Lent-Day 8: Evaluate Your Intentions

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

– Isaiah 58:6-9

 

When we fast we have a tendency to focus our minds on what we are giving up. If we are not careful we can begin to obsess and idolize the fast and what we are relinquishing instead of seeking God and God’s purposes.

Isaiah 58 discusses what a “true” fast looks like. A “true” fast is when we give up our will and submit to God’s will. God is frustrated in the text because the intentions of people fasting were not right. They claimed to seek God in their fast yet their fruits from the fast said otherwise. Their fasting lead to contention and strife. For God, the fruits of a fast should lead to justice in the world and care for the least of these. Our fast should result in the changing of our hearts and minds as we accept God’s will as our own. Our fast should motivate us to be the hands and feet of God in the world. God hears us when God sees us being just and caring for one another. God hears us because God then sees God’s image.

Today I want to encourage you to evaluate the intent of your fast. Are you fasting because this is the cool thing to do? Or are you fasting so God can really change who you are and what you do? Assess the intention of your fast because God knows your intentions and will respond accordingly.

#ConsiderThis

Lent-Day 7: Read. Remember. Respond.

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’” – Matthew 4:1-4

I have always been fascinated with nature. I have a great appreciation for landscapes and wildlife and the beauty of God’s creation. I often tune into channels such as Animal Planet and National Geographic to see what is happening in nature. One day I was able to catch a program focused on the living habits of bears. The show documented how bears eat tons of food such as salmon during the spring, summer and fall so they can have enough energy stored in their body during the winter months when they go into hibernation. It’s in the winter when the bear does not eat food so it has to have enough energy reserved to fuel them through the winter months which can be brutal. However, the bear at its weakest is able to tap into the reserves deep within to carry them through the winter until they emerge from hibernation.

In the text, Jesus has endured forty days and nights of fasting and is hungry and weak. Satan attempts to offers a “helping” hand by suggesting Jesus turns the stones into bread. Jesus rebuttals with the food he had reserved deep within, God’s word.

When we find ourselves at our weakest moments, what reserves do we have stored within us. Do we feast on God’s word during the spring, summer and fall so we can be prepared for the winters of life that may make us weak. God’s word provides strength when we are at our weakest. The word reminds of God’s promises. When we find ourselves battling the schemes of Satan, the sword of the spirit, the word of God is our weapon in this fight (Ephesians 6:17).

Today I want to encourage you to be intentional about reading the word and committing it to memory. In times of trouble, the word will cover you. In times of despair, the word will give you hope. In times of doubt, the word will remind you to maintain your hope and keep the faith. Just as Jesus was able to recall and rely the word of God at his weakest, we should be able to do the same.

Read. Remember. Respond.

#ConsiderThis

Lent-Day 6: Fast Partners

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.” – Esther 4:15-17

The lenten season can viewed as a corporate fast. Many people across the landscape of Christianity are fasting together. Similar to corporate prayer, where we pray together as single unit, a corporate fast is where we fast together as a single unit under a single purpose. A corporate fast is especially important when one has to make a critical decision. Esther asked the community of Jews in Susa to join with her in a fast because she was about to embark on an assignment where she could potentially lose her life. The Jews were under the threat of mass genocide and Esther, being the queen, had access to King Xerxes but appearing before the king without being summoned could lead to death. Esther is aware of this and fears for her life but Esther’s cousin Mordecai reminds her that being queen will not necessarily save her from the same fate as her people. Esther responds by requesting that all Jews in Susa fast for her and she along with her attendants will fast as well. When facing critical decisions that can affect not only you but an entire community, a corporate fast can help provide strength and clarity.

On the daily we are faced with many decisions. What do I want to cook for breakfast? What outfit should I wear today? Some of these decisions do not take much thought. But there are other decisions that can be life altering. Do I take this job in another state? Is this the person I want to marry? Am I ready to finally leave my job and follow my passion? Do I start this business or just continue to work for others for the rest of my life? There are decisions in life that will not only impact our lives but the lives of people around us. Before making a decision that effects so many, it would be wise to do as Esther did and engage in a fast with the people the decision will impact. It is a powerful moment when the people of God are fasting and praying on one accord. It’s less about praying and fasting for a certain outcome but praying and fasting for God to reveal what God would have done and asking for the strength and courage to complete the task, even if the decision difficult.

Today I want to encourage you to seek God’s wisdom through corporate fasting and prayer before making critical decisions that can impact a number of people. In the same way we have prayer partners, have fast partners. Create a team of people where you all can fast together and be in agreement with one another when making critical decisions about moves that can be life altering. As you fast together, you collectively gain strength and insight from God together. Esther gained the strength to approach the king through the corporate fast of her and her fellow Jews. As we fast together, let us walk in strength and power and fulfill the assignment God has given us.

#ConsiderThis

Lent-Day 5: Celebrate the Now

“Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, ‘How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.'” – Mark 2:18-20

Lent is a time of consecration and fasting, so the selection of this verse may come as a surprise. It appears in the text that Jesus is not concerned with fasting. Let’s be clear that fasting is an important spiritual discipline that Jesus participated in himself (Matthew 4:1-2). But fasting for piety’s sake or to be glorified by others (Matthew 6:16-18) is not pleasing to God. Fasting is an intimate act between you and God that should remain sacred. What Jesus is sharing in the text is the importance of celebrating the now.

People were questioning Jesus as to why his disciples weren’t fasting while the Pharisees and John the Baptist disciples’ were. Jesus lets them know that there’s no need to mourn when there is much to celebrate. The kingdom that the Pharisees and others had been praying and fasting for was present. Jesus is letting them know that the impending kingdom is now here. The time for fasting and mourning was over. It was time to celebrate.

During this time of fasting and consecration, I know many of us are praying for God to make a mighty move in our lives. As we patiently wait with expectation for our prayers and hopes to come into fruition, let us not forget to celebrate the now. Jesus was aware that he had a short period of time with his disciples and wanted them to celebrate and cherish the moments they would spend together during his public ministry. While we have this life let us celebrate our now. Life may not be perfect at this moment and we begin to look into the future hoping for better days not realizing that God is present in our here and now. God is present in the loving relationship of family and friends. God is present in birds of the air and the lilies of the field. God is present in the smile of a child and the cry of a baby. God is present in the flow of the rushing river. God is present all around us and let us celebrate our now with God.

I want to encourage to celebrate the now. Celebrate the God who is dwelling among you right now. No need to wait for the impending kingdom, it dwells among you and within you.

#ConsiderThis

Lent-Day 4: Believe in God’s Love

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

I had a good friend ask me the question “Is God’s love enough?” It was one of the most honest and realest questions I had ever been asked. Do I believe in the power of God’s love? Do I depend on the love of family, friends, relationships, money, possessions, power, and prestige more than the love of God? It caused me to examine myself. Do I believe in God’s love? Do I believe God’s love conquers all things? Do I believe that I cannot be separated from God’s love? It made me look deep within and I realized that I must believe and rely solely on the love God. John 3:16 reminds me of this.

Jesus is God’s best expression of love. In the life and witness of Jesus, we see love in action. When we believe and live in the love of God expressed through Jesus it brings life to our lives. Jesus said that “he came so that we may have life and that more abundantly.” Life is more than being financially stable or having the everything “together” but life is a peace within that is not determined by our current condition. For some everything may be going well and for others everything that can go wrong is going wrong. And the reality is that we will go between the seasons of harvest and drought throughout the duration of our lives. Notwithstanding when we choose God’s love we choose life. When we choose God’s love we say God is enough. Life may not go exactly as we planned but when our plans change I’m glad to know that God’s love remains the same.

Believe in God’s love because God’s love is constant. Many things change in life but God’s love is always reliable.

So I ask you, Is God’s love enough?

#ConsiderThis

Lent-Day 3: P.S.A. – Repent, Believe, Liberate

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” – Mark 1:14-15

Public Service Announcements (PSAs)  are defined as advertisements on radio or television broadcasts for public interest. PSAs are intended to modify public attitudes by raising awareness about specific issues and the most common topics of PSAs are health and safety. A PSA I saw recently focused on the dangers of texting and driving. PSAs are important because it makes the public aware of vital information that can impact their lives.

Jesus has completed his time of trial in the wilderness. For 40 days Jesus was tempted by Satan and did not succumb to temptation. Jesus emerges from the wilderness ready to engage in his public ministry. Jesus arrives in Galilee and delivers a public service announcement. Jesus wants to make the public aware of vital information that can impact their lives. He tells the people “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!”

Jesus informs them that the kingdom of God is near. And because the the kingdom of God is near, Jesus told the people what they needed to do to be prepared for this moment. Jesus instructed them to REPENT and BELIEVE.

Repent: 

Repent means to turn away. Repenting requires moving in completely different direction one once traveled. Jesus wanted to the people to repent from their sins and their former way of life. Jesus wanted the people to turn away from the kingdom of this world and turn towards the kingdom of God.

Believe:

Once the people repented, Jesus charged the people to believe in the good news or the “gospel.” The good news that the God who sits high has now come low and dwells among God’s people through the person of Jesus. The good news that the long awaited Messiah has entered into the world “to proclaim gospel to the poor, proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Belief in the good news is important because it is a belief in the liberation we find in Christ. The freedom from sin, worry, doubt, fear, hate, and anything that would prevent us from being all that God has called us to be. It is a belief in the liberation the world finds in Christ. The freedom from systems that oppress people and do not promote the love of God in the world.

Today I want to encourage you to repent and believe. During this season of lent, repent and turn away from those actions, ideas and people that prevent you from living out the image of God. Turn away from beliefs and systems that do not promote the love of God in the world. Turn away from behavior that does not allow you to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor.

I also encourage you to believe in the good news. The good news of God’s liberation through the life and witness of Jesus. Liberation from the oppression of sin, worry, doubt and fear. Liberation from systems that seek to destroy the integrity and dignity of God’s people.

On this day, let us repent, believe and be liberated!

I am Michael Wortham and this is a public service announcement.

#ConsiderThis

P.S. – I love this song.

Hymns & Hip Hop Conference

The Hymns & Hip Hop Conference^TM (H3C) is a three-day symposium that will be held March 28-30, 2014 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in an effort to bridge the cultural and intergenerational gaps between what is easily the two most influential spheres in our community–the church and Hip Hop.  Consisting of old school and new school Hip Hop and Gospel artists such as Kool Mo Dee and YaNI, clergy and scholars such as Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman and Minister Server Tavares of KRS-One’s Hip Hop Temple, H3C features panel discussions, workshops, a town hall summit, cross-platform opportunities for collaboration, an artist lounge, a Hymns & Hip Hop Concert featuring gospel recording artist Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, a neighborhood community block party, and culminates with a Hymns & Hip Hop themed Youth Day Sunday worship service  to be held at both 8:00 am and 11:00 am followed by a closing reception.

While H3C does not presume to be able to address or solve all of the points of contention between the Hip Hop and church communities, the goal is to begin to dispel the many myths and misunderstandings about both communities to find and establish a common ground on which both can work side by side with love. More information about the conference can be found at www.hymns-hiphop.com.

“It’s amazing to see how God has moved during this process, and how everything has really come together.  What we hope to accomplish is to bring together the new school and old school, young and seasoned to do a serious examination of hip hop culture and church culture.  We want to educate and remind everyone about these genres.  Instead of trying to compartmentalize and criticize one over the other, we need to look at where this all came from.  Music, in its many forms, has always been a place where we [black people] in particular have been able to find and express our voices.  Music has always been a force to be reckoned with, especially for oppressed people.  Gospel and  Hip Hop have become very commercialized, and have left their intended purpose, and we need to get back to it,” -Rev. Michael Wortham

#ConsiderThis

Lent- Day 2: The Faith “OF” Jesus

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘ Be lifted up and thrown in to the sea,’ and it will be done. Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” – Matthew 21:21-22

In Christianity you hear a lot about having faith in Jesus. By having faith in Jesus, you can receive the healing you desire or that much needed miracle. Faith in Jesus is important because Jesus is our intercessor and speaks on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; John14:14). However there is a faith you must have that is just as important and that is the faith OF Jesus.

The faith OF Jesus is powerful and something we should all desire. We all are given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and it is our faith that makes things happen. Many of the people Jesus healed and the miracles that occurred happened because of their faith. Jesus chastised the disciples often because of their lack of faith. Faith is an important matter on the Christian journey. We are reminded in Hebrews that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). So with faith being so important why not pursue the type of faith Jesus had.

What does the faith of Jesus look like? The faith of Jesus is an uncompromising faith in God. The faith of Jesus is not wavered by obstacles and challenges. The faith of Jesus does not doubt God and God’s plan. The faith of Jesus trusts and operates in the gifts God provided. The faith of Jesus heals broken bodies. The faith of  Jesus opens blind eyes. The faith of Jesus loosens stammered tongues. The faith of Jesus sits at a table and shares a dinner with the person who would betray him. The faith of Jesus forgives those who would have him killed. The faith of Jesus loves those who considered unlovable by society. The faith of Jesus fights for justice. The faith of Jesus is not conventional. The faith of Jesus is powerful.

Having the faith of Jesus is something worth striving towards. God honors and is pleased with this type of faith. God is faithful to the faithful. God answers the call of the faithful. That is why Jesus is bold enough to say that “whatever you ask for in prayer with FAITH, you will receive.” Jesus knew this to be true because whatever he asked God for God granted because of his FAITH. If you want to know what faith in action looks like, look at Jesus.

Today I want to encourage you to not only have faith in Jesus but to have the faith OF Jesus. Don’t allow the cloud of doubt to distract you. Doubt removes the possibility of what can be. Faith makes room for the impossible to occur. The power of faith is that you are able to see beyond the tangible (Hebrews 11:1). Jesus was able to do the impossible because of his faith. Jesus was able to see beyond the difficult circumstances because of his faith. Jesus told his disciples that they will do the works he has done and greater works (John 14:12-14). I implore you take on the faith OF Jesus and begin to do greater works in the world. Relinquish the doubt and fear. Release the hesitation and uncertainty. Move and live in faith, just as Jesus did, and watch the impossible occur and give God all the glory.

#ConsiderThis

Lent- Day 1: The Blessings and Burdens of Purpose

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord  would fulfill his promises to her!” – Luke 1:45

Elizabeth shares this word of encouragement to Mary as she has just been informed that she will give birth to the Messiah. Mary’s purpose comes at a critical point in her life because she is engaged to Joseph and the pregnancy can be viewed more as a burden than a blessing. Mary will potentially face the scrutiny of her family and community because the unexpected pregnancy can impact the marriage arrangement made between her family and Joseph’s family. However, Mary possibly aware of the controversy surrounding her “immaculate” conception, accepts and embraces the calling and purpose that God has assigned.

I asked myself “Why Mary?” Why didn’t God choose a woman who was barren and had her fair share of life experiences? Why didn’t God choose a couple in a situation similar to Abraham and Sarah? Why did God choose a teenage girl to such daunting task? I came to the conclusion that Mary was gifted and purposed for the task. Before the foundations of the earth were established God knew that Mary would be the right person to fulfill this call.

Today I want to encourage you to accept the purpose God has given you. Your purpose may be controversial and bring about scrutiny and criticism from your family, friends and community. Sometimes our purpose can feel more like a burden than a blessing. Nevertheless, pursue your purpose in faith. God chose you for the task because God equipped you and trusts you with it. Mary had the huge responsibility of raising God’s child. Mary’s belief in God’s purpose for her life not only blessed her but blessed all of humanity. There would be no Jesus without Mary.

Of all the people God could have chosen, God chose Mary. Of all the people God could have chosen, God chose YOU. So go in faith and live on and with purpose because not only will God bless you for believing but others will be blessed because of your belief.

#ConsiderThis

Prayer and Scripture Itinerary for Lent

Lent begins Wednesday, March 5, 2014 and ends on Sunday, April 20, 2014. This 40 day period of fasting and prayer (excluding Sundays) has been recognized by the Christian faith for centuries. Below is a prayer and scripture itinerary for this year. This was compiled by my church (Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA) and I am sharing it with you in hopes that it can serve as a guide for all of us during this period.

During the lenten season, my church hosts a prayer call every morning (Monday-Friday) at 6am. All participants are asked to call in by 5:55am. The conference call number is 1-218-895-0785 and the passcode is 340218#.

If you have any questions, feel free to email at considerthisblog@gmail.com.

God Bless.

#ConsiderThis

Weekly Prayer & Scripture Itinerary

BELIEVE
March 5: Luke 1:45

March 6: Matthew 21:22

March 7: Mark 1: 14-15

March 8: John 3:16

FAST 

March 9: Mark 2:18-20

March 10: Esther 4:15-17

March 11: Matthew 4:1-4

March 12: Isaiah 58:6

March 13: Luke 2:36-38

March 14: Daniel 10:1-6

March 15: Matthew 6:16-18

PRAY

March 16: 2 Chronicles 7:14

March 17: Mark 11:25

March 18: Philippians 4:6

March 19: Psalm 145:18

March 20: Luke 6:12

March 21: Colossians 4:2

March 22: Ephesians 6:19

CONFESS CHRIST

March 23: Acts 24:14-16

March 24: Matthew 10:32

March 25: Philippians 2:9-11

March 26: John 11:27

March 27: 1 Corinthians 12:3

March 28: Matthew 16:13-19

March 29: 1 John 4:15

EXPECT GOD’S FORGIVENESS

March 30: Psalm 130:4

March 31: Matthew 6:12-15

April 1: Isaiah 55:7

April 2: 1 John 1:9

April 3: Acts 2:28

April 4: Hebrews 8:12

April 5: Ephesians 1:7

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

April 6: Luke 24:19-27

April 7: Isaiah 40:8

April 8: Romans 15:4

April 9: Hebrews 4:12

April 10: James 1:19-25

April 11: John 15:7

April 12: Job 23:12

WITNESS/VICTORY

April 13: Isaiah 55:11

April 14: Acts 5:42

April 15: Ezekiel 33:6

April 16: 1 John 5:7

April 17: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

April 18: Matthew 5:16

April 19: 1 Peter 3:15

April 20: 1 John 5:4-5