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