2018
Lenten D E VOT I O N A L G U I D E
Please join us this
Easter Season at Dunwoody United Methodist Church
LENT Ash Wednesday Service
February 14, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Lenten Study
Begins February 21, 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Josh Amerson leads a study of Walter Brueggmann’s devotional guide, A Way Other Than Our Own, each Wednesday during Lent. Contact maryceleste.llaurador@dunwoodyumc.org to reserve a spot.
Lent Devotional
Subscribe to a daily Lent devotional by visiting www.dunwoodyumc.org/subscribe.
Palm/Passion Sunday
March 25 8:45 a.m. Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall 8:45 and 11:05 a.m. Traditional Service, Sanctuary
12:15 p.m. Children’s Ministry Easter Spectacular
Egg hunt, seasonal crafts, an Easter photo area and more!
HOLY WEEK Noon Service
March 26 - 30, 12:05 p.m., Sanctuary Followed by complimentary lunch
Holy Thursday Communion March 29, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Good Friday Tenebrae
March 30, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
EASTER SUNDAY
April 1 8:00 a.m. Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall 9:00, 10:05, and 11:15 a.m. Traditional Service, Sanctuary
www.dunwoodyumc.org/Easter
Welcome to the Season of Lent In the 9th chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, there is an interesting verse. Speaking of Jesus, it reads, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (verse 51, NRSV). This verse marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. From that time forward, Jesus intentionally moved toward the city that for him represented betrayal, denial, suffering and death. He did this to demonstrate the depth of God’s love and to redeem our lives. In the Church calendar, the Season of Lent comes every year to invite us to join Jesus on his journey toward Jerusalem. During Lent, we are encouraged to focus on such disciplines as prayer, fasting, charity, repentance and service. We also are encouraged to “give something up” to remind us of what Jesus gave up on our behalf and to “do something for others” as a way of remembering what Jesus has done for us. Over the last few years, I have found one of the best ways to make the journey with Jesus is by taking time each day to read our Dunwoody UMC Lenten Devotional Guide. I’ve heard others comment about how meaningful it is to read these devotions. Written by our members and clergy, these daily devotions offer an opportunity to read a Scripture passage, reflect on what others think about that passage and spend time in prayer. I invite you to set aside time every day during Lent to read a devotion. As you read, listen for the voice of God as the Spirit to speak to you through these words about the eternal Word of God, which is Jesus Christ. May these daily devotions help you prepare for the redeeming love of Christ and the joy of His victory that we experience through His Cross and Resurrection. Yours in Christ,
Dan Brown
Wednesday, February 14 Ash Wednesday By Natalie Dixon
Genesis 2:7 “The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” In this way, you and I are also formed: organic materials and biological processes arrange to define our bodies uniquely, but these are without meaning until God himself breathes life into us, giving us a spirit and a soul. Not too many verses after God breathed life into Adam’s soul, he reprimanded Adam for turning away from his will. He spoke: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). This is a clear reminder of how thin the line is between our impulsive humanity, which takes for granted our holy essence, and God’s all-powerful ability to create and destroy. Ashes, which are the burnt remains - dust - of a once-living thing, are what is left after a sacrifice to God. In the Bible, our ancestors burnt holy and expensive sacrifices to please God, serving him out of love and a ritualistic remembrance of his power. Sometimes, penitents sat among ashes to declare their guilt and beg God to forgive them of their failure to remember the power of their Creator. In the Ash Wednesday service we are offered the imposition of ashes, a mark of acceptance that we are born from dust and that without God’s breath of life, we would be nothing at all. We recognize that we would be left to destroy ourselves with sinful natures if it were not for the sacrifice of Christ. During Lent, we ritually walk behind Christ through the days of trial where he showed his power to listen to God’s will for his life’s purpose. On Ash Wednesday, we are invited to enter that same process of self-reflection, that same process of retreat from weakness of spirit.
God’s natural design returns us to the dust - the ashes - from which we were first formed. We are a holy and living sacrifice to God, then, if we invite God’s assistance to help us live the life he would have us live. In preparation for Ash Wednesday, I reflect on the words of Abraham who, in Genesis 18:27, implores help from the LORD God, whose Almighty power is far beyond his own understanding. “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the LORD,” he said, “I who am but dust and ashes.” Abraham was able to follow God’s will as long as he recognized where his human power came from. For this season of Lent, I will remember that I am dust and to dust I shall return. But I also know that the LORD God who makes all things, my Creator, has chosen to breathe life into my nostrils. I pray for assistance to remember my holy essence that God gave to me. Prayer Lord, God, who breathed life and soul into me, accept my humble prayer for your help: Call me toward your will for my life so that I honor your creation of my spirit and soul. Mark me with the ashes of acceptance of my own flaws. Mark me as yours. Amen. Today’s Thought I pray through these 40 days that I will become a little farther from dust and a little closer to Him who has given me life.
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Thursday, February 15 Lent Begins By Cheryl Dunbar
Matthew 4:1-4 “Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.” Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God.”” Lent began yesterday, Ash Wednesday, and goes through the Saturday just before Easter, which is on Sunday, April 1, this year. The 40 days of Lent can be thought of as the days that Jesus spent in the Wilderness. It is easy to think of Lent as springtime, also. One of my favorite things to do during Lent is to go to the Catholic Church and eat fish on Friday because of the Catholic tradition. The food is great! The Methodist Church does not have the practice of eating fish on Friday. The Methodist Church has a Seder meal which replicates the Last Supper. Lent is a time to focus on our relationship with God. Things that people do for Lent are to practice fasting, give something up, repent of sins and pray. Another way to focus is to think of each day of Lent as a solemn day. Prayer Loving God, Feed us with your word during this holiest of seasons. Open our hearts to the solemnness of the days leading up to Calvary and to the joy we find on Easter Sunday. Amen.
Today’s Thought Another favorite of mine during Lent is to sing special songs. A part of one song that I like is: “I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe God the Father. I believe in the Resurrection. I believe in the Crucifixion. I believe. I believe.”
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LENT DEVOTIONAL 2018
Friday, February 16 Are You Ready? By Jim Boyea
Mark 8:34-35 “After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them.” At times it seems to me that the world appears to want nothing to do with religion, yet they embrace Easter to focus on - not on the Christian perspective, but on the commercial opportunities. It seems that wherever you go this time of year there are peeps (of all colors), chocolate rabbits, Easter baskets, plastic eggs, egg dye, decorations and stuffed bunnies (of all sizes). Card shelves are overflowing with Easter cards for every demographic imaginable. Hallmark offers 149 different Easter cards with only 10% considered as “religious.” In the retail world, Easter arrived some time ago, and it is all about selling stuff, most of which we do not need and none of which has anything to do with Easter! For Christians, Easter is different from all the things the world thinks represent Easter. Easter is about the stark differences between our world and the Kingdom of God. It asks us to look at the violence of our world, violence that is fueled by hatred, jealously, greed and injustice. Then it shows us the overwhelming love and compassion available to us in God’s kingdom. Easter shows us the unimaginable power of God, power to overcome death. If we are not prepared for Easter it will arrive and we will miss its message. All we will see are the bunnies and lilies, all we will hear will be the Hosannas and the Alleluias. While these sights and sounds are wonderful, they are not the full treasure of Easter. Yet, if we have prepared by going to the garden and watching the betrayal on Thursday night and the Good Friday Supper to hear about the crucifixion, then our hearts, minds and souls will be ready. We will be ready to gather together on Easter Sunday morning to celebrate the awe-inspiring good news of the empty tomb. Prayer Oh God, Guide me to focus on the true meaning of this Easter season. Help me to be ready for the good news. Amen. Today’s Thought Will you be ready? It is my prayer that we all will!
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Saturday, February 17 God With Us By Lindsey Odom
Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This past semester, I took a course called “The Life of Jesus.” It focused on the good news of the gospel that is Jesus Christ and how each of these four gospel accounts point us to the real person of Christ through study and reflection of Jesus’s ministry. Something that stuck out to me at the end of this course was when we studied the various biblical images of Christ such as the healer, Emmanuel, the teacher of righteousness, the suffering servant, the messiah, prince of peace, light of the world and, lastly, the way, the truth and the life. I don’t know if you have ever reflected on which image of Christ you most relate to or which one helps you grow in your faith. For me, it is Emmanuel. Emmanuel means “God with us.” During Advent, a comforting and marvelous thought for me is the birth of Christ, which is a great representative of “God with us.” Christ’s birth is just the beginning of a lifelong promise that God lives among us and desires to be with us and walk with us always. Matthew 3:20 is when Jesus told the church that he is with us always. This still holds true and should give us a sense of comfort and hope that Jesus is with us through our deepest hurts and battles as well as our highest joys and celebrations. Because Christ is with us in Jesus Christ from the time he is born until the end of the age, this should bring us great joy and peace during Lent as we marvel that Emmanuel “God with us” is not only a promise but also a truth. Therefore, during this Lenten Season, I challenge you to see Jesus in a new way by considering the amazing love of Christ and how the gospel is working in your own life. It is truly by reading, hearing and studying the gospel that is the means by which we grow in our faith because there is so much power in the word and for our lives. God is worthy of our praise, honor and obedience shown by his remarkable love for us in going to the cross for us. This is why during Lent we must recognize that nothing is more deserving of our attention than Emmanuel himself. So I challenge you to reflect on how God is always with us and what that means for your life. Prayer Dear God, Thank you for sending your one and only son to the cross for us so that we might know God’s overwhelming and abundant love for us and experience new life that is ours through Jesus Christ who lives in us always. Please help us to not only experience the gospel in such a way during Lent that helps us remember what Christ did for us but also focus on how God is always with us through Jesus Christ and promises to never leave us. Through these things, grant us great joy, peace and hope during this Lenten Season. In your holy and precious name we pray. Amen. Today’s Thought This Lenten season, help me to read and hear the gospel in a new way that helps me focus on how God is always with me.
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Sunday, February 18 The List By Megan Cann
Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Giving something up for Lent is a familiar practice to many of us. We opt to give up "simple" things like sweets or saying bad words or even social media. When I mentioned to a cherished friend that I was planning on giving up gossip for Lent, she shared with me this article... “19 Things to Give up for Lent that Aren’t Chocolate” was the subject of an online column written by Monsignor Keith Derouen in February 2017. Based on a longer version by Phil Ressler entitled “40 Things to Give up for Lent: The List,” the Monsignor’s list reads: 19 things you might consider giving up this Lent and beyond: Fear: God is on my side. In Him I am more than a conqueror. (See Romans 98) The need to please everyone: I can’t please everyone anyway. There is only one I need to strive to please. Envy: I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Impatience: God’s timing is the perfect timing. Sense of entitlement: The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace. Bitterness and Resentment: The only person I am hurting by holding onto these is myself. Blame: I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions. Gossip and Negativity: I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic and bring other people down. Comparison: I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one else like me. Fear of failure: You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fall forward. A spirit of poverty: Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack. Feelings of unworthiness: You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139) Doubt: Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine. The future is brighter than you could ever realize. Self-pity: God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Retirement: As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason. You have a purpose to influence others for Christ. That does not come to an end until the day we die. Excuses: A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do. Lack of counsel: Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum. Pride: Blessed are the humble. Worry: God is in control and worrying will not help. Prayer God, Thank you for the gifts that you freely grant us. Please help us to use our words, actions and talents to honor your will. Amen. Today’s Thought “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” -St. Francis of Assisi
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Monday, February 19 I, Me, My and Mine By Elvin Aycock
Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” What does it mean to give up something for Lent? Have you ever puzzled over what to give up during the season of Lent? What would be something special and unique? One suggestion is to give up these four words: I, me, my, mine. If we are unable to give these words up for 40 days, consider reducing their usage during Lent. By reducing the usage of these personal pronouns, we reduce the focus on ourselves and provide opportunities to hear what our neighbors have to say. We show our love for others when we listen to what they have on their hearts. You might be surprised how much these words dominate our thoughts and conversations. Just observe how much these words are used by yourself and those around you. Even in prayer, we get caught up in I, me, my and mine. Oh, how we honor God when we think of ourselves less and take time to think of Him and our neighbors more. C.S. Lewis once observed, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” Think about the people you most like to spend time with. Is it not those who listen to you and show an interest in what you have to say? What would happen if we just decrease the use of I, me, my and mine? It may be a shock to your friends.
During this Lent season, give it a try. Reduce the usage of these personal pronouns. Instead focus on what your neighbors have to say and what God has to say. What a wonderful praise offering this will be to God. Prayer Dear Lord, Direct our thoughts and actions this day and every day to focus on your will for us and on those around us. Amen. Today’s Thought Paul told the Christians in Rome, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). It still applies to Christians today.
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Tuesday, February 20 Worry is Not Good By Chris Faklaris
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Holidays…New Year…new beginnings…resolutions. This time of year, coming out of the holidays, planning for life in the new year can be challenging. Most of us, if not all, are reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to 2018. Some of us are thinking “I will eat better,” “I need to exercise more,” “I should spend more time with my children and family,” and the list goes on and on. With these resolutions and goals comes pressure and the heightened expectations we place on ourselves. We question whether we are doing enough or letting ourselves and others down. Simply put, we worry. Worrying is something that comes naturally and often times not even something we consciously realize we’re doing. It certainly is not something that makes us feel better and most times it makes things worse. This passage in Matthew is a great reminder that worry is not something that is productive or will help in any way. Also, when we worry we are taking the full burden of the responsibility on ourselves. We are not trusting in God to take care of us. Prayer Dear Lord, Please remind us to put our trust in you so that we don’t try to shoulder the burden ourselves. It is through you that all things are possible. Amen. Today’s Thought Our ever loving God will take care of us and we should have peace of mind to rely on Him.
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Wednesday, February 21 God Gives the Growth By Florence Fortenberry
1 Corinthians 3:6 “I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” As I write this on a cold January day, the winter scene outside is a vivid reminder of life that lies dormant until spring when seeds sprout and new life comes. Those seeds are there all the time, but it takes warmth and rain to bring them to life. The same is true with the seeds of faith planted by our parents. I was deeply loved and nurtured in the faith by wonderful parents. Our life always revolved around God and our church. In 1974, my family was transferred to South Florida. Uprooting our lives took its toll on me, and I went through some months of a real depression. On the outside, I kept going as normally as I could, but inside I was hurting and searching. I found myself starved for God's word and spent literally hours reading the Bible and praying. Our church there met the needs of our whole family. There were sleepless nights when I cried out with the psalmist, "How long, O Lord, how long?” The healing didn't come overnight, but God began to water the seeds planted earlier in my life. He fed my spirit and nourished my soul, and I have not been the same since. To the many young parents in our church and to all of us who have the opportunity to plant seeds, let us remember how important we are to others. Prayer Loving God, Keep us close as we strive to follow You and keep the priorities in our lives in the right order. We want to scatter seeds that take root and bear fruit. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Today’s Thought Each of us must choose with care how to build on the foundation that has been laid and that the foundation is Jesus Christ.
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Thursday, February 22 An Angel Among Us By Teresa Dietz
Matthew 10: 15 “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Many of you know, or know of, Brian DeChant. If you know him, you have most likely experienced his excitement when he recognizes you in church, at church events, in public or at his home. Brian is the one person you can count on to accept you as you are, without ever questioning if you will do the same for him. He greets everyone he knows with joy as he reaches out for a hug or a pat on the head. Despite his life’s challenges, his spirit is strong and he brings sunshine and joy to those around him. When you think of Brian’s unconditional acceptance of those around him, you can’t help but remember how Jesus said that in order to enter the kingdom of God, our faith must be like that of a little child. Little children have faith that those who take care of them, who nurture, feed and clothe them will also love them, no matter what these folks look like or how young or old they are. We must accept God’s love in the same way. He takes care of us and loves us and, in return, we should love him and share that love with others around us. Only then will we love as a little child does. It is easy to get caught up in the challenges and difficulties of life, but every now and then, something comes along to bring our focus back to where it should be. Brian is one of those “somethings.” He is truly one of God’s angels, sent to live among us and remind us of God’s unconditional love. Prayer Father God, Help us remember the love you gave us in the form of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. Today’s Thought In this season of Lent, let us focus on how we can better love God and those around us.
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Friday, February 23 Life Goes On By Barbara Sanko
John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” Every year I can remember, my father planted a garden. A farmer at heart, he loved planting the tiny seeds, anxiously awaiting the emergence of green shoots from the sandy South Carolina soil. When my brother and I were children, much of the dinner table conversation was related to the progress, condition or status of “the garden.” My brother followed in his footsteps, planting not only a garden but also acres and acres of soy beans and corn. As my father grew older, my brother helped more and more with his garden. Then, on February 17, 2001, my brother died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. All of us - me, my parents, his wife and children - were devastated. I traveled frequently to my parents’ home that spring, needing to be with them, grieve with them and comfort them as best I could. Each time I drove past the fields my brother farmed, I cried. Where once there were green rows, arrow straight on the flat, brown field, gently curving on the terrace, now lay a brown, unkempt array of dirt and weeds, painful reminders of his death. That April, I was talking with Daddy. He said “You want to ride out to the farm? The squash and beans are up.” I couldn’t believe it! I said, “Daddy, you planted a garden this year?” He smiled, “Had to, needed to.” We went to look, and sure enough the beans and squash were poking up through that brown, sandy soil, just as green as you please. I looked over at my father, and he was looking up and down the rows, nodding and smiling. I knew he was seeing my brother’s face in those green shoots and thinking of the new life my brother is living with his Lord. In that moment, I understood why Daddy “had to, needed to” plant the garden. That garden was a reminder that life, indeed, does go on…sometimes here, sometimes in the next world. The next year, Daddy not only planted his garden, he also rented out several hundred acres to a farmer friend of my brother’s. Seeing the fields green and growing again somehow comforts me. I smile now as I pass them. I know my brother is pleased, too. Prayer Father, Thank you for dry, brown seeds that sprout into green stalks and leaves, reminding us of the resurrection of Your only Son. Because He died and rose again, we know that we, as believers, can live on with You, even after death. Amen. Today’s Thought Plant the seed of Christ’s love with someone you meet today.
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Saturday, February 24 Who I Am By Anonymous
Psalm 100:3 “Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” It’s Oscar night on TV. The Scene: Red carpet, and a bucket full of stars dressed to the nines and wearing a wealth of diamonds, walking on that carpet hoping to be “captured” by the TV host. The Question: Once called over, almost without fail, she is asked “Who are you wearing” in an attempt to show deference to a designer. But we are not what we are wearing, driving or where we reside...I am wearing slacks from Jacque C. Penne, a sweater from Dillards, a shirt from T. J. Maxx and shoes from Dillards, but that has nothing to do with who I am. We get our existence from God and not from “things”. As the psalmist says, “Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Therefore I am not what “stuff” I own, for I am created in His image! “God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him” (Genesis 1:27). Now that I am aware of who and what I am, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14). Prayer Loving God, I am yours and you are mine. I praise you. Amen. Today’s Thought It’s not who you are, it’s whose you are. And, you are God’s.
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Sunday, February 25 Follow Me By Rev. David Melton Mark 8:31-38 “Then Jesus began to teach his disciples: “The Human One must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and the legal experts, and be killed, and then, after three days, rise from the dead.”” (verse 31) Parents and teachers rejoice in those teachable moments, when their children and students are eager and open to learning. It may have seemed like that kind of breakthrough moment for Jesus when Peter seemed to “get it.” Peter had responded correctly to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responded with, “You are the Christ.” And, Peter, the one who usually blurted out all of the wrong things, this time had gotten it right. Jesus is the Messiah. The moment seemed a perfect time, so Jesus began to teach, first to the inner circle (verse 31) and then to the larger crowd (verse 34) what that claim meant. You can almost picture Peter imagining Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, unseating the Roman government, and taking his crown. But that teachable moment quickly disappears as Jesus gives Peter a stern rebuke. “Get behind me, Satan. You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts” (verse 33). How could Peter’s status change so quickly, from head of the class to dunce? He saw who Jesus was as the Messiah, the anointed one, but he didn’t know what that meant. He could not imagine Jesus; suffering, rejected, killed. Peter was thinking glory, not humiliation, and I think that is the way many of us are. We want healing, comfort, reward, success – or at least we figure we should have a happy life, satisfying and lucrative work as fringe benefits for our faith experience. To follow Jesus as Messiah means that we cannot guide, protect or manipulate Jesus. We simply must follow. Prayer Like Peter, O Lord, we sometimes try to turn you away from your mission. We do not want you to be the Christ that models a life of suffering, service, and sacrifice. We want you to be the Christ who takes us to glory, who makes life easier for us, who lifts us above daily trials and troubles. Enable us to know what it means to deny ourselves, and empower us to be your disciples. Amen. Today’s Thought “Just as Christ is Christ only in virtue of his suffering and rejection, so the disciple is a disciple only in so far as he shares his Lord’s suffering and rejection and crucifixion. Discipleship means adherence to the person of Jesus, and therefore submission to the law of Christ which is the law of the cross.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 1995.
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Monday, February 26 Layering By John Rhea
Ephesians 6:13-17 “Therefore, take up the armor of God; then you will be able to withstand them on the evil day and, after doing your utmost, to stand your ground. Stand fast, I say. Fasten on the belt of truth; for a breastplate put on integrity; let the shoes on your feet be the gospel of peace, to give you firm footing; and with all these, take up the great shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the burning arrows of the evil one. Accept salvation as your helmet, and the sword which the Spirit gives you, the word of God.” Our family just returned from a trip full of hiking. On one particular all-day hike, we spent the first four hours walking uphill. I started very comfortably dressed with a baseball hat, shirt, hiking pants and boots with a backpack full of extra clothes and power-bars. As we climbed, I was constantly adding and subtracting my clothing to match the wind and temperature changes on the way up. At the top, I found myself wearing a down vest, rain jacket, rain pants and gloves. I had exchanged the baseball cap with a wool stocking hat – it was sleeting and snowing and the wind was strong. I was really happy to have packed plenty of layers to battle these elements. While relaxing (collapsed, really) at the top, I reflected on the verse above discussing the Armor of God and how it applied to my layering. Our Father has generously provided us with so many layers of protection from evil – truth, integrity, the gospel, faith, salvation and His word. It’s up to us to “put on” these layers in our day-to-day activities to protect us from all that would take us off our spiritual path. Prayer Lord, Thank you for the armor that you provide to us. Forgive us when we choose to face the secular world in just our spiritual shorts and t-shirts without arming ourselves with your full protection. Please have your Holy Spirit prompt us to layer-up each day on this our heavenly trek. Amen. Today’s Thought Are you layered with God’s armor?
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Tuesday, February 27 Never Give Up! By John Sivak
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When my kids were growing up, I came up with a family motto, Never Give Up! I challenged the kids over and over throughout the years to recite the motto, and they would do a good job of teasing me by pretending they did not know what I was talking about. We had fun with it, and I am confident that the real meaning is engrained in them. Whether young or old, we are constantly under pressure to just give in, to quit and say we are done. In both the Old and New Testaments, we are reminded many times to Never Give Up. In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, it is written “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). The apostle Paul wrote “Let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Jesus said “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). I know that my kids will have our “motto” with them forever. We can all be assured that God will give us strength when we don’t think we can do another thing. Prayer Loving God, We know you are with us and you help us to keep going, never give up. This day and every day, we look to you for strength to do good. Amen. Today’s Thought What is your family motto? How does it support your walk with Christ?
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Wednesday, February 28 #kindnessmatters By Shannon Whiting
Zechariah 7:9 “The Lord of heavenly forces proclaims: Make just and faithful decisions; show kindness and compassion to each other!” I had one of those “step back and think” moments today. After working all weekend on decorating for Christmas and concentrating mostly on the outside because the inside was such a disaster due to a kitchen renovation I thought, hummm... The outside looks a lot different (pretty, calm, organized and bright) from the inside (ugly, chaotic and disorganized). This can be people’s lives too! Just because something appears bright and beautifully “decorated” on the outside, things could be a complete mess on the inside. Use this season to really get to know people - inside and out! You never know what people are going through just to make it through the day. #kindnessmatters Prayer Loving God, Help me to slow down and focus on creating strong relationships with those around me. Help me to shine your light to all that I encounter. Amen. Today’s Thought Step back and think about how you could change someone’s day through a simple act of kindness. Then, do it!
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Thursday, March 1 Gift Sharing By Peggy Browne
2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” During the Great Day of Service 2017, I had the pleasure of meeting Karen and Darrell Wright when we went to paint their 1997 Atlanta Habitat for Humanity home. While painting alongside Karen, she relayed the following story. Prior to 1997, Karen worked for the Coca-Cola Company. Her apartment rent for three children (Karen was rearing her two nieces and son) and two adults went up $600 a month, making finances a struggle. Karen learned about Habitat housing and applied. When a Habitat visit was made to her apartment, the representative was impressed with how well Karen kept her apartment. After the qualifying criteria were met, a Habitat home was built for her. Karen and Darrell married in the back yard three years later, inviting 250 guests with 500 actually showing up. Since obtaining her home, Karen and Darrell have worked closely with the police to rid their neighborhood of crack houses and crime. The neighborhood is hardly recognizable from 1997. There are no empty homes or lots. Sounds of construction fill the air. Apartments, condos and $850K homes are on their street or directly behind their home. Karen has passed on her knowledge regarding qualifying for Habitat homes to relatives and friends. Today three of her sisters, two step-children, a sister-in-law and numerous co-workers have qualified for Habitat homes. All are the recipients of Karen’s gift of sharing her good fortune.
Karen’s job with Coke terminated several years ago. After some time, she found employment with Cox Enterprises. Since working there, Karen has been able to assist her sisters and friends in finding employment at Cox. Karen is a true believer in sharing one’s gift of good fortune for the benefit of others. She said, “When I’m blessed, I pass the blessing onto others.” What a great gift/blessing giver she has been to relatives and friends! During Lent, we set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his life, his suffering, his sacrifice, his death, his burial and his resurrection. Through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, we have been given the gifts of grace and our future eternal home. Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank you for sharing the incredible gift of your son, Jesus Christ, with us. Holy Spirit, help us in sharing our God-given gifts to make the world a better place for our brothers and sisters. In Jesus’s Holy Name I pray. Amen. Today’s Thought Consider how you can share your God given gifts/blessings with others today and every day.
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Friday, March 2 The Butterfly By Amanda Hene
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” When I think of Easter and the period of Lent leading up to it, I think of the significance of the order of events that led up to Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection and what that means for me. The butterfly symbol has been a very significant theme throughout my life. When I was a teenager, I experienced a powerful weekend in my spiritual life when I went on a Chrysalis Walk. I spent three days reflecting, growing and being loved on by people whom I had never met. It was a pivotal moment in my personal faith walk and one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. A short time later, I joined a sorority and my chapter’s symbol was a butterfly. My four years as a collegiate sorority member were probably the most formative years of my life and while they were not always the most spiritual, those years were transformative in a very positive way. Years later, my husband and I attended our first fundraiser for Wellspring Living, an organization we are now heavily involved with. Wellspring helps victims of sex trafficking. At the fundraiser, a very special Butterfly Award was given to a young woman who had come from rock bottom to living her best life due to the hard work she put in and the commitment of the organization to come alongside her throughout her recovery and graduation from their program. Now when I see a butterfly, I can’t help but think of the hope and life offered to us all by God’s grace. Lent is a time intended for Christians to focus on our faith. This special time can be used as a time of transformation. Just like the life cycle of the butterfly, we can all use this time to reflect on making some changes with grace to transform our own lives. When a caterpillar goes through chrysalis, a transformation takes place and the insect emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Not only can change be hard work, it can be quite scary. The butterfly teaches us that change is necessary for growth. During this season of Lent, consider what changes might need to be made in your own life so that you can transform, with God’s grace, into the beautiful child of God you are intended to be. Prayer God, We thank you for the hope and life offered to us through your grace. Help us to accept your gift and focus on growing our faith every day to better serve you. Amen. Today’s Thought The next time you see a butterfly, whether a beautiful one flutters in your path outside or you notice one on a greeting card or springtime decoration, remember it as a symbol of resurrection, endurance agent of change, hope and the life God wants for you and paid so greatly for.
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Saturday, March 3 Finding Hope By Ralph Freeman
Colossians 1:27 “To them (that is, the saints) God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The expression, “Life is a journey,” proceeds from the lips of many who would dare to venture beneath the surface of the challenges we face from day to day. And, there is no getting around the fact that this life is full of them. Certainly, our Lord Jesus knew that when He said to his disciples in John 16:32-33, “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I find it interesting that hope originates in God’s love, winds its way through God’s peace and lands safely in the unspeakable joy of heaven. Hope is forever intertwined in our lives. What an awe-inspiring path our lord has chosen to make our journey complete. But that journey usually includes some suffering along the way. Many times I’ve asked the question, “What value is there in suffering?” Paul tells us in Romans 5:2-5, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” My wife, Julie, was one whose journey was punctuated with challenges along the way, the last of which involved suffering. Yet in all of it, she never lost hope. God was with her. The most notable challenge came in a diagnosis of brain cancer in August 2009. This was devastating news to our entire family and circle of friends. Yet, Julie maintained the trust she had in God when she said, “I will pray and ask the Lord to heal me. Yes, I will endure all the medical procedures, take all the treatments and medications and see what the Lord does in all of this.” No doubt, she has realized the love that winds its way through peace and makes a soft landing in the unspeakable joy of heaven. And so can you. Prayer Heavenly Father, We thank you for hearing us when we call. Some of us are facing many challenges, but we pray that this day will be the moment in our life’s journey when hope is realized in an unforgettable way. Give us the assurance that you are with us, no matter what circumstances arise. Rekindle our spirits and make us one with Christ, so that we find strength when we’re weary, have courage when it is most needed, and are renewed in the path that leads to eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Today’s Thought God is with us, no matter what. We just have to call on him.
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Sunday, March 4 The Lessons of Failure By Rev. Josh Amerson
Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.” I heard a Silicon Valley tech icon give a talk not that long ago, and he shared some interesting advice: “Go make big mistakes. Go make small mistakes. Just don’t go and make the same mistake twice.” It was an interesting lesson because it seemed to run counter to what so many of us hear. In school, on exams, at work, in sports…most places want us to be “mistake-free.” But what this one industry leader was suggesting was that we might actually grow the most as individuals when we fail, because it’s the best teacher and best reminder of our humanity. The church has understood this for centuries, observing the season of Lent and inviting its people to focus not on everything that we have done perfectly well, but instead on everything imperfect we have done and left undone. This is not so we might be discouraged and diminished, but so we might recognize our human weakness, turn to the Lord for strength and guidance, and discover the love and forgiveness that allows us to go back into the world as wounded healers. Romans makes it clear that we all fail and fall short, and the surprising and wonderful news is that even in the midst of our sin, we are loved and restored. Prayer Dear God, We turn to you for strength that we can grow from our mistakes and realize that your love is always with us. Amen. Today’s Thought God forgives our mistakes.
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Monday, March 5 What’s in a Name? By Jay Pryor
Psalms 5:11 “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” Our daughter married a great guy who has Dutch ancestry. As a result, she has a Dutch last name that many people find difficult. When her oldest son was just learning to spell, we asked him to spell his first name. He correctly responded with “P – E – T – E – R.” Then we asked him to spell his last name, and he replied, “That’s a tricky one!” Our family name was immensely important to my Dad. When he wrote a book about our family’s genealogy, in the front of the book he put this verse: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). My Dad is no longer with us, but he left the legacy of a good name. Our name may be one that is familiar to all, easy to pronounce and easy to spell. Or, it may be one that is a bit tricky and that people find difficult. Regardless, we can all seek the loving favor of God and live our lives such that others might identify us with the name “Christian.” Prayer Dear God, Help us keep the name of Jesus Christ in our daily lives and so act that we might bring glory to your name. Amen. Today’s Thought Do something today to share the incredible legacy of the name God gave each of us: “Christian.”
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Tuesday, March 6 Sing a New Song By Joe Seegars
Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” I don’t know how old I was when I learned that Psalms were actually lyrics to songs of praise, or when I learned that the “p” was silent. I do remember the first Psalm I heard put to popular music. If you were a teenager in the 1980’s, you likely remember it, too. It starts like this: I waited patiently for the Lord He inclined and heard my cry He brought me up out of the pit Out of the mire and clay I will sing, sing a new song A few things struck me about this song – how it was simple and short, yet memorable; and how much better the live version was than the studio recording. In much the same way, faith is not, or does not have to be, complicated and is so much more enjoyable when shared “live” with others. Faith is belief. Time and again, the Bible recounts how simply believing in Jesus led to healing. During this Easter season, I hope you will rejoice and claim the gift of eternal life that Jesus has given you, and you will be in fellowship with others so that your faith might be more alive. And sing a new song. Prayer Lord, I trust in you. I rejoice in the gift of eternal life that your love made possible. Amen. Today’s Thought Here are the rest of the lyrics: He set my feet upon a rock And made my footsteps firm Many will see Many will see and fear I will sing, sing a new song
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Wednesday, March 7 Rock of Ages By Anne Reich
Isaiah 26:4 “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Recently I heard a sermon that referenced this line from the hymn Rock of Ages: “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” Ever since I heard that line, I can’t get it out of my head. It amazes me that nothing we do or have is the reason for God’s grace. We can’t earn it or buy it. We can’t bring our happy family, successful career, financial success or volunteer achievements to the cross – it doesn’t matter. I bring nothing, yet receive everything. I simply let God in my heart and accept his Son as my Lord and Savior, and I receive God’s grace. It’s so powerful to think God loves us just as we are. The Lord, the Rock of Ages, only wants us to cling to Him. The hymn ends “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.” Life has a lot of ups and downs. During the downs, I love thinking about hiding in the Lord. Isn’t that what we want to do? Just hide from our problems? Let us hide in the Lord and remember that life on earth is temporary. During this season of Lent, cling to the cross and hide in the Lord. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord himself is the Rock eternal. Prayer Dear Lord, During life’s ups and downs, help me remember to hide in you. Thank you for loving me as I am, and thank you for allowing me to bring nothing to the cross but me. Amen. Today’s Thought Carve out a few minutes in your day today to listen to the Rock of Ages hymn (try YouTube or Spotify). It’s awesome that a hymn from the 18th century still resonates so much today.
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Thursday, March 8 Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing By Virginia McGuffey
Mark 12:29-31 “Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." People who know us, know that we go to all the University of Georgia home football games and have since 1969 (except for a brief period when Wade was in the U.S. Air Force). There have been good years and bad years. Our fan motto is “Once a Dawg, always a Dawg, how sweet it is!” You’ll hear our young grandchildren shouting out “Go Dawgs!” They recognize the Georgia “G.” We have a lot of red and black clothing. About 20 people in our family graduated from UGA. Tailgating in Athens before games has always been a fun family event. 2017 was a very special year as our Dawgs were in the national championship game against the University of Alabama. The week leading up to the big game was filled with distractions for the players. There were numerous media events, fan day events and all the things that go along with the final playoff game. The players had played a very intense game against Oklahoma the week before and were mentally and physically drained. Among other things, they had to give interviews to the media. There were constant questions and much speculation about whether UGA Coach Kirby Smart would be the first assistant coach to go on to beat his former boss, Alabama Coach Nick Saban, whether UGA quarterback Jake Fromm, a true freshman, would be able to lead his team to a national championship, whether UGA players Sony Michel’s and Nick Chubb’s postponement of NFL careers would have been worth it, and whether Georgia would finally, after 37 years, have another national championship. Although in the end they did not win the final game, they played well, with great intensity and focus, and lost a very close game in overtime. During the week leading up to the game, we listened to many of the players being interviewed, and we will never forget the answer that the players had for the question about how they were staying focused in the midst of all the distractions. Over and over, we heard the players say that they were just going to “Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing.” They were going to focus on the “Main Thing” of playing the game, and everything else was being put aside. And when the game was over, and we settled back into our daily lives, it was a good time to remember that the “Main Thing” is Jesus Christ our Lord. Prayer Lord, help me to see past the daily distractions and keep me focused on you. Amen. Today’s Thought Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing.
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Friday, March 9 15 Minutes By Kenneth Abele
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Today most people have electronic calendars to keep track of their appointments during the day. For some, it can seem almost every minute is taken with important daily activities. We all work to provide for ourselves and our families, attend a class, take care of a child or other loved one, or meet a service provider to fulfill some need. Or we carve out an hour for a workout or favorite TV show. It is difficult for some of us to find quiet time to spend with God and His word to focus on eternal things versus earthy things. Recently through a friend, I learned of an impactful application called First15 for the first 15 minutes of a day. Every day, the application provides scripture, reflection, prayer, music and a call to action. I have found that the 15 minutes I spend in this devotion help me focus on my relationship with God and provides peace for me during the day. The comments by followers at the end of each devotion also are very meaningful and heartfelt. I would encourage everyone to seek His kingdom first every day with this devotion or whichever devotion you find most helpful. Prayer Heavenly Father, We know you love us and want a relationship with us. Help us to remember to spend time with you every day and seek you. Amen. Today’s Thought Make the first 15 minutes of every day your most important.
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Saturday, March 10 2013 and I’m Still Not Superstitious By Glenda Joiner
John 3:16-17 “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” I’ve never been superstitious about anything - avoiding walking under ladders is just common sense. I love black cats and think they are beautiful - if one crossed my path I would call it back. Then, there is that phobia about the number 13. Have you ever noticed there isn't a 13th floor on an elevator panel? The 13 phobia seemed silly to me until the year 2013 rolled around. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still not superstitious. I’m not fond of hearing that number because it’s a reminder of stressful and sad times. In 2013, my mother’s health declined rapidly. I was doing my best to take care of her. I was getting over major surgery at the end of 2012, and my energy level was slow to improve as I entered into the new year. Then came a new hurdle in life’s race. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts and underwent three surgeries while still looking after Mom. I was fortunate to have a strong-willed mother who did all she could on her own, trying to give me a chance to recuperate and lessen my burdens. It was just her and me, with no other family members here. Between my surgeries, Mom had to go into hospice. What wonderful people - a “God send” to us that neither Mom or I could have managed without. Later on I became aware that because I was concentrating so strongly on my mother and praying for her that I did not dwell on what I had to go through. Also, it seemed to be the same for Mom as she was worried more about me and praying for me during her own suffering. While we were both going through life and death situations focusing on each other’s plights helped take our focus off ourselves and helped us handle what we were dealt. The last thing my Mom said was, “I love Jesus.” I could not have imagined going through hard times such as these without the presence of the Holy Spirit with us. Prayer Thank you, Father, for your Grace and Mercy, sending Jesus to give His life for our salvation. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us and for your unimaginable sacrifice. Amen. Today’s Thought Thanks be to God for sending the Holy Spirit, our comforter and wise councilor, to indwell in all of us who believe in Jesus; blessing us with a peace that passeth all understanding.
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Sunday, March 11 Keeping it Simple By Margaret Gallagher
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Throughout Matthew’s gospel, Jesus illuminates the challenges of discipleship in the face of cultural and personal pulls to the contrary. It’s certainly not easier in our age of Internet and Social Media that puts those temptations right in our hands (literally) 24/7. How can His “yoke” be considered easy? My dad is taking the Disciple fast-track study at his church this semester. According to the workbook, the Law was referred to as “the yoke” in Jesus’ time. The Jewish law was long and cumbersome, with rules and rituals in specific detail down to washing hands seven times both before and after each meal. But, later in Matthew, Jesus condenses the entire Law into two commands: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). The people of Jesus’ time would have considered remembering and using these two standards easier than the vast collection of the Law. But, do we? Do we fret over details and legalese, or do we hold each decision up to Jesus’ easy yoke? Of course, the implementation takes practice. But, when I hold myself to those two commands, my soul finds peace. Prayer Lord, Help me fit myself into your harness of loving You with all I am and seeing each of Your children as You do. Remind me, as needed, that it’s just that simple. Amen. Today’s Thought Am I wearing the yoke of Jesus with my every choice today?
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Monday, March 12 Jesus and the Yellow Bug By Mary Ruffin
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.” Atop an Ellijay mountain, I joined as a guest with other artists for a discipline of painting a Station of the Cross during a Lenten Arts Retreat in 2016. This was part of their ongoing tradition to come together as a community here and display their paintings in their home church during the Lenten season. The weekend had come to an end. Attendees were checking out of the lodge and leaving in their cars. As I looked outward through the lobby windows, the view outside was obscured in cloud cover. An unexpected weather pattern had descended over the entire mountain; it was engulfed in dense fog. As I walked out of the lobby doors, I could no longer see the pavement. I was lifting my foot and placing it down deliberately, trying to feel the gradations one step at a time. Safely now inside my car, I thanked Jesus for the weekend and asked him to help me. Mustering all my courage, I drove forward literally onto a sidewalk, not the driveway. I waited, but no one else had come out to their car to leave. My only choice was to find someone inside the lodge to follow their tail lights down the mountain to safety. As I circled inside the lodge common space, asking for help, up popped my guardian angel, Lynne Fischer-Queen, with a smile on her face, saying she would get us down together! Lynne led me by the hand to her yellow VW Bug. She said, trust me, I’ll watch you in my rearview mirror. I will get you home. Prayer Heavenly Father, During this Lenten season, help me to know you better. Thank you for the path you’ve given me and those you’ve put along the way to help me grow in my faith. Amen. Today’s Thought Jesus holds us by the hand, every step of the way. We just have to trust him.
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Tuesday, March 13 The Verse By Samantha Faklaris
1 Timothy 4:12 “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” When my girls were toddlers, I think I truly took note of this Bible verse for the first time. I feel like it was shared with the youth of DUMC and somehow with three girls three and under, I took notice. I had big plans for putting it on our walls outside my girls’ rooms. As they learned to read, it would be one of the first verses they learned because Chris and I want to raise not only confident girls, but also devoted, hardworking, thoughtful, loving, generous and humble girls. That wasn’t/isn’t asking too much, is it?! Smiley face. I was so excited to have this be our family mission. But “life” got busy (or, if I’m being honest, OVERWHELMING…smiley face) raising three girls (let alone with such goals we had/have for them…smiley face) and my plan for sharing this with our family never materialized. Fast forward to 2017. Each year, the 8th graders at our girls’ school pick a Bible verse on their retreat at the start of school. The entire school lives by it as their theme for the year. Imagine my delight when Lexy came home from her retreat and shared that they had picked a long verse for everyone to memorize, but one that was meaningful for them. She said ““Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” I got teary eyed. We are all doing our best as parents to raise good children who know and love God, are safe in this crazy world and contribute to helping others (let alone do well in school, sports, service and more) through many different avenues. We live an insanely fast-paced life with so much coming at us. It’s this verse that often reminds me, and hopefully them, that there is always going to be someone older, wiser suggesting a different path for you, possibly tempting you…but don’t give in. Go with your gut. God has given us the tools (and hopefully we have exposed you to them with all that surrounds you) to make good choices in life. Prayer Loving God, Guide me to be a fully devoted follower and an example of your love in all that I say and do. Amen. Today’s Thought Be an example and live generously, be fully devoted and never lose heart.
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Wednesday, March 14 Little Nudges By Scott Dunbar
Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (New Living Translation) I was asked to write a Lenten devotional, as we all were; but nothing came to mind. However, it did get me thinking. The main thing I’ve learned about a life in faith is that it’s a constant surprise. We never know what’s coming and what effect we have on others. In other words, none of us know what we are doing: how things will turn out, what we mean to others, which little things will become big things, etc. We just don’t know at the time, or usually ever. I had the privilege of discovering the whereabouts of my most important high school teacher a few years ago. It just fell in my lap, I wasn’t looking for him. He and his wife are in a retirement community in Roswell. I called him up and made arrangements to have dinner at his facility. He said he remembered me, and I was surprised to believe that was true after we talked awhile. I told him then that he was the most important teacher I had ever had and that he set the direction of my life’s work without knowing it. Having that opportunity was a blessing to both of us. We still keep in touch by phone or by impromptu visits. I’m so glad I followed that little nudge from the Spirit. I wonder what blessings I’ve missed by not responding to these little opportunities. Millions I suspect. Prayer Jesus, Thank you for the doors you open for me to witness to others. Help me be more aware of the little nudges you give me and, more importantly, to respond to them. Amen. Today’s Thought Note to self: Act on these nudges! Do you suppose Jesus knew what he was doing and how all of this would turn out?
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Thursday, March 15 God’s Purpose By Laura Keen
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” This is my favorite scripture because in my darkest hour while I was grieving the premature loss of my brother, this scripture helped me accept his death. I think I interpret this scripture differently than most people, but isn't that what scripture is all about? Hearing God's voice telling you what you need to hear, not what everyone else needs to hear. This scripture gives me faith that God has a purpose and a meaning for everyone's life. He won't bring you home until you have finished that. If you believe this to be true, it's a lot easier to accept someone leaving you to pass into heaven. This is probably how all the disciples felt seeing Christ leave them. Jesus had completed his Earthly purpose and it was time to go back home. Prayer Dear God, Thank you for sending your son to Earth to help show us the real meaning of love. As we prepare for his resurrection, help us reflect on what you wanted us to learn from his time on Earth. Open our eyes and hearts to your light. Amen. Today's Thought What is your good work? What was Jesus' purpose on Earth?
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Friday, March 16 The Worthy Lamb By Sharon Gilbert
Revelation 5:12 “…Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” I was listening to Joy FM 93.3 this week, and one of the radio hosts was talking about a survey he did for people’s favorite holiday. Of course, Christmas came in first by 57%, Christmas Eve second and Easter third out of 17 holidays surveyed. I think that is a fair assessment of how we as human beings view things. We are taught early about Christmas presents and family and fun gatherings during the Christmas season. Easter is a little different but has a few of the same secular festivities. Children have the egg hunts, baskets, special dresses and suits. We even used to get a day off from school for Good Friday. Looking at the holidays in this way, it seems like we are focused on “what do I get?” In the 5th chapter of the book of Revelation, John the theologian of Patmos, describes his vision of heaven. John says that he is standing before the throne and there’s a scroll in His (God’s) hand. An angel calls out, “who is worthy to open the scroll?” (verse 2) and no one was worthy. As John begins to cry, an elder announces “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has prevailed” (verse 5). In the next verse, John says he looks for the lion but instead he sees a “Lamb as though it had been slain” (verse 6). We know from scripture that this One who is worthy is Jesus the Christ. Easter happened so that there is One worthy to take the scrolls from the right hand of the One on the throne. We can see from the vision in the book of Revelation that at the Easter holiday what we really get is the One who is worthy. Enjoy Easter with your traditions and remember the gift God has given to us. Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to be the Lamb who is worthy. Help us to remember that today, throughout the Lenten season and always. Amen. Today’s Thought Really, what we get is what we needed.
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Saturday, March 17 It Is As Simple As That By Jim Anchors
Romans 5:8 “But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” For some reason, God wants to have a relationship with us. I don't pretend to know why, but I think it has something to do with love. However, there's a problem between God and us. The problem is sin. God just absolutely cannot tolerate sin. In Romans 3:23, the Apostle Paul tells us that everyone has sinned. Romans 6:23 says the price we pay for sin is death. But Paul also has some good news for us. Romans 5:8 says that God demonstrated how much He loves us by allowing His Son Jesus to die for us on the cross. That death on the cross paid the price for our sins. The defining question is: what must we do to be saved from death? Once again, the Apostle Paul gives us the answer. Romans 10:9 says that if we speak with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead after He was crucified, then we'll be saved. It is as simple as that. Paul says in Romans 10:13 that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There are two paths in life. One is the path to destruction and everlasting death. The other is the path that leads to an eternal life with God in a place called heaven. To change your path and change your life you'll need a bridge. That bridge is the cross of Jesus, and it can take you from the path of death to the path of life. The Cross, that great symbol of Christianity, beckons us to give up whatever is keeping us on the wrong path. Cross the bridge, and find a peace that we've only imagined and a journey with God that is indescribable. Prayer Father God, You’ve made it so simple for us, yet we are hesitant to pick the right path. Grant us the courage to find peace and follow your path. Amen. Today’s Thought As we look forward to Easter let us remember that when nailed to a cross, Jesus paid a great price for our lives. Accept that great gift and simply say, God, forgive me.
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Sunday, March 18 A Personal God By Ann Perkins Delatte
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” It had been less than 24 hours since the death of my 35-year-old husband who had fought a courageous battle against Hodgkin’s disease. I was standing alone in my kitchen deep in thought. The wall phone rang, and I reached for it without fear of it being a call from the hospital - that call had come yesterday. My Aunt Nona from Pensacola was on the line. Nona, only four years older than me, is one of the most spiritually-grounded people I know. Her faith in God is unshakeable. In her soft voice, Nona said “Now, Ann, don’t you worry about you and the boys (my three-year-old twin sons). God has his arms around you.” At that moment, a gentle but firm arm reached around me from my left shoulder, across my back, and to the right shoulder. “I know,” I said calmly. Prayer Oh, God, What a wonderful friend and Father You are. Help us to quiet our lives enough to hear You, to tarry in Your presence, and to feel Your touch as you reach out to our loneliness and transitions. Amen. Today’s Thought This moment reminds me of my favorite childhood hymn, “In the Garden.” “I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses and the voice I hear falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
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Monday, March 19 The Meaning of Lent By Hal Gresham
Matthew 4:4 “Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God.”” Growing up Southern Baptist, I don’t remember hearing much about Lent or developing an understanding of what God’s purpose was for it. At least from what I remember, we jumped straight from Christmas to Easter (with a lot of basketball in between!). As I have worked to grow in my faith, I try to spend more time in the Bible, in prayer and striving to become the man God needs me to be. Reflecting on what Jesus went through in those 40 days in the wilderness can be overwhelming, when you think about the fasting, dealing with Satan and his preparation for his ministry. It leaves me thankful for his efforts and sacrifices. Prayer God, Thank you for feeding me with your word. May I use it to be the Christian you want me to be. Amen. Today’s Thought Develop a deeper understanding of Lent this year and apply it to your faith journey.
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LENT DEVOTIONAL 2018
Tuesday, March 20 Wesley Quotes By Sid Linton
It’s a cop out to blatantly plagiarize someone instead being original, but I’m thinking John (Wesley) won’t mind. Consider these words from the founder of Methodism. On character: “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” “Vice does not lose its character by becoming fashionable.” “I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election and advised them: 1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy. 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and 3. To take care their spirits are were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side. On zeal: “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” On making disciples of Christ and community worship: “Untold millions are still untold.” “Holy solitaries' is a phrase no more consistent with the Gospel than holy adulterers. The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social; no holiness, but social holiness.” On generosity: “Not, how much of my money will I give to God, but, how much of God’s money will I keep for myself?” “Do you not know that God entrusted you with that money (all above what buys necessities for your families) to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to help the stranger, the widow, the fatherless; and, indeed, as far as it will go, to relieve the wants of all mankind? How can you, how dare you, defraud the Lord, by applying it to any other purpose?” “Earn all you can, give all you can, save all you can” On growing in faith: “We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.” “It cannot be that the people should grow in grace unless they give themselves to reading. A reading people will always be a knowing people.” “Beware you be not swallowed up in books! An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.” “A man of one book, a student of many.” Of course, we don’t agree with everything he said, like: “I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard.” Prayer Lord, Thank you for the Saints who came before us and taught us to stand confidently on Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience. Amen. Today’s Thought May you, like John Wesley, feel your “heart strangely warmed” by Gold’s love.
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Wednesday, March 21 Mood Booster By Charlotte Turner Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Sometimes we just need a little boost to pick us up, some weeks more than others. I have found that at least once a week, the Ellen Show will have a short video called a “Mood Booster.” It only last about 5-10 seconds and usually features animals or kids. They always make me laugh, and they always boost my mood. So I started thinking, what else could I do to lift my spirit, boost my mood, make me a more positive person on a daily basis. I came up with a list of ideas: attend a church service regularly, attend Sunday school, participate in a UMW group, participate in a Bible study, volunteer at the church, participate in one of the many missions we support, pray, read scripture and meditate, download an app for a daily devotion and spend time reading this devotional booklet. One of these or, if I’m feeling ambitious, all of these can be my “Mood Booster.” They all are readily available to me so I have no excuses! It is very easy to make excuses, be negative and moody in the world we live in today. I challenge you and myself to “rise” above it and find that “Mood Booster” that will be a blessing to you, to others and reflect God’s love. Prayer Dear Lord, I admit that my attitude is not what I want it to be. Please help me be proactive in my happy thinking that will lead to happy living. I humbly ask you to be my side when my mood sinks and help me resist. Help me get rid of small thinking and have the attitude that, “I’m going to do something great with my life today.” Amen. Today’s Thought What is readily available to you as your personal “mood booster?”
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LENT DEVOTIONAL 2018
Thursday, March 22 Eternal Love By Ralph Freeman
Matthew 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” “His Eye is on the Sparrow” is a favorite hymn, because it is a reminder that Jesus is always with us. In the first verse, you find these words: “Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion, my constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.” Let’s face it. Like the sparrow, each of us will ultimately fall to the ground. It may be the result of chronological aging, illness or some other cause. When all is said and done, it’s not about the fall. It’s about the care that our Savior has for us when we fall. I am reminded of what Paul, the Apostle, said in Romans 8:37-39, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What a great declaration! Prayer Gracious and loving God, We praise you for who you are. We thank you for a love that cares enough to catch us when we fall along the way. Thank you for the joy of knowing that you will enable us to stand up and be refreshed again for the journey. We pray that you will remind us of your presence whenever we face challenges today, and always. In Jesus' name. Amen. Today’s Thought Nothing can lift you up like God’s love.
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Friday, March 23 Peace With God By Anne W. West
Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we[c] boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we[d] also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” In the past several weeks, we’ve been on both ends of life’s journey. We traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, for the baptism of my niece’s baby, Griffin. The Episcopal church was built in the mid-1920s. Sunlight poured through the beautiful stained glass windows on a frigid day. The sanctuary featured ornate wood and stone work. It was a beautiful setting for a very special event. Baby Griffin was an angel throughout the service, which lasted over an hour, never crying or fussing. Even when the priest poured water on him (much more than our Methodist sprinkle), Griffin looked around in awe. It was as though he knew what was going on. He was at peace with God. A few weeks later, we attended the funeral of the mother of one of my husband’s co-workers, Bruce. The Lutheran church in Midtown was beautiful. And, based on the words shared during the service, Bruce’s mom was beautiful, too. There were stories of her faith, her welcoming embrace, her willingness to help, her accepting attitude, her love of family and her peace with God. When the minister read the verse above, I reflected how she allowed God to work with her and through her to touch many lives despite the busy-ness of her life and health problems for many years. She was at peace with God, in life and now in death. These two life-events made me think about being at peace with God. Our family has had a lot of “life” situations over the past two years - my cancer treatment, the death of my husband’s brother, our son’s senior year, his college search and choice, becoming empty nesters. Looking back, I realize these situations all have produced hope, just as the Apostle Paul wrote to share good news about our problems in life. They made me think about hope eternal, the greatest gift of all from God. Prayer Gracious God, Sometimes we need reminders of your love. Open our eyes to see those reminders. Help us to work through life’s problems and know that you are with us every step of the way. Amen. Today’s Thought None of life’s problems is too big for God, whose love gives us hope.
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LENT DEVOTIONAL 2018
Saturday, March 24 Life in the Middle By Rev. David Melton
Ephesians 2:1-10 “You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. 10 Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.” (verses 8-10) This passage in Ephesians reminds us that as fully devoted followers of Jesus we have a purpose in life. That purpose is to the good works of our faith. That’s to be our way of life. For many dedicated to Jesus, doing good works in the name of Christ is a way of life. Many Christians volunteer at hospitals, visit the home-bound, befriend the disadvantaged, fight injustice, build Habitat houses, send aid to victims of disasters or famine, or just perform little caring acts for neighbors and friends. That’s the way of life for which we were created in Christ; doing good works that help establish what ought to be. But, it’s not always easy, is it? Several years ago, a member of the congregation, who worked in the broadcasting industry, talked to me about his life and career. He and his family were people of faith and attended services as their schedules allowed. He lamented his schedule and some of the things that went on in his industry, practices that were the norm in his company. He suggested that the practices at times violated his sense of values and were not always ethical. Somewhat naively I said to him, “Well, why do them?” he laughed and said, “If I don’t do them, I’ll disadvantage myself and my company, and probably lose my job. I have to look after myself and my family.” Unfortunately, that’s how many of us experience life, as a tension, a conflict between what is and what ought to be. We flounder in the middle between our Christian ideals and the way things really are. As we seek to live Christ-like lives we discover this murky middle, this ambiguity between what we want, what we intend, what ought to be, and what really happens, what we really do, what really is. While living in the middle, we learn how to deepen our faith. I told the church member that he probably wouldn’t change the industry all by himself, but with Christ, he should try. Through Christ, refreshed and renewed, we return day after day to the “real world” where God has placed us to continue to do good works. Each of us can make a difference. Prayer Loving God, Grant me at this time a right spirit. Open my heart to your peace and grace. Open my ears to your word and truth. Open my mind to your will and guidance. Amen. Today’s Thought Help me to lead a life worthy of being called a Christian.
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Sunday, March 25 Am I Sinning? By Rev. Melton McNeill
John 12:12-16 “The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, Don’t be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look! Your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt. His disciples didn’t understand these things at first. After he was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.” On the wall in my study is a picture of my father’s parents, who were called Mama Neill and Daddy Neill by all of their grandchildren. Mama Neill is dressed in the “style” of her day - plain print dress, hair in a tight bun behind her head. Today I am reminded of her because it is 8 a.m. and I am waking up in the chair I have to sleep in at night. Out of the blue, I remember Mama Neill often said, “It is a sin to be in bed when the sun rises.” Hey, it’s 8 a.m. The sun is up. Am I sinning? Here we are in the midst of the Lenten season, a time of reflection and confession of our sins to prepare to receive Christ into our lives as Savior, and I lie in bed, sinning! The big question is what is sin? Several definitions: According to the classical definition of St. Augustine of Hippo, sin is "a word, deed or desire in opposition to the eternal law of God." An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. In the book “A Theological Word Book of the Bible,” there are three double-columned pages of sin’s definition. But, I prefer to use this to simply define sin: any act that separates us from the Will of God. The scripture’s teach that “All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). What are we to do? The book of First John 1:19 comes to answer our dilemma, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Prayer God, We give you thanks that you restore us into your presence when we come to you in utter need. Amen. Today’s Thought All you have to do is ask for God’s forgiveness.
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LENT DEVOTIONAL 2018
Monday, March 26 One Word By Randy Pilkenton
Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Again this year as members of the Wing & A Prayer Sunday School class, we will be choosing One Word for the year. Each person chooses a word that may serve to inspire us, to give us focus, to build upon a strength or to shore up a weakness. Last year, my word was “confidence” but this year I have chosen “patient.” I chose this over “patience” because I am thinking more of how I want to be than how I want to act. Both are important but the distinction led me to choose “patient.” “Patient” has a lot of meanings if you look it up in the dictionary. The two meanings that spoke most clearly to me were “tolerant” and “understanding.” Reflecting on Jesus sacrificing himself on the Cross to forgive our sins, I think tolerance and understanding are keys to the sort of forgiveness Jesus gave us and to the love he asks us to give others. Why did Jesus die? Because God loves us. So much so that the death of his son was acceptable in order to absolve us of our sins. It is hard to imagine loving someone you cannot tolerate. It is hard to imagine loving someone that you will not grant an understanding of their life and its effect – all human lives are full of joys, and also sorrows, instilled with fortunate circumstances as well as unfortunate ones, filled with experiences that are uplifting and ones that may depress or even injure the human spirit. Here are a couple of examples, from Luke, that I hope illustrate the point. Luke 7:44-50 “A woman came to Jesus while he ate dinner with Simon the Pharisee. We know from a bit earlier in Luke that she was “a woman of the city, who was a sinner”. She demonstrated the love Jesus wanted to hold up as an example. She had kissed and washed his feet, with her own hair, and anointed his feet with ointment. Jesus said, despite her past and what it may have done to her, “her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” To show love to others, without condition, as Jesus taught, certainly requires looking beyond the past with understanding.” Luke 5:18-20 “A paralyzed man was lowered down from the roof into a house where Jesus was staying – and Jesus said to him “Man, your sins are forgiven.” They had to lower him through the roof because so many people were crowded around and in the house clamoring to see and speak with Jesus. Yet all this time, Jesus had been trying to get time away and to pray, in some peace and with quiet – talk about having to be tolerant! Haven’t we all felt pressured, put upon, our time and attention demanded when we didn’t want to be bothered? To show love to others, without condition, as Jesus taught, certainly requires tolerance.” Prayer In the name of Jesus, who loved – and loves – us unconditionally, and died on the Cross for our sins, may we be patient through tolerance and understanding, and that this leads us to love others as Jesus taught us to do. Amen. Today’s Thought Pick one word to help you focus on who you want to be and what you want to happen in 2018.
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Tuesday, March 27 Do You Need A Visual? By Glenda Joiner
Revelation 1:7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen” There is amazing power from the Holy Spirit in the everyday lives of each believer, beginning with me a sinner who is unworthy of God’s love and mercy. I am thankful and blessed by God’s grace and Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. God walked with man and showed man signs and wonders; yet, man rejected God. Men saw these signs and wonders but God was invisible to them though they were filled with fear they were also consumed with doubt. They created graven images so they could pay homage to a God they could visualize. So God gave man Prophets as the final authoritative revealer of God’s will to guide them. Mankind rejected God’s prophets killing them and demanded one of their own, a King, to govern them. God loved mankind and wanted to walk with them and give them a redeemer, a messiah, one they could see do great signs and wonders. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to redeem an unbelieving, undeserving world. Now mankind had God with them, and they could see who was healing diseases, opening the eyes of the blind, making the lame to walk, raising the dead to live, feeding thousands with a small basket of bread and fish. Miracle after miracle, a sinless perfect God/man walked among us yet He was rejected, persecuted and crucified. After Jesus’ sacrifice, He ascended back to God our Father. God sent us the Holy Spirit to indwell in all believers. I am blessed to witness and testify to the power of the Holy Spirit that is at work in my life and in the lives of others. We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we can see the signs, wonders, and miracles in our lives. Isn't it time that we see with our hearts the invisible loving God who never abandoned us when Jesus ascended? Isn’t it time to praise God for never giving up on us realizing all the ways He has been working in every area of our lives? Isn’t it time to acknowledge the amazing occurrences in our lives that the Holy Spirit has handled but for which we have been taking credit? Prayer Come Lord Jesus! Today’s Thought He is coming again, and we will have a visual.
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LENT DEVOTIONAL 2018
Wednesday, March 28 Grief Isn’t Fair By Jerry Carnes
Revelation 21:4 “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Grief isn’t fair. It doesn’t play by any rules. It doesn’t care how deeply you are hurt. It will hit you when you least expect, and it will hit you hard. It will strike below the belt and leave you feeling like you’ll never heal. Grief is powerful. But I know a greater power. And there are no more tears. Losing my father seven years ago was hard. Losing my only sister last year quadrupled my pain. I can turn my back on the void, but I know it’s there. A song. A picture. An old text I refuse to delete. Any of these things will force me to turn and face the void. Sometimes, I fall. But there are no more tears. The pain of my loss is nothing when compared to the suffering of our savior. Jesus walked this earth. He brought healing and comfort. He suffered and died, not for His own glory, but for the glory of His father. Then He did the most amazing thing ever. He defeated death. Jesus left this world to join his father, and there they’ve prepared a place for us, a house with many rooms. My sister occupies one of those rooms. My father is in another. I have no doubt that they are at peace. They are cancer free. They are celebrating with our Lord. No more tears. No one has an accurate vision of heaven. I’ve imagined a place where I can run freely, over hills and through valleys, mile after mile without pain. I’ve pictured a place where I can sit and chat with Jesus over coffee all day any day. We won’t know what it’s actually like until we get there. We know that it’s a glorious place free from the stress of this world. There is no anger. There is no death. Jesus defeated death. There are no more tears. Our savior knew sorrow. There was a moment when Jesus wept. He shed tears over the death of his friend Lazarus. Christ’s love poured from His eyes. He felt the pain of loss. And then, Jesus defeated death. He raised Lazarus. More than once, Jesus showed us that the sting of death does not last. When grief delivers its sucker punch, this is what protects me. When I fall into the dark void, it is Jesus who catches me. He is there to wipe away my tears. Prayer Thank you, God, for catching me when I fall, for wiping away my tears and for always being by my side in this journey called life. Amen.
Today’s Thought Jesus defeated death. That’s the glory of Easter. LENT DEVOTIONAL 2018
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Thursday, March 29 Hands By Lanny Gilbert
John 20:25b “But [Thomas] replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”” A basketball in my hands is worth about $19. A basketball in LeBron James's hands is worth $31 million per year. It depends whose hands it's in. A baseball in my hands is worth about $6. A baseball in Clayton Kershaw's hands is worth $32 million per year. It depends on whose hands it's in. A tennis racket is useless in my hands. A tennis racket in Serena Williams' hands is worth $78 million per year. It depends whose hands it's in. A rod in my hands will keep away an angry dog. A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea. It depends whose hands it's in. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus' hands will feed thousands. It depends Whose hands it's in. Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse. Nails in Jesus Christ's hands produced salvation for the entire world. It depends Whose hands it's in. So, put your concerns, your worries, Your fears, your hopes, your dreams, Your families and your relationships in God's hands because... It depends Whose hands it's in. Prayer Lord Jesus, We praise you for the inestimable gift of your death on the cross and through the nails in your hands, our salvation. Amen. Today’s Thought Be the hands of God in the world every day.
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Friday, March 30 Surprise, Surprise! By Wendy Schmitt
Mark 15:25-26 “It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The notice of the formal charge against him was written, “The king of the Jews.”” For many years, Easter was a confusing holiday for me. My mother told me it was more important than Christmas, yet there was not nearly the amount of awesome lead-up activity to Easter as there was for Christmas. While I loved the chocolate in my Easter basket, the presents under the tree were a bigger deal. I excitedly waited in line to see Santa, but got a little scared seeing a giant bunny. As a child, the idea of celebrating Jesus’ birth at Christmas was simple to grasp. The thought of Him dying on the cross and calling that “Good” Friday and then giving something up during Lent did not register with me as a holiday activity. For many years, however, I accepted what my mother said as true. It was not until my late 20’s, and more so once I had my own children, that I tried to understand why Easter is so important to Christianity. I did not undergo a long study or read extensively. I simply paid more attention during Lent and Easter services. Funny how that can work. One service in particular kicked this off. Early in our marriage, my husband and I decided to participate in a sunrise service at our church in Midtown. We arrived before 6 a.m., and the service was 40-days long – oops - I mean 2-hours long, but it felt like 40 days! It was more than we had planned for but it made an impact: dramatic readings from people spaced throughout the pews and the dark made it almost scary to be there. At the end, our minister removed his black robe to reveal his light blue seersucker suit with white shoes and played a song on the ukulele. It’s been 20 years since we attended that service, and I still recall the main verse: “Surprise, surprise, God is a surprise, open up your eyes, and then you’ll realize.” The sunlight poured in the windows, I noticed the beautiful flowers, and that silly song has stuck in my head for decades. The story of Jesus’ resurrection is at the heart of all we believe as Christians. We have all heard it told in many ways and even from Hollywood. It is not confusing to me any longer, but it remains the mystery of faith. Prayer Heavenly Father, As we proclaim the mystery of faith, help us to see the beauty of Easter. Amen. Today’s Thought Open your eyes to God’s love today and every day.
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Saturday, March 31, 2018 The First Sunday After the First Full Moon After the … By Sid Linton
Genesis: 1:5b “And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” This morning at 8:37 the moon was full. It’s a special full moon, the fourth full moon of the year and the second blue moon of the year. And it’s the first full moon after the spring equinox; so, tomorrow being the first Sunday after this special full moon is Easter Sunday. So what? Even though Easter Sunday, unlike Christmas, moves back and forth on the calendar, there is a regularity to it that is the most basic structure of our lives. Because of God’s handy work, we know the sun will rise every new day. We know the moon will step through its phases with clockwork predictability. We know when the sun will cross the equator and bring us spring. What if that were not so? What if there was no predictability in the heavens? We would not be here. So that regularity and those blessings that we don’t even think about comprise the framework of our very existence. How dare we take God’s regularity for granted? Five hundred years ago, Johannes Kepler didn’t take that regularity for granted. Rather he described it as, “the magnificent edifice of the harmonic system… as God, the Creator Himself, has expressed it in harmonizing the heavenly motions." Smart guy, Kepler. Prayer Creator God, We look to the heavens this day in anticipation of a magnificent tomorrow. As we prepare for Easter Sunday, help us see the beauty of the cross - for without it there would be no Easter. Amen. Today’s Thought Tomorrow will be another New Day, another Easter. Thank you, Jesus! P.S. In 2019, the date of Easter is an exception. Check here next year for details.
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Sunday, April 1 Afterglow Monday By Charlie Nichols
Luke 1:78-79 “By the tender mercy of God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Hallelujah, Christ is Risen Today! As we’ve anticipated Easter Sunday, our thoughts may have drifted to this verse from Luke that recounts Zechariah’s prophetic words, remarkable not only in their content but also in the context of words uttered for the first time by a deaf and speechless man. Zechariah talks about a “dawn from on high” that generations since have come to know as Easter Sunday morning! Easter Sunday is a morning that can be framed in an eternal image of beauty and majesty. It is a morning that brings forth freshness and newness of life with the realization that loving and living forever is possible. It is a morning that illuminates the soul of mankind. Mankind, so desperate for deliverance and yet so undeserving of any favors, is now blessed with the greatest gift of all: “the dawn from on high,” a light in the morning sun to lay a path for our journey home. Tomorrow, when we awaken, we may be blessed to feel a pleasant remembrance as from the glow frequently seen in the sky after sunset. Let us embrace this feeling of Easter afterglow! You may think of it as a taste of hope through the Holy Spirit. I believe it is also an intentional nudge for me to commit to discover how this pleasant Easter afterglow can become my glow forever. Prayer Dear Father, We thank you for the ability to experience the afterglow of the Light of the world within our soul. May the living Christ be revealed to each of us in ways that bear fruit richly. For this reason, let us Praise the Lord! Amen. Today’s Thought What will become of my afterglow Monday? Will my Monday be as significant as my Easter Sunday? It could be, couldn’t it?
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SUNDAY
Worship SCHEDULE Continue your Easter celebration by making plans to be in church regularly. Dunwoody United Methodist Church offers a variety of worship services every Sunday.
CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 8:45 a.m. Fellowship Hall An informal atmosphere with moving sermons and contemporary Christian music from our praise band. Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of every month.
MORNING PRAYER & COMMUNION SERVICE 8:45 a.m. Sanctuary A liturgical worship service of morning prayer, a message and Holy Communion each week.
TRADITIONAL SERVICE 11:05 a.m. Sanctuary A traditional order of worship with engaging sermons and music from the Chancel Choir, and Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of every month. We offer programs, ministries and missions for all stages of life. For more information, visit us at www.dunwoodyumc.org, call Mary Celeste Llaurador at 770-394-0675 , extension 122, or email Maryceleste.llaurador@dunwoodyumc.org.
1548 Mt. Vernon Rd. • Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-394-0675 • www.dunwoodyumc.org