2012 Lenten Daily Devotional
Christ is risen - He is risen indeed!
Day 40: Saturday, April 7
Day 39: Friday, April 6
Day 38: Thursday, April 5
Day 37: Wednesday, April 4
Day 36: Tuesday, April 3
Day 35: Monday, April 2
Day 34: Saturday, March 31
Day 33: Friday, March 30
Day 32: Thursday, March 29
Christ is risen - He is risen indeed!Scripture: John 20:1-18
John 20:1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Miryam from Magdala went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she came running to Shim‘on Kefa and the other talmid, the one Yeshua loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”
3 Then Kefa and the other talmid started for the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other talmid outran Kefa and reached the tomb first. 5 Stooping down, he saw the linen burial-sheets lying there but did not go in. 6 Then, following him, Shim‘on Kefa arrived, entered the tomb and saw the burial-sheets lying there, 7 also the cloth that had been around his head, lying not with the sheets but in a separate place and still folded up. 8 Then the other talmid, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went in; he saw, and he trusted. 9 (They had not yet come to understand that the Tanakh teaches that the Messiah has to rise from the dead.)
10 So the talmidim returned home, 11 but Miryam stood outside crying. As she cried, she bent down, peered into the tomb, 12 and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Yeshua had been, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 “Why are you crying?” they asked her. “They took my Lord,” she said to them, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
14 As she said this, she turned around and saw Yeshua standing there, but she didn’t know it was he. 15 Yeshua said to her, “Lady, why are you crying? Whom are you looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you’re the one who carried him away, just tell me where you put him; and I’ll go and get him myself.” 16 Yeshua said to her, “Miryam!” Turning, she cried out to him in Hebrew, “Rabbani!” (that is, “Teacher!”) 17 “Stop holding onto me,” Yeshua said to her, “because I haven’t yet gone back to the Father. But go to my brothers, and tell them that I am going back to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” 18 Miryam of Magdala went to the talmidim with the news that she had seen the Lord and that he had told her this.
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Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.
Christ is risen—He is risen indeed!
In Christ's resurrection, death has been answered with new life.
Thank you for joining us as we walked the Way of the Cross through our Lenten devotional; we have heard stories about some of the ways you've been moved by the stories, thoughts and prayers shared. We would love to hear more about your experiences.
We also invite you to continue to share in online devotional reading by following our new weekly blog, In Real Life: stories of God, our lives and the world.
Visit now to subscribe...
May this season of Easter continue to bring unexpected joy and life abundant to you and our world.
Photo by Jerral Miles, used with permission
Day 40: Saturday, April 7
Scripture: John 19:28-30
John 19:28 After this, knowing that all things had accomplished their purpose, Yeshua, in order to fulfill the words of the Tanakh, said, “I’m thirsty.” 29 A jar full of cheap sour wine was there; so they soaked a sponge in the wine, coated it with oregano leaves and held it up to his mouth. 30 After Yeshua had taken the wine, he said, “It is accomplished!” And, letting his head droop, he delivered up his spirit.
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Christ is risen—He is risen indeed!
In Christ's resurrection, death has been answered with new life.
Thank you for joining us as we walked the Way of the Cross through our Lenten devotional; we have heard stories about some of the ways you've been moved by the stories, thoughts and prayers shared. We would love to hear more about your experiences.
We also invite you to continue to share in online devotional reading by following our new weekly blog, In Real Life: stories of God, our lives and the world.
Visit now to subscribe...
May this season of Easter continue to bring unexpected joy and life abundant to you and our world.
Photo by Jerral Miles, used with permission
Day 40: Saturday, April 7
Scripture: John 19:28-30
John 19:28 After this, knowing that all things had accomplished their purpose, Yeshua, in order to fulfill the words of the Tanakh, said, “I’m thirsty.” 29 A jar full of cheap sour wine was there; so they soaked a sponge in the wine, coated it with oregano leaves and held it up to his mouth. 30 After Yeshua had taken the wine, he said, “It is accomplished!” And, letting his head droop, he delivered up his spirit.
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“It is finished.”
God’s suffering with us is God’s own means of raising us again. God is on that cross. God is in Christ, reconciling the world to Godself. The great “I AM” of God receives its deepest meaning as God’s majesty is shown, finally, to be God’s mercy. God is there.
And so the revelatory “I am thirsty” is followed by the factual “It is finished.” It is sufficient. God in Christ knows us fully; God in Christ therefore redeems us fully. God identifies with our crucifixions in order that we might identify with God’s resurrections. It is finished: New life begins.
“If thou be Jesus, son of the father, down from the cross descend thou, that we may see thee and believe upon thee,” becomes, in the gospel of God’s Grace,
God’s suffering with us is God’s own means of raising us again. God is on that cross. God is in Christ, reconciling the world to Godself. The great “I AM” of God receives its deepest meaning as God’s majesty is shown, finally, to be God’s mercy. God is there.
And so the revelatory “I am thirsty” is followed by the factual “It is finished.” It is sufficient. God in Christ knows us fully; God in Christ therefore redeems us fully. God identifies with our crucifixions in order that we might identify with God’s resurrections. It is finished: New life begins.
“If thou be Jesus, son of the father, down from the cross descend thou, that we may see thee and believe upon thee,” becomes, in the gospel of God’s Grace,
Photo of the First Church altar cross by Randal Newton. Used by permission.
Because thou art Jesus,
Son of the Father,
You tasted our pains—
Our pains to the depths.
You drank of our vinegar,
Our most bitter sorrow.
And thus made a way for our own
Participation
In your Easter.
And yes, yes!
Oh yes!
We do believe upon thee!
It is finished indeed; and our Easter is ever before us. Amen.
From The Whispered Word: a theology of preaching, by Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1999, pp. 98-99. Used by permission of the author.
Day 39: Friday, April 6Scripture: Matthew 9:36 and Luke 23:34
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.Luke 23:34 Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them; they don’t understand what they are doing.”
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Because thou art Jesus,
Son of the Father,
You tasted our pains—
Our pains to the depths.
You drank of our vinegar,
Our most bitter sorrow.
And thus made a way for our own
Participation
In your Easter.
And yes, yes!
Oh yes!
We do believe upon thee!
It is finished indeed; and our Easter is ever before us. Amen.
From The Whispered Word: a theology of preaching, by Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1999, pp. 98-99. Used by permission of the author.
Day 39: Friday, April 6Scripture: Matthew 9:36 and Luke 23:34
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.Luke 23:34 Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them; they don’t understand what they are doing.”
They divided up his clothes by throwing dice.[Luke 23:34 Psalm 22:19(18)]
Luke 23:34 Yeshua said,“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”-------
Perhaps the most confusing of all the tangled stories about Jesus are those that tell what happened after his death on the cross. All the stories about the few days after the crucifixion and burial of Jesus imply sadness, sorrow, and loss.
To nitpick over the differences in accounts told by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is to miss the point altogether; the Gospel writers emphasized the depth of sorrow and loss and hurt the friends and family of Jesus experienced after the awful Friday when they had seen him die.
All four of the Gospel writers raise a question for all of us who have loved the Jesus stories and have learned to love Jesus through those stories.
To nitpick over the differences in accounts told by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is to miss the point altogether; the Gospel writers emphasized the depth of sorrow and loss and hurt the friends and family of Jesus experienced after the awful Friday when they had seen him die.
All four of the Gospel writers raise a question for all of us who have loved the Jesus stories and have learned to love Jesus through those stories.
Photo of the eucalyptus tree outside his apartment by Jerral Miles. Used by permission.
What should be the response of family and friends when someone they have loved has been wronged? What should the response be if the friend has been murdered cruelly, especially when the killers are known? If a government has inflicted the hurt is a rebellion, a revolution, or a war an appropriate response? If it’s vengeance we want, then war against the perpetrators is the way to go.
But that’s not what Jesus taught us? When heinous crimes are committed against a friend or loved one or against ourselves, hitting back and getting even are understandable responses; but it’s clearly not what Jesus said we should do.
Striking back, if not with physical hammering at least with cleverly chosen words that shock and wound, seems fair ...even just. It seems only reasonable that an offensive person or group that has hurt us or someone we love “deserves” to pay for the damage done. Jesus taught us that it doesn’t help anybody, not the offender or the person offended. Unreserved forgiveness is probably the most difficult of all the responses Jesus asks us to make to a suffering world.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a peacemaker, to forgive instead of get even, to reduce strife in the world rather than add to it. Amen.
Jerral Miles is a retired school teacher and administrator, celebrating with First United Methodist its commitment to inclusion of all people in its ministry.
Day 38: Thursday, April 5
Scripture: Mark 14:66-72
Mark 14:66 Meanwhile, Kefa was still in the courtyard below. One of the serving-girls of the cohen hagadol 67 saw Kefa warming himself, took a look at him, and said, “You were with the man from Natzeret, Yeshua!” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about!” He went outside into the entryway, and a rooster crowed. 69 The girl saw him there and started telling the bystanders, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. A little later, the bystanders themselves said to Kefa, “You must be one of them, because you’re from the Galil.” 71 At this he began to invoke a curse on himself as he swore, “I do not know this man you are telling me about!” — 72 and immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Kefa remembered what Yeshua had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown me three times.” And throwing himself down, he burst into tears.
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What should be the response of family and friends when someone they have loved has been wronged? What should the response be if the friend has been murdered cruelly, especially when the killers are known? If a government has inflicted the hurt is a rebellion, a revolution, or a war an appropriate response? If it’s vengeance we want, then war against the perpetrators is the way to go.
But that’s not what Jesus taught us? When heinous crimes are committed against a friend or loved one or against ourselves, hitting back and getting even are understandable responses; but it’s clearly not what Jesus said we should do.
Striking back, if not with physical hammering at least with cleverly chosen words that shock and wound, seems fair ...even just. It seems only reasonable that an offensive person or group that has hurt us or someone we love “deserves” to pay for the damage done. Jesus taught us that it doesn’t help anybody, not the offender or the person offended. Unreserved forgiveness is probably the most difficult of all the responses Jesus asks us to make to a suffering world.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a peacemaker, to forgive instead of get even, to reduce strife in the world rather than add to it. Amen.
Jerral Miles is a retired school teacher and administrator, celebrating with First United Methodist its commitment to inclusion of all people in its ministry.
Day 38: Thursday, April 5
Scripture: Mark 14:66-72
Mark 14:66 Meanwhile, Kefa was still in the courtyard below. One of the serving-girls of the cohen hagadol 67 saw Kefa warming himself, took a look at him, and said, “You were with the man from Natzeret, Yeshua!” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about!” He went outside into the entryway, and a rooster crowed. 69 The girl saw him there and started telling the bystanders, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. A little later, the bystanders themselves said to Kefa, “You must be one of them, because you’re from the Galil.” 71 At this he began to invoke a curse on himself as he swore, “I do not know this man you are telling me about!” — 72 and immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Kefa remembered what Yeshua had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown me three times.” And throwing himself down, he burst into tears.
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“I do not know this man …”
Peter is perhaps the most human of all the 12. Peter is the one who resists even meeting Jesus when his brother Andrew suggests it. It is Peter who then first proclaims him Messiah and it is Peter who wants to walk on water to Jesus. It is Peter who first draws a sword to defend Jesus and then we find him denying even knowing him. Peter is resistant and impetuous; absolutely certain and then in denial; one extreme to the other. How human is that!
In Luke we hear that Peter “follows at a distance” after Jesus is arrested and taken to the High Priest’s house. The focus though remains in the courtyard. I too have followed “from a distance.” I too have “warmed myself beside the fire” of ambiguity; longing to stay in the shadows just out of Jesus’ and God’s sight. Wanting to be connected and scared of the cost.
He is “seen” three times and each time his denial becomes more vehement. Then he sees himself and must confront his own humanity and his own fear. An unknown poet wrote this:
Peter is perhaps the most human of all the 12. Peter is the one who resists even meeting Jesus when his brother Andrew suggests it. It is Peter who then first proclaims him Messiah and it is Peter who wants to walk on water to Jesus. It is Peter who first draws a sword to defend Jesus and then we find him denying even knowing him. Peter is resistant and impetuous; absolutely certain and then in denial; one extreme to the other. How human is that!
In Luke we hear that Peter “follows at a distance” after Jesus is arrested and taken to the High Priest’s house. The focus though remains in the courtyard. I too have followed “from a distance.” I too have “warmed myself beside the fire” of ambiguity; longing to stay in the shadows just out of Jesus’ and God’s sight. Wanting to be connected and scared of the cost.
He is “seen” three times and each time his denial becomes more vehement. Then he sees himself and must confront his own humanity and his own fear. An unknown poet wrote this:
Photo of Peter from La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona by Larry Halff, posted to http://www.flickr.com/photos/larryhalff/4055799677/, used by CC-license. I have sat with the guards
in the courtyard,
huddled in my cloak
of anonymity
nameless and faceless –
but invisible to no one –
but myself.
Let us weep the bitter tears
together, Peter,
for I too, have heard
the rooster crow!
This is the challenge issued to all of us: “Who do you say that I am?” In the courtyard, in the everyday: “Who do you say that I am?”
Prayer: Loving God, know the deepest desires of our hearts to love and follow you and help us accept ourselves when we cannot act as our hearts desire. Amen.
Rev. Greg LaDue is one of our Associate Pastors and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who directs our Counseling Center.
Day 37: Wednesday, April 4Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:5 Let your attitude toward one another be governed by your being in union with the Messiah Yeshua:
in the courtyard,
huddled in my cloak
of anonymity
nameless and faceless –
but invisible to no one –
but myself.
Let us weep the bitter tears
together, Peter,
for I too, have heard
the rooster crow!
This is the challenge issued to all of us: “Who do you say that I am?” In the courtyard, in the everyday: “Who do you say that I am?”
Prayer: Loving God, know the deepest desires of our hearts to love and follow you and help us accept ourselves when we cannot act as our hearts desire. Amen.
Rev. Greg LaDue is one of our Associate Pastors and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who directs our Counseling Center.
Day 37: Wednesday, April 4Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:5 Let your attitude toward one another be governed by your being in union with the Messiah Yeshua:
6 Though he was in the form of God,
he did not regard equality with God
something to be possessed by force.
7 On the contrary, he emptied himself,
in that he took the form of a slave
by becoming like human beings are.
And when he appeared as a human being,
8 he humbled himself still more
by becoming obedient even to death —
death on a stake as a criminal!
9 Therefore God raised him to the highest place
and gave him the name above every name;
10 that in honor of the name given Yeshua,
every knee will bow —
in heaven, on earth and under the earth —
11 and every tongue will acknowledge[Philippians 2:11 Isaiah 45:23]
that Yeshua the Messiah is Adonai —
to the glory of God the Father.
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“And being found in human form, he humbled himself …”
Many New Testament scholars believe this scripture, Philippians 2:5-11, is actually an early Christian hymn. It is poetic and lyrical. A few scholars even suggest it is a primitive creed describing the essential beliefs about the meaning of Christ’s life.
In it, we are encouraged to become like Christ with the same attitude in this hymn. First, Christ did not equate himself with God. Second and most significant for our Lenten pilgrimage is the notion he humbled himself. Literally the original language of Greek says he emptied himself and “took on the nature of a servant.”
It is both the process of humbling oneself and becoming servant-like that speaks to me. I consider myself a recovering Pharisee. The Pharisee had many qualities which when I am being honest I find in myself.
Anything from a sense of entitlement to a superior knowledge. I have discovered that having a high IQ does not make one intelligent. Being brought up middle class does not make me entitled to a certain life style. I am also recovering from having an opinion about everything.
Many New Testament scholars believe this scripture, Philippians 2:5-11, is actually an early Christian hymn. It is poetic and lyrical. A few scholars even suggest it is a primitive creed describing the essential beliefs about the meaning of Christ’s life.
In it, we are encouraged to become like Christ with the same attitude in this hymn. First, Christ did not equate himself with God. Second and most significant for our Lenten pilgrimage is the notion he humbled himself. Literally the original language of Greek says he emptied himself and “took on the nature of a servant.”
It is both the process of humbling oneself and becoming servant-like that speaks to me. I consider myself a recovering Pharisee. The Pharisee had many qualities which when I am being honest I find in myself.
Anything from a sense of entitlement to a superior knowledge. I have discovered that having a high IQ does not make one intelligent. Being brought up middle class does not make me entitled to a certain life style. I am also recovering from having an opinion about everything.
Photo by Steve Day, posted to http://www.flickr.com/photos/therevsteve/2563569919/, used by CC-license.
So now I am learning the process of “emptying” myself of an over-active ego by practicing centering prayer. This is a simple spiritual practice:
Chose a Biblical word to focus on like peace, love or joy.
Sit in a quiet, relaxing place, with closed eyes. Focus on your breathing. Gently repeat your special word in your mind.
As your mind wanders and is busy with lots of thoughts, gently return to repeating your special word.
Do this for 20 to 25 minutes. End in simple silence, by refocusing on your breathing and relaxation.
Lent can be a rich spiritual pilgrimage of relaxing and letting go of a busy mind and making room for the very presence of God.
Prayer: Gracious God, help to put service to you above self today.
Rev. Richard K. Smith is a retired United Methodist clergy.
Day 36: Tuesday, April 3Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17
Genesis 9:(v) 8 God spoke to Noach and his sons with him; he said, 9 “As for me — I am herewith establishing my covenant with you, with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you — the birds, the livestock and every wild animal with you, all going out of the ark, every animal on earth. 11 I will establish my covenant with you that never again will all living beings be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 God added, “Here is the sign of the covenant I am making between myself and you and every living creature with you, for all generations to come: 13 I am putting my rainbow in the cloud — it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud; 15 I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings. 16 The rainbow will be in the cloud; so that when I look at it, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of any kind on the earth.”
So now I am learning the process of “emptying” myself of an over-active ego by practicing centering prayer. This is a simple spiritual practice:
Chose a Biblical word to focus on like peace, love or joy.
Sit in a quiet, relaxing place, with closed eyes. Focus on your breathing. Gently repeat your special word in your mind.
As your mind wanders and is busy with lots of thoughts, gently return to repeating your special word.
Do this for 20 to 25 minutes. End in simple silence, by refocusing on your breathing and relaxation.
Lent can be a rich spiritual pilgrimage of relaxing and letting go of a busy mind and making room for the very presence of God.
Prayer: Gracious God, help to put service to you above self today.
Rev. Richard K. Smith is a retired United Methodist clergy.
Day 36: Tuesday, April 3Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17
Genesis 9:(v) 8 God spoke to Noach and his sons with him; he said, 9 “As for me — I am herewith establishing my covenant with you, with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you — the birds, the livestock and every wild animal with you, all going out of the ark, every animal on earth. 11 I will establish my covenant with you that never again will all living beings be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 God added, “Here is the sign of the covenant I am making between myself and you and every living creature with you, for all generations to come: 13 I am putting my rainbow in the cloud — it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud; 15 I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings. 16 The rainbow will be in the cloud; so that when I look at it, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of any kind on the earth.”
17 God said to Noach, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between myself and every living creature on the earth.”
“As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you …”
Photo of the Sombrero Galaxy, M104, by NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team.
In today’s passage, God made a covenant with the world that He would never again destroy the earth through a flood. By doing this, God’s love and grace was given to us. God did not limit His grace to one certain group of individuals, but extended it to everyone and everything.
Sometimes it is hard to identify this grace from God in today’s world, but each individual act of kindness is reassurance that God’s grace is present in our world. It may be difficult to reason this grace when we see so much suffering and violence, but we must to look at all the good that happens in our world. Whenever we see someone going out of their way to help those in need, rain cleansing the land after a massive fire, or someone standing up for injustice, we see God’s covenant alive and active in the world. In a universe that is so massive, where we are so small, God still chooses to show us His love; a love that prevails over any amount of suffering.
We, of course, see this love again through the life of Jesus the Christ. Jesus did not come to earth to save one specific group of people, but he came to save all people. As we see in John 3:17, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Through Jesus, we are all renewed and saved.
As we reflect this Lenten season on the life of Jesus, may we remember that his acts and ultimate sacrifice were to show the love that God has for all the world. May each and every one of you share in the love that God gave to us through his covenants and his Son.
Prayer: Loving and mighty God, we stand in awe of You and are thankful for the love You have for each one of us. No matter how small we may feel at times, You are constantly there with us, reminding us of the love and grace You give to Your world. Let us be ever reminded of the acts and sacrifice that your son Jesus made in order for each of us to have a personal relationship with You, O God. May You grant us the power each day to keep Your covenant alive in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evan Neel is a lifelong Methodist who is currently in the process of Candidacy for Ordained Ministry. He is finishing up his final semester at San Diego State University, where he majors in Religious Studies, and will be attending seminary in the fall.
Day 35: Monday, April 2Scripture: Luke 23:27-31
Luke 23:27 Large numbers of people followed, including women crying and wailing over him. 28 Yeshua turned to them and said, “Daughters of Yerushalayim, don’t cry for me; cry for yourselves and your children! 29 For the time is coming when people will say, ‘The childless women are the lucky ones — those whose wombs have never borne a child, whose breasts have never nursed a baby! 30 Then
In today’s passage, God made a covenant with the world that He would never again destroy the earth through a flood. By doing this, God’s love and grace was given to us. God did not limit His grace to one certain group of individuals, but extended it to everyone and everything.
Sometimes it is hard to identify this grace from God in today’s world, but each individual act of kindness is reassurance that God’s grace is present in our world. It may be difficult to reason this grace when we see so much suffering and violence, but we must to look at all the good that happens in our world. Whenever we see someone going out of their way to help those in need, rain cleansing the land after a massive fire, or someone standing up for injustice, we see God’s covenant alive and active in the world. In a universe that is so massive, where we are so small, God still chooses to show us His love; a love that prevails over any amount of suffering.
We, of course, see this love again through the life of Jesus the Christ. Jesus did not come to earth to save one specific group of people, but he came to save all people. As we see in John 3:17, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Through Jesus, we are all renewed and saved.
As we reflect this Lenten season on the life of Jesus, may we remember that his acts and ultimate sacrifice were to show the love that God has for all the world. May each and every one of you share in the love that God gave to us through his covenants and his Son.
Prayer: Loving and mighty God, we stand in awe of You and are thankful for the love You have for each one of us. No matter how small we may feel at times, You are constantly there with us, reminding us of the love and grace You give to Your world. Let us be ever reminded of the acts and sacrifice that your son Jesus made in order for each of us to have a personal relationship with You, O God. May You grant us the power each day to keep Your covenant alive in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evan Neel is a lifelong Methodist who is currently in the process of Candidacy for Ordained Ministry. He is finishing up his final semester at San Diego State University, where he majors in Religious Studies, and will be attending seminary in the fall.
Day 35: Monday, April 2Scripture: Luke 23:27-31
Luke 23:27 Large numbers of people followed, including women crying and wailing over him. 28 Yeshua turned to them and said, “Daughters of Yerushalayim, don’t cry for me; cry for yourselves and your children! 29 For the time is coming when people will say, ‘The childless women are the lucky ones — those whose wombs have never borne a child, whose breasts have never nursed a baby! 30 Then
They will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’
and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’[Luke 23:30 Hosea 10:8]
31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what is going to happen when it’s dry?”
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“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me …”
Towards the end of one of my favorite books, one character instructs another, “Do not pity the dead… Pity the living, and above all, those who live without love.”
This year, that instruction resonated tremendously for me with Jesus’ instruction to the Hebrew women who were weeping for him as he carried the cross. Jesus had come to teach the world how much better it is to live in a world with love, and the world, in return, was putting him to death.
The character whose quote this is was reflecting on the great evil that can occur when there is a lack of love in the world, echoing Jesus’ somewhat ominous remark that “if they do this while the tree is green” that is, while Love itself lived with us, “what will happen when it is dry?”
Towards the end of one of my favorite books, one character instructs another, “Do not pity the dead… Pity the living, and above all, those who live without love.”
This year, that instruction resonated tremendously for me with Jesus’ instruction to the Hebrew women who were weeping for him as he carried the cross. Jesus had come to teach the world how much better it is to live in a world with love, and the world, in return, was putting him to death.
The character whose quote this is was reflecting on the great evil that can occur when there is a lack of love in the world, echoing Jesus’ somewhat ominous remark that “if they do this while the tree is green” that is, while Love itself lived with us, “what will happen when it is dry?”
“Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem” by David O’Connell from St. Richard’s Church in Chichester, England. Used by permission.
Humans don’t have a history of making all the right choices when left to our own devices. We judge, ostracize, marginalize, dehumanize, and hate each other. But these are the hallmarks of a world without love.
My hope for this season is that, even though sometimes love is the very hardest possible response, we remember that a life—or a world—without love is the worst kind of life, and the very worst kind of world. I hope that even when it’s difficult—even when the majority opinion resounds with the absence of love, we have the courage and the strength to love the way that Jesus loved—loves—us.
Prayer: God of eternal and unconditional love, help us to love as you do, even at the worst of times, with our eyes open to the image of divinity in each person we encounter. Amen.
Lea Booth is a member of FUMCSD, a candidate for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church, and is currently completing her undergraduate studies at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
Day 34: Saturday, March 31
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13
1 Corinthians 13:13 But for now, three things last —
Humans don’t have a history of making all the right choices when left to our own devices. We judge, ostracize, marginalize, dehumanize, and hate each other. But these are the hallmarks of a world without love.
My hope for this season is that, even though sometimes love is the very hardest possible response, we remember that a life—or a world—without love is the worst kind of life, and the very worst kind of world. I hope that even when it’s difficult—even when the majority opinion resounds with the absence of love, we have the courage and the strength to love the way that Jesus loved—loves—us.
Prayer: God of eternal and unconditional love, help us to love as you do, even at the worst of times, with our eyes open to the image of divinity in each person we encounter. Amen.
Lea Booth is a member of FUMCSD, a candidate for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church, and is currently completing her undergraduate studies at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
Day 34: Saturday, March 31
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13
1 Corinthians 13:13 But for now, three things last —
trust, hope, love;
and the greatest of these is love.
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“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
Photo by Chris Kreussling, posted to http://www.flickr.com/photos/flatbushgardener/
3074829544/, used by CC-license.
Recently I was visiting with someone who was facing her last days at San Diego Hospice. While I was there she told me that she was where she needed to be and that she had accepted the fact that she was at the end of her earthly life. She went on to tell me that she was leaving without any resentment or ill feelings towards anyone. She was at peace!
My response to her was that she was leaving a wonderful legacy for her family and friends. I then visited with her several times during those next few days and noted her slowly slipping away into her new life—a life that was a testament to her faith and her hope of new life.
Yet, what has really stuck with me was the love that was in her heart while she was moving towards her departure. I remembered Paul’s words: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
Prayer: O God, let me impart such love that it encourages others to love in positive ways! Amen.
Rev. Jim Mowry is a retired United Methodist Elder and Navy Chaplain.
Day 33: Friday, March 30
Scripture: Romans 8:18-30
Romans 8:18 I don’t think the sufferings we are going through now are even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. 19 The creation waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed; 20 for the creation was made subject to frustration — not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it. But it was given a reliable hope 21 that it too would be set free from its bondage to decay and would enjoy the freedom accompanying the glory that God’s children will have. 22 We know that until now, the whole creation has been groaning as with the pains of childbirth; 23 and not only it, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we continue waiting eagerly to be made sons — that is, to have our whole bodies redeemed and set free. 24 It was in this hope that we were saved. But if we see what we hope for, it isn’t hope — after all, who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we continue hoping for something we don’t see, then we still wait eagerly for it, with perseverance.
Photo by Chris Kreussling, posted to http://www.flickr.com/photos/flatbushgardener/
3074829544/, used by CC-license.
Recently I was visiting with someone who was facing her last days at San Diego Hospice. While I was there she told me that she was where she needed to be and that she had accepted the fact that she was at the end of her earthly life. She went on to tell me that she was leaving without any resentment or ill feelings towards anyone. She was at peace!
My response to her was that she was leaving a wonderful legacy for her family and friends. I then visited with her several times during those next few days and noted her slowly slipping away into her new life—a life that was a testament to her faith and her hope of new life.
Yet, what has really stuck with me was the love that was in her heart while she was moving towards her departure. I remembered Paul’s words: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
Prayer: O God, let me impart such love that it encourages others to love in positive ways! Amen.
Rev. Jim Mowry is a retired United Methodist Elder and Navy Chaplain.
Day 33: Friday, March 30
Scripture: Romans 8:18-30
Romans 8:18 I don’t think the sufferings we are going through now are even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. 19 The creation waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed; 20 for the creation was made subject to frustration — not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it. But it was given a reliable hope 21 that it too would be set free from its bondage to decay and would enjoy the freedom accompanying the glory that God’s children will have. 22 We know that until now, the whole creation has been groaning as with the pains of childbirth; 23 and not only it, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we continue waiting eagerly to be made sons — that is, to have our whole bodies redeemed and set free. 24 It was in this hope that we were saved. But if we see what we hope for, it isn’t hope — after all, who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we continue hoping for something we don’t see, then we still wait eagerly for it, with perseverance.
26 Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray the way we should. But the Spirit himself pleads on our behalf with groanings too deep for words; 27 and the one who searches hearts knows exactly what the Spirit is thinking, because his pleadings for God’s people accord with God’s will. 28 Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose; 29 because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom he thus determined in advance, he also called; and those whom he called, he also caused to be considered righteous; and those whom he caused to be considered righteous he also glorified!
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“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
I have been journeying a lot lately. The thing about journeys is that they don’t always go according to plan. Some of the most frustrating times occur when we feel as if we are lost, stalled, or stuck in one place. (Just think: traffic on the 5, flight delay, job hunting …)
Even in our lives of faith, it can be disheartening when responses from God don’t come when we’d like, or in the packages we expect. When God’s guidance, presence, or an answer to prayers doesn’t arrive and leaves us feeling immobilized, then what?
I have been journeying a lot lately. The thing about journeys is that they don’t always go according to plan. Some of the most frustrating times occur when we feel as if we are lost, stalled, or stuck in one place. (Just think: traffic on the 5, flight delay, job hunting …)
Even in our lives of faith, it can be disheartening when responses from God don’t come when we’d like, or in the packages we expect. When God’s guidance, presence, or an answer to prayers doesn’t arrive and leaves us feeling immobilized, then what?
Photo of an Alabama highway from her drive to seminary by Darin Arntson. Used by permission.
This passage from Romans offers me peace through its message of hope and patience, belonging and calling. It reminds me that though I am searching, I have been sought out; that though I may not see the plan, I can still hope for the future; and that even in my doubt and weakness when I am too overwhelmed (or frustrated) to find words, God is with me in the silence.Though I may feel lost, God has not abandoned me.
This passage addresses suffering and waiting, but not just our own. It points to a time when all of creation will be transformed, but reminds us of our calling, as God’s children, to be agents of that transformation. So even when we are doubtful, feeling trapped or lost, we can remember this call, and begin to move forward as bearers of the image of Christ to the world—confident that God will fortify us for the journey.
Prayer: Holy Spirit—Strengthen us, that even in times of doubt we might not give up hope, and continue to offer ourselves as you have called us, to bear witness to the divine Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Darin Arntson is a first-year Master of Divinity student at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, as well as a lover of dance, worship, and California burritos.
Day 32: Thursday, March 29
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46
Matthew 26:36 Then Yeshua went with his talmidim to a place called Gat-Sh’manim and said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Kefa and Zavdai’s two sons. Grief and anguish came over him, 38 and he said to them, “My heart is so filled with sadness that I could die! Remain here and stay awake with me.” 39 Going on a little farther, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet — not what I want, but what you want!” 40 He returned to the talmidim and found them sleeping. He said to Kefa, “Were you so weak that you couldn’t stay awake with me for even an hour? 41 Stay awake, and pray that you will not be put to the test — the spirit indeed is eager, but human nature is weak.”
This passage from Romans offers me peace through its message of hope and patience, belonging and calling. It reminds me that though I am searching, I have been sought out; that though I may not see the plan, I can still hope for the future; and that even in my doubt and weakness when I am too overwhelmed (or frustrated) to find words, God is with me in the silence.Though I may feel lost, God has not abandoned me.
This passage addresses suffering and waiting, but not just our own. It points to a time when all of creation will be transformed, but reminds us of our calling, as God’s children, to be agents of that transformation. So even when we are doubtful, feeling trapped or lost, we can remember this call, and begin to move forward as bearers of the image of Christ to the world—confident that God will fortify us for the journey.
Prayer: Holy Spirit—Strengthen us, that even in times of doubt we might not give up hope, and continue to offer ourselves as you have called us, to bear witness to the divine Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Darin Arntson is a first-year Master of Divinity student at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, as well as a lover of dance, worship, and California burritos.
Day 32: Thursday, March 29
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46
Matthew 26:36 Then Yeshua went with his talmidim to a place called Gat-Sh’manim and said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Kefa and Zavdai’s two sons. Grief and anguish came over him, 38 and he said to them, “My heart is so filled with sadness that I could die! Remain here and stay awake with me.” 39 Going on a little farther, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet — not what I want, but what you want!” 40 He returned to the talmidim and found them sleeping. He said to Kefa, “Were you so weak that you couldn’t stay awake with me for even an hour? 41 Stay awake, and pray that you will not be put to the test — the spirit indeed is eager, but human nature is weak.”
42 A second time he went off and prayed. “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink it, let what you want be done.” 43 Again he returned and found them sleeping, their eyes were so heavy.
44 Leaving them again, he went off and prayed a third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the talmidim and said, “For now, go on sleeping, take your rest. . . . Look! The time has come for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up! Let’s go! Here comes my betrayer!”
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“Not what I want but what you want.”
When you are going through a personal crisis and you draw upon your faith for support, what do you do when God answers your prayers with a no? In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus would literally fall on his face. As he looked back over the way he had conducted his whole mission of being God’s word of love, there wasn’t anything that he could have done differently. He had failed. He couldn’t do what he had set out to do. But he could still be what he had set out to be.
When you are going through a personal crisis and you draw upon your faith for support, what do you do when God answers your prayers with a no? In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus would literally fall on his face. As he looked back over the way he had conducted his whole mission of being God’s word of love, there wasn’t anything that he could have done differently. He had failed. He couldn’t do what he had set out to do. But he could still be what he had set out to be.
Photo by Michael Summers, posted to http://www.flickr.com/photos/canonsnapper/205948862/, used by CC-license.
There was that agonizing struggle. If he ran away, he could lengthen his life. But if he stayed, even if it meant the cross, he could lengthen the understanding of what he was trying to say.
And he made the decision that became the hinge of history: “Not my will, but thine be done.” Translated, “I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in any cause that will ultimately fail.”
An unknown author wrote, “A Creed for Those Who’ve Suffered.”
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for help that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of others.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among others most richly blessed.
As we move closer to Jerusalem and to his passion and death, as with Jesus, our defeats may serve as well as victory—to shake the soul and let the glory out.
Prayer: O God, Jesus suffered and died forsaken and that shakes us. And yet you used his faithfulness, even to a cross to show us your love. Help us to believe when we doubt ourselves how precious we really are to you. Help us to believe in you even when we do not understand your ways. Help us to believe in you even when we cannot understand our own way. Amen.
Bill Stephenson is a clinical psychologist with a significant background in working with young people facing terminal illness and complicated grief. Retired from private practice, he currently works as a clinical investigator for a major health insurance company.
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There was that agonizing struggle. If he ran away, he could lengthen his life. But if he stayed, even if it meant the cross, he could lengthen the understanding of what he was trying to say.
And he made the decision that became the hinge of history: “Not my will, but thine be done.” Translated, “I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in any cause that will ultimately fail.”
An unknown author wrote, “A Creed for Those Who’ve Suffered.”
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for help that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of others.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among others most richly blessed.
As we move closer to Jerusalem and to his passion and death, as with Jesus, our defeats may serve as well as victory—to shake the soul and let the glory out.
Prayer: O God, Jesus suffered and died forsaken and that shakes us. And yet you used his faithfulness, even to a cross to show us your love. Help us to believe when we doubt ourselves how precious we really are to you. Help us to believe in you even when we do not understand your ways. Help us to believe in you even when we cannot understand our own way. Amen.
Bill Stephenson is a clinical psychologist with a significant background in working with young people facing terminal illness and complicated grief. Retired from private practice, he currently works as a clinical investigator for a major health insurance company.
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