REPAIRING BROKEN BRIDGES

We have been talking about the Lenten season when those who observe it spend time fasting, praying and drawing closer to God. I received a note from the Temple Institute in Jerusalem that was so interesting, and I had to share it with you.

Today is February 7, 2008 on the Gregorian calendar which we use. But it is Adar Rishon 5768 on the Jewish Calendar. The Jews operate on a lunar calendar and count time from creation, whereas we count from the death of Jesus. But what is interesting, with the lunar calendar, there has to be an extra month added occasionally so that Passover can be observed at it's proper time. Adar Rishon is that month. It only occurs seven out of nineteen years, and today begins that month. Remember that I told you that when God told Moses to celebrate Passover, He told them that this was to be the first month of their year. (Exodus 12:1)

For what reasons do we invoke the thirteenth month? Today it is for the purpose of ensuring that the Passover commemoration of our miraculous emergence from Egypt is observed in its appointed season: the time of Aviv (ibid 13:4), when the flax and barley are ripening (ibid 9:31), after the vernal equinox. During the days of the Holy Temple the Sanhedrin could declare an Adar Rishon when it was clear that the winter rains had caused damage to the roads and bridges, or erased traces of burial sites. In order to ensure that every Jew could complete his pilgrimage to the Holy Temple and participate in the Passover offering, the extra month was declared, granting extra time for the roads and bridges to be repaired and the graveyards to be clearly marked so that travelers would not inadvertently tread over them. To repair the broken paths and bridges that separate us from G-d - this is the proper way to spend this timeless month of Adar Rishon! To use this time to reflect on those who came before us, and to honor them as we mark our own path to the Holy One, Blessed be He - this is a fitting way to engage in G-d's creation and to bring it to a purposeful conclusion!

Time created, whether by G-d, or by man, as in the case of Adar Rishon, is much too precious to squander.

Isn't that what Lent is, a time to repair the broken paths and bridges that separate us from God? On our journey to Jerusalem, I hope we have seen that there are indeed things in our lives that need mending. So as the Christian world is fasting and praying as we draw near to God, and Jewish world is spending time doing the same, wouldn't it be something if we just do it together! If we allowed that "wall of separation" to really be torn down and never be rebuilt. If we allow God to repair the broken paths and bridges that separate us from Him, and tear down the walls that separate us from His people, wouldn't worship be unbelievable.

Talk about release from bondage!! It might even make the exodus from Egypt pale in comparison. Why not just let is start with us. -jl

Ash Wednesday Experience

Marilyn asked me to write to you about our Ash Wednesday experience today. She and I attended a service celebrating Ash Wednesday at All Saints Episcopal Church during our lunch hour. I think she may have been a bit nervous about going since the Episcopal Church can be a bit intimidating to those not accustomed to the service. First off, there is a lot of sit/kneel/stand, sit/kneel/stand and when you don’t have someone versed in the tradition you often find yourself standing when all others are kneeling and kneeling when they’re standing. But Marilyn’s curiosity and commitment to this Lenten season got the best of her so off we went.

We sat in the back of the church so if things got too rough – or too long – we could slip out. To Marilyn’s surprise, and my relief, she found it to be a very meaningful service.

Growing up in the Episcopal Church, I am accustomed to giving up things for Lent: things like chocolate, sweets, even cokes, but I’ve never thought of giving up those barriers I place between myself and God that keep me from knowing him deeper.

The sermon began with a description of Shrove Tuesday (which was yesterday and which is also referred to as Fat Tuesday in Mardis Gras terms). It is a time of celebration involving costumes and masks. It is the last hoorah. Today, on Ash Wednesday, we are to remove those masks, remove those personas that we wear in our daily lives; the ones that we use to hide ourselves and to guard us against life and come before God as we are, our true selves, right where we are today.

We were invited to the altar to receive the blessing and imposition of ashes. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” was recited as each person knelt at the altar. What a powerful message that was on its own, but to hear it so many times only reinforced its meaning.

Marilyn and I enjoyed sharing Ash Wednesday service today with our fellow Christians; it was a worthwhile experience for the both of us. We are eager to use this Lenten season and this Bible study to remove those barriers that keep us from knowing God more fully and to use this time to reenergize our relationship with him. –Julie Hinds

ASH WEDNESDAY

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a 40 day period when many Christians prepare themselves to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This season, known as Lent, is used as a time to examine their lives, to turn their backs on the sin that so easily creeps into our lives, and to re-dedicate their lives to God.

Sounds to me like what our pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover would be doing as they sang the Psalms of Ascent. They would be going to celebrate their redemption from Egyptian bondage. These Psalms reflect the heart of the pilgrim as they too, begin the process of examining their lives as they approach the temple of God. Christians now will be celebrating the redemption of our bondage of sin by The Passover Lamb.

Those who observe Lent, prepare themselves by asking God to show them their failures and repenting of their wrong doings. It is a time for new beginnings that start with repentance and receiving the forgiveness of God. It is a time of self sacrifice and self discipline. It is a time of fasting and praying. Many choose to "give up" things in their lives that hinder them from being the type of follower that Jesus would have us to be.

I started observing Lent several years ago, and I can tell you, that it has been a huge difference in how I celebrate the Easter season. Working in retail during the "religious holidays", I tend to lose the meaning of what we are really celebrating. I know many of you have been in Christian denominations that celebrate the Lenten season. Most of us have not had that privilege. Please share your experiences with us.

As we travel the road to Jerusalem together, may we use this time to re-examine our own lives, and allow God to do some "spring cleaning". It will require sacrifice on our part, but remember, the One who is the ultimate Sacrifice, is the one we most desire to imitate. It's worth the journey. - jl

Rainy Days and Mondays.....

Not many of us were around when that song began playing on the radio. However, I was at Milam Jr. High School and really loved it. This morning's rain and rolling thunder reminds me He is in control and still speaks.

Please plan on being present TONIGHT even if you are behind in your homework. The Passover observance and teaching will open your eyes and speak to your heart. Jennie does a great job with this and there will be s a surprise story teller assisting her.

By the way, look to your right at the added tool that you may use in your Bible study time. If you don't know how to use Bible Gateway or have not before, we will go over that tonight also. It is easy and amazing what all you can search.

We live in exciting times and difficult days, encourage one another. - mr

If the Lord Had Not . . . We Could Not

WOW!! Week 2 has been something else hasn't it. As I told you earlier, Psalm 122-24 have been described as problems along the way in our spiritual journey. I think we all can easily relate to this. Ancient pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem most certainly could. Warren Wiersbe states in his commentary that sometimes we face emergencies that are more than we can handle.. That is when we turn to the LORD for help, because He is own our side.

The Sudden Attack (vv.1-2)
Our enemy Satan does not give advance warning of his attacks; therefore, we must be sober and vigilant (I Peter 5:8), put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), and be alert in prayer. If we are walking with the LORD, we need not feel unprepared for the enemy's attacks.

The Deepening Flood (vv.3-5)
There are situations where we stand helpless as the problem gets worse and worse. This is an image of persecution that God's people go through. But if God is on our side, He will provide a way of escape.

The Menacing Beast (v.6)
Again, another picture of persecution. Like a cunning animal, Satan stalks us and waits until we have relaxed our guard, and then he pounces. But the LORD is stronger than Satan, and if we are abiding in Him, we can win the victory.

The Hidden Trap (vv.7-8)
We must use the Word of God to throw light on our path so we can detect and avoid the devil's traps. Satan always has fascinating bait to offer. The LORD may allow allow us to fall into a trap, but nobody can keep us when He wants us to be free. The LORD not only opened the trap, but broke it so it cannot be used again!! The death an resurrection of Jesus Christ has broken the dominion of sin and death and we can walk in freedom though Jesus.
Praise God, we are not helpless!! "Our help is in the name of the Lord" WW

Let me assure you ladies, Satan does not want us to take this journey. And, if you haven't felt that this week, be assured that I have. So we might ask, "Why go?" The next few Psalms in the Ascent will help us understand. Stay in the WORD!!! jl