Mount Of Commandments
Sunday, February 15
EXODUS 24:12-18
In this passage, the Lord told Moses to go to the mountain and wait. For most of us, following the Ten Commandments is a given, but what about the command or that holy nudge we receive from the Lord to wait on God’s timing? I have found the practice of centering prayer to be helpful in this regard. Spending time in solitude and silence has been a new way for me to experience God. I have no prayer list, I don’t meditate on Scripture at that time, I simply enjoy God’s presence. I believe it is a way to wait on the Lord (Psalm 37:34).
I don’t tend to be a procrastinator. Getting an assignment done early is my standard way to operate. However, sometimes I experience a “holy procrastination,” or a time when I sense God wants me to hesitate, to not send that email or to otherwise wait. It may be “wait until the meeting is over” or “wait to make those travel plans.” Later I often see the reason for waiting and am so grateful I held back on my planned action.
Lord, help me to wait for your command, without moving until you say so. Grant me the fortitude to start exercising my spiritual waiting muscles. Amen.
Mount Of Triumph
Monday, February 16
PSALM 2
These days just looking at news feeds can be enough to induce a panic attack, and the news has been a frequent topic within my spiritual direction ministry. I try to be a nonanxious presence, to listen wholeheartedly to both my directee and to the Lord. As Christians, we know our kingdom is not of this world. (Please repeat that to yourself a few times as needed.) We belong to the King of all kings.
The psalmist prophetically speaks of Christ and how God will make the nations Christ’s inheritance in verse 7. Paul speaks of Christ in Ephesians 1:18b–23, saying that we “may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power….And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all” (NRSV).
Wow! That is a good reminder of who really triumphs over all.
Lord, when I feel fear rise in me about leaders, companies, and nations, remind me that Christ rules and reigns in triumph above all else in this world and the next. Amen.
Mount Of Transfiguration
Tuesday, February 17
MATTHEW 17:1-9
Imagine you are James or John, and you are invited along with Peter to climb a mountain with Jesus. Then amazing otherworldly things start happening to Jesus, who is shining with a brilliance like the sun. Imagine Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus, and the three of them are talking in front of you. You and your brother are dumbfounded and glance nervously at each other as only brothers can communicate with wide eyes that say, “What in the world is going on?!”
As Peter “was going on like this, babbling” (v. 5, MSG), he is cut off midsentence by the voice of God booming out from a radiant cloud. You, your brother, and Peter are laid flat, scared witless. God tells you that Jesus is his beloved Son, that he is pleased with Jesus, and says, “Listen to him!”
Then it is over. With weak legs, you begin the downhill climb, and you wonder if it had all been some kind of group hallucination. But then Jesus verifies what happened and tells you to tell no one until after “the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (v. 9, MSG). More glances at your brother in silence, but you are both thinking, “Did Jesus just say he was going to be raised from the dead?”
Sometimes we are invited into profound moments with another person that are extremely personal. This happens often in spiritual direction. A person may reveal a secret of their past they have not previously shared with anyone. It could be of a financial nature, a horrible trauma, or a joyful secret. When this happens, we are witnesses to something that needs to remain unspoken. It is not our story to tell, but it is a story that needs to be held in confidence. These can be holy, transformational moments, even when the information is difficult.
Lord, when you invite me into confidences, grant me your grace not to misspeak, and like John and James, to keep silent. Amen.
Mount Of Holiness
Wednesday, February 18
PSALM 99
Most humans have a strong sense of right and wrong, yet God is the only perfect judge as only God knows the true facts, motives, and circumstances. Today’s psalm says that God loves justice. We can think of justice as a two-sided coin. There is the justice that God requires for the oppressed and those who are on the margins, who are often mistreated by the majority or those in power. There is also justice for those who have mistreated others unfairly, who have sinned against others.
Three times the psalmist declares God’s holiness. Justice and holiness are intertwined. Together they bring about wholeness, or shalom, which is the way things should be, as God intended.
One prayer practice is a reflection called a prayer of examen. It is an opportunity to consider our day, or week, or season in life through the lens of God’s love for us. We remember moments that stood out in good ways or ones we wish we could do over. We repent and seek forgiveness. We thank God for the life-giving moments. We ask God to help refine our character to become more holy and more just. We also consider the time ahead and ask for guidance.
Jesus, thank you for bringing life and hope amid death through your words. In your name, Amen.
Mount Of Glory
Thursday, February 19
2 PETER 1:16-21
This letter was written many decades after Peter, James, and John had their mountain experience at the transfiguration of Jesus. It is likely that, as they were climbing down the mountain, they were bewildered about what had happened. With the perspective of time, they recognized that they were eyewitnesses to the majestic glory of Christ. The multiple prophetic messages of Christ written in the Old Testament started to make sense.
In spiritual direction sessions I frequently receive an image, a word, or some kind of impression. Sometimes it is strange, and I have to double-check, “You really want me to say that, Lord?” I usually ask the directee if there is an image or word they have. Then I share what I have received and see if it makes any sense to them. Often these impressions open new avenues of discussion and insights. Moving in the flow of the Holy Spirit is one of the most amazing things about spiritual direction. (By the way, “direction” is not a great word for what we do since it is truly the Holy Spirit who is the director for both parties.)
Have you been an eyewitness to something amazing God has done? Do you ever get impressions that you know are not your own thoughts? If they align with Scripture, have you considered that the Holy Spirit may be giving you something to help you see God’s glory?
Lord, help me to be a bold witness to others about what I have seen and heard. Give me courage to share a thought that may be from your Spirit. Amen.
Mount Of Refreshment
Friday, February 20
PSALM 104:10-18
In the early centuries of the church, a manner of reading Scripture was developed called lectio divina, or divine reading. The passage is read three or four times slowly and the listeners pay attention to any word or phrase that catches their attention. Done in a group, it can be a beautiful and meditative approach to prayerfully absorb a passage.
In the last five years our church leadership board has opened our meetings with lectio divina. It is, frankly, time-consuming but so refreshingly worthwhile. Often the business of our meetings is guided by the prayerful reading we did at the beginning. This portion of Psalm 104 makes an excellent lectio divina reading. Take the time to read the passage aloud again, then if you can, a third time. Notice any word or phrase that shimmers for you, a word you notice more than the others. If you are with others, discuss what you noticed together. For me, this passage is like watching a TV nature show, and I can practically hear Sir David Attenborough as the narrator. Be refreshed.
Lord, sometimes I want to escape to a place where all around me I can see and hear the wonder of nature and the care you show to all creatures of the earth. Let this passage wash over me as I bask in the refreshment that only you can give. Amen.
Mount Of Glory
Saturday, February 21
ZECHARIAH 4:6-10A
The prophet Zechariah lived in Jerusalem after the exiles returned from Babylonia. The temple was still a wreck. The leaders, Zerubbabel, and the high priest Joshua were guiding the effort to rebuild the temple, but it was a mountainous task and seemingly impossible. The vision Zechariah receives from God is an encouragement that they will finish this massive construction job. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (v. 6, NIV).
Each passage the past six days has included stories of physical mountains. This story is different as the mountain is a metaphorical one. Is there a task in your life that seems impossible to accomplish? Do you have dreams for your church or community, but no idea how they could be done? This Scripture reminds us that only those things done in the power of the Holy Spirit will last to eternity.
Paul talks about another building project when he says, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ”
(1 Corinthians 3:10–11, NIV).
Holy Spirit, show me God’s will and give me your grace to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, accomplish your will in and through me. Amen.
