About Us
What to Expect
Directions
Worship
Getting Connected
Staff
Church Leaders
Calendar
Sermons
Spiritual Growth
Bible Reading Guide
Lectionary Readings
Lent Devotions
Our Church Partners
Home
Phone: (253) 863-7858
Thoughts on LENT
February 17, 2010 - Ash Wednesday
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51: 10 NRSV
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten journey. It is a time of reflection and repentance...a
time when we return to God from other journeys that have led us away from God. There are many disciplines to the life of faith, but three that we focus on specifically during Lent—fasting, prayer and almsgiving. At the beginning of this journey, you may wish to dedicate yourself to one or more of these disciplines:
*fasting: this may mean forgoing favorite foods for forty days. It may also mean self denial of other things that you cherish...the idea is to forgo the indulgence of something you love in order to make room for God to work in those places and spaces you make empty by fasting.
*prayer: There are probably any number of reasons why we do not pray on a regular basis—not enough time, not enough knowledge, etc. Prayer is not just something that happens in a Sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Prayer happens at hospital bedsides, in the car on the way to somewhere, before meals, or anytime that we invite the holy into our everyday lives. Lent is a perfect time to commit to prayer on a daily basis...and hopefully this devotional booklet will help you with that commitment.
*almsgiving: Remember those in need. There are those within our own community of faith who are struggling as well as those outside the walls of our church who are in need. Lent is a perfect time to commit to caring for others and reaching out a helping hand.
Prayer: Holy and Loving God, You have set us forth on a journey of faith and discovery. We thank you for
your gift of Jesus, our brother, who walks with us and bids us to open ourselves to new discoveries through
our commitments of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Be with us on our Lenten journey that we may grow deeper
in our faith...deeper in our love for you...and deeper in our commitment to care for ourselves and others.
In Christ we pray. Amen.
—Rochelle Richards
Top of Page
February 18, 2010
“Therefore say to them, thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will
return to you.’ says the Lord of hosts”
Zechariah 1:3 NRSV
In one sentence, Zechariah reminds the reader three times it is the Lord of hosts speaking. Israel
needed reminding about how to be in relationship with God. They had returned home after being in exile
where they were constantly surrounded by people who worshipped other gods. When it came to worshipping
and serving the Lord of hosts, they were out of practice.Several years ago, I began taking guitar lessons from a friend. At first, my fingertips hurt when I played. A song came to a complete stop each time I had to change chords because I had to look at the neck of the guitar and consult the chord chart to make sure I had my fingers in the right places. I thought I would never play music the way my friend did so effortlessly. Week by week I practiced and eventually I developed calluses. I began to memorize chords and change chords by feel rather than by sight so the songs only slowed down instead of stopping. I never became as proficient as my friend, but I was good enough to play for my own enjoyment. Then we had children. I gladly put away my guitar for a while to take care of my babies. A while became almost ten years. Not surprisingly, when I picked up my guitar again my fingers hurt when I played. I had to go back to using the chord chart for some songs. Even the songs I had played over and over again were difficult again. Due to years of lack of practice, it was almost like starting from scratch.
In my relationship with God, there have been times when I have been very faithful in devoting time to prayer and study. At first, it is hard to make the time on a regular basis. I have wondered if I am praying the “right” way or for the “right” things. But if I am persistent, it becomes easier to make the time and be at peace and just be with God. Sadly, there have been times in my life when I have not been faithful in devoting time to prayer and study. Each time I start over, it is hard and I experience similar doubts and worries. Fortunately, God is very patient and forgiving, always welcoming me back.
Prayer: Thank you for your patience and love. Help us to practice our faith each day in word, thought and deed. Amen.
—Kris KistlerTop of Page
February 19, 2010
“For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely,
having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.”
Romans 5:10 NRSV
On my computer at home I have 12 different versions of the Bible available to me to look at Scripture from
different directions. In this text I think of the people that I have not liked and been reconciled with those
people, but lets look at what the Simple English version of the Bible has to say: We were God’s enemies,
but the death of His Son was used to make us God’s friends. Now that we have become friends of God, we will
be saved even more by Christ’s life. What are they talking about, God as my enemy? I had never considered that until now. Looking back on my life was I not God’s enemy when I was living in the life of sin, corruption and deceit. What was I when I turned my back on the church and Sunday School for many years? Was not denying God the same as being his enemy?
The saving grace is that we can be reconciled with God and be saved through Jesus Christ. God gave us Jesus for that purpose. Let’s take this one step further and see what the Living Bible has to say. And since, when we were his enemies, we were brought back to God by the death of his Son, what blessings he must have for us now that we are his Friend, and he is living within us!
Instead of being saved in the future we are allowing God and Christ to live within our hearts, in other words being saved now, today. We have been saved from the world of sin, corruption and deceit, giving us a new lease on life to live in a world of love for each other.
Some will say that it’s just not that easy to live that way. I agree. But I live a lot more peacefully each and every day because of it. It is a wonderful feeling to know that God still loves me even though I have lived a life in the past that denied him. I do feel his presence each and everyday even if I don’t understand his plan.
Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank you for your love that can overcome the most despicable life style and bring us back to you. We pray that each and every day that by our action more will people will come to know you better. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Jay Grenard
Top of Page
February 20, 2010
“Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10 NRSV
Coming to God: First DaysLord, what shall I do that I
can’t quiet myself?
Here is the bread, and
here is the cup, and
I can’t quiet myself.
To enter the language of transformation!
To learn the importance of stillness,
with one’s hand folded! When will my eyes of rejoicing turn peaceful?
When will my joyful feet grow still?
When will my heart stop its prancing as over the summer grass?
Lord, I would run for you, loving the miles for your sake.
I would climb the highest tree to be that much closer.
Lord, I will learn also to kneel down
into the world of the invisible, the inscrutable and the everlasting.
Then I will move no more than the leaves of a tree on a day of no wind,
bathed in light,
like the wanderer who has come home at last
and kneels in peace, done with all unnecessary things;
Every motion; even words*
*Oliver, Mary. Coming to God: First Days. In Thirst: Poems by Mary Oliver.
Beacon Press: Boston. 2006
Top of Page
February 21, 2010
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 NASB
What beliefs do you hold about the purpose in life, and God’s involvement with the world?
What does it take to develop vision for our lives or vision for our church? Does your heart have a
dream that your mind has imprisoned or rejected? Imagination...it’s God given. Some harness it and create amazing art. Some let their imagination run wild and design buildings, houses, clothes, cars and thousands of other things. Some of us put our minds to work, and work becomes a joy. Others argue, “but I’m not creative.” Not true.
We were all created by God. And one attribute that God gave us is creativity.
We’re all wired differently, and our creativity is expressed in different ways. What might be amazingly mundane to one might be the most intriguing things in the world to another.
Today, pause for a moment and realize that God has unique and special plans for you. There is no one alive that is exactly like you. There is no one alive that will think and create quite in the same way you can.*
Prayer: O Lord, be thou my vision...and help me to live into the person you created my to be. Amen.
*From Your Journey to Health. 2008. The YMCA.Top of Page
February 22, 2010
“I will lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?”
Psalm 121: 1-2 NRSV
These are the words to the opening of one of my very favorite Psalms. I have always loved the mountains
and found a certain presence of God there. Growing up in South Texas, it was a treat to make a yearly
pilgrimage to Colorado and to see those Rocky Mountains rise up in the distance as we drove out the staked
plains of Texas and New Mexico. I love the mountains, because there I find a presence of God and peace of being in God’s creation. But even though I love the beauty of the mountains, I know that they, in and of themselves, are not what provides me with peace or help.
The next portion of the Psalm reads: “My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.” The mountains provide me with solace because they are unmistakable examples of the Creator’s handiwork and the Creator’s power.
We go looking for help in so many places...but even in the most beautiful of places, we should always remember that our true help ultimately comes from God—maker of heaven and earth.
Prayer: O God, help me to look to you for help. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
February 23, 2010
““When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘if any one of you is without sin, let him be the
first to throw a stone at her.”
John 8:7 NRSV
Whenever Jesus “straightens up” before speaking, you know something more than serious is about to come out of his mouth. The picture is of a crowd pestering Jesus about the sin of another person—”look at her...are you going to let her get away with that!...surely she deserves punishment.” The answer is not expected—”If you have no sin, only then can you condemn.” The answer stung the would-be persecutors as it should our own selves.
It is so easy to recognize the faults of others and to even wish judgment upon them for those faults...but not one of us is perfect...not one of us is without sin. This is the reality that Lent draws us back to over and over again. We are imperfect. We make mistakes. We are sinful in subtle and obvious ways. Instead of judgment upon others, Jesus calls us to reflect on our own faults and invites us to experience God’s grace that sees beyond them.
Prayer: God forgive me for the times I have judged. Help me to reflect on my own life, to name my own sin and accept the grace of your forgiveness. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
February 24, 2010
“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every hill be made low—and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed”
Isaiah 40: 4-5
We who live in this valley are lucky, for we live in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. At work recently visitors from Detroit
began discussing our mountain. “You say it’s there. But I’ve never seen it.” “I saw it one time—I think.” “Be honest,” one
said, "how often do you SEE the mountain?" My boss said, “Oh, maybe half the time.”His answer surprised me. I thought I saw it all the time. As I drive to work I watch it throw its shadow across the sky as the sun rises behind it. I see it reflect the reds of the sunset. I see it topless, with a cap hiding its crown, and sun hitting its slopes. I see its top, floating above the clouds.
It’s always there, I thought. Isn’t it?
I began to watch for the mountain. I waited over two weeks before I spotted it. But I never doubted it was there for I’ve experienced it. I’ve marveled at its beauty from the valley. I’ve hiked its meadows and trails. Even when I can’t see it, I know it is there.
Like our God, I thought. Sometimes we see so clearly. Sometimes, clouds blur our view. But we know from experience. God is here. God is real.
God is beautiful.
Prayer: Thank you Creator God, for being with us, even in those times when darkness seems to hide you. Amen.
—Lois Woods (from Devotions for Lent, 1989).Top of Page
February 25, 2010
“And why do you look in at the speck in your brother’s eye, but not consider the plank in your own eye?”
Matthew 7:3 NKJV
Have you ever been hurt by the stinging criticism of others over things you thought were minor or unimportant? The things you say to others can have far reaching consequences. Accepting people with all their faults and imperfections is what love is and what the Lord asks of us.
Accepting people as they are, without reservation or comment, will result in forgiveness of your faults, even those faults for which you cannot forgive yourself.
Prayer: Help me to accept others as you have accepted me. Amen.
—Dave HilderbrantTop of Page
February 26, 2010
“Nothing else in all of creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:39 NRSV
I love this passage in Romans that describes how nothing can separate us from God’s love. This passage lists rather big
things that we might think of as having enough power to separate us from God’s love: “death, life, angels, rulers, powers,
height, depth.” The words of Paul assure us that these rather big things hold no sway over us and our relationship with God.
That is comforting. Yet, it is amazing to me how often I let the little things pull me away from God and the love God offers: worry, feeling overwhelmed by all the things on my “to do list,” simple neglect to pay attention to God’s presence in my life.
I am pulled away from God by these little things because I give these little things big power. Perhaps we should take time to take stock of the things that we give power to in our lives...and then maybe we should remind ourselves that God is more powerful than all of these things.
Prayer: O God, thank you for your inseparable love. Help us to find our hope and power in you. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
February 27, 2010
“Pray without Ceasing” I Thessalonians 5:17 NRSV
“Always keep on praying.” LB
“Pray continually” Simple English
We have heard of those that believe that all they have to do is pray to God and all will be healed. After reading this
text I now understand where they are coming from, but I believe that they have misinterpreted the text. Have you ever thought that you could get a new job just through prayer? Some people would say that is just what happened to them, but let us look at what happened.
First, they pray and ask for the help. Then when they are out and about some one comments that they need someone with their skills and they end up getting the job. Without the action of getting out and seeing people, they would never have been in a position to hear the message for the new job, hence prayer with action.
Prayer alone has never been enough for me. I always need to get off my tail and go do something. Let us look at counselors for church camp. Do you think they pray continually? You bet! I know from first hand experience that without God’s help during that week at camp I would never have made it.
It is a prayer for peace, knowledge and strength.
This also reminds me of one day when I was cleaning a window. As I transferred my weight from the foot on the ladder to the foot on the roof, my foot on the roof slipped and I was totally helpless. Immediately I said, “GOD HELP ME!” and God did. I am here today without injury from the fall. My pride might be a little bruised, but I am fine.
I have gotten so used to praying that I do it without thinking about it. It is a natural part of my daily life. I may not be praying for the health of others, which is what some will think that this is about, but I don’t believe that God meant for us only to pray for others.
We all have needs and God really would like for you to come to him and ask for his help, or just turn the problem over to him so that he can handle it for you. We all need to learn how to pray continually.
,h3>Prayer: Father in heaven, be with each and everyone this day and help us to come to you all of the time. We know you will be there for us; we just seem to forget that you are willing to help. I ask that you remind everyone to come to you often if not continuously. This I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. —Jay Grenard
Top of Page
February 28, 2010
“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a
righteous man has a great power and wonderful results.”
James 5:16 TNB
The gift of the Bible, sharing the history and the plan for life helps me to live a life of promise. We can all
find comfort in daily Bible reading. Admitting one’s faults is difficult. Knowing that family and friends are willing to accept me, faults and all, is a blessing. Knowing this makes a person try harder to be a better person. Through God’s grace and Jesus’ death, our faults and sins are forgiven and we are granted the gift of life everlasting.
Prayer: Gracious God, Let us remember what Jesus, your son, has done for each of us. Help us to always come to you with our praises and our problems knowing that you are always ready to listen. Thank you for this great gift. In Jesus name, Amen.
—Jackie BatemanTop of Page
March 1, 2010
“Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share bread with the hungry, and bring the
homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?“
Isaiah 58: 6-7 NRSV,
Fasting, self-denial of some sort, is a challenge for me. I am happy and content to be full of food and other things
that bring me comfort, sustenance and stability. To fast is to give up something in order to make room for something
else...something less tangible and palpable. This is truly a humbling act. God humbled himself when he took on the form of humanity. God set aside his divinity in order to share our humanity and to show us another form of fasting—laying aside or sharing our comfort with those who are uncomfortable...laying aside or sharing our sustenance that those who hunger might be filled...laying aside or sharing our stability so that those who have no power might be empowered by acts of compassion and caring.
If we choose this fast, we might find that in emptying ourselves of even a fraction of the things we love, we will receive a love far greater than we could ever imagine.
Prayer: Lord help me to choose your fast. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 2, 2010
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11: 29-30 NRSV
How many times do we put a negative spin on things? How often do we downsize our dreams because we doubt our abilities?
God wants to do so much through us...so much with us, if we but let him. A yoke is a piece of farming equipment that made the difficult and rather big job of tilling soil for planting much easier. The yoke fit over the head and shoulders of a cow, ox or other large animal connecting it to another cow, ox or other large animal in the same way. The two animals together could work much more efficiently and effortlessly at accomplishing the big task of tilling the soil.
When Christ invites us to put on his yoke, it is an invitation to be connected to him...to labor with him to accomplish those things that seem impossible to accomplish our own.
Rather than doubt, try taking on the yoke of Christ and working with him to do great things.
Prayer: O God, help me to rely on you. Labor with me to do great things. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 3, 2010 /a>
“Now during those days, he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God.
And when day came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon
(whom he named Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas,
James son of Alphaeus, and Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot,
who became the traitor.”
Luke 6: 12-16
In Matthew it is recorded that HE called the twelve together and gave them authority over evil spirits and
disease and sickness.In Mark—I will send you out to preach, and have authority over demons.
These twelve were especially picked to preach and to perform miracles—to give the church a firm foundation on which to start. The twelve were hand picked and given the talents to do the job.
We are volunteers because of our faith and commitment (volunteers as in an army) to build on the foundation that has been prepared and nourished for us. We are from all walks of life, with different talents but one goal—to carry the torch and pass it on, in better condition that when received it—for the Glory of His Church!
Jesus often went aside by himself to pray. What better example could we have. To go to the mountain top or into a closet, wherever we might find solitude and be undisturbed.
Prayer: Help us, O God, to find time each day to spend alone with you in prayer, that we might live daily to glorify you. Amen.
—Cecil and Inez Frazier (From A Journey Through Lent: Devotions for the 1993 Season of Lent).)Top of Page
March 4, 2010
“But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for
those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Matthew 5:44 NKJV
This comes from the section of Matthew with a subheading of—the Law of Love. God does not ask us to do things
naturally easy for us—he only asks us to do the things that we are fit to do through his grace.My father was someone that was the personification of this lesson and there were times in my life that I thought he was a fool for living that way. It’s much easier and a whole lot less stress to only love those who are nice to you, like you or have a similar upbringing and set of beliefs, or so I thought.
I now know that it takes a lot less effort to love someone than to hate. I deal with a public at work who very seldom is happy to be in front of me and I used to take it personally. It may not have been hate, but I have been cursed and I have found that if my response to them is a kind word and a smile and I don’t buy into their attitude, it will stop them and make the whole process easier for everyone (as opposed to others I work with who tend to mirror back the same attitude which usually causes more frustration all around).
You never know where that may take you and you may not become friends, but I know that being a kind and loving person is a lot less work and stress. It does take a lot of practice and you are never far from a slipup.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that we are all your children and that by treating others with love, I am reflecting the love you have for me. Amen.
—Cheri HilderbrantTop of Page
March 5, 2010
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 NRSV
Our common reaction in economically challenging times, is to feel a sense of scarcity and draw all resources
inward. But God calls us, as Christians, to respond differently. As Christians, we believe that “perfect love
casts out fear” (I John 4:18). So when we are faced with times that seem fearful, we fall back on the love of
God that gives us courage and strength. During these times, we are called to respond with generosity—to thoughtfully
give what we have decided to give with joy and happiness. Imagine what would happen if each of the 70 people who typically attend church every Sunday decided to volunteer one hour a week at church or elsewhere, bring one extra canned food item for the food bank every other week, to give an extra $10 a month and to bring one friend to worship a year. At the end of the year, that kind of giving would yield 3,640 hours of volunteering, 1820 canned food items, $8,400 for the church and 70 visitors coming to worship at least once.
With some thought, we can decide to respond with courage and hope in times that seem fearful...and to give generously and joyfully.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a cheerful and generous giver. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 6, 2010
“Blessed are the merciful because they will be shown mercy”
Matthew 5:7 NIV
Two meanings of mercy are: compassionate treatment of others and something to be thankful for. We should take heed of Christ’s words when we consider the poor, sick and oppressed people in this world. Millions of people live in conditions we couldn’t imagine in our worst nightmare and they are powerless to change their circumstances. Hunger, lack of safe drinking water, filthy living conditions and corrupt governments leave them with little or no hope.
We have been truly blessed because we live in a country where we can voice our concerns without fear of retaliation and most of us have enough money to supply our basic needs.
How can we show mercy to others? We can speak out against injustice and we can give financial aid as we are able.
As we have been blessed, Christ asked us to bless others.
Prayer: Lord, direct my thoughts outward to the needs of others. As you have given me hope, help me give hope.
—Joyce QuinlanTop of Page
March 7, 2010
“’Truly I tell you, just as you did this to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
” Matthew 25:40 NRSV
One of the blessings in my life has been the friendship and support of some local pastors with whom I meet on a weekly basis.
Our favorite meeting spot is Starbucks. We can be found there sharing coffee, ideas and sometimes some rather raucous laughter.
As we were leaving our weekly meeting here recently, it was apparent that one of the other customers who had been sitting
close by was glad we were leaving. He made a rather rude comment (that cannot be repeated here). As I left, I was thinking
some unkind thoughts about the man. But then I took a moment to look back at him. He was sitting by himself reading a newspaper.
Suddenly I saw not a rude man, but someone who looked rather lonely. I thought about Jesus’ words, “when you do this to one of
the least of these...you have done it to me.” I went to the counter and purchased a $10 gift card. I asked one of the workers if she would give it to him after I left and she agreed. I’m not sure if he was glad for the gift or not...but I was glad for the gift of seeing Christ in someone else in an unexpected way.
Prayer: Lord help me to see Christ in all those I meet.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 8, 2010
“Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?”
Matthew 18:33 NKJV
Look into the eyes of the child in line for dinner at a ‘feed the hungry’ charity. Even in the worst of times, I have never
gone hungry, slept in the street, or walked barefoot in winter. The Lord has been so good and so generous to me in every way,
that I cannot pass a beggar without feeling pity and guilt. We are responsible for every person who walks this earth. That is the message of Christ above all other commandments—to love your God with all your heart and love your brother as you love yourself. You cannot love someone and leave them to lie in the rain, or hungry in the street.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see my neighbor and to help them in their time of need. Amen.
—Dave HilderbrantTop of Page
March 9, 2010
“Then Jesus led them out along the road to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them, and then began
rising into the sky, and went on to heaven.”
Luke 24: 50-51
When I was very young, or not quite that young, heaven was always up. And I imagined it was just above the clouds somewhere. But now that I am old, or not quite that old, it is the age of space travel and astronauts. And so far, they have not reached the heaven I imagined.
The have said—”the silence is unlike any on earth. I was overwhelmed by darkness—blackness—cold—and it made my skin crawl. But I was reminded of God’s creation and his word—you are touched by God in some special way. The moon was holy ground—we are the world’s children—we are profoundly changed as we return to earth. We appreciate the creation and love of God.”
I know heaven is there and God is my salvation.
Prayer: Let the heavens be glad. Let the land and all it bears rejoice, all the trees of the woods shout for joy. Amen.
—Elva Douka (From Devotions for Lent 1989).Top of Page
March 10, 2010
“But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love”
Nehemiah 9:17b NIV
When we talk to God, do we recount the many attributes of God that have been shown to us? Do we remember the times when God’s
forgiveness has saved us? Do we thank God for the compassion that has been shown to us and the love that has been showered
upon us? Whatever our need is at this moment, God is prepared to meet it.I have found that when I concentrate on the many facets of God that I have come to know, it puts things in a right perspective and I can see God working in any situation. I may not see the solution or how things will be resolved, but I find a peace knowing that God is with me. I pray you will find it to be so for you as well.
Prayer: Gracious God, forgive us when we ignore you and forget that you are always there. Help us as we reach out to you in thanksgiving for who you are. Thank you for all that you are. Keep us ever in your love. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Martha SellTop of Page
March 11, 200
“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.”
Psalm 79:9 NRSV
Psalm 79 in its entirety is a plea for forgiveness and mercy. Have you ever said something in haste and just as soon as you
completed it you go, “Oh, I didn’t mean that!” I have, more times than I care to remember. I am getting ready to start my
ninth year with my current employer, and have more than once called her up on the phone and just chewed on her like I was her
superior, only to have to call her back 30 minutes to an hour later and apologize. Yet we have no qualms about questioning God.
Why did he allow this to happen? What is his plan that includes this disgusting action to occur? All we have to remember is
that you have to ask for forgiveness and you will receive it. People may not be so forgiving, but God is.Prayer: Father in heaven, we ask for forgiveness for things that we have said and thought today. Watch over everyone in the world today as we go on fighting and spreading hate instead of your love and grace. We know how beautiful love and friendship is, but yet we still allow the evil spirit to use our emotions to spread hate all around us. I ask that you give us the strength and faith to ask those we have hurt for forgiveness. This I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Jay GrenardTop of Page
March 12, 2010
“Consider the lilies, how they grow…”
Luke 12: 27a
Worry—worry—worry! Worry is such an insidious thing. It feeds on itself and grows until it is all consuming.
Soon all you do is worry, worry, worry! What a waste! Think of all the energy that has been spent! Has the worry
really changed anything? Yes, it has...it has changed us into an ineffective, immobilized, tense, unhappy person.A popular song says, “Don’t worry, but happy.” when I first heard it I thought about what Jesus had to say about worry. Jesus says that worry is a waste of time—a waste of the life God has given us. He even tells us what to do instead of worry. He says, “Seek his Kingdom.”
Prayer: Almighty God, we bring our worries to you and leave them knowing that you will free us. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Martha Sell (From Devotions for Lent 1989)Top of Page
March 13, 2010
"For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me."
Psalms 51:3, NRSV
O, God, when we pause to look back at our lives, we realize that we have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.We have neglected to do good when it was in our power to do so.
We, like believers of old, have pulled down your altars and erected idols crafted in our own image.
We have turned our backs on the poor, choosing instead to criminalize poverty.
We have ignored the cries of the motherless, the fatherless,the widow and the widower choosing instead to turn children and the elderly into the new poor.
We have bankrupted the country with our greed and consumed more than our share of the world's riches
We have not dealt honorably with our enemies or our friends, and we have feigned a place in the company of the righteous.
Forgive us, O God, for turning sackcloth and ashes into a fashion statement by pursuing form without substance.
Forgive us, O God, for the times we have neglected to provide our children and our world an authentic example of Christianity.
As we continue the journey of these 40 days wash us, O God and we shall be clean
Cleanse us, O Lord, and we shall be made whole.
Amen.*
*Fosua, Rev. Dr. Safiyah. 21st Century Worship Resources: A Corporate Prayer of Confession for Ash Wednesday. From Worship. http://www.gbod.org/
Top of Page
March 14, 2010
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being there for us whenever we are thirsty. Amen.
—Bev VollandTop of Page
March 15, 2010
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine,
you did it for me.’”
Matthew 25:40
God is part of everything and everyone. The presence of God in our lives connects us to all other parts of His creation.
In this Scripture, Jesus is affirming that connection. When we help the least of our brothers/sisters we are actually
helping Jesus. I am very proud of our church and the caring Christian community it represents. Our many Outreach programs, especially the Helping Hand Fund distribution, are perfect examples of ‘doing for the least…’
We are a rich community, not because we possess such great financial wealth; but, because we share willingly that which we do possess.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me never forget the needs of others, and the responsibilities you have assigned me in caring for those needs. Amen.
—Joyce Quinlan (From A Journey Through Lent: Devotions for the 1993 Season of Lent)Top of Page
March 16, 2010
“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water I will
give them will never be thirsty.’”
John 4: 13-14 NRSV
Jesus tells a woman with whom he is speaking that she should ask for Living Water. Did you ever feel tired, or worn out, or really bored, almost like a plant that is all dried up?
Can you picture a dried up plant? Can you picture someone pouring water onto the plant? Watch carefully as the plant slowly comes back to life.
Could you picture yourself like that dried up plant? Maybe you could tell or show Jesus what it’s like to feel that way.
Now, can you picture Jesus being with you and pouring water onto your inner heart? What happens when Jesus does that?
Tell or show Jesus what it’s like for you when he is with you and pours water on your heart.*
*Castro, Lucille Perotta. From Heart PrayerDuring Lent: ways for children and their families to pray and share through a holy season. http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/lent/03.html
Top of Page
March 17, 2010
“After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by
themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light.”
Matthew 17: 1-2 NRSV,
Jesus’ friends were really amazed when they saw surprising events. Have you ever been amazed? Can you show or tell God in your heart about a time when you were amazed? Was something really so wonderful that for a moment it almost ’took your breath away?’
Tell or show God the parts that amazed you.
When you’re ready, picture Jesus with you in that time or place, enjoying that amazing time.
Listen as Jesus tells you he wants to amaze you too.
End your together time with Jesus by telling or showing Jesus how you feel about amazing things now.*
*Castro, Lucille Perotta. From Heart PrayerDuring Lent: ways for children and their families to pray and share through a holy season. http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/lent/03.html
Top of Page
March 18, 2010
I know that some people laugh at my idealism—
At my effort to be a ‘light of the world.’
At my eager, though often meager attempt to
Shine a ray of brightness into an otherwise
Dark, dank world.
There are times when I understand why people laugh and ridicule,
I mean, how dumb can I possibly be
To think that my life really matters amidst
Four billion other people on this underspeck of a planet,
In this distant corner of the spinning, reeling universe.
Sometimes my light seems no brighter
Than the lambent glow of a single lightning bug
On a very cold, black night—
Barely a flicker, just a quick spark
Amidst darkness deeper than a shade of a shadow.
Yet a spark, just a solitary spark is all it takes
To get a bonfire flashing and flaming, burning and blazing.
I ask God to help me realize my life does matter,
That being a Christian matters
That telling others about His greater light matters.
I want to learn the secret of a high-voltage living
So that I might be His light in my world,
Beginning and spreading
To everyone within my circle of influence.
(by S. Richly Christian)
Prayer: Dear God, renew in me Your Holy Spirit power, that heavenly charge that enables mere lightning bugs to flame bright as lighting bolts. Amen.
—Jill Delaney (From Devotions for Lent 1989)Top of Page
March 19, 2010
During this Lenten seasonmost important happenings took place in my life that I would like to share with you.
My children, now 8 and 6 years old, begged me to have an Ash Wednesday service in our family room at home.This
year the idea of acknowledginghuman frailty (the mistakes we make), letting them go and receiving forgiveness was
incredibly liberating for them.They were full ofeyed enthusiasm with the possibilities thatholds.day long they thought
about and talked about what they needed and wanted to leave behind, give up and get rid of (mostly their own not so noble
behaviors and how they treated each other and their playmates).I thought they might forget, but as soon as I picked them up
from school they asked that I light a fire in our fireplace.My son told me that the bad stuff would become ashes and the good
stuff wouldsmoke and like the spirit to God.What was amazing was just how joyful they were about writing their "sins" on
pieces of paper and watching them burn.They really did not want to stop writing and they wrote many, whereas my spouse and I
found the process did not flow as readily with us.We had to think longer and harder about what to write (as if we had less,
when in reality we surely had more sin for which confession was needed!).The children proceeded to mark our foreheads with
ashes, telling us that there is a journey ahead of us and to "Go!".How powerful it was to have our children lead us in admitting
our destructive patterns of behavior (nearby and faraway, inward and outward) and then be released to journey instead through
life-giving patterns.Thanks to God for the children!
Prayer for Lent: Compassionate and merciful God, your love enfolds all that you have made and forgiveness is offered to all who are penitent:and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, as we acknowledge our sins and wrongs done on our behalf, we may obtain perfect forgiveness and your blessing through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen *
*Schrader, Marla. A Lenten and Holy Week Message. From Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. March 28, 2007. http://globalministries.org/mee/missionaries/a-lenten-and-holy-week-message.htmlTop of Page
March 20, 2010
"Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Matthew 5:6
Hello from a very sunny South Africa! We have just recently finished the first year of our second term with the Kei Region
of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa.Our work continues, both with HIV/AIDS projects as well as agricultural
development.Our children, Khaya (age 4 ½) and Aly (age 3 ½), are both doing well and growing quickly.They are enjoying the
crèche and are involved in many activities including swimming, sports, and ballet.As we write this letter, we are living in a time of much uncertainty, both here in Africa and around the world.South Africa is entering a time of political uncertainty as we prepare for elections next year and rival parties vie for power.Many places in Africa such as Kenya, Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Chad are in crisis and many people, especially the poor, are caught in cycles of violence in which they have no control or say.Even within the United States, fear of "the other" drives us to make war and build fences.When we look at our world and our lives, we each want to hunger and thirst for peace and for justice, and we wonder if and when it may come.Jesus' words from the Gospel of Matthew give assurance that, even in the face of violence, oppression, and injustice, righteousness is still possible.
For many of us, because of how we have heard the term defined and talked about in sermons and Sunday School, we think of righteousness in terms of personal morality.To many, being righteous means not doing certain things, not acting in certain ways, and not hanging out with those that do.But the word righteousness, when used in scripture, means much more than personal morality. It means seeking justice."Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for justice ..." And seeking justice is very difficult, for it is not just about my own personal life and story, but about my willingness to involve myself in the lives and stories of others. In a word, righteousness is about solidarity.
In this time of Lent, as we think about the life our Lord led, let us remember the radical solidarity that Jesus lived. was a radical solidarity that led him to befriend prostitutes, tax collectors, and thieves.It was a radical solidarity that led him to stand up on behalf of the poor, the widows, the orphans; those that society paid no attention to.It was a radical solidarity that led him to the cross.His was a life lived in search of righteousness, longing for justice.
Are we willing to live lives of costly solidarity?Are we willing to hunger and thirst for righteousness?Most of us are basically good people. try to live our lives with love and care for our families and neighbors.In most situations, we try and do the right things.But Jesus, and the cross, calls for much more.As we go through this time of Lent, looking forward to Easter and the new life that we celebrate, may we be willing to be used by God to bring justice to this world and to be in solidarity with our sisters and brothers.And may we work for and live for the day when that hunger and thirst for justice will be filled.
Revs. Jon and Dawn Barnes
Jonathan and Dawn Barnes are missionaries with the Kei Regional Council of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, South Africa.They serve as development officers in the Kei region of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.*
*Barnes, Jonathan and Dawn. From Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. March 29, 2008. http://globalministries.org/africa/missionaries/righteousness.html
Top of Page
March 21, 2010
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9
They trickled in by twos and threes; some were assisted, while yet others came in slowly by themselves. They were sprawled
throughout the sanctuary- some on the floor, some on comfortable padded chairs, and others on wooden benches.A few months ago, I had the opportunity of preaching at Mogoditshane UCCSA Church, on the occasion of a special Sunday celebration to uplift and stand in solidarity with those individuals who would not normally be able to attend church– the elderly. To make this happen, the church's deacons arranged for transport for most of these individuals from their homes to the church. Thus, when the worship service began at 10:30 a.m. the church was full. Yes, it was a special service- a time of fellowship, prayer, and communion.
It was a wonderful celebration which provided numerous opportunities of "reconnection" with friends, family and neighbors- "inclusion" and being a community. Some might say that such endeavors are "just too much work for a one-time event;" a band-aid kind of ministry. However, from my observation, any and all such efforts to meaningfully touch people's lives- embraces and gives power to God's inspired Word; i.e. "let us not become weary in doing good...." is never in vain.
I can still remember one elderly person at that event, who arrived just before the benediction. Having settled himself on a chair, he smiled, greeted his friends near and about, bowed his head in a moment of prayer and then motioned to one of the deacons to come to where he was sitting to receive his offering. Being at that worship service and seeing that person's joy at being included in the celebration, reminded me of why wereasongive thanks to God for individuals who touch the lives of people…"who do not grow weary." Yes, by the power of God, we can positively affect the lives of people around us.
After completing a three year term in Botswana, Jayanthi and I will be returning to North America via India (where Jayanthi's parents reside) during the first week of December. Afterwards, we'll leave for Fargo, North Dakota- arriving on the 18th where we will spend the Christmas holidays with family. Then, on Jan 4, 2009, we will begin a four month period of deputation with Global Ministries- visiting churches; re-connecting with old friends; developing new friendships; and being afforded an opportunity to share about the many ways God is touching lives in Botswana and how the people there through the power of the Holy Spirit have also touched ours. At the same time, it is an opportunity for us to see firsthand how the Church in North America is also touching people's lives; sharing the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord; and who "do not become weary in doing good." It is a privilege to share the Good News on behalf of Global Ministries.We truly look forward to meeting as many of you as might be possible while in North America during the first half of 2009.
Since we would have packed our belongings, begun our travels (with little access to e-mail), we take this time now to say, "May God's blessings be with you this Christmas.”
Sincerely, Jim and Jayanthi Wilson
James & Jayanthi Wilson are missionaries with the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone, Botswana.Jim serves as a teacher of theology at Kgolagano Theological College. Jayanthi serves as seconded staff to the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre in Gaborone, Botswana.She works in community development at the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre.*
*Wilson, Jim and Jayanthi. They Trickled in by twos and threes. From Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. November 19, 2008. http://globalministries.org/africa/missionaries/they-trickled-in-by-twos-and.html
Top of Page
March 22, 2010
“Be not afraid little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and
give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and
no moth destroys.”
Luke 12: 32-33 NRSV
Jesus is speaking to his disciples before addressing the multitude who have gathered to hear him. The disciples are his beloved little flock. They are dedicated to following him and learning to teach in his footsteps.
Jesus tells them (and us) that where their treasure is, there will be their hearts also. They are seeking their treasure in the kingdom of God.
Prayer: Dear Father please help us to be always aware of those who need help, and to share our blessings as best we can. Our days are limited here on earth. Help us build our treasure in the Kingdom of God. Amen.
—Katherine Quinlan Richmond (sister of Joyce Quinlan) From A Journey Through Lent: Devotions for the 1993 Season of Lent)..
Top of Page
March 23, 2010
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. - Philippians 4:6
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! - Psalm 146:1 NKJ
PRAY - for our Friends of God group as we prepare to visit a Scripture Union group next month at Mopeli High School up in the
mountains!The Mopeli group feels rather isolated being so far away from other schools and is excited to know about our upcoming
visit.May both groups be mutually encouraged as they share the Word of God and enjoy Christian fellowship.PRAISE - for the healing of Palesa, a primary school teacher who is involved with Scripture Union in our local district.Back in May, when we visited her, Palesa was bedridden with heart problems, unable to walk and diagnosed with a tumor in her womb.Now, thanks to God's mercy and healing power, she is fully recovered. All her doctor could say was, "Your god must be very powerful."
PRAY - for Mrs. Lechaka, a high school teacher who is need of stronger faith.At our last SU leaders meeting, as Palesa and others gave testimonies of God's power and goodness, she felt a bit lost as her faith seemed so small in comparison.May she grow in her faith and understanding of God and his Son and our Savior Jesus.
PRAISE - for the many recent graduates from the National University of Lesotho and other institutions of higher learning who are former students of Masitise High School.Some of them received special honors and awards.Some are now teaching here at Masitise.
PRAY - for good rains as we are now in spring and farmers are busy preparing their fields.The Lesotho Meteorological Service has forecast below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures for much of the country during the upcoming growing season.Already the temperatures are high and hot, dry winds are a regular feature nearly every day.Very little rain has fallen in recent months. Join together with the churches in Lesotho in praying to God to send forth showers of blessing.
PRAISE - for the wonderful group of youth attending the Sunday afternoon Friends of God meetings.There is a strong core group that attends regularly and is growing in faith and maturity.
PRAY - for our Form C and E students who are writing their national exams during the months of October and November.How well they perform will determine if they are admitted to Form D next year or to a post-high school institution of learning.
PRAISE & PRAY - for the upcoming 175th anniversary celebrations of the Lesotho Evangelical Church which will be held on the 25-26th of October.Pray for safe travels for Rev. Dr. Howard Goodrich and his daughter, Rev. Darla Glynn, who are coming for this event to represent Global Ministries. Howard and his wife Darlene served as missionaries in Lesotho during 1991-92.
Yours in Christ,
Mark Behle
Mark Behle is a missionary with the Lesotho Evangelical Church.
He is a Mathematics teacher at Masitise High School, Lesotho.*
*Behle, Mark. Pray & Praise. From Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
and United Church of Christ. October 17, 2008.
http://globalministries.org/africa/missionaries/pray-praise.html
Top of Page
March 24, 2010
“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.”
Mark 14:7 NIV
Christ did not say, “forget the poor.” He pointed out they will always be our responsibility.The woman with the jar of perfume was showing her love for Christ by pouring her valuable perfume on him. That may have been her most valuable possession, if not her only possession. Those who witnessed this thought it was extravagant . They felt there was a better use for the perfume.
For most of my life I would have been one of those critical of the woman. It certainly wasn’t practical to pour the perfume on Christ. As I aged, I realized how many times I have missed out on precious ways of showing my loved ones how much I care because I opted to do the practical thing. It was practical to spend my time with momma scrubbing her floors when I think she would rather I sit and have a cup of tea with her.
Earning a living to feed your family is important, caring for the poor is important. Show how much you love someone in the brief time you have them is most important. Pour your jar of perfume on that special person.
Prayer: Lord, make me aware of how precious time is with those I love.
—Joyce QuinlanTop of Page
March 25, 2010
“Lord, because I am poor and helpless, please remember me. You are my helper and savior. My God do not wait.”
Psalm 40:17 from the Answer Bible
Many situations in life take time to be worked out (rather than rushing ahead to solve issues or relationships my way).
Waiting on the Lord for answers has been shown to me to be far better than anything I could want or hope for. Prayer: Dear Lord, my helper and my Savior, thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you that time in your waiting is a time to be ever close to you. Amen.
—Bev VollandTop of Page
March 26, 2010
“a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest
and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang
all the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 22: 35b-40
Questions for reflection:*Am I loving God with all of my heart?
*Am I loving God with all of my soul?
*Am I loving God with all of my mind?
*How am I treating myself? Does this reflect how I am treating my neighbor?
*What do I need to do to love God with more of myself?
*What do I need to do to take care of myself so that I am able to likewise care for my neighbor?
Prayer: May we love God with an intensity such that no substitute will suffice. May the empty places in our hearts be filled with God’s all-encompassing love. May that love help us to care for self and others as God desires us to do. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 27, 2010
“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘get behind me Satan, you are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things
of God, but the things of men.”
Matthew 16: 21-23
This Bible verse made me think of towing my travel trailer. I must stay focused on the road in front of me. For with the
trailer on behind my pickup, I have a lot of weight always pushing me. And if I’m not careful it can try to pass me and that
causes all kinds of problems. So I must always stay focused on the road that Jesus has me going down and not let anything
distract me. Prayer: Lord please keep me focused on the road before me so that I don’t have intruders trying to lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Bud McMahonTop of Page
March 28, 2010 - Palm Sunday
“Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went
out to Bethany with the twelve.”
Mark 10: 9-11 NRSV
This Sunday before Easter is the last Sunday in Lent. The day commemorates Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a
blessing of palms and a procession in which the whole congregation carries palms. Some of the Palm Sunday palms are kept and
used to make the Ash Wednesday ashes for the next year. We celebrate Jesus’ moment of triumph today as we mark the beginning
of Holy Week.Prayer: O God we lay our lives before you and join the crowd in shouting hosanna in the highest. We pray that we might draw nearer to you during this Holy Week. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 29, 2010
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring
forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will
not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or
be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.”
Isaiah 42: 1-4 NRSV
The work of God in Christ, is a great mystery. As we enter into Holy Week knowing of the suffering and persecution that awaits
Jesus, it is hard to see how these words of Isaiah ring true...hard to see how God will bring forth justice through such an
unjust and violent act. I have to admit that I have a difficult time talking about the violence of Holy Week to others, especially to children. I understand atonement theology, but it is hard to reconcile the love of God with the cross of Christ in some way that makes sense. I suppose that is one reason it is such a great mystery.
But I do know that what Holy Week shows us, is that injustice does exist...innocent persons are persecuted and physically harmed every day. Somewhere in the world, this is happening as you read these words. For those, I hope the cross stands as a reminder of Christ’s solidarity with them in their suffering...that God in Christ knows their pain and stands with them in their hour of need.
For the rest of us, the cross stands as a reminder that as long as injustice exists in the world, God’s justice has not been brought to completion...there is still work to be done.
During this Holy Week we will be reminded of the cross that signals forgiveness of sin...of the cross that signals victory over death. May we also be disturbed into action by the cross that reminds us of the injustice that still reigns in our world.
Prayer: O God, whenever one of your children suffers, we are all responsible. Help us to see the faces of the oppressed...the learn the names of the forgotten...to hear the cries of the wrongly accused. May your cross stir us into Godly action...that we might work tirelessly for that day when your kingdom would come and all people would be loved and cherished as your own. In Christ we pray. Amen
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 30, 2010
“Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida
in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told
Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of
wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their
life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and
where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.’”
John 12: 20-26 NRSV
These words seem to be meant to assure the disciples that Jesus’ impending death will “bear much fruit.” Perhaps the words are
meant to assure Jesus himself of the fact that his hardship is not without end or without reward. We need words of comfort during
our times of hardship to know that we endure hardship for a purpose and reason. Someone once told me that nothing worth doing or accomplishing in life is easy or without pain and sacrifice. As I think on Jesus and his earthly sacrifice, I know that is true.
Prayer: O God, walk with me during the times that are difficult and help me to bear fruit during the good times as well as the trying times. Through Christ, Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
March 31, 2010
“Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father.
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son
of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that
he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am
doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you,
you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’
John 13: 1-9 NRSV
I love this passage in John. As if Jesus was not prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for all, he throws in the ultimate
act of service—he washes his disciples feet. It is a moment of connecting with the disciples in a loving and tender way.Jesus cares for his disciples and for all of us so much.
Prayer: Wash me, O Lord, and make me clean and new. Thank you for your tender love and service too.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
April 1, 2010 - Maundy Thursday
“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a
loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance
of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as
often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s
death until he comes.”
I Corinthians 11: 23-26
This is Maundy Thursday in Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter). The day is a time for remembering The Last Supper.
The name comes from the Latin word Maundatum for commandment (as Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment; that you love one another.”)
One of the hallmarks of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is that the Communion table is open. We gather there frequently and openly inviting all who believe in Christ Jesus to come and share in the gifts of God.
Prayer: We thank you, O God, for the gift of the table and for the freedom Christ brings to us—freedom from sin and death...freedom to have life and to live it abundantly. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
April 2, 2010 - Good Friday
“Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking the rooster crowed. The Lord turned
and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today,
you will disown me three times.’”
Luke 22: 60-61 NIV,
Jesus knew that Peter would deny knowing him during this difficult time. I think Peter was afraid. He was in a fearful situation
and he didn’t know what to do. All around him were people wanting to harm Jesus. Denying that he knew Jesus seemed to be the way
to avoid being a part of what was going on. He was then just another person watching the people around him.But this isn’t just a scene in history, it is replayed every day in our lives. There are times when we just want to be an observer not an actor in the drama that is our lives. When this happens are we denying Jesus? Are we so afraid of being a follower of Jesus that we try to not let anyone know? Jesus knows the fear that is in us just as he recognized it in Peter. But just as Peter overcame his fear and became the person Jesus knew he could be, so we can become the person we are meant to be.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for all you have done for us. We pray we might overcome our fears and be your disciple wherever we are. In you precious name. Amen
—Martha SellTop of Page
April 3, 2010
“When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30 NRSV
Try to imagine being one of the disciples hearing Jesus’ last words and watching him die. Not only would there be the grief
of losing a beloved teacher and friend, I would imagine the sense of despair would be crushing. Their faith and hope had been
placed in one who had just uttered, ‘It is finished.’ How could they understand that Jesus spoke of the completion of his
earthly ministry? Death on the cross did not meet their expectation of the Messiah. They had not yet experienced the risen
Christ. Thankfully, we have experienced the risen Christ. Even when we feel grief and despair, we can face our days with hope, assured of God’s grace and love.
Prayer: Gracious and Loving God, help us to live in such a way that others see the risen Christ through us. Amen.
—Kris KistlerTop of Page
April 4, 2010 - Easter Sunday
“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in
white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman,
why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she
had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her,
‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have
carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said
to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher).”
John 20: 11-16 NRSV
The Easter message comes to us in a time when so much of the news we hear and so much of what we see around us, tells us
there is little to hope for. The Easter message is different reminding us that when we think we have reached the bleakest
possible moment, God provides unexpected hope and grace. Jesus has risen. Sin that separates us from God and others is
forgive. Death is no more. Life is full of hope, grace and promise once more. Alleluia! Thanks be to God. Prayer: O God, help me to carry the hope and grace of Easter into each and every day. Amen.
—Rochelle RichardsTop of Page
