God is Great!

LENT--DAY 37

SCRIPTURE

Wednesday in Holy Week
Psalm 70 (NRSV)

Be pleased, O God, to deliver me

Be pleased, O God, to deliver me.
O Lord, make haste to help me!
Let those be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life.
Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who desire to hurt me.
Let those who say, "Aha, Aha!"
turn back because of their shame.

Let all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation
say evermore, "God is great!"
But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay!



DEVOTION

Today, as I pray, I hear these words from Psalm 70 as a word of prophesy to be placed into the mouth of Jesus during Holy Week.

I can just imagine these words--or ones very similar--pouring forth from Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as he prayed, "If it be your will, let this cup pass over me, but no my will, but Thy will be done..."

I can imagine these words pouring forth from Jesus as he was taken from Pilate to Herod and then to Pilate again, through the jeers and spitting of a mob determined to see him die.

I can imagine these words pouring forth from Jesus as he was stripped, beaten, crowned with thorns, and then nailed to an old rugged cross.

And yet, the reality is that when it came time for Jesus to die, he did not pray, "Let those be put to shame and confusion who seek my life. Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire to hurt me. Let those who say, "Aha, Aha!" turn back because of their shame."

Rather, he prayed, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."


Let us pray:

Ah, Holy Jesus! On this day we rejoice and are glad in you, saying "GOD IS GREAT!" We love you and your salvation and we thank you for being our strong deliverer. Although humanity deserved to be cursed for our sin and murderous behavior toward you, you chose to bless us, making atonement for our sin and gifting us with eternal life. I am so sorry that my sin cost you so much. Please forgive me of my sin and assist me in sharing the good news that you love all of us this much! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

To The Ends of the Earth!

LENT--DAY 36

SCRIPTURE

Tuesday in Holy Week
Isaiah 49:1-7 (NRSV)

The servant brings salvation to earth's ends

Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother's womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, "You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
But I said, "I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
and my reward with my God."

And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength --
he says,
"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
"Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."


DEVOTION

Today we hear another prophesy about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

In it, Isaiah declares that God will raise up a special servant whose calling is to "be a light unto the nations that God's salvation would reach the ends of the earth."

Glory!

Indeed, Jesus is a light unto the nations and salvation has been extended to every human being upon the Earth.

During this Holy Week, we come to a greater realization of just how much that plan--and that desire--cost God. As Jesus is betrayed, beaten, abused, spat upon, marched up Golgotha's Hill, nailed to an old rugged cross, bleeds, suffers, and dies--we can only imagine the cry of God's heart as his only begotten son is treated so miserably by humanity.

As Jesus was lifted up high upon the tree, it was the Endless Love and Amazing Grace of God that did not rush in to rescue him; but, rather, allowed him to die in order to make atonement for our sin and to open up the door to our eternal lives.

Today, it is my prayer that we do not attempt to bypass this horrendous truth in order to get to the joy and beauty of Easter.

Easter was bought at a great price! WE were bought at a great price! Our salvation was bought at a great price!

The next time you look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you aren't worth anything, I want you to envision Jesus up on the cross. God deems that you are worth blood, sweat, and tears innumerable and God believes that you are worth dying for!

No one else has ever done anything so extravagant for you, I am quite sure! You are priceless, as are all of God's children. And that is why Jesus was willing to do what he did in order to ensure that God's light and salvation reached to the ends of the Earth!


Let us pray:

All Wise and Ever-Loving God, thank you! Thank you for Jesus who is my light and my salvation! Thank you for his death and resurrection. Thank you for new life in Him. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit, so that I can share this good news with others! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

New Things...

SCRIPTURE

LENT--DAY 35

Monday in Holy Week
Isaiah 42:1-9 (NRSV)

The servant brings forth justice

Here is my servant,
whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the Lord, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
I tell you of them.


DEVOTION

We have now entered into the final days of Lent and into the week we call HOLY.

Today we listen as Isaiah declares that God's servant will bring forth God's justice!

This side of the cross, we recognize these verses as prophesy concerning the god-man Jesus. I love the verse which says, "He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth..."

Praise the Lord!

When I think of all that Jesus had to endure to establish justice in the Earth, my soul almost faints within me. When I think of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish that Jesus endured in order to "open blinded eyes and release prisoners sitting in darkness," I am so grateful for God's steadfast and determined love toward us!

As we make pilgrimage with Jesus this week, let us remember these words from our God, "former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them."

Thank God for the blessed assurance that new and greater things are coming! As we walk with Jesus into Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, beholding his battered, bruised, and bleeding body up on the cross, we must not lose heart...

Stay with Jesus. Abide with him...Easter is just around the corner.


Let us pray:

Holy One, thank you that you are the Lord my God and your glory belongs to no other! I praise and worship you today. I adore and magnify you--just because of who you are! Thank you that you open blinded eyes and set prisoners free! Please help me to be spiritually awakened this week, that I might truly see you high and lifted up, exalted amongst the peoples! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Walk With Jesus

SCRIPTURE

Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday


Luke 19:28-44

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, ³⁰saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ ³²So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. ³³As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ ³⁴They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ³⁵Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. ³⁶As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. ³⁷As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, ³⁸saying,
‘Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!’
³⁹Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ ⁴⁰He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

41 As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, ⁴²saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. ⁴³Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. ⁴⁴They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.’


Luke 22:14-23:56 (NRSV)

The passion and death of Jesus

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

"You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me."

He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." He replied, "It is enough."

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."

While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?" When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!"

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, "This man also was with him." But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him." A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, "Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!" At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" They kept heaping many other insults on him.

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us." He replied, "If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." All of them asked, "Are you, then, the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king." Then Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He answered, "You say so." Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no basis for an accusation against this man." But they were insistent and said, "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place."

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him."

Then they all shouted out together, "Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!" (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him." But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was innocent." And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.

On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.


DEVOTION

Today in churches all over the world, we remember the last days of Jesus’ life through scripture, song and prayer. We start with the Procession of Palms and Jesus’ jubilant and triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We hear the voices of men, women, and children proclaiming, “Hosana! Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Then we enter into Maundy Thursday observing the washing of feet and the first Holy Communion between Jesus and his disciples. We are taught as we listen, “If I your Lord and Master have served you, you ought also to serve one another.” Later that evening we weep as Judas betrays Jesus to a mob and he is arrested and sentenced to death as a mob of people shout "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" Finally, we come to Good Friday morning, as we stand at the foot of the cross with Jesus’ mother listening as Jesus declares, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.”

This slow march to the cross of Jesus during Holy Week is at times joyous and sorrowful, exciting and traumatizing, emotive and silent. As we read, sing, and pray with our communities of faith on this day, I invite all of us to notice the manifold ways in which we are like the people in today's scripture reading.

Are there times that we remember to praise and adore Jesus as they did on Palm Sunday? (Oh yes!) Are there days when we are willing to serve others humbly as Jesus taught us on Maundy Thursday? (Yes!) Are there moments in time when we have shouted in our hearts, “Crucify Him!”; or when we have wanted nothing to do with Jesus? (Of course we have…)

This is the human story. And yet, in all these things we know that God loves us. We know that we can’t outrun, out sin, or outfox the love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus! We know that although we sin and fall short of the glory of God, God is always faithful and just to forgive us of all of our sin. And we know that although on Friday, it will appear that the power of sin, death, and the grave has won, we have only to look to Easter Sunday Morning to know that God is ultimately victorious over all these things—and so more!

Let us make up our minds to lift up our voices and our hearts as we worship God today! And then let us boldly and courageously follow Jesus to Golgotha's cross, that we might truly! remember our cause for rejoicing on Resurrection Morn

Go with God, this blessed Holy Week.

Let us pray:

Good and gracious God, this week is full of so many ups and downs, twists and turns, love and betrayal. Please help me to be bold and very courageous. Please help me not to turn to the left or to the right. Please embolden me to keep my eyes on you--even when what I am seeing breaks my heart. This week, I pledge to walk with Jesus in the good times and in the bad. I will stand with you in the garden as you are betrayed and at the cross as you take your last breath. Your Endless Love and Amazing Grace astound me! Please forgive me for the many times I have taken you for granted. I love you and I will share your love with others, today and always. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

ALREADY FURNISHED

LENT--DAY 34

SCRIPTURE

Luke 22:1-13 (NRSV)

Jesus prepares for Passover with his disciples

Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it." They asked him, "Where do you want us to make preparations for it?" "Listen," he said to them, "when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, 'The teacher asks you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there." So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.


DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


Just like he said
It's always that way
He can see what's to come
Always do what he says
Told us to go
and follow a man
to an upper room
where we'd find no ban
on our desire to serve
the bread and the wine
to remember the Spirit
which passed over us in time
to save our first born
and, set us free
to lead us to a land
with milk and honey
Now he's sayin
the bread is his body,
the wine his blood
g'n for everybody
Shared for all
out of, tremendous love
At the, insistence of,
our, God above
Sins are forgiven
Heaven opened wide
already furnished
come inside!



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

BIG BROTHER

LENT---DAY 33

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 2:10-18 (NRSV)

Jesus' suffering binds him to humankind

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,
"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."
And again,
"I will put my trust in him."
And again,
"Here am I and the children whom God has given me."

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.



DEVOTION

I wonder how many of us had a big brother that we have relied on to get us out of trouble?

I can remember kids on the playground boldly puffing out their chests and shouting, "I'm going to tell my BIG BROTHER on you!"

When I was a little girl, I often wished that I had a big brother to come beat up all of my adversaries.

It is only now that I am an adult, that I realize that I do have a BIG BROTHER who has already conquered my biggest foes--sin, death, the grave, and the power of darkness.

Jesus, the god-man, calls me his sister, and came to earth to vanquish all of my fears!!

I am so glad that God loves all of us so! This Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life!

One getting up morning, our family reunion is going to be off the chain!!!! Don't you want to be there?

I can't wait to see Jesus face to face and thank him for being the best BIG BROTHER in the world!

Let's pray:

Jesus, I love you so much! You are the best big brother in the world. I believe with all of my heart that you died and rose again in order to save me from my sin and gift me with eternal life. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can share our love with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would let me know about your decision today by clicking "YES" in the poll located in the upper-right hand corner of the good news blog in answer to the question, "Did God save you today?"

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!



ANNOUNCEMENT

During the Lenten Season, all Good News readers are challenged to forward this blog to one person each and every day! Read, share, and BE good news! Go in peace, serve the Lord! (Thanks be to God!)

Here Am I

LENT--DAY 32

SCRIPTURE

Annunciation of Our Lord
Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV)

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.


DEVOTION

Today I pay tribute to the courage, strength, and radical obedience of Mary, Mother of Jesus.

When the angel came to her and announced that she would become a pregnant virgin, she could have freaked out! She could have made excuses regarding why she was not the right choice. She could have flat out refused!

Instead she said, ""Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."

WOW! What radical obedience!

Today, I feel truly repentant about all the times God has asked for my partnership in doing the work of Love and I have refused, made excuses, or only carried out the plan partway.

How many times has God instructed us to share the good news about Jesus and we have remained silent? How many times has God moved our hearts to give liberally to someone in need and we have turned away? How many times has God called us to prayer and Bible study and we have been "too tired."

I could go on and on telling on myself (and you), but I won't (giggles)!

Let's suffice it to say that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." There is none righteous, no not one!

I am so grateful for the Endless Love and Amazing Grace of God that looks beyond our faults and sees our needs!

I am happy-glad about Jesus who gave his life on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

And I shout for JOY that Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected on the third day, just as he promised securing our eternal victory over sin, death and the grave!

GLORY TO GOD!

All of this was set in motion when Mary believed that "nothing shall be impossible for God" and responded with a resounding YES to God, in the form of the words, ""Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."

May we all find the courage and obedience to tell God YES today!


Let us pray:

Holy God, thank you so much for your love and care toward me. Thank you that you love me so much that you give me the blessed opportunity to partner with you in your Kingdom building work. Thank you that I am invited to be your HANDS and SMILE in the world, blessing those with need. Please forgive me for the many times I have said NO to you and please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that you can count on my YES every day. I love you and I want others to love you too. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

SHOUT FOR JOY!

LENT--DAY 31

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 20 (NRSV)

Victory for God's anointed

The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.
Selah

May he grant you your heart's desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.

Give victory to the king, O Lord;
answer us when we call.


DEVOTION

Praise the Lord!

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that God loves me and God is on my side!

Whenever I am sad, disappointed, anxious, worried, or fearful, I can rest in the blessed assurance that God will answer me in the day of trouble, sending help from God's sanctuary, support from Zion, and victory when I call!

GLORY!

I love that the psalmist says, "Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God."

For our contemporary vernacular one might say, "Some take pride in their bank accounts, some in their fancy cars, others in their six figure jobs, but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God!

As we take pride only in God, God will grant us the desires of our hearts, because all of our desires, will be lost in God's will for our lives and the lives of others!

As God's will is done on Earth as it is in heaven, let us shout for joy over our victories,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!

God is good (all the time!) and God is always worthy of our praise!

Today, will you make up your mind to praise God for all of the victories you have had and will have in the future as you walk in obedience to God's will? If so, let us pray:


Holy One, you are wonderful! You fulfill all of the righteous and God given desires of my heart. Please help my desires to be lost in yours. Since I know that your greatest desire is for all of your children to know--and believe--that Jesus died and rose again to forgive us of our sin and gift us with eternal life, I commit to sharing this good news with others! Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will be empowered and equipped to do your work on Earth until you come from Heaven. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

False Kings

LENT--DAY 30

SCRIPTURE

Judges 9:7-15 (NRSV)

Anointing the bramble

When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and cried aloud and said to them, "Listen to me, you lords of Shechem, so that God may listen to you.
The trees once went out
to anoint a king over themselves.
So they said to the olive tree,
'Reign over us.'
The olive tree answered them,
'Shall I stop producing my rich oil
by which gods and mortals are honored,
and go to sway over the trees?'
Then the trees said to the fig tree,
'You come and reign over us.'
But the fig tree answered them,
'Shall I stop producing my sweetness
and my delicious fruit,
and go to sway over the trees?'
Then the trees said to the vine,
'You come and reign over us.'
But the vine said to them,
'Shall I stop producing my wine
that cheers gods and mortals,
and go to sway over the trees?'
So all the trees said to the bramble,
'You come and reign over us.'
And the bramble said to the trees,
'If in good faith you are anointing me king over you,
then come and take refuge in my shade;
but if not, let fire come out of the bramble
and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'


DEVOTION

My heavens!

Today's scripture is a parable about what happens when you allow the unrighteous to rule over you!

In the case of Judges 9 Abimelech made himself King of Israel. In order to attain and then secure the throne he went on a murderous rampage, killing 69 of his 70 brothers, as well as anyone else who dared to stand in his stead.

Abimelech dared to usurp the power of God. His reign did not last long, but he did much damage in the few short years that he ruled by force.

All of this reminds us that when we allow people and things to sit on the throne of our hearts, no good thing will come of it. As we prioritize earthly things, over heavenly ones, we displease God and break God's heart.

This is the very nature of sin. It is when we allow what we want to trump what God wants.

And what does God want? God wants all of us to know--and believe--that Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

That's not much to ask, is it?

As we near the end of our Lenten Journey, I find that there is yet much for me to confess. I'm not proud of this...

Will you join me in confessing to God all of the ways that we have attempted to find shade under "bramble bushes" allowing "false kings" to establish themselves in our hearts and minds?

If so, please pray with me:

Holy God, you alone are king. I will bow down to no one but you. Please forgive me for the many times that I have bowed down before false idols and/or allowed others to take your place. I love you and acknowledge you as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Anointed

LENT--DAY 29

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 40:1-15 (NRSV)

Anointing the holy things

The Lord spoke to Moses: On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. You shall put in it the ark of the covenant, and you shall screen the ark with the curtain. You shall bring in the table, and arrange its setting; and you shall bring in the lampstand, and set up its lamps. You shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the covenant, and set up the screen for the entrance of the tabernacle. You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. You shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court. Then you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it shall become holy. You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar shall be most holy. You shall also anoint the basin with its stand, and consecrate it. Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting, and shall wash them with water, and put on Aaron the sacred vestments, and you shall anoint him and consecrate him, so that he may serve me as priest. You shall bring his sons also and put tunics on them, and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests: and their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout all generations to come.


DEVOTION

Today we read about the many ways that Moses and the Hebrew people were instructed to anoint and consecrate holy spaces and things.

While we still do this in our churches, it occurs to me that this side of the cross all Christians have been anointed and consecrated by the Holy Spirit to do the work of ministry as we share the good news and make Jesus' name famous everywhere we go!

Sometimes, I fear that we forget how important our ministries really are! We are sent out by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to let people know that Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life!

This is wonderful good news that is too good to keep to ourselves. (It would just be selfish--giggles!)

God is good (all the time); and all the time (God is good!)

Will you be the hands of Jesus today, as you share the love, joy and peace of Jesus--in word and deed--with those in need?

If so, please pray with me:

Great and Glorious God, how I praise your name! You are wonderful and beyond compare! Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit. I know that Spirit's anointing and consecration makes the difference in my ability to effectively share your good news message. I love you and I want everyone else to love you too! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

PRECIOUS THINGS...

SCRIPTURE

John 12:1-8 (NRSV)

Mary anoints Jesus for his burial

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."


DEVOTION

Today I honor our sister Mary for understanding that our relationship with Jesus is the most precious "thing" a person can possess.

Although she could have kept her costly perfume for herself, or sold it and given the money to the poor, she chose to pour it out on Jesus as a physical demonstration of her love and devotion toward him.

All of us possess precious gifts of time, talent, and treasure and it is up to us how we choose to share them.

Jesus is no longer with us upon the earth, but he did tell us that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for him!

I love Jesus' reminder that we will always have the poor (and poor in spirit) to attend to, love, and serve. We can pour out our most precious and God-given gifts into the lives of those who most need Jesus! In doing so, we give that which is most precious to us, to Jesus, and to His Kingdom of Love.

What is it that you have been hoarding away? Will you offer it freely to Jesus today?

If so, let us pray:

Holy One, thank you for granting me the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Thank you that these gifts are precious, but not as precious as you! Please forgive me for those times that I have failed to offer you that which is most precious to me and please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can share freely with others. You have been most generous to me; please help me to be equally generous with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Ain't Got Time To Die (yet)

LENT--DAY 28

SCRIPTURE

John 11:45-57 (NRSV)

Plotting against Jesus during Passover

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed." He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to put him to death.

Jesus therefore no longer walked about openly among the Jews, but went from there to a town called Ephraim in the region near the wilderness; and he remained there with the disciples.

Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and were asking one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival, will he?" Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should let them know, so that they might arrest him.



DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)




AIN'T GOT TIME TO DIE (yet)


Busy lovin' people
savin' souls
Healing bodies
Makin' people whole
You hatin' on me
don't make no kinda sense
Why disagree
when I've given no offense
Ain't got time to die
It's not yet my turn
On my God I will rely
For him only do I yearn
I'll die for all
when God says so
When I hear him call
to the cross I will go

Aint--Got--Time--To--Die!

(yet)


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

He's Mine!

LENT--DAY 27

SCRIPTURE

Joseph, Guardian of Jesus
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a (NRSV)

and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him;


DEVOTION

Today the Christian Church remembers and honors Joseph the earthly father of Jesus.

Joseph is one of my personal heroes because he was able to push past the expectations of society, the fear of gossip, and the probability of public ridicule to do what God had commanded him to do.

All too often as modern day Christians, we're afraid to stick our necks out for Jesus. We worry about what people will say or think about us. We're afraid to be called "Bible Thumpers" or "Jesus Freaks." We don't share our love for Jesus with our neighbors, friends, and co-workers because we are afraid they will think we are weird.

But, Joseph was different. He laid it all on the line. He was willing to sacrifice public prestige and honor to be obedient to God and to attend to his relationship with Jesus.

Because Joseph was obedient, Jesus came into the world, safe and sound. Because Joseph lived into his calling, Jesus had an earthly father to bounce him on a knee, teach him how to swing a hammer, kiss his neck at bedtime, and protect him from jealous and murderous rulers.

Joseph was heroic and deserves to be remembered and honored!

May we all be as bold as Joseph, as we claim Jesus as our own on this day!


Please pray with me:

Holy God, thank you for Jesus! He came into my life in the most unexpected of ways and it is not always convenient to claim him, but I shall. Please forgive me for those times that I have chosen not to claim him as my own and please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will be bold in sharing my love and relationship with Jesus in the future. I love Jesus and I want others to love him too! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reason to Smile!

LENT--DAY 26

SCRIPTURE

Philippians 2:19-24 (NRSV)

Apostolic visits are promised

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But Timothy's worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon.


DEVOTION

Today I am reminded of the important ministry of bringing good cheer to those in need of it.

People always tell me that I am ridiculously joyful and that my smile is contagious! I am honored that this is so because I feel like I have a spiritual obligation to bring Jesus' joy to everyone I meet!

As Christians, we've got a really big reason to smile. His name is JESUS!

Unlike people who do not have a relationship with Him and thus pursue only their own interests, we pursue the interests of our brother, savior, and Lord in all things.

It is Jesus' interest to see the whole world filled up with love, joy, peace and goodwill. When these interests are permanently established throughout the earth, God will have ushered in the Reign of God!

In the meantime, we experience these gifts of Spirit for moments of time and in changing places. Each time we feel the joy of the Holy Spirit, we are given the opportunity to share it with another!

Jesus lived, died, and then rose again to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life. Now, that's a reason to smile! :-)


Won't you pray with me?

Holy God, thank you for being my reason to smile! Please forgive me for all of those days that I have failed to share your joy with others. Please fill me up with the Holy Spirit so that I will bare your love, joy, and peace everywhere that I go! In Jesus' Name, Amen.



INVITATION


If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

No Not One

LENT--DAY 25

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 53 (NRSV)

Restoring our fortunes

Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts;
there is no one who does good.

God looks down from heaven on humankind
to see if there are any who are wise,
who seek after God.

They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse;
there is no one who does good,
no, not one.

Have they no knowledge, those evildoers,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call upon God?

There they shall be in great terror,
in terror such as has not been.
For God will scatter the bones of the ungodly;
they will be put to shame, for God has rejected them.

O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion!
When God restores the fortunes of his people,
Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.


DEVOTION

After reading Psalm 53, I am ever so grateful for the grace of God!

The Psalmist states the obvious, "there is no one who does good, no, not one."

Although this sounds harsh, we know it to be true, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! We all miss the mark, failing to love God and neighbor as we should and we all rely on the Amazing Grace of God to avoid our destruction.

During this Lenten Season I give thanks for Jesus who gave His life upon the cross to make atonement for my sin and to gift me with eternal life. Because of this great sacrifice, our fortunes have been restored and we are both joyful and glad!

Today, God is looking for people who are wise enough to seek after God. Will you be such a person today?

If so, please pray with me:

God of grace and God of mercy, please forgive me for those times that I have acted as if you do not exist, doing my own thing and that which was not good. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will be granted the wisdom to seek after you, as I accomplish your will. I love you and I desire to share our love with others. Please set up divine appointments for me to do so. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION


If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

You Shall Rest

LENT--DAY 24

SCRIPTURE

Leviticus 25:1-19 (NRSV)

The jubilee celebration

The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land shall observe a sabbath for the Lord. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in their yield; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of complete rest for the land, a sabbath for the Lord: you shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. You shall not reap the aftergrowth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your unpruned vine: it shall be a year of complete rest for the land. You may eat what the land yields during its sabbath -- you, your male and female slaves, your hired and your bound laborers who live with you; for your livestock also, and for the wild animals in your land all its yield shall be for food.

You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the period of seven weeks of years gives forty-nine years. Then you shall have the trumpet sounded loud; on the tenth day of the seventh month -- on the day of atonement -- you shall have the trumpet sounded throughout all your land. And you shall hallow the fiftieth year and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you: you shall return, every one of you, to your property and every one of you to your family. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you: you shall not sow, or reap the aftergrowth, or harvest the unpruned vines. For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you: you shall eat only what the field itself produces.

In this year of jubilee you shall return, every one of you, to your property. When you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not cheat one another. When you buy from your neighbor, you shall pay only for the number of years since the jubilee; the seller shall charge you only for the remaining crop years. If the years are more, you shall increase the price, and if the years are fewer, you shall diminish the price; for it is a certain number of harvests that are being sold to you. You shall not cheat one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

You shall observe my statutes and faithfully keep my ordinances, so that you may live on the land securely. The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live on it securely.


DEVOTION

I've been meditating a lot on the concept of Sabbath rest lately. Over and over in scripture God calls God's people to set aside one day in every week, one year in every seven, and one year in every fifty for a time of jubilee!

Isn't this a wonderful idea from a loving God? And isn't it sad that we don't observe God's commandment to rest?

God loves us enough to know that if left to our own devices our greed, lust, and ignorance would causes us to work 2/7/365 until we had a heart attack, stroke, or major depression. God knew the word "workaholic" before it was coined in the human lexicon.

That is why God says there are times when we need to rest, and not just us, but everyone and everything that works for us--employees, animals, and land.

As we rest, we are called to commune with God, confessing our sin, correcting wrong against our neighbors, and receiving God's forgiveness.

It is my prayer that although our culture does not encourage us to rest, as Christians we will observe this commandment for our own good. One hour, day, week, and/or year set aside regularly to be with God will do wonders for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, as well our relationship with God.

Won't you "pen" God into your calendar today?

Let us pray:

Good and gracious God, thank you for the call to rest. Please forgive me for working myself into the ground and leaving no time for relationship and conversation with you. Please help me to do better. In Jesus' Name, Amen.



INVITATION


If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

A Day of Atonement

LENT--DAY 23

SCRIPTURE

Leviticus 23:26-41 (NRSV)

Days for confession and celebration

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Now, the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you: you shall deny yourselves and present the Lord's offering by fire; and you shall do no work during that entire day; for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the Lord your God. For anyone who does not practice self-denial during that entire day shall be cut off from the people. And anyone who does any work during that entire day, such a one I will destroy from the midst of the people. You shall do no work: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your settlements. It shall be to you a sabbath of complete rest, and you shall deny yourselves; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening you shall keep your sabbath.

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the people of Israel, saying: On the fifteenth day of this seventh month, and lasting seven days, there shall be the festival of booths to the Lord. The first day shall be a holy convocation; you shall not work at your occupations. Seven days you shall present the Lord's offerings by fire; on the eighth day you shall observe a holy convocation and present the Lord's offerings by fire; it is a solemn assembly; you shall not work at your occupations.

These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you shall celebrate as times of holy convocation, for presenting to the Lord offerings by fire -- burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its proper day -- apart from the sabbaths of the Lord, and apart from your gifts, and apart from all your votive offerings, and apart from all your freewill offerings, which you give to the Lord.

Now, the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall keep the festival of the Lord, lasting seven days; a complete rest on the first day, and a complete rest on the eighth day. On the first day you shall take the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. You shall keep it as a festival to the Lord seven days in the year; you shall keep it in the seventh month as a statute forever throughout your generations.


DEVOTION

Today's devotion locates us squarely in the season of Lent. During this time of year, Christians fast, pray, and confess our sin to God.

In the Leviticus reading, we see that God also pairs sabbath rest with confession. It is not until we slow down from all the busyness of life that we are able to really connect with The Divine.

As we rest into quietude, we hear Spirit bringing to remembrance the many ways in which we have failed to love God with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength and loved our neighbors as ourselves.

It is when we allow Spirit to convict us that we are most able to truthfully confess our sin and receive God's forgiveness.

I am so glad that God's Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life. I am also happy-glad that Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected on the third day, just as he promised that he would!

Because of Jesus' once and for all atonement for sin, God's forgiveness is always readily available.

Won't you make some time today to get quiet with God, so that you can get right with God too?


Let's pray:

Holy One, thank you for the call to get still and quiet in your presence. I confess that I have been too busy lately. I have prioritized things and people above my relationship with you. Please help me to slow down, confess my sin, and receive your forgiveness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION


If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

He Loves Us!

SCRIPTURE

Fourth Sunday in Lent
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (NRSV)

The parable of the forgiving father

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So he told them this parable: ...

"There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe -- the best one -- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.

"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"

DEVOTION

Today's scripture reading is the story of the prodigal son. I love this story because it is a wonderful reminder of the fact that we can't out run, out sin, or out fox the love of God!

Just like the prodigal son, we've all done things that we are not proud of. We've been places, seen and done things, and messed up in ways that cause us to blush whenever we think about them.

But, although God sees and knows all things, God's love is still big enough to cover the multitude of our sin.

I don't know about you, but I am so glad that God's love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

We know we didn't deserve it. We know we've fallen short in countless ways. We know that we have failed to love God and neighbor as ourselves. We know that we have sinned against God in word, thought, and deed AND STILL our God loves us, pursues us, and won't give up on us!

Nobody has ever loved me (us) the way that God does--and no one ever will!

If you have not yet accepted the free gift of God's love, today would be a wonderful day to do so.

Won't you pray with me:

God thanks that although I'm not perfect, you love me anyway. Thanks that you gave Jesus to die for my sin and to gift me with eternal life. I believe that Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected on the third day, just as you promised! I am so blessed that you love and forgive me like you do. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can share my blessings with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would let me know about your decision today by clicking "YES" in the poll located in the upper-right hand corner of the good news blog in answer to the question, "Did God save you today?"

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!


ANNOUNCEMENT

During the Lenten Season, all Good News readers are challenged to forward this blog to one person each and every day! Read, share, and BE good news! Go in peace, serve the Lord! (Thanks be to God!)

What Is It?

LENT--DAY 22

SCRIPTURE

Luke 15:1-10 (NRSV)

Parables of a lost sheep and a lost coin

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."



DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)



WHAT IS IT?

What is it
about HIM
That causes all
the sinners
to listen

What is it
about HIM
that makes the powerful
shake in their shoes
and the popular
fear the end of their reign

What is it
about HIM
that extends welcome
to the very same folks
we push away
and that causes
heaven to rejoice
as he ushers them into
the warmth
of his love

What is it
about HIM
that causes me
to want to kill him
and to love him
and to serve him
all at the same time?

CRUCIFY HIM

EMBRACE ME

REMEMBER ME

when you come
into Your Kingdom.

SAVE ME...


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL

Walk By Faith

LENT--DAY 21

SCRIPTURE

2 Corinthians 5:6-15 (NRSV)

Walking by faith and not by sight

So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord -- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.


DEVOTION

Today's good news proclamation is, "we walk by faith and not by sight!"

This is wonderful good news for those of us who have ever experienced challenges in our bodies, minds, or spirits that we did not understand.

Although we sometimes face trials and tribulation for which there does not seem to be an immediate answer, God is well able to deliver us as we walk by faith and not by sight.

I love that Paul says, "the love of Christ urges us on."

I don't know about you, but there have been many a day and night when all that I had was the love of God, urging me on, refusing to let me give up as I persevered through adversity and hardship.

Today, since you are reading this blog, I believe that God wants you to know that God is with you, always with you!

God will not leave you, neither will God forsake you. God's great love for us was proven--beyond a shadow of a doubt--when Jesus gave his life upon the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life. And God's awesome power to save was proven--beyond a shadow of a doubt--when our Omnipotent God raised Jesus from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and the grave!

Glory to God in the Highest!

Lift up your heads, dear ones. Do not be cast down. God is with you, always with you.


Let us pray:

All Glorious One, thank you for loving me in the way that you do. Please forgive me for failing to always trust in your love. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit as I await your rescue. Please enable me to wait for my change to come with patience and with joy. I love you and I promise to share our love with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL



ANNOUNCEMENT

During the Lenten Season, all Good News readers are challenged to forward this blog to one person each and every day! Read, share, and BE good news! Go in peace, serve the Lord! (Thanks be to God!)