Lenten Devotionals fomr our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Today in my reading, Father Fenelon speaks of the “cross of inner dryness, and that we may undergo the purification of clinging to Him without any sensible consolation.”

Feelings don’t always speak the truth do they? We want to feel the presence of God. We want to know He is near and we expect that knowing to show up as a feeling. It doesn’t always work that way, does it?

It’s interesting to me that when I feel the presence of God most is when I’m in corporate worship. This past Sunday we were in a simple worship service; just a small gathering of people led by a man who isn’t a pastor. We sang some simple songs and read the scriptures. It was actually when the scripture was being read aloud that I felt the presence of God. He was speaking to me. This underlines for me the importance of staying in the Word.

Fenelon goes on to say, “It will not do to pay Him visits, as we discharge a debt due to society; we must abide with Him…as you would have your child be with you, and then you will never be weary.”

So I must stay in the Word and in communion through prayer with Him. I cling to the cross wherever it may take me.

Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, "The nation's leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make the Son of Man suffer terribly. He will be rejected and killed, but three days later he will rise to life." Then Jesus explained clearly what he meant.

Peter took Jesus aside and told him to stop talking like that. But when Jesus turned and saw the disciples, he corrected Peter. He said to him, "Satan, get away from me! You are thinking like everyone else and not like God."

Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said:

If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?

Don't be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. –Mark 8:31-38 (CEV)

Father, today we continue to cling to the cross. We want to be purified. We want to be on the way with You wherever that way may take us. Amen

Lenten Devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Do I need to have a deep theological understanding of the CROSS? Does it matter if I have all the “theories” just right? Must the metaphors I use to explain the Cross work all the way to the end? Or is it good enough to say,

“When I look at the Cross, I’m like the blind man healed by Jesus, who said, ‘I can’t tell you who He is, but this one thing I know: once I was blind, but now I can see.’”

I don’t understand everything about the atonement. Is the atonement for me or for God? I’ve been thinking about this a lot this week. Did the cross happen to satisfy God or to satisfy me? Did God need the cross or do I need the cross?

“When I look at the Cross, I’m like the blind man healed by Jesus, who said, ‘I can’t tell you who He is, but this one thing I know: once I was blind, but now I can see.’”

So I cling to the Cross. In my simplemindedness it’s all I know to do. I don’t want to get in the way of what Christ wants to do through the Cross so I cling to the Cross. I won’t be embarrassed by the Cross – I’ll cling to the Cross.

Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, "The nation's leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make the Son of Man suffer terribly. He will be rejected and killed, but three days later he will rise to life." Then Jesus explained clearly what he meant.

Peter took Jesus aside and told him to stop talking like that. But when Jesus turned and saw the disciples, he corrected Peter. He said to him, "Satan, get away from me! You are thinking like everyone else and not like God."

Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said:

If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?

Don't be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. –Mark 8:31-38 (CEV)

Father – today I cling to the Cross. Amen

Farewell to the Nees family

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

In the Protestant Evangelical tradition there are some things lacking from time to time. Most of you who read these email devotionals would fall into that category. Perhaps Lent is a time when these deficiencies are most notable. I never want to add to your burden with these thoughts of mine. They are what I feel the Holy Spirit speaking to me and if they can speak to you – then Praise the Lord!

Here are some generalized thoughts that I’ve heard expressed from time to time in my religious circle…

“I must deny myself.” But what does that really mean? Does it mean we let go of everything that brings us joy and pleasure? NO! What if we saw those words, “deny myself,” as relationship words instead of duty words? What if instead of worrying and fretting and praying to see what we must give up, what if we lived in community with God and our fellow Christians so that we are ONE. I’m willing to let go of my supposed rights and privileges and even what I consider my identity to live in community with Christ. He’s not waiting to steal anything from me. He hasn’t made me in His own image, to destroy me. He’s made me for relationship; relationship with Him and with others. If I saw it that way then I wouldn’t be surprised when the still small voice spoke to me and asked me to set aside my agenda for His agenda. It would be a privilege to do that. It would be an honor to serve Him and others.

“I only need to listen to the Holy Spirit.” In our western culture we idolize individuality. We lift up those who are self-made. We like it when people are strong and stand tall. This has carried over into our churches and our spiritual lives. We feel we must make the journey on our own. Yes, we come together for large worship services. And we might even have Sunday School or small group where we’re in more intimate circles. But what about an intimate spiritual friend – someone who can speak into our lives? It’s easy for us to look around and judge how well we’re doing by judging others. But I need someone who looks at me with the love of God and the infilling of the Holy Spirit to say, “Hold it. That isn’t a proper attitude. You shouldn’t be acting that way.” Do I let everyone judge me and speak into my life? NO. But I should have a friend or two whom I trust who will be honest with me. These relationships are the “sandpaper” that rubs off the splintery edges of my life.

“I only need to confess to God.” This is true. Because of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross, the veil of the temple is torn in two and we have full access to God. And yes, we need only confess to God. But what about accountability? Will that confession bear fruit if we’re not accountable to someone? Yes, it can. But for most of us, we need a spiritual intimate who we can share our deepest issues with. We need a place where we are held accountable for our confession. This is especially scary for us Protestant Evangelicals. No one should mess with our souls save God. But remember, we’re in relationship, we’re in community. The Apostle James said, Make this your common practice: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” – James 5:16 (The Message).

So on this Lenten journey if you’re feeling bogged down. Stop and rest awhile. Remember you are in community with God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Remember you are in community with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember the yoke is easy and the burden is light.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Father – hear our hearts. We long to live in relationship with You. We don’t want to live under rules and regulations and duty. We want to experience YOU! Amen

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #24

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. –Hebrews 12:1-2

Seasons of life are interesting aren’t they? When we were children life seemed to move slowly and we always longed for it to speed up. As we became young adults life moved faster but we were often not sure it was moving fast enough. Then the day came when life started moving so fast we could hardly keep and we longed for it to slow down. And as grow older it seems our lives are often at a standstill. Seasons of life are interesting aren’t they?

So what does this have to do with Lent? What does this have to do with the Cross? The Lenten Season speaks to us of perseverance – don’t stop part way in your relationship to Christ. The Cross speaks to us of perseverance – Follow Christ all the way to the Cross. And whatever season of life you’re in make sure you allow Christ to redeem the time. No season is worthless in His eyes. We may not be able to accomplish all we used to, but He has something for us to accomplish for Him. We may not be moving ahead as fast as we think we should, but He is teaching us patience and perseverance as we move ahead.

A good friend wrote these words to me yesterday –

At the beginning of Lent, I asked God what He would have me give up this year. The more I prayed the more I sensed he didn't want me to give up anything, He just wanted me to take in more of Him. I kept asking but what should I give up. The more I asked, the more I seemed to be getting the message that He was bigger than the small space I was giving Him. So, I gave Him my willingness to drop whatever I was doing whenever He called. The places that He is taking me are overwhelming--ministry, family and neighbors. He just wants all of me, in the life that He's given me, doing what He calls me to do. What JOY!

I guess that’s what I want to say to us today. Let’s persevere. Let’s keep moving. But let’s allow the Holy Spirit to break in whenever He wants to change our plans. He might want to speed us up or slow us down. I can’t make that determination for you. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and keep walking – all the way to the Cross.

“Father, we don’t want to be ruled by the clock. We want to be able to hear Your voice anywhere, anytime and respond to You. Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #23

Then Jesus said to all the people:

If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me, you will save it. –Matthew 9:23-24 (CEV)

If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30 (CEV)

I’m a doer. I like to be busy. However, I like to busy doing the things I like to do and feel are important. It is my style to allow more and more things to be put into my wagon. It is my style to add more and more things on my wagon. If something is needed that I’m capable of, and I like to do, I’ll add it right on. Even though they’re good things, sometimes my motive isn’t right. Sometimes I do things because they make me look good in the eyes of others. Or I feel righteous for doing them (which is self-righteousness). Or I feel I’m important in the Kingdom by doing them. If I’m not careful my wagon load is beyond heavy and I’ve actually covered up the cross with all the stuff.

Have you ever been there? Perhaps this is just an issue for me. But I’ve been thinking about this picture of the cross in the wagon – Christ yoked with me – so our cross is one cross. And anything that I want to carry in that wagon must first meet the test of the cross. This is self-denial. My agenda met with the agenda of the cross. My motives against the motives of the cross. This is how I give my life for Him. Then the load is only what has been placed there by Jesus. Then the load has been purified by the cross.

So denying myself isn’t about giving up sweets for Lent, although it can be. Denying myself isn’t about giving up my favorite television show for Lent, although it can be. Denying myself isn’t about doing more for others. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to dig through the mess I’ve placed in the wagon and throwing out anything that needs to go. Duties, actions, motives, desires, plans, dreams – anything that buries the cross – must go.

There will still be a load to carry, but it will be the right load. The load that Jesus Himself pulls along with me will be light– and the cross, His cross – my cross, will be standing tall in the wagon. Everything will be subject to crucifixion – so that resurrection can happen. NEW LIFE.

“Father, search our hearts. We don’t want anything, no matter how good and right it is, to be carried if it doesn’t come from You. Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #21

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:27 (NIV)

If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30 (CEV)

Don’t these verses seem to conflict with one another? What is Jesus talking about? How can we carry our cross? It seems to be too heavy a burden. He says the yoke is easy to bear, and the burden is light. Doesn’t sound like a cross to me.

Could it be that we have this whole thing wrong? At least I know I get confused some times. We don’t choose our cross and we don’t choose our burden. Perhaps we spend too much time trying to pick out a cross or a yoke to fit us. Or we choose them and then expect Jesus to come and carry them with us.

Recently, I was with a group of people from our district. The man was talking about horses. He’d grown up on a farm and when he was a boy they farmed with horses. He said something interesting that has been running around in my heart and mind. He said that his father wouldn’t like these contests where you keep adding weight to a horse’s load to see how much it can carry. You should never overload a horse. You’ll ruin the horse both physically and temperamentally. He thought this is what Jesus meant. Jesus has the yoke for us and He isn’t going to add anything to the load that will be too hard for us to carry.

But what is our reality? Many of us feel like our cross is too hard to bear and our load is too heavy to carry. Could it be because we’ve tried to choose our own cross? Could it be because we’ve chosen our own load to carry? If I’m honest with myself I will admit that much of what seems too heavy for me to carry has been added to the load by me. Instead of “crucifying” something I want to carry so I can carry what Christ wants me to carry, I add to it.

So my cross does seem heavy because I’ve not put down the extraneous things that bind me. And the burden seems way too heavy because I pile on the load (which is usually good stuff) instead of yoking with Jesus and carrying what He wants me to carry. Often I add to my load so I will feel good about myself or look good in the eyes of others.

All metaphors break down at some point, but let’s think of this picture. We’re yoked with Jesus, we’re pulling a wagon and in that wagon is the cross. The cross is the image we have of putting to death anything that is worthless, inconsequential or unnecessary that we have added to the load. When we try to add something for the wrong reasons and with the wrong motives it is put to death by the cross and we let it go.

Sometimes others try to pile things in the wagon. They have things they want us to carry. This is why we must be yoked with Christ. This is why we must carry the cross. We must be in constant communion with Him so we know what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to. And this is tricky at times. But let’s not blame Jesus for the load that we’ve piled on or allowed others to pile on. Let’s look at it realistically and allow Him to crucify whatever needs to be done away with.

Before you get worried that I only believe in having serious things in my wagon let me set your mind at ease. We need to carry around fun and joy and good times. We need to carry around rest and relaxation. But when they are set alongside the cross they bring deeper rest and deeper happiness. We don’t feel guilty about it.

“Father, today we want to be yoked with your Son. We want to carry exactly what you want us to carry and nothing more. Give us courage to allow you to put to death anything that we have added that isn’t what you ask of us. Amen”

Introducing our Transitional Interim Pastor

Wednesday evening, March 18th, the Wenatchee Church of the Nazarene board voted unanimously to Call Ron Tyler as our Transitional Interim Pastor. Pastor Ron and his wife Jane agreed to come join us on Easter Sunday, April 12th and to stay with us for approximately 9-12 months as we discern God's leading for our church. This process will help the church board determine the ideal pastor for our church community. Please be in prayer for the Tyler's as they prepare to move to Wenatchee from Springfield, Oregon.

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #20

He went on, "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive."

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? --Luke 9:22-23 (The Message)

We are at the half-way point of our Lenten Journey. I had an email from a friend who was working hard at her spiritual disciplines trying to please God and grow her spiritual life. She felt as if nothing was happening and in fact was angry about that. But as soon as she admitted it a sweet peace came over her – she needed to rest in the love and care of Jesus.

Don’t give up. It’s good to have a feeling of discontent with our spiritual life from time to time. Then we know our hearts have not grown hard – the Holy Spirit is still tilling the soil and planting the seeds and pulling up the weeds. But don’t let your discontent cause you grief – believe that you can do nothing and believe that God can do anything. All that is required is letting go and following close to Jesus.

As the day goes along recall to mind the love God has for you. Recall to your mind the gift Jesus is – through his life, through the cross, through the resurrection. And remember, He’s praying for you. Don’t let go of the fact that the Spirit is within you and without and everywhere. This is living in the Kingdom – receiving His righteousness, peace, and joy and allowing Him to dispense the same through you wherever you go and whatever you’re doing.

“Father, we place ourselves in Your kind hands. Please be at work in us growing us into the image of Christ. Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #19

He went on, "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive."

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? --Luke 9:22-23 (The Message)

Three chapters of my book The Royal Way of the Cross have been dealing with simplicity. Not the simplicity of a simple mind. Not the simplicity of living without stuff. Not the simplicity of naiveté. It is the simplicity of spirit. It is what the author calls having a right opinion of oneself.

Who are we anyway? God’s creation, God’s re-creation, we aren’t self-made men and women. We are God’s creation, God’s re-creation, made in His image in both instances – not our own image. Someone said it a little differently, “we don’t need to pad our resumes.”

Our greatest claim to fame is that we belong to God – Jesus gave His life for us – the Holy Spirit wants to live in us. But we don’t go around with a false humility that says, “I’m nothing.” We understand that we are complex – God has put us together and none of us is the same as anyone else. We are designed in His image – personality, talents, spiritual gifting, and passions. We have our family of origin and our place in that family that shapes us. We have unique life-experiences that have molded us. All of this is not given to us for our glory but for His glory. In fact they must be crucified – put to death and resurrected by God Himself to be lived for His glory. As our scripture says, “You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am.”

Many of you remember that a year ago my sister, Rosemary, fell and broke her hip. That incident changed her life forever. One day she was a self-confident career woman living on her own ministering in her church and giving herself to people through her joyous personality. Suddenly, her life changed. The breaking of her hip began a downward physical spiral until she is now living in assisted living having lost her health. But she is still Rosemary. The essence of who she is remains and is being recreated. She still gives herself to people through her joyous personality. She knows everyone at her assisted living facility – residents and workers alike. And they love her. She knows their stories – she cares about them. Rosemary’s suffering isn’t over. Every day she deals with pain and loss. This is her new reality.

So who are you? You are the beloved child of God. So where are you? Safe in His arms.

“Father, today we want to simply rest in your care and love. Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #17

He went on, "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive."

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? --Luke 9:22-23 (The Message)

What is self-sacrifice? How do we find our real selves? Do we do it by constant introspection and self-analysis? Do we take our spiritual pulse constantly? At the end of the day do we spend time going over the day to see if we’ve sacrificed enough? NO!

To lose ourselves in Christ – to sacrifice our self – we must look to Him more. We must think about Him more. We must remember His Spirit is with us at all times – alive within us. We must spend less time worrying about ourselves and our performance and spend more time loving and knowing Him!

Have you ever considered how your temperament plays into your spiritual life? I’ve always known this to be true but it’s been something I’ve been wrestling with and understanding more in recent days since I’ve been dealing with our Ministers in Training on the district. We’ve used the book, Wired that Way, to help them understand their basic temperament type – Melancholy, Phlegmatic, Sanguine, Choleric. One of the best things about this book is how it deals with your temperament and your spiritual growth.

These are my own generalities…

The Melancholy spends countless hours worrying about and striving for perfection in every area of their life including their spirituality and often feeling they don’t measure up. The Sanguine spends countless hours having fun and not spending much time on anything too important and believes everyone, including God, loves them. The Choleric is busy, busy, busy, working, working, working – not much time is spent slowing down and listening – in fact they already know what’s right and their doing it! The Phlegmatic is quietly resting– no agenda, no worries, calmly strolling on through life – what’s everyone getting so stirred up about?

People, the melancholies need to let up on themselves – forget themselves and their performance – let Jesus love you! The Sanguines need to stop talking and listen to the voice of their Heavenly Father – listen with an open heart and mind. Cholerics, you must slow down enough to experience the Presence of Jesus – He doesn’t need your busyness and works – He wants you! Phlegmatics, you might need to make sure that calm stroll is taking you in the right direction - put some feet to your faith.

In other words, it’s important to know who we are and then let it go and spend our time knowing Christ. Self-help is no help at all. Focusing on me won’t work either. I must focus on Him! I must let His Spirit care for me. This is true self-sacrifice.

“Father, Your Spirit is with us – You have created us the way we are. We truly want to be recreated in You – find our real selves in You! Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day # 16

A friend sent me a link to an article on the different symbols of Christianity. In it the author said that Justin Martyr, a Christian apologist writing in 150-160, felt that God had placed the symbol of the cross in many ordinary objects. Objects like masts of ships, ploughs, and the ax were mentioned. I often think of power poles in our modern day lives as signs of the cross. It was also noted that Christians, as early as 200, prayed standing with their arms stretched out – making the sign of the cross with their bodies.

For Christians, the cross is the reminder of God’s grace poured out for us. It’s a holy symbol – a reminder – not to be worshiped but to bring remembrance to our hearts and minds. As you go about your everyday living look for the cross. Be reminded. Be changed.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. –1 Corinthians 1:1

Father, You have been so good to us. You have stretched Your arms out in love and mercy to scoop us up in Your grace embrace. We love and celebrate You! Amen

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #15

Last night I was sitting in Brandt Auditorium on the campus of Northwest Nazarene University for the inauguration of the 12^th president in our University’s 95+ year history, David Alexander. It was a privilege to be there and of course my husband had a major role in the evening as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. It was an evening full of pomp and circumstance- robes and banners - processionals and trumpet heralds – charges and covenants – a wonderful evening. But the highlight for me came at the close of the evening when a choir composed of students and alumni took the stage and sang a beautiful rendition of “When I Survey.”

This is the Body of Christ – young and old, long hair and bald, bleached blond and gray, smooth skin and wrinkled – One in Christ. Tears coursed down my face as I watched and listened. They were all moved by the beauty of the music. They were all touched by the truth of the lyrics.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down;

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. --Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)

The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (CEV)

Let’s not forget this great sacrifice. Let’s live our lives as a total offering to God. Does He need us for Himself? No, but we have been invited into this great mystery of community with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Step into that embrace. Hold your head high – He loves you!

“Father, Your gift is so precious. We don’t want to waste it we want to receive it and share it. Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

A Day late but it's here - Day 13

Talk about not making sense – but what a glorious reality…

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. --Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)

The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (CEV)

Several months ago I started reading The Shack a novel by William P. Young. Many people had told me of the positive impact on their lives from this modern day “Pilgrim’s Progress.” So I determined to read it so I could talk intelligently about it – well at least talk about it. I never finished it, but decided to bring it with me on this trip to Nampa to finish. Remember, this is a novel and if you haven’t read it, you might not understand that God has manifested Himself to Mack as a black woman. Don’t scoff at that, just open your mind and read what I read yesterday in a conversation between God and Mack, the main character:

“Like I said, everything is about him. Creation and history are all about Jesus. He is the very center of our purpose and in him we are now fully human, so our purpose and your destiny are forever linked. You might say that we have put all our eggs in the one human basket. There is no plan B.”

“Seems pretty risky,” Mack surmised.

“Maybe for you, but not for me. There has never been a question that what I wanted from the beginning, I will get.” Papa sat forward and crossed her arms on the table. “Honey, you asked me what Jesus accomplished on the cross; so now listen to me carefully: through his death and resurrection, I am now fully reconciled to the world.”

“The whole world? You mean those who believe in you, right?”

“The whole world, Mack. All I am telling you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I have done my part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.”

People – God has reconciled Himself to us by giving His life away for us. Sounds like foolishness, doesn’t make much sense – but it’s true! We can stand “without blemish and free from accusation” in the very Presence of the Living God. So let’s not let anything stand in the way of doing our part in being reconciled to Him. Stand firm in the hope of the gospel!

“Father, You gave Yourself to us – we give ourselves to you. Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #12

I can remember Sundays when I would be seated at the piano ready to lead worship. I believed God had given me the plan for the morning – helped me to choose the songs and scriptures that would open our hearts and minds to His presence and His word. Then I would notice someone come in through the doors that I didn’t know. Suddenly I felt shy, nervous, even anxious. What if they thought we were fanatics? What if they thought the words to the songs were hard to understand? What if they considered me foolish – without talent?

The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (CEV)

I would be reminded many times of this scripture. So what if they thought I was foolish? I was giving what talent I had to Jesus for His use and for His glory – not for my own. The attention wasn’t on me it was on Him.

Isn’t it silly what we allow Satan to use to defeat us? And isn’t it comforting when we sense the Holy Spirit say, “It’s alright. I’m here. Keep on. Look into my eyes.” The cross is foolishness and makes no sense until you’ve experienced the love, grace, and mercy that flow from the cross.

I’m called to deny myself of pride – not a self-righteous false humility – but the pride of thinking I can do anything apart from Christ working in me. That’s how I want to live – not caring if the world thinks I’m foolish – not caring if lost people don’t understand. I want to live in the power of the Cross. And when I live in that power my interaction with the lost will be different. It will be full of compassion and mercy and care. I won’t be defensive about my faith. I won’t try to defend Jesus. I will let the Holy Spirit use me and do His work – work that I can never accomplish on my own.

“Father, today help us to live in the power of the Cross. It is your gift of abundant life to us. Amen”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #11

Lent is a call to share in the suffering love of Jesus, especially by giving up sin and sinful attitudes and walking in the path of love and service. Of course we believe this is the attitude and way of life we should always have and live, but during Lent it can be a deeper, more intense time of listening to the voice of God and acting on His word.

I’ve always been interested in people – I like to study and understand what makes people “tick.” I long to help people gain new understanding of whom God created them to be and who they are in Christ. Taking personality inventories, spiritual gifts tests, reflecting on life experiences, learning about strengths and natural talents – all this is a passion of mine. I believe it gives us tools that open our hearts and lives to the Holy Spirit, so that He can work, molding and shaping us to be who we are in Christ and the best we can be in Christ.

That’s what I see in the Lenten journey as well – study, gaining new understanding, taking inventory, reflecting, learning – all of this focused on Christ and His sacrifice for us. As we participate in this we open our hearts and lives to the Holy Spirit, so that He can work, molding and shaping us to be who we are in Christ and the best we can be in Christ.

Here’s a quote from the devotional book, The Royal Way of the Cross:

“Nothing is more perilous to your own salvation, more unworthy of God, or more hurtful to your ordinary happiness, than being content to abide as you are. Our whole life is given us with the object of going boldly on towards the heavenly home. The world slips away like a deceitful shadow, and eternity draws near; why delay to push forward? While it is time, while your merciful Father lights up your path, make haste and seek His kingdom.

Today, as you go about your regular, everyday living – consider Christ crucified your hope of glory. Let His Spirit speak into your life for growth and for good. If He asks you to deny yourself He will fill that empty space with more of Himself – more love, more peace, more joy…

1 Corinthians 1:18 (Contemporary English Version)

Christ Is God's Power and Wisdom

The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work.

Thank you for the Cross, Lord, we don’t deserve Your gift, but we receive it today anew. We will listen and act when You speak. Amen

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day # 10

I’ve chosen to send you the words to an old hymn. It isn’t in our Nazarene hymnal anymore. When I was a teenager and just learning piano, I would play through the hymnal from time to time. This song was one of my favorites. The language probably seems stark and old-fashioned and I wouldn’t probably sing this in church – in fact I’ve never sung it in church, but I still love what the hymn says and it definitely goes with our focus on the cross.

May God bless you as you gather for worship tomorrow.

With love,

Robbie

Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow Thee.
Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be.
Perish every fond ambition, all I’ve sought or hoped or known.
Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still mine own.

Let the world despise and leave me, they have left my Savior, too.
Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue.
And while Thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love and might,
Foes may hate and friends disown me, show Thy face and all is bright.

Go, then, earthly fame and treasure! Come, disaster, scorn and pain!
In Thy service, pain is pleasure; with Thy favor, loss is gain.
I have called Thee, “Abba, Father”; I have set my heart on Thee:
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, all must work for good to me.

Take, my soul, thy full salvation; rise o’er sin, and fear, and care;
Joy to find in every station something still to do or bear:
Think what Spirit dwells within thee; what a Father’s smile is thine;
What a Savior died to win thee, child of heaven, shouldst thou repine?

Haste then on from grace to glory, armed by faith, and winged by prayer,
Heaven’s eternal day’s before thee, God’s own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission, swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope soon change to glad fruition, faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #9

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. –Matthew 16:24-25

We have been focusing on what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus so that we can lose our life in Him which leads to abundant and eternal life.

Have you felt the Holy Spirit speaking to you? What I would like you to do is spend some time listening for the Spirit’s direction. Then take the time to journal or write down what you hear. And if you’re brave enough – and I think this is an important step for serious change – tell someone what you’ve heard.

When we speak out what God has spoken to us we are more likely to have behavioral transformation. And isn’t that what seeking the Holy Life is all about? It’s about being changed, transformed, made new in the image of Christ. This doesn’t happen quickly or easily it happens relationally. We must listen for the Spirit and then we must act. It may seem like baby steps at times, but if we’re taking steps then the next thing we know we’ll be striding out in holiness.

”Father, we’re listening for Your voice today. We know You speak in love not condemnation. Thank You. Amen.”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #8

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. –Matthew 16:24-25

Do you ever say to yourself, “it’s impossible to do what God requires of me?” I know I do, especially in the area of denying myself. I feel the Holy Spirit speaking into my heart and mind, requiring me to let go of something, and I resist. Why? Perhaps I’m focusing on my own will power and I know how weak that is. Do I forget that with God all things are possible? He will enable me to accomplish what He requires.

That would be the best case scenario – focus on my will power instead of the limitless power of God. But what if the issue is that I don’t really want to deny myself? What if I really don’t want to take up the cross? What if I really don’t want to follow Him? Of course that’s not the issue – I do want to follow Him – at least most of the time. This is when verse 25 becomes paramount. If I continue in my self-will the life of Christ within me will die and I will lose my real life only to gain my own way.

“You start by saying, ‘It is impossible that I can do what is required of me.’ But this is a temptation of despair. Despair of yourself as much as you please, but not of God. He is both loving and powerful, and He will deal with you according to the measure of your faith. If you believe all you will attain all—you will move mountains; but if you believe nothing, you will receive nothing, only it will be your own fault…Yield humbly, therefore, without trusting to yourself, mere broken reed that you are, and say, ‘To Him nothing is impossible.’ He only asks one ‘Yes,’ spoken in pure faith.” – from The Royal Way of the Cross

Father, today when you speak we will answer ‘yes’ just as Your Son said ‘yes’ to You all the way to the cross. Thank You for having the love and power to accomplish within us what we could never accomplish in our own will-power. We love you. Amen.”

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #7

Let’s not forget that all we need to know about God is shown to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Do you remember that the Disciple Thomas said to Jesus, “show us the Father and it will be enough?” What did Jesus do? He said, “Look at me and you have seen the Father.”

What did Jesus look like? I don’t believe Jesus meant His physical appearance. He meant, “look at my actions, behaviors, life-style.” And what were those actions, behaviors, and life-style? A constant laying down of His life in love and service – picking up His cross daily, dying to His desires – all the way to Golgotha.

It’s our nature to want to focus on the majesty, might, and power of God. We look for God to manifest Himself in miracles, victories, blessings, power, and exhilarating worship experiences. But Jesus says, “Look at me and you’ve seen the Father.”

What do we see? Jesus, walking the road to Jerusalem with His face set towards the cross, eating with sinners, touching the untouchable, choosing those despised by society to be His disciples – setting aside His heavenly glory for the shame of the cross. The cross became His glory.

Matthew 16:21-27 (The Message)

You're Not in the Driver's Seat

Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, "Impossible, Master! That can never be!"

But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Father, forgive us for wanting only your blessing and forgetting your call to die to ourselves. You have blessed us in so many ways and we thank you. Today, we want to seek Your way – the way of the cross. Amen

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #6

Suffering is painful. Death is final. Resurrection seems to be a “pie in the sky by and by” promise. Why would I want to embrace pain? Why would I want to embrace finality? Why would I place my faith in a nebulous promise?

In our western society we tend to shy from suffering and death – our own and others. We don’t want anyone to suffer or die. We don’t want to suffer or die. We spend our money alleviating suffering and postponing death. And I’m not just talking about physical suffering and death.

Could we learn to trust our Savior? Could we learn to believe His word? He is the Resurrection and the Life. And that statement isn’t just for those gathered around a grave in a cemetery. It’s for every suffering, every death. He wants to redeem our suffering. He wants to bring new life out of death.

One of my favorite songs is entitled The River. The chorus says “Death to the past it’s gone. Here’s to a new beginning for our God’s not finished yet with us.”

Today what suffering are you in the midst of? Place it alongside the suffering of Jesus – He’s been there. He understands. Ask Him what reality is in the suffering. Ask Him what needs to die so that new life can be born. These aren’t easy tasks – we want to escape from the pain and finality – but we can experience resurrection and life if we allow Him to work in the midst of it all.

Please don’t think I’m telling you to “just get over it.” I understand that suffering is painful and may last a long, long time. I understand that death is final and life is never the same again – and that is a deep, deep pain. Just keep holding on to Jesus. Just keep walking with Him. He will be the One to bring about the resurrection and life.

Matthew 16:21-27 (The Message)

You're Not in the Driver's Seat

Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, "Impossible, Master! That can never be!"

But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Father, thank you for Your Son who laid down His life for us. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that is present with us moment by moment. Please search us. Please sustain us. Please speak into our suffering. Amen

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #5

Matthew 16:21-27 (The Message)

You're Not in the Driver's Seat

Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, "Impossible, Master! That can never be!"

But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

This scripture follows on the heels of Peter’s great declaration, “You are the Christ!” I often sympathize with Peter in scripture since I tend to be an impetuous person. But this is more than impetuous. Poor Peter given insight by God into the truth of Jesus, swept aside because he has no idea how God works. From Rock to Satan; makes your head spin doesn’t it?

Is this how our lives are lived? We’re in the midst of intimate relationship with God and something comes along to make us wonder if we’re on the right track. Life is good as long as we’re being fed, taught, given miracles. But then comes the next season – suffering, death, resurrection. Hmmm…doesn’t seem so good now. Even if we know resurrection is the final word we’d like to get there without the suffering and death. Or at least let’s only have a tiny bit of suffering.

Just as the resurrection of Jesus is sweeter and brighter when we take the time to meditate on his suffering and death – so too are our personal resurrections sweeter and brighter when we embrace our own sufferings and deaths. I’m not talking physical death in this instance, I’m talking about the suffering we face at the hands of hurtful people. I’m talking about the death of relationships that were meaningful to us. I’m talking about the suffering we face due to physical disease. I’m talking about the death of our way of life and dignity due to loss of health. I’m talking about the suffering we face due to the downturn in the economy. I’m talking about the death of our livelihood due to loss of job.

These are just a few mentions of suffering and death that we face regularly. What does the resurrection look like beyond these sufferings and death? It means new life. We will never be the same if we embrace them. Jesus has gone before us to face a greater suffering and death – we can trust Him to lead us through. Jesus is walking with us – we can trust Him to lead us through.

Father, we want to lose our lives in You. Please help us to embrace the path of suffering and death you’re leading us through. Teach us, mold us, change us – this is resurrection. Amen

Lenten devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Day #4 (Sorry it's posted a day behind, this is intended for Saturday)

At the New Year I began reading a small devotional book entitled The Royal Way of the Cross. I had been looking for my old copy of Streams in the Desert to read, but it wasn’t on the shelf where I thought it should be – instead I found this little book by a 15th century French Priest. Each chapter is a short portion of a letter written to someone under his spiritual direction. It’s very challenging and intriguing. And I’m allowing the Holy Spirit to give direction to any application I need to make from these writings.

Of course it isn’t easy stuff in this book – it’s about the Cross! And remember, the Cross is death! He talks about our love in God being like a stream flowing from Him to us and back again. Whenever we look aside and allow anything to take precedence over our love for God, it is like the stream being diverted. Our love isn’t as deep and swift-moving as it should be – it’s flowing in directions it shouldn’t be and the force is dissipated.

Perhaps this is what Jesus means about loving our father or mother or son or daughter more than Him. We must not let that love be diverted away from Him. Those loves are important, we must love our families and others, but they must live within the stream of our love for God. Then instead of the stream of our love in God being dissipated it will actually be deeper and stronger and more powerful.

Matthew 10:37-39:
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Father, we want to live in the stream of Your love. Please accept the flow of our love back to You. Help us to keep our relationships within the stream of Your love. Amen