not keep silence. Psalm 50:2-3 

*Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Psalm 118:25

*“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."  Isaiah 43:10   NIV

*And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11

Moravian Prayer: Lord God, you shine forth your word and call us to express ourselves in worship to you. Cleanse us and bless us as we offer our lives in dedication to you. We love you Lord and are grateful for your unconditional love. We lift our voices to you and sing your wondrous grace. Your word amazes us, verse after verse baptizing us into your truth. With a thankful heart, we pray. Amen.