Week 5 of Lent

Day-to-day busy-ness, ACC basketball and March Madness marred my engagement with the actual photograph-taking for the Photo-a-Day challenge for Lent as we went through the fifth week, but taking time to catch up, at least on the reflection, if not the images, brought me into Scripture with greater attentiveness, so maybe that's ok.

Go
Am I as eager to go wherever God leads as my ball-chasing Labrador?

Temper 
"Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.  Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.  Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart."

Psalm 32:9-11, NRSV

Surround
"…do not be afraid of them, and do not be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns surround you and you live among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words, and do not be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear;..."

Ezekiel 2:6-, NRSV

New
How is the new thing that God is doing both fragile and life-bearing, and sometimes hidden from us?

 

Rise

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Deuteronomy 6:5-9, NRSV

Dream
"…this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 'In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy."

Acts 2:16-18, NRSV

Beloved
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 

Philippians 4:6-8, NRSV