Pick Up The Spoon
Members and Friends of HBC,
This morning I had breakfast. I’ve had breakfast nearly every morning for the last 44 years. If my math is correct, over the course of my life I’ve had breakfast approximately 16,060 times! That is a lot of Frosted Flakes.
I can’t remember what was on the menu each morning. I am also unable to explain how breakfast items such as orange juice, toast, cereal and bananas turned food into the energy I needed to start my day. I only know that without breakfast I felt lethargic and weak until finally I provided my body with food. Breakfast has been a vital part of my physical growth. However, in order to receive the nourishment, I needed there was some work required on my part – I had to pick up the spoon.
Growing our faith takes work as well. Just as our bodies need food to grow our souls need to be fed too and this requires an intentional effort on our part. Although my parents still provided the Frosted Flakes there came a point where I needed to learn how to feed myself. Imagine what people would think if my mother still had to spoon feed me!
I believe and hope we all want to grow in our faith. I also believe God wants to help us to grow in our faith. If these statements are true, and I am certain they are, then we must find ways to take responsibility to feed our own souls with the resources God has given us.
Therefore, throughout the season of Lent we will be taking some time to look at various tools that can help us to grow in our faith. Some people call these the “Spiritual Disciplines” but don’t let that title intimidate you. They are simply spiritual practices that help us to focus our lives more on Christ and less upon ourselves.
We will be considering important practices such as prayer, worship, studying the Bible, and solitude. I would like to encourage, challenge, push, prod – whatever word works for you – to enter the season of Lent prayerfully and with intentionality.
Come to church. Be a part of the discussion and the journey. Allow Lent a chance to work in your life. I hope you will seriously consider this opportunity. It will do your soul good. God wants to nourish your soul but you have to pick the spoon.
With grace and peace,
Dan
Categories: Pastors Message