From Death to Life: A Lenten Devotional for 2014

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Preface: Why do Lent?

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are at the very heart of Christianity. The good news of the gospel is that God has acted in history to reconcile sinners to himself through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For those who have been united with this Jesus – who have submitted to Him as Saviour and Lord – who have been united with Him in the likeness of His death and united with Him in the likeness of His resurrection (Rom. 6:5). Lent, therefore, is about living out our union with, and identity in, Christ. It is about Christ making his way deeper into our lives.

On the Christian calendar, Lent (from Latin, meaning “fortieth”) is the forty days beginning on Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter Sunday. Sundays themselves are not counted in these forty days, as they are generally set aside as days of renewal and celebration (“mini-Easters” of sorts). You can break your fast on these mini-Easters as a reminder of Christ’s victory. But be warned, if you do break your fast, it can be quite difficult to go back to on Monday.

The number forty carries great biblical significance based on: the forty days of rain Noah and his family endured in the flood, the forty years Israel spent in the wilderness, Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness, the forty days Jesus spent on the earth after his resurrection, and so much more. Forty days has been used by God to represent a period of trial, testing, and preparation.

Likewise, Lent is a season of preparation and repentance during which we anticipate the death (Good Friday) and resurrection (Easter Sunday) of Jesus. It is this preparation and repentance – aimed at grasping the intense significance of the crucifixion – that gives us a deep and powerful longing for the resurrection, the joy of Easter.

Lent, then, is firstly a journey to the cross - death. We meditate on our sin and darkness, and look to Jesus not only as our perfect example but as our substitute, the one who takes our death upon Himself.

There, on the cross, Jesus shows us that God is truly in Love with us, in spite of us, and wants to adopt us into His family.

Lent, is secondly, a journey from death – the cross – to resurrection, to life. Jesus was raised with God so that we too might be raised with God. Lent, is thirdly, the drama of how this story unfolds in our lives.

Lent is therefore about immersing ourselves in the grand story of Jesus’ death and resurrection so that, not only does it increase our appreciation of Easter but we come face to face with the living Jesus and His powerful love for all of us. May we mourn the darkness that we find in our hearts yet rejoice in the light of Jesus as he shines God’s salvation love into those areas of darkness!

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Introduction: How to read this book This little book is designed to help you prepare for Holy Week, where we are confronted, again and again, with Jesus’ death and our own implicit involvement in that death.

We have prepared a devotion for each day of Lent. We suggest that read, meditate, reflect and speak to Jesus about what is happening in you as you do them.

I want to thank Rev. Jacob Freemantle, Rev. Johan Van Der Walt, Youth Pastor Gill Fox, Deacon Pat Slater, Lay Preachers Christo Strydom, Harry James, and Wayne White, and the irrepressible Janet Fourie, and of course my own very patient and wise wife Alison, for their contribution to the writing of these devotions. Each has given pieces of their own heart to this project. Then, a special thank you to Charmaine Hudson and the army that always help with the final preparation of these booklets for your consumption.

You may wonder why I have not included their names at the end of the pieces they wrote.

I did this purposefully.

Why? Well… simply because this book is not about us.

It is about Jesus.

Now, as we move toward the cross, please always be aware that we also move toward the empty tomb. That’s why this devotional series has been titled: From Death to Life.

We figuratively die all the time. A friend moves far away – a piece of us dies. We lose our job and struggle to find a new one – death. We make a financial error that we spend years recovering from and - and - and. Do you see? Yet Jesus is always there to pick us up and remind us, that not only have we not died, but that we can live well.

We hope, therefore, that with this little devotional booklet in your pocket, and Jesus at your side, you will be able to move “From Death to Life” this Lenten season.

God Bless you my family.

Rev. Nick Prinsloo 2

Day of Preparation: Shrove Tuesday – 4 March 2014 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1: 9).

Shrove Tuesday falls on the seventh week before Easter, the day before Ash Wednesday.

The word Shrove comes from the word “shrive” meaning “to confess.”

God’s followers have historically gathered to prepare for the journey toward the cross (Lent) by celebrating with Him. The French have even called this day “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the practice of eating rich and fatty foods. Somewhere along the line pancakes have become associated with the rich foods, such as meat, eggs, milk, and sugar, which we use as a reminder of the powerful victory Jesus won by overcoming death.

Yet as we celebrate and eat, we also confess.

And the Loving Lord God always forgives.

We remember how God told the Israelites that if they will confess their sins… and their unfaithfulness and their hostility towards me… I will remember my covenant… (Lev 26:40-45). As God’s covenant people, we come to share with others who confess before, and know our faithful God. Our God who remembers his promises.

The apostle John takes says that having confessed our sins, God “is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This marks a new start born from Jesus work of salvation on the cross.

My dear Jesus, as I celebrate Your presence in the food that I eat today, I also confess. Please forgive me? Please help me start afresh? Today I commit my life to You once again and receive Your gift of grace. May the 40 days of Lent be a time where I can reconnect with You? May it be a season where I recognise who You are, what You do and how You recreate me.

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Day 1: Ash Wednesday – 5 March 2014 I dare not wear this precious mark with self-righteous pride I should not wear it with shame ....

Steeped in silence, I cringe at the enormity of my ransomed sin, barely breathing.

Repentant, broken, humbled, I kneel before You ....

Mindful and intensely aware that out of so much in me that was wrong, Cached for so long in a stubbornly dark and fearful place Flowed sudden transforming joy, Light and release, In one brilliant moment of clarity and understanding.

Blessed with cleansing, healing and release at a fearsome cost which You bore.

Your Holy gift of Pure Love, Perfect Forgiveness, Redeeming Grace.

Penitent, I kneel and receive the mark of Your living sacrifice.

An intimate moment with my Maker, A hushed, suspended space, My eyes fixed on You. I am Yours and You are mine, Your Spirit alive in me forever, Not because of who I am, but because of who You are, Lord, My precious Saviour and my God.

Amen.

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Day 2: Thursday 6 March 2014

My family and I love to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

My eleven year old son and I, get a huge kick out of the demolition phase. Bulldozers and wrecking balls crash and bang against the existing walls of the unsuitable house. Bang, Crash, Smash – nothing left but a pile of rubble. Only then can the builders and designers build something spectacular.

My wife and nine year old daughter get a kick out of the end result. They love to see the new house and the way the families experience make it home.

Can you see how each episode is a movement from death to life? From destruction to renovation.

This Lenten devotional is about looking within and finding the parts of us that need to be demolished.

We call these parts “sin”. We need to look within and see our sin. We need to face our sin. We need to struggle with our sin. And with God’s help, and really only with His help, can we demolish that sin.

Sometimes, with God’s help, we need to be careful and gentle with our lives, and other times, with God’s help, we need to take ten pound hammers to our lives. The goal, however is not just to demolish, but to demolish in order to rebuild. This is the most important aspect of the journey from death to life. It must result in life. We must end the journey, not at the cross, but at the empty tomb, or even better, in the upper room with the risen Jesus standing in our midst. The risen Jesus offers life to the dead and our task during Lent is to let the risen Jesus rebuild us.

Dear Jesus, I often feel as if I am an unsuitable building, which is being destroyed, broken, wrecked, and torn to shreds. The shards and dust of my shattered life hang in the air and make it so difficult for me to breathe. Please will You use this time to rebuild my life?

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Day 3: Friday 7 March 2014 The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5)

In the Northern Hemisphere Lent often marks the beginning of spring time. Days of darkness and death begin to transform, like butterflies emerging from their cocoons, into days of light and life. New buds emerge from the plant life and many animals produce offspring. Even people’s moods change with the coming of spring and the longer light of day.

In the Southern Hemisphere, however, Lent marks the beginning of a decline in light and the beginning of the seasons of dying and death. Even though South African Summers are long, most South Africans dread this time of the year. We shudder with trepidation as we watch the Sun’s light fade earlier and earlier every evening. We have come to fear the dark and cold.

To cope with this loss of light, I take a short view of winter. I look past winter and know that spring will come. I know that soon, often sooner than I imagine, the days will begin to lengthen and warm.

I know that the rains will come. And I know that the earth will surge with vitality and life again. But I also recognise that the earth needs the winter to rest and sleep before it can burst forth once more, and I take heed of this rhythm of life and death.

I learn that I too need to slumber before I can burst forth. To be born again, some part of me must die. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see everything has become new.” 2 (Corinthians 5:17) I learn that I need the rhythm of darkness light to survive and I must find a similar rhythm in my life Jesus death and resurrection offer me that rhythm. In His death I am able to see my darkness. In His resurrection I am given new life.

The Lenten season is a time of death before life. It is also a time to acknowledge our darkness and need for the Light of Life.

What parts of you need to die this Lenten season?

Let Jesus shine His Light into your darkness.

O loving Jesus, I am afraid of the darkness in me. I can’t even look at it. Please will You shine Your Light in my life that I may, once again, burst forth with vitality?

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Day 4: Saturday 8 March 2014 At the evening sacrifice I arose from my fasting; and having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God. (Ezra 9:5)

At lent it is customary for Christ followers to fast. We give up something that is important to us. Usually it is something that we can’t imagine living without; something that defines us a person; something like chocolate, beer, fizzy drinks or your favourite soapy. You will often hear the question: “What have you given up for lent?” Unfortunately fasting has become a test of endurance, rather than an act of worship.

Fasting should not be about giving up, but rather about drawing closer to God. Fasting is a way of removing those things that keep our focus on the earthly, so that we can look to the heavens. If something as simple as a chocolate bar is keeping you from experiencing intimacy with God, then let this lent be a time when you forget about what you have given up, and focus on what you can gain.

Let’s not ask each other what we have given up, but let’s ask: “have you drawn closer to the Lord?”

Lord, help me let go of the things that draw my attention away from You. Help me to focus on building my relationship with You; so that like Ezra, I can fall on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God.

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Day 5: Sunday 9 March 2014 Prayerful Reading: Genesis 2:15-17, and 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

Prayerful Reflection: What is the overriding theme of the above passages?

Pick a word or phrase in these readings that stands out for you? Write it below: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

What do you think God may be saying to you?

Read Psalm 32

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to understand what You are telling me in today’s readings.

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Day 6: Monday 10 March 2014 Let us also go, that we may die with him. (John 11: 16)

We all start our Christian walk following Jesus with great excitement, but sometimes, along that journey, we can become discouraged. Things don’t happen or work out the way we’d hoped. Jesus seems to be leading us along a path that we would not have chosen for ourselves.

The disciples had the same experience.

I’m sure when they started following Jesus they had great expectations. Yet here we see that they need to follow Jesus to Lazarus’ home, and the Jews want to kill Jesus, so Thomas says, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Sometimes it seems that Jesus is leading us straight toward death.

As we journey through Lent we realize that following Jesus does indeed involve dying. We cannot escape that reality. We are inevitably journeying toward the cross. An instrument of death. And we learn that we cannot serve Christ unless we, like Thomas, are prepared to die. Martyrdom is part of Christian life. We all have to die somewhere, somehow. Not necessarily physically, but sometimes our will has to die, so we can be filled with God’s will. Sometimes, even our desires have to die, especially those that are in conflict with God’s desire.

So, as each of us, somewhere along our journey with Jesus, come to a place where we know something must die, may we too have the courage to utter those words of Jesus in Gethsemane: “…not my will but Yours be done…”

Father, help me to love You with all of who I am and in so doing, will You kindle in me a desire to do Your will no matter what the cost may be. Help me to say; “…not my will, but Yours be done…”

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Day 7: Tuesday 11 March 2014

O Love divine, what has thou done!

The immortal God hath died for me!

The Father's coeternal Son bore all my sins upon the tree.

The immortal God for me hath died: My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Is crucified for me and you, to bring us rebels back to God. Believe, believe the record true, ye all are bought with Jesus' blood.

Pardon for all flows from his side: My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Behold him, all ye that pass by, the bleeding Prince of life and peace!

Come, sinners, see your Saviour die, and say, "Was ever grief like his?"

Come, feel with me his blood applied: My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

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Charles Wesley

“Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

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James Baldwin

“One completely overcomes only what one assimilates.”

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Andre Gide

Tell Jesus how you feel after reading the above.

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Day 8: Wednesday 12 March 2014

The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursery than any of the others. He was so old that his brown coat was bald in patches and showed the seams underneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had been pulled out to string bead necklaces. He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away, and he knew that they were only toys, and would never turn into anything else. For nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin horse understand all about it.

“What is REAL?” asked the [Velveteen] Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”

“Real isn't how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

“Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit.

“Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.”

“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?”

“It doesn't happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.”

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from the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Dear Lord Jesus please help me to accept love, both from You and the significant people in my life.

Sometimes being loved hurts. You know this more than most. Use the love in my life to make me REAL. 11

Day 9: Thursday 13 March 2014

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight; so You are right in Your verdict and justified when You judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Yet You desired faithfulness even in the womb; You taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.

Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, so that sinners will turn back to You.

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, You who are God my Saviour, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise.

May it please You to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem?

Then You will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.

Read the above as a prayer. You may want to pray it more than once. Focus on any words or phrases that jump out at you. Now, tell Jesus what is on your mind.

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Day 10: Friday 14 March And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This one of my favourite verses in the bible. When things go horribly wrong as they often do, when things do not work out as I hoped or planned - how awesome it is to know that God is still in control, taking every situation that we face, all our problems, challenges and difficulties and working them together for good, for us, for others, for His Kingdom. It brings much comfort and security to me knowing that even when I mess up God is still using that for good!

But we often neglect to read further, verse 29, for those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many sisters and brothers. So God working things together for our good involves us being transformed into the likeness of Jesus.

That’s a little more difficult than just good. That may involve me changing, letting go of something while embracing new things. That may involve some pain, some death, but also some new birth.

May I challenge each of you this Lenten season to allow God to use your circumstances to mould and transform you into the likeness of Jesus. It’s difficult and sometimes painful but as Paul tells us it is for our GOOD!

Lord help me to surrender to You. Help me surrender to the processes You want to take me through.

Help me remember that everything I experience is not wasted, but that You use them to transform me into the likeness of Jesus.

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Day 11: Saturday 15 March 2014 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:6-14)

In this passage, Jesus explains to his disciples, and us, that he is the way to a living relationship with God. He says that if you have seen Jesus then you have seen God. We have to find Jesus for ourselves. We find Him in God’s word. We find Him is history. Jesus became 100% human to show us how to live. But being God’s own Son, he was also 100% God in the flesh.

We also find Him the experience of others. But we must find Him in ourselves. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He dwells in us. As Jesus finds us and we Him, we come to know God intimately.

Have you got an intimate relationship with Jesus, or are you like Philip and not sure?

Are you walking in the footsteps of Jesus so that your love and actions show the light of God, so that others can also believe in him?

Are you seeing miracles as God uses you? just as Jesus did in the power of the Holy Spirit (see v12).

Father God; we thank You that you have revealed Yourself to us through Jesus the Christ. We pray that You will fill us afresh with Your love and power so that we can lead others into a loving relationship with You.

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Day 12: Sunday 16 March 2014

Prayerful Reading: Genesis 12:1-4 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Matthew 17:1-9

Prayerful Reflection: What is the overriding theme of the above passages?

Pick a word or phrase in these readings that stands out for you? Write it below: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

What do you think God may be saying to you?

Read Psalm 121

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to understand what You are telling me in today’s readings. Thank You for being my friend.

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Day 13: Monday 17 March 2014 And they went to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I pray." And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch." And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt." And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."

(Mark 14:32-42)

In Mark’s account of Jesus’ time in the garden of Gethsemane, we see his need for friends. He didn’t go alone, but took Peter, James and John. He needed support. Jesus knew he was in danger and needed to speak urgently to his Father – so he asked his friends to stay and keep watch while he prayed. He returned to find them asleep. They had let him down. He said, “your spirit is willing, but your body is weak.” Giving them a second chance, he goes off to pray. Again they fall asleep. This time Jesus doesn’t reprimand them, he just says, “the time has come,” and asks them to come with him. Nothing has changed the fact that Jesus loves his friends.

Do you have a good circle of friends that you can trust? A fellowship group is special.

Have you been let down by a friend?

Has this changed the way you look at them? Do you still love them as before or is there now a distance between you?

Jesus wants to be your friend. Will you let him?

Our loving Father, Thank You for the special gift of friends. Help me love them as Jesus does. Help me love the despite any hurt.

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Day 14: Tuesday 18 March 2014 When God commissioned Moses to appear before Pharaoh in order to intercede for the Israelites, Moses said to God; “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘the God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites. I am has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3: 1314).

It is interesting to note, that in the Gospel according to John, Jesus refers to himself as ‘I AM’ several times.

In John 6:35 and verse 50 he declares (1) I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry. Then he declares in John 8: 13 (2) I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (3) John 8:58 - very truly I tell you before Abraham was born, I am!; (4) In John 10:7 he is the gate for the sheep; (5) in verse 11, he declares himself as the good shepherd. (6) In John 11:25, I am the resurrection and the life; (7) in John 13:19, he said, when revealing his betrayal, I am telling you before it happens so that when it happens you will believe that I am who I am. (8) In John 14:6 he declares, I am the way and the truth and the life; and (9) John 15:5 - I am the vine, and you the branches.

The Phrase I am who I am is pronounced “Yahweh” in Hebrew. The roots of the word Yahweh can be found in the Hebrew word Ruah, which means ‘breath’ or ‘spirit.’ What do you think Jesus was saying when he used the phrase I am who I am?

Moses, when he received his calling, asked Yahweh what his name was. All who will become disciples of Jesus must know they are following the same God. Yahweh.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Almighty God, breathe Your life into us, that we may know You better. We confess that our minds are limited and shallow, and we struggle to truly understand You, we ask nonetheless that You help us to know You more.

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Day 15: Wednesday 19 March 2014 “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

To some degree or other we have all had to make sacrifices in our lives. You may have sacrificed your career for your family; you may have sacrificed your family for your career. You sacrifice your time to serve others, you may sacrifice a portion of your income to the church. Whatever it is that you have sacrificed, there is always a cost involved, and a consequence. In our Lenten journey, the closer we get to Good Friday, the sharper the focus gets on the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. Although Jesus understood that the price he had to pay was beyond comprehension, he knew that the consequence was worth the cost. The pain and shame that he had to endure was worth it. Taking upon himself the cost of the world’s sin was worth it… you were worth it. Jesus knew that the cost was nothing compared to the consequence. To us sacrifice means to give something up, but to God, sacrifice is to gain something precious… you.

Thank You Lord for the price You paid for me on the cross. Thank You that You took my sin and shame upon Yourself and that I can live in the joy of the consequence of Your sacrifice.

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Day 16: Thursday 20 March 2014 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23: 34)

These are such difficult words to live by. Yes we know we must forgive. Yes, we know that as we forgive so we will be forgiven. And sometimes we can even get it right. But when someone else’s behavior or words have really hurt you then it becomes harder. It’s even worse when the hurt is not just a once off thing but a continual agony that keeps on happening day after day.

Sometimes a parent, child or a spouse, says or does things that make you feel as if they are literally stabbing you with a knife. How do we deal with that? Yes, sometimes we remove ourselves from the situation, but whether we stay or leave, we must learn to forgive them.

When I find myself hurting I picture Jesus on the cross. The nails driven through his hands and feet, his life ebbing away. And then I hear him whisper these words: “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing”. Can we do this?

It is not an easy thing, it may seem impossible at times, but by the grace of God we can forgive. May I encourage you, as part of your Lenten journey, no matter how much you are hurting, or how much it feels like a part of you is dying, to let Jesus help you forgive.

Try speaking Jesus’ words: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”. If you can’t do this let Jesus show you how. He will.

Some people came to Calcutta, and before leaving, they begged me: “Tell us something that will help us to live our lives better.” And I said: “Smile at each other; smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other - it doesn't matter who it is - and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.” And then one asked me: “Are you married? and I said: “Yes, and I find it difficult sometimes to smile at Jesus.” And it is true, Jesus can be very demanding also, and it is at those times when He is so demanding that to give Him a big smile is very beautiful.

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From A Gift for God by Mother Theresa.

Father it is hard when others hurt me, help me to speak forgiveness as Jesus did. Jesus, when You were dying, when we hurt You, You still forgave. Help me to forgive like You did.

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Day 17: Friday 21 March 2014

O Love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.

O light that follo’west all my way, I yield my flick’ring torch to thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be.

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George Matheson

Read the above as a prayer. You may want to pray it more than once. Focus on any words or phrases that jump out at you. Now, tell Jesus what is on your mind.

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Day 18: Saturday 22 March 2014 “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

The argument develops further to the point that Jesus says that if (verse 53) you don’t eat the bread of life, and drink his blood, you have nothing. By this he lost many followers who did not understand the spiritual meaning of what he said.

What does it say of Jesus? It says that he was fully committed to the mission his Father had sent him to fulfil. It must be realised that Jesus in his humanity had the same fears and felt the same pain as we do. In order to fulfil his mission he had to suffer as a human; in your and in my place. He however in Gethsemane, prayed that his father would take the cup away. Yet only if it was in the will of his Father. He then stepped out of the prayer, and accepted his destiny. He gave up his body and became the bread of life and allowed his blood, the blood of the new covenant, to flow over the cross at Golgotha.

What does it mean for us as his followers? A disciple of Jesus can never be a half-hearted follower.

When you eat the bread of life and drink the cup of the new covenant, they are taken up in the body becoming the food for our spiritual journey. There is no way not to be wholly committed. You cannot stop and rest. When you accept the role of disciple, you receive the ministry of reconciliation that fills your whole life, and for as long as you live, because the living bread and the living blood consume you and build you.

If you are not prepared to be fully integrated with Jesus beware the food you eat. However, to eat the body of Christ and drink his blood bring new life.

Lord Jesus, make me a new creation wholly committed to You. 21

Day 19: Sunday 23 March 2014

Prayerful Reading: Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42

Prayerful Reflection: What is the overriding theme of the above passages?

Pick a word or phrase in these readings that stands out for you? Write it below: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

What do you think God may be saying to you?

Read Psalm 95

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to understand what You are telling me in today’s readings. Thank You for being my friend. Thank You for always reaching out to me first.

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Day 20: Monday 24 March 2014

Psalm 13

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.

But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Do you ever feel like God has forgotten you? Why don’t you, like the Psalmist, share those feelings with God? I do wonder, however, if we are not the ones who forget God. When things go well we find we don’t need God. When things go rough who do we blame for our tough times?

What I love about this

Psalm is that while the Psalmist is honest about his feelings and expresses his pain and disappointment, he still trusts that God’s steadfast love. He still rejoices in his saviour. He still sings of God’s bounty. Even though he feels like God is far he continues to trust that God has never and will never abandon him.

Spend some time expressing your own disappointment with God. Now be quiet – listen carefully – is God saying anything? Now, even though you feel like God has forgotten you tell him how wonderful he is. Tell him how much you trust him. Now be quiet again. Listen. God wants you to know that he has NOT abandoned you and NEVER will.

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Day 21: Tuesday 25 March 2014 Read John 11:17-44 Jesus knew the right time to go to Martha and Mary. He had a bigger plan in mind. In this passage we see Jesus telling his close friends that “he is the resurrection and the life.” He says, “…any who believe in me will live, even if they die; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” He then asks Martha, “Do you believe this?” She says she does. He then asks to be taken to where Lazarus was buried and they worry about the smell. Then, outside the tomb, Jesus witnesses the distress of his friends, is overcome with compassion, and weeps openly.

Such great compassion we see in Jesus, who then does the unthinkable. He tells Lazarus to wake up.

And Lazarus, a man once dead, walks out of the tomb, very much alive.

Do you turn to Jesus in times of pain or distress? Do you try do things on your own?

What would your answer be, if Jesus asked you the same question he asks Martha: “do you believe this?” Ask Jesus to help you believe that he is the resurrection and the life?

How does it make you feel when you see Jesus weep with his friends? Can you think of a friend who is weeping and needs Jesus’ compassionate tears? Why don’t you make the effort to support them as they weep? Why don’t you visit them and remind them of the weeping Jesus? If you feel moved to cry with them don’t hide the tears. Maybe we can learn to cry as openly as Jesus does. Jesus’ tears where a life-giving gift to his friends, yours can also be.

Dear Jesus, we praise You that You revealed yourself to us as a true, struggling, person who loved his friends enough to cry with them. We praise You living Christ, for the way You still weep with us today. Thank You for teaching us how to be compassionate. Help us to show our friend how loving You are as we weep with them.

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Day 22: Wednesday 26 March 2014 Faith is a work of God in us, which changes us and brings us to birth anew from God (cf. John 1). It kills the old Adam, makes us completely different people in heart, mind, senses, and all our powers, and brings the Holy Spirit with it. What a living, creative, active powerful thing is faith! It is impossible that faith ever stop doing good. Faith doesn't ask whether good works are to be done, but, before it is asked, it has done them. It is always active.

-

From Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans

Faith is a living, unshakeable confidence in God's grace; it is so certain, that someone would die a thousand times for it. This kind of trust in and knowledge of God's grace makes a person joyful, confident, and happy with regard to God and all creatures. This is what the Holy Spirit does by faith.

Through faith, a person will do good to everyone without coercion, willingly and happily; he will serve everyone, suffer everything for the love and praise of God, who has shown him such grace. It is as impossible to separate works from faith as burning and shining from fire.

-

From Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans

In the evening I went unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter to nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine and saved me from the law of sin and death.

-

John Wesley

Lord Jesus, I do trust in You for my salvation, please give me an assurance that my sins are forgiven and I have been saved from the law of sin and death.

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Day 23: Thursday 27 March 2014 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Saviour am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

Read the above as a prayer. You may want to pray it more than once. Focus on any words or phrases that jump out at you. Now, tell Jesus what is on your mind.

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Day 24: Friday 28 March 2014 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)

There is a way of saying “don’t give up” in Afrikaans that I find wonderful. I use it all the time. It rolls off the tongue with such ease and grace.

The word is: VASBYT, which literally means to grab hold with your teeth and never let go.

When I tell someone to vasbyt, I picture a Jack Russell, or some other terrier-type dog that has got a hold of his favourite toy and will not let go. I imagine a massive tug of war contest between owner and pooch. I see, that even when the Jack Russell loses, he never gives up. Over and over again, the persistent little creature will jump and grab at the toy, until exasperated, the owner must hide the toy just to have some peace.

It is this kind of persistence that the passages for today encourage.

But what do I do when I keep on losing, you ask? Here’s the good news: You don’t have to try and do this on your own. Both passages also remind us that God is faithful. Let God help you in this great big tug of war called life. He wants to.

After my return home, I was much buffeted with temptations; but cried out, and they fled away. They returned again and again. I as often lifted up my eyes, and he 'sent me help from his holy place.' And herein I found the difference between this and my former state chiefly consisted. I was striving, yea, fighting with all my might under the law, as well as under grace. But then I was sometimes, if not often, conquered; now, I was always conqueror.

-

John Wesley.

Lord Jesus, because of You I can be a conqueror. I choose not to face my struggles without You. Let’s conquer them together. You complete me.

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Day 25: Saturday 29 March 2014 And the King said, Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

(2 Samuel 9:3)

In Acts 13:22, Paul writes that after King Saul had been removed from the throne of Israel, God raised David, the son of Jesse and a man after God’s own heart, to fulfil His will as king over all Israel.

Have you ever wondered how David could have been called a man after God’s own heart? I have. You see, King David was a man of contrasts. He was, on one hand, single-mindedly committed to God, yet, on the other, guilty of some of the most heinous sins recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures. Perhaps the most diabolical of King David’s crimes, was the night of indiscretion with Bathsheba, another man’s wife. After which David conspired to have the man murdered by having him placed in the front rank of soldier’s during a battle.

Furthermore, although King David fathered Solomon, one of Israel's greatest kings, he was also the father of Absalom, whose rebellion brought tremendous bloodshed and grief to the nation of Israel.

A man after God’s own heart? Really?

Today’s reading may help us understand why he was considered to be a man of God’s heart.

Saul’s descendants fought with David for many years after he ascended the throne, until finally, none but Saul’s handicapped grandson, Mephibosheth, remained alive. What did David do with him?

Throw him out of Israel? Feed him to rabid Lions?

He did nothing of the sort. When David summoned Mephibosheth to the palace he was rightfully frightened. But David instead of hurting him, David showed him great kindness and compassion. David gave him all of Saul’s property and invited him to dine at the royal table as long as he lived. It’s no wonder that David was called a man after God’s own heart!

David’s kindness to Mephibosheth is a reflection of God’s kindness to us. Consider our salvation: When we are helpless, lost and without direction, God offers us mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:1-10). He gives us acceptance and a place of honour and provides our daily needs. When we show kindness, we too show God’s heart to those around us.

Father God, you show us kindness and love and expect us to do the same. Please help us to be kind to the people in our lives, especially those we consider to be our enemies.

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Day 26: Sunday 30 March 2014 Prayerful Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41

Prayerful Reflection: What is the overriding theme of the above passages?

Pick a word or phrase in these readings that stands out for you? Write it below: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

What do you think God may be saying to you?

Read Psalm 23:1-6

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to understand whatou are telling me in today’s readings. Thank You for being my friend. Thank You for always reaching out to me first. Thank You for guiding me through life’s difficult paths.

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Day 27: Monday 31 March 2014 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psalms 121:1)

I have an aunt who stays in Knysna. She was telling me that she’d been struggling with her vision, so she went to see the eye doctor. After a thorough exam, the optometrist said to her, “Your eyes are tired. You must rest them.”

“But that’s impossible,” my aunty said. “The work I do involves staring at computer screen all day.”

After thinking for a moment, the doctor said, “Do you have any wide views of the Knysna Lagoon or the beautiful mountains from your home?”

“Yes I do,” she replied, “When I sit on the front patio I can see the Knysna Heads.”

The doctor smiled. “The next time your eyes are feeling tired, I want you to go sit outside and gaze over at the mountains for 10 to 20 minutes. The far look will rest your eyes.”

Well, apparently it worked like a bomb.

Could this also be true for our spiritual lives?

When the psalmist said “I will lift up my eyes to the hills,” he was referring to the hills of Jerusalem, or the city of God. When he looked at Jerusalem he was reminded of his need to look to God for help.

Is it possible that our soul grows tired from too much time spent focusing on life’s problems. If we turn our attention to God (the far look) instead, God shows us that He is bigger than our problems.

This realisation gives us new life. This is how we rest in God.

Heavenly Father, the problems that we face each day sometimes seem too much to handle. Help us to focus instead on Jesus. Teach us to trust in His tender care.

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Day 28: Tuesday 1 April 2014 God showed his great Love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

My dad and I were chatting about soccer and how Manchester United were fighting to keep alive in the sports world. Dad then told me of how disaster struck Italy in their third game of the 1998 World Cup finals. He said that it started in the fourth minute when Alessandro Nesta, one of their star defenders, was injured in a tackle and had to be taken off the field of play. Thankfully for Italy, Giuseppe Bergomi, a player with 18 years of experience, 77 international caps and one of the finest pedigrees in the Italian squad, was sitting on the bench. He was nicknamed “II Capitano” and was the ideal replacement for Nesta. His wealth of experience and natural ability made him the right man at the right moment.

The Bible tells us of a substitution which was endlessly more important and timely. Jesus Christ took our place by doing something we could never do: save ourselves. When he was nailed to the cross, Jesus was put where there in our place. Jesus didn’t deserve to die. He never sinned. Yet because of God’s great love for humanity, Jesus chose to die for us. He did this while we were still sinners. He is the perfect substitute. All we need to do is allow him to run onto the playing field of our lives. We accept him as the one who loves us enough to take our place. He is the right man at the right moment.

Dear Lord Jesus, for so many years I have been playing on the field while injured. I allow You to run on to the playing field of my life. Please show me how to my life with You as my team captain.

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Day 29: Wednesday 2 April 2014 Read John 17 In this passage Jesus shows us how to pray.

Firstly, he prays for himself.

Then he prays for those around him - his disciples.

Finally he prays for those who will be touched by the work of his disciples.

We need to pray as Jesus did. We need to pray for ourselves. We need to ask Jesus to fill us with his life or we will find ourselves “running on empty”. When we “run on empty”, we will become ineffective in the world.

We must also pray for those around us (even those in front of us in a queue at the shops). We pray for our families, loved ones and friends. We pray that they will serve Jesus while loving and praying for those around them.

Finally, we pray that others will see Jesus in the loving words and actions of his followers.

Do you pray regularly? Do you listen as well as speak?

Do you pray for those you love as well as those you don’t know?

Do you pray for your ministers as the work in the “front line”?

It’s very important to note that Jesus himself prays for YOU. How does that make you feel? Tell Jesus.

Loving Father, may we never cease to communicate with You in prayer?

Why don’t you spend some time praying for your own needs?

Why don’t you spend some time praying for your family?

Why don’t you spend some time praying for your friends?

Why don’t you spend some time praying those you don’t know?

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Day 30: Thursday 3 April 2014 Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer! (Matthew 26:46)

I often wonder where Jesus got the strength and the courage to make it through that horrible night.

We forget that he was completely human. In the gospel accounts of Jesus’ last night we see how he wrestled with what had to be done. He was in anguish and pleading with God to remove the cup from him, yet finally, he comes to the point of surrender. In that moment we see his courage and strength as he says to his disciples, come, let’s go and face the music.

I have found that as I face my deepest crises, I get very anxious and fret and worry. I plead and bargain and ask for another way out. Often I lose sleep and slip into panic attacks. Yet face the music I must.

Do you ever feel that way?

Maybe we need to go through our own garden of Gethsemane. Maybe, like Jesus, we need to get praying. Maybe, like Jesus, we can share our desires and fear with God and then receive His peace, His grace and strength to face whatever it is we need to go through.

Jesus knew God was with him. He did not walk the road to Calvary alone. We also do not need to face our crises alone. God is right beside us. Our fear and panic blinds us to His presence. God will NOT abandon us in our hour of need.

Lord help me to turn to You in prayer and as I share my heart with You I help me to know that You care for me. Please give me the grace and strength to face my situation the way You would have me face them so that I may bring You glory even through the trials.

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Day 31: Friday 4 April 2014 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

In the gospel of John we are told of life which properly translated actually means eternal life (zoë in the original Greek). Light is a symbol that stands as opposite of darkness. It stands for transparency. It stands for transparency of ME. Satan and his kingdom thus represent the darkness, and Jesus represents and is the light.

Darkness conceals while light leaves no secrets, no underhanded transactions or lies. All is open to be tested by the light of Jesus. It means that my life must be able to stand the scrutiny of the light of Jesus. But it also means that if my life does not stand the scrutiny of the light of Jesus that the Light Himself will dispel the darkness.

If we allow Jesus to shine His light in our darkness we will walk in that light. The more we do so, the more transparent we become and people will see Jesus’ light in us.

Jesus is the light and because of His light we can see the Father’s light. He is the I Am of the eternal life and eternal light, and I will let him make me like him.

Lord Jesus, make me more like You every day. Make me a source of righteousness, transparent in my own life. Make me a channel of Your peace.

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Day 32: Saturday 5 April 2014 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10: 10)

If we are really honest with ourselves we will admit that we all have addictions of some sort. Not necessarily substance abuse, though coffee does count! Some of us are addicted to feelings – we want to feel good, we don’t want to feel sad or depressed and so we pursue happiness. Others of us become addicted to our pain, we feel lost and strange if we are not going through some sort of emotional or spiritual crises. For some of us moaning and grumbling is an addiction.

Regardless of the form, these addictions hold us in bondage. They dictate how we behave. They are instruments of the enemy which steal our joy and destroy us. Yet Jesus says he came to give us life in abundance. The Greek word used here, refers to exceeding beyond measure superabundantly. That sounds a whole load better than addiction to me. Yet to let go of our addiction can be painful. Ask an alcoholic how much it hurts. Yet the reward of freedom is worth it.

We cannot overcome addiction without the help of Jesus. The second step of the Alcoholics Anonymous program attests to this: We come to believe that a power greater than ourselves would restore us to sanity. This applies for any addiction. Jesus, the higher power, is the one that restores us to sanity. He is enough for us.

Isn’t Lent and fasting about freedom from our addictions?

Jesus You came to give us fullness of life. Help us see our addictions and please set us free from them, give us the strength to walk in that freedom so that we may experience life abundantly and share that life with those around us.

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Day 33: Sunday 6 April 2014

Prayerful Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45

Prayerful Reflection: What is the overriding theme of the above passages?

Pick a word or phrase in these readings that stands out for you? Write it below: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

What do you think God may be saying to you?

Read Psalm 130

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to understand what You are telling me in today’s readings. Thank You for being my friend. Thank You for always reaching out to me first. Thank You for guiding me through life’s difficult paths. Thank You for constantly renewing and refreshing me.

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Day 34: Monday 7 April 2014

When my dreams lie shattered on the floor And I can’t find an open door Will my heart still yearn for You?

When I am down on my knees Wondering why, begging You, please My soul remembers You

In the darkest of nights When I am overcome And losing the fight All I can do is surrender to You

Through the darkness and the storms All I need is your embrace You are my home, my peace, my grace Jesus, Your Love is enough

Read the above as a prayer. You may want to pray it more than once. Focus on any words or phrases that jump out at you. Now, tell Jesus what is on your mind.

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Day 35: Tuesday 8 April 2014 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Have you ever thought of rejoicing as a command from God? We often see rejoicing as a state of mind; reserved for a time when we feel happy.

When Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians he was in prison, not exactly the place where rejoicing is the first thing on your mind. To Paul rejoicing in the Lord was not dependent on his circumstances, but on what Christ has done. That is why he commands the Philippians to Rejoice ALWAYS. Rejoicing is not something reserved for a church service, but a way of life. It brings peace that is evident to everyone.

Today you might feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, even so, Paul’s command to you is Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice.

Thank You Lord, that no matter what happens, I can always rejoice in you. There is nothing that can separate me from Your love and grace. Today I will rejoice in the all You have done for me.

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Day 36: Wednesday 9 April 2014 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4

Genesis 11 gives an account of the tower of Babel. The people of that time decided to build a tower that would reach to heaven itself, but God stopped their plans by confusing their speech.

We live in an age and a society that is achievement driven. At work we have to meet our quotas and goals, at home we have to have the perfect family. The world has become a place where your value is determined by what you accomplish. Buildings are becoming bigger and taller. Electronics are becoming more powerful. There seems to be nothing that we can’t do. We have replaced God with technology.

But in a world where bigger and better lasts only a short while before it is replaced with the next bigger and better thing, we need to find something constant. The Lord says through the Prophet Malachi “I the Lord do not change.” At the end of the day, when our electronics fail, when our buildings come down, when our family and friends let us down, there will still be only one constant, the Lord.

Thank You Lord that You are constant in my life. Help me to stop relying on my own abilities and achievements and trust that Your plans for my life are perfect.

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Day 37: Thursday 10 April 2014

Let all that I am wait quietly before God for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honour come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Oh my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8) Make an effort today to withdraw to a quiet place. Any place that removes you from the pressures and business of your life. Allow yourself to wait on God. He is waiting on you! God knows the desires and concerns of your heart. Allow yourself to just sit in His presence and wait for Him. Make sure you are comfortable and won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes or focus on an object if that is more comfortable. Take a deep breath and slow your breathing down. As you slow your breathing become aware of the peace that surrounds you. Welcome God’s presence into this space. Don’t let the quiet scare you. You are not alone. Listen for God’s still small voice as He speaks to your spirit and rest in the warmth of His love.

Afterwards: 1. What thoughts, images, words, songs, scripture etc., came to mind while I was being quiet?

2. How is God speaking to me through these?

3. What do I need to do?

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Day 38: Friday 11 April 2014

Share this devotion as a family. Include your children.

One of my favourite Bible verses begins, "For God so loved the world." I was thinking about that verse and wondering - just how great is God's love and how could it be measured?

Sometimes we use a measuring cup to measure things. If I were making some cookies, I would use a measuring cup to make sure that I put in exactly the right amount of flour, sugar, and milk. I wonder if we might use a measuring cup to measure God's love. The Bible says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want....my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:1, 5). Well, if our cup runs over with God's love, I don't guess we could use a measuring cup to measure it.

If we were building something, we might use a tape measure to measure the length, width, and height of different things. I wonder if we might use a tape measure to measure God's love. The Bible tells us that God's love is higher than the heavens. (Psalm 108:4). If God's love is higher than the heavens, I don't think we could use a tape measure to measure it, could we?

We use a watch to measure time. Some people use their watch to measure how long the sermon lasts.

I wonder if we could use a watch to measure how long God's love will last. The Bible tells us that God's love is from everlasting to everlasting. (Psalm 103:17). Wow! If God's love is from everlasting to everlasting, I don't guess we could measure it with a watch.

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. How do you measure a love like that? We can't - we don't need to – and we can experience it. I hope that you may understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience it, though it is so great you will never fully understand it?

(Ephesians 3:18-19).

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Love – a Love so great that You gave Your one and only Son so that we could have eternal life.

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Day 39: Saturday 12 April 2014

Have you thought about the cost of following Jesus?

When last did you think that Jesus’ love for us cost Him His life?

“The Cost” – Meditate on the words – use them as a prayer if you like.

I'm saying yes to You and no to my desires I'll leave myself behind and follow You

I'll walk the narrow road 'cause it leads me to You I'll fall but grace will pick me up again

I've counted up the cost Oh I've counted up the cost Yes I've counted up the cost and You are worth it

I do not need safety as much as I need You You're dangerous but Lord You're beautiful

I'll chase You through the pain I'll carry my cross 'cause real love is not afraid to bleed

Jesus Take my all Take my everything

I've counted up the cost And You're worth everything

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Day 40: Palm Sunday: 13 April 2014 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-11)

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, we worship You today. We wave palms and shout Hosanna to the Son of David who is our King. But we also remember that this is the beginning of Your journey to the cross and that we were the ones that put You there.

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Day 41: Holy Week: Monday 14 April 2014 The Cross of Rejection One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

Spend time today reflecting on how you reject Jesus.

Join us this evening at 19:00 at the Weltevreden Methodist Church Sanctuary for a Holy Week Reflection Service.

Sermon Notes __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Write your own prayer in the block below. Why don’t you tell Jesus you are sorry for rejecting Him?

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Day 42: Holy Week: Tuesday 15 April 2014 The Cross of Reception But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Spend time today reflecting on how you receive Jesus.

Join us this evening at 19:00 at the Weltevreden Methodist Church Sanctuary for a Holy Week Reflection Service.

Sermon Notes __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Write your own prayer in the block below. Why don’t you promise to receive Jesus at work or school or on the Sports field?

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Day 43: Holy Week: Wednesday 16 April 2014 The Cross of Redemption Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Spend time today reflecting on how you Jesus forgives you and in so doing redeems you.

Join us this evening at 19:00 at the Weltevreden Methodist Church Sanctuary for a Holy Week Reflection Service.

Sermon Notes __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Write your own prayer in the block below. Why don’t you thank Jesus for his loving grace toward you?

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Day 44: Holy Week: Maundy Thursday 17 April Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?”

At once he (Judas) came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

…the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spat in his face…

“Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.

Please join us tonight at 19:00 for a Service of Shadows.

Please join us tomorrow for the Good Friday Service: 09:00 till 12:00. NOTE: The first half hour of the service will be set aside for our children, after which they will be cared for in the Blue hall. We feel that they need to be protected from the violent themes of Good Friday, yet at the same time we must begin to tell them the story – and we will.

What is there left to say? Spend 30 minutes in silence. Reflect on the darkness within humanity.

Reflect on the darkness within you.

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Day 45: Holy Week: Good Friday 18 April Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by His death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is the devil. (Hebrews 2:14) Death, as painful as it is, is an experience we should welcome and celebrate. Paul (2 Cor 4: 9-10) states that we are struck down but not destroyed. We carry in our body the death of Jesus Christ so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed.

The sting of death was overcome by the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Death has been swallowed in victory (2Cor 15; 54). For this reason, as we walk through the shadow of death, Jesus comforts and restores us. He died so that by His death He might break the power of the devil who held the power of death.

Christ suffered for the forgiveness sins. A righteous man gave up his life for the unrighteous, and in so doing draws us toward God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit and in so doing sets us free.

Jesus died so that we need not fear death. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

To say, Jesus descended to the place of the dead called Hades (1Pet 3:19), is not the same as saying He descended into hell. For us the death of Jesus Christ signals His willingness to complete His salvation message and plan by prevailing and winning even the dead so that we may say know that His love has conquered even death.

Because Jesus touched the place of the dead, there is no place that would be left untouched. The Psalmist (Psalm 139:7-12) says, “…where can I flee from Your presence. If I go to the heavens You are there. If I make my bed in the depths You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your right hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast… even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like day, for darkness is as light to You.” Death which was regarded as a curse has now become a blessing. For us death is the womb of our resurrection. The beginning of a New Life in God’s loving embrace.

For this reason all Christians can boldly declare that because of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, “…to live is Christ and to die is gain…” (Philippians 1:21).

Lord Jesus, I thank You that You have won for us a wonderful victory over death. Help me to not be afraid anymore?

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Day 46: Holy Week: Saturday 19 April 2014 To the beholders that I thought mattered, I was still unbeautiful. And my mother again would say to me, "You can’t eat beauty. It doesn’t feed you." And these words plagued and bothered me; I didn’t really understand them until finally I realized that beauty was not a thing that I could acquire or consume, it was something that I just had to be.

And what my mother meant when she said you can’t eat beauty was that you can’t rely on how you look to sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and for those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul. It is what got Patsey (in the movie The Colour Purple) in so much trouble with her master, but it is also what has kept her story alive to this day. We remember the beauty of her spirit even after the beauty of her body has faded away.

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Words of Lupita Nyong’o as she receives the Oscar award for her role in 12 Year’s a Slave

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

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Charles Spurgeon

Please Note: The sanctuary will be open from 10:00 to 14:00 for any who want to bring flowers in remembrance of those who have left us for God’s loving embrace. You are welcome to stay and pray in silence. Someone will be there to pray with you if you need personal prayer.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for all those that have taught me of Your love. Many have written their names on my heart. I miss those who now rest in your eternal embrace. Help me not to forget.

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Day 47: Holy Week: Easter Sunday 20 April 2014 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.

“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”

She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him.

“Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”

She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”

“Mary!” Jesus said.

She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (Which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).

“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. (John 20)

It’s Sunday!

Hallelujah!

Jesus is alive!

Jesus is alive!

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