Be Focused!

 

"And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest."

- Hebrews 3:1

When we want someone to take note of something important, we may ask them to 'listen carefully' or 'be focused.' The writer of Hebrews wants us to concentrate on the message he was to share with the people. He wants them to think carefully - he wants them to fix their attention on Jesus.

What does this mean for you today? How do we think carefully on Christ? Do we easily lose focus on what Christ has done for us?

Henri Nouwen - "Pay attention to the people God puts in your path if you want to discern what God is up to in your life." 

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A connection between pain and healing

"In this crazy world, there is an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But in the eyes of God, they're never separated. Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is the kingdom." - Henri Nouwen

These words of Henri Nouwen draw our attention to this following verse from 1 Peter, which shows us that the healing work of Jesus is done through his brokenness. His wounds offer us the gift of healing. It does seem hard to get our heads around this, but in time, we slowly comprehend this mystery.

1 Peter 2:24 - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Jesus' death gives us life.

His pain offers us healing.

His loneliness invites us into the fellowship of the Father. 

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Who means the most to you?

If I had to ask each of us to answer this question, what would your answer be?

Who means the most to you at the moment? 

Listen to the answer that Henri Nouwen gave: 

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” 

Who would that be in your world right now? 

Psalm 18:18 - They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.

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Last messages

The last words and actions of Jesus (before his arrest) leave us amazed at the extent of his love. On the very night before he would be nailed to the cross, Jesus was revealing his love to his followers in a most profound way. 

He showed them how to serve one another, through the washing of their feet (John 13) and then he led them through the Passover meal, drawing a direct connection with his body, about to be broken, and his blood about to be shed. These last messages still have a profound influence on our Christian faith today. 

Prayer: "Almighty, everlasting God,
on the evening before he suffered
your beloved son entrusted to the Church
the sacrifice of the new and eternal covenant
and founded the banquet of love.
Grant that from this mystery
we may receive the fullness of life and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ." - Henri Nouwen

Question: How does Jesus's call for us to serve and love others, challenge us today?

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Why is it so hard for me?

"Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me

to keep my heart directed toward you?
Why does my mind wander off in so many directions,
and why does my heart desire
the things that lead me astray?
Let me sense your presence in the midst of my turmoil.
Take my tired body,
my confused mind,
and my restless soul into your arms
and give me rest, simple quiet rest." - Henri Nouwen

I believe that one of the most important things to focus on, during Lent, is our honesty and authenticity. This prayer strikes a chord with me, as it 'tells it as it is' - Henri Nouwen owns his frailty, but still reaches out to God for strength and rest.

How is your Lenten journey going?

Psalm 10:1 - "Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"

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Strength together

 

The word 'Comfort' has many different meanings, which include: "easing the distress of someone" or "freedom from pain". However, I came across this definition which really speaks to me - Comfort means "strength together." 

If you have ever needed comfort then I sure you can relate to the idea of someone drawing alongside us in order to offer us solace and strength. We can rise from our periods of pain and despondency when we know that another person is there to assist us. 

Surely, part of the calling of being 'church' is that we comfort one another?

In our mutual journey of faith, we draw comfort from the words, actions and prayers of those around us. If we withdraw from community and fellowship then there is a danger that we have no one to comfort us.

Henri Nouwen wrote: "Comfort is the great human gift that creates community. Those who come together in mutual vulnerability are bound together by new strength that makes them into one body."

1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.

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Life is Advent - We just need to recognise it

"The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord." - Henri Nouwen

As we draw closer to the miracle of Christ's birth, there is a sense in which we remember that "Jesus has already come, but he will come again." I know it sounds a little confusing, but it is the heart of our belief that our Messiah has come, but that we believe he will come again. 

2 Timothy 4:8 - "In heaven a crown is waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And not just to me but to all those whose lives show that they are eagerly looking forward to his coming back again."

How does this change your life today?

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No easy matter

How easy do you find Prayer? 

I admit that on some days I find it incredibly tough and this is usually because of outside circumstances. Yet, on other days the words seem to flow from deep inside me. Although prayer can be simple, it can also be hard. I am consoled by the words of many great saints who have paved the way for us, and of course from the pages of the Scriptures. It all helps me tremendously. 

"Praying is no easy matter. It demands a relationship in which you allow someone other than yourself to enter into the very center of your person, to see there what you would rather leave in darkness, and to touch there what you would rather leave untouched." - Henri Nouwen

Matthew 6 (The Message)

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes."

Observation: Prayer is not an easy matter, but it is one of our deepest necessities. 

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Praying is no easy matter

Prayer can be so easy at times and then, in other moments, it can seem so hard. Henri Nouwen reflects on the intimacy of prayer, which can help us understand why it is so hard at times.
 
"Praying is no easy matter. It demands a relationship in which you allow someone other than yourself to enter into the very center of your person, to see there what you would rather leave in darkness, and to touch there what you would rather leave untouched."

1 Corinthians 2:11 - "For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."

May you discover more of yourself as you allow the Spirit to speak to you during your times of prayer.

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Simple prayers

"Thank you, Lord, for the grace of your love,
for the grace of friendship,
and for the grace of beauty. Amen." - Henri Nouwen, The Road to Daybreak

Prayers don't need to be long-winded in order to be meaningful. Here is another example of a beautiful, but simple prayer!

Psalm 109:26 - Help me, Lord my God; save me according to your unfailing love.

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What if this was our Agenda?

“For Jesus there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, and no people to be dominated. There are only children, women and men to be loved.” – Henri Nouwen

What if this quote formed a crucial part of our everyday agenda? 

What if we moved away from trying to 'conquer' others with our theology or dogma and just loved them?

What if I stopped trying to impose my ideology on you and loved you instead?

What if I humbled myself and loved you for who you are?

Would this make a difference in our world? I believe it would!

What do you think? Am I being too idealistic or naive? Would love to hear your thoughts...

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

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Hand upon you

"You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." - Psalm 139:5

This verse was part of our readings on Sunday and it brings such a vivid word picture to mind. It is made all the clearer when you read this insight from Robert Alter, who says that this verse should rather say ... “You set your palm upon me". Of course in Hebrew culture the significance of blessing was very huge and the act of laying a palm on the head of someone else spoke of grace and mercy. It was a great sign of blessing. 

And so, as we go about our daily tasks, let us remember that our Lord chooses to lay his palm upon our heads in a sign of peace and love. He desires to bless us and not to curse us.  The additional statement that reminds us that God 'hems us in' then doesn't seem to be as scary - it is news of God's favour - the ultimate Good News.

"To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer." - Henri Nouwen

Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/blessing

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Tough Question

"Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?" 

As he entered his fifties, Henri Nouwen came face to face with this tough question. Even though he was 'doing' a lot of ministry and speaking all over the world, Henri found that he was praying poorly, living more isolated from others and generally not feeling 'Christ-like.'

I think his question is remarkably challenging for all of us. Getting older doesn't automatically mean that we become closer to Christ. We need to be intentional about our spiritual disciplines and devotional life. These are some of the best ways of growing in our faith. 'Doing' more for God is not necessarily going to bring us closer to Jesus. We need to carve out time to be in God's presence for that to happen.

What are your thoughts?

James 4:8 - "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded"


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Befriending our brokenness

We spend far too much time trying to prove to the world that we are Perfect. We need to come to the sharp reality that we are all "broken" in some way or another. I think that once we can admit that, then we start to see others in a whole new light (and they see us differently too).

Henri Nouwen says it best - "As mortal people, brokenness is a reality of our existence, and as we befriend it and place it under the blessing, we will discover how much we have to give - much more than we may ever have dreamt."

So, next time we meet, let us put aside the pretence - I am broken and so are you - let us befriend our brokenness together.

Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

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Did I ?

"Did I offer peace today? 
Did I bring a smile to someones face? 
Did I say words of healing? 
Did I let go of my anger and resentment? 
Did I forgive?
Did I love? 
These are the real questions. 
I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come." - Henri Nouwen

Matthew 25:40 - “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

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Where is God hiding?

"I am beginning now to see how radically the character of my spiritual journey will change when I no longer think of God as hiding out and making difficult as possible for me to find him, but, instead, as the one who is looking for me while I am doing the hiding." - Henri Nouwen

If I was asking Henri Nouwen the question - "where is God hiding?" his answer (above) would show me that I am actually the one who does the hiding. It is my skewed understanding that God is trying to avoid me that makes me believe God is hiding from me.

Have you ever felt that God is hiding from you? If yes, then perhaps read the quote again and reflect on this verse for a while.

Psalm 32:7 - You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. 

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Did I?

I really enjoy the writings of Henri Nouwen. In one of his works he speaks about asking 'real Questions.' As I reflect on these thoughts I believe these are great questions to ask ourselves at the end of every day - if you like, they can help us reflect on the success/failures of the day. This is how it goes:

Did I offer peace today? 
Did I bring a smile to someone's face? 
Did I say words of healing? 
Did I let go of my anger and resentment? 
Did I forgive? 
Did I love? 
These are the real questions. 
I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, 
here in this world and the life to come.

May you find these words helpful in your own faith experience.

Luke 1:79 (MSG) -  Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.

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Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/henri_nouwen.html

Stumbling friend of Jesus

"O Lord Jesus, 
you who came to us
to show the compassionate love of your Father,
make your people know this love
with their hearts, minds and souls.

And to me, O Lord, your stumbling friend,
show your mercy.
Amen."

This prayer was written by Henri Nouwen and I love the honesty of it. After all, how many of us are likely to admit that we are 'stumbling friends' of Jesus?

Psalm 37:24 - Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

No matter what faces you today, may you know the mercy and Grace of Jesus.

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A new take on Obedience

This morning I discovered a slightly new take on the topic of Obedience. It may not seem like a huge revelation to many others, but it struck a chord with me today. Obedience simply means 'being a listener to God.' Let me share the paragraph I was reading and see what you think:

"Jesus learned obedience from what he suffered. This means that the pains and struggles of which Jesus became a part made him listen more perfectly to God ... Entering into the suffering of the poor is the way to become obedient, that is, a listener to God." - Henri Nouwen

Sometimes we need to go through difficult times in order for our senses to be in tune with the Divine voice of Jesus. We should desire to become 'listeners to God.' Once we hear the voice of God then we can know what we should do and which way to go.

“Our failure to hear His voice when we want to is due to the fact that we do not in general want to hear it, that we want it only when we think we need it.” - Dallas Willard

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The journey that seldom takes place

There is an important journey that seldom takes place in each one of our lives. It is the journey from the head to the heart. Or if you like, the journey from the intellect to the emotion. Someone once remarked that the longest journey we may have to make is that 18 inches from our minds to our heart.

You see there are many of us who are good at understanding things in our minds or even knowing 'facts' in an intellectual sense, but we battle to let this information sink deeply into the core of our being. As we are all aware, there is a massive difference between knowing about something and actually believing it with conviction.

Henri Nouwen wrote a simple prayer on this theme and I love the way he captures this idea:

"Dear Lord, 
Show me your kindness and your gentleness, 
you who are meek and humble of heart.
So often I say to myself, 'The Lord loves me,'
but very often this truth does not enter
into the centre of my heart."

Worth thinking about today, BUT even better if we allow these thoughts to transform our hearts.

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