The Path by Phil

We are a couple of weeks into the Lenten season. Believe it or not, Lent is not just about Friday Fish Frys at the Catholic church (although I do appreciate some tasty filets!). It is a 40 day focus on seeking God, denying self, and serving others in remembrance of Christ's 40 days of temptation in the desert. The purpose is to prepare for the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter through repentance, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Some denominations observe Lent and others don’t, but we should all continually reflect on Jesus' coming back at Easter as we prepare for His second coming at the end of this age!

I like to observe this time by "redeeming" more than "restricting." One year, when our kids were young, we decided to give up watching TV for Lent to focus our time on family and God. Every day, I would print out a scripture and tape it on the blank screen. The kids would anticipate what new verse would be revealed. It was a fun and rewarding family time! Lent is a great opportunity to realign our priorities on what really matters.

Observing Lent is a personal choice to cut through life’s distractions and focus on Christ. Sometimes that focus is not optional. Suffering causes us all to examine our priorities. No one chooses to suffer, but we do have a choice in our reaction to hardship - turn our backs on God or rush into His arms of comfort and support.

Twenty-five years ago we recorded a song called “I Want To Know You.” It contains some of my favorite lyrics I have ever written. I thought it would be fun to dig a little deeper into the message of the second verse. Here we go…

"As I look across this valley, I can see I'm not alone,
there are others who are struggling through it too." - Even though suffering often causes us to feel isolated and alone, we all go through painful seasons. No one gets a free pass through this life!

"Some will reach the mountain and climb into the sun,
and some will fall before they make it through." - Sometimes our afflictions are temporary, and we will pass through them. Other times our suffering is terminal, and the only relief is when Jesus welcomes us home.

"I have found that victory is not waiting at the peak,
it's found with each decision to go on." - This is my favorite line! We all love "Rocky" stories where the hero emerges from the struggle victorious, but sometimes that mountain-top experience never comes. True heroes are the ones who day after day continue the fight, even if victory seems impossible. Victory doesn't come at the end of the battle; it comes each day we choose to faithfully take another step with Jesus.

"The voices of the travelers, each singing their own tune,
join together in a common song." - Everyone's story is different, but pain is pain, whether emotional or physical. That's where the church is such a powerful force. We aren't all struggling in the same way or at the same time, but we can encourage and lift each other up as we journey together toward our final destination... heaven.

The chorus wraps up our attitude of daily surrender with…

I don't want to know why you think this valley is just what I need,
I don't want to know where this winding road I'm on will one day lead,
or who was right and who was wrong, and who the blame goes to.
I don't want to know why or where or who, Lord I want to know you.

Serving Jesus isn’t a destination, it’s a journey, and I'm honored to walk alongside you each week with these devotions. I pray the songs I’ve written and we’ve recorded over the years continue to be encouraging in your walk with the Lord.

Day by day, step by step…

​
Still following Jesus,
Phil and Pam

If you’d like to listen to “I Want To Know You,” it’s right here - https://philandpammorgan.bandcamp.com/track/i-want-to-know-you-2​

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