The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. - Romans 8:6b
Am I still struggling to “cover all the bases,” to “keep all the plates spinning” by myself, as though I am the center of the universe? Have I yet reached the point that I can let go and let God guide and be the center of my life?
Prayer
Creator God, help me release control to you who formed my inmost being. I so need your life and peace within me. Amen.
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. Habakkuk 2:20
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Stillness...silence...openness to see and hear...the promise of life after death, emergence of buds and new leaves, the laughter of flowers, the majesty of trees, the glory of the skies, the breath of nature around us, a comforting touch, the quiet presence of one who cares.
Prayer
Holy Lord, help me to take time... open my ears and eyes to know your Presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him. James 1:5
Wisdom - if we are open - is an outgrowth of experience in prayer... study... relationships... work...rest... failures...and persevering nonetheless.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom and trust You to help me. Amen.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Allelujah!
"It is true! The Lord has risen." While they were still talking....Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' (Luke 24:34, 36) "Go, tell his disciples and Peter that [Jesus] is going ahead of you to Galilee ." (Mark 16:7) " Lo, I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)
After their Lord's crucifixion, the disciples were left fearful, defeated, desolate. But their despair turned to joy! Their Lord was undefeated by death and the very worst that evil could do.
As He offered his disciples peace that first Easter, so He offers us his peace today. As He went before them to Galilee and promised to be with them always, so He goes before us and promises to be with us always. His disciples became changed men, full of courage and authority. So may we be changed.
Prayer
Holy Jesus, be Lord of my life. Amen.
"Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." (Mark 11:9) ... "Crucify him!" they shouted. (Mark 15:13)
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. (Mark 14:38)
Two extremes within a week: Jesus acclaimed as a savior, welcomed with palm branches exuberantly waved and cheers, then only a few days later, condemned to death by the same crowd. What took place in between?
On Jesus' part, cleansing of the temple, continued faithful teaching, washing his disciples' feet, sharing a last meal with them, and praying for himself, his disciples, for all believers; this was followed, on the part of others, by betrayal, desertion, ridicule, torture and death.
We know though the Goodness of that Friday for us and all mankind.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, for my part, help me to pray and keep watch faithfully with you this week. Amen.
He [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet.
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:5, 14-15
God, our Saviour, washing feet - bringing refreshment and relief after a difficult day's journey. How can we "wash one another's feet" as we journey together? How can we bring refreshment and relief?
Holy Lord, please keep showing me new ways to help others, remembering that in doing so, I am showing my love for You. Amen.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me." Matthew 25:40 (35-40)
Following the 2 commandments Jesus gave, putting God first, then loving ourselves appropriately - no longer defensive, envious or fearful of others - sets us free to respond to his command to love and care for our neighbors. How do we do that in our daily life?
Small acts of kindness, putting others before ourselves, having patience, taking time... a smile, an encouraging word, lending a hand, listening... sharing,....simple things...
Gracious God, help me discover simple ways to show love for others. In Jesus name, Amen.
Which is the greatest commandment? Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:36-37, Deuteronomy 6:5
Do we actually LOVE the Lord? If we do, how does that show in our daily life?
Loving someone naturally results in thinking about them, wanting to spend time with them, looking for ways to show our love and finding ways to please, with no motive other than showing how much we value and appreciate them.
Today, how will we show our love for God?
Gracious God, help me discover ways to show my love for you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous....do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul....
I will fear no evil for you are with me. Psalm 23
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Relying on God's promise to be with him, despite his feeling of inadequacy following the leadership of Moses,
Joshua led the people of Israel into the land God provided for them. The psalmist, King David, wrote of God's constant,
tender care and presence. Sheep, fearful of rushing streams, are provided lush pastures and quiet waters to sustain them. God's presence became visible in the humanity of Jesus - God's greatest gift of selfless love.
Today is " Leap Day." Let today be the day to take a leap of trusting faith, believing in God's promises of His Presence with you. Explore in little ways and small steps, what that actually means to you in daily living.
Lord God, please open my mind and heart to realize more deeply how much you love me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Worship
Today: Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes at 7:30PM.
Sunday school
10AM in the Lorenz Library.
Lenten Study: A series of studies on “The Major Characters of the New Testament.” Lead by Pastor Barrie and Min. Jacob using videos from The History Channel and various writings available to us.
Starts at 6:45PM with soup and bread. 7:15PM Discussion and viewing of DVD. 8:15PM Short Vespers service.
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