LENTEN DEVOTIONS
2004

To read the Lenten Devotion, just click on the DATE below.
An index is also provided.

Wednesday—February 25, 2004 Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the day Lent begins. It occurs forty days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. It always occurs on a Wednesday; and it is called Ash Wednesday because, on that day at Catholic churches, the faithful have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross. This day is a fitting and visible spiritual reminder that encourages one to adopt an attitude of prayer, repentance, and humility in preparation for Easter.

In our church, we do not follow the observance of marking foreheads with ashes; but our preparation during Lent is of no less significance. We are all encouraged to heed the words of James, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 (NIV)

Scripture makes a number of references to covering with ashes, dust, or marks as seals. In Ezekiel we read,

“³Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side ⁴and said to him, ‘Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.’” Ezekiel 9:3-4 (NIV)

As we continue to read in Ezekiel, we find that those who were sealed with the mark were saved from calamity. Notice the distinguishing characteristics of this remnant that is to be saved. They are those who grieve and lament. They cry to God in prayer, as men in earnest, because of all the detestable things that are committed in Jerusalem. I believe God will make each of us acutely aware of our need for forgiveness as we sincerely set these forty-plus days aside to worship God, and I believe He will also make each of us aware of His faithfulness to purify us for Himself.

Let us, in this Lenten Season, worship God in an attitude of prayer, repentance, and humility, assured that God owns us, is doing a work of grace in us, and comforts us with His favor. Allow this Holy Season to be a time of grace for you and all that God would call.
—Vaughn Engle

Thursday—February 26, 2004

“⁷In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned,” Titus 2:7, 8a (NIV)

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he speaks of Christian character throughout chapter 2. Many times we read these words of older men being examples to younger men and older women teaching younger women, and we agree it is our duty to do so. However, in the everyday business of life, we sometimes get very distracted. No matter how old we become, at times we tend to remain self-focused on our needs and growth. These verses teach just the opposite. Paul teaches that life experience brings wisdom, and he challenges us to impart that wisdom to those younger. He encourages us to remain sober and teach sound doctrine. This admonition is to older men and women.

How often do you think about those younger in the faith looking up to you—watching how you live and respond to life’s challenges? How many young people long to have a role model in their life they can look to when they are tempted by the world in which they live and when their difficult questions seem to have no logical answers? God gives us years of experience and sound teaching so we can be good examples to those coming after us. He does not intend for us to keep that experience and teaching to ourselves!

In his letter to Titus, Paul is talking about an inter-generational community. One that gleans all they can from their elders. What a blessing it is to seek the wisdom of those older saints who have lived tirelessly for the cause of Christ! All of us, no matter what age, can influence those who are younger than us. We must heed the words of Paul by teaching our young people what is sound teaching by demonstrating it in our own lives. We must constantly give ourselves away by nurturing those younger than us and being careful to show integrity in our teaching.

The world is constantly sending false messages to all of us, especially our youth. Our challenge is to hold one another up and set good examples. There is no better witness than a life lived rightly handling the Word of Truth. If we fail to pass the knowledge and experience God has given us to those younger, make no mistake—they will learn from someone. The culture is full of false teachers and worldly wisdom. Take time to invest in someone younger than you—you will be surprised how much God has given you to share!
—Joanne Samad

Friday—February 27, 2004

“⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

Humility comes when we understand that we are not worthy of the great reward we have in Christ’s death and resurrection; and understanding that, without God, we are nothing. Humility is not something that comes easily for many of us, including myself. Do you know why that is? I will tell you—PRIDE!

Many of us have pride in our abilities, accomplishments, and status. Often in today’s culture, we get drawn to those things that will boost our pride—buying a home, buying a new car, getting a bigger office, receiving a promotion, or becoming famous. We must remember our status, abilities, and accomplishments were given to us by God to bring Him the glory—not ourselves.

When we seek the will of God for our lives, we have to let go of our pride and trust Him completely. God has many great promises for those that trust in Him—why worry? Look at the following verses—still worrying about your future?

“‘ . . . For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“5Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Let me share with you a little of how this has played out in my life over the last year.

In April, Chris and I made these plans following his graduation: 1) We would move to Cincinnati, 2) I would work in social work, 3) Chris would get a design job, 4) We would pay off school debt, 5) We would save and buy a house, and finally, 6) We would have a baby. For those of you that do not know Chris or myself, we have hit a holding pattern at step number three; and I cannot wait to be to number six.

Although Chris’ professors considered him a great designer (and he is), we are still waiting for him to obtain that design job. Despite this minor holdup, we know that God has perfect timing no matter what the situation is; and we are trusting Him to direct Chris to the job He is preparing for him. I am holding to the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11.
—Chris Doughman

Saturday—February 28, 2004

“⁸Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. ⁹But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.” Jonah 2:8-9 (NIV)

This passage comes at the end of Jonah’s prayer that he prays to the Lord while in the belly of the fish. At this time, Jonah realizes the extreme sin that he committed by running away from God. God had given him a specific purpose, to preach His Word to Nineveh; and he went in the opposite direction. Nineveh was to the East; and he fled to Tarshish, which is to the West.

The end of Jonah’s prayer tells us a couple of things that are essential qualities of our spiritual position and God’s. First, when we choose to go in the opposite direction of God, we give up the opportunity to receive grace that could be ours. We decide to cling to worthless and temporary things (idols). This can happen with both sins of omission and commission. Jonah, a chosen prophet of God, was commissioned to go to Nineveh but decided to give himself a new commission to go to Tarshish. The other point from the prayer is that salvation truly comes from God alone. Jonah was in the deepest part of his sin when God saved Him and turned him in the right direction. If God would not have intervened, Jonah would have stayed asleep below deck, comfortable in his sin, and walked off the boat in Tarshish. We are all capable of such disobedience, even prophets appointed by God. Thankfully, He comes after us and scoops us up from the ocean depths.

This is what He did for us in Christ. Even when we did not care about our sin and we were happy going West when He said East, He came for us. Obviously the God of the Old Testament is the same as the New Testament because He saved Jonah just like He saves us through Christ. Jonah was doing nothing to deserve God’s salvation just like we do nothing to deserve it. Easter is a Holy Day set aside to honor that miracle.

There are a couple of things that we should not think about only on Easter. First, how are you running from God in your thoughts and/or your actions? Second, how often do you think that, by doing certain tasks, you will be justified before God? We need to be thankful that our salvation and justification only come from the Lord. This Easter, and the rest of our lives, will be better off the more we think of it.
—Andy Koesters

Sunday—February 29, 2004 1st Sunday in Lent

“³He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. ⁴Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. ⁵But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. ⁶We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:3-6 (NIV)

Despised, rejected, stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced, crushed, wounded—these are not what Israel had in mind when thinking about the Messiah. Today, the world’s view of a savior does not include those words. Although Jesus was all-powerful and totally holy, He was rejected by the Jews and countless people over the centuries because He did not fit their image of a savior. Often, mankind foolishly attempts to define God and His plans on man’s terms. With this foolishness, man, in his own false wisdom, rejects the only solution to his sinful dilemma.

God, in infinite mercy and love, had a plan that was the only sufficient way to bridge the gap between His holiness and righteousness and our sinfulness. No other thing or person could be perfect enough to be the sacrifice that God required. Jesus took on the iniquity of the entire human race and was separated from the Father so that we might have eternal life. The rightful punishment for our sin was taken and put on Christ.

We cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of Christ’s suffering, death, and separation from the Father. We know it was a horrible experience; but how horrible? We are grateful for our salvation; but how grateful? Do we take the time to think about the pain and suffering that Jesus endured because of our sin? Do we take sufficient time to think about where we would spend eternity without Christ as our Lord and Savior? As we sit in our comfortable surroundings, do we fully comprehend the difference between eternity in Heaven and hell? Sometimes we can be too casual about this. During this Lent, let us bow before Him in repentance for our contribution to Christ’s suffering. Let us renew our gratitude to God for saving us through Christ from the eternal damnation that we deserve. Let us praise God for choosing us to have fellowship with Him and to be called His children.

Praise the Lord for He is good. His steadfast love endures forever.
—Dan and Jodee McCabe

Monday—March 1, 2004

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

The past few months have been a blessed journey for our family. On October 10, Tom left his job of twenty-four years at St. Joseph Orphanage. We have been placed in God’s loving hands as he searches for God’s will for his career and financial provision for us.

In the first few weeks, there was grief and loss for all that the Orphanage has meant to our family. That has been followed by a time of watching and waiting to see what God has planned for us. What lessons are we to learn?

• Dependence on Him—He is sovereign and in control. Worry and anxiety accomplish nothing. We have to trust that the right job will come along according to His timing.
• Gratitude for the Body of Christ in the flesh—There has been such an outpouring of support and encouragement from ECC—from help with possible job leads, to prayers, words of encouragement, and even financial gifts.
• Appreciation for our family—We realize daily the gift we have in each other. As we pray for many sick friends and bury family members, we are grateful for our lives together today.
• Joy in the extra time spent together—One of our children has reminded us more than once to look at the bright side; Dad is home more often and available to attend school events and hang out together.
• Reviewing priorities—How important is it to eat out, to take in a movie, or shop a great sale? Can we not be just as fulfilled having a family dinner and renting a movie at home? Material things are slipping away and the intimacy of our relationships is growing stronger.
• Overwhelmed by His abundant love—When we can separate our NEEDS from our WANTS, we realize how well He is providing for us and how blessed we are in all the ways mentioned above. I am humbled by His love for me.

We have been given a gift. We are opening that gift of God’s love. In tangible forms, He is pointing us to the most mysterious gift of all—our salvation through Jesus’ death.

We do not deserve His gift of eternity bought at the price of His son, but it is this salvation that takes us past our temporal problems and gives us hope for each new day. God loves us so much. We rest in the palm of His loving hand.
—Ann Salzbrun

Tuesday—March 2, 2004

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

When I was a teen, I thought that I would be a missionary to South America. After being encouraged to pursue a teaching degree, I turned to a high school position, teaching Spanish, English, and speech.

Although I taught in a high school for 35 years, I always said that someday I would be a missionary. During those 35 years, I had many opportunities to love, teach, and encourage many teens. I had the liberty, before classes began, to lead prayer groups, Bible studies, evening Campus Life clubs, etc. during those years. I also spent 29 years teaching the Bible to teens in my church Sunday School classes, coaching the Bible quiz team, counseling at camps, and participating in missions trips.

After I retired in 2002, I thought, “Now I’ll head for the mission field finally!” Wanting to occupy myself until my “call,” I volunteered to help students at New Burlington Elementary School. After 1-1/2 years, they have offered me a position to work with the English as a Second Language students, who are mainly Hispanic. I have eagerly accepted this.

For many years, I thought that, to be a missionary, I would have to leave my home and travel to Hispanic countries. Now, I have the joy of working, loving, and teaching their precious children in the setting that I know best—a school!

My mother has often said to me, “The Lord knows your heart. He knows your personality. He knows where to place you.”

The candle is only told to shine. The candle cannot choose where, why, or how. As in my favorite song from childhood, This Little Light of Mine, I am going to let it shine! Maranatha!
—Diann Bold

Wednesday—March 3, 2004

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies’” John 11:25 (NIV)

This winter at my uncle’s funeral, I was reminded how separated our families have become over the years. I was reunited with family members that I had not seen, in some cases, for eighteen years. How sad, in a world of photo phones, e-mail, and instant communication, we have lost track of our families. Those cute little babies whom we were sent pictures are now graduated from high school or college and out on their own.

Years ago, families all lived within blocks of one another with very close ties. Over the years some moved to the other side of town, with great disapproval, and now across the country. Almost gone are the days of grandparents directly influencing young folks on a daily basis. Trades are seldom handed down from parents to children. In fact, at seldom attended family reunions, name tags are the password for the day. Your name is on the name tag with who and where you fit into the family.

Sometimes I try to image Joseph sitting with little Jesus as he explains how to do something in the woodshop and Jesus listening with intent as He learns from his earthly father. Family was running in and out of the shop all day long. The comfort level must have been very good.

Is it not reassuring to know that God, our Father, knows the count of every hair on our heads and we are never forgotten as one of His children? His angels are ever present to comfort and protect us. His spirit lives within us daily. Let us not wait until the next funeral or wedding to extend an invitation to our family.

Better yet—communicate with Jesus daily for the personal touch we all need. Let Him wrap His arms around you today. Our families will all be united together in a future resurrection. What a great day that will be! Do not pass up today.

What is the price for all this comfort? Believe in Jesus! How simple a task to change your life forever.
—Bill Weidus

Thursday—March 4, 2004

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

I am nineteen years young, and as long as there is someone older than me, this verse will always apply, albeit at least until I am as old as my parents! (Love you Marcia—love you Glenn!) This verse is very important because young people do play a powerful role in Christianity, and I think many young people fail to realize this. I have never felt looked down upon by other people because of my age. However, I think the problem among the youth lies with them intrinsically looking down upon themselves. I have heard so many people say, “Oh, when I get older I’ll start living for Christ, but not yet.”

I think the word “anyone” in the verse above includes a reflection of one’s self. Do not let others look down on you, and do not look down on yourself because you are young. Standing up for Christ at any age can be scary. This verse is not necessarily saying, “Go evangelize to the world!” even though that would be great. For a maturing believer, setting an example in speech, life, love, faith, and purity is an awesome witness, especially in a morally deteriorating society. Being a college student, I can attest that a person who speaks with clean language, has a kind spirit, and genuinely cares for others, while maintaining a faith in Jesus without participating in sex and drugs, will undoubtedly stick out like a sore thumb. That is what God is calling young people to do—stick out like a sore thumb.
—Scott Lamkin

Friday—March 5, 2004

“²²Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)

God will fulfill your every need even when you do not know you have a need. Trust and believe. How do you know when you are trusting in the Lord? How can we be sure that His faithfulness is covering us at all times? I cannot answer that for you, but God answers my needs in such a way that I know that I can trust Him for all my needs if I am obedient and always do what is clearly in His will for my life.

Four years ago when I was in China going out after dark to pass out religious tracks (this is forbidden there) and placing them in mailboxes and on cars, it was around five degrees. Somehow in reading the instructions as to what the weather would be in China and what clothes to bring, I overlooked what it said and brought a little lightweight jacket. Not giving it a second thought every time I went outside, I was toasty warm in my jacket. Upon returning to the states and going to Bible Study one night, I put on my jacket and nearly froze in it. I remarked to Judy Haag (the meeting was at her house) how surprised I was that I was cold as the jacket had kept me so warm in China. She felt my jacket and said, “Toni, if this jacket kept you warm in five above zero weather, it was a miracle of God.”

You see, sometimes we get miracles and are not aware of them; but God is always aware of our needs. He wants to protect us at all times if we will only believe and trust as a little child.
—Toni Benford

Saturday—March 6, 2004

“¹Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. ²Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—³who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, ⁴who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, ⁵who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)

It is Lent, but I am thinking of Christmas. Actually, I am thinking of that 2003 Christmas letter that was never written. There was so much to do—gifts to buy, wrap, and mail; cookies to bake; wallpaper to strip; and rooms to paint! There are certain times of the year (Thanksgiving, for instance) that we reflect on what we are thankful, but for the Christmas letter, we have to review the calendar to see what we have done, sit, ponder, and write the “year in review.” It takes time!

In 2002, many changes occurred for our family: our daughter’s wedding, her move to New York, our move to Cincinnati—and we saw God’s hand in every little thing. In 2003 not as many changes occurred, but His blessings were still evident: visits with friends and family, jobs, new friends. However, one thing in 2003 really stands out—the complete healing and restoration of a dear friend’s health. Jon’s illness brought me closer to God than I had been in a long time: praying, reading scripture, journaling . . . but that was a year ago.

Why do these things fade in our minds so quickly? How do such major events become mired in the mundane of our day-to-day lives?

We are not the first to contend with this. Luke 24:9-29 tells us of the disciples’ struggles after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. They had lived with Him, listened to Him, seen what He had done, and knew what He had promised; yet when it came to the empty tomb, they were confused and did not know what to believe. Even when many others told the disciples they had seen Jesus alive and the disciples even saw Him for themselves, they were startled and afraid (Luke 24:30-43, John 20:24-28). They did not understand what Jesus had shown them. They had forgotten.

Remembering our blessings needs to be a necessity—something we do daily, like brushing our teeth—or better yet, something we do moment by moment, like breathing. Then our faith will grow, we can truly be at peace and join Thomas in saying, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28 (NIV).

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
—Angi Landholm

Sunday—March 7, 2004 2nd Sunday in Lent

“¹⁴For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)

As we enter the Lenten Season and begin to examine our hearts, one area we have to address is forgiveness. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice with His death on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven. The Bible clearly states in Matthew 6:14-15 that forgiving is not an option.

This passage on forgiving was very difficult for me. When someone offended me, I often found myself dwelling on the situation until these thoughts were occupying most of my time. As a result, I had knots in my stomach much of the time and little inner peace. After prayerfully studying God’s word, many of the passages on forgiveness kept confronting me. I finally asked Jesus to help me learn to forgive. It was not easy; but eventually I did learn to forgive, the knots disappeared, and I received that inner peace that only God can give.

Jesus gave up His life on the cross that I might be forgiven of my sins and have eternal life with Him. While He was hanging on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NIV)

The thought has often occurred to me—what if Jesus had not forgiven us?
—Bob Houston

Monday—March 8, 2004

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46 (NIV)

This has been my least favorite scripture for a long time, because I felt so convicted by it. It made me feel guilty, because the real answer is, “I am a hypocrite.” I would think of giving to the poor, praying without ceasing, being a cheerful giver, praying for my enemies, turning the other cheek, counting it all joy when I encounter tribulation, etc.—and know that my track record was definitely sub-Olympic. I thought God would be disappointed in me and not like me as much—really stupid.

Lately I am realizing the real reasons I have not been doing what He says is twofold. First, I have not surrendered all of my life to Him. Much of it I still hold out for the old, carnal Tom. I still get excited about Michigan beating the tar out of Ohio State in football (as they did this year.) And second, but most important, I really need His help in doing what He says. I admit it. I am weak. Temptation works with me—lots.

I recall, shortly after becoming a Christian, fearing that God would want me to go to Africa. I did not want to go to Africa—which does not make much sense because I have been on two photo safari trips and loved them both. Now I say, admittedly reluctantly, “Okay Lord, if you want me to go to Africa, I’ll go.” And in fact, I have been invited to a remote section of Uganda this spring and am praying about whether I should accept.

I think now of the week some of us spent in India in fall ’02. My only personal agenda was not getting the runs—after that, whatever God wanted was fine with me. It was great. The “schedule” was fluid, to say the least. Every day had good surprises. As far as I was concerned, God was in charge. Even when it was over, it was not over. We wound up having church in the hotel room while we waited for our flight home.

Now I say, “Lord, I don’t do everything you say because I am still weak and carnal. You’re probably not surprised at that. But I think I’m moving the right direction with Your help. The most important, you tell me, is the great commandment—to love you and all your people. With Your help, I truly want to share Your love and You with everyone I meet. I thank you for sticking with me, and for all the opportunities You give me to get it right.”
—Tom Rattray

Tuesday—March 9, 2004

“¹⁴I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ¹⁶your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:14,16 (NIV)

At camp this summer, we studied a passage in Psalm 139 that really spoke to me. Psalm 139, verses 14 and 16 really sum up the whole passage—God made me just as He intended me to be, and I am special in every way. I really felt God was telling me that I was perfect in His eyes and should not try to change who I am and how I act to make others like me. It should not matter what others think of me, either. God loves me just the way I am, so why should I want anything more than that?

I also had been judging others by how they dressed, looked, talked, and acted. Since God made me exactly as He intended, He also made everyone around me just as He planned. Who am I to judge others by my standards when God, the creator of everything, made them perfectly?

I realized that God’s eternal love never changes for us, and is not based on our looks, personality, or appearance. God loves us so much, He was willing to send His one beloved son to DIE for our sins so that we can be with Him in Heaven (John 3:16).
—Amanda Evans

Wednesday—March 10, 2004

“⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

We humans tend to like control. We like to think we can control our own destiny, make our own decisions, and somehow by managing our own lives, achieve some level of comfort and stability. Then, along come those little things we cannot control: weather, accidents, illness, misunderstandings with friends and family, and more.

Jesus knew His destiny. He tells us that we need not be anxious, that we have a way to communicate our needs and desires to God.

“Do not be anxious about anything.” We have all heard, “Don’t worry about that,” or, “It’s no big deal,” or similar advice many times. Jesus went on, though—He did not simply say, “Don’t worry about it.” He gave us an alternative and a promise to go with it.

“In everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God,” we read. If we have needs or wants, large or small, we are to bring them to God rather than fret about them. If God cares when a sparrow falls, how much more is He concerned with our daily lives?

Someone once told me that when we get to Heaven, we will learn how much a difference our prayers made, in our lives and in the lives of others. Are you weary? Pray for rest. Are you anxious? God says, “Tell me about it—and I will keep you focused on Christ.”

Wow! We lift our needs to God; and in return, we get a peace that is beyond comprehension. As God answers our earnest prayers, even the little ones, we grow in faith; and we learn to entrust Him with everything. Only with God in charge of our anxieties can we find total peace in Christ.
—Terry Eshom

Thursday—March 11, 2004

“. . . a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

I have the kind of brain that reaches out and grabs the words to songs. Hundreds of lyrics continually roll through my head—show tunes, pop music, rock songs, nursery rhymes, all turn up without invitation or warning. I never really studied these words; they are just there. It should never have surprised me that the Lord would use this attribute to give me a faith lesson based on the words to a hymn I had known since I was young.

I was standing on the Mariner’s Cove beach at family camp in northern Michigan. The beach was a real novelty for me, and I was taking a few quiet moments to gaze out at the lake and let the waves lap at my bare feet.

I was frankly at a very low point in my life. After nearly two years of trying to raise support to enter into vocational ministry, it had become apparent that we were not going to accomplish that goal. Much had been wrapped up in the hope of that move—a new, more meaningful work life for John, a chance for me to stay home with our girls, a new beginning that seemed appealing in many ways. John had quit his job; we had sold our home and taken a position “temporarily” living in a funeral home in anticipation of this move. To realize that this ministry position was not going to reach fruition, as we had anticipated, was a crushing blow. All that I had hoped for was apparently not in God’s plan for us, and I was feeling sorry for myself.

I then felt the sand erode from beneath my feet. I felt it slip away from the tips of my toes, to the middle of my feet, and back to the heels. It knocked me off balance for a moment; and in that moment, the words and tune floated through my head,

“On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
ALL other ground is sinking sand.”

Whoa! Sinking sand is scary! Dangerous and not to be trusted! I got the message. If I hope in ANYTHING other than the Lord Jesus Christ, no matter how worthy or wonderful it seems, it will crumble like all those little grains of sand. I realized how much I had hoped that this new venture would be our “salvation” in many ways, and I was so wrong!

A simple moment. A powerful truth. A needed reminder that it is God who is our only true, firm foundation. Anything that tries to substitute will ultimately disappoint and fail.
—Diana Wood

Friday—March 12, 2004

“¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)

We have been reading, as so many of our ECC members are, Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. It is serendipitous that we should be reading this particular book at this particular time. You see, we have been going through some real struggles with how our loving brothers and sisters at ECC could bring hurt to each other. We were wondering if we were being led to search out another church family with whom to worship. This action is one that many of the original ECC members have taken in the past three years; but not one we have wanted to take, in spite of some hurtful things that have happened.

Warren says in his book that our purpose is to promote fellowship among our sisters and brothers to the Glory of God. He admonishes us to not run away “whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or a conflict” because “God wants us to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them.”

There is much love in our church. We have much on which to build. During this Lenten season, let us be dedicated to building (or rebuilding) our fellowship at ECC to the Glory of God and to the discovery of God’s place for each of us in His family.
—Otto and Judy Jarrell

Saturday—March 13, 2004

“¹⁸Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. ¹⁹See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

On occasion, life feels much like a wasteland. What I would not give for a clear pathway and a refreshing stream from which to drink along the way.

Sometimes in life, we get hung up on the past—some tragedy, some failure, some disappointment, some lost opportunity, some broken relationship, some life situation that has turned out different than our expectations. Even after the Lord had miraculously parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, He later told them, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” If we dwell on the past, we may miss the wonderful new things the Lord is doing. Is the Lord making a way for you through the desert; but because you are dwelling on the past, you are not noticing how the Lord is providing a stream to reclaim your wasteland?

Although initially this scripture does not seem related to Lent, I think it does convey a message related to the resurrection. Our belief in Jesus’ dying on the cross for our sins and triumphing over death through the resurrection makes it possible for us to not dwell on the past. We can be disconnected from the anchor the past sometimes attaches to our lives. What a freeing feeling this provides us! Being free of the past allows us to focus on the future and the new things the Lord is doing in our lives as Isaiah directs. As ECC moves into ministry in our new Springfield Township home, let us be aware of the new things the Lord is doing both in our personal lives and in the life of ECC.

The resurrection frees us from the past so we can perceive the clear pathway God is providing. We can be sustained by the refreshing streams provided along the way to get us through the wastelands.
—Ken Cook

Sunday—March 14, 2004 3rd Sunday in Lent

Romans 3:9-23.
“¹⁰As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one’; . . . ²¹But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known . . . ²²This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 10:21-23 (NIV)

The verses above have become more dear to me in the past couple of years. They have made Lent and Easter even more meaningful as I understand God’s grace to me in providing this righteousness through the death and resurrection of His Son. In studying the book Transforming Grace (by Jerry Bridges) in our Moms’ group, I realized that I can do nothing to ever earn this righteousness. Nothing that I do will justify me, nor can I do anything on my own to grow in sanctification. God initiates and sustains it all.

Now, while that may sound like a rather bleak and hopeless outlook to some, I found it to be totally the opposite. It frees me from trying to earn “sanctification points” with God by doing worthy work. God’s grace does not supplement my works to make me holy. His grace makes whatever meager service I do possible at all. This not only frees me from trying to keep up an endless stream of good works that will make me valuable in God’s sight, it changes my whole attitude toward others. If God had such mercy on me and pours out His immeasurable grace on me, how can I not be gracious to others? Now, I admit I mess that up a good bit; but God is definitely working on this area.

Finally, the realization of God’s sustaining grace has brought great contentment to my soul. Jeremiah Burroughs describes this better than I can in The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment: “To be content as a result of some external thing is like warming a man’s clothes by the fire. But to be content through an inward disposition of the soul is like the warmth that a man’s clothes have from the natural heat of his body.” My contentment, like the heat of our body, comes from knowing that God’s grace is working within me. All of this brings me to Lent and Easter with a new appreciation of the depth and breadth of God’s grace and an eagerness to worship my God as the source of all righteousness.
—Colleen Grogan

Monday—March 15, 2004

“²⁰My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me . . . ²¹that all of them may be one . . . so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21 (NIV)

Jesus could have prayed many different blessings. He knew what history would later reveal—that persecution, famine, and suffering would haunt many new believers. Why not die on the cross, be resurrected, then bring an army of angels to convert the world? How about tweaking the government situation so the disciples could begin evangelizing the world with the riches and power of Solomon? How about a prayer for unity and “the good life” so the world may believe?

We get a clue in the Old Testament where the colorful Hebrew word, mahashaba, is used. The idea of mahashaba is that of an exquisite design. Isaiah 55:8-9 states that God’s ways (design) are not our ways (design). Jeremiah 29:1l gives that rich promise, “For I know the mahashaba (design) I have for you.” God’s design for the church is to attract new believers because of their unity. Certainly the early church suffered; but rather than being crushed, they grew to be a strong, beautiful church that attracted converts because of the reality of their faith and resulting way of life. They could not be accused of serving the Lord for the material comforts He gave! Consider the impact of the Macedonian churches as they “. . . gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability . . . they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. II Corinthians 8:3-4. (NIV) Consider that Paul learned contentment by having both good and bad come into his life. We read in Hebrews that believers were set apart, not by their understanding, but by their faith (Hebrews 11:13). They trusted God’s “design.”

Is it not interesting that our unity will result in the world believing in Jesus! Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s heart and God’s plan to bring all people into His kingdom, resulting in people from every people group gathered around the throne to worship Him (Revelation 5:9). We, as a church and as individuals, are eager to be involved in what God is doing in and around us. I am encouraged, as I hope you are, that the prayer Jesus prayed for future believers (us) was relational—for unity in the church and with Christ. It is happening. For the glory of His name, we are continually learning how to relate, love, and get involved so that the world may believe.
—Ruth Cload

Tuesday—March 16, 2004

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” II Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

I have served the Lord, by teaching adult Sunday school classes, ushering for more than fifteen years, and serving on various committees. I never held an ordained leadership position. Serving in a leadership position meant endless meetings and administrative paperwork. Sitting in meetings and shuffling papers did not seem like a good way to serve the Lord for a task-oriented person. Besides, I did not really see myself as a church leader.

In mid-2001, I was asked if I would consider accepting nomination for the position of Elder at ECC. While I was honored to be asked, my immediate response was to decline. I was asked to pray about the matter and reconsider, however, I already knew what my answer would be; I had my excuses.

In the fall of 2001, our small group decided to use Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God workbook as our study material. As we worked through the book, it became clear that when God calls us to be part of His plan, what we do in response reveals what we truly believe about Him—regardless of what we say. When He gives assignments in areas for which we are unqualified, are afraid to do, or do not think will be any “fun,” we need to look to Him for the strength, wisdom, and courage needed to complete the task. For He has said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

In early 2002, I was again asked to consider accepting nomination for the position of Elder. After much prayer and through the council of godly people within the body, I accepted the nomination, with questions as to my abilities to fulfill the duties of the office. As it turned out, my willingness to say “Yes” did not line up with God’s providential timing, as I was not elected to the office.

In 2003, I was nominated and elected Elder. While I know that I am inadequate in my strength to complete the task God has set before me, I can only depend on Him for the necessary strength and guidance as I attempt to fulfill the office of Elder. As we are given God-sized assignments in the building of His Kingdom, instead of coming up with reasons why we cannot do the job, let us turn to Him for our strength because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
—Gordon Doughman

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Earthly things, including jobs, homes, respect, fame, bank accounts, 401Ks, friendships, and even loved ones, can be lost or taken in an instant. How quickly these things can disappear, no matter how tightly we hold onto them.

Simply, the things of this earth are desperately vulnerable to the circumstances of life. Whether we like it or not, we may find ourselves stripped of what we used to call “ours.”

However, your relationship with the Lord can never be taken from you. Most certainly, the Lord will not walk away from a relationship with you. Therefore, if your relationship with the Lord is the most important thing in your life, then, quite logically, you can never lose the most important thing in your life.

Great strength can come from this. Even during times of great suffering, what is most important to you can never be taken from you. Even during times of despair, you will still have what you deem most valuable. And when (not if) there come times of great reversals of fortune, the most precious thing to you will not be lost.

So, even in times of great suffering, despair, and reversal of fortune, what you treasure most is untouchable.
—Brett Schatz

Thursday—March 18, 2004

“See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you.” I John 2:24a (NIV)

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to attend my first silent retreat. As part of the retreat team of my former church, I was personally challenged by our guest speaker to spend an entire weekend in silence at a Christian retreat center in Glendale. I immediately was consumed with two opposite reactions, “I could not possibly remain silent that long,” and, “I know I have to go.”

Joshua 1:8 says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.” (NIV) This was to become a reality for me as I attended the weekend of silence. I opened my Bible to I John and began to read it, meditate on it, journal about what the words said, journal my personal thoughts, and meditate on it some more. I talked to the Lord and He spoke to my heart. He even brought forth an inner healing. During that period of silence, like layers of an onion, I was able to strip off the peripheral layers of noise and interruptions that so easily distract; and I was left with hours and hours of “God thoughts.” Like dust removed from a table, the written word of God became sharper and more alive to me. I journaled pages and pages in my notebook, insightful thoughts too precious to lose. The words I read were not just for knowledge, but words of life that impacted my very being. The Lord, in that time of silence, was able to communicate to me so much clearer (or shall I say that I was able to hear).

That weekend’s impact on me remains. This extrovert now looks forward to extended periods of silence where I can allow God’s Spirit to speak to my heart.
—Ann Kintner

Friday—March 19, 2004

“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.” Luke 22:7 (NIV)

The blood of the Passover lamb that saved the first-born of Israel, during the plagues of Egypt, is realized and fulfilled in the new covenant, Jesus the Son of God. His blood shed for us at Passover, saved us. His burial at the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread showed He was the “Bread of Life” and the giver of eternal life. His resurrection from the dead, on the day of First Fruits showed that He was the first fruit of those raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:20).

For believers, Lent is a time of opportunity—new life in Christ, and a chance to die to self. Jesus is our example. One year ago medical testing showed I had colon cancer. Surgery produced a cure. I was “passed over” and spared a diagnosis that so many endure. Why me? Why a cure? Why the suffering? What did God want to teach me? To be honest, I still struggle for answers. Questions remain, but these things I do know. I know I serve a sovereign God who wants to make Himself known through all my circumstances. I know my life is tied to His and secured forever by His shed blood. I know God is infinite, and I am not. I know I am dependent more on Him and less on me. I know I see my nuclear and church families with new eyes.

Thank you Lord for my disease, sufferings, cure, questions, and continued struggles. Thank you for seeking Abram and your covenant relationship. Thank you for the passover cross. Thank you for an empty tomb.
—Mark Verhagen

Saturday—March 20, 2004

“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” Hebrews 3:4 (NIV)

Someone recently asked me how long I have been involved with Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity. It is difficult for me to believe that it has been almost ten years since I attended one of the planning meetings for the Third Avenue home in North College Hill. I was very cautious about wanting to become involved with something about which I knew very little. I knew absolutely nothing about construction. Why would I want to become involved with something that was so far out of my comfort zone?

Many meetings later, it was very clear that this ministry was about more than building houses. It was providing an opportunity for a family to have a new beginning by owning a home that they ordinarily would not have been able to own. This family would work side-by-side with hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life— different genders, ages, races, cultures, economic backgrounds, and denominations. All of these people were working together for one common purpose—helping one of God’s people in need. My rewarding experience has been to work with many of these volunteers who have selflessly given far more time and effort than I can imagine, an incredible staff that has provided outstanding leadership, and partner families that have taught me about differences in culture and lifestyle.

As I think about everything I have learned through this ministry, I look ahead to the opportunities that await our congregation in Springfield Township and the surrounding areas. This will be a new beginning as we build our new church home. We can reach out to our new neighborhood and make a difference in their lives. Relationships are very important to establish with various ages, races, and economic backgrounds. These new relationships will be instrumental to the successful growth of our church.

As we approach Easter and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ gave, I challenge you to become actively involved in some type of ministry. This ministry might include becoming a mentor to one of the children in our new neighborhood or becoming involved in one of the outreach opportunities. It may even involve something outside your comfort zone but most likely may become a very rewarding experience—one in which you will be glad you participated. Many of us remember how our congregation brought many of our diverse talents together to build a Habitat home in Mt. Auburn a couple of years ago. We can now use those gifts and talents in other ways to make a difference in our new church home—to provide a new beginning in the life of our church.
—Teala McQuilkin

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