Lent Day 3: That's enough for me

The Western economic model is driven by envy and greed. Advertisers tell us, "It's never enough!" We make light of our obsession with stuff by calling our accumulation trips to the mall "shopping therapy."

We forget, in the rush and bustle of a society consumed by things, that love and meaning are not attached to material goods.

God calls us to a life with new values. He's our source for what we need. His hands give us provisions for each day.

On this third day of Lent, look around. Are you starving? Am I sleeping outdoors in the cold or brutal heat of the day? Are our children without clothing? Most of us admit, "Hardly the case!"

God, who sees the sparrow and numbers the hairs of our heads, watches over us. That's enough for me. How about you?

Ready to be grateful for today? Me too!

Read more:
*Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3

*Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT

*You shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace. Isaiah 55:12 NEV

*Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 NIV

*Jesus said to his disciples, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” Luke 22:35 NEV

Moravian Prayer: We know it is your will that none of your creation should lack for anything, O giving God. Make of us your hands and feet, that it may be so throughout the world. Amen

The season of desire

The season of Advent is also called "the season of desire." I've never picked up on that phrase before, but this year have noticed it in blogs, a few articles, and a devotional.
"What do you desire?" asks my mentor. (I'm reading Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton.)

Here's my desire list for Advent:

• Renewed intimacy with the Presence. Sit, love, be loved. In all the busyness of the dissertation and tasks, it was easier to focus on doing rather than being with.
• Be present with guests. I love hospitality tasks but find it hard to sit down with company for any length of time.
• Discipline for health: good eating and exercise. Lose 8 lbs.
• Declutter Christmas "stuff": give away ornaments, garlands, and other excess. End up with 4-5 storage bins (from 10).
• Read and watch uplifting things. I want to resist junk on TV and in books.

What's your bucket-of-desire list?

Read more:
*If you obey the Lord your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Deuteronomy 28:2-3

*May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV

*Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” Luke 11:28

*I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 4-7 NIV

Moravian Prayer: Dear Jesus, you came to fulfill the law, to give the commandments a human body. You obeyed the law and infused it with love. May we know the freedom and joy of obedience. Amen.