Saturday, February 13

No longer, then, do we judge anyone by human standards. Even if at one time we judged Christ according to human standards we no longer do so. When anyone is joined to Christ the person is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into God's friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also. Our message is that God was making all humanity God's friends through Christ.

II Corinthians 5:16-20

EVERYBODY...NEEDS SOMEBODY...SOMETIME

A long time ago, I was present at a conversation with twins, where the topic was, “How do you like being twins? Would you rather be separate?” The thing that remains in my mind, after all these years, is the conclusive statement made by one twin, “Well, you always have a buddy.” It’s the same thought as that voiced in the once popular song, “Everybody...needs somebody...sometime.”

Today this thought has even greater importance. In our urban society there are greater numbers of single persons. People live longer, marriages break-up, and there is not the pressure to marry and have children as there was in an agricultural society. However, one still wants and needs to feel that there is someone close by that one can reach out to, and who will understand.

We are all lonely people without you, O Lord. Where would we be were it not for your promises and presence? In your grace is our sustenance, in your will our direction, and in your love, our home and enduring companionship. Enable us to reach out with your love and share your friendship with others. Amen.

Frances Giuliani

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Friday, February 12

Then I heard the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for me?”

Isaiah 6:8

SINGING = PRAYING TWICE

Music is an important part of my spiritual life. When I sing, I feel as though I am praying twice. Several years back, when we lived in another city, our choir sang an anthem than has stayed with me. The words are Albert Schweitzer's:

He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lakeside He came to those men who know Him not. He speaks to us, He speaks the same word: "Follow thou me!" and sets us to the task which He has to fulfill for our time. He commands and to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship. And, as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience Who He is.

I know Christ has come to me many times over the years, asking me to follow. I am sure I was not listening as often as I should have. It isn't easy to always remember "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?" I do know that when I have 'tuned in' to Him and responded, my faith is renewed and my life is much fuller.

Dear Lord, clear my mind and heart to really hear you when you call. Help me to be willing to respond and ready to do the very best I can in your name.Amen.

Norma Carlson

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Thursday, February 11

Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46.10

Many of us are surrounded by noise most of our waking hours. Just last week, the fire alarm went off at Alcott and was deafening. How about the “ping” signifying the receipt of a new text message? Then there’s my teenager’s selection of music as he brushes his teeth. I can’t forget the “white” noise that helps me fall asleep or the ticking of the kitchen clock that seems louder when I’m alone in the house. And, the neighbor’s dog barking at a squirrel.

Lent is a time for reflection and prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter. How easy is it to reflect when there’s so much “noise” around us? Mother Teresa said, “We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature — trees, flowers, grass — grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

During this season of Lent, I’m going to look for the beauty in silence. Maybe it won’t be complete silence – maybe it will be the quiet joy in the exclamation of a young student at Alcott who has written his/her name by themselves for the first time; maybe it will be the passing of peace in the sanctuary with a warm handshake and smile; or maybe it will be a handwritten letter sent to a dear friend.

Make time for quiet moments,
as God whispers and the world is loud.
~ Author Unknown

And when Lent culminates in the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can exalt God with our “joyful noises,” as we’re encouraged to do in Psalm 98:4: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”

Loving Father ~ Help me find peace and contentment in the quiet moments of this Lenten season. Thank you for your guidance, day in and day out, in finding those special times where silence and reflection bring me closer to You and able to do Your work. Amen

Stephanie Kummer

Ash Wednesday February 10

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Romans 8:26-27

Thank You for Your Nudge.

Another chaotic day. My mind is kicked into accelerated speed. Responsibilities-schedules-deadlines. Accomplishments done in a normal workday world. Then I feel God’s nudge. I recognize Your Voice speaking to my heart. I still remember that day sitting at my desk getting ready for my next scheduled appointment. I look out my office window that faces Greenfield. It is a cold rainy day. A young mother is holding her small baby waiting for the bus. I’m thinking they probably just came out of the medical building from seeing the doctor. Maybe the baby is not well. I’m thinking neither one is dressed for the weather. She has no umbrella. My mind starts fretting that baby is going to get sick –where is that bus? I start thinking what can I do? I only have few minutes before I have to see my next outpatient. Should I run out and give them my umbrella, but the baby would still be cold. Maybe they could wait inside the building, but they would not be able to see the bus coming and get out in time to catch it. I realize the need to pray. I keep asking “What can I do Lord”. I then see a car come to a stop and roll down the window. The driver is a woman who I assume is asking the young woman where she needs to go. They speak for a few minutes and then the young mother gets into the car.

I marvel at God’s timing and wisdom. Planting that same nudge in that driver’s heart, and the ability to act in faith.

Gracious God, help me listen until it is time to act. Then let me act in faith knowing that your spirit is leading me.

Amy Rogers