LENTEN DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31)

The Golden Rule is found in both Matthew and Luke. What does this rule mean? How can we apply this concept in our daily lives?

This passage by William Arthur Ward gives us suggestions about actions to live life well, show concern for others, and to be proactive.

Do more than belong,
Participate.
Do more than care,
Help.
Do more that believe,
Practice.
Do more than be fair,
Be kind.
Do more than forgive,
Forget.
Do more than dream,
Work.

At Birmingham First Presbyterian Church members participate in helping at Alcott School in Pontiac, South Oakland Shelter, Fort Street Church in Detroit, Lighthouse of Oakland County, and other mission projects. We demonstrate putting these principles into practice in our daily lives. The world is a better place as others are touched positively. May we accept the challenge for a Christian life well lived, and positively impact the lives of our fellow travelers.

Friends, life is short and there is precious little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us, so make haste to be kind and be quick to love. Amen. (Benediction often used by Rev. L.P. Jones)

Diane Bert

LENTEN DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Remember the long way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commandments. He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)

This time of Lent is a time to remember that the feeling of being lost, adrift, far from God is a very human experience. Jesus experienced it. Saint Paul experienced it. The books of Job and Jonah tell of it. Mother Theresa experienced it. The time in the wilderness after the Israelites left Egypt is a metaphor for that sense of wandering purposelessness. Where am I going? What am I doing here? How did I get here? Perhaps our busyness hides it from us for a time, but it is there in the background, a hunger we cannot name. The scripture suggests that God had a purpose in leading the Israelites into the wilderness. Jesus also was led into the wilderness for a purpose (Matthew 4:1-11). Why would a loving God leave us to wander alone and hungry in a wilderness? Perhaps God is leading us toward an understanding of our need for something more than physical nurture. We are created by God to need God, but how easily and happily we wander away. We seek new and exciting experiences, the pleas
ures of food and company, the joys of beautiful things ... lovely for a time, they leave us empty and wanting more, never truly satisfied. In the wilderness, God is leading. God is there, unseen, waiting. What does God want of God's people? That they be humble, knowing always that it is God who is leading them, providing for them, caring for them. That in their hearts they put God first: "You shall have no other gods before me." And finally that they keep God's commandments, practicing every day the way of living that defines them as God's people.

Lord, help me to remember when I feel lost that You are always there waiting for me and I will find you in the simple faith practices I learned as a child: prayer, scripture, service, and church. Amen.

Charlotte Fischer

LENTEN DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Love hopes all things, bears all things, believes all things...Faith, hope and love abide, and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:7,13)

A Life Lesson Since my story about my grandson appeared in the 2006 Lenten Devotions, many of you have shared your supporting thoughts with me. Your words have touched me deeply. The same grandson, 26 years old this year, has been diagnosed HIV- positive. This devastating news rocked our family much as it rocked his world in NYC. "Stupid, regretful decisions," he tells me, "and now I have to pay." If he were writing this he would emphasize, and I would concur, that acquiring this virus does NOT come "with the territory." None of his friends are infected, and most probably never will be. When we gathered at our Canadian cottage this past summer, for the "huge group hug" that he craved, he was sick much of the time. Getting adjusted to a cocktail of meds that are carefully designed to eradicate the virus is in itself a toxic experience that needs regular modification and fine-tuning. In 2006 when I wrote, "Sometimes I need to remind myself that his care and his health are in the hands
of our Creator," I believed it. I still believe it. At this writing his body has become adjusted to the meds. He works at a demanding job; keeping pace very well. He has outstanding care at Rockefeller University Hospital where the latest treatments are implemented. And he belongs to support groups that offer him the strength he requires. My strength comes from my Faith. I firmly believe that he will be afforded a full, authentic healthy life which is all I can ever begin to pray for.

May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Dear Lord, I pray. Amen.

Janet Munson

LENTEN DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

And on that day shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses: "Holy to the Lord." (Zachariah 14:20)

Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather healed. Strive for peace with all men. (Hebrews 12:12- 14)

I was touched by a beautiful story sent by a dear friend, who through the years has had a ringing bell for me to follow when I needed it.

There's a field with two horses. From a distance, each horse looks like any other, but up close, it's clear that one horse is blind. His owner chose not to put him down, but made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If we stand nearby and listen, the sound of a bell comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow. The horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse which listens for the bell and moves closer to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. Each evening when the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure the blind horse isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

God watches over us when we are faced with problems and challenges in our lives. God brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those whom God places in our lives. Other times, we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.

Please listen for my bell, and I'll listen for yours.

Dear God, thank you for your everlasting love and guidance. Help us to help others: loving generously, caring deeply, speaking kindly. Amen.

Joanne Judy

LENTEN DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Deuteronomy 5:16 from King James Version)

My First Really Close Encounter with God

I was at the ripe old age of 13 and I was attending my ORAL examination for my confirmation. It had an audience of all my classmates and all our PARENTS. Talk about pressure!!!

Our Senior Pastor, dear Reverend Tilburg (affectionately known as "Tillie" among my classmates), had been rehearsing us for weeks - with never a commitment - on certain answers to certain questions. But with just enough hint that you might know what oral question he may throw your way. Soooo - at last, came my turn - (he called on all twenty of us in alphabetical order) - he skipped me!!! (Not intentionally - but he skipped me!!!)

I thought, "WOW! Maybe I'm getting off easy!" But wait a minute - my folks are here - my classmates are here - my God is here. Then at the end - after concluding with Dorothy Swanson (note the alphabetical order) - Tillie said, "Now is there anybody I haven't called on?"

Epiphany had arrived! Lord - help me through this one. I almost felt him pushing my hand up, up in the air. Pray. Pray it will be the scripture I have quoted above. God was with me that day, my friends - "Roger, please quote the fourth commandment." And I DID! And that is why you see the King James Version scripture above - because that is what I quoted. And also after you "re-read" it, remember my father and mother were present!!!

Dear God, thank you again for helping me through that fateful day during my fourteenth year here on earth. And thank you for sending Lois Poston to ask me to contribute to our Lenten book this year. It is a first for me. It has brought back some very poignant memories of my folks and my childhood. Amen.

Roger Struck

LENTEN DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)

"Out there under the stars there is work waiting to be done that only you can do."

I first heard these words some thirty years ago in a sermon delivered by our former pastor, Morgan Roberts. And his words continue to challenge me.

How do we hear what God is calling us to do? Why does it seem that God speaks to each of us in ways that seem so different? To do justice and show mercy take on diverse meanings in the hearts and minds of diverse people, and there-in lies the challenge for us as individuals and for the church.

The ebb and flow of life move us in amazing and unexpected ways and these forty days of Lent provide time for reflection and hope. A time to be still and listen to what God is calling us to do in today's world time to ask, to search, and to knock.

Loving and gracious God, may your word always be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path as we walk humbly with you through all our days. Amen.

Glen Tyndall

LENTEN DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he replied, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you." Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Is Lent one really long funeral service? Lent is a time of repentance. Lately for me, funerals have been a time of repentance. As I listen to the Eulogy shared by a loved one, I hear God's voice. The stories told and the qualities highlighted are evidence of his presence in their lives. They followed the path he intended for them and served him well. I find myself asking God for forgiveness for my own shortcomings and promising to improve my service to him.

As the clergy tells the story of the ten maidens, I feel an urgency to follow God's will. Without enough oil, I am one of the foolish maidens, not prepared for God. As I drive to the celebration which follows the funeral service, my mind is focused on being a better mom, spouse, and servant of God,.

At the celebration, more laughter is heard, and less sobbing. Fun stories are shared along with good food. Is this similar to the joy we experience sharing a meal at Easter?

God, help guide me through Lent and this time of repentance. Let me be more like those whom have served you well, so I may be prepared. Amen.

Julie Wagner