Month: March 2022

Prayers for the busy during Lent

On By Aaron AllisonIn Devotional, NashvilleLeave a comment

I am so disappointed at the busyness of March, especially since it is the middle of Lent. My rhythms have been thrown off entirely between my responsibilities, travel, car troubles, and other necessities to support the kids.

Busyness really is violence upon the soul. I feel the bruises on my soul from the aggressive onslaught of busyness. The roaring rapids of activity shakes spiritual confidence, dulls the mind, and produces restless emotions.

Here are a couple of prayers that are good for me and anyone else out of spiritual rhythm:

  • God, help my soul find rest in you. May my appetite for your Scripture bring soul nourishment instead of the destruction I crave. May I allow your presence to settle in my spirit.
  • “You made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds its place of rest in You.” – St. Augustine

March Madness – Hobby or Worship?

On By Aaron AllisonIn Culture, DevotionalLeave a comment

It’s March Madness! It’s the annual NCAA basketball tournament that includes dozens of games over three weeks. I have been following this tournament my entire life, and I enjoy the competition. It has become a family event as an easy way to bond around something with my family. We attended some games in Indianapolis Thursday night and had a great time (despite our team losing!). That’s the good part!

The problem? Sports can quickly become more than a hobby; it is now the other religion. The emotions attached to these games go beyond fun, as it sinks to the core of people’s identity. Interestingly, people have an emotional release at a sports game but exclude emotion from worship. This observation is not new from me or countless others, but, amazingly, this irony keeps repeating with each American generation with greater intensity.

God, help us to use sports, but not let sports use us.

Sunday Summary – March 13, 2022

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL News, CIL ServicesLeave a comment

Spring Break and the start of Daylight Savings felt like a bad combination for church participation, but our attendance was solid nonetheless. I am so thankful for God’s faithful people. Rob Still led us in worship, and I taught a teaching tilted Enemy or Citizen? from Philippians 3:17-4:1. We also squeezed in the annual business meeting in between services. The kingdom was advanced, so we say thanks be to God!

Here is a video presentation of the service.

Gas prices are a big deal

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, United States of AmericaLeave a comment

Globalization can be our friend. Globalization can be our enemy.

The current record-high gas prices result from an economy of interdependent nations. There are many benefits to globalization; until a crazy dictator commands an unprovoked attack on a sovereign nation. The energy supply from Russia, much of which traveled through Ukraine, is threatened by war and sanctions. Consequently, gas prices in the United States soared.

I have always believed that gas prices significantly impact a consumer economy. Gas prices should climb higher in the coming days, especially with President Biden’s announcement to embargo Russian oil. So, we will see how Americans respond to $5 / gallon gas, another component of inflation. Will our habits change, or will those who can adjust their personal budgets to the increase? Will higher gas prices reduce spending? If it does, how long will an economy based on spending function highly with limited revenue?

The next time you fill up on gas, say a prayer for our nation. The development of record-high gas prices may end up a significant story in our lives.

The Child is Only Sleeping

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Through parenting, we learn about God and His heart for us.

I read in Mark 5:21-43 about a spiritual leader named Jarius, whose daughter appeared dead. Jesus said two things about that situation that stick out to me:

“Do not fear, only believe (vs. 36).”

“The child is not dead but sleeping (vs. 39).”

If you don’t know the story, Jesus raised the child to heath and life.

In reflecting on this, I prayed for my kids, and I pray for yours, too. I pray we choose belief over fear. And, when we think a child is spiritually dead, take hope that “the child is not dead but sleeping.”

Tears for Ukraine, Joy on the journey

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, DevotionalLeave a comment

I pray God gives us the heart to care for the injustice in Ukraine but the joy to live fully in our realm. Being human means, you live with the dual capacity to mourn and rejoice. You may start the hour distraught by the world’s condition but end the same hour with a belly laugh at a joke. Both are needed. Both are good. Lent reminds us we live in tears and laughter, and the Lord is in both.

Ash Wednesday on March 2

On By Aaron AllisonIn Church History, CIL News, CIL Services, LiturgicalLeave a comment

The season of Lent has become an important part of my yearly rhythm as I join the global church in preparing for Easter. This season in the church calendar begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on March 2. 

CIL Church will have an Ash Wednesday service at Noon, which includes live worship, communion, and the imposition of ashes. Also, we will open the sanctuary for a come-and-go prayer and imposition of ashes for an hour, beginning at 7 am. 

Join us for either or both of these times as we dedicate our hearts anew to Jesus.