March 15, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Grace in the Middle of Darkness

Grace in the Midst of Darkness

And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.

~ ZECHARIAH 12:10 (ESV)

As I was sitting at my desk flipping through the news stations to find the local weather predictions, the forecast was bleak. According to the meteorologist, we could expect rain — and a great deal of it. The last thing I wanted to hear was this report, as it would severely affect my plans. Waters had already saturated the ground, and I wondered how much water we would get in the basement this time. This weather report was followed by a story of a 15-year-old boy who lost a five-year battle with cancer. Then the local anchorman announced the total number of U.S. men and women who had given their lives overseas. How pitiful my concerns seemed in comparison. When we hear stories like these, we are left asking ourselves, “When will this end? When will there be relief?”

When tough times are before us, we can feel battered and worn, but we will never be completely broken. We travel through this Lenten season of repentance feeling the weight of our sin, the guilt of our actions, and the burden of living in a world stained by sin. Yet, we are still able to smile as we can see Easter on the horizon.

As God promised the Israelites through the prophet Zechariah, He promises us now: “I will pour out ... a Spirit of grace and pleas for mercy ....” We are truly blessed to be a part of a community of believers in our churches. It is a blessing to be able to walk through that church door, enter the sanctuary, and be a part of “the house of David.” The blessings we receive through the Word and Sacrament will continually flow down upon us as we face our daily trials and tribulations.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your almighty presence. As we repent of our sins, we know that you forgive us even now. Teach us to continually sing your praises as we recall, enjoy, and look forward to the blessings that you will continue to pour on us. In Jesus’ name, we pray this. Amen.

PASTOR RICHARD WORKMAN

In memory of Richard Workman, who died July 18, 2018. Pastor Workman served at Zion Community Church for 16 years. He had written this for the 2010 devotional book.

March 14, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Change?

Change?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~ HEBREWS 13:8 (NIV)

Let’s face it, change is hard. We all have things that bring us comfort — a favorite sweater, familiar faces, or comfort food (like ice cream!). But things have a way of changing. That sweater wears out, those familiar faces leave, and sometimes doctors nix our favorite foods. Our health changes, our churches change, and our relationships change too.

Yet, is change always bad? OK, losing the ice cream is rough, but sometimes change is a good thing. New interests emerge, and new friendships are made. We get stretched and pushed out of our comfort zone, only to realize that we have new strengths and abilities.

Change isn’t good just for the sake of change. There are times when doing things the former way is what was best all along. Our challenge every day is to seek God’s best, not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.

Every day He offers us opportunities to reach out to others and make a difference in their lives. We can “change” their day by reaching out — stopping and looking them in the eye, being present in the moment, and listening with an open heart and mind. That sharing and caring is transforming in their lives and ours.

When we turn to the Lord and ask Him to help us and guide us, He will. He’ll change us to be more like Him — loving, gentle, kind, forgiving. God blesses us and supports us every day, and we have the privilege of blessing and supporting others. Remember, no matter what is going on, we can always take comfort that Jesus remains the same. He doesn’t change. He promises to be with us through it all (even if that change is cutting back on ice cream!).

Dear Lord, thank you that in every change, we can always depend on you.

SUE DIETSCHE, BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

March 13, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: We Are One of God’s Masterpieces

We Are One of God’s Masterpieces

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. ~ EPHESIANS 2:10 (NLT)

This past Christmas I visited my 97-year-old neighbor. When I went into her home, I found her sitting on her sofa pedaling her little stationary peddler. She told me she pedals at least 15 minutes a day, and sometimes longer. I asked her why she does this. She answered, “To keep me going. I don’t want to die just sitting in my chair.”

My friend, Millie, can hardly see. She is bent over because of a very bad back. And she is hard of hearing. She has heart problems and skin cancer. You would think this would get her down. But no, she just keeps on pedaling. She runs her vacuum and washes her windows. Two years ago she crocheted 13 small blankets for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home.

Millie says we should do something and then sit down, rest a bit, and continue doing what we were doing until finished. Good advice! We all are getting older, but we don’t have to let it get to us. Some of us have more health issues than others, but we struggle on with smiles on our faces (most of the time). We can still take care of ourselves, and we can still do for each other.

As we all know, God is with us at all times, through the rough parts and through the good. God has been there for each and every one when we needed Him most. As today’s verse says, we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

We continue to do what He wants us to do because we are His “masterpiece.” God has molded us into His faithful followers, for doing His work for the church and community and for one another. God is not done with us. So we continue to do His work with smiling faces and glad hearts.

Father, thank you for taking care of us and helping us to do your will. Amen.

JANE KOPONICK, EVANGELICAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

March 12, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: You Are Being Prepared

You Are Being Prepared

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. ~ MATTHEW 4:11 (NKJV)

We are approaching the time of year when we will celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is the Lenten season, which represents the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting for 40 days, and it is there that Jesus was tempted by the devil. Lent is characterized by a time of preparation. It’s a time of the year to spend reflecting on one’s life and a time to get prepared for the things that may come in the near future.

The last few months I have spent hours reflecting on many things. As I reflect, I start to categorize activities in my life. I create a report card with the different things I have done, and I rate them. Now, some things I rate high, with an A. There are other things for which I get a C. And then, finally, there are those things that I failed over the course of the year. You may ask, “Why does it matter?” It matters because I think we also do that with our faith — we rate it. We go through life constantly trying to figure out if what we did was good or bad. Did I make the right decision? Did I do what I was supposed to do?

However, I think when we look at the life of Jesus, we can learn a few things, including the importance of a wilderness experience. So many times we feel as if we have walked right into a dry and barren land and we got there because of something we did or didn’t do. I want to tell you that when we get to those places, it becomes a season of preparation. It becomes a time when the only thing you can do is rely on Jesus. You have to pray your way through. You have to praise your way through. And when it’s over, you will be prepared to face the temptation that is going to come your way.

As we go through the Lenten season and start to prepare for Easter, let’s remember that preparation is essential to our walk as Christians. Your circumstances may be dark and may seem dry. But hold on, because what you’re being prepared for is greater than the wilderness you are in right now.

Father, I thank you for this season of preparation, and I ask that you will strengthen me in this season. God, there are so many unknowns, but I desire to trust you with my whole heart. I will not lean on my own understanding but will trust that where I’m headed is better than where I am today. Amen.

PASTOR TIFFANY MURPHY, ZION COMMUNITY CHURCH

March 11, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Awaken to God’s Majesty

Awaken to God’s Majesty

But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here.” ~ LUKE 9:32-33A (NKJV)

From the rising of the sun to its going down
The LORD’s name is to be praised. ~ PSALM 113:3 (NKJV)

I’ve recently started leaving for work about the time the sun is coming up. Several times in the last few months, I have noticed that the entire sky has been lit up with the most majestic colors you could ever imagine. At times I could see every color of the rainbow: the reds, oranges, and yellows as the sun began to show in the east, and the greens, blues, indigos, and violets as the darkness disappeared in the west.

What occurred to me is that although I am observing this miracle now, it has always been there. The difference is that I am awake now! Even when I was up, I was preoccupied with other things. I wasn’t really paying attention, or perhaps I dozed off or went entirely back to sleep. God was always doing great works, but I was sleeping.

Isn’t our faith sometimes like that? How many times are we “sleeping” and failing to acknowledge the daily miracles that God is doing? Our eyes and minds might be closed to seeing the greatness of God because we are so distracted by life and all its chaos. Even when — sometimes especially when — things are going smoothly, we are still asleep to God’s amazing goodness. Yet even as we sleep, God is continuously developing masterpieces in and from the chaos.

Let us remember to wake up and open our eyes so that we may praise Him who was and is and will always be our God!

Dear God, your glory and majesty are astounding! Open our eyes that we may see your presence every day, worship you, and recognize the miracles you are doing in our midst. Amen!

MICHELLE KELLEY, TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Additional Readings

Luke 9:28-36 The Transfiguration (or what Peter, James, and John almost missed while they slept)

Psalm 113:1-6 The Majesty and Condescension of God

March 10, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: In a World of Distractions

In a World of Distractions

I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” ~ PSALM 16:8 (NKJV)

I’m often all over the place. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on the task at hand. I was going through the clothes in my closet to see what I could donate to the homeless shelter.

During this process, the phone rang three times and it was “Social Security.” (Not!) So I came downstairs to block that number on the computer.

The tea I’d been drinking was cold so I heated it in the microwave. The microwave was dirty, so I had to clean it, of course.

Jackson, our dog, was begging for a treat, and his treat containers were almost empty. So I went down to the basement to get treats.

Then I saw some bags I had previously filled with items to take to the shelter later. So I took them upstairs and loaded them into my car.

I had yet to get back to my clothes in the closet!

I laughed when I realized all that had happened. Perhaps my activities were trivial ones, but how much more productive I could be if I focused better!

In a world of distractions, when we identify a purpose — large or small — we may be able to focus on it more clearly.

With the goal of serving God, maybe your purpose is visiting others, cooking for others, or praying for others. When you know how you can serve God, focus on Him and the task at hand and go for it!

Dear Lord, the world is full of distractions. Please help me stay focused on the task at hand, whether it’s reading my Bible, having a conversation with a friend, or even cleaning out my closet, all the while serving you and focusing on you.

DENISE MOLINO, BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

March 9, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Don't Be Anxious, Pray

Don’t Be Anxious, Pray

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ PHILIPPIANS 4:6 (NIV)

About a year ago, my sister Ruth and I visited our other sister, Barbara, who lives in Goodyear, Arizona, just east of Phoenix. Sky Harbor airport is huge, and the walk from our gate to the car rental was very long. Ruth needed a wheelchair, so while an attendant pushed her, I followed along pulling both of our suitcases. By the time we got to our hotel, my left knee (the one I haven’t had replaced) was hurting.

On the morning we were to return home, I woke up with my knee hurting. I knew the walk from the car rental to the Southwest terminal was going to be long, so I asked God to tell the car rental people to drive us to the terminal so I wouldn’t have to walk so far. (They don’t normally do that, but God was listening.) We returned the car and told the attendant that we needed a wheelchair for Ruth. We waited for at least 15 minutes, and then he finally returned and said they had no wheelchairs, but he would have another attendant drive us to the terminal!

I remember thinking, “O, ye of little faith” because I had doubted that God would answer my prayer, and I was dreading the long walk. On the way, I told Ruth about my prayer, and her response was “Praise the Lord!” The driver also seemed impressed at the answered prayer, because he knew that his car rental agency doesn’t usually drive people to the terminal. I don’t know where that gentleman was in his faith, but I hope he remembers that God answers prayer, even little ones like mine. Besides the tip about prayer, we also gave him a very nice monetary tip!

Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity you give us to ask for anything in Jesus’ name. Help us not to be anxious but to remember that we can trust you with all of our problems and worries. Amen.

EVELYN HANEY, TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

March 8, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: What Do You Want Me to Learn, God?

What Do You Want Me to Learn, God?

My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. ~ JAMES 1:2-4 (CEB)

Surprise! I tried to stand up to go eat dinner one Saturday evening, and I could not get out of the chair without help. Hmmm. I decided to eat dinner and see if the problem would go away. Nope. OK, I guess it was time to call an ambulance. We headed to Inspira to find out what was happening to me. The answer came the next day — I had suffered a stroke. What were we going to do now?

In the hospital, there is always plenty going on. I had a whole alphabet of tests — MRI, MRA, x-rays, and so on. The nurses were great, as always. My family and others visited. Many people were praying for me, and I prayed too, asking God what I should be learning from this. The entire time I was in the hospital, my attitude was positive. I was feeling better each day, doing therapy, and getting stronger. I went home four days after I was admitted. I still had weakness on my left side, but all things considered, I was doing pretty well.

Once at home, my job, according to Jim, my physical therapist, was to rest and get stronger. I worked on the exercises, and they wore me out! I realize I am getting older, and I take a lot more naps than I used to, but I was not used to not being able to do much of anything. I couldn’t take my wife Christmas shopping. I couldn’t go help out at the church. I couldn’t do many of the little jobs that needed to be done around the house. All I could do was follow instructions — rest, rest, and more rest. I was bored and miserable.

But God is always good. I had stopped talking to Him about it, and my positive attitude had slipped away. I forgot to keep asking what I was supposed to be learning from all this. It is such a slow process that I forgot to keep looking for the good. However, God never forgot about me, and I am working on remembering that every day. I do not know what the final outcome will eventually be, but I know that I have to trust God and His plans for me.

God, thank you for the life you have given me and the plans you have for my future. Help me to trust you more every day. Amen.

JOHN PRICE, ZION COMMUNITY CHURCH