Lent

Giants in the Land

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
A Lenten reflection on the temptations we face in the wilderness of life

It’s desert that I’m dealing with
(this land of barren waste)
where I daily make a choice to stay the call.
It’s a wilderness, that’s all.
The promised land of discipleship
is far from milk and honey anymore.

Sweet Jesus, there are giants in the land.
The hot breath of prowling cougars singe my hope.
Power-hungry jackals stalk my joy.
Wolves, clothed like sheep, steal my trust.
The heat’s always on in this land of shadows..
I’m tired.
I’m thirsty.
I’m tempted to quit.
It’s about all I can take.

I’m aware of my enemies’ presence.
But where are the green pastures and still waters?
Those succulent Egyptian melons
sure would taste good right now.
I could go for some garlics and leeks.
Lord, my resilience is weak.
And in the midst of the wilderness,
I am hoping You will find me.

* This poem is found in Greg’s book “When God Speaks: Listening for Aslan in Everyday Life”


Greg’s book,
“When God Speaks“
is listed on the
BOOKS menu
at $14.99 from
Lulu Books.

Take Up Your Cross: An Ash Wednesday Reflection

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
A lesser known painting by Warner Sallman pictures Jesus walking with his disciples

“Take up your cross and follow me
along the road of suffering
where selfish pride is crucified,
where faith takes root and grows.

“From dust you’ve come and shall return,
but in the meantime try to learn
how self-denial leads to trust
and patience proves God’s grace.”

“Come walk with me,” I hear him say.
“Beware of bandits on the way
that trip you up and steal your joy
and rob you of your worth.

“But as we journey side-by-side,
I’ll keep you safe if you’ll abide
in who I am and what I say.
My love will lead you home!”


A more well-known painting of Jesus by Warner Sallman is simply known as Sallman’s Head of Christ. https://covchurch.org/2016/02/08/a-head-of-his-time/

Faith Invites Us on a Journey

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
New Lenten hymn lyrics to an old familiar hymn tune

Faith invites us on a journey
that began with God’s own Son.
Jesus modeled joy and suffering
on the way to make us one.
There’s a road that we must follow
if we hope to reach our goal.
Every day we have the chance to
walk with Him who guards our soul.

Faith invites us on a journey
that expresses God’s own heart.
Grace and beauty frame the vistas
as each day we make our start.
There is nothing that can hinder
what God longs for us to see.
Every day the Lord provides us
glimpses of eternity.

Faith invites us on a journey
that concludes in God’s own time.
We are called to simply trust Him
as we heed direction signs.
There’s no reason to be anxious.
God will guide us as we go.
Every day we’re making headway
though our progress may be slow.

by Greg Asimakoupoulos
tune: Beach Spring