Lent 2024 – Guard Your Mouth

Psalm 141:3

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

We are in the midst of Lent 2024. Day 9 is upon us. Lent is a time to deny self and do more to witness Jesus and bring Him praise and glory. What have we decided to give up and how will we bring God praise and glory?

I remember one time – playing basketball – and missing every shot – or so it seemed. I mentioned that someone must have put a lid on the rim. Of course no one had – but the idea of a lid on the rim – keeping the ball from going thru the basket is something that a number of players has claimed when they go cold shooting. I wish my knees would allow me to return to the court – even if I missed a lot of shots. I miss playing basketball so much!

Have you ever heard the phrase – put your brain in gear before putting your mouth in motion? Too many of us shoot from the hip – so to speak (see what I did there?). Too many of us speak before we think – and then wish we could capture our words and take them back. Has that ever happened to you? I know it has happened to me – far more times than I wish to remember.

My Faith is No Wish – It Is Real!

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Have you ever wished for something? Maybe a new red bike for Christmas. Maybe a new Barbie doll. Maybe a G.I. Joe action figure. How about a Mattel Thingmaker or Creepy Crawlers set (pretty dangerous toys of the 60’s). Another dangerous toy – Lawn Jarts. When we made our wish list for Christmas – we might not have thought we would get everything on our list – but it was nice to put a few things on the list for sure.

Have you ever wished for something? Maybe to play major league baseball or NFL football or NBA basketball. Maybe to dance on Broadway or to sing at the Grand Ole Opry. Maybe to act on TV or the stage. Maybe to have children or have a career or both.

Have you ever wished for something? Like to meet your forever love. Like to have children. Like to live long enough to see your grandchildren have children. Maybe wishing to live long enough to see a child graduate college or to marry.

Dear Lord – Renew My Strength

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

OK – I turned 68 a few months ago. I have to admit – I don’t have the strength I had in my younger years. I mean – in years gone by I was able to dunk a basketball – now I can’t even touch the net. I was able to finger roll at the rim and now a finger roll has to have a big shove to reach the rim (and I don’t leave the ground very far either these days – when I play basketball at all). My legs have a hard time getting this old and overweight body up and down the court with my knees as bad as they are – so – I haven’t played for some time. With a torn meniscus in my left knee – I’ve pretty much given up the idea of playing full-out – full-court basketball. My doctor even encouraged me to give it up all together several years ago! I went to play a few years ago – only to see 20 plus young men on the court and so I decided to go the gym and workout instead! So I ask the question I have asked before – can God help me dunk again?

I walked 18 holes a few years ago (I typically use a cart these days). Walking the course is good exercise – but on the last few holes I could feel the burn in my legs and I got winded a few times going up hill. My strength is not what I wish it would be or what it once was for sure. My hope is that I can walk the golf course once in a while this summer – walk some with a fiend and work out at home to get in better shape – to regain some of my strength. Maybe I’ll ask this question. Can God help me scratch some strokes off my game or help me hit longer drives again?

We Groan and Are Burdened

2 Corinthians 5:4

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

As I’m writing this devotional – I just arrived at the church office (shortly after 8 am) – after physical therapy on my knees and dropping off my wife’s car for an 80K service and diagnosis of an engine issue. Today’s passage came to mind.

My knees are giving me issues – have been for years. I had to give up one of my favorite participation sports – basketball – because of a torn meniscus in both knees (at different times). I get cortisone shots and therapy – and I can walk without pain – but jumping brings pain (so I had to stop slam dunking – lol). My wife says – there is nothing wrong with my knees that 50 pounds wouldn’t help (she is so sweet!). I groan at times – even when I come down the steps from my home office.

The groaning continued today when I heard the price tag on an 80K service on her car and more – because it has an issue they need to fix with the engine. I can only imagine what that will cost. I got the bill later that day – and the estimate for the repair – and – let’s just say – I’ll not completely retire for some time yet (LOL).

I’m Competitive

John 20:4

Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

I know I’m competitive – I like to win at anything. If I’m playing golf – I want to win (and often do but not always). I loved making teams for tournaments where I was the worse player – that usually led to wins. If I’m playing basketball – I want the ball in my hand with the game on the line – whether I take the last shot or find someone wide open for that winning shot. If I’m on a trip – I like to beat the estimated time on the GPS – or beat my last time to that location. When I was in elementary school – I liked being the first one in line or the first one finished with their classwork.

I’ve tried to be less competitive as I’ve aged – or rather matured. Winning is not all that – I try to keep telling myself. It isn’t whether you win or lose – but how you play the game – some say. I’m not totally sold on that – but – it makes some sense.