Posted on Mar 20, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 20, 2018
Luke 19:28-48
These passages about Jesus’ triumphal entry, weeping over Jerusalem, and cleansing of the temple encourage me to really think about the many perspectives of the people present at each of those moments recorded in scripture: the disciples following Jesus’ directions in getting the colt and spreading their robes on the road; the crowd praising God joyfully as he rode down the Mount of Olives; the Pharisees disapproval of the crowd; the plotting of the chief priests and scribes to kill Jesus; Jesus’ sadness over the rejection he would soon experience; and the list goes on. So many people encountered Jesus over his brief life on Earth and yet how many misunderstood who he was and how his life and ministry would forever change theirs.
Today, we have the knowledge of scripture, the wisdom and guidance of teachers and pastors, and the communication through prayer to know who Jesus is and how to follow Him. May we not continue to reject him but instead offer ourselves with praise, discipleship and sacrifice as He calls us to live and love Him.
Devotion by Shelley Dewey
Posted on Mar 19, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 19, 2018
Luke 18:31 – 19:27
As a former Special Education teacher, I had the privilege of working with visually impaired students. I was in awe of how God created them with heightened senses. Without sight, they rely on sound, touch, and smell more that those who are not blind. Some may rely on others to be their “eyes.”
The blind man sensed something different going on around him. At this point in Jesus’ ministry, people knew who he was and had heard of the miracles he had performed. When this man realized Jesus was in his midst, he couldn’t help but shout, “Jesus, have mercy on me!” He had faith that Jesus could heal him, and that’s exactly what happened.
My prayer for you today is that you have faith like the blind man. That undeniable faith that causes you to scream out above the crowds, “Jesus, have mercy on me!” Pray for faith that can move mountains today.
Devotion by Holly Bannan
Posted on Mar 17, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 17, 2018
Luke 18:9-17
16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Hard but so simple to do. Remember early childhood memories. Everything was so new, so bright, shiny, and exciting. Emotions ran rampant and were so honest and open. Smiles turned into belly laughs that would make you roll on the ground with joy (until a grown up frowned and said “stop, that is unseemly”). Unhappy kid things (my puppy was hurt or a baby bird fell out of the nest) were total devastation. We loved everything from green grasshoppers, to rainbows, to the biggest thing in our life, family. We trusted and believed, without question, knowing that someone would always be there to kiss our boo-boo, laugh when we laughed, cuddle us when we hurt, would show us the way and protect us.
Simple to claim the Kingdom of God? Yes when we stop listening to our head and listen to our “child’s heart” and acknowledge and accept THE GIFT.
Devotion by Guy Rippy
Posted on Mar 16, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 16, 2018
Luke 18:1-8
I’m encouraged by the parable in Luke 18. The widow is persistent with her request for help from the judge.
Do you have a special burden or petition? Keep on praying. Be persistent with your prayers. Trust your loving, heavenly Father to answer according to His wisdom and timing.
Be careful to pray according to God’s will. Prayer isn’t a magic wand for satisfying our own wishes. It’s an opportunity to work with the Lord in accomplishing His purposes.
Always pray and never give up. Prayer is a process of recognizing God’s power and plan for our lives. We yield our lives and circumstances to the Lord and trust Him to act in His time and way.
Devotion by Brian Molenda
Posted on Mar 15, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 15, 2018
Luke 17:20-37
“The kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20b-21
When and Where? We ask similar questions all the time don’t we? Jesus chose not to answer either of those questions fully; instead he redirected the Pharisees to acknowledge that the kingdom of God is already here in him. It’s as if he is saying, “I’m not telling you when and where because you’re missing the point! I’m here… the kingdom is coming and will come fully later. Stop being so focused on being bound for heaven that you are of no use here on earth!” God has the “when and where’s” under control, but wants us to be involved now. Heaven lies in wait, but there’s no time like the present to participate in the ongoing work of the kingdom of God. Indeed that day will come, but if it happens in our lifetime, I hope we’ll be busy doing God’s work as we have been called to the very end!
Devotion by Jeff Smith
Posted on Mar 14, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 14, 2018
Luke 17:1-19
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you” (Luke 17:6).
It is important to remember that it is not the size of our faith that uproots trees. It is the one we put our faith in. In John Piper’s words, “The smallest faith that truly connects us with Christ will engage enough of his power for all you need.”
The object of our faith is Jesus, the one who is omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (present everywhere) and omniscient (all knowing). Faith is knowing WHO holds us in the palm of His hands, and trusting Him completely with today and tomorrow.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).
Devotion by Angela Smith
Posted on Mar 13, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 13, 2018
Luke 16: 19-31
This scripture in the Book of Luke tells us of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This parable describes an unwillingness of a rich man to acknowledge and provide some relief to a man who has nothing and is hungry. It appears that the rich man focuses on his riches and is unable to respond to the genuine needs of others. The parable goes on to describe both men’s conditions when each die. The rich man ended up tormented in Hades and the poor man was immediately taken up to be in the bosom of Abraham. Jesus, when speaking this parable, is clearly warning us of the dangers of focusing on ourselves while not responding to the needs of others. Are you focused on yourself?
Devotion by Daniel Meredith
Posted on Mar 12, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 12, 2018
Luke 16:1-18
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
Most of us are familiar with the phrase “two wrongs don’t make a right”. In this parable, both characters, the master and the manager are corrupt. Knowing that he would lose his job, the manager gained favor with his master’s debtors by lowering their debt to secure his future.
Jesus used this parable to teach his disciples that all wealth belongs to God. God entrusts us with wealth in order to bless the least and the lost. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trust with much. (v10).
The decision is ours to choose. Do you want God to direct your path or allow earthly resources direct your future?
Devotion by Marty Meredith
Posted on Mar 10, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 10, 2018
Luke 15:1-10
Imagine the scene – Jesus is surrounded by sinners and being grumbled about by Pharisees. Sinners like sheep, tend to wander off in search of something to satisfy their appetites. But because lost sheep cannot find their way back on their own, it takes the initiating love of the father to restore us to relationship. He seeks us! Restoring us to relationship is of such importance He was willing to send his son – Jesus Christ to die – to save us!
So – Do you hear the footsteps of Him pushing through the bushes looking for you. Don’t hide – Let him find you. Then let him put you on his shoulders and carry you. Admit it – Life can be exhausting, especially if by your own strength you have been trying to find your own way in this crazy world.
Then – prepare for the celebration – and share His joy, just like the angels do. Remember – all that joy was for one individual – one sheep – you. He loves you that much.
Devotion by John Newell
Posted on Mar 9, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 9, 2018
Luke 14: 1-35
This chapter of Luke focuses on many aspects of being a disciple of Christ. Then, right at the end in verse 34, Jesus suddenly reminds us that salt is good. This statement seems to come a little out of the blue, but we know from other scripture, that Jesus uses salt as a metaphor for how we, as followers of His, should live in the world. Jesus has spent the rest of the chapter describing ways we can follow him and be like him. We can be humble. We can reach out to the outcasts in our society. We should put God ahead of everything else in our lives, including our families and ourselves, and be willing to pick up and carry our own crosses. In verse 35, Jesus goes on to warn us, if salt loses its “saltiness”-its purpose, its focus-it becomes useless. It no longer nourishes, protects, cleanses, enhances. We can retain our “saltiness” as Christians by continuing to focus on the Father and looking to our savior, Jesus Christ, for the perfect example. In chapter 14 He has given us some powerful instructions to take to heart as we strive to live Christ-like lives.
Devotion by Whitney Wallace
