Indomitable....

Indomitable........that's quite a word!  And, it has several meanings:  Incapable of being overcome or subdued; unconquerable, untamable; not easily discouraged or defeated.  My college dictionary from1973 gave me the first two definitions and a dictionary from 2003 gave me the third definition.  Indomitable to me is unconquerable, untamable.  Being easily discouraged or defeated has a completely different meaning to me!

So what is indomitable to you? What would be unconquerable for you?  What is untamable in your life?  Would you stake your life on something that is indomitable?  Would you stake your life on love that indomitable? Have you ever been the recipient of indomitable love?  Or, have you ever given that type of love to another?  Some believe that a parent's love is indomitable.

Love is indomitable.  Love is irresistible. Love conquers all even when we don't get what we want out of life.  Love is deep.  Love is strong. Love is self-sacrificing. Love is more than compassion or sheer sentiment. Love sits down with others.  Love listens.  Love pushes when necessary. Love isn't afraid.

The Bible defines it beautifully in I Corinthians 13:4-7:  "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails."

What would you stake your life on?  Would it be this kind of indomitable love?  Would it be a passion for a specific cause that you would give your life for?

Would you consider someone dying for you indomitable?  Would you consider being the recipient of such a sacrifice?  If you are a believer, there is someone who died for you, for me.  His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  His love was and is indomitable.  Christ's love never fails.  Never.

So, I ask again, what is indomitable to you?   Would you stake your life on this kind of love?  I would.  And, I do.  Every day.  I hope you will, too!!!

A Lenten Journey

 How many of us know that there are 40 days before Easter that are called "Lent?"  It is the 40 days leading up to the death, burial and the the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is a time of "going within" to consider what is most important about our faith.  My dad's family was Catholic, so there was a tradition of "giving up" something for Lent in order to focus more on God and our walk with God.  My mom's family was Presbyterian and some Presbyterians also give up something for Lent.  So usually, I gave up sweets: Coca Cola, cookies, brownies, cakes, etc.  And, I usually lost about 10 pounds every year!  It was great!

Did I grow closer to God?  Perhaps.  But in my earlier years, it really was a form of losing weight while trying to be more faithful to God.  Now, in my later years, I truly try to go within to improve my relationship with the Lord...and to learn more about His character and His incredible Love.

The Upper Room Ministries had a book from 1993 called:  "Readings for Lent and Easter" that was a combination of devotions from various parts of The Upper Room ministries.  It is a book I have read each day for the past 29 years during the 40 days of Lent. It is out of print, but I treasure my tattered copy!!!  I learn something new each year from several of the devotions and my journey grows stronger to God each day and each year that I read this book.

Forty is significant in the Bible.  Forty days for the rain while Noah was on the ark, 40 days Moses spent on Mt. Sinai, and Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years and so on.....40 days of Lent before Easter is meant to be a time of quiet reflection, perhaps a season of the heart for some and a time to look inward in order that we might look up towards God.

Think about that.....what would you give up for 40 days in order to get closer to God?  Is there something that you would be willing to give up to learn more about God?  If so, what would you choose?  A specific amount of time reading your Bible each day? Would you give up lunch in order to pray? Would you consider giving up criticism of others for 40 days?  Would you do something new that is devoted to God's service such as volunteering at a homeless shelter once a week for 6 weeks? 

It is a noble undertaking.  Something to consider as we journey towards Easter.  The most significant day of our faith:  Jesus' Resurrection!!!  He was crucified for our sins........He died for you and me so that we could live with Him in Eternity.....He is worth learning more!!! And it just may allow you to learn about how much your are loved!!! Is that worth giving up something for 40 days?  It is for me.....and I hope it will be for you!