March 31, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Amazing Love, How Can It Be...

Amazing Love, How Can It Be...

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

One afternoon my husband showed me a YouTube video of the Newsboys’ song “You are My King” (Amazing Love). He warned me in advance that it might bring tears to my eyes. That was an understatement.

The video accompanying the music was from the movie directed by Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ. I had read about the brutality of scourging and crucifixions, and it is horrible to think about. However, seeing it depicted in such realistic terms brought the reality of the pain endured by Christ on the cross to a whole new level.

I need this visual reminder every so often when I start to take for granted the grace that has been extended to me, or when I fail to understand the message of 1 Corinthians that I have been “bought at a price.” My sins are not minor, no matter how insignificant they may seem to me. My sins have forced my God to endure extreme physical pain to reconcile my relationship with Him. To borrow from a hymn by Charles Wesley,“Amazing love! How can it be that thou my God should die for me?”*

Thank you, my Lord and my God. May I never trivialize your sacrifice as I will literally be eternally grateful for your suffering and death on the cross.

SYLVIA GRUBER

*And Can It Be That I Should Gain, Charles Wesley (1738)

March 30, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: He Came to Die

He Came to Die

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ~ ISAIAH 53:7 (NIV)

But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ ROMANS 5:8 (NIV)

It always troubles me to think about all that Christ suffered for each of us on the cross. How Jesus was willing to leave His heavenly home and come to our sinful earth — all because He loved us and wanted to take our punishment. When He arrived, the angels were singing, shepherds followed the star, wise men were seeking, and King Herod was searching for Him. During His time on earth, He showed us how to love, taught us in parables to help us understand, and saved us from our sins, all because He loved us.

And yet, His disciples “forsook” Him, denied Him, and ran away — and so do we. Many shouted “Hosanna” and within a few days they shouted “Crucify Him!” With the weight of our sin on Him while He was on that cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) The pain, the loneliness, the separation from His Father, the weight He bore for the sins of the world — He endured the nightmare of our deserved judgment. It deeply hurts our Father to see our poor attitudes, our jealousy, bitterness, resentment, rejection, and unforgiving hearts, just to name a few of our many sins. He alone bore the rejection and suffering and died for you and for me. Yes, worthy is the Lamb of God, who was slaughtered because of His great love for each of us. Celebrate Easter by loving others and loving Christ as He loved us.

Dear Lord, be with me today and give me a clear vision of what you want me to do today. May my thoughts and attitude be pleasing to you. Direct my paths and help me to obey your will. Thank you for loving me and being with me today. In your precious name I pray, amen.

TRUDY JENKINS, ZION COMMUNITY CHURCH

March 29, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Little Things Matter

Little Things Matter to God

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. ~ JOHN 6:9, 11 (NIV)

Sometimes I get really frustrated because I think I’m not doing enough for God. I see people with great ministries who are having a positive effect, making a big difference for Jesus. Then I wonder if what I do in my little corner of the world really matters.

That’s when I am reminded of the young boy with the five small loaves and two little fish. That tiny amount of food certainly wouldn’t feed 50 people, let alone over 5,000 ... until he gave it to Jesus. Only He can take our miniscule little offerings and turn them into something huge or amazing or beautiful.

Have you ever complimented someone and watched their reaction? Held a door open for someone who was struggling? Sent a card, note, or email to someone who needed a lift? Gave a kind word or even just a smile to a stranger? Gave up a parking spot that rightfully should have been yours? Let someone go ahead of you in the grocery line? Called someone just to ask how they were? Donated to a food pantry? Spent some time with a lonely older person? Told the manager of a store or restaurant how much you appreciated one of their employees? Listened to someone who needed a non- judgmental ear? Helped a mother with her young children who just needed a hand? Been there for someone who was going through a tough time and needed a shoulder to lean on? Offered assistance to a neighbor who looked like they could use it?

God notices all these things and He uses them for His good. We are His hands and feet in this world, and these little things are often how we make a difference for Jesus. If we offer nothing to God, He will have nothing to use. But He can take what little we have and turn it into something great.

Father, help me to remember that it doesn’t matter the size of what I do for you. What matters is my heart and how I show others your love.

DIANE SIZEMORE, TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

March 28, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Awe and Wonder of the Gospel

Awe and Wonder of the Gospel

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ~ JOHN 3:16-17 (KJV)

As a Certified Nurse Assistant in home health care, I have the honor to be caregiver to dementia and memory care clients. Every day we sing hymns together. One client specifically sings, “Preacher, you ought to been there for my Lord.” Then she pauses to speak adamantly, “You know, the preacher should’ve been there for my Lord! He should have been there to STOP Jesus from being crucified on the cross!”

Daily I have the privilege to recount the awe and wonder of the Gospel to her. I explain that the preacher, you, and I should have been there in awe and wonder to witness that Jesus willingly went to the cross for us. He loved us that much to take our place. I explain that Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, but Jesus pointed at Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan.” I recount Peter cutting off the ear of the soldier with his sword and Jesus healing the soldier.

Jesus could have called on a legion of angels at any time to keep from going to the cross. Jesus was without sin and was the pure Sacrificial Lamb who took our place during Passover. Jesus wanted to take away our sin and reconcile us to God. It is a mystery to us that Jesus was willing to take our place, but He did.

I quote John 3:16-17, and then my client proceeds to sing again those two verses from an Easter cantata she sang at some time in her life.

This season of Lent, “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still. Selah.” (Psalm 4:4)

LORD, after all the words are said, I simply bring myself to stand in awe and wonder of the Gospel of Christ and how I have the privilege and honor to testify to your love for us sinners. With gratitude, I stand at the base of the cross and see the pure Lamb of God who takes away our sins. To God be the glory. Amen.

DIANA MCMILLION, NORTH RALEIGH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

March 27, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Leaning on the Lord

Leaning on the Lord

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ MATTHEW 11:28 (NIV)

After the holiday season, there are some days when I feel so tired. The days are dark and dreary with impending winter storms in the forecast. I find myself becoming sad, depressed, and moody. In my office I sit next to the window every day and wonder, “Will the sun ever shine? Is it spring yet?” Perhaps I suffer from SAD* (Seasonal Affective Disorder). That’s when I truly lean on the Lord. He’s my everlasting Sonshine!

Putting myself in His loving arms, I start humming ... “I have blessed peace with my Lord so near ...”

What have I to dread?
What have I to fear?
Leaning on the everlasting arms
I have blessed peace
With my Lord so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms**

To find daily joy, I watch for God’s blessing of the multitude of birds enjoying the feeder outside my window. I keep it filled with their favorite seed. Suet cakes hang nearby, and peanuts are in the wreath. The bright red cardinals and squawking blue jays are my favorites. Smiling at their frenzied activity lightens my mood, and I am thankful to God for sending me what I need just when I need it most. Then, lo and behold, the sun pops out, too! Such blessings and hope!

Heavenly Father, I thank you for watching over me every day. You know my needs before I do and provide for me always and in all ways! Continue to care for me, my family and friends, and all your beloved creatures here on earth. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus, amen.

KATHY CHANDO, ZION COMMUNITY CHURCH

* Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to changes in seasons.** Leaning on the Everlasting Arms by Anthony J. Showalter and Elisha Hoffman. Hymn based on Deuteronomy 33:27: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

March 26, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: How Much Oil Is In Your Lamp?

How Much Oil Is In Your Lamp?

Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ~ MATTHEW 25: 2-4 (NIV)

My daily regimen includes reading through the Bible. I am currently in the beginning books of the Old Testament. I see many references to olive oil. I did the obvious and searched the internet. My reference source is Daily Bible Study, www.keyway.ca, “Olive Oil” by Wayne Blank.

Olive oil is still used today, and it symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us that enables us to carry out God’s work in this world.

This article identifies uses of olive oil in ancient days. It was used for many reasons: (1) to light lamps, (2) to anoint someone or something for a special purpose, (3) to be a portion of the offerings made by the Israelites, (4) to assist with medicinal needs, and (5) to prepare deceased bodies for burial.
As I reflect upon those uses, I see that we might apply uses of olive oil in a symbolic way to our daily lives. With olive oil representing the Holy Spirit: (1) Our path is illuminated to show us the way. (2) We are anointed and set apart for a purpose. (3) We offer ourselves to others and to the Lord for His service. (4) The Holy Spirit helps heal us from harmful feelings that may result from the trials and tribulations encountered along the way. (5) God prepares us for the ending part of our journey to heaven so that we are in a state that is acceptable to Him.

Olive oil was used in the “Parable of the Ten Maidens” found in Matthew 25. Five of the maidens were prepared, and five were not. The resource references a link to another article entitled, “How Much Oil Is In Your Lamp?” We need to be equipped to carry out God’s purpose for us in this world. We need the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to direct our way. Since Lent is a time of sober reflection, we may want to use this time to check to see how full our lamps are.

Dear Lord, help us to use this time to ensure we have enough oil in our lamps to carry out your plans. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LACY HAYNICZ, TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

March 25, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Are You a Mary or Martha?

Are You a Mary or a Martha?

The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her.” ~ LUKE 10:41 (GNT)

Iam definitely a Martha. I have spent my entire life trying to do all that I think God wants me to do. I don’t know the word “no.” Whatever is asked of me, I always say yes. And what’s not asked of me, I volunteer myself to do. Crazy? Absolutely! God doesn’t expect me to burn myself out trying to do everything. Sometimes I just need to say no. Sometimes I need to spend more time with God, rather than working for Him.

This year I’m going to say no sometimes. I’m going to put my personal time with God first. I’m going to make sure I find “God and me time” so I can relax, refuel, and refresh.

Are you a Martha? Is it time for you to take a breath, slow down, and make different choices in your life? I challenge you to look deep inside yourself. See what God sees. Decide if you need to do some prioritizing, make some changes, or sometimes just say no. Let God lead the way. Let Him be your focus, your strength, and your choice!

Jesus loves me just for who I am. He resides in my heart and is not going anywhere, regardless of what I do or don’t do. But what a richer life I have when I spend time with Him. What a relief that salvation does not depend on my being a Martha!

Lord, remind us that only with a personal relationship with you, can we serve you to our fullest.

PAT HERITAGE, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, GLASSBORO

March 24, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Seeds of Hope

Seeds of Hope

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. ~ LUKE 8:11 (ESV)Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the

reason for the hope that you have. ~ 1 PETER 3:15 (NIV)

On the day of his 10th birthday, a young boy received three gifts from his grandmother: a pot filled with dirt, a pail of water, and an acorn. When he saw what she had given him, disappointment crossed his face. Seeing his reaction, his grandmother chuckled and took the acorn in her hand. The young boy watched as she buried it in the soil and placed the pot on a windowsill.

“Soon we’ll have to replant it outside,” she told him. “And in a few years it’ll be a beautiful tree — big enough to climb!” His grandmother poured some water into the pot and gave him a wink.

The boy stared at the dirt, but he couldn’t imagine how something so invisible could become what she had promised. He stole occasional glances at the pot on the windowsill the next day, but the dirt remained flat and empty. Time passed, and he eventually forgot about the acorn hiding in the soil.

A month later, the boy’s grandmother came to visit and asked him about the acorn. When his eyes shifted to the forgotten pot, he was shocked to see a sapling poking out of the dirt. Together, he and his grandmother replanted the young tree in its own corner of the yard.

The years passed, and the tree’s branches thickened into strong limbs. Its leaves stretched higher and higher toward the blue sky, and the boy eagerly climbed it until he too was touching the clouds. It was everything his grandmother had promised.

As the boy grew older, he recalled how doubtful he had been that the small acorn would ever become a tree. When he asked his grandmother how she knew it would grow the way she had imagined, there was a glimmer in her eyes as she gave her response.

“I had hope.”

Dear God: let us plant your Word in our lives and have hope that we will grow as strong, beautiful, and fruitful Christians — just as you have promised.

RACHAEL KELLEY, TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH