Lenten Devotions

Sunday, April 24
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
--2 Peter 1:16-19

It is Easter, and Christ is risen! Our journey through Lent is over, and a new day has dawned. In the midst of this celebration, steal a moment to read and re-read the words of the apostle printed above, and take time to reflect on the path that has brought us here. If you can, go for a walk at the end of the day and watch the sunset. As the light fades, meditate on where tomorrow’s journey will take you.


Saturday, April 23
“How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is-- for what vanity you have created all mortals! Who can live and never see death? Who can escape the power of Sheol?”
--Psalm 89:46-48

Jesus has died. Yesterday, Good Friday, those passing by watched as the Son of God was crucified. Today, we mourn with the disciples. Today, we wait. Today, we cry out with the Psalmist, “How long, O Lord?” Today, we are connected with our brothers and sisters around the world as we ask for God’s mercy in the midst of our grief.
Video

Lenten Devotions

“After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull)”
--Matthew 27:31-33

Good Friday—Holy Friday. We remember Jesus’ horrific death on the cross. Recalling Jesus’ life and ministry, we watch and walk with him as he goes to Golgotha. His journey has brought him here. Even when he could have turned back, Jesus continued to move forward—step by step—to the cross. Jesus emptied himself for the sake of all, and today we live through that story as well.
Carrying the Cross

Lenten Devotions

"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?'"

--John 13:3-6

Foot-washing was a slave's job, if that. More often, people were given water or ointment by a host to wash their own feet after a dusty day of walking. Yet here, Jesus, the teacher, takes on the duties of the slave and gets up from his position at the table to wash the disciples' feet.
Ocean Piano

Lenten Devotions

“But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.”
--Mark 10:14-16

In Jesus’ time, children were worth very little in the world. In our society today, kids have a much higher status, but there are other populations that are ignored as quickly as children once were. Jesus calls attention to how we accept or receive these easily dismissed populations and highlights how much we have to learn from them and how these people see the world and exist in it.
Article

Lenten Devotions

Tuesday, April 19
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
--John 20:21-22

These verses are full of power. Jesus appears to the disciples—a powerful event in and of itself. Yet that is a small part of this passage. Jesus sends his disciples into the world with the Holy Spirit. What does it mean for us to be sent by Jesus just as Jesus was sent by God?
Hands and Feet


Monday, April 18
“Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’”
--Isaiah 6:6-8

Isaiah’s call story is one that is told and re-told quite often. The seraph cleanses his guilt, and he replies with the optimistic and almost idealistic phrase: “Here am I; send me.” In reality, however, Isaiah’s life was no easy task—and neither are our lives. We have ups as well as downs, failures as well as triumphs. Life can be exciting, terrifying, tragic, comic, and everything in between. As you read through this piece, reflect on what the realistic expectations for your life’s journey are, and consider the importance of living and experiencing all of it.
Oh the Places You'll Go


Sunday, April 17
“As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.”
--Ephesians 6:15

Palm Sunday—in the liturgical year, this day marks the beginning of Holy Week, where we as a Christian community will travel from Christ’s joyous triumphal entry in Jerusalem to his death on the cross. We will walk together through the remembrance of the Last Supper to betrayal and mockery until we arrive at Golgotha.

What makes you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace? This week, take time to be mindful of your shoes. Consider how they function to equip you in different ways for different situations. Consider also where they take you and what you do while you wear them.

Lenten Devotions

"But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be?As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,"
--1 Corinthians 12:18-22

In a society that continually sends out messages of self-sufficiency and independence, it is easy to get caught up in oneself. However, we do not exist alone. Even in our society, we are continually surrounded by people we depend upon for daily living as well as any achievement we may accomplish. From bus drivers who get children to school and adults to work to screaming fans for celebrities, everyone depends on those around them for something. As you consider this picture, think about those things that would be impossible without the work and contributions of many.
Star Power

Lenten Devotions

“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God.”
--Acts 10:44-46

Peter and the other believers are shocked that people outside of their national heritage have been given the Holy Spirit. With our global connections today, it is probably less surprising to us that there are Christian churches in places all over the world. Yet how often do we consider the depth of our connection to our brothers and sisters? Do we even think about those people beyond our hometown, state, or country? Like Peter, we might be surprised to find out who is praying with us. As you read the words from Bartholomew I, consider—really consider—your personal perception of our relationship to the people you do not see every day.
LWF Article

Lenten Devotions

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
--Psalm 51:10-12

In this song, the singer is overwhelmed so much so that words will not do. The singer pleads that God would speak and that they would be receptive enough to listen. As you listen to this music, think about those times that the world may overwhelm you, and consider how you may listen to hear God’s Word through it all.
Word of God Speak

Lenten Devotions

“So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
--Romans 14:16-19

Words are essential to our lives. They identify objects, feelings, ideas, and help us articulate what we mean. We have the ability to use or misuse this gift of language. As Paul points out in the letter to the Romans, we should be cautious of how we speak and act towards one another. As you read this article, think about the power words have and which ones make for mutual upbuilding.
What's in a Word

Lenten Devotions

Tuesday, April 12
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”
--Colossians 3:15-16

In this letter, the author calls the people to come together, speaking truth and letting the Word dwell in them. This Word is reinforced in various ways—by teaching, sharing wisdom, being grateful, and singing or experiencing music. As you listen to this piece, allow the music to slow you down and open you to mindfulness of all that surrounds you.
Moonlight Sonata


Monday, April 11
“[God] said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”
--1 Kings 19:11-13

God does not always come to us in loud or flashy moments. While those mountaintop “a-ha!” moments can and do happen, God also reveals Godself in the much quieter times. Sometimes, it can be no more than a whisper in the midst of what seems like an ordinary, everyday experience.
Poem


Sunday, April 10
“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
--Ephesians 4:1-3

Unable to call, visit, or facebook in ancient times, those separated by distance had to write letters as conversations with one another. The apostle Paul and his students wrote to various communities to continue encouraging Christians in their faith lives.

As an activity this week, write a letter—yes, a hand-written, snail mail letter—to someone you haven’t seen or chatted with in a while. It can be a friend, relative, old co-worker, etc. Take the time to make it a conversation. Write about your day, the weather, school, work, whatever. Let yourself reach out to those people in your life and strengthen your bond of peace with them.


Saturday, April 9
“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”
--Romans 6:4-10

There is a rule in literature that the narrator cannot be dead in the end. This is based in the paradox that if the narrator is dead at the end of the story, there is no way that the story could have been told to the one who recorded it. As you view this painting, take in the magnitude of this new perspective, and realize the leap of faith taken by the artist as you discover who the narrator of this story is.
What Our Lord Saw

Lenten Devotions

“Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 26 He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ 27 He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ 28 And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ 29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’"
--Luke 10:25-29

“Who is my neighbor?” Wouldn’t it be nice if that question never needed to be asked? We constantly separate ourselves from one another by our societal classifications—income, ethnicity, nationality, race, gender, party line, etc. What if none of that was an issue? What if we simply brought comfort and aid to all who needed it, knowing that our lives are interconnected through our bond as brothers and sisters of humanity?
Haiti Article

Lenten Devotions

“[Jesus said,] ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’"
--Matthew 11:28-30

So often we can get caught up in the cares of the world, trying to fix things to work out the way we want them to for our own benefit. We get bogged down with all we try to take on, overwhelmed by what we think we need to do. This can break us. However, Jesus gently lets us know that we don’t have to carry our heavy burdens alone. Jesus’ whole story reminds us that we cannot save ourselves, nor do we need to earn anything when it comes to him. In Jesus, we find the rest, renewal, and acceptance that will fix us when we can’t do it ourselves.
Fix You

Lenten Devotions

“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.”
--Proverbs 14:31

It’s a running theme throughout the Bible. Almost all of the Prophets speak out against oppression of the poor, as does Jesus, and Paul makes sure to inform the early Christians that all are brothers and sisters in the eyes of God, regardless of class or status. Proverbs is straightforward and succinct—packing a brutal punch in one concise sentence. Yet this verse rings true: if you honor someone, you respect the things he or she makes and cares about. As you listen to the story of the Island of Tuvalu, reflect on the ways that we as a society disrespect our neighbors, and how we as individuals have allowed something like this to happen. Where is salvation in stories like these?
Tuvalu

Lenten Devotions

Tuesday, April 5

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.”
--Psalm 84:1-4

The words above describe the assurance and even longing the Psalmist feels when thinking of being in the house of God. The verses are not only a proclamation of joy, but are also a declaration of faith in the promises God has given us. As you listen to the Fourth Movement of Brahms’ Requiem, contemplate with the Psalmist the faith in what is to come that is proclaimed so strongly in these few minutes of music.
Requiem



Monday, April 4

“The tempter came and said to [Jesus], "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
--Matthew 4:3-6

It is not difficult to remember to feed ourselves actual food. Our stomachs may growl, and we realize we are hungry and need food to survive. However, as Jesus quotes Deuteronomy in these verses, he points out that material food is not enough. As we go through this week, we will be considering salvation, both in the world we live in here and now as well as in the one we hope for but do not yet see. Today, think about how you are nourishing your whole self—body, mind, and spirit. Where are those places you are being fed, and which ones still need sustenance?
Joyce Rupp



Sunday, April 3

“‘And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’ 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.”
--1 Kings 3:7-10

When Solomon was faced with a task beyond his comprehension, he asked God to help him learn by giving him the wisdom he needed. We also are often faced with situations we know little or nothing about, yet we know we must face them.

As an activity this week, read a book or article on a topic that is somewhat foreign to you. Visit the library or bookstore and scan the shelves for something unique and intriguing. Seek to gain new understanding and perspective of the world and the people who live in it.



Saturday, April 2

“O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; 4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”
--Psalm 8:1, 3-4

Part of the gift of being human is our ability to imagine, to dream, to wonder at what we see around us. The Psalmist marvels at God’s magnificent creation, wondering how humans could compare to the brilliance of the space in the night sky. This series of images explores that same sense of awe. Allow yourself to wonder with the Psalmist as you consider the vastness of the universe.
NASA Images

Lenten Devotions

Friday, April 1

“Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19 And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before [God].”
--1 John 3:18-19

“Actions speak louder than words…” “They will know we are Christians by our love…” The clichés could run on forever on this topic—largely because most of them would ring true. It’s so easy to say one thing and do another…or say one thing and fail or forget to act like we mean it. It can be difficult to see the world objectively or creatively enough to know how to love in truth and action, as the verse says. Yet, there are glimpses of this all the time in everything from moments in our individual lives to deliberate projects carried out by large organizations. This is just one of those stories. As you read it, remember the connections we share not only as people of a common church but also as humans able to love, inspire, and care for one another.
Article



Thursday, March 31

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”
--Ephesians 2:8-10

So often we try to find our own way to work ourselves into belief or righteousness. We may try to do better or be better than our neighbors. We forget that we are all equal—we are all sinners. We forget that we are saved by grace through faith, and that faith comes to us first and foremost through the Holy Spirit as a gift of God made possible by Jesus. As you listen to this song, be mindful of those times you have failed, but also reflect on the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation we are freely given.
In the Light

Lenten Devotions

Wednesday, March 30

“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”
--2 Corinthians 4:16-18

In the midst of our busy lives, we can become worn out by the world. We may even begin to wonder what the point of all of this really is. These words from Corinthians are intended to give encouragement when those cares and concerns arise and to remind us of the promises that are ours through Christ. As you read the reflection below, meditate on those reasons you may or may not feel like what is going on in your life makes sense.
Article

Lenten Devotions

Tuesday, March 29

“Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
--Luke 21:29-31

We are in the season of renewal and rebirth. Plants return to life, buds begin blossoming, and birds seem to awaken with new songs. Every winter, we witness the sleeping of the world—grasses and plants die, and sounds echo in the hollow of the quiet world. Even then, we know that season is itself getting ready for the new life that is ready to begin.
Vivaldi's Spring



Monday, March 28

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”
--Hebrews 11:1-3

There is so much we wish to know about this world—so much we want to have proven or explained to us. Sometimes that is possible, but sometimes we come face to face with something that we cannot prove or articulate. We perhaps understand it on some level, but cannot put it in words. Even more incomprehensible are the things not of this world. Yet those are the things that we hope for, and somehow are able to take in on faith.
I Never Saw a Moor by Emily Dickinson



Sunday, March 27

“The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
--Luke 17:5-6

This week we focus on the idea of faith—how we think about and respond to it in our daily lives. In the verse for today, Jesus talks about faith in terms of a mustard seed, which is one of the smallest of all seeds.

As an activity, grab a group of friends or go out with your family on a walk. If possible, try to walk through a place that will have some trees or plants around. As you walk, notice the seeds you find along the way—pinecones, dandelions, etc. Talk or think about what seeds become, how they grow and what they do. If our faith is the size of a mustard seed, what happens to it tomorrow?



Saturday, March 26

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
--1 Corinthians 12:4-7

We have been given many gifts—wisdom, knowledge, faith, and the ability to heal, among others. Each of these gifts is tailored to fit us individually by the Spirit. Often, our gifts inspire wonderful ideas within us, but how many times are those ideas abandoned? How many times to we begin something really worthwhile but fail to finish it? The painting linked below is the back of one of Leonardo DaVinci’s works. As you gaze on it, consider what it means to live your gifts to the fullest.
DaVinci

Lenten Devotions

“Let mutual love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:1-2

In 1976, Muhammad Yunus made an amazing discovery while on a walk through villages in Bangladesh. Small amounts of money combined with the efforts of their recipients had the power to change lives. Building on that idea, Yunus eventually created a bank that specialized in microloans to make a difference in his corner of the world.
Grameen Bank

Lenten Devotions

Daily Devotions also posted here during Lent.

Thursday, March 24

“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. 9 Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. 10 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. 11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
--Romans 5:8-11

Any righteousness we have in God is given to us through Christ Jesus. There is nothing we can do to earn or deserve any of it. However, what may we do to live as ones forgiven and redeemed by grace? In the following selection, we hear praise sung to God at the same time we see the story of one standing up for the justice known to be right.
Amazing Grace

Lenten Devotions

“Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' 40 And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'”
--Matthew 25:37-40

How many times are we actually like the righteous ones in the Scripture above? Do we even see all of the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, or imprisoned of the world? Yet any time we do anything for the least of the family of God, we serve God. As you read this entry, think about those people you may or may not see in the world who both need and deserve the hospitality described above.
Hippo Spotting