LENTEN DEVOTIONS
2008

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

THE TWO OF US

“¹³That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus . . . ¹⁴and they were talking with each other about all these things . . .” Luke 24:13-14 (ESV)

Have you ever had a prayer partner? Have you ever had a partner with whom you could study the things of God?

Several years ago, God laid out a set of circumstances that brought my long-time friend, Liz, and me together to work our way through several books by Christian authors. This led us into a study of the Gospels, particularly looking at Jesus—the way He spoke, prayed, and interacted with people. We observed His relationship with the Father. We read, studied alone, and then shared together (on the phone)—quite in depth. Then in His providence, we found ourselves reading the Psalms, both of us admitting we had not spent much time in the Book of Psalms. Some time later, with the help of various authors, we began to appreciate the richness of the Psalms, every possible emotion expressed therein, where one can pray the Psalms and express all those pent-up feelings, attitudes, frustrations, and fears, all from God’s original Prayer Book.

There are Scriptures that speak of going “two by two” and “being followers together,” reminding us of the blessing of being with another person to study, witness, or serve. My friend and I have learned a great deal, kept each other faithful, and had our eyes opened by God’s Spirit to new things. Our long friendship, years of interaction, and praying for each other and our families were used by God to enhance the richness of our study, which is ongoing.

When we studied the Gospels, we read from the Narrated Bible in Chronological Order, making sure we scheduled our “Holy Week reading” between Palm Sunday and Easter. It was a powerful decision on our part, especially on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. As Scripture says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved . . . rightly handling the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
—Ann Kintner

_________

THE QUIET KILLER

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1 (ESV)

I am a recovering atheist—we all are. My form of atheism is not the philosophical atheism of men like Richard Dawkins who wrote The God Delusion. Mine is quieter—unbelief. Unbelief is more subtle than philosophical atheism, will eventually spread, kill your heart, and choke off every particle of belief in Jesus.

Jesus says, “Believe in God; believe also in me.” He demands that we trust Him. Yet when I anxiously obsess over a class I have to teach or refuse to forgive someone, in effect, I am stating no God exists. I act as if God does not exist and that the Gospel is not powerful enough to make me trust Him. When I lay awake all night worrying that I might lose my eyesight, I deny God is in control. When fear of death paralyzes me, I inadvertently tell the world Jesus did not rise from the dead. This dangerous form of atheism is displayed to my friends and family as they observe how I respond to suffering, financial problems, forgiveness, death, etc. When I respond in ways that do not parallel my belief in Christ, I am living in a way that denies the very Gospel I profess to believe. This unbelief will seduce them far more quickly than the atheism portrayed in The God Delusion.

Unbelief is at the core of every sin. I preach that God is sovereign; I proclaim that Jesus rose from the dead. Yet I stand up on my unbelief and cry out, “There is NO GOD!” by worrying about my life, refusing to forgive my enemies, living for my own gain, or hoping in the election of a president to usher in a kingdom of peace.

“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12 (ESV)

Beware of unbelief, for it brings terror to a heart. Even worse, your children will watch me, watch you, and then be seduced by this quiet heart killer, too. Unbelief speaks louder than words. Beware! Each minute it is spreading, sinking its claws into your heart of flesh and turning it into a heart of stone.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b (ESV) Believe in God. Trust Him, Oh Christian, and let not the anxieties and sufferings of this world choke off your belief in a God who is always faithful, always sovereign, and always good. Behold the glory of Christ—our best defense against this subtle atheism!
—Michael Lyons

_______

TRUTHS IN TENSION

“. . . I am God, and there is none like me, . . .” Isaiah 46:9 (ESV)

God is complex. Sometimes this frustrates me, but I also love this about Him. He is not quickly and easily known; there are endless layers of depth in His personality. Happily, this means that He will never become boring—there is an eternity of delightful discovery ahead of us. The frustration comes in that, as we learn of Him, there are truths that seem to almost contradict each other. So either we give up trying, or we learn to hold them in tension, balancing one against the other, until our understanding is more complete.

For instance, God is transcendent. (Think of standing outside on a cold, dark winter night looking up at a sky full of brilliant stars.) He is also immanent. (Think of coming in from the cold to a cozy fire and a cup of hot chocolate.) So which is it—is God alien, distant, and magnificent; or is He present with us here and now, knowing and meeting our needs? Well, it is both.

Likewise God is both just and merciful; my rebellion is not ignored, but He suffered its most terrible consequence Himself. He hates sin implacably but dearly loves sinners like us. He is kind and devoted to our well-being, yet permits us to suffer, sometimes greatly.

It is at the cross that these apparent contradictions begin to resolve themselves. Here is God’s heart on full display, in intimate self-revelation—the God of glory in unmatched humiliation—the God beyond knowing, making Himself known—the transcendent God, bleeding human blood—the holy God, carrying our sin—God, the righteous judge, loving us into life.

Truly, there is none like Him.
—Pam Dollard

_________

BRACING FOR CHANGES

“²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)

I knew starting middle school was going to be difficult, but it was REALLY difficult. I had no idea how many obstacles God was going to throw at me. I also did not realize that they would actually be helping my spiritual life.

Approximately two months into sixth grade, my first year of middle school, I was given a back brace to wear for twenty hours a day. The doctor told my family and me that I had a back condition called scoliosis. It would not cause me any restrictions, or at least this is what the doctor said. However, I could not wear the clothes that I wanted or feel very comfortable. I call those restrictions. Though it took me two years to figure it out, I realized God was not punishing me or testing me. He was helping me. He used my condition to bring me closer to Him. Before I knew that I had scoliosis, I was not sure about what to pray. There is so much about which to pray, but I did not know how to start. When I realized I needed to talk to God, this is when I was able to tell Him many things. Another way the brace helped me was that it kept me from wearing many of the clothes that I probably should not have worn.

I have finally learned to let God take control of the difficult situations in my life, including scoliosis and other problems I have and will experience.

God puts us through things not to test us, but to help us and teach us. We should be happy to receive this help in our relationship with God. I am very thankful for this experience, even though it has been difficult. I am also happy to say that God has blessed me with the opportunity to have surgery to cure my scoliosis. Even though it is scary, God will be with me through it. This whole experience has made my relationship with God stronger, and He will continue to strengthen it.
—Shannon Meyer

_________

OUR FATHER’S GREATEST GIFT FOR A CHILD’S GREATEST NEEDS

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1 (ESV)

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” I Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)

Recently while reading The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer, I began to recall some significant life experiences, the results of which I could not attribute to any source other than being led by the Holy Spirit.

Following a relocation trip in the late 1970’s to Waco, Texas, we checked into a local hotel which I thought would be our new short-term residence. My wife, Judy, daughter, Stacey, and I proceeded to our hotel room. As I set the luggage down, I noticed Judy was visibly upset and told me, “Something is wrong. I cannot stay here. We have to leave.” She insisted we leave, and we changed hotels. I did not fully understand Judy’s reaction until I learned from the manager that there had been a tragedy in that room two weeks earlier.

A few days later, Judy met a man and his daughter at the new hotel. This man challenged her about what she was reading by the pool and, more importantly, how unlovingly she was treating our daughter. This man was obviously sent by God for our family. Over the next several weeks, the Holy Spirit worked within Judy to recognize her need for healing of past wounds from her upbringing. It was the beginning of tremendous growth in Christ for all of us.

The Holy Spirit is real and relevant—always leading us even when we do not realize or respond to Him.

More recently as a part of the ECC softball team, I would spend another evening away from family; but Judy had encouraged me to join. I wanted Judy to go with me, but it was usually the same night as worship team practice so she could not. One evening, though, the worship team was not practicing, so I asked her to go. She said she was just not comfortable going that evening. On my way to a new ballpark, I got lost. I noticed a Park Ranger on the other side of an intersection; and being totally focused on him, I pulled into the path of an oncoming car! My car was hit broadside. The passenger door was shoved over the seat where Judy would have been sitting—reducing the seat to about ten inches wide.

As I write this, I thank God once again for my wife’s sensitive spirit and the courage and confidence to follow where God leads.
—Otto Jarrell

_________

OH, HOW WE LEARN OUR LESSONS

“¹⁴because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ ¹⁶The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:14-17 (NIV)

These days are sandwich days for me. Two mornings a week I care for my eighteen-month-old grandson, Matthew, and two days a week I care for my mom, who is ninety-six. Sometimes I feel like I am turned into peanut butter and jelly. Some days are just the duty of “peanut butter”—protein and sticky; other days of full of the joys of a rich, sweet jelly.

Do we ever cease to be children listening for the Spirit to guide our way? Mom’s spirit is similar to Matthew’s spirit. My spirit moves to meet their simplicity. With the Lord, I do not feel enslaved by the needs of those around me. It blesses me when my attitude reflects His spirit as a result of prayer. Without this prayer, I feel bound by their needs.

The bread of the sandwich in which I live frequently calls me to the communion need for His strength, love, and understanding. I can live there in freedom and joy with His spirit. “Abba Father” meets me as I sense Mom’s need for connection. She can still tell me her needs; but beyond that, her conversation has little to do with reality. “Thank you for helping me,” is a treasure for both of us. Sometimes house chores lack glamour and seem no great witness or service. Reaching for the Lord’s presence does not feel like anything. Knowing Him draws me back to praise in the middle of the ordinary, everyday existence.

Matthew brings constant joy and wonder. Seeing his human mind expand into life balances my mom’s retreat from life. The Spirit, bearing witness with our spirit draws me into the hope—no, the knowledge—that we all are heirs of God and joint heirs because we are with Christ. The Christmas season of birth was real to me this year. I hope I never cease to find awe in the fact we know who Christ Jesus is. The birth in Him, created by Him, gives our lives such meaning. With Easter following so closely, we are presented with the Glory of His journey to conquer all death, defeat, and sin for all time. Praise God, we are His children!
—Sue Crosset

_________

GRACE AND PEACE

“I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’” Psalm 16:2 (NIV)

Let us just meditate on this for a few moments . . .

“I said to the LORD”—this is an offering of the heart. “You are my Lord”—this is a statement of allegiance, servanthood, and humility. “Apart from you I have no good thing”—I find this a comfort and a challenge in and around my daily life. I have often struggled with the desire to be the one to make my life good—to take my life in my frail hands and make sense of it. I need the Lord. I end up drowning within myself without God; but with Him as my All, I am sure-footed, even when assailed.

I find “good” that the world has to offer appealing—a quick fix. I hardly ever need to ask for a Lord in my life. I already have it covered; but should I need anything, the world usually has something for me . . . conviction. It is a comfort, a balm where I have looked to God as my only good thing. Somehow in my weakness and vulnerability, I have been my strongest. When I ask Him for forgiveness, fellowship, or provision, He faithfully shows Himself as a good thing.

Grace and peace—grace for my failures and sin, so that my heart is filled with peace—sweet fellowship with the Lord is encapsulating me. Grace and peace are provisions for good things that draw me to Him, “apart from you I have no good thing.”

During Lent, I want to follow Jesus in sacrificing—laying down my life for our one good thing—to do with me what He will.
—Grace Cload

_________

TRUST IN THE LORD

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)

Our family recently reviewed the highlights of the past year. We have been through life’s ebbs and flows.

My husband, Luther, had major dental work performed. After looking at several different programs and schools, he was accepted to a nursing program.

I found out that I had a low platelet count and high cholesterol. My parents from the Philippines came to visit us in Cincinnati. My dad had a mild stroke during the year.

Our daughter, Inna, took a school achievement test for the first time and also joined the church hand bell choir, Kingdom Ringers. Our other daughter, Chai, after challenging toilet-training, is now attending nursery school and has had her first dental visit.

The year’s trials also included Luther’s first trip to Toronto, my trip with only the girls to Colorado, and attending my first concert at Music Hall.

While we were in those circumstances, we were afraid, anxious, overwhelmed, and did not know what to do but PRAY! We just put our whole trust in the Lord.

Having overcome many challenges, we reflect and are grateful to God. We thank our family, friends, and ECC for their support. This reminds me that, although I am a Christian, I am not exempt from such difficulties. This also tells me not to be comfortable here on earth because my real home is in heaven. I want to be more like Jesus so that He is glorified and honored in and through me.

As we look forward to the coming days, all we need to do is TRUST IN THE LORD—OUR ROCK ETERNAL!
—Cybele Risma

_________

WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS?

“¹⁸Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. ¹⁹For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19 (ESV)

As human beings and specifically as Americans, these two verses are difficult to swallow. Why should we pay for someone else’s sin? This is not fair! It is just as difficult to accept that we may be righteous because of what someone else did. I can manage my life by myself, thank you very much! We are taught early in life we must work hard and achieve.

Several years ago, I said to a good friend that it was not fair to be judged guilty because of Adam’s sin. She reminded me that, if it had not been Adam, it would have been someone else—maybe even me. After much thought, I knew she was right.

Now the part about accepting Christ’s righteousness as my own . . . well it is just too easy! Surely I must do something! As the years roll by and I learn more from the Word of God, I see there is nothing for which I can take credit regarding my salvation. God gave me the “want to” and the faith to believe.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
—Becky Powell

_________

THE UNCOMFORTABLE GOSPEL

John 6:60-71.
“But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, ‘Do you take offense at this?’” John 6:61 (ESV)

This passage is in response to Jesus’ teaching about the eating of His flesh and the drinking of His blood. It is not my intent to explain the entire passage here. Rather, I wish to look at how Jesus handles the reaction of those gathered.

His initial comments about the necessity of eating His flesh are met with misunderstanding. “The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’” John 6:52 (ESV) We might, at this point, expect Jesus to say something like, “You’re being too literal. I’m talking about a spiritual reality, the necessity to commune with Me to obtain eternal life.” He does not do this. Instead He pushes the envelope with graphic language about how His flesh is real food and His blood is real drink. Without the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, it probably sounded more like cannibalism to His listeners. In fact, many turned away from Him (verse 66).

Even His disciples are unsettled, yet Jesus again chooses not to comfort and explain, but to ask if they want to leave like the others (verse 67). Peter replies that they will stay, despite the discomfort and confusion, because Jesus is the Holy One of God. Where else would they go?

This has profound implications for us today. When proclaiming the Gospel, are we tempted to smooth out some of the sharp edges, so we do not offend? Do we entreat people to come to Jesus primarily because He can heal their hurts, help them get meaning in life, or some other self-help goal—or do we present Jesus as the Holy One of God?

Christ suffered and died because of our sin. We are not just hurting, we are hurtful. We are not just broken, we are wicked. Some may take offense to this, but we should proclaim it because it is true. It is also true that, while we were yet sinners, Christ Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8).

I find it interesting that, in this passage, Jesus twice says that no one comes to Him unless the Father draws them (verses 44 and 65). As a church, we should not gauge success by the number of people we attract; and we should not regard it as failure for those who turn away. In my opinion, a successful church is one that is obedient in proclaiming the full Gospel, with all the sharp edges, trusting God to draw the elect.
—Dave Matre

_________

ANTIDOTE TO WORRY

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

I am a natural-born worrier and have heard many sermons that Christians are not supposed to worry or be anxious. There are numerous Scriptures to support this message. Such messages left me convicted, guilty, discouraged, and struggling with how NOT to worry.

Reading Philippians 4, I noticed after the verse “Be anxious for nothing” Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) was a verse I had not noticed—Philippians 4:8. How did I miss that verse? This was a means to eliminate my worry. In my mind, I think of what is good, true, right, holy, and worthy of praise.

The fears, anxieties, and concerns come unbidden in the middle of the night, as I am driving, while I am standing in line, cleaning, doing laundry, and in the quiet moments. Only now, there is a way to deal with them rather than dwell on them.

When these thoughts and worries came, what happened began to change. I would decide if it fit the Philippians 4:8 filter. If the worry did not fit the filter, I would ask God to “fix it” and use it for good in my or someone else’s life. Then I move on to think of something else.

Worry is not a sin, but it can become sin depending on what we do with it. Dwelling on the worry does not change the issue or increase my faith and trust in the Lord. Admitting the worry and measuring it against Philippians 4:8 changes the worry and ME. I become calmer, closer to the Lord, and content. The change is sometimes instant, but some worries hang around a long time—yet Philippians 4:8 changes me.

This has taught me to examine Scripture in context, not in isolation. By paying attention to the verses following Philippians 4:6, I found a means to obey this admonition and not just be convicted and guilty because I am anxious. I now put the worry under the light of Philippians 4:8 and am transformed. Instead of being separated from God, I am drawn to Him. Instead of being anxious and upset, I am talking with the Lord and receiving His comfort and peace beyond understanding as I wait for Him to work out His purpose. Instead of being afraid, I am calm and trusting—my faith grows.

Praise God for giving me the tools and being transformed—a new creation in Christ!
—Jeanne Grigsby

_________

A TIME OF NEW BEGINNINGS AND OUR ROOT SYSTEM

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way . . .” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

It is so exciting to look out my window and view the first evidence that the deadness of winter is yielding to beautiful flowering plants bursting through the soil. Most of the root systems have survived the winter storms, while others will have to be replaced. The drought and early freeze of 2007 were too much for those that did not survive.

In many ways, we are like those plants. All of us know first-hand about storms in life. We see lives and families destroyed by them daily. For some, it has been a winter of continuous storms until you feel you cannot battle another one. The winds of discouragement are hitting strong. You wonder how long you can endure it. Perhaps you can relate to those early Christians viewing the cross and feeling overwhelmed by defeat as Jesus breathed His last. It was noon, the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land (Luke 23:44). Is it the sixth hour of darkness for you? Those Christians did not know that, during the darkness, our Sovereign God was working His plan; and it was just a matter of time before a new beginning would spring forth.

On the third day those women experienced a new beginning at the tomb. Where is God when you are waiting and He seems silent? Perhaps you are in that silent waiting period now . . . if so, where is your focus? Do not focus on the silence or the storm. Fix your eyes on the Lord. He is working all things together for your good. There is no promise that following Christ will prevent trouble in our lives, but He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Storms are either present or coming. It is a matter of time. Our root system makes all the difference. Nothing is too difficult for our Sovereign God (Jeremiah 32:17). Are we rooted deep in the Lord and His word? If not, you can know that new beginning today. We can experience His grace in our time of need, and that grace will hold us in the fiercest storms. Having a personal relationship with the risen Lord is the greatest of all new beginnings.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm
“The Lord’s our Rock; in Him we hide, a Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure what ever ill betide, a Shelter in the time of storm.
O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land;
O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land—A Shelter in the time of storm.”

—Sherry Smith

HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN

“He is not here, for he has risen,. . .” Matthew 28:6 (ESV)

When I received an invitation to write a devotion for the forty days of Lent, I thought, “My goodness, I can’t do that!” After much thought and prayer, I asked myself, “How can I not do that?” It is a great opportunity to shout from the housetops what Jesus means to Dillard and me.

There has not been a time in the fifty years we have been married that His hand has not provided for our needs—not our wants, but our every need. Jesus says in His word, if we do not praise Him, the rocks would cry out.

It has been three and a half years since we walked into ECC. We could not stop coming back; we felt such love for Jesus in the hearts of the people. Pastor Rich and everyone showed us so much love and support. Thank you, Lord, for ECC and thank You, Jesus, that when You ascended to the Father, You did not leave us comfortless.

I stood in Jesus’ tomb in the Holy Land in 1979, and I read these words, “He is not here, He is risen.” As we enter into Lent this year, let us remember the profound words Jesus spoke to Martha at Lazarus’ tomb, “²⁵Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; ²⁶and whoever lives and believes in me will never die . . .’” John 11:25-26 (NIV)

Let us praise Him with the fruit of our lips for what He has done for us and shout it from the housetops what a mighty God we serve!
—Betty Creech
LIFTING the LORD
LIVING the WORD
LOVING the PEOPLE

_________

Holy Week

Monday—March 17, 2008

GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

“. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11b (NIV)

Envy has been defined as being so focused on what we do not have, that we cannot appreciate what we do have. Like all areas of sin, this makes us miserable. We live in a culture of excess. People who work in merchandise marketing get paid to make us discontent. It is the intent of nearly every advertisement we see to make us want something we do not have. Since we know from Scripture that God wants us to learn to be content, we find ourselves in a spiritual battle. How can we learn to be content, and how can we rid ourselves of discontent, envy, or coveting?

Paul says he learned contentment. It is a by-product of spiritual maturity and sanctification and can become a way of life like other fruit of the Spirit. People who are not content are usually no more content with much than they are with little. Webster contains a clue to why this is so. The adjective con•tent' (satisfied) has the same root as the noun con'•tent (contain). The person who is content is one who contains. In other words, there is no bottomless pit that cannot be filled; there is no open door where everything escapes. Have you noticed in all sin areas (i.e. greed, gluttony, lust, etc.), or in addictions, what ought to satisfy, does not; and what used to be enough, no longer is? This is because, in any sin area, we have an open door into the bottomless pit of hell. Nothing will ever be enough! Actually God uses this misery-causing “not-enough-monster” to get our attention. We run to Him, He closes the door if we ask Him to, and we are content and appreciate what we do have once more.

This battle goes much deeper than the material excesses of our culture. If you read the context of Paul’s statement, he is referring to being content with God’s provision and with what God permits in his life. Contentment arises from a belief that God is right in all His ways. We learn to delight in His wisdom and trust His choices. It is so easy to wish you had someone else’s children, job, health, spiritual gifts, spouse, money, skills, abilities, etc. However, God has placed you where He wants you for His purposes. During this Lenten season, we celebrate that Jesus rescued us from the pit of hell and set us on the path of life. Out of love for Him, we take captive every thought of discontent and lean with contentment into His sovereignty, His love, and His goodness, because our contentment glorifies God!
—Wendy Detroy

_________

GOD’S TIMING IS PERFECT

“¹To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: ²A time to be born, And a time to die; . . .” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NKJV)
“For man also does not know his time: . . .” Ecclesiastes 9:12a (NKJV)

Events occurred this past December that were both happy and sad. Christmas is always a joyous time, and one we eagerly anticipate. This year, it was extra special. Our son and his wife presented us with a new grandson. Since our daughter-in-law and her father both had December birthdays, she did not want any of her children to have a birthday at that time of the year; but God’s timing is perfect. They were thankful for a normal pregnancy, safe delivery, and healthy baby boy.

As we celebrated a new life, we faced the possibility of losing one. Our daughter’s father-in-law, Mike, had a heart attack, underwent very serious surgery, and had not regained consciousness. His family gathered to keep vigil. The days following the surgery were a roller-coaster of emotions—from hope to discouragement several times. They experienced several (what they later called) “God moments.” They wondered why some things had happened:

• There was Mike’s atypical analysis that diagnosed his condition.
• Somehow there was time for Mike to have a difficult discussion with his son before surgery.
• There was a doctor friend who “just happened to be on duty” to offer advice and consolation as Mike’s condition improved and declined.
• The minister who helped console them and prepare them for the worst with a kind and loving spirit—just to mention a few.

Through all of this, we could see faith sprouting in some; and faith growing in the others. The normal questions still arose—why now, why allow Mike to survive surgery and not live, why . . . ? In retrospect, they all saw that God’s timing was good and their spiritual growth had occurred because of His timing.

As Scripture tells us, we do not know our “time”; and there is a time for everything—a time to give birth and a time to die. We experienced both in a very short time, yet saw God’s timing—even though we may not always understand why. Mike had always tried to continuously teach his family, even at his death—live life with no regrets and keep short accounts with all people.

As we approach Easter, we know that God’s timing was perfect for Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. Jesus’ friends and family suffered the same anguish and probably asked these same questions. Easter morning then came and new hope that guides us even today. Praise God for His perfect timing!
—Jim Williamson

_________

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)

In the Scriptures, “Joy” is mentioned along with suffering, testing, crying, rejoicing, and celebrating. Nehemiah told the people, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Joy is a choice—we must choose to trust in the Lord, keeping our eyes on Him and not on the situation. Life is full of choices. We can choose to be filled with fear and worry, or we can choose to be joyful—looking to the Lord for our strength. Some people are blessed with the gift of joy, always seeing the glass as half full while others see it as half empty. They often mourn “What could have been” or “What they have lost.” Chuck Swindoll advises us, “Worry stifles our joy.”

The reality of life is that things do not always go our way. Sometimes the answer to our prayer is, “Wait,” “Not now,” or even “No.” We have the assurance that our prayers are heard and that God knows what is best for us. We can rejoice in the peace that comes when we trust in the Lord and draw strength from Him. It is not what is happening in our life but how we deal with it. We are instructed, “²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3 (NIV) This may mean going to a job that we do not like or calling to encourage someone who is going through tough times and not being sure of what to say.

During this special time of Lent, let us focus on the sacrifice Christ made for us by dying on the cross. We can prepare our hearts with joy, for we know in whom we can trust and that “The joy of the Lord is our strength.”
—Donna Peterson

_________

A NOTE OF BLESSING

Galatians 3:1-14.
“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” Galatians 3:14 (NIV)

The Lenten season has a greater meaning to me now that I have been blessed with a son. As I reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice from a father’s perspective, I am in awe that God would care so much for us that He would send His most beloved treasure to earth. He did this fully knowing the purpose was for Christ to live a perfect life and die a wretched death so that I, a sinner, may spend eternity with Him. I chose this passage for two reasons. First, to remind us that, since we are not perfect, it is only through faith and not by our works, that we are saved. Second, God will bless those who have put their faith in the risen Jesus Christ. My focus, however, will be on the blessing.

God has a special purpose in each of our lives. Many times after a day’s work, that is difficult for me to believe. My paid job on earth is a middle school math teacher. My eternal job, and yours, too, is to be a missionary wherever God leads us. We need to have faith and trust God with our day-to-day routines. He will then open our eyes to see the world as He sees it that we may be a blessing to those who are in desperate need of light in the darkness.

As a public school teacher, I am very limited in what I can say about my faith; but I am not ashamed to live out my faith to my students and colleagues. I am reminded of two letters being passed between students that I intercepted in separate classes a couple of months ago, both sharing a similar message. The message was, “I’m really glad I’m in Mr. Rudolph’s class. He’s like a father I’ve never had.” I was amazed at how God had used me to help fill a void in their lives even while teaching math. Even though I do not see direct results of blessing others often, it does not mean that it did not occur. God will use each of us where we are, if we let Him.

We are living in a world filled with hurting people. God has blessed you, and I encourage you to be a blessing to those whom He has placed in your life. Pray that your attitude today would be an encouraging blessing for God’s glory.

—David Rudolph

OUR FATHER’S LOVE

“²⁸They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. . . . ³⁰They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.” Matthew 27:28-30 (NIV)

As a mother and grandmother, each time one of my children or grandchildren gets hurt or is ill, I get anxious; and at times, the tears come easily. I feel so helpless.

When my oldest son was eighteen months old, he needed surgery. A small, helpless child going under a surgeon’s knife at such a young age broke my heart. When my grandson, Nicholas, was born, it was such a joy; but then he contracted meningitis. There was this tiny babe in a sterile hospital bed with tubes going in his little arm and foot. After many prayers and several weeks of antibiotics going into his little foot, Nicholas was finally free of the tubes and the meningitis.

Every time I read the story of Christ being crucified, the scene becomes very vivid. I think of Mary seeing her son bleeding from thorns in His head, being beaten, taunted and nailed to the cross. She could not comfort Him or tend to Him. I cannot imagine the pain she felt. I think of God as He looked down upon His Son.

He sent His Son to die a horrible death for me, a sinner, so unworthy of such a sacrifice. He did this for me, and yet I sometimes forget to do even the little things that would please Him. I cannot begin to put into words this great love our Father has for us. The composer who wrote “Amazing Love” has done this for me.

This Easter season, let us picture Christ upon the cross, reflect on the love that put Him there, and then with joyful praise, give thanks to God for the risen Christ. How great is God’s love for His people! Let us go out and spread His love to all.
—Rita Wainscott

_________

A GROWING FAITH

Matthew 17:14-21.
“¹⁹Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ ²⁰He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” Matthew 17:19-20 (NIV)

We often see strong parallels between God’s work in nature and His truth revealed in Scripture. Sharon and I saw this on a trip to Northern California this past summer. We visited Muir Woods where the California redwoods, the tallest trees in the world, grow and Yosemite where the giant sequoias, the largest living organisms in the world, can be seen. These trees grow from incredibly small seeds which fall off hundreds of cones dropped by each mature tree every year and eventually grow into these enormous living things.

Faith is like this. It usually starts off small and grows as we mature in Christ. This was true for the disciples. They had seen Jesus perform mighty miracles but continued to struggle in their faith. After the crucifixion, they were fearful, broken-hearted, and disappointed. Only after they saw the resurrected Christ did they believe that He was the living God. With their matured faith, they shared the Gospel with all who would listen and turned the world upside down.

Our faith is often like the disciples’ faith. It starts small but grows as we see God’s hand in our daily lives, the lives of others, and history. Our faith will be strengthened. We are to nurture our faith through fasting, reading of Scripture, and praying.

Our maturity in Christ is often measured during times of struggle and turmoil. We live in a fallen world; where we will face the death of loved ones, struggles with work and finances, and broken relationships. The Scripture is clear that we grow as we work through the challenges of life, which can either break us or produce endurance, strength, and a growing faith. The question we must face is whether we really believe God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has a plan for our lives, and it is for our blessing.

Let us pray that our faith will grow like the disciples’ faith. We must always remember that Jesus’ life and message did not end on Good Friday. The empty tomb and the celebration of Easter teach us that He lives. Our God is the God of the living and not the dead. Indeed, let us join with all the saints of history and shout from the rooftops that Christ is risen! Let us believe, grow in faith, and live in, through, and for Jesus the Christ, our living and risen Savior.
—Rick Schatz

_________

THE PROMISE OF LIFE

“²⁵Jesus said to her [Martha],‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, ²⁶and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26 (ESV)

This is the greatest news that has ever fallen on anyone's ears. The news is that death, because of Jesus Christ, need not mean inevitable hell. A man who believes in Him dies only that he might rise again and live for eternity. This is the truth of our Christian hope; death only opens up eternal life.

This past fall, our high school students in Boot Camp have been studying, memorizing Scripture, and are being tested over the New Testament. I enjoy the opportunities to participate with them, and I trust they are really learning and applying Scripture to their lives. I recall a week before Christmas when they studied the resurrection. They learned that the death of Jesus dashed all of the disciples’ hopes that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. So great was their despair that they refused to believe the reports that Jesus had risen from the dead. When Jesus met with them and they were convinced of His resurrection, their faith was revived; and they had new hope that they, too, would conquer death through Him. The disciples were transformed from men who were hopeless and fearful after the crucifixion, into men who were confident and bold witnesses of the resurrection.

Pray with me that not only our youth would continue in this hope with confidence, but that each one of us would rejoice and serve in the eternal life-giving power of our resurrected Lord.
—Vaughn Engle

Top
February 6 - March 1
March 2 - March 23