March 20, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Accept a Challenge

To accept a challenge means realizing that our lives are not always roses and sunshine (or strawberries and cream). Accepting a challenge for our faith recognizes the dynamic nature of our faith as set within the framework of our lives. As our faith grows so will our blessings, our challenges, and our responsibilities.

“Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.” Psalm 22:30-31

The Law of Single-minded Service

There’s no question that money has an alluring power, tempting us with all that it can purchase or accomplish. If we give into it, we learn to our dismay that it has the power to control us and make us its servant. Jesus taught His disciples, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13 NIV)

In Jesus’ teaching, the term “money” has a very broad meaning. It includes actual money, but it also includes everything which we can become attached in this material world – all the things that money can buy. One of the most important principles of Christian stewardship is the Law of Single-minded Service. When we use the term single-minded it’s obvious what we mean: having a single focus, a single interest, a single purpose.  Single-minded service requires … self-denial, the setting aside of personal wants. Single-minded service also requires sacrifice. Single-minded service requires perseverance as well Single-mindedness demands constant spiritual discipline. Living by this precept is not easy, but it is rewarding. (Lenten Devotional Stewardship Principles, We walk together as stewards in God’s church, ELCA, 2012, March 3)

If you want to accept a challenge this Lent, try some self-denial. What is it you most crave every day? This Lent take a week and do not use it, drink it, eat it, or seek it. Self-denial or the setting aside of our personal wants takes a single-mindedness that requires the help of the Holy Spirit. We may be able to follow some self-denial on our own – but if we want to make it not only a Lenten discipline, but a spiritual discipline, then we will need the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you accept the challenge? This week, I want you to collect a roll of toilet paper each day to donate to Trinity’s Table. Bring in your six rolls of TP to church on Sunday, March 26.

Pastor Dave