SATURDAY, MARCH 3

Matthew 27:46 “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Scholars have parsed those words of Christ on the cross, as translated from Aramaic to Greek, to explain away the seeming uncertainty and despair of our Savior in the moments before his earthly death. In both Matthew and Mark this outcry is reported as the last words of Jesus; in Luke the words are not reported and Jesus’ last words are “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46). In John the words likewise do not appear, and the last words are “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

Hardly any of us can follow the language experts in their dissection of these passages. I for one am not only willing to accept that our Lord was driven to the brink of despair by the crucifixion, but I applaud this wonderful display of the humanity of Christ. I like to think that Mark and Matthew are reporting what Christ really said, and aren’t writing mere polemics. Here we are exposed to the great good news that God himself could take on the frailties of humanity. And remember, Jesus went through his agonizing ordeal to the resurrection!

Dear God: Thank you for sending your Son who shares with us the uncertainties and sufferings of humankind. Let us remember your mighty sacrifice of Good Friday, and guide us through Christ to the resurrection and the life of your kingdom. Amen.

Stanford Evans

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.

Today is World Day of Prayer, a worldwide ecumenical movement with prayer services in 170 countries, beginning with the first sunrise in Asia to the last sunset around the globe. The theme is “Let Justice Prevail.” This year’s service was written by Christian women in Malaysia. Muslims make up 40% of the population, Buddhists 19%, Christians 9%, Confucianism and Taoism 13%, Hinduism 6%, Animism 3%.

Malaysia, about the size of New Mexico, is a multicultural, multi-religious nation divided into two land portions separated by the South China Sea. Malaysia is the largest destination in Asia for migrant workers and refugees fleeing from war-torn and struggling nations. Though some progress has been made, women’s voices for equal justice have largely been silenced; many are poor and exploited. Women from India are brought over to work in the rubber fields. Sex and labor trafficking has become a huge problem.

The challenges are to welcome people from all ethnic and religious groups and learn how to integrate living together and appreciate and accept other’s culture and traditions. As I was thinking about Malaysia, I couldn’t help comparing their situation to the vision of our church. Malaysia has many concerns dealing with great diversity, and FPC is actively seeking diversity and inclusion.

Welcoming and practicing hospitality are necessary in both situations. We can be thinking about actions to take as individuals and together with other church members to further support our vision statement of “cultivating mission, inclusion and community.” Malaysia’s ten year plan is to develop a higher quality of life for its people and for all communities to enjoy equitable success.

Righteous and Gracious God: Grant me the spirit of hospitality that I may welcome all who enter the doors of our church. Guide our church as we create a place in which each gender, race, and culture is honored, nurtured, and affirmed. Amen.

Lois Poston

FYI: The World Day of Prayer service our church participates in is at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 512 Pearsall, Pontiac MI. All are welcome. The service begins at 10:00am.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Isaiah 58:9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer: you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.”

This prayer by Thomas Merton was in a Lenten Devotional booklet over 13 years ago. It was submitted by Candace Crawford wife of Jerry Crawford, former Minister of Music here at FPC. The prayer has been part of my daily devotions for many years and I hope it will be an inspiration to others.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself.

And the fact that I think that I am following your will

Does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.

And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I never do anything apart from that desire,

And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road

Though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always,

Though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear for you are ever with me,

And you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Jane Horner

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ”Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”

Jesus is dying in agony upon a cross and his last thoughts are for his mother. Jesus is her first born son and her welfare is his responsibility. Since there is no mention of Joseph at the foot of the cross, we assume that he has died. In first century Palestine women were helpless without male protection and Mary must look to her eldest male child for help. Did Mary expect Jesus to think of her at the end? I have often wondered…

Every mother has hopes and dreams for her children. As we await a birth or the completion of an adoption agreement, we think about what they will be when they are grown. When they are small we nurture and protect. As they grow we teach, comfort and encourage. As they reach adulthood, we feel the pain of separation and pray that they will choose their lives wisely and that the world will be kind. I am sure that Mary did all these things.

But the world was unkind to Mary’s baby, Jesus. How conflicted Mary must have been. The angel had told her that Jesus would be the Messiah, the Savior of the World. What had she expected? Like many other Jews at the time, did she expect a political hero? Did she raise him with that end in mind? Surely she wanted Jesus to be successful and happy. Surely she was frightened for him when his ministry ran afoul of the religious leaders. I’m sure she was horrified as Jesus was arrested, imprisoned, tortured and put to death. Was she ashamed or did she know that Jesus was following God’s plan for his life? I hope she understood that her baby was walking with God.

As modern day mothers, we know that Mary’s baby was a great success. He followed a God given course. Isn’t that what we hope for our own children?

Dear Lord, help us to have faith in our children. Help us to know when they need our guidance and when they need our silence. Help us to have faith in their choices and faith in your plan for them. Amen.

Cindy Judson

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Ephesians 4:32 – 5:2 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example … and walk in the way of love.

As a teacher educator, I often ask teachers to remember their own favorite teacher. It seems everyone can name someone. What was it about that person that was so special, recalled now years—even decades later? Most often, the generosity of the teacher—both in sharing curricular expertise but also sharing a generosity of spirit—is what emerges as a common theme among the respondents.

In addition, there was a feeling of being valued and respected, even as a young learner, and a memory of being an important part of something bigger than what one can do alone. To dwell in and grow among a community of learners was a felt memory of the heart, remembered far beyond the actual content of the classroom.

To have the opportunity to engage with others with mutual respect, common goals, and a generous spirit is a precious gift and the hallmark of a dynamic community. It is this generosity of spirit that will carry a community through conflict and difficult circumstances. To see the best in each other, to lift one another up, and to bear each other’s burdens is both our call and our privilege as we dwell together in Christian community.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in [comm]unity.” (Psalm 133:1)

Deb Blair

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Psalm 54:2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to my every word.

A Little Bit of Faith (And A Lot of Trust)

It was the night before the big math test on the hardest unit of the year. The stress of hours of homework was bearing down on me, and drowsiness was beginning to take effect. The realization I would have to go to bed soon washed over me like the waves on a beach, constantly telling me I wouldn't have much time to study for the test. When my parents finally told me I had to go to bed, it was not a surprise. I had barely been able to get a glimpse at the textbook, and knew that I was going to have trouble on the test. Right then and there I got down on my knees and prayed.

It was now time for the test. When the teacher started passing them out, I was extremely worried. I needed to relax, because if I stressed now, I would not be able to think very well on the test. When I started the test, the first page was fairly easy, and I finished it without too much trouble. The second page was a little harder, but not so that I couldn't do it. This went on for a while, and the pages kept getting harder.

When I got to the last page, I could not believe what they were testing us on. This was a subject that the teacher had told us not to stress about, but I had a reason to. This was one of the subjects I had not studied, and I was not ready for it. I knew what I had to do. I closed my eyes and prayed.

When I opened my eyes and looked back at the test, I started to remember that subject. It was all coming back to me. I stopped for a second, thanked God, and then went back to my test. In all of my life, I have never felt like God was talking to me like I did in that moment.

If you ever are in trouble, having financial problems, or just trying to remember the answers on a test, always pray to God, and he will help you however you let him. Even if you give up on him, he will always be there for you, but he can help you more if you ask him. Always ask God to help you, and he will always be there for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to ask you when we need help. Most importantly, help us to trust that you can help us. Help us to always remember you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Robert Smith, age 12, 6th grade

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Psalm 133:1 Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Once upon a time, and this is a true story, we went to an Elderhostel at Brigham Young University in Hawaii. The students came from islands of the South Pacific and the dining room menu reflected the student background.

One morning I, grumbling audibly, was faced again with a vat of warm cider as I stood in the cafeteria line. Mormons drink neither coffee nor tea. The man before me in line smiled and told me why the foods were not familiar, adding that he was the bishop who oversaw recruitment of students from the South Pacific.

Now this was interesting and I said so. He invited me to have lunch with him; he would bring pictures of his work. And I accepted. The Mormon Elderhostel students were horrified. "He invited YOU?"

Well, he did, showing photos of the many Pacific islands and continents he visited recruiting for the church, of course, and for the college. He was pleasant and informative. I was asked to join him the next day; I was delighted. The pictures were a testament. Mormons are active in the South Pacific.

While we were in Hawaii, a very unusual cold snap hovered over Oahu for several days. My husband and I bought sweatshirts in the college store to keep warm. So you can imagine the startled looks when young Mormon missionaries rang our Birmingham doorbell, only to find the woman answering the door was wearing a sweat labeled Brigham Young University. I simply pointed to the First Presbyterian Church steeple and told them that there was my church home.

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious; because his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 118:1)

Carol Held