Easter Monday, March 28

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-6

Time is a Trainer

I love this little devotional book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. It is full of meditations as if Jesus were speaking to me. I try to think of the devotion as a daily inspiration, some peace to take with me as I go about my day.

As I celebrate my daughter’s 17th birthday today I am so grateful for the wonderful ladies of this church and Presbyterian Women who inspire me with grace every day. These ladies are all about giving. They are part of most events our church hosts as a community of faith. It may be Rummage sale, making refreshments, meals or a casserole for our Thank Offering or Birthday Offering brunch or for a family in need, Rejoicing Spirits, tutoring at Alcott School, baking cookies for funerals or Second Mile dinner. These women of Strength are like Super Heroes. They may not wear fancy capes or a leotard; they are the hands and feet of our church with big hearts, the true spirit of LOVE. It may seem like a small thing but they are there, with a smile and they just keep going, giving love and support like no other I can imagine. I have watched these super ladies move with such strength, all the while holding their own load that no one knows. They step in with effortless ease as they have done this all their lives. Giving is their mission and God is their guide. They teach by example and my daughter is learning great lessons from these women who show her what strength looks like every week.

My church family is filled with talented men and women of strength that share their unique gifts, everyday and every week. Today is all we have, tomorrow is another story. We must live in the Spirit and not the flesh. God has a plan for each and every one of us. We just have to be willing to Listen and do what GOD asks of us. Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Go where HE takes us and HE will change us into Super Heros all the while helping others on the way.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us what we need when we need it. Help us to be your hands and feet. Lead us with your spirit of understanding to help those in greatest need of your love. Amen

Kathleen Sleder

Easter Sunday, March 27

When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’

John 19:30 and 20:19-21

Finished is a fascinating word. It can be a word expressing success. I have finished my paper! I finished the race! It can be a word expressing defeat. It’s finished, over, and my last hope is gone. People have applied both of these usages to Jesus’ last, dying words on the cross, “It is finished.” Some people have assumed he was admitting defeat. My time here is finished and I have failed to change the world. Other have taken it as a statement of victory. I have finished what I needed to do and God has won. Those standing at the cross watching him die would probably have assumed that it was the former, an admission of defeat, for what else could crucifixion mean?

This morning, this Easter morning, we know which meaning to choose: victory. We know that Jesus’ words were not those of defeat but of victory over sin and death. We know that because God raised him from the dead, the power of sin and death was broken. His resurrection was the victorious news that the old world ruled by powers and principalities was finished and a new world ruled by the risen Christ was coming into being.

So on this Easter morning as we hear the proclamation of Jesus’ victory, let us hear “finished” as not an end but a beginning; a beginning of our work for this wonderful new world that Jesus is bringing into being.

Loving God, thank you for raising Jesus from the dead so that what his finish is our beginning; the beginning of life here and life forever.

Dr. John Judson

Holy Saturday, March 26

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!

Isaiah 6:3b

It’s a Holy Thing

Birth is a holy thing. Death is a holy thing. And I truly feel the passing of my husband of 56 wonderful married years on the Lord’s birthday, Christmas day, was a holy thing. With great appreciation for Heartland Hospice Care, Bruce was able to be at home. His friends knew how much this meant. Never without his cell phone at the institutions he was taken to, he would call everyone he could, to meet him at the door and take him home! He truly believed he didn’t need to be at the hospital or nursing home.

The most positive man in the world, he never ever thought that anything was wrong with him. “I’m just fine!” he would say, and he was convincing! So many were shocked at the news of his passing. May they be comforted by these scriptures:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.

Ephesians 1:3-4

Lord, who will not fear and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your judgements have been revealed.

Revelation 15:4

I pray the Holy Spirit guide, comfort, and enable us to be the best He would have us be.

Sheryl McCristal

Good Friday, March 25

For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set for in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Ephesians 1:9-10

The waning light lit the raindrops as they fell and flowed in rivulets along the steep narrow street in Cincinnati. The people were lining up with umbrellas as far as the eye could see to climb the steps to the stately stone church on the hill with its tall green steeple.

I had come to watch them again this year. The old woman dressed in a black babushka knelt on the first step and began saying the Rosary, “Hail Mary, full of grace. . . . .” Up this steep cascade of at least sixty stone steps, people were standing, kneeling, and praying. There were women, men and children holding their grandfathers’ hands, learning this ritual that had gone on for years and years on Good Friday.

“These people,” I thought, “care about the Savior dying.” They would stand for hours to pray and unite with a mystery beyond their comprehension. At last they would silently go home and wait through the hushed hours of Holy Saturday Triumphantly, on Easter Sunday, they would make their way back to the church to celebrate in joy the deliverance of all humankind. They knew how to connect with the deepest places in the human heart, offering themselves up in prayer to the crucified Savior.

They return year after year to the church on the hill. Finally, in time, the children become the old men who hold their grandchildren's hands and the old women in babushkas reverently kneeling on the steps, in the rain, on Good Friday.

Dear Lord God, we do not want this time that your son, Jesus Christ, suffered death at the cross to go unheeded by us. We are silenced by the mystery and enormity of his sacrifice. We ask that our hearts be united with you this day. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Sally Muir, from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Maundy Thursday, March 24

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Salt Lick Bar-B-Que in Driftwood, TX was how we remembered my grandmother. After her funeral, family members and friends caravaned out to the Texas hill country to feast on smoked brisket and sausage, slaw and sweet corn. We told stories about how my grandmother taught us table manners and encouraged us to follow our dreams. We laughed and cried some. And, boy, did we enjoy that meal.

My grandmother never told us to eat sausage or drink beer in remembrance of her. But we did it anyway. And it made sense. It brought back memories of my grandparents’ last anniversary and my cousin’s graduation party. The Salt Lick was where we’d go for big family gatherings, with all the aunts and uncles and cousins, and Gromma sitting at the head of the table, reminding us to take off our hats and keep our elbows off the table.

Jesus gives us the Eucharist (which comes from a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”), the Lord’s Supper, Communion, as a way to remember him and all he taught his disciples. Like our post-funeral gathering at the Salt Lick, this meal brings back stories and lessons. It builds us up and nourishes us for our life of faith. It is an experience of sorrow and great joy. It is a time for all the family to gather together, with Christ at the head of the table, reminding us to “Love one another as I have loved you.” And it is a meal we are invited to enjoy. We give thanks around the table for Christ’s life and sacrificial death, for his resurrection and our hope for eternal life through him. We give thanks for the lessons and stories, for the joy of this meal that unites us with all Christians in every time and place. Christians like my grandmother, who loved the Salt Lick, who loved Jesus, and who loved her family.

Today, may you remember special meals that help us to remember special people. May you give thanks for those people and those meals. And especially, I hope you will share in the feast which Christ has prepared, a meal of remembrance, of love and grace, of healing and hope. Come to the table, for all things are now ready.

Loving God, we thank you for the table at which we are nourished by your body and blood. We thank you for all who have shared in this feast and for uniting us with them and with you in this sacred meal. Thank you for all of the special meals that help us remember special people who now live with you eternally. Amen.

Rev. Amy Morgan

Wednesday, March 23

Now when Jesus learned of this, he went away from there. Great crowds followed him, and he healed them all. But he sternly warned them not to make him known. This fulfilled what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I take great delight. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Matthew 12: 15-21

In which Christ may suggest that His mission is inspired by the words of Isaiah (see Is 42:1-4)
Author Aviya Kushner, describes living these words in her book The Grammar of God. Ms. Kushner grew up in an Orthodox home speaking Hebrew as her first language. Argument of scriptural interpretation was the sole topic of dinner table conversation. Here are excerpts of her comments:

“Comfort oh comfort my people says your god.”

Ms Kushner continues:

“Isaiah 40 moves along the hills like an old man who knows every stone, every weed in his path.”

Dabru al lev yerusbalayimm – ”Speak to the heart of Jerusalem”

V’kir Oo eleha – “Call to her”

That word, ‘to call’, is the same as ’to read’. “read to her,” a stranger to Hebrew might think. “the time has come, it is over. She has suffered doubly for her sins.”

Then suddenly the lines are talking to each other:

A voiced rings out: “Proclaim!”
Another asks, “What shall I proclaim?”
“All flesh is grass,
All its goodness is like flowers of the field.”

She continues: “The words belong to us and they belong to these hills, this air. I sit and listen to Isaiah, a prophet I have loved …. I listen to the darkness of the hills. ‘Comfort’ repeats; it is an imperative verb. {Not a noun. Catch that? (Ed.)} Everything in these sentences is doubled, from the punishment to the soothing, and then the voice itself splits into two – speaker and listener, who are also one and the same.”

“All flesh is grass, All its goodness is like flowers of the field”

What is going on here? Not only are we very temporary on this earth; but worse really, any ‘goodness” that we manage to share, any comfort that we can give is as perishable as the flowers of Summer. We cannot build up a bank balance of good works.

“Speaker and listener” (are) “one and the same” Do we read it that way? If it is, ‘one and the same’, are we the ‘one’? Do we read it or identify with it? Read it or live it?

So I have to ask myself: Since when did I listen to Isaiah as more than magnificent poetry, more than inspiration of later scripture, but an imperative? When did I consider the comfort of strangers as a priority; much less a doubling priority? Ms. Kushner’s example to us is not one of intellectual consideration of scripture and relationships, but one of living the words of Isaiah and finding, yes, comfort in sharing them with others.

Father God, Help me to recognize God's special servant so that when she speaks, I will be listening. Amen

Ross Stuntz

Tuesday, March 22

See what love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.

I John 3:1

Baptizing Ricky

On a recent Sunday at FPCB, we held a worship service in the style of our Sunday afternoon bi-monthly Rejoicing Spirits services. This service was especially meaningful because we were celebrating the baptism of an adult who is active in our congregation and in our Rejoicing Spirits Community. Richard Perkins Lee, Jr. (Ricky) was born with Down syndrome nearly 50 years ago in South Georgia. His parents divorced in 1970, and his mother placed him in a state institution where he lived from the age of 7 to 25 followed by several group homes and a nursing home for ten years. Fast forward to 2014 when Ricky’s half-sister, Amy Montri found the brother she had never met and for whom she’d been searching since the 1990s. Just weeks later she took her husband, Michael back to meet Ricky, and a few months later they brought Ricky to Michigan where he has become a vibrant part of the Montri household and our FPCB congregation and Rejoicing Spirits Community.

There are many gaps in what is known about Ricky’s upbringing, but we do know that he likes music and knows many church songs. The first time Ricky attended our Rejoicing Spirits service he sang “Jesus Loves Me” into the microphone during the prayer time. We did not know at the time that it his signature song. He sings it every night at bedtime.

Pastor Amy: Ricky, do you love Jesus and want to follow Jesus?

Ricky: Love Jesus Yes!

Pastor Amy: Will you be a part of this church?

Ricky: (Signing) Church, yes!

Pastor Amy: (Interpreting) Ricky loves church!

Ricky leaned with eager anticipation over the font waiting for the baptismal waters to flow over him. He was clearly excited for this moment and wanted to share the joy of it with his nephew Carter. When he was presented with a cross as a reminder that Jesus loves him as we do too he took the cross off and placed it around Carter’s neck. Ricky knows Jesus’ love for him and shares it with all of us by his very presence among us. Thanks be to God!

Loving God, thank you for the gift of Ricky and his love for you. May the eyes of our hearts be opened as we witness resurrection moments of your love at work in the world and in us. We pray in the name of the One who loves us so much that we all are called Children of God. Amen.

Cindy Merten

Monday, March 21

The helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything...

John 14:26

REJOICE!

“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me,” sings the familiar hymn. And it has. And He does. I don't always understand what’s happening, but I do feel the presence of God as He walks with me through sometimes difficult, often joyous times in my life.

Many years ago, as I was passing through a particularly difficult time, I embroidered a cross-stitch picture with the saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It seemed to lift my spirits. Some years later, I heard a sermon on the familiar verse from the Psalms: “This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I hurried home to design and stitch this verse, then replaced the earlier one with this one. It still hangs in my kitchen, and many days I awake with this verse in my thoughts.

God doesn’t make the road straight, or even smooth. However, I have often had the sensation of being carried over the roughest parts. He has melted me, molded me and still walks with me. What better friend can anyone ask for?

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me, Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Amen.

Marilyn Bura

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Palm Sunday, March 20

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

John 12: 1-8

GIVE ME A MERRY HEART

What would you do if Jesus were coming to dinner? Dinner for Eight, perhaps. Clean and polish the house ‘til it sparkled? Set out refreshments? Make a good impression? Or would you go out and buy the best ointment you could find to wash his feet?

One works all day to prepare. The other one sits at the feet of the Lord to her sister’s annoyance. Who was right? Mary? Martha? Did Jesus scold Mary for not helping? No! He praised her. “Leave her alone.” he said. Let her alone to do her work. It’s not how well you prepare or how the house shines that matters but a good heart, a willingness to serve and learn.

Was either wrong? No. Jesus chooses everyone. He reaches out to all, even to the women. And they follow. Including Mary. She was ahead of her time.

Lord, give me a Mary heart that is willing to learn and serve others and not to worry about what others think. Give me a Merry Heart full of joy with each new day. Amen

Maggie Garza

Saturday, March 19

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare …. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord

Jeremiah 29: 7, 12-14a

Prayers For Those Who Have No One to Pray for Them

For children without a family.

For the childless who long for children.

For the enslaved and the trafficked.

For the homebound and weary.

For the missed and the missing. For the sick and the dying.

For those who have no family left who remembers them.

For those separated from or who have lost their families.

For the speechless and those who cannot speak up for themselves.

For the innocent and those who are denied due process
and are imprisoned.

For immigrants and minorities denigrated by politicians.

For innocent children whose elders
would teach them hate and prejudice.

For all people despised for the color of their skin.

For those bullied and scorned for being different.

For those who despise and scorn and bully and hate and belittle and enslave and imprison and traffick even though
we find it extra hard to pray for them.

For the arrogant who are so hard to abide even though
we assume we are not at all like them.

For ourselves lest we forget.

And Lest we forget we are not perfect.

Lest we forget to name our daily blessings.

Alinda Wasner

Friday, March 18

Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?"

Mark 8:29

When I considered the question “Who is the Christ?” the words “friend" and “companion” came to mind. I have always tended to think of him as a human being. Jesus came from humble origins and spent his life and work among the common people. This seemed to make him more approachable to me in prayer. He endured much pain and grief in his relatively short life. This helps me to feel that he has understanding and compassion for our problems. Because of his experiences, he is readily accessible to us for guidance during difficult times.

During my life as difficult problems arose, I always prayed for the strength to face the problem and do what needed to be done.

And now if I may digress... When I faced a crisis in my life a year and a half ago, I prayed and while outwardly, I seemed able to carry on physically and mentally, for the first time I was experiencing emotions of vulnerability, apprehension, and fear. Was Christ trying to tell me something? Why did my strength seem to falter? I suddenly felt the strength that had carried me through numerous problems in the past was eluding me.

Enter the Presbyterian Women, who with their acts of kindness and concern began to reinforce my strength. How comforting to exchange words with people who had gone or were going through similar experiences and could offer words of hope and encouragement. Gradually my fears began to dissipate and I realized I was not alone.

“Whenever an act of kindness is shown, God is making his presence known.”

I am happy to report God is alive and well among God’s beloved people!

I think Christ was telling me that it was human to experience feeling of inadequacy during stressful times and it was not necessarily weak to lean on others for support. We are all members of the human race, who are experiencing like trials and tribulations of life. From time to time, we all need a helping hand.

Loving God, as we continue to travel the road of life, help us mature and grow in our Christian faith.

Jean Stem

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Thursday, March 17

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.

John 21:15-17

It was a camp for adults to grow spiritually and to experience the program for senior high youth who normally attended the camp every week of the summer. Our children were with their grandparents, and Jim and I were enjoying some rare time together, just the two of us. In addition to excellent speakers and good food we para-sailed around the lake, water skied, slid down a mammoth water slide and canoed to a small island for breakfast at sunrise. So it’s no wonder that we thought, “Why not try sailing?”

Our first trip around the lake was exhilarating, but suddenly a strong wind came up and we tried everything we had been told to do and more to get back to shore. It was in vain, and the boat capsized. Using the little bit of emergency knowhow we had received at orientation, we were able to right the sailboat and get back in. Then some people in a much larger sailboat came by and began to yell directions to us in boating terms that we didn't understand. We tried to follow their advice but with little success. Finally, a young man in a motorboat arrived and helped us put down the sail and towed us back to the dock. Relieved to be on solid ground again, we thanked him and ran to dry off and get warm.

That evening after supper we were singing in front of the fireplace before the evening meeting began. As we sang “Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?” we looked up and realized that the young man leading the singing was the same person who towed us to shore that afternoon. The words to the song took on a new, deeper meaning for both of us.

Ever-present loving God, thank you for the many, many ways you reveal yourself and your plans to us. Help us to be aware of your presence in our lives today and help us to be your hands for others. In your Son's name. Amen.

Suzanne Bates

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Wednesday, March 16

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

As we once again follow Christ’s footsteps to the cross this Lenten season, we are invited to reflect on our lives and our journeys here on earth. This past fall, a friend introduced me to the writing of John O’Donohue, an Irish poet, teacher and Celtic spiritualist. In his book “To Bless the Space Between Us: a Book of Blessings” (2008) he invites us to be open to receive the many blessings that are offered to us as well as to share blessings with one another. In his chapter “Beginnings” he concludes one of his matins, with the following invitation

May I live this day

Compassionate of heart,

Clear in word,

Gracious in awareness

Courageous in thought,

Generous in love.

As I ponder these words in my heart each morning, I’m finding them to be my guiding inspiration to live in love with joy and hope as I receive God's gift of each new day.

Lord, Jesus Christ, you called your disciples and now us to go forward with you on the way to the cross. Thank you for being our guide on this sojourn - may we learn to live with more kindness each day. Please open our hearts to receive your love more fully that we might share your light of love, peace and hope to all with whom we encounter each day. Amen.

Barb Linnenbrink

Tuesday, March 15

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

Psalm 46:10

BE STILL! LISTEN TO GOD!

I spent two months last summer trying to “be still." From June 3 to July 30 I kayaked down the Mississippi River. The fastest I was ever able to travel was 7 miles an hour. It took me two hours to break camp each morning and an hour and a half to set up camp at night. If a storm brought lightening I had to sit and wait. If a barge arrived at a lock before me, I had to sit and wait. If I couldn't paddle there I had to walk or sit and wait for someone to give me a ride.

All the sitting and waiting and traveling at a slow pace gave me plenty of time to pray. Plenty of time to "be still" and listen for God's call. Plenty of time to focus on my relationship with Jesus Christ. Plenty of time to learn to take a step toward letting God into every part of my life. Plenty of time to learn to live for today and let God take care of tomorrow.

Then I came back to the "real" world. Coming back was much harder than going. It was at least five weeks before I could carry on a conversation at anything close to normal speed. I needed someone to help me drive-I couldn't take in all the signs at a fast enough pace. The world was a speeding train and I was having a hard time jumping back on.

Actually, I wasn't trying very hard at all. I didn't want to get back on the train. I had discovered a life that was calm, a life that was not full of much worry, a life that had enough room for God and a life that allowed me to trust that God was watching over me. I didn't want to let that life go, I didn't want to become so busy that I would have to say to people and God, "I know you need my help today but I can't help you 'til next Tuesday."

I'm still trying to stay off that train. It's extremely hard. Life in this "real" world begs you to be busy. But, I'm fighting it every step of the way.

Lord, help us all to learn to "be still and know that you are God."  Walk us through our busy times. Show us places where life can slow down and we can live for today and give tomorrow to you. Amen.

Joelle D. J. Wickens

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Monday, March 14

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

John 3:16

GOD’S LOVE: UNCONDITIONAL

As a child of God and as a youth director the most important message that I want to get across to young people is that God loves us, caes about us, is with us ALWAYS and God’s love is UNCONDITIONAL. There is nothing we can do or say that will stop God from loving us. Well, this may seem like a simple message, but believable is another story.

Young people are living in a society where they feel judged by how they look, speak and perform. “If I could only swim faster...” “If only I didn't speak with a lisp...” “If only I were skinnier...” If only I were smarter or got better grades my parents would...” Sounds absurd? Almost a day does not go by when I do not hear a comment similar to one of these.

The truth is there is no subject that Jesus spoke more about than LOVE. Take a moment to reference this: John 3:16, Matthew 22:37, Matthew 6:25-34, John 17:23, Matthew 5:43–47, Luke 6:35, John 15:9. The list goes on and on.

As we continue the journey to the cross, let's not forget its powerful significance. God loved us so much that he sent his only son to die for us!!!! Also, take a moment to share this powerful love with someone else, child, young person, parent, neighbor, etc. We can never share God’s love too much!!!!

Dearest Jesus, I pray for young people of all ages today. Help us to know that your love is unconditional and help us to share this love with others.

Gretchen Lima

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Sunday, March 13

For it was by hope that we were saved;but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who hopes for something he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8: 24-25 (Good News Bible)

Cancer- a word none of us want to hear but probably most of us will hear at least once in our lifetime. Cancer has touched my life too many times. Most recently with my husband, Ed. A routine doctor visit brought us to a colonoscopy which brought us a cancer diagnosis.

We were shocked as he is not old enough for yearly colon screenings but certainly old enough to the non discriminating world of cancer.

However, as our journey began, I felt different. I watched my mother in law fight for 18 months until she passed away in July and I watched my mom slip away before that in 2012. All the teams of doctors told us the same thing- we can't stop the cancer but we can make them comfortable. Both of these amazing women fought a tough fight and remained positive until the very end.

Ed's doctors told us from the beginning that the cancer Ed has is very treatable and that the goal will be to make him cancer free. Can they do that? Well, we are finding out that yes they can. Since undergoing 28 radiation treatments and oral chemotherapy, the surgeon can no longer see the tumor in the scope. He is confident that he can remove the tumor and reattach the colon with minimal loss of tissue. This is huge- paving the way for a long and bright future.

Surgery has been scheduled and we are entering into Phase 2 of our journey. I can't help but wonder as God gives us only what we can handle, did this happen now for a reason?

I want to believe God's time was now during Lent, a season of renewal and restoration, a season of HOPE.

Lord, Watch over all of us in this season of Hope. Be with those who are sick and need your comforting arms and those that care for them. Remind us that you only give us what we can handle. In Jesus' name, Amen

Mary Aho

Saturday, March 12

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare …. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, 14I will let you find me, says the Lord

Jeremiah 29: 7, 12-14a

Prayers For Those Who Have No One to Pray for Them.

For teens and adults arrested for driving while black.

For the honor student who just dropped out of high school.

For teen mothers and fathers whose
parenting programs were defunded.

For patients turned away for lack of medical insurance.

For the newly divorced, especially those with children.
And for the children.

For all those without safe drinking water.

For those who go to sleep hungry. And wake up hungry.
And go through the day. Hungry.

For the forgotten whom we never knew or whose names
and faces we cannot remember.

For those who no longer have the capacity to remember.

For millions of refugees who cannot return to their homelands and have no new country to claim them.

For the homeless and hungry.

For the poor who are blamed for their own poverty.

For the poor in spirit.

For all those killed due to lack of adequate gun laws.

For ourselves lest we forget.

And Lest we forget we are not perfect.

Lest we forget to name our daily blessings.

Alinda Wasner

Friday, March 11

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

Luke 24:49

It's 5:20 a.m. on Easter morning and I’m sitting in an old Pennsylvania farmhouse. Its thick walls protect me from the winds that lash the trees outside. I'm snuggled into a rocking chair sipping hot coffee as I watch the moon and wait for the sun to rise. Soon the first light of dawn brightens the sky, and as the curve of the sun appears the unknown threats hiding in darkness become trees, buildings and hills. I think of the verse in John which says, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”

Walking into the city is like walking into the dark places before the dawn's light. Imagination peoples every corner with fearful things. But when light is brought into that darkness, fearful shapes become ordinary places and people huddled together against the dark, trying to make their own light.

As a participant in a six week Lenten Explorations program, I experienced the city of Detroit as a celebration of people who help others find the light of God within themselves so that they need never walk in darkness again.

When our girls turned sixteen, we filled their lives with celebration and loving affirmation of the women they were becoming. In the shadow of Tiger Stadium a young man arrived home on his sixteenth birthday only to find his parents had put his bed in the trash and him out on the streets. The Barnabas Youth Opportunities Center is there for him and other like him.

In southwest Detroit teenagers who have been failed by their families, schools, and government create their own family, religion, community and stability in gang life. When my girls are deciding what colleges to attend or what careers to pursue, these young people will just be trying to stay alive. When my girls leave for college, one in five of these young people will be either dead or in jail.

The wind still wails around the walls of the farmhouse. I could stay safe and warm and secure inside, but I put on my boots, pull a coat over my pajamas, and prop a note against the coffee maker. The note says, “Don't call the cops. I’ve walked out to meet the dawn.” As Easter people, isn't that what we’re called to do? We are called to meet the dawn of a new day, walking hand-in-hand with the homeless sixteen year-old, with the desperate youth who build community in the life and death existence of gangs, with the teen-aged mothers, with the young people devoid of dreams or hope or even the sure knowledge that the will live beyond their teen years. They are children; living life in the only way they know; using the only tools they have been given. They are children modeling their lives on what they see around them. They are OUR children. What do we want them to see? As Christians we are compelled to help them find the light in their darkness. God walks the streets of the city with them. God calls us, as Easter people, to walk there too.

Creator God, open our eyes to the precious lives of people who live and work, suffer and triumph, hurt and heal in the cities of our world. We pray especially for the children who are fearful, hopeless and lost. We pray for the children who defy all odds to transcend the darkness in their lives. Send us to join with all those who would carry the light of your love into every dark corner, until all the shadows are driven away and our cities are ablaze with Easter light.

Bev Schneider

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Thursday, March 10

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day...

Matthew 5-7

All my life, I have been somewhat puzzled about Lent. Oh, not that Lent is a time to prepare ourselves for Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, but that to prepare properly we should "give up" something preferably something we like--a lot! I was puzzled because I could not see that "giving up" candy, snacks, dancing, movies or TV either furthered the Christian faith or enabled us to live as Christ taught us. This penitence does not fit my understanding of Christ or of his teachings. I believe Christ calls us throughout the New Testament to positive action rather than penitence, so I have adopted his Sermon on the Mount as a guide of what to "give up" for Lent. His positive teachings remind me of beliefs and practices (habits, perhaps) which get in the way of my living a his disciple-habits I must "give up" for Lent. Believe me, the choices are numerous, and the list is long.

In addition to the real stumbling blocks of hypocrisy, prejudice, pride, anger, covetousness, judging etc., my big challenge has been to give up anxious worry, anxiety, which can be all consuming. Learning to live each day in its own time is Christ's teaching for us. He does not mean we should make no plans for tomorrow, but that our best preparation for the future is to take care of life's duties day by day. (I am also trying to "give up" procrastination which is a lifelong favorite!) To be anxious three times over adversities (before they happen, while they happen and after they happen) leaves us fearful and exhausted. We need that time and energy to strengthen our own faith that God will give us sufficient grace and strength to bear our troubles when they do come We need that time and energy to grow in our capacity not only to trust God, but also to love as Christ's disciples here on earth. How can we possibly do God's work is we are so consumed with fretful worry that we cannot think, much less do his bidding? Lent is a time to "give up" some of our inhibiting beliefs and habits as well as a time to reflect and read Christ's teachings. When we use it like this, then it truly does become a time of preparation, renewal and joy as we look forward to God's greatest gift, Christ's resurrection.

Dear Jesus, in this time of Lent, help us to grow in understanding of your teachings. Help us to look at them in positive ways and to use them for positive actions so that we can truly be your disciples here on earth. Teach us to accept the challenges of each day with strength that you are teaching us still. We pray this in your most holy name. Amen.

Libby Dickinson

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Wednesday, March 9

…so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.

Romans 12:5

Last fall I had the privilege of spending time with the Fujii’s, who are PCUSA missionaries in the Philippines. They expressed great interest in AAIM (All Abilities Inclusion Ministry) and so I was, needless to say, thrilled to talk with them about it! Carol and Leith stated that they had not seen such a ministry in all of their visits to other churches.

But what really touched my heart was Carol’s feedback after attending our Rejoicing Spirits service. She loved the engagement and involvement of all present, but was concerned that she was not able to “pick out all those with disabilities.” After reflecting on this, she told me that she came to realize that she was missing the point. She shared, “God spoke to me. It doesn’t matter, Carol. What matters is that all of you are here. And I understood.”

Including God, May we continue to celebrate the gifts and contributions of all parts of your glorious body. Amen

Joanne Blair

Tuesday, March 8

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or anguish, persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword...

Romans 8:35

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN

NBC News recently presented a memorial tribute for James P. Grant, who served as head of UNICEF until his death in February of this year. During his tenure, he traveled millions of miles to all the countries of the world where there were wars, famine, poverty and natural disaster. He went to places like Uganda, Vietnam, Bosnia and Ethiopia. He didn’t just visit, he personally inoculated and re-hydrated children ravaged by dysentery and he purified water supplies. The commentary said that his many medical skills, unslacking energy and unceasing devotion have probably saved the lives of two and a half million children in the world today. He was still working until a few days before his death for these children who had been born to tribulation, anguish, persecution, famine and nakedness.

He certainly was the healing, caring hand of our loving Christ as he vigilantly combated the evils of the world as they beset the children who will be the future of God’s and our world.

Ever-caring God, I pray that you enhance my awareness, increase my energies for those who suffer. Keep me even more alert to the needs of the wounded children whether near or far. I pray that each caring act I do for children shall be to your glory and in Christ's love. Amen.

Fay Steelman

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Monday, March 7

Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him take up his cross and follow me.

Matthew 16:24

LORD, WE ARE ABLE

In the church where I grew up we used to sing this hymn:

“Are ye able,” said the Master, “To be crucified with Me?” “Yea,” the sturdy dreamers answer, “To the death we follow Thee.”

We sang it heartily and lustily. It had a nice tune. But did we pay any attention to the words? To the commitment we were making? And do we pay any more attention today than we did then?

Lent is a time of contemplation and re-commitment. Let’s listen to the words we sing and continue with the hymn in honesty and dedication:

“Are ye able,” still the Master Whispers down eternity, And heroic spirits answer Now as then in Galilee. “Lord we are able, our spirits are Thine, Remold them, make us like Thee divine. Thy guiding radiance above us shall be A beacon to God, to love, and loyalty.”

Oh Lord and Master of us all, turn our hearts from those of “sturdy dreamers” to those of “heroic spirits” so that when you ask, we may say in all truth, “Lord we are able.” Amen.

Helen Wunch
from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Sunday, March 6

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Some time ago I received the following which I have always found to be a great thought to start the day. It is based on Psalm 118:24.

THIS IS THE DAY GOD HATH MADE

Look to the day with a challenge!

Lift your eyes to the sun,

not the shade!

Keep your heart filled with song,

as you travel along

For this is the day God hath made!

Look to the sun with a purpose

of fulfilling the plans that you’ve had,

With a joy in your heart

that will never depart,

For God’s made this day to be glad!

Look to this day with a prayer

and a quiet request for his aid,

And be glad all day through

in whatever you do,

For this is the day God hath made!

from On Children and Death By Elisabeth Kübler-Ross*

Creative and compassionate God, we thank you that in love you sent Jesus Christ to share our earthly life with its joy and suffering. Give us the grace of gratitude for each new day you give so that we may go out to serve you with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.

Vera Harkin

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

*Editor's note: credit thanks to Google!