Readings, Reflections, and Prayers for the Days of
Lent 2014
prepared for you by
Society of St. Andrew
gleaning america’s fields ~ feeding america’s hungry 3383 Sweet Hollow Road • Big Island, Virginia 24526 • 800-333-4597
www.endhunger.org
Lent is the name given by the church to the 40 days (plus seven Sundays) leading up to the resurrection of Jesus. The word itself comes from Old English and means, simply, “spring.” Traditionally, Lent is a time for penitence—a time to consider our misdeeds and to seek God’s forgiveness for them. Often people “give up” something during Lent: sweets, perhaps, or watching television. But each year the Society of St. Andrew offers you the opportunity to do something extra during Lent: take on the spiritual discipline of daily Scripture reading, reflection, and prayer. In this booklet, you’ll find readings for each day of the Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday (March 5) through Easter (April 20). Our themes this year are repentance, forgiveness, and renewal. We invited our writers to think about these words: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). We also offered our writers two prompts, which we now offer to you, for reflection, as you live through these days of Lent, preparing your heart and your life to experience the grief of Jesus crucified and the glory of him resurrected: Reflect on a time when you have needed or sought forgiveness and the renewing impact that repentance has had on your faith and your life since. Reflect on what it means to you to have a ‘clean heart’ and/or to have a ‘right spirit’ renewed’ within you.
As part of your Lenten spiritual discipline, we also invite you to share a monetary gift with Society of St. Andrew, to further our nationwide gleaning and food distribution ministries. Perhaps you will collect your pocket change each day at day’s end; perhaps you will set aside a particular amount of money each day. (It only takes 2¢ to put a serving of nourishing food on the table!) You might give an amount equal to what you spend on fresh fruits and vegetables during the Lenten season; or you might even set aside a tithe of your food budget to provide healthy food for our hungry neighbors through Society of St. Andrew. Please give generously, as you are led and as you are able. Thank you for partnering wth Society of St. Andrew in reducing food waste and feeding the hungry. This booklet may be freely copied and distributed, but its content may not be changed or altered in re-distribution. Each author retains copyright to his/her own writen words.
.March 5. We Are Dust, and To Dust We Shall Return ASH WEDNESDAY Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 The season of Lent may not be what we want, but it is just what we need. It gives us time, painful time, to sit with ourselves, to take seriously our sinfulness, to examine the dark corners of our lives, until we come to that place where we want forgiveness, where we ask for God’s mercy (instead of demanding it,) where our hearts are finally open to new ways of living as Christ’s disciples. In the words of the prophet Joel, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” Forget the empty gestures and the quick apologies! True repentance, breaking open our hardened hearts, is the sacrifice God desires. Today we start on our Lenten journey: forty uncomfortable days of sorrow, confession, contrition, penitence, and reflection. Take this journey seriously—commit yourself to a spiritual discipline this season. Sit in silence and wait for God. Does that sound too difficult? Start with thirty seconds, and add more time daily. Journal. Or pray. Or read the psalms. Surely you can’t resist an offer like this! It’s risky, to be sure—and possibly timeconsuming. Your heart may be broken along the way. You may even find that the Lenten prayer, “Lord have mercy,” allows space for the “Alleluias” of Easter to grow in you, mending your soul. We are sinful and frail, lost and imperiled. We are dust, and to dust we shall return. Our time here on earth is brief, but God’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. God’s steadfast love endures forever. Through Jesus, the Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit. Amen. Lynette Johnson Buena Vista, VA www.endhunger.org
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.March 6. A Time of Renewal Scripture:
Titus 3:4-7
In the letter from Paul to his student Titus, we are reminded that through God’s grace and the Holy Spirit, we are made new and made right as promised by the teachings of Jesus. Paul reminds us it is not our action that makes us clean. Rather, we are restored, renewed, aligned again by God. For me, Lent is a period of increased contemplation. I expand my devotional time and seek every sign of new life. I am blessed to live in a community of many green spaces with walking paths through the woods and around lakes. On these walks in this season, the bare and brittle are being transformed, renewed with new growth and surrounded by flowers, signaling the time of cold and darkness is over. Warmth, healing, hopes, and new directions are unfolding with the petals of the daffodil. We begin a season of planting; food for the table, as well as flowers that will delight for months to come. Today, I pray for renewal within my life, within my church, within the Kingdom of God. Let’s take extra time today in prayer and in practice to be open for the new direction God has for each of us. Look around and within for that new growth that comes from God. Prayer: Dear God, open my eyes to the new growth in your plan for my life and in my service to you. Renew a right spirit in me to serve the least, lost, and last. Amen. Gil Hanke Antioch, TN
.March 7. Traveling with the Moon and a Star Scripture:
Psalm 8:3-4
I don’t have a clue how grace works, but twenty years ago on a rural stretch of interstate my mother and I experienced it. We didn’t know it yet, but we were already a few years into my mother’s journey with Alzheimer’s. Something was wrong, but we didn’t know what it was. Mother and I 4
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were on our way home to Alabama from North Carolina. We had spent Thanksgiving with my sister and her family, and being the youngest, single, and still living in Alabama, I was the one responsible for looking out for Mother. We left in the afternoon, so by the time we were cruising through the hills of Tennessee, we were underneath a night sky with a few scattered clouds. The almost-full moon was perched right outside Mother’s window, a star at its side, and Mother was fascinated. Every few moments she said, “Do you see how the moon and star are traveling with us?” In response I mustered all the fascination and wonder I could. It was then I realized that our roles were slowly and inevitably being reversed. It was a magical, graceful, and sorrowful journey, a microcosm of the years yet to come. But it is the one that stays with me, more than any others, where in the midst of so much sadness, uncertainty, and fear, we weren’t alone. There was a fascinating, mysterious grace with us on the journey home. Prayer: God, help us know that we are not alone, no matter what the journey. Amen. Max Blalock Williamsburg, VA
.March 8. You Do It to Me Scripture:
Matthew 25:34-36 (NIV)
As a Christian I thought that I was doing everything right: helping others when I saw a need, contributing to the local food pantry, giving clothing to Goodwill, working as a nurse, caring for the sick, giving money to the church to help pay for mission work. I had even been a part of mission teams traveling to other places. The one thing that I feared was visiting prisoners. There was a juvenile correction facility in our community and it was suggested that our church go there and do Bible study with the young people. I was adamantly opposed. But a friend persuaded me to help with a weekend event there. When I met the “prisoners,” I realized that they were simply children who had made mistakes and were paying the price for what www.endhunger.org
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they had done. Later, when an opportunity was presented to me to work at this facility, I gladly accepted the job. I learned that God’s grace is sufficient for all, no matter what mistakes we have made. God, through God’s infinite wisdom, placed me exactly where I was supposed to be, and, as a result, I was able to share my faith in many ways every day with the youth I encountered. Through grace, my fear vanished and I, too, received forgiveness for not trusting in the words of scripture. Prayer: Father, I thank you for the gift of forgiveness. Let me always remember that your grace is bigger than any sin and that you long for me to repent and seek you. Amen. Doris Hedrick Natural Bridge Station, VA
.March 9. Meeting Mr. Clean FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT Scripture: Luke 5:12-13 What childhood memories does the word “clean” evoke for you? Your mother telling you to wash your hands before supper, or perhaps the nursery rhyme about Jack Sprat and his wife and how they “picked the platter clean?” Maybe you remember old movies, where the gangster is exhorted to “come clean?” Now that I’m retired, I find it interesting that phrases, jingles, or images of commercials I saw on TV decades ago still live in my memory, like “Ajax, the Foaming Cleanser” or “Mr. Clean,” with his bald head, in masterful control of dirt. What was your household’s cleansing wonder? “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” John Wesley admonished the early Methodists regarding personal hygiene, but it is also true in a spiritual sense according to scripture. To repent, to confess, to be renewed by the Holy Spirit makes us clean and right with God through Christ Jesus. Of what do you need to be made clean? Of alcohol or drug addiction? Of pornography? Of overeating? Of greed or pride? Thankfully few of us today will ever need to be cleansed from leprosy, 6
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but each of us still needs to be made “clean”—clean of sin. No TV-hyped Softsoap will do. With the leper’s awareness and insight, we too must come to Christ affirming “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Prayer: Lord Jesus, like the leper, in my need I come to you with hope and trust. Make me clean. William Nash Wade Strasburg, VA
.March 10. It’s Not About You Scripture:
Matthew 16:24-25
I remember calling home from college in the second week, complaining to my mom about all the things that were wrong with school: how my classes weren’t productive; how I wasn’t fitting in; how I wanted to come home. I’ll never forget her response: “That sounds like it’s a lot about you. What are you doing for someone else? You’ve always been happier that way!” My mom’s response cut right to the core of my problem. I wasn’t giving of myself. I was “in it” for me and for my happiness, rather than recognizing ways that I could serve others. When I got involved in a community service organization, I met a whole group of people who weren’t willing just to learn, they wanted to do, to help others. When I realized that some of the other guys in my dorm were lonely or struggling, I realized that together we could overcome our mutual problems. When I saw my life’s experiences weren’t all centered and focused on me, I recognized everything life could be, rather than focusing on what it wasn’t. It’s a lesson I took with me through the rest of college and seminary, and into the ministry. But I’ll always remember that God used my mom to help me get my heart “on straight.” Prayer: Holy God, help us to put aside our own wants so that we might see the bigger picture. Make us your servants, with hearts on fire for you. Amen. Jacob Sahms Midlothian, VA www.endhunger.org
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.March 11. Porch Light Forgiveness Scripture:
Mark 2:9
I love my pals! They are a wonderful family for me as a single girl. No matter what is happening in my life, they are there, cheering me on, drawing me out and encouraging me to live life to the fullest. But sometimes, I fail them. Once I promised a friend that I would meet her for dinner in the city after attending a wedding and then spend the night at her home. Chattering away at the wedding, I completely lost track of time. Before I knew it, the sky outside was completely dark. I was hours late. I had stood up my friend, and I felt terrible! I phoned her, and she had been panicked that I was dead on the road, kidnapped, or worse. I flooded the phone line with my apologies. There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Would she forgive me? The silence ended with her words, “So, you’re buying breakfast right? See you in a little while. I’ll leave the light on.” Real forgiveness rarely uses the words, “I forgive you.” Instead it comes in the form of a touch, a smile, or a porch light that is left on. Prayer: Lord, thank you for your forgiveness that leads me in new paths. Amen. Barbara Chalfant Forest, VA
.March 12. Those Who Wait, Trust, Hope, Serve Scripture:
Isaiah 40:30-31
This is one of my favorite scriptures because of the rich promise it contains. We all grow tired and weary and are growing old, no longer having the strength of our youth. Yet this passage reminds us that God has promised us strength and renewal. Have you ever worked on an old piece of furniture or an antique 8
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automobile and restored it to its original condition? What joy to see that item renewed! God promises us that we too will be restored and renewed. But what do we need to do to receive God’s promise of renewal? As I studied this scripture and looked in my different Bible translations, I found an array of words that gave me different perspectives of what is required of us. Among the variants I found were wait on, wait for, trust, serve, expect, and look. As I read these words, I realized that this kind of waiting is not a passive waiting. I am not to sit down and do nothing, waiting for God to renew me; instead I am to serve God, look for God, trust in God, and claim God’s promise. Not only will God renew our strength, but God will help us run without growing weary and soar like eagles. We will be restored, beyond our original condition. What a promise! Prayer: God who promises to restore us, help me learn to wait on you, trust you, and serve you, that I may have the power to serve you better. Amen. Sam Ramirez Winter Haven, FL
.March 13. Christ the Lord’s Love Scripture:
Psalm 56:11
At the same time the request for devotion writers came to my inbox, I got the diagnosis that I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). My blood has three times as many white blood cells as normal. Yet, even with all those extra infection fighters, I am more susceptible to infection than normal, because the white blood cells are defective. At some point the faulty blood cells could so over-run my system that red cells and/or platelets could be supplanted and major complications could set in. So my heart pumps fouled up (unclean?) blood through my system, while I work with the doctors to find a way to clean it. On my side, prayer is a big part of my treatment plan. I’ve treasured the prayers of family and friends (and even strangers) since the initial concern was raised. But if God never answers those prayers for healing, even still will I praise him! I’ll praise God because the disease in my body now is nothing www.endhunger.org
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compared to the disease of sin that gripped my heart, mind, and soul from day one. And that disease has been washed away by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. No matter what the doctors see, God sees in me a clean heart and a right spirit because of the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can CLL do to me? Prayer: God, I praise you for the cleansing blood of Jesus. Amen. Joseph Phipps Fairfield, IA
.March 14. Mending Relationships Scripture:
Matthew 5:23-24
All of us have been in this place, aware of having offended another in thought, word, or deed. Typically, the damage is done, and we simply move on, leaving the relationship behind. How much better—and more difficult—to work to repair the relationship! Sometimes our motives for wanting to repair a relationship are selfish. We do it because we want to feel better. But restoring a relationship is harder than a simple apology, because the damage we’ve caused goes beyond our own selfish needs. Restoration involves painstaking work to reclaim the original beauty we have spoiled. In the work of restoration, we never regain exactly what we had before. Instead, we repair, mend, and rebuild. Sometimes we add new parts to help the relationship function again, much the way we restore a beloved piece of furniture after years of neglect. It will never be new, but it can have more character and be stronger and more resilient. The table leg may be askew, but the top is level and will again bear some weight. So it is when we restore relationships with others; we can again bear with one another (Col. 3:13). Prayer: Sustaining God, restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Amen. Jennifer Copeland Durham, NC 10
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.March 15. You Are What You Eat Scripture:
Psalm 1:1-3
Everywhere we turn there’s something new about what food is healthy and what isn’t. We know that a balanced, nutritious diet is crucial for children to grow up strong and healthy, and for adults to maintain their health. Even so, we too often sacrifice healthy for cheap and easy. And what about our spiritual lives? What are we feeding our souls? Psalm 1 speaks of a tree planted by streams of water, that bears fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. What is that water? The living water— the Word of God—both written and incarnate. As people of God, we should be like the tree rooted in water; never withering, because we are tied into the source of life and strength. Instead, we too often fill our souls with the toxins of hate, bitterness, greed, and selfindulgence that bombard us with every TV show, commercial, newspaper, or billboard we see. We need a steady diet of God’s Word to cleanse, renew, and nourish our spirits. Prayer: Creator God, Give me a hunger for the nourishment your Word provides, and turn me from the “fast food” that is so available in our society. Draw me to your living waters and cleanse me from all impurities so that, through the power of your Holy Spirit, I may be renewed and bear the fruit of your Kingdom. Amen. Suzanne Brown Zampella Connellsville, PA
.March 16. Made Righteous SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT Scripture: 1 John 1:9b While cleaning a site where a trailer once stood on our property, I came across a box of discarded dishes. At first glance, there seemed no reason not to place the entire box in the trash. Then, in the box, I spotted a coffee cup www.endhunger.org
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given to me long before by a close friend. It was what I had wanted, larger than most cups. Covered in grime, the cup’s prospects didn’t look very bright. I decided to reclaim it anyway. After a thorough cleansing, the cup proved to be a good as new, without even a nick. That cleansed cup brought enjoyment and thoughts of my friend to my morning cup of coffee for a long time. There was a time I must have looked a bit like that cup. Covered with the grime of sin, my heart would have appeared hopeless. Yet, God took a second look and decided I was worth the effort. God believed in me so much that Jesus went to the cross taking my sins with him and washing away all that dirt and grime. My heart was not made like new, but became new. I became a new person. I like to think that when God looks at me, God finds pleasure in the sight. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for cleansing my heart and setting me free from sin. Amen. Anne Ownbey Black Mountain, NC
.March 17. My Times Are in Your Hands Scripture:
Psalm 31:15
Are you on an intentional journey of faith today? Lent is a good time to remind ourselves we are indeed on a journey toward a closer relationship with our Lord, and perhaps we’ve slipped a little. Lent can be a good time to take a spiritual inventory and to be about the business of our faith journey. Are you in prayer? Are you in fellowship with growing Christians who help you? Are you studying the Word in company with others, hearing and learning new directions in your life? Do you frequently receive Holy Communion in your church? Is your presence at church a “must?” Ask these questions as you consider Psalm 31:15. Our times are indeed in God’s hands. We must take time for daily “spiritual therapy.” Flexing spiritual muscles takes intentional work and discipline; like physical therapy it can stretch every muscle, and remind us that some have been unused. 12
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Make Lent a time of intentional spiritual discipline this year. Easter will be a greater blessing! Prayer: God, help me work on my relationship with you this Lent. I have followed too much the devices and desires of my own heart and need to be nearer to you. Help me Lord! Amen. John LeGault, Jr. Newport News, VA
.March 18. The More Needful Prescription Scripture:
Romans 7:15-20
The day was already long when I found myself waiting for my prescription. Thinking I had moved as far as I could to the end of the counter, I heard a woman behind me say, “Would you please move? I’m trying to write a check, and I don’t want you looking over my shoulder!” I snapped back, “I have the right to stand where I want.” And she responded, “You must be a very unhappy person!” When the clerk finally handed me my prescription, I quickly disappeared down the nearest aisle. My heart was pounding. I was upset. Like the apostle Paul, I had done what I did not want to do. I had lost my patience! Worse, the woman, also trying to get her prescription, was right. Tired and stressed, I was unhappy. But then I realized she might be unhappy too, with even more reason. I slowed my pace. I needed to repent! The words of the psalmist came to me: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) Peace and calm took hold. I knew God had forgiven me. Ever since, when other minor irritations have threatened my intentions to love my neighbor more than myself, the words of that psalm been my prayer. And even more than peace and calm, God’s grace has prevailed. Prayer: Gracious God, help me to be more patient with others that they may know your love as I do. In Christ’s name, amen. Chris Suerdieck Thurmont, MD www.endhunger.org
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Join in the Fast Good Friday - April 18 Join Society of St. Andrew staff and volunteers in fasting on Good Friday this year. When we fast, we voluntarily refrain from eating or drinking for a time, as a spiritual practice. This special time of prayer and fasting, remembering our Savior’s arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death, uses our physical hunger as a symbol of our spiritual hungers. It also serves as a vivid reminder of our many brothers and sisters who live with real, physical hunger every day. ——
Order Your free Good Friday Fast Materials before April 4 Society of St. Andrew’s Good Friday Fast booklet is all new for 2014, with readings, meditations, and prayers for each mealtime through which you fast between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Written for you by the Reverend Youtha C. Hardman-Cromwell, a professor at Wesley Theological Seminary, these meditations will challenge you to deeper faith as you walk with Jesus from the Last Supper to Gethsemane, Golgatha, the darkness of the tomb, and the joy of the Resurrection on Easter morning. The booklet includes options for one day and up to three days’ fast. Order one booklet for each participating household. You may order online at endhunger.org/lent.htm or by calling 800-333-4597. Order by April 4 for timely delivery.
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.March 19. Nah Nah Na, Boo Boo Scripture:
Ephesians 4:32
“Nah nah na, boo boo” were the playful words that spilled from my brother’s lips. But banter between my brother and me wasn’t always playful. There was a period when we barely spoke to each other. Later I wanted to tell my brother that I forgave him. So I wrote a note to him and addressed and stamped it. But it sat in my car for weeks, eventually making its way to the floorboard. Before I knew it, water had gotten on it, and the note was destroyed. Strangely, that didn’t bother me. I think I realized that I wrote the note for myself. To really forgive my brother, I had to be willing to tell myself I was turning my cheek and would no longer hold a grudge. I think people are always asking for forgiveness… but to me having a clean heart includes being able to forgive. I am so grateful that I wrote that note, because it freed me to forgive my brother and forge a new relationship with him. Today my brother and I get along well, often spending time at each other’s homes and sharing family times together. Every time we hug or say, “I love you”, I am reminded of my choice to have a clean heart. Forgiving others honors God. Who do you need to forgive today? What love are you withholding because of things that happened in the past? Let us forgive others, as God has forgiven us. Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me extend to others the same mercy you have extended to me. Amen. Reneè Scott Concord, VA
.March 20. A Fresh Touch Scripture:
John 4:29
When David cries to the Lord after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” he www.endhunger.org
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does not try to blame someone else for his transgressions. He acknowledges that he is the sinner in need of a clean heart. When I read this passage again, I thought of the old spiritual, “It’s me, it’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my mother, not my father but it’s me, Oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” During this Lenten season, we can come with our needs to the One who can forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In John 4:29, after the Samaritan woman receives the water of life, she goes back into the village and says to the people, “Come see a man…” My friend, on this day, I want to invite you to come see a man who changed my life. There is no one before him or after him like him. “He’s the lily of the valley, the bright and morning star. He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. He’s the beautiful rose of Sharon. He’s all the world to me. But most of all He is my coming King.” (from Jesus Use Me, by Jack Campbell and Billy Campbell) If you have not received Jesus into your life, today would be a good day. Ask God to forgive you and receive Jesus into your heart. Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen. LeRoy Jones Chatham, VA
.March 21. Be Angry, But Do Not Sin Scripture:
Matthew 5:21-24
I was so angry! A close friend and colleague had betrayed my trust. I had shared some personal information regarding a family member with the understanding that the information would be kept confidential and it wasn’t. I was hurt and disappointed, but mostly I was angry. I grew up in a family that repressed emotions. When something like this happened we would pretend that it did not bother us and try to ignore our feelings. I would sometimes go for days or weeks harboring resentment and anger, while acting like everything was okay. In this case, there was no way I could pretend I was okay. Jesus warns of the danger of holding onto 16
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anger. Like murder, anger can destroy. Relationships between committed Christians who love and care for each other can be killed if anger isn’t resolved. Unresolved anger can also hurt our spirit and cause a rift between us and God. That is why Jesus instructs us to resolve differences with our brother or sister before we come to God in worship. I realized, in this instance, that I needed to get this settled before my anger turned to sin, and I needed to do it right away. I called my friend and thoroughly expressed my hurt and disappointment. My friend sincerely apologized and, after some time, I was able to forgive and be forgiven. Our relationship was saved and has even deepened as a result. Prayer: Merciful God, allow me anger, but keep me from sin. Never let the sun go down on my anger. Instead, renew a right spirit in me, that I may forgive and love, and be forgiven and loved, as Christ forgives and loves me. Amen. David Lord Moneta, VA
.March 22. Great Is Your Faithfulness Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-24 (CEB)
In the 1993 movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays a weatherman who lives the same day over and over and over again. At first he finds it advantageous, but he ultimately feels doomed. We can do the same thing. We get caught in the past or in current challenges. We worry about the future. We relive hurtful experiences, remain trapped in difficult circumstances, or avoid opportunities for forgiveness. Yet God’s faithful love offers renewal each day and in just the right portion—God is always on time, and God is always enough. We can have clean hearts and right spirits today. In the words of St. Benedict, “Always, we begin again.” A life of ongoing renewal shapes us into more loving, faithful, and compassionate disciples. We are transformed for the sake of others.
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Prayer: Lord, help us as we wait. Thank you for your constant presence and your abiding love. Renew our hearts today as we remember your faithfulness. Amen. Renni Morris Knoxville, TN
.March 23. Between Suffering and Hope THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Scripture: Romans 5; John 4 Hope isn’t something we often talk about at Lent. In this season so synonymous with penance and sin, we talk primarily about suffering. It is true that as Christians we are called to speak about suffering, yet the text of Romans 5 comes to us as a reminder that, even in this sorrowful season, suffering and hope go together. The light of hope gives suffering its only meaning. Neither the suffering of Jesus nor our own is an end in itself. Hope names suffering as contrary to God’s desire. This Lent, as we examine our hearts, let us remember that God is a God of hope. As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman beside the well, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” Sisters and brothers, we know the gift of God and we know to whom we speak. This season ask not only for hearts that are pure, but hopeful hearts, hearts renewed in love. Prayer: God of hope, thank you for your gift of love. In this season, renew our hope by the pouring out of living water, your Spirit, upon us. Amen. Nathan Dryden Nashville, TN
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.March 24. Less is More Scripture:
Proverbs 17:1
“Create in me a clean heart.” Cleaning is not my strong suit. I am a person challenged with clutter. I’d like to blame it on my pack-rat father… a man who hates to throw anything away. “But I can fix that up and use it!” “I might need that someday!” But it isn’t just his influence, of course. My clutter is definitely my own problem. In a society where nearly everything is disposable, why do so many people keep so much stuff? Storage facilities are a $25 billion a year business! Whether in our homes or in our lives, it would be good to learn that less is more. When I get the urge to clean (usually after watching an episode of Hoarders) and throw out or donate some of my clutter, I feel an incredible sense of peace after I’m done. And I find that I’ve made space for things I really treasure. Now I just need to eliminate some clutter from my life—let go of some TV watching, web surfing, time wasting. Then I’ll have more space for the things I really treasure, like prayer, Bible study, or visits with friends and family. Prayer: Lord, focus me on the things that really matter in life. Teach me to let go of the clutter in my life and focus on my real treasure, you. Amen. Chris Howell Lynchburg, VA
.March 25. From Your Heart Scripture:
Matthew 18:34-35
Some time ago, someone hurt me very badly, leaving deep emotional scars that took a long time to heal. While I found it relatively simple to forgive this person in my head, my heart lagged far behind. www.endhunger.org
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I found myself convicted by these words of Christ, a command to forgive “from your heart,” something particularly challenging to me in this instance. After much prayer and reflection, conversation with others, and help from the Holy Spirit, my heart caught up with my brain, and I was able to forgive fully, with both my head and my heart. This experience has allowed me to forgive more freely, more fully, and even joyfully! A song by Matthew West, titled Forgiveness, has proven powerful for me. In it, West sings, “Forgiveness, it’ll clear the bitterness away; it can even set a prisoner free. There is no end to what its power can do.” How very true! There is no end to what the power of forgiveness can do. This Lenten season, I challenge you to forgive from your heart as well as your head, so that true reconciliation, with Christ and with your neighbor, can begin. Prayer: Gracious Lord, help us to remember you by forgiving others as fully as you forgive each of us. Amen. Charlie Stribula Nokesville, VA
.March 26. A Joyful Spirit Scripture:
Psalm 30:5 (KJV)
You only have to look around you for overwhelming evidence that our God is a joyful and loving God. Being part of that joy is so awesome. The best way to experience, reflect, and share God’s love is to be joyful ourselves. But chaos, circumstances, and even our own actions can eat away at our sense of well being, remove joy from our lives, and separate us from God. Though we can never control all the circumstances, and chaos is simply a part of our world today, we can take responsibility for our own actions, that make us feel so removed from God’s love. God’s arms are open. God’s will is for a right and restored relationship with us. But we must turn toward God. Communication is the key to restoring our relationship with God. Simply ask God to forgive the transgressions that have become stumbling blocks and then ask God to restore the joyful spirit that you have felt missing. 20
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Prayer: Lord, teach us to forgive our own transgressions, just like you forgive them, and to seek the renewal of a right and joyful spirit between us. Amen. Carolyn Maness Lynchburg, VA
.March 27. Am I Qualified? Scripture:
John 7:53-8:11
Why does Jesus intervene? Can he see an injustice being done? Stoning is, after all, the penalty for the crime of adultery. But according to the Law, the partner in the adultery is also to be stoned. He is not mentioned here, nor is the witness, who is to throw the first stone. Jesus forgives the woman of her sins and sends her away, with an admonition to sin no more. Had she not been sorry for her sin and ready to repent, would Jesus have done this? Those are interesting questions, but for me the most important lesson from this passage comes from Jesus’ statement, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” For years I thought Jesus was only pointing out that the scribes and Pharisees were also sinners. But, then I paused to remember that there was one person present that day without sin. Maybe Jesus is saying that if a stone is to be thrown, if judgment is to be made, then he is the only one permitted to be first. We, too, are sinners like the scribes and Pharisees. But we are called to bring God’s love (sometimes a tough love) to those who are being unfairly treated. We are not qualified to throw the first stone. Only Jesus is, and his choice is to forgive, rather than condemn, the sinner. Prayer: Dear God, help us bring your love to all those we encounter. While we need to help others understand how you want us to live, let us never judge others, for we are not qualified. In the name of Jesus who forgives and redeems us, we pray. Amen. Alvin Jenkins Knoxville, TN www.endhunger.org
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.March 28. Renewing My Mind Scripture:
Romans 12:2a
When I was a teenager, my father and I did not get along. In fact, it was not until nine years after my father passed away that God gave me the push I needed to find and offer forgiveness and to begin to feel the renewing of my mind in thoughts of my father. I heard Dan Seals singing God Must Be a Cowboy at Heart on the radio. The song’s chorus closes with the words that God provides “trails to lead old cowboys home again.” Listening, I remembered that my dad, who was a rancher, always lighted a dead cactus on the trail as he rode his horse home from the mountains, to let my mom know he was on his way. That unexpected memory of my father’s concern for his family caused me to realize that my problems with my dad had been equally my fault, and I was finally able to forgive us both. Since then, my mind has been renewed in recalling and savoring many precious moments with my dad that for so long I had not allowed myself to hold dear; moments such as holding his hand as a nurse sought to find a rolling vein in his arm, helping him find a lost calf and bring it home to the mother cow, and reading aloud a chapter in a favorite book with my parents and siblings after a hard day on the ranch. Prayer: Dear Lord, this Lenten season help us repent and seek forgiveness through the Holy Spirit, so our minds may be renewed in a right spirit towards those with whom our relationships have been difficult. Amen. Nora Ramirez Winter Haven, FL
.March 29. Heart and Mind as One Scripture:
Matthew 15:8 (ESV)
God challenges us in many ways, asking us not only to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” of our faith, but also to believe it in our hearts and to 22
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make it our first priority. When I was a child, my parents often had to drag me to church. I knew going was the right thing to do, but my heart just wasn’t in it. It often seemed like I was just simply going through the motions. But going through the motions isn’t what our faith is about. Our relationship with God is about our heart. In college my heart fell for sports. I had our football schedule memorized before any Bible passage. It wasn’t until I started getting involved in hands-on mission projects that my heart finally joined the faith of my head. For years, I had just been going through the motions, but now my heart was in it. Now my faith is driven by a heart of service rather than a checklist in my head of what I need to do to be a “good Christian.” In this season of self-examination is your heart part of your faith journey? If it’s not, spend time helping someone in need and be God’s love in action. I promise your heart will never be the same! Prayer: Dear Lord, in this season of Lent let us remember Jesus by having a heart for service. Let our heart and mind work as one; for your kingdom. Amen. Minoka Gunesekera Blacksburg, VA
.March 30. Reboot FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CEB) “Aargh! What is wrong with this stupid computer? Why won’t my phone work?” I think to myself and sometimes say out loud. I sometimes find myself stymied by the very things that usually make my life and work flow smoothly. But then on a busy morning or frantic evening, I find myself punching computer keys to no avail or jabbing my forefinger at unresponsive icons. Then, I finally remember words of good advice, “Just turn it off and restart it!” I don’t understand exactly what happens when I do that, but I know when the computer or phone reboots and starts again, the problem www.endhunger.org
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is gone and it is back to responding appropriately to commands, and I am back to efficient productivity. Isn’t that an apt image for what happens to us when we pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me?” God reboots us, we become new creations, people centered in Christ, so that, though the past may have shaped us before, now it no longer defines us. We have become persons shaped and formed in Christ! Prayer: Most holy and gracious God, remake me this day, renewing me in your image, allowing the past to define me no more. Let me be yours, reflecting you in all ways, becoming more and more like Jesus. I pray in his name and for his sake. Amen. Kathleen Overby Webster Roanoke, VA
.March 31. Who, Me? Scripture:
Ephesians 4:32
It’s been a long time since this happened, but I still think of it often. I was serving communion at a gathering of women, and I was nervous, because I had never before served communion. There was a lot to think about and I was concentrating on how to serve and what to say to each person. I suddenly decided to do it a different way, to hand each person the wafer instead of letting her take it. Unfortunately, I picked the time that a woman of another race came up to receive the sacrament. She saw the switch in technique and became very upset, convinced that I had singled her out because of her race. Later, when I tried to talk with her and explain myself, she was having none of it. I felt bad about the misunderstanding, but could do nothing to make it better. There was no resolution, and it continues to prick my conscience. This incident has made me see how easy it is to misunderstand someone else’s intentions. It has also made me be more willing to listen to people when they try to explain something. This a very humbling place to be in, this unresolved place. Perhaps this was meant to be, to teach me something about myself. 24
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Prayer: Dear God, help us to be willing to look within ourselves, even when we might not like what we see there. Guide us to be our best selves and to serve you daily as your faithful disciples. Amen. Doris Page McLean, VA
.April 1. Finding a Clean Heart in an Orchard Scripture:
Psalm 51:10
From time to time, I need to find in myself a clean heart. The noise and clutter of life can cloud things up a bit, and the crisis du jour can take my focus off the path God sets for me. There’s nothing like a quiet orchard to help renew that right spirit within. The methodical process of gleaning helps me refocus on what counts. Pick a peach; stop for just a second to admire its beauty and breathe in its fragrant aroma; place it in my basket. Reach for another peach, and then another. The beauty of the orchard and farm contributes to the peace and tranquility that soon settle over me. The setting and task also help connect me to real food and deepen my understanding of the yearning for spiritual food that lies within each of us. Then I am able to focus on the purpose of the work at hand. I know the joy a fresh peach brings, and I want to share that joy with those whose misfortunes deny them the pleasure of a fresh peach. These gifts from God belong to all of us, and I receive joy and satisfaction in my efforts, that others might enjoy these gifts, as well. Prayer: God of all good gifts, give me opportunities to help others in ways that create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Amen. Lisa Ousley Kansas City, MO
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.April 2. Blessed Assurance Scripture:
Psalm 73:23-26
I continually return to the book of Psalms. Considering King David, in all his opulence and authority, full of praise, trouble, anxiety, and peace reminds me that despite our different circumstances, despite King David’s extraordinary life and my, not so extraordinary life, we are connected. We are connected by our brokenness and our need for renewal through Christ. It is the iron string that runs through all humanity, a simple universal truth. We need God’s presence, God’s renewal, and God’s peace. That is what a clean heart is to me: one that is surrendered to God, for God to fill so there can be no selfish ambition, no animosity or ill will for God has filled it with light, love, and peace. A renewed heart is a prepared heart, one that is equipped for any challenge. Just as David boldly brought a heavy heart to God, so must we. It is the encouragement amid discouragement, because that is where God meets us: in our brokenness. Therefore, we can see the psalms as a journey to renewal. I often think how wonderful it will be to hear, one day, the melodies of those Psalms, rejoicing and singing together as one choir with renewed hearts. Prayer: Heavenly Father, renew a steadfast spirit within me. I face nothing alone as long as you are with me. Cleanse me with your love and lead me from my misdirection by your grace. Amen. Scott Holbrook Tifton, GA
.April 3. Rubbed the Wrong Way Scripture:
Psalm 51:10-12
Have you ever known people who simply rubbed you the wrong way? There was a member of the church board that I was certain was out to get 26
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me. He questioned and tested much of what I said in our meetings. In one of my reports, I provided some numbers relating to the finances of the church. I had scarcely completed the report before he said, “You have given us incorrect information. I suggest you spend more time in preparation before board meetings.” Embarrassed and angry, but choosing my words carefully, I lashed out at the man and then walked out of the meeting. Still angry as I sat at the kitchen table that night, I reviewed my report and discovered that, indeed, I had made a mistake. Now I was angry at myself for making the mistake, for lashing out at the man, and for walking out of the meeting. One of my favorite psalms came to mind: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” I was sure God had not taken the Spirit away. In anger, I had chosen to walk away. The next morning, I called the man right away and then drove to meet him at his office, knowing that the only way I could have a clean heart restored and a right spirit renewed within me was to apologize and seek his forgiveness. His gracious response to my apology eradicated every negative feeling I had held toward him and was the gateway to our becoming good golfing buddies and workers together for Christ in the life of the church! Prayer: Lord, help me live as a child of yours in all I do and say. Amen. Buzz Moore Front Royal, VA
.April 4. Restoring Joy Scripture:
Psalm 51:12
Jeremy was a young man who worshiped at our church occasionally when in town visiting his grandfather. I was the worship leader. One Sunday Jeremy asked his grandfather, “What’s happened to Joyce? She’s lost her smile.” Was the unrest within me so obvious that even a visitor noticed as I was leading worship? www.endhunger.org
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I took a leave of absence and spent a week on retreat, alone with God. It was a time of tears and crying out to God, much as the psalmist cried; a time of examination and searching of my heart. I had allowed circumstances to rob me of my joy. Through prayer, long walks, reading the Bible, and being in the presence of God, my spirit was renewed and restored. When I returned to my church and to my service as worship leader, my circumstances had not changed. But my joy had been restored, so I could once again lead people to the presence of God through praise. Prayer: Dear Jesus, you understand that sometimes we allow the circumstances around us to rob us of our joy. When those times come, help us seek your presence and remember how much you love us; that you are always with us and only desire that we rely on you for true joy. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and renew a right spirit in us. Amen. Joyce Duncan Lynchburg, VA
.April 5. Eyes to See Scripture:
Mark 8:22-25
Driving my five-year-old niece Megan through the country to preschool one morning, I asked, “Megan, do you believe there’s a God?” “Uh-huh,” she said. “How do you know?” I asked. She looked at me, spread her arms wide, pointing to all the things she saw, and said, “Look!” I looked around. What I saw were cows, fields, grass, birds, the sun coming up. What she saw were signs of God everywhere. Jesus often said, “Let those who have eyes to see, see.” It’s true: we see what we’re looking for. If you look for pain and injustice, that’s what you’ll see. If you look for good and love, you’ll find those. It all depends on what you look for. Today you’ll look at a lot of things. What do you want to see? You get to choose. In the words of Megan, “Look!”
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Prayer: Lord Jesus, touch our eyes again so we may see. Amen. Michael Henderson Florence, SC
.April 6. The Charred Desk FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14 My father was a skilled carpenter. During the last years of his life, he worked in historical restoration. I remember an older woman bringing my father a desk that, to me, looked worthless. She explained through tears how it had been damaged in a fire. She shared how long it had been in her family and how much it meant to her. Weeks passed. My father spent each night in his shop working on that charred desk. It seemed a lost cause to me. But I remember the day the woman came back for it—she was thrilled with the restoration that I had thought impossible. As a pastor I am often called to help bring some restoration to fragile and damaged lives. Many times I have wished for just a simple piece of burned wood needing repair. In meeting and praying with hurting individuals, families, congregations, and communities, I have seen and experienced the Master Carpenter. I have seen God bring new hope, new life, healing, and restoration into my own life and into the lives of others. I have not seen restoration in every situation, but I have seen enough to know that it does happen and that we must never lose faith or hope. We must never underestimate God’s power and grace. Prayer: For the many times, Lord, that you have restored and healed me, I give you thanks. Right now I lift up to you ______________ (name of a person) who needs your healing touch, and trust you to bring that wholeness in your own time and way. Amen. Bass Mitchell Catharpin, VA
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.April 7. The Diary Scripture:
Ephesians 4:32 (NRSV)
When my 95 year-old grandmother died, one of the gifts I received was her diary. It was a joy to read about her delight in hearing the birds sing, about the books read, church meetings she attended, and about the simple pleasures she found in everyday life. This was remarkable to me, because I knew she had struggled as a young widow, single-handedly rearing six children in the heart of the Depression. What a treasure! And, it was just that treasure I was describing to my cousin one day when I agreed to lend it to her. Several weeks later, I received a short note saying she had loved reading the diary and had decided to mail it to her brother. Somehow the book had been irretrievably lost. How could she be so reckless? How could she destroy my gift, my connection to my grandmother? I grieved. Then one day my pastor preached about forgiveness. She talked about God’s grace and forgiveness, and the needless pain caused and lives destroyed if we didn’t forgive as well. I thought about the diary; I thought about my feelings; I thought about my cousin; and I wrote a short note. It said: “Forgiven.” She called, and we both cried. Over the years since, we have become close: we share a bond of God and grandmother and grace. I lost one treasure and gained a new one. Prayer: Thank you, God, for teaching us about forgiveness and for the liberating peace it brings to those who experience it firsthand. Amen. Gayle Fiser Little Rock, AR
.April 8. Renewal at 3:00am Scripture:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (CEB)
I am a worrier. I wake at 3:00am with questions that make my heart race. “Will we get the church garden planted with all the rain we’ve had?” 30
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“Will we have enough volunteers for our next food giveaway?” I can toss and turn for hours. I once viewed worrying as necessary stress, but I know now it is simply a chronic bad habit. I have found peace in memorizing Bible verses such as “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication… let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 5-7) When I awaken in the night, I recite these verses and lift my concerns to God in prayer. Then I let them go. My renewal and my peace come from accepting that I have placed my problems in God’s control. Prayer: Dear God, help me realize that my temporary minor problems are a blessing because they show me I must rely on you, not on my own abilities, to accomplish your work. Amen. Laura Derr Knoxville, TN
.April 9. Righteous Patience Scripture:
Isaiah 26:7-9
One afternoon when I was a child, my grandfather took me with him to visit some folks in the hospital. Really, my grandpa was visiting, while I was supposed to be entertaining myself quietly in the hall. Grandpa went from one patient’s room to next. Yet, as he remained busy, I grew restless. And as my restlessness grew, so did my volume. I was rowdy. By the time we left the hospital, my grandpa was truly upset with me— and let me know. He told me my boisterousness could be, and was, hurtful to grieving families and people in pain. I realized then that my job to stay quiet really was important, and that by not doing my job I had hurt my grandpa as well. By dinnertime, I felt really terrible about my behavior. After dinner I approached my grandpa, apologizing and seeking reconciliation. Of course my grandpa forgave me and wanted to heal our relationship. Yet it wasn’t until days later, at the communion rail, that I felt God’s www.endhunger.org
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forgiveness—and that forgiveness felt to me like peace. That sense of peace continues to this day: living within God’s forgiveness gives me a heart for quiet moments, moments when restlessness gives way to holiness. Prayer: Gracious God, in your patience clear a path for righteousness, and transform us for your righteous patience, that we may watch for you. For the sake of the one who prayerfully waited in the garden, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Pete Geoffrion Monterey, VA
.April 10. Choosing a Less Traveled Path Scripture:
Matthew 18:15
The call I had been dreading finally came. My emotions were in turmoil as I answered. A colleague for whom I had little respect, and even less friendly feeling, was on the other end of the line. “We need to talk.” he said “How about tomorrow morning at the doughnut shop?” The next morning as we sat down with our coffee, the colleague laid out for me, with great accuracy, some things I had said about him and the manner in which they were said. I had spoken as if something was a fact (it wasn’t,) and I had done it with malice. I was caught dead to rights. I began to explode inside with a long list of offenses that he had done to me. But suddenly, like a shooting star, something moved left to right (I think) across the inside of my forehead and, rather than protest and make excuses, what I said was, “Yes, you are right.” As hard as it was to say, it was the right thing. First, the conversation allowed both of us to serve others together effectively. That would have been plenty, but the exchange put me on a completely different path physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally; a path I am still on today. My colleague had practiced Matthew 18:15 to perfection. Thanks be to God! 32
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Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that just because I want something to be true doesn’t make it true. May my faith be in your love and your Son, not rumor and speculation. Amen. Tony Forstall Norfolk, VA
.April 11. A Pure Heart Scripture:
Psalm 119:9-11
A pure heart seeks the Lord in prayer, studies God’s word, and applies what is learned and heard from the Lord. The blood of Jesus, shed for our sins, makes our hearts pure, and belief in him forms the foundation of our relationship with our risen Savior. But it’s not enough, just to believe in Jesus. That relationship must be nurtured and maintained. I find the less time I spend with Jesus, the easier it is to wander. I delight in my family when I spend time with them, learn about them, and serve them. That’s something I must bring to my faith as well. Jesus is waiting each day for me to seek him, listen to him, and wait for him. He is eager for me to love him, acknowledge him, praise him, and enjoy him. He longs to give me an abundant life, strength, joy, peace, love, patience, and encouragement. Our God is wonderful, merciful, kind, and loving. His word is his love letter to me and to everyone, and its truths give me everything I need to live a godly life. Prayer is the way I communicate with God, so I need to take time in stillness and silence in my prayers, waiting for the Lord to speak to my heart. Prayer: Lord Jesus, purify my heart and life. Help me be delighted in you and devoted to spending time with you and maintaining our relationship. I love you, and I am thankful that you love me so much. Amen. Eric Cunningham Nashville, TN
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.April 12. Hope in Things Unseen Scripture:
Hebrews 11:1
My wife and I spent a year as missionaries in Guatemala. My selfish hope was that I could impart wisdom. Little did I know that I would receive far more than I would give. One day, I was conducting a workshop for indigenous volunteer pastors. Most were reluctant, anxious participants with little formal schooling. For one activity, I handed small slips of paper to each man. On each slip was written a verse. I instructed them to think of a story from their own life that might help bring the scripture to life. Shortly thereafter, Augusto approached me with his verse, Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” “I don’t know if my story is any good,” he said in an apologetic voice. He continued, “My wife and six children eat every meal together. One day, we had enough food for breakfast, but had no food for lunch. So I told my wife to set the table. We gathered there, before our empty plates, and gave thanks for the food we had shared at breakfast.” “Afterward, while putting the plates away, we heard a knock on the door. I answered and saw a girl from down the street holding a whole chicken. She said, ‘My mother had an extra bird today, and wondered if you might like it.’” He paused and asked, “Would that work, Brother Scott?” Mouth agape, I finally stammered. “Yes Augusto. I think it will.” Prayer: Dear Lord, though we approach today with selfish expectation, please touch our hearts and renew us with unexpected surprises. Amen. Scott Dannemiller Nashville, TN
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.April 13. Cover Me with Your Cloak of Love PALM / PASSION SUNDAY Scripture: Psalm 51:10 Experiencing seven deaths this year, of family, friends, and even our precious dog, Sudsy, I have craved, yearned for, and received a “right spirit renewed.” Psalm 51:10 is a traditional inspiration, and in Eugene Peterson’s interpretation of it in The Message, I find a great plea for continued renewal: “God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.” I have discovered that a fresh start is always available if I can just be quiet enough to know again and again that God is looking for me as much as I am looking for God. A renewed spirit begins to wrap around me like a warm coat of love, and my sorrows and sadness ease. Very slowly, the fact of death finds a safe haven in God, and I am reminded that “whether we live or whether we die, we belong to God.” (Romans 14:8) Jesus reminds us, too, that God belongs to us! “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Prayer: God of our lives from beginning to end, we remember that Jesus called us to fresh starts. We thank you for seeking us when we are lost, for the forgiveness you offer, and for the promise of life eternal. We thank you for your everlasting, renewing love, available to us as a gift this Lenten season and forever. Amen. Lesley Green Huffaker Coronado, CA
.April 14. Apology Scripture:
Genesis 33:3-4
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asking a particular friend for too much, too often. Little favors turned into big assumptions. She called me on it, and she severed the relationship. For months, I thought she was the one being too sensitive. “Me? Be at fault?” My image and pride were bruised. But I treasured the friendship, and eventually my heart was burdened by my actions, so I prayerfully reached out in apology. Forgiveness from God was immediate. Forgiveness from my friend was long in coming—years, in fact—but exquisitely sweet. Recalling our reunion embrace now brings tears to my eyes; I am reminded of Jacob coming and bowing to Esau, years after the potted-porridge-and-stolenbirthright incident. This experience of owning my part in the broken relationship, recognizing my need for forgiveness, finding grace in God’s assurance of pardon, and trusting that God was working in my friend’s heart, even when it didn’t look like it from the outside, has helped me over the years to set aside pride and ask forgiveness quickly. Prayer: Lord of the offender and the offended, forgive us for casting shadow where you would have us cast your light. Help us reach out, no matter how many years it has been, to reconcile with our brothers and sisters, in the name of Jesus the Christ, who shows us the way to divine wholeness and healing. Amen. Katy Yates Brungraber Akron, OH
.April 15. Body and Soul Scripture:
3 John 2
I have learned this lesson a hundred times. If I tend to the important things—a daily devotional life, a healthy diet, and an exercise routine— everything is better. I feel good about myself; I enjoy my time with God; and family life is truly a blessing. But when I neglect any one of these, I am not at my best. Not only is it not well with my soul, but physically, I feel sluggish and self-absorbed and sometimes defeated. I know the solution, and I return to the source of my 36
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health. The cleansing power of God’s grace is always sufficient to restore “a new and right spirit within me.” One would think that this lesson would not easily be forgotten. The good news is that God has never given up on me, no matter how many times I have fallen short of God’s glory—and that has made all the difference in my life! Prayer: God of healing, when my soul is healthy, I can focus on the right things. When I am “soul sick,” I lose sight of your love and grace, and my world grows dark. Shine your light upon me, that I may be healed. Burt Brooks Midlothian, VA
.April 16. An Encounter with Jesus Scripture:
Luke 19:1-10
An encounter with Jesus can produce unexpected results, even results that are dangerous to our way of life before we met Christ. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, encountered Jesus in Jericho, and we can well imagine that he was never the same. Upon meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus repented and vowed to change his life, giving away half of his possessions to the poor and paying back, to anyone he had defrauded, four times what he had taken. Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house…for the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” Saint Francis of Assisi had a similar experience. The son of a wealthy silk merchant, the young Francis lived a very protected and pampered life, even when he went off to war for Assisi. However, an encounter with the risen Christ changed his desire for that life, and he relinquished all his wealth to live a life of poverty. Francis introduced thousands to Jesus, changing their lives forever. For more than two thousand years, people encountering the living person of Jesus have been changed.
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Prayer: Lord, so often you meet us along the way. Grant us courage to open our hearts, to recognize your presence, and to allow you to transform our hearts and change our lives, so that we may truly be your disciples. Amen. Andy Brock Winchester, VA
.April 17. Truly Seeing Christ MAUNDY THURSDAY Scripture: Luke 2:25-35 I confess that I usually don’t think of Simeon too much around Easter time. He is more of a Christmas guy for most of us. But, to me, he represents the kind of “clean heart” and “right spirit” that we all should have. Simeon waits his whole life, praying for one thing above all others. His prayer is simply that before he dies he will see “the Lord’s Christ.” Although he is now old, his faith remains strong and his heart remains clean. With a clean heart and right spirit, Simeon is able instantly to recognize the promised Savior, even as an infant, in a form that he could not have anticipated. And without knowing it, he not only sees Christ as a baby, but he also foresees him on the cross. For in his foreboding words to Mary, Simeon says that “a sword will pierce your own soul also.” Surely some 33 years later, the image of the cross sticking out of Calvary’s hill must seem, to Mary, like the hilt of a sword stuck deep into her own heart. I wonder if Mary remembers Simeon’s words, as she watches her son die on that cross. If we think about it though, we are probably all at our best and purest in that moment when we truly see Christ, in any form and in any situation. Truly seeing Christ has a way of melting away all that holds us down and of erasing all that separates us from Him. We are left with only Christ. Prayer: Lord we pray that our hearts and our spirits be made ever clean and right as we see your Son this Easter. Anonymous 38
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.April 18. Irreplaceable GOOD FRIDAY Scripture: Psalm 63:1-4 “As the cloud fades and vanishes, so those who go down to Sheol do not come up; they return no more to their houses, nor do their places know them anymore.” (Job 7:9-10) Two years ago, my son died unexpectedly at age 14. We had no idea anything was wrong, until he simply stopped breathing. Within minutes, he lay motionless on the kitchen floor. My baby was gone. To say that part of me died that day is a gross understatement. As I’ve lived with the gut-wrenching pain of losing a child, I have noticed my attitude toward God and others changing. My faith became wrapped in confusion and anger. At times I’ve found myself jealous, even resentful toward parents of kids my son grew up with, thinking how unfair it seems. “I’ve lost my child, but they still have their kids, and get to see them graduate.” I avoid family holidays, because someone’s missing. I try to look for the bright side, but clouds will always remain. I will always have a void in my life. Yet, through my grief I continue to marvel at the power of God’s love. My husband and I are moving forward in our lives together. My church family and friends remain supportive. I am in awe of God every time I see leaves changing color, or watch waves crashing on a beach. My life and my outlook are forever altered, but God’s love remains the same. Prayer: God of grace, help us in this Lenten season realize your love for us is constant, through our sorrows as well as our joys. Help us remember that, through Jesus’ suffering and death, your glory was revealed. Amen. Kelly Desclos-Estes Montross, VA
www.endhunger.org
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.April 19. Renewed Scripture:
Psalm 30
I was in a pit in my early 30s, convinced that I had no talent, no hope, no friends, no life. The only way I could escape from living with myself was to fill my free hours with beer. Out of habit, I attended church. I could sing, and the choir members mentored me, welcoming and not judging me. One man, formerly a suicidal alcoholic, was an especially caring presence as I peeked from my shell. Others, loving their neighbor, had restored his self-worth, walking with him as he now walked with me. The education director at the church saw my talent for teaching and administering. She guided me in helping with the church children and youth. Church members who helped the elderly and shut-in asked me to join in lawn care, upkeep, and transportation. I began to feel that perhaps I was worth something after all. One weekend, at a training retreat, I sat silently in an outdoor worship area. I felt the presence of the people who cared more about me than I cared about myself. I felt the presence of the God who had been guiding and calling me all along. As God began to lift me from the pit, I no longer had bitter, empty places to fill with alcohol. Prayer: God of healing, guide us into full life. May we always care for those in the pits, that a right spirit may be renewed in all. William Olewiler Fleming Island, FL
.April 20. A Tiny Daisy Speaks of Hope EASTER DAY Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-6 Some years ago I spent a week in the Sinai desert. One day, we stopped in the middle of a vast, desert-like sandy plain surrounded by hills. Our 40
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guide gave us each a bottle of water and told us to start walking, experience the desert, and get back before dark. I trekked across the plain toward a distant hill, and the farther I got, the smaller our vehicle appeared, until it was just a far-off speck. None of my companions was any longer visible, and I began to feel very much alone in the midst of a strange, forbidding, and awesome world. I had no one and nothing to depend on. It was just me, God, and my water bottle. Finally, I reached the sandy hill and started to climb. The steeper it got the more I slipped in the loose sand. As I neared the crest I stumbled and fell. Looking down, I saw a tiny flower that looked like a daisy, peeking its head up through the sand. As I looked around I realized I was in a field of daisies—minute, yet perfectly formed! At that moment I worshipped. God was speaking to me; not through a blazing sunset, crashing surf, or flash of lightning, but through the still, small voice of a tiny daisy. “You may feel alone, defenseless, and at the mercy of the elements,” God was saying, “but fear not, I am with you, and I will guide you home.” Of course, daisies are not unique to the Sinai. Nor is God’s voice uniquely to be found there. I’ve mowed my yard dozens of times and cut down hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny daisies. But with my focus on the job at hand, I was always been blind and deaf to the voice of God speaking to me through them. No matter what kind of desert we are in—a desert of loneliness, depression, rejection, discouragement, pain, grief, crushed hopes, or broken relationships—that desert can “rejoice and blossom.” The still, small voice of God can speak words of hope and promise, if we but look and listen through the eyes and ears of faith. Prayer: God of the tiny daisy, open my eyes and ears to experience the joy of your promise and hope in whatever desert I find myself. Amen. Doug Wingeier Asheville, NC
www.endhunger.org
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Feed Spiritual Hungers with Resources from Society of St. Andrew
The Fast That I Choose 12-session hunger-focused Bible study for adults and older young people. Suitable for Sunday School classes, men’s/women’s groups, small group or housechurch studies, etc. The study suggests the way we respond to the needs of others reflects the quality of our own walk with God, confronting preconceptions about hunger and poverty as participants encounter God’s preference for the poor as revealed in scripture. Finally, the study challenges participants to respond out of their faith in concrete ways to the reality of hunger in our world. Available for download (free) from www.endhunger.org/study.
Abundance Orchard Where Faith Grows and Hungry g y People p are Fed All new for 2014! A complete no-frills hunger-focused VBS, based on the workshop op rotation model. Children will explore biblical al themes of food as hospitality, sacrament, celebration, miracle, and nourishment using drama, storytelling, cooking and science, recreation, and music.They will also learn about hunger in the US today and will collect offerings to feed the hungry through Society of St. Andrew. Available for download (free) from www.endhunger.org/vbs.htm, as well as a simple VBS mission supplement and curriculum ulum tie-ins for congregations utilizing other VBS materials.
Thank you for journeying with the Society of St. Andrew through Lent, by using these devotional materials. You may make your Lenten gift directly to Society of St. Andrew by going online to: www.EndHunger.org/donate.htm; you may mail your gift to: 3383 Sweet Hollow Road • Big Island, VA 24526. Or you may give to Society of St. Andrew through your congregation, by designating your check or envelope to Society of St. Andrew. Through your partnership in this ministry, you demonstrate our Savior’s special concern for the last, the least, and the lost, by reducing food waste and feeding our neighbors in need. Please pledge to continue supporting Society of St. Andrew’s work in the year and years ahead as a member of the St. Andrew Club.
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St. Andrew Club Be part of the miracle of feeding the hungry! Join the St. Andrew Club and feed hungry people all year long, for just pennies a serving. Simply complete and return this form or our online form at www.EndHunger.org/sac.htm. We will send a ‘call’ letter twice each year (spring and fall) inviting you to send a gift in the amount you have pledged. It’s that simple!
Yes, I/we want to help feed hungry people and prevent food waste as a member of the St. Andrew Club. I/we agree to respond on call, twice a year, with a gift each time of:
_______________ (Each dollar you give will provide 50 servings of food)
$25.00 (2 gifts/year will provide 2,500 servings of nourishing food for individuals and families in the US at greatest risk for hunger)
$50.00 (2 gifts/year will provide 5,000 servings of nourishing food for individuals and families in the US at greatest risk for hunger)
Name ___________________________________________ Phone ____________________ Email
____________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________ State ______ Zip _______________ Signature ____________________________________________________________________
RETURN TO: Society of St. Andrew • 3383 Sweet Hollow Rd • Big Island, VA 24526
Society of St. Andrew’s Ministries With the help of more than 30,000 volunteers, in 2013 the Society of St. Andrew put 96 million servings of nourishing food on the plates of hungry individuals and families across the US.
Gleaning Network—A hands-on mission program for all ages, getting healthy food directly from fields and markets to the hungry people who need it most. The Gleaning Network brings together farmers with excess produce, volunteers to glean (pick, dig, or gather) that produce, and agencies feeding the hungry. People in need glean alongside people with plenty in this community-based program that engages individuals, congregations, and civic organizations in service.
Potato & Produce Project—A produce salvage program, providing direct food relief to our nation’s poor, while addressing one of the major causes of hunger: food waste. The Potato & Produce Project salvages and distributes tractor-trailer loads of fresh fruits and vegetables to food banks, soup kitchens, and other feeding agencies. Seed Potato Project—A self-help program, providing seed potatoes purchased by Society of St. Andrew to impoverished rural communities, where people have access to land for gardening. Families plant, cultivate, and harvest their own crops, realizing a yield of about eight pounds of potatoes per pound planted.
Harvest of Hope—A mission/work camp program. Participants glean and distribute produce remaining in fields after harvest each morning and learn about the realities of hunger each evening. Worship and gleaning engage participants in Christian community and service, providing a basis for on-going commitment to ending hunger. Harvest of Hope offers middle school, high school, and intergenerational events throughout the summer and fall, as well as Alternative Spring Break programs for college students.
Society of St. Andrew, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a grassroots, ecumenical and interfaith ministry, has been working toward a world without hunger since 1979. www.endhunger.org