Good morning! I hope your Lenten journey is going well in the midst of this Spring Break. Our writer of our Lenten devotional today is my good friend and colleague Bianca Newton. For those of you who might not know Bianca, she is the Program Manager in Alcohol and Drug Education and she formerly served as Residence Hall Director during her tenure here at TCU. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Bianca over the years, whether that be through seeing and hearing her pretty stellar karaoke skills or hearing about her most recent mission trip. Whatever she invests herself in she brings a lot of warmth, a bright smile, and a certain degree of intentionality. I think you will find that’s exactly what she has done for us today. Blessings on your journey…
Colossians 3:15-17New International Version (NIV)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Have you ever gotten a song stuck in your head? I mean like really stuck? The “I know I’m singing the words wrong, but I love that tune and I know the adlibs by heart” kind of stuck in your head? Well that’s where I was a couple of days ago. I always think if a song gets stuck in my head, especially if it’s one with a positive message, that maybe it’s something that I am meant to share. It could be as simple as sending it to a friend via social media or singing it while I’m with others.
I think that God has things that He places on our hearts not for us to keep to ourselves but to use to send a message of encouragement, love and hope to others. I think of how I can share things I’ve learned from reading and researching and from interacting with those far more wise than myself and then try to encourage those around me. During this season of Lent, I’m thankful for the people that have impacted my life in such a positive way and I hope that through the word of God and songs of praise I will be reminded daily of the promise that He has for my life and how I am called to lift up and serve others around me. I hope this passage reminds you of what He has placed in your path and how He calls us to reflect on His goodness with gratitude and service!
Our Good and faithful Father, thank you for being the giver of all good things. Thank you for the grace, mercy and love that you show us every day. Remind me to lift up those around me with kind words and pray for the peace that only you can provide. When life gets busy and noisy I pray that I focus on you, your word, and what message you want me to hear from the people and opportunities you have placed in my path. Amen.
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