By Janet Nygren
Day 40 (Saturday, Mar 29)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
(Romans 8:16-21)

Think about it.

Today is the last day of Lent, and the final day of this study. As we look ahead to celebrating Easter, let’s participate in one more resurrection hunt in Scripture. Paul reassures us that the Spirit himself testifies to our participation in a J-curve. When we share in the sufferings of Christ, we will also share in his glory. In fact our sufferings will not be worth comparing to the glory! But not only that–creation itself is in a Suffering J-curve. Imagine creation being liberated from the bondage of decay! No more death, disease, brokenness, fallen desires. Creation will experience glory just as the children of God will.

Consider.

I love that Easter occurs in spring. The new life bursting out all around us is a physical reminder of resurrection life to come, just as the hope in our hearts is a hint of the glory that is to come in our own lives when we experience resurrection life in full. I pray that, regardless of the suffering you may embrace now (the downward curve of the J-curve), you will be on a resurrection hunt every day, experiencing the joy that is a foretaste of the new heavens and new earth that is coming (the upward curve of the J-curve).

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me humble myself and trust in your glory, not my own.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 39 (Friday, Mar 29)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Think about it.

We began the week thinking about dying to our own glory. We’ve thought about how Jesus did that, being obedient to God’s plan to the point of death, even death on a cross. God accepts Jesus’ sacrifice and turns it into glorious resurrection. Peter was a witness of that suffering, as well as the glory of Jesus’ resurrection. It transformed his life. Here, Peter urges us to do the same, being obedient to God’s call to care for his flock, just as Peter himself did. Just as we follow Jesus in his suffering, we follow him in his glory as well, receiving a crown of glory that will never fade away. There’s no need to seek our own glory, as what God offers is so much greater!

Consider.

On this Good Friday we embrace the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus offered on our behalf. He endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2). My hope is that through this Lenten study we have come to know Jesus a little better. Like Jesus, as we understand the joy of God’s resurrection power, we are better prepared to endure whatever suffering we have to face as we take up our own cross daily and follow him.

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me humble myself and trust in your glory, not my own.

“It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.” (S.M. Lockridge)

Notes
1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 38 (Thursday, Mar 28)
 
As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“This man [Jesus] was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” (Acts 2:23-24)

Think about it.

Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan resulted in resurrection. It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him! God’s resurrection moments are so much greater than anything we could do on our own. Compare the glory of Palm Sunday with the glory of Easter–the crowd promoting Jesus as king on the way to Jerusalem is nothing compared to all of creation worshiping him as king for all of eternity! This first sermon of Peter’s in Acts is another testimony of God’s transformative power on an individual. The Holy Spirit has given him words and courage like never before.

Consider.

Sometimes it helps to reframe things that have become overly familiar. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe did that for me recently. Aslan, the Jesus-like lion, sacrifices his life in exchange for the life of the boy Edmund. Like Jesus, Aslan returns to life and appears first to the sisters Lucy and Susan. It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him either, and he is bursting with life! He says, “'Oh children, I feel my strength coming back to me. Oh, children, catch me if you can!' He stood for a second, his eyes very bright, his limbs quivering, lashing himself with his tail. Then he made a leap high over their heads and landed on the other side of the Table. Laughing, though she didn’t know why, Lucy scrambled over it to reach him. Aslan leaped again. A mad chase began."² As we prepare our hearts for Easter, let’s remember how much greater God’s resurrection moments are compared to anything we could do on our own.

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me humble myself and trust in your glory, not my own.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (NY, NY: Collier Books, 1978), 160.

By Janet Nygren
Day 37 (Wednesday, Mar 27)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
(Psalm 3:1-3)

Think about it.

These are words of David, but they could easily be Jesus’ words on his journey to the cross. Holy Week is Jesus’ steepest Suffering J-curve. Everyone abandoned him, even his closest followers. But it’s important to understand the resurrection side of the J-curve as well. Paul Miller says, “Resurrection isn’t something we do–the Father does it through the Spirit…We do the dying. God does the resurrecting.”² We do not seek glory, but God lifts us up when we humble ourselves to his purposes.

Consider.

It’s easy to be impatient for resurrection. Sometimes we even try to make it happen ourselves, jumping in ahead of the Spirit. Paul Miller cautions us to wait and let the story unfold. “[God’s] resurrections are always better than mine. We wait for his wonders.”³ Can you think of times you are tempted to jump towards a resurrection moment yourself rather than waiting out the dying God calls you to?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me humble myself and trust in your glory, not my own.

“‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ [Jesus] said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” (Mark 14:34-36)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 180.
3.  Miller, 181.

By Janet Nygren
Day 36 (Tuesday, Mar 26)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’ As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.’”(Luke 19:37-42)

Think about it.

Jesus enters Jerusalem. It’s Palm Sunday. It’s a glorious moment. Is Jesus seeking glory? As we focus on following Jesus, it seems like an important point to clarify. Some say it’s the disciples rousing the crowd, the same crowd who is incited later in the week by the Pharisees to shout, “Crucify him!” Regardless of whose side you are on, the disciples or the Pharisees, Jesus weeps over the misunderstandings of Jerusalem regarding what Messiah has come to do. From yesterday’s passage it is clear that Jesus is not seeking glory, he goes to Jerusalem knowing the death he is facing, dying for the very people who betray him.

Consider.

Seeking glory is not the same as seeking God’s affirmation for doing the right thing. Jesus tells us that creation itself will cheer him on if the crowds are silenced. From the time we are little, we long to hear, “Well done!” from those who can gauge our progress and encourage us. There’s nothing wrong with that. But we cross a line when our self-worth is at stake, when we become what I call a “glory hog,” as opposed to affirmation that we headed in the right direction. As we consider dying to glory, it’s important that we don’t take on a false humility that pushes against the encouragement of those who can help us stay on track as we fix our eyes on obeying God.

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me humble myself and trust in your glory, not my own.

“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 35 (Monday, Mar 25)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’ Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’” (Matthew 16:21-23)

Think about it.

This week we will think about dying to glory and rising with Jesus. But rather than starting with Palm Sunday, we are stepping back to a scene much earlier, reminding us that Jesus’ journey to the cross was no accident. Jesus had agreed to this plan long ago. As we heard earlier in Philippians 2:8, “Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” As we come to know Jesus better by following in his footsteps, we see that he is willing to die to glory. Peter stands in stark contrast, when he reacts against Jesus’ words. He wants to protect Jesus from such inglorious treatment (and perhaps be on the winning team).

Consider.

At the core of Jesus’ commitment to his journey to the cross is his complete surrender to God’s will, giving up any path to glory he determines for himself. My own pursuit for glory is very different from that. Similar to the longing for a good reputation, my hunger for glory exists in the approval of other people, and experiencing it now. Even if it’s shameful to admit to others, I can get caught up in daydreams of glorious success, where I was the one who made everything fall into place, or had the perfect answer to a question, or landed the last perfect shot that caused my team to win the game. Ah me! Dying to glory gets at the essence of my pride, or insecurity, two sides of the same coin. Is dying to glory a struggle for you?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me humble myself and trust in your glory, not my own.

“Oh for the days …the young stepped aside, and the aged rose in respect. The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths. The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect. All who heard me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me. For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help.” (Job 29:4, 8-12)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 34 (Saturday, Mar 23)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 
(2 Corinthians 9:10-12)

Think about it.

Paul is commenting here on the generous promise of giving that one community, Achaia, made toward another, the Macedonians. He is anticipating the resurrection moments that will come as a result. Not only will the Macedonians experience and learn about the generosity of the Achaians, but Paul is confident that God will bless Achaia, both materially and spiritually, and many others will overflow with generosity and praise for God.

Consider.

We have seen over and over again how choosing to suffer with Jesus is a constricting action. As we die to ourselves, we accept a narrowing of our ability to act, a powerlessness while we rely on God’s power. The suffering we experience is a form of shame, just as Jesus experienced shame on the cross. But Paul Miller also points out that resurrection moments do the opposite–they produce an ever-widening expansion of power and glory–not of ourselves, but of God.² As we participate in these resurrection moments, as we hunt for them around us, joy and hope bubble up in us as well. The kingdom of God is unstoppable. Do you see glimpses of it today as you prepare for Holy Week?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me have faith to follow where you lead.

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
(1 Peter 1:6)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 172.

By Janet Nygren
Day 33 (Friday, Mar 22)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12)

Think about it.

As we’ve seen in numerous situations, Paul has learned what it means to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, embracing all kinds of suffering to know him better. By trusting Jesus again and again, he has come to know that he doesn’t have to worry about himself because God will provide somehow, and produce a resurrection moment. In fact, his secret of contentment is one such resurrection moment. Paul’s eyes are on what God is up to, not on his own material belongings.

Consider.

It’s encouraging to me that contentment, and other qualities, can be learned. The learning curve is still steep, and sometimes scary, but the goal keeps me going. More than that, the God who is with me while I go down that curve keeps me going. It’s still surprising to me how many of Jesus’ disciples write about actual joy in the midst of trials and suffering, not just getting through a difficult situation. But I am slowly being persuaded to pray with Paul our theme verse, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). How about you?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me have faith to follow where you lead.

“Jesus, do you see that wheelchair? You were right when you said that in this world we would have trouble, because that thing was a lot of trouble. But the weaker I was in that thing, the harder I leaned on you. And the harder I leaned on you, the stronger I discovered you to be. It never would have happened had you not given me the bruising of the blessing of that wheelchair.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 32 (Thursday, Mar 21)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” (Mark 12:41-44)

Think about it.

I’m often like the rich people described here. I’m faithful about offerings, but very careful to be sure my giving is “responsible,” not cutting into other obligations I have. The widow’s extravagance toward God is astounding! She joyfully enters a Love J-Curve, not knowing how God will provide, but trusting him nonetheless. Paul Miller says that a Love J-Curve invariably turns into a Suffering J-Curve.² Love costs something, resulting in suffering that “finds you,” often in unexpected ways. We might start out counting the cost, but never know how a scenario will play out.

Consider.

Remember what God said in Malachi 3:10? “Test me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Just imagine what a resurrection moment might have looked like for that widow! Do you identify with the rich people or the poor widow? How far are you willing to test God?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me have faith to follow where you lead.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 122-123.

ByJanet Nygren
Day 31 (Wednesday, Mar 20)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
(Matthew 6:1-4)

Think about it.

When we die to ourselves in terms of material goods, we come to a place of committing our resources to something or someone that will benefit from our generosity. Jesus points out that we have to do it with the right attitude in order for it to be a J-curve. If we only give because it will benefit our honor, or we will get some other “payback,” then it isn’t really walking in Jesus’ steps. Jesus suggests that giving secretly is one step toward having the right attitude.

Consider.

Even when we give with the right attitude, whether with money or actions, we often expect something in return. “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” We live in a culture that is very transactional in nature, and it spills over into all kinds of subtle expectations. We give lip-service to unconditional love, but we’re often surprised when our hearts are exposed to believe something else. If a spouse doesn’t keep up their end of the chores, why should we? If they haven’t forgiven me, I might make them pay, at least for a while, until they realize their error. As you think about your giving, monetarily or otherwise, how transactional are you?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me have faith to follow where you lead.

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 30 (Tuesday, Mar 19)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Think about it.

We said last week that a love J-Curve starts from a place of confidence that God’s “got us.” This is as true regarding material goods as it is in trusting his actions on our behalf. So it is fitting for us to look at the only place in Scripture where God encourages us to test him, Malachi 3:10. As we’ve been reminded from Phil 3:10 numerous times, Jesus wants us to “know him” by entering into suffering. In this passage, God invites us to know him by risking our material resources and seeing how he comes through.

Consider.

Usually we are asked to give to satisfy a stated need. Then, because we care about what or who needs our help, or perhaps because we don’t like to say no, or perhaps out of guilt, we give something. We feel good that we are able to help. We prefer to be depended on than to be dependent. What is described in this passage is very different. There is a need in God’s house to support its priests and care for the needy. But that’s not the point. God wants us to know him–whether he is trustworthy, dependable, true to his word, generous, able to provide what we need. How well do you know God in this regard? Have you tested God with your material resources to the point where you will suffer if he doesn’t come through?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me have faith to follow where you lead.

“Give according to your income lest God make your income according to your giving.”
(Peter Marshall)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 29 (Monday, Mar 18)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love… I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains…I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary…if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” (Philemon 7-18)

Think about it.

In this brief letter, the apostle Paul is writing to Philemon, a fellow Christian, whose slave, Onesimus, ran away. Onesimus has become a Christian and helped Paul tremendously. Now Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, and appealing to Philemon for Onesimus’ freedom. Paul’s request thrusts Philemon into a love J-Curve. Is Philemon willing to absorb the loss he would experience from letting go of his “property”? In today’s terms, it could be a cost of $150,000,² which any of us would recognize as significant.

Consider.

When Jesus asks us to count the cost of following him, as we said last week, the question is not just theoretical or emotional. He exposes our hearts and the things we trust in. Paul clearly states that he thinks Philemon ought to free Onesimus, but leaves it up to him. Paul is willing to absorb some cost as well. This week we will give some thought to dying to self in terms of material cost. Is this a struggle for you?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me have faith to follow where you lead.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
(Matthew 6:24)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 27.

By Janet Nygren
Day 28 (Saturday, Mar 16)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Think about it.

This week we have thought about steps that take us down the J-Curve as we reflect specifically on letting go of comfort. For the sake of love, we can choose to do that. Even when we don’t choose to give up comfort, the process of aging reminds us that it’s not always up to us. God uses all circumstances to shape and refine us. Even when our bodies are wasting away, God is working at renewal. He is preparing us for ultimate resurrection.

Consider.

Let’s end the week on a resurrection hunt. Where have you seen God bring about good as a result of letting go of something that brings you comfort? As you reflect, I pray you will experience inward renewal and can give thanks to God as you prepare for another Resurrection Day (Sunday).

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help my love for you grow more and more.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” (Jim Elliot)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 27 (Friday, Mar 15)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:1-5)

Think about it.

The fourth and final step of this descent into love is feeling the cost of love.² The experience of suffering, or even death, is not theoretical or metaphorical. There truly is a cost and it can hurt. Jesus so clearly demonstrates this entire process of the descent into love in this foot washing incident. He knew he had come from God (step one). He chose to love his disciples, even Judas, to the end (step two). He saw the opportunity to wash his disciples’ feet and got up to do it (step three). The greatest cost follows on Good Friday, where Jesus literally gives his life. But it must have hurt to look Judas in the eye and then wash his feet as well, knowing what was to come (step four).

Consider.

As we embrace the J-Curve, it is important to remember that there will be suffering, but it’s OK. As Paul Miller puts it, “all of life is dying and rising.”³ Sometimes that means giving up what makes us comfortable–whether physically or emotionally. As we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, he reminds us that dying is not the end of the story. What costs have you absorbed for the sake of love?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help my love for you grow more and more.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 158.
3.  Miller, 158.

By Janet Nygren
Day 26 (Thursday, Mar 14)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:18-20)

Think about it.

Step one of re-enacting Jesus’ descent into love was being confident of God’s love, who sustains your needs without you having to grasp after them yourself. Step two was recognizing your choice to move beyond yourself and die to comfort for the sake of someone else, beginning with prayer. Step three follows as a result of your prayers. The “eyes of your heart are enlightened” so that you are able to see how you can step in and make a difference. At the same time, you are strengthened with the power to actually do it joyfully, with the same strength that raised Jesus from the dead! You stop thinking about yourself and enter into the world of love.²

Consider.

As we consider dying to comfort, I think it would be easy to skip any of these steps and not know Jesus better. We see needs all around us, but sometimes brush them off because we are too focused on ourselves. Or we don’t pray about it, but jump in to help, either out of guilt, or on our own strength. We sometimes end up helping in the wrong way because we do it in our own wisdom, rather than waiting for better understanding or direction from God’s Spirit. We sometimes help, but with the wrong attitude–sometimes grudgingly, sometimes self-righteously. At least those are my tendencies. What missteps do you make that result in not loving others well?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help my love for you grow more and more.

“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 157-158.

By Janet Nygren
Day 25 (Wednesday, Mar 13)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:6-7)

Think about it.

As we think about dying to comfort, we are re-enacting Jesus’ descent into suffering for the sake of love. The first step was recognizing God’s care for us, as his children. The second step is recognizing that dying to comfort is a choice.² Jesus chose to leave heaven and empty himself for the sake of love. As we walk in his path, we have a choice as well. When we empty ourselves of comfort, it is a choice of love, not suffering that is forced on us.

Consider.

If we listen to the wisdom of our culture, or our unredeemed nature, it makes no sense to give up our comfort. Our natural tendency is to be self-seeking. But Jesus models something different. He sees our situation and makes a commitment to do something about it. He is willing to act in love. Paul Miller says that this move always starts with prayer.³ What, or who, captures your heart with the wonder of love enough to consider giving up what comforts you?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help my love for you grow more and more.

“Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”(C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves)

Notes

1.  Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 157.
3.  Miller, 157.

By Janet Nygren
Day 24 (Tuesday, Mar 12)
 
As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

Think about it.

As we think about comfort, it is important to recognize that your heavenly Father knows what you need. His character is not such that if you ask for a fish he will give you a snake (Luke 11:11). He promises to take care of his children. So as we think about steps of dying to comfort for the sake of love, the first step is recognizing that God’s got us. To dwell with God is a privilege that actually is comfortable! He ensures our refuge, our inheritance in his kingdom, our abundance. Before Jesus descended, he came from heaven where he wanted for nothing.

Consider.

If we live out of a place of deprivation, our natural tendency is to strive after what benefits ourselves, not the kingdom of God. Paradoxically, God tells us that when we seek his kingdom first, we will gain back the very things we lose and more. We don’t have to worry about being “safe” because God’s taking care of that. We are freed up to look beyond ourselves. As Paul Miller puts it, when we look at Jesus, his life breaks the grip on our imagination to consider the wonder of love.² How does your desire for comfort freeze you into inaction on behalf of others?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help my love for you grow more and more.

“I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs…so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.” (Isaiah 41:18, 20)

Notes
1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2.  Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 157.

By Janet Nygren
Day 23 (Monday, Mar 11)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything…Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:2-4, 12)

Think about it.

Hopefully by now you are getting skilled at spotting J-Curves and see one here: trials (of many kinds) resulting in perseverance, maturity, even blessing–the crown of life! But honestly, most of us find this verse uncomfortable. Facing trials and pure joy do not seem to belong in the same sentence. This week we are exploring what it means to die to comfort for the sake of something greater. Similar to facing trials, foregoing comfort and experiencing pure joy are not the greatest of companions. If you’re anything like me, grumbling or self-righteousness are more typical responses to discomfort. So hopefully we can learn together. We will explore what Paul Miller describes as four steps of love, as we reenact Jesus’ descent into suffering.²

Consider.

Let’s start by thinking about what dying to comfort means for you. Comfort in and of itself is not a bad thing. God gives us good gifts for our pleasure. But when created things get in the way of God’s greatest commandments, to love God and love others, something is off-balance. When we love the gifts more than we love the Giver, or the people he calls us to love, our appetites have gotten the better of us. Where do you seek comfort? What makes you uncomfortable?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help my love for you grow more and more.

“Creation was made to be one big finger pointing you to the One who alone has the ability to satisfy your heart.”(Paul David Tripp)

Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
2. Paul E. Miller, J-Curve (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019), 155.

By Janet Nygren
Day 22 (Saturday, Mar 9)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Think about it.

Love is reflected in the things we say and how we say them. Think about how Jesus models this in his conversations and attitudes with people. What a contrast to what we have been thinking about this week, attitudes that stubbornly insist on what we think, whether they are intended for good or harm. If we can discover conversations and attitudes around us that reflect this familiar passage, it is treasure worth celebrating!

Consider.

As we prepare for another Resurrection Day (Sunday), consider the conversations you have heard this week. Go on a treasure hunt for “balcony people” who speak in a way that is patient and kind, not self-seeking or proud, delighting in truth while not boasting. And, while you’re at it, why not let them know what you have seen in them and be a balcony person yourself!

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me trust you.

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 21 (Friday, Mar 8)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:19-21)

Think about it.

We left off yesterday thinking about balcony people–people who will say “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” (Eph 4:29) James gives us something helpful to think about in this regard. We must understand someone’s needs first, in order to say something helpful. That requires listening well before giving our own opinion. Remember, our focus this week is not being insistent on our own opinions. That includes good thoughts, not just feisty ones. Sometimes, even when we’re right, it’s more loving to be silent, to understand a person enough to be able to say “I get it.” We are never called to take the place of the Holy Spirit.

Consider.

Have you evaluated your ability to listen well recently? We all benefit from hearing checks occasionally. We think we’re listening, but suddenly realize our minds have drifted to something else–another conversation nearby, the thing we forgot to do this morning, the perfect retort, our own parallel story that we can’t wait to share–all of which keep us from truly hearing another person. Try turning on your “listening radar” this week and see how you’re doing.

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me trust you.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” (Epictetus)

Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 20 (Thursday, Mar 7)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. (Ephesians 4:17-18)

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:22-24)

Therefore…do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
(Eph 4:29)

Think about it.

As the apostle Paul points out to the Ephesians, when we insist on our own way (hardening our hearts), it unleashes a chain of events. We head out on our own path, independent from God’s. That’s what we see when sin first takes hold of us in the Garden of Eden. Independence from God leads to separation from him, not only relationally, but in the way we think. Disconnected from God’s wisdom, Paul tells us, our thinking becomes futile, ignorant. We cling to our own interests, tearing down others who get in our way. Paul insists on something different–a J-Curve. Put off your old self and put on a new self, one that is more like Jesus.

Consider.

It’s much easier to “put off” something when you’ve got something better to replace it with. I won’t throw away my old, leaky hiking boots until I’ve got a new pair that is comfortable. As we think about the destructive effects of stubbornly speaking our minds, Paul points us to something better–words that are helpful for building up others. Can you “put on” some words today that will benefit another?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me trust you.

“There are two kinds of people, those people who 'build you up' (balcony people) and those who 'tear you down' (basement people).” (Joyce Landorf Heatherley) Who will you be?

Notes
1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 19 (Wednesday, Mar 6)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“When I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts.” (Jeremiah 7:22-24)

Think about it.

We’ve been talking about words and opinions this week, stubbornly sticking to what we think is right. As we alluded to earlier, there’s a deeper issue going on. It’s not uncommon for attitudes between people to be reflected in our attitude toward God as well. As we see in this passage from Jeremiah, that’s exactly what happened with the Israelites. They were so convinced of their own right-ness that they refused to listen to God, even though he had their good in mind.

Consider.

As we consider the path Jesus followed, he always listened to God, even when it caused him to suffer. As humans, we can’t always see the big picture, so we have to trust that God knows what he’s doing, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. In your interactions with other people or with God, is there anything you’re holding onto that you might need to let go of this week?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me trust you.

“[Jesus] knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:41-42)

Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 18 (Tuesday, Mar 5)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. (Prov. 12:1)

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Prov. 12:15)

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. (Prov. 29:1)

Think about it.

Proverbs is a great place to go for wisdom on various themes. The ones shown today reflect wisdom on how the author views stubbornness about being corrected. In the world of Proverbs, there are two kinds of people–the wise and the foolish. Following the path of Jesus will always be walking in the way of wisdom. These proverbs make it pretty clear that insisting on being right falls in the category of the foolish, which does not end in a J-Curve, but rather destruction.

Consider.

Sometimes it’s easier to think about others before we think about ourselves. In your mind, consider various categories of people: people in the Bible, in your family, in the political realm, or in other areas of your life. In your list, who follows the way of wisdom–welcoming discipline, advice, even rebukes? Who follows the way of foolishness–hating correction, focused on their own opinion, or stiff-necked, insisting on their own way? How would you characterize yourself?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me trust you.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

ByJanet Nygren
Day 17 (Monday, Mar 4)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we disown him, he will also disown us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. (2 Timothy 2:11-14)

Think about it.

As we continue to think about the J-Curve, these words of Paul to Timothy, his disciple, should look like they are following a familiar pattern. Dying with Jesus means rising with Jesus. Paul is not afraid to tell us this repeatedly–it must be important! In this example, he puts special emphasis on quarreling about words. He is particularly concerned about false teachers. As we focus this week on a tendency to insist on what we think to be right, it is not so different from the people Paul is warning against.

Consider.

Do you ever get in arguments about what you think or remember? It’s a common trait in my family. We can get so insistent about minor details, trying to prove the other person wrong, or inferior. While it might overlap somewhat with concerns for reputation, it seems more concerned with my opinion about myself than others’ opinions about me. If you dig below the surface, what might insisting on your own opinion say about your heart?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me trust you.

“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” (Luke 6:45 NLT)

Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

By Janet Nygren
Day 16 (Saturday, Mar 2)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

Think about it.

Yesterday we thought about comforting and encouraging others because of the comfort and encouragement we have received. Paul told his audience that as they do that, it completes his joy. I’m sure that as Paul saw his disciples follow his example, he was encouraged all the more to walk in the path of Jesus’ suffering to produce more resurrection moments, and that, in turn, encouraged others to do the same. I am struck by the interconnectedness of encouragement, comfort, and love. It is a glorious upward spiral that can spread exponentially. As you read today’s passage again, keep in mind that “you” and “your” is plural, with the whole Philippian church in mind. Paul’s prayer is not just that an individual will grow, but that love in the community as a whole will grow. This is my prayer for our church as well!

Consider.

As we prepare to celebrate another Resurrection Day (Sunday), let’s be on the lookout for resurrection moments happening throughout our church community.  Have you seen examples this week of others putting aside their reputation, denying themselves for the sake of encouraging, comforting, and loving one another? Let’s prepare to give glory and praise to God for the way his love for us has multiplied as we love one another.

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me to know you better.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
 
Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/