April 2 - Fallen Arches

Read today’s texts first: Judges 13-16; 2 Corinthians 2

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Despite chronic failure, we can still be a leader

who finishes well.

Time for some more Bible jokes. “Who was the greatest actor in the Bible?” The answer is: “Samson - he brought the house down after his final performance.” He’s also the answer to the question, “who died from fallen arches?” All joking aside, Samson’s only real weakness was a chronic case of stupidity when it came to women.

From his first wife who cried and pried the riddle answer out of him and then married one of his groomsmen, to “Gaza-gate” where a prostitute almost cost him his life, to Delilah who had him tied up in knots, quite literally - you can’t help but wonder how he could soar so high and yet fall so hard?

It is a remarkable story, from his extraordinary birth, starting with a visit from Jesus Himself (another obvious Christophany), leading to a special upbringing as a Nazirite, until he became a mature leader with almost superhuman strength. He was a real life combination of Superman and Rambo rolled into a one-man army!  So much potential, but so many flaws. Aside from the big muscles, he was a lot like you and me.

God chose Samson and used him to deliver His people and rule them well for 20 years. God even redeemed his failures, to the point that Samson will be remembered as a leader who finished well. Those fallen arches left a legacy of selflessness, sacrifice, and heroism that have inspired all of us who’ve studied his life.

“Lord, if You can redeem Samson’s mistakes You can do the same for me. I pray for the same opportunity to be a leader who finishes well!”

April 1 - The Uncomfortable Pew

 Read today’s texts first: Judges 11,12; Psalms 50; 2 Corinthians 1

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Either we step outside our comfort zones willingly
or God will push us out.

While Pierre Berton may have observed church goers who were far too comfortable in their pews, following Jesus should have the opposite effect. We can see from the history of Israel, especially during the time of the judges, how quickly God’s people forgot about Him when things were going well. Invariably, when that happened, things got uncomfortable in a hurry!

It seems we have a choice: either we step outside our comfort zones willingly or God will push us out. It’s the only way we can remember to depend on Him all the time. Paul got so uncomfortable that he was afraid for his life, but he realized this happened so he would not rely on himself but on God (1:9).

It is also during times of discomfort that we learn how to be comforted by the Holy Spirit, supernaturally, despite our circumstances. And through that process, we also learn how to become a source of comfort to others: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (1:3,4).

“Lord, I am so grateful for the comforting presence of Your Holy Spirit. That comfort, Your presence, is a deposit, a guarantee of much more comfort in the life to come (1:22)!”

April Devo - Adversity Reveals Character

Six years ago, our April Buzz devotional focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems so long ago now but the fear back then was very real and very memorable. We saw some errant responses to adversity (e.g. political missteps, cover-ups, hoarders, looters, scammers), but we also saw brave people step forward to help the most vulnerable. Buchanan Lodge was fortunate to have folks like that here.

We were able to continue visits through garden gates, windows, and using technology like WhatsApp and Zoom. Our care staff were so diligent and thorough that we escaped the worst of the pandemic with no outbreaks. It was a joy to see the selflessness, the sacrifice, and the genuine love that was on full display throughout that tumultuous time. James Lane Allen was right: “adversity does not build character; it reveals it!”

Einstein added this insight: “adversity introduces a man to himself.” Sometimes, adversity can introduce us to some folks who are downright inspirational. You just have to look deeper to find them. They are often hidden in the middle pages of our newspapers or squeezed into the final minutes of the nightly newscasts, but they are worth the wait. Here are some examples I noticed during those defining years:

• Front line health care workers risking their own health, working double shifts, and distancing themselves from their own families to protect others
• Retired doctors & nurses returning to work, putting themselves in harm’s way
• People honouring their sacrifice with signs in windows, chalked messages on their driveways, and the “joyful noise” of pots and pans at 7 pm every night
• Folks in hospital parking lots singing, cheering & honking their horns in support
• Neighbours, churches, community groups shopping and making meals for seniors and others who couldn’t get out of their homes
• Gas station diners offering free self-serve dinners for truckers hauling needed supplies across our country
• Politicians crossing party lines to come up with solutions
• Resourceful manufacturers modifying their equipment to make medical supplies and equipment
• Ordinary people giving generously of their money, time and talents to help others

Jesus led by example in how to walk sacrificially through extreme hardship and then emerge victorious. We can do the same if we follow Him. He once said to His disciples and to us: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! (John 16:33). Concluding this season of self-sacrifice (known as Lent) by celebrating Good Friday and Easter is a reminder to all of us where good character comes from. Have a blessed Easter everyone!