2024 Leten Devotion by ShalimarUMC

LENTEN DEVOTION 2024

The Lenten Season is a period for thoughtful reflection and prayer; a time for us to prepare for the most important event in our Christian lives – the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and a promise for life eternal. Shalimar has a long history of producing Lenten Devotionals containing individual devotions written by our members. In looking through some previous additions, we realized how many members have contributed in the past and have gone on to be with our Lord. In recognition of their great witness, we have selected devotions from these members that were published in the 1989 to 2011 editions. Our prayer is that you and your family will be blessed and will grow in your walk from these examples of their wisdom, experience, faith and love and we look forward to the day when we will be reunited with them. Glory to the Lord, for He has Risen! He has risen indeed! Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

* Cover art by Pat Van Blaricum

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

"He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him." Mark 1:13 "Remember how he told you...that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." Luke 24:6,7 In Old English the word Lent had the meaning of Spring because the liturgical season of Lent ends with Easter wherein we remember the death and Resurrection of Jesus. Whether we wish to associate it with our Savior's 40 days in the wilderness or with the 40 hours between Christ's death on the cross and His Resurrection is of lesser consequence than the happenings between Good Friday and Easter when our Lord was dead and then Resurrected. Lent, then, is a period of preparation for Easter, a time for repentance of our sins and our separation from God, and a time for conversion when we have a change of mind and heart. PRAYER: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin. By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again. Amen -Book of Common Prayer THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: As during Advent we prepare for the coming of Jesus at his birth; so, at Lent let us prepare worthily by repentance for our sins and a change of heart for the commemoration of our Savior's suffering and death on the Cross and his Resurrection. Calvin Litten

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 "Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:6-7 These words were addressed to Timothy by Paul. Timothy had been very active in preaching and teaching the Gospel but at this time in his life was showing signs of being discouraged and Paul, who loved Timothy as a son, felt the need to stir him up. How easy it is to become discouraged today - in a world filled with drugs, pornography, deceit, etc. But remember, Jesus did not become discouraged but in fact made the supreme sacrifice for a sinful world. While we as humans cannot ever approach the purity of Jesus, we can use the human talents given to us by God, and He rightfully expects that they should be used. It is so easy to say "NO" to God and man. I know because for more years than 1 like to think about, this was my key word, "NO.” But finally, because of God's persistent loving grace, I did say "YES" and yet again "YES" and with each "YES" experience my life became more and more fulfilled. My one regret is that it took me so many years to reap the harvest of God's undying love. Just think how different the world would be today if professing Christians generally might be stirred to a greater use of their gifts. Don't wait - use your God given talents today and know the fulfillment of God's love in your life. PRAYER: Dear God, help us to use and use fully the gifts that are ours. Give us the wisdom to understand that while we may not have the leverage to move the world, we can at least do some moving of those near at hand. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Lay any burden upon me, Dear Lord; only sustain me. Send me anywhere, only go with me. Sever any tie but that which binds me to Thy service and to Thy heart, (anonymous). Tom Goodwin

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

"And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans." Romans 8:28 (TLB) It is very difficult to seek and go along with God's plans for our lives instead of following our own desires, and we stumble and fall short of His calling in many ways. He is always there to pick us up and patiently start us off in the right direction - fitting us into His plan. Life is filled with many surprises. Some are exciting and wonderful; others are the opposite. No matter what happens in life, God takes care of us when we love, trust, and obey Him. Yes, He gave His son, Jesus - a perfect example of loving trust and obedience. I am reminded of a young boy who was playing on the deck of a ship which was being tossed about violently during a severe storm. When he was asked if he was afraid, he replied, "No, I'm not afraid. My father is the captain." We, too, will be unafraid when we love and trust our Heavenly Father to be the captain in our lives and fit into His plan. PRAYER: Dear God, help us to choose your way over ours so that we may live according to your plan for our lives. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Trust and obey, for this is God's plan. June Holler

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 Every time I see the pelicans in flight, I'm reminded of Penny, one of my dearest friends from high school days. In early November 1989, I went to her home on the beach on Captiva Island, Florida waiting for her husband to have her flown home from Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. She had been diagnosed with cancer and was there receiving chemotherapy. As I waited for her return, I would sit on the beach praying and watching the pelicans soar and glide over the water in front of me. What a miracle and how peaceful they seemed as they flew by. Penny never returned home. Her cancer progressively worsened and after a few grand mal seizures from brain cancer, her husband called me and told me that I may as well return to St. Louis as she wouldn't be coming home for a while. I returned home but continued to talk with Penny by phone almost daily until her last days. She knew she wasn't going to make it and was afraid of dying. I tried to tell her that the Lord would be with her, and we'd all be together again someday in heaven, but she was losing faith in our God because of her fear. One night, before her death, I had a dream that I died. I'm sure it was God's way of communicating with me so that I could help my friend. I dreamt I died, and I saw this great glowing light in a tunnel. I tried to walk towards the end of it, but about halfway, the angels told me that I couldn't enter. I had to go back because it wasn't my turn yet. The next morning when Penny called from the hospital, I told her of my dream. Well, that one dream did wonders for my friend. It put her at peace again with the Lord. She passed away about one week later. I'll always remember my friend and the help from God the Father. Whenever I see the pelicans soaring and gliding, I'm reminded of the verse from Isaiah. PRAYER: Father God. give us the courage and strength to remain faithful during the rough times. In Jesus name. Amen THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God reaches out to all of us. We just need to listen. Betty Darrin

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8 (KJV) "Wherefore he said, awake thou that sleepiest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Ephesians 5:14 (KJV) Blindness throughout life would be a terrible thing to endure. Walking in darkness and the fear of the unknown would be almost more than some of us could bear. Can you imagine never being able to see the face of a loved one, a beautiful sunrise, or never being able to see the loving smiles of your children? To be spiritually blind would be more devastating as one would go through life never knowing the unending love of our Lord, not understanding that the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer. What a glorious blessing we have as Christians when we walk in the light of our Savior, Jesus Christ. PRAYER: Father, thank you for giving us your son that we may never walk in darkness. Thank you for your boundless love and your promise of eternal life. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: I want always to walk in God's light. Bob and Glenda Mayo

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 “…Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you...for I was sick, and you looked after me…” Matt 25:34-40 My cold had been hanging on for 2 weeks. As miserable as I felt, we needed milk, so I went to the store. I promised myself I would just run in, buy the milk, and go home. Instead, I ran into "Sue.” Months earlier she had asked me to pray for her and her child as they entered a very difficult time, so I asked how things were going. As always, she told me how wonderful God was in her life. She also shared that, unfortunately, she had missed getting her child on any agency list for Christmas. They were just going to get some small gifts for each other because that was all they could afford. I asked her to give me her child's sizes and age and to also give me her sizes. The Angel Tree at our church wasn't closed yet so I told her we would do whatever was possible on such short notice. (We delivered Christmas gifts to her home a few days before Christmas-for her child and for her.) We met again in late January. She was bubbling with joy as she gave me a gift-by-gift explanation of what she and her child had received for Christmas. She glowed when she told me about her child's gifts. A mother's face tells the entire story when she speaks about something beautiful that was done for her child. And she shared with me something she had never told anyone. For years she had given her own mother a very specific type of gift, secretly hoping that someday she would receive a gift like it. Well, she received that gift this Christmas - from the Angel Tree. She said that it had to have come from God because He is the only one who knew what was in her heart. "Sue" said that when she looks back to that day in December, she knows now that God orchestrated the discussion we had. She wanted her child to have a nicer Christmas than she would be able to provide. God is a big part of her life, but she had only asked Him to take care of her child's Christmas presents, never dreaming He would also take care of hers. This was yet another reason for her to praise Him. I look at this past Christmas and recognize that it was one of the best I have ever had. The Angel Tree committee was made up of people with the same heart - to bring God's love to those less fortunate. Every step of the way, God brought exactly what was needed for that day's work. Because I was sick the first few weeks in December, I never even saw the Angel Tree set up in the church. Yet I did see it, and all it represented, on Sue's face yesterday. How appropriate that we had chosen 1 John 4:8 “... God is love" as the Angel Tree Scripture. What a loving God we serve! PRAYER: Father God, we praise your Holy Name. We give all honor and glory to you for the gifts that went out from the Angel Tree this year. We know that you love each of the recipients and each of the givers equally. We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your mighty works. Amen. Dianne Johnson

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

"These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won't last long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing upon us forever and ever!" 2 Corinthians 4:17 The above scripture is from Paul's letter to the Christians in Corinth. Christians constantly experience physical, mental, and spiritual problems. We face these problems in many different ways. At first, we frequently become angry. "How could God let me suffer, I have tried to live a good Christian life.” But it seems that, just as the human body develops an immunity to many diseases and becomes stronger after exposure, most Christians' faith is strengthened as a result of experiencing adversity. Paul also said, "We don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit." PRAYER: God, give us the wisdom to understand and the strength to accept adversity and become stronger Christians as a result. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Would we ever think of GOD if we never felt we needed His help? Ed Powell

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

We face situations in life which we virtually have no control over, problems which we may from time to time try to solve in our own way but which we find beyond our capability because of complexity or deep involvement. Serious illness has struck a family member on more than one occasion, so serious that the member was in danger of dying. Instinctively, the family turned to prayer and requested prayer from others. In each instance, the illness was reversed, and I firmly believe that God answered the prayers. Some people look in all the wrong places for help or from sources that only make matters worse. There is only one true helper and that is our Heavenly Father, the Lord of Life. In Him all good things are possible. As the Psalmist said, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." James 5:16 states that we should "pray for each other so that you may be healed." PRAYER: Almighty God, in times of need we thank You the giver of life for help, and in good times we come to You with prayers of thanksgiving. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Have faith and trust in the One who can give you strength and comfort. Jack Shotwell

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 Our past few Sunday School lessons have been on the nature of hope, and I think that hope is one of the most universal feelings that Christians everywhere share. To me, it is the greatest gift that God has given us; this knowledge that our life here on earth is not the end. When reading Isaiah 49:6, I came to a realization I had never had before: That we are God's hope - that we will be His instruments on earth to bring His hope and salvation to all the people. A hymn I read by John Hunter expresses the Christian dilemma beautifully: Dear Jesus, in whose life I see all that I would, but fail to be, let thy clear light forever shine, to shame and guide this life of mine. Though what I dream and what I do in my weak days are always two, help me, oppressed by things undone, O Thou, whose deeds and dreams were one! The Serenity Prayer can help us reconcile all the various aspects of our lives: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: With God's help, we can know Him more clearly, follow Him more nearly and love Him more dearly, day by day. Blanche B. Ferdon

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 The Lord is merciful and gracious.

Psalms 103:8

This devotion was triggered by one Betty Goodwin did at a recent meeting. The gist of it was God takes us as we are, perhaps all messed up, disobedient, or straying from the straight and narrow path, and He forgives us, cleans us up, gets us back on the path and sends us forward with love. When I was a young girl, a fair came to our small town on the Monday after Easter Sunday. My best friend, Marge, and I asked permission to go after school. We had been allowed to wear our new Easter dresses to school that one day. Then they were to go back on the rack for "dress up” wear. Our mothers told us to come home first and change our clothes. We really intended to but after school we didn't want to give up fair time to walk home, change, and return, so we entered the fairground in lovely pink and blue dresses. Our first ride was the Ferris wheel. On the downside, coming toward the ground, the two men behind us spit out tobacco juice. Guess where it went? Right! All over two lovely Easter dresses. When I arrived home, with wide eyes, my mother asked me what had happened. Through tears and sobs, I explained and said, “I’m sorry I didn't listen to you." With her arms around me, she said, "Have you learned a lesson?" "Yes, Mamm.” “Then, let's get you cleaned up and soak your dress." By this time, I was probably on my eighth - I'm sorry! As an adult, my Lord has forgiven me, cleaned me up and put me back on the path with love. What a blessing to have an understanding Lord and the assurance that He is with us all the time. PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, that whether our sins are great or small, Jesus can forgive them all. Amen. Pat Van Blaricum

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"

Psalms 119:105

"I've got to get out of there." Our son was talking about leaving the job he'd been in for the past three years. We'd been hearing this weary message around Thanksgiving every year. The mystery was that he'd enter the new year with a pay raise and promotion every time. Loving his work and dealing with the cut-throat competition wasn't enough though. He was growing cynical, discouraged, and the stress was taking a toll on his health. We became concerned when he began considering work back home where database administrators aren't in great demand. Time for prayer, not advice. Surely the “climbers” in the field don't move up in a job by tripping up the competition. It was a relief to know that our son saw the flaw in this kind of thinking. Surely that's not a work skill, let alone a work ethic. But to move on to another job can't be the answer... People are people. Pray. The son that came home for the holidays this year was relaxed and happy. His sense of humor was back, and his focus was on his family, his fishing, and revelations in his work ... not job, mind you ... but work. It was not surprising to hear that he was promoted at the end of the year. Refusing to be in the competition that was constant weight in the workplace, he'd stepped back over the past year and saw where he could be a benefit. The co-workers in their frenzy to be favored would produce masterful but often flawed work. Without fanfare, our son quietly worked in the background for the company, troubleshooting and refining the software programs. He reached the top in today's certification and is enjoying a comfortable place of respect in management. God answers prayer. PRAYER: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for not only giving our son light in his life but also the peace and understanding that you only come from You. To you be glory! Linda Barts

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 "We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it." 1 John 1:1 I was attending an Emmaus Walk team meeting when the Spiritual Director spoke this verse in a devotional. The concept of being able to "touch" the Word startled me for in the Gospel of John, verses I through 4. "Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God; and he was the same as God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind." How then could man touch the Word? How could man touch God? I came to understand what this verse meant and why it comes to mind so often for when we touch our fellow Christians with love and understanding, are we not Touching the Word. PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to announce the Word to all so that all may experience the fellowship and agape love of Jesus Christ. Bob O'Connor

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26 ROOT SYSTEMS Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another.

Proverbs 27:17

In the western part of the United States grows the sequoia and its coastal cousin the redwood. These wonderful trees can attain heights of three hundred feet and live to an estimated two thousand years or more. Over the millennia, they have developed characteristics which help them flourish in their environment. One survival characteristic is their root system. Unlike the other types of trees, which send their roots deep into the earth, sequoias have a shallow root system. This root system extends quite a distance and connects with the other roots. The other sequoias, forming a subterranean network of interconnection, in essence, hang on to one another. If needed, they hang on to one another to stay upright through fierce mountain storms. Where would we be without our Savior and our church? Give thanks daily for these groups - the Body of Christ. Each and every one of us has had "storms" in our lives and the single element that has helped us through these trials and tribulations has been Hirn, love, and the nurturing of our church. Give thanks. Marjorie Robinson

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Love, the greatest and most powerful four-letter word in the world. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong on a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. 1 Corinthians 13 In my four years plus as a member of SUMC, I have experienced the greatest sharing of love and caring anyone could ever have. I am so blessed and happy to be a part of this wonderful fellowship. In my daily prayers I pray for those who do not know Christ as their Lord and Savior and belong to God's loving family. I pray constantly that God will guide me in my daily walk- that even in the smallest things, I will try to serve others in His Holy Name. Faith, hope and LOVE, but the greatest of these is Love. Thank you, SUMC, for accepting me into your loving Christian family. God bless you always. B.J. Shotwell

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

THE BIG PICTURE One of the ways patients and caregivers pass the waiting time during daily hospital visits is to work on jigsaw puzzles. There is a large table in the waiting room and at any given time two 1000-piece puzzles are in progress. Johnny and I enjoy this activity so much we bought a Thomas Kincaid puzzle to work on at home. We have discovered that in every puzzle project there comes a time when the "big" stuff is complete (the house, the border, the smiling children) and all that's left are pieces that could go anywhere. I started a Norman Rockwell puzzle a few years ago and quickly finished the three people grouped in the middle but there are about 400 remaining pieces and they're all white! I'm stuck. Confused. Overwhelmed. Discouraged. Life is like that. We get the big stuff taken care of, but the little things bring us down. The rude driver in the next lane, the grouchy clerk in the store, the light that won't turn green fast enough, the computer that won't work fast enough, the landlord who just doesn't understand our situation, the repairman who took all day to fix a ten-minute problem, the family member who just won't take our good advice. You know what I mean, life's little irritations. Pieces that don't fit and cause irritation. God knew that would happen. He knew that even when we got the big stuff in place (accepting Christ as our savior) we'd still be struggling with the details of the life he gave us. When I get discouraged with the small stuff, I turn to God's timeless truth and take my strength from the lesson of Habakkuk found in the OT book by his name, chapter three, and verses 16 through 19. Habakkuk lists his worrisome details (including bad fig trees and missing cattle) and then he pulls himself out of the valley of self-pity with these words, “YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION, THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH” (verses 18-19a). PRAYER: When doubts, discouragement, and the confusing details of life pull me away from you, when the pieces of my life just don't fit, hold me close and help me to stop focusing on myself and instead focus on You. Thank You for the promise that when I keep my eyes on You, the rest of my life falls into place. Amen. Rita Collins

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Philippians 4-13 (KJV)

In 1953 I returned to Nashville, Tennessee from San Francisco, California where I had married and lived several years. My dad, a retired Methodist minister, died the next year and my mother and I began a new life together. The void in my life was filled by working and going to McKendree Methodist Church. Singing in the choir was a blessing for me. Sunday School and the Ladies Guild brought new meaning to my life. Altar time in the Sunday evening services, was a very special time and prayers were answered. One evening mother and I attended the Billy Graham Crusade service. When the invitation was given, I went forward with hundreds of others and rededicated my life to Christ. I knew the Holy Spirit was working within me. During Lent we reread, with pain and grief, of the betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion of Jesus. The verse and chorus quoted below is a constant reminder of what the Lord has done for me. "My hope is in the Lord Who gave Himself for me And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary. For me, He died. For me, He lives. And everlasting life and light He freely gives." Norman J. Clayton PRAYER: Father, thank you for your love, grace, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God will help us in every circumstance of life when we call upon Him. Margaret Friedlander

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:24 If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

What wonderfully positive thoughts we could use to begin each day! We are surrounded by so many negative thoughts from television, newspapers, and magazines we read, it is easy to forget God planned for us to be strong, cheerful, confident people. Our success or failure lies mostly in the mind - what we think we can or cannot do. We do not know how God works, but our faith makes possible our openness to God's will in our life. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to keep a receptive mind that I might know and do your will. May your love shine through me. In Jesus' name. Amen THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Begin The Day With God Every morning lean thine arms awhile upon the windowsill of heaven. And gaze upon the Lord. Then with the vision in thy heart Turn strong to meet the day. Author Unknown

Fran Hall

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Matthew 3:3

If Christ has a straight path to our hearts, our paths will all be straight. But his path requires preparation. There is nothing we like better than a short cut. We can remind ourselves that a mushroom grows overnight while an oak requires years, nevertheless, we want what we want when we want it without using up a lot of time getting ready for it. We forget that before we can build, we must draw a plan and dig a foundation. For progress in the religious life, we need three daily companions: the spirit of repentance, the spirit of humility and the spirit of adoration. The first is exemplified by the publican saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner." The second and third combine in John the Baptist's "There cometh one...after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unlatch" and in the Wise Men's "We have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him". Cultivating the spirit of repentance, of humility and adoration we prepare the highway of the Lord into our hearts. The valleys of indifference, insensitivity, faithlessness, and overanxiety are filled up. The mountains of pride and self-sufficiency are brought low. We go forward toward the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. PRAYER: Grant, O Lord, that within our hearts the valleys of despair may be exalted, the hills of pride brought low, the crooked made straight, the rough places plain, so that in us, up to our measure, the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: As we prepare for the Easter season, let us think of what we can do to make straight the highway of the Lord into our hearts. Ralph O. Dorris

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Listening to the news, reading the news, discussing the news, and distrusting the news are regular experiences in our daily lives. Today we have access to more presentations of news than ever before. Primarily we hear negative reports such as verbal attacks, criticisms, stories of vicious acts against humanity, personal tragedies, and overall doom and gloom. We can turn off or avoid these bad news sources and seek our knowledge from the powerful, truthful, and positive news source—The Bible. As Christians we have one sure source of good news with easy access at any time we choose. This source comes in multitudes of sizes, colors, print types and languages. We do not have to depend on reporters, writers, commentators, legal experts, TV or radio newsrooms or computers. We are given The Truth, The Good News when we open The Bible. We can read God's Words for God's people. As we read, study, and share His powerful, truthful, and accessible message we can gain strength to face each day, knowledge to share, and spiritual growth. God's most precious gift to us is His Son Jesus, Jesus is God's Messenger of Good News for mankind. " I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 The Bible is also a precious gift to us. This valuable gift is not just for one day or one special day. We can open this gift any day, any hour or any place. Therefore, we need to take time to open God's Good News often and let it replace and rebuke all the bad news with His Words. "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for the answers." Philippians 4:6-7 We can find the answers in His Word, our Good News Source—the Bible. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of life, for your Son Jesus Christ, and for Thy Holy Word. Help us faithfully study to achieve spiritual growth in our daily lives. Amen. Jo Yeager

MONDAY, MARCH 4

Thinking about how I feel at the end of a long tiring day, it seems I never catch up with all the things that need to be done. My long-time friend, Mary Jo, who was a member of Trinity United Methodist church, insisted I sign up for a class at Trinity that was about "Setting Boundaries". She wanted me to take the class because I didn't know how to set boundaries and say "NO". Well, I took the class and enjoyed it - but apparently, I still do not know how to say "NO". There is so much work to be done in His Holy Name and He gives us the strength we need to share His love with others. A lot of actions speak louder than words and I pray that my actions will do just that. After my beloved Jack passed away, one of the nurses at the hospital told me that he'd said I was the most giving person he'd ever known. I'm sure I will never live up to this, but my prayer is that I will do God's will whatever it may be. After Jesus' last supper with the Disciples, He gave them a new commandment, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another " John 13:34-35 I am so blessed to be a member of such a loving and sharing congregation as Shalimar UMC. It is indeed the most loving, caring, and spiritual church I've ever belonged to. Please, all of you dear Christian friends, keep me in your prayers, as I shall keep you in mine. PRAYER: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for doing for me what I could not do for myself. You have given me strength and eternal life, through your death on the cross. B. J. Shotwell

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy. peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 Have you ever tasted a Harry and David's Royal Riviera Pear? It's my favorite fruit ever. When these pears arrive at your door in a box, the instructions tell you to gently press the pear near the stem each day until you feel it give ever so slightly. Then refrigerate the pear to keep it from ripening too quickly. They are now ready to be eaten. One of the things that has always intrigued me is why we are given the "fruit" of the Spirit - not the fruits of the Spirit plural. Then I started thinking about the Royal Riviera Pear. It is one fruit that has many elements included. It has skin, flesh, a core, seeds, color, a stem, a smell, juice, and flavor. Did you know that a pear ripens from the inside out? We are given the "fruit of the Spirit" when we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts. And like that beautiful pear, this beautiful fruit ripens from the inside out also. Even better, this fruit continues to ripen and doesn't have to be refrigerated because its ripening is intentionally wanted. And there are many elements included in this ripening process: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Holy Spirit grows this fruit within us. I went online before writing this today to make sure I was spelling the name of the pear correctly. Harry and David are having a sale on these pears right now. It must be the end of the season and they have lots to sell before they spoil. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit doesn't have that worry. The fruit of the Spirit has no limits in earthly time. It will never spoil. PRAYER: Father enthroned in Heaven; we praise your Holy Name. We thank you for loving us so much that you give us the precious fruit of the Spirit. And that you put that gift in our hearts where it can ripen us from the inside out. And we thank you for the senses you give us that let us enjoy the earthly fruits you lavish upon us. Amen. Dianne Johnson

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

OUR JOURNEY Gentle Savior, I first met You When I was only ten. We've covered lots of miles since then, Walking hand in hand. Remember when I nearly went home, At the birth of my first-born son? And the day the doctor said "It's cancer" And I thought my life was done! Or that day at the office, when the pain in my head Got worse with each minute, And after the surgery we finally knew What was the cause of it. These and many other times, Too many to number here. Your presence was very real to me, And I felt it abundantly clear. More recently, we've walked in darkness, And I couldn't see Your face, But You promised "never to leave me", And provided amazing Grace. I'm looking forward to arriving At my final home, you see But I still want You to hold my hand And always stay near to me.

Colleen James

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

SPIRITUAL BUCKET LIST “So, teach us to number our days, that we may present to thee a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 In the movie The Bucket List, a billionaire and a working-class mechanic have nothing in common except a terminal illness. While sharing a hospital room, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die. In completing their "bucket list," they end up healing each other and become unlikely friends and ultimately find joy in their lives. Each man had a distinct thought of life. The billionaire (Jack Nicholson) said, “We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round." The mechanic (Morgan Freeman) said, "You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you." You have to ask yourself whether the wheels just go round and round or whether we are a measure for other people around us. In our Christian spiritual world, is our journey the wheels on the bus go round and round, or do you see yourself being a measure for other Christians. Many Christians are hurting spiritually and perhaps even terminally. What if they came together and each had a spiritual "bucket list” to try to complete before entering the Pearly Gates. What if these Christians worked together to complete their list. What if you chose Jesus as your partner to complete your list. Awesome way to go. Develop your list today. Look into the Christian disciplines of study, solitude, simplicity, prayer, worship, service, meditation, fasting, submission, confession, guidance, and celebration. Pick one or several disciplines and get detailed "want to do's" put on paper. Act now with no regrets. Remember your Chock full o'Nuts can may be buried on a mountain, but your spirit will live on forever with our Father. Don Roswell

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God."

Psalm 143: 10

When seeking ways to experience the Will of God, consider the following scripture references: Obey your parents… Ephesians 6 :1 Assemble for worship… Hebrews 10:25 Set proper values... Colossians 3:2 Support your family... 1 Timothy 5:8 Give to the Lord's work and to the poor… 2 Corinthians 8-9 Rear children by God's standards... Ephesians 6:4 Meditate on the scriptures... Psalm 1:2 Pray...1 Thessalonians 5:17 Have a joyful attitude... 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Marry a Christian...1 Corinthians 6:15 Proclaim Christ... Acts 1:8 Have a spirit of gratitude... Philippians 4:6 Display love... 1 Corinthians 13 Accept people without prejudice... James 2: 1-10 Barbara Riley

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

Psalm 100: 1-3

God's gift of life is a wonderful one. It's not always easy...sometimes the rainbows are very dim, but the Word of God and the love of Christ can lift our eyes and spirits so we can discover the sunrise and see the stars. I've always felt that God expects us to show as well as to feel the peace and happiness and love that we have in our hearts. I think he wants some outward signs that we are Christians. I know there is much sadness in everyday life and that there was sadness in the cross that Jesus had to bear. No one can live on "cloud nine" all the time...not even most of the time. Life is set so that we have to go down into the valley and wash dishes, pay rent, fix leaky faucets and have the flu! No, we cannot be disciples of a man who died on a blood-stained cross and be "bubbly all the time", but we can be HIS all the time; and when we are truly HIS, we realize that the sadness of the cross is overcome by the joy of the Resurrection. The sadness of our everyday life is overcome by the joy of having Jesus as our strength and comforter. Once we realize these things and have them firmly planted in our mind and heart, we can understand the meaning of Romans 8:3839 "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, or any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God.” PRAYER: Dear Lord, yesterday is gone, never to return We won't worry about that. Tomorrow and all that it holds is your secret and we leave it in your hands. Today is ours to make the most of. Please give us the guidance to use it wisely. In Jesus' precious name. Amen. Pat Van Blaricum

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 " ...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:12c-13 (NRSV) While thinking about Easter and what Christ paid to call us to Him, I began to wonder how His appeal might be if He used a modern approach. Just for fun, I wrote a want ad: "WANTED: Christian. Immediate opening. Full-time position: nothing else considered. Must be compassionate, empathetic, loving, as well as strong, brave, courageous. Must live in the world but not love it, yet lovingly go among and serve the homeless, sinners and despairing. Must be independent, yet subservient. Must see sin, yet not judge. Must listen more than preach. Must have a heart capable of breaking yet exhibit joy. Must be considerate and understanding, yet not be vacillating or weak-willed. Must be sure of the future, yet content to deal with today. Should know "needs" as opposed to "wants." Extreme sacrifices might be required. No resume needed; former work experience is irrelevant. Character references immaterial; employer has His own criteria. No experience necessary. Will train. Equal Opportunity Employer. Contact Him on your knees. You can't be turned down." God is the one employer with no running record of employee mistakes. He doesn't force job performance evaluations; He lets our life experiences prick our consciences into self-evaluations. Each new workday He sees us with loving eyes, a forgiving heart and encourages with a "still, small voice." He hands out job assignments to all employees who are listening. For the others. He waits patiently. And always. He keeps on loving. I thank God for the undeserved gift of the Easter sacrifice. As you examine yourself during Lent, pray for an Easter experience that makes you realize the joy that comes only with heavenly employment. PRAYER: Dear Boss, I accept Your job offer. Work in me to get the job done to Your glory. Support me when I'm weak; hold me when I'm discouraged. Give me transparency, so others can see You, not me. With gratitude for Your confidence in calling me to work for You, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Lorna Gotchall Tovrea

MONDAY, MARCH 11 DON'T GIVE ANYTHING UP FOR LENT.... I appeal to you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is your spiritual worship... Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (RSV) There are many Christians who give up certain things "for Lent". These are usually old habits of the sort that die hard; they know good and well that they will ease back into their old ways a few weeks or months after Easter has come and gone. I think that most '"giver-uppers" do this more out of inertia than an intentional, temporary attempt at piety or personal holiness. I think that Romans 12:1-2 calls a Christian to strive to be a more holy and acceptable person. I don't think God's idea of what is "holy and acceptable" involves a temporary change of behavior of any kind. In sort of a backwards way, giving up something (only) for Lent seems to prove what is not the "good and acceptable and perfect" will of God. To me, a positive "renewal of your mind" should be an objective that Christians pursue during Lent and "between Lents". Doing something that points out God's perfection is preferable to making personal perfection an end in itself. Showing that God is perfect is possible; being personally perfect is impossible. PRAYER: Lord, teach us how to accentuate your positives, and not just eliminate our negatives. Tom Hotchkiss

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

What would Jesus do? This question is one it seems popular to ask these days. Jesus tells us to love one another even as He has loved us. We are to encourage and support our fellow Christians. We need to concentrate on the very best qualities of each person. This is sometimes a lot harder than it sounds. It's so tempting to listen to ugly gossip, but do we believe this is what Jesus would do? No. We should keep our thoughts focused on the best we know about everyone, but we so often remember and repeat the worst. We must ask God to help us to appreciate the good in all people, to encourage others to use the talents God gave them as He would have them used, to speak kindly to and about others, and, above all, to love one another. Then we would all be doing as we believe Jesus would do. Merry Hubbard

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 "He will love thee and bless thee,"

Deuteronomy 7:13

Often, we go about each day caught up in our busy schedules and forget how our lives have been blessed by God's love. We should take time in each day to remember how Christ died for us. He was God's ultimate gift of love. Jesus commanded us to love one another and to witness to others of His love. One day in the last class of a busy school day, a young female student who had seemed unusually quiet and depressed during class asked to stay after the bell. She and I talked for ten to fifteen minutes about her concerns. Her final words to her story were, "No one loves me or cares about me." Without any hesitation I responded, "I love you and God loves you." The look on her face was one of wonder and then of joy as she said, "No one ever told me that before." Those few but powerful words changed her life. She was a happier person and became active in a youth group at church. My life was blessed, and my faith made stronger in this proof of the power of God's love. How simple a sentence and yet how strong and powerful these words are. Let each of us remember as we approach this season of Lent/Easter, that God loves us and continues to bless us. PRAYER: Dear God, help us to be more loving in our daily lives and in all our relations with others. Grant us the wisdom to love and trust Thee in all that we do. We pray in the name of Jesus who loved us and gave His life for us. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He prayeth best who loveth best all things both great and small. For the dear God, who loveth us. He made and loveth all.

Jo Yeager

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 This is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 6:29

The work of God is just that we believe in His Son Jesus, through the grace He extended to us enduring the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Having had a hoarse throat from January to May last year, on my third visit to the doctor he did a more thorough examination of my throat. A small polyp was found on my right vocal cord. He asked if I wanted surgery (elective surgery). My answer was yes. After surgery I learned there were two pinhead sized cancer cells within that polyp. Treatment - 36 radiation treatments. Result - my vocal cords are normal. Praise the Lord for his healing power! The really important part is that I knew the surgery and radiation would be successful. You see God gave me an assurance the morning of my surgery. The day before, while reading His word, I read: Psalm 20 May the Lord answer you in the hour of trouble! The name of Jacob's God be your tower of strength, give you help from the sanctuary and send you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and look with favor on your rich sacrifices, give you your heart's desire and grant success to all your plans! Let us sing aloud in praise of your victory, let us do homage to the name of our God! The Lord grant all you ask! Armed with this promise, is it any wonder I knew the surgery and radiation would be a success! May God speak to you as clearly in your hour of need. PRAYER: Father, we praise you. We thank You for Your word (written and living) and for your healing grace. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: How great our God is. He speaks to us through his word. NadineWinterberger

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God like a little child shall in no way enter it. Luke 18:17 It was the Sunday before Christmas; we had brought our 5-year-old grandson to church with us. He had never come with us alone, so I gave him instructions on proper "church behavior." Reverend Wright started out his message, "Who is God?" Beside me a little hand went up. I carefully pulled it down and he turned to me and quietly exclaimed, "But Nonie, I know the answer, it's Jesus!" How wonderful is the faith and belief of children. Simple and forthright. He knew the answer and wanted to share. Simple as it is, we can all learn and strive to be more childlike in our witnessing for God. PRAYER: Dear Lord, let us be as children in our faith and obedience to you. Let us share our joy in knowing you with one another. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Preserve always the childlike simplicity which goes direct to God." Norma Unruh

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Read Genesis 1:3-5 and 1:12-20 Then God said, "Let there be light" and there was light. And God saw that light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light day and the darkness he called night. And there was evening and there was morning. Read Psalm 8:1-9 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth—who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens! Me and my wife Ruth have had the good fortune to live on Okaloosa Island for the past 30 years. Certain seasons of the year the morning sunrises and the evening sunsets are awe inspiring. It appears that God has taken his brush and painted the sky with every color imaginable. They make the world seem so peaceful and calm that it fills the soul with God's spirit and love. Genesis tells us God made day and night and he stated, "They are good." I'm sure that He made this beautiful world for you and I to enjoy. When David wrote in Psalm 8 "who has displayed thy splendor above the heavens," I believe he was not only referring to just the colors but also to the sounds and sights such as: (a) the roar of the Gulf waters bouncing against the beautiful sandy beaches; (b) the mocking bird's lilting song, the doves' mating calls, the beauty of the cardinal, the flights of the pelicans and gulls, and, oh yes, the pretty little humming birds; (c) the rainbows after a rain. These are only a few of the many things that God has given us to make our lives worth living. I realize that all of us have our trials and tribulations, but we also have a Heavenly Father, the same that created this beautiful world, to turn to for love and consolation when things go wrong. PRAYER: Lord, help us to remember that all good things come from you. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We should always enjoy each day of our lives to the fullest and to thank God for loving us. James Mallette

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 "Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as He talked. But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing." Luke 10:38-40 (TLB) Martha was always busy worrying over details and trying to make things perfect. Mary had discovered the importance of taking time to "stop and smell the roses." I think there is a bit of Martha and Mary in each of us. Recently I had the opportunity to enjoy the Mary in me. Normally I'm a Martha scurrying around. A few weeks ago, I had an unwelcome experience. I fell and broke my arm and found myself in a full arm cast. What a shock it was to find many of the things I normally take for granted I could no longer do. I couldn't even cut my own meat! From this experience, I discovered that many of the things I thought were so important are really not so important after all. I found that I liked being a Mary! What a delight it was to forget the hustle and bustle of daily living and focus on the finer things of life; beautiful music, fellowship with family and friends, a spectacular sunset - and most important of all, quality time to visit with my Lord. Mother Teresa once said, "It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing." I pray that each of you will take time to find the Mary within you. Seize those beautiful moments - they may not come again! PRAYER: Dear Lord, when we feel pressured by life' s demands, help us to see with Mary's vision. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We shouldn't be in such a hurry that we overlook what is really important.

Jeanne Purdy

MONDAY, MARCH 18 Then Jesus said unto him, "Go, and do thou likewise."

Luke 10:37

Day to day living brings problems and choices to each of us where the right solutions are not always obvious, and we need help. With this verse in mind while working out solutions I know what Jesus would have me do. Doing likewise brought to mind this poem by an unknown author: Forget each kindness that you do as soon as you have done it; Forget the praise that falls on you the moment you have won it; Remember every kindness done you what'er it measure; Remember praise by others won and pass it on with pleasure; Remember all the happiness that comes your way in living; Forget each worry and distress, be hopeful and forgiving; Remember good, remember truth, remember heavens above you. And you will find through age and youth, that many hearts will love you. PRAYER: Dear Lord, give us the strength and courage to open our hearts and minds to receive your guidance. Help us to be grateful for your blessings given and for opportunities and challenges as well. Teach us to better, "Go, and do thou likewise." THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God gives clear direction – but we must seek it. Roger Budd

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 "Let us love one another for love is from God..."

1 John 4:7

As a parent, I often wondered "what do my children really think of me" and have I done a good job of raising them...a frequent thought and a constant concern of mine since in retrospect I could find several instances in the past where I may have failed to do a good job. I did, however, always make an effort to let them know they were loved and I assured them they would always have a home with us whatever the circumstances. I couldn't be sure that they, and particularly my son, really believed I meant what I said until one day, unexpectedly, I received a beautiful ink drawing done by him with the following poem written over the face of it. Was I pleased? You bet! Now I know. "Portrait of my Father" His hair is silver gray his eyes need help to see... his step a little slowed by the weight of years increased. But years that took his youth away could never take from me the strength of love within his heart as he taught me to see... Those things of which a man is made and will forever be... My image of the kind of man I hope someday to be. Vandy '95 PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for your many blessings and my appreciative family whom I know really love me and support me. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Nothing is more costly than loving...except not loving. Van Van Blaricum

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bone. Proverbs 17:22

I love that verse! When you have one of those down and out, sorta "plain vanilla" moods and a smiling, cheerful person walks into your cloud, have you ever felt like you just received a present with a huge, big bow on it? So many times, in my life, those people have seemed few and far between. Personally, I need and thrive off the smiles and spirit of the Christian friends I have. I have been blessed with wonderful family and friends, that I know are gifts. One Christmas as I looked at our tree all decorated, I thought, what a shame, all the spirit this time of year for such a short time. So, guess what? The tree was decked out for Valentine's Day and will be dressed up for Easter! PRAYER: Dear God, help us to keep your spirit alive every day, so that others may see your love through us. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Am I being the kind of person I would enjoy being around? Connie Boyd

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalms 46:1

Webster defines refuge as a shelter, protection for danger, trouble, etc., as to shelter a storm or protection from danger. One has recourse for aid, relief, and escape. This is one of my favorite verses. I have read it many times. It has brought peace to me in times of trouble, trials, danger, fear, loss of loved ones, and aloneness. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Though my body may change, the earth may change, though the mountains fall into the sea, the waters roar and foam. God is my refuge and strength. PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for your guidance and love as You sustain us in all phases of our lives and for the hope we have now and in the future that you will be with us. Help us to establish peace on earth. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God's word says, "Be still and know that I am God." Hilda McGee

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:18

I sought the Lord, and he answered me....

Psalm 34:4

I have a friend and colleague who has a way of bringing quiet order and stability to otherwise chaotic, hurried situations. He always encourages others. Recently, I had the opportunity after a business meeting to ask him the source of his inner strength and confidence. He said that he had learned a valuable lesson about himself on Cursillo (Catholic Emmaus Walk). He has to have quiet time each day to speak to God and to listen to God. That through times of silence and personal solitude, he receives encouragement from his Heavenly Father. The encouragement he gets as a gift from God fosters hope, comfort, and confidence within himself. He said, remember Jesus went to the mountains and to the seashore. My friend shared that he makes time each day for quiet and solitude to talk with His Heavenly Father and to listen and look for God' s message. Thinking about my friend's witness to me, I recalled that Elijah heard the small still voice of God, and Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth." PRAYER: Father, help me to find time so I can talk to you, and you can talk to me. Thank you for always listening to me. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Am I quiet and still long enough to hear God speak to me? Do I take the time to anticipate and look for God's message? Bob Mayo

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 My mother sang and played the piano beautifully at church gatherings. One of her favorites always intrigued me -"Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound.” What did it all mean - saved by grace through faith? Over the years, I have pondered many times those beautiful words. Then as I studied and learned more, I came to understand that if we just have faith we can be saved. Saved not by our actions, deeds, or prayers, but saved by His grace only. No matter how lost we feel, if we would keep the faith with Christ, we would be found. How beautiful now it is to see. PRAYER: Dear Lord, may we take up our cross and follow Christ, in the strength of patience and the constancy of faith. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Walk worthy of His calling with patience each day. Fran Clark

SUNDAY, MARCH 24 O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me! Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:1-2 Read Psalm 139:1-18; Ephesians 4:7 Jesus made the supreme commitment when He gave himself for each of us. As I contemplate this inestimable gift, I ask myself if I am committed to doing all He would have me do to fulfill God's purpose for my life? Only through regular attention to worship, praise, prayer, and study of God's word can I stay attuned to His will and guidance for my life and be equipped to carry out His purpose. Assurance comes with the realization that God knows and understands me better than I know myself. He knows my thoughts, the intentions of my heart, my strengths, and weaknesses. I know I can do nothing worthwhile without Him! Only He through the Holy spirit can lead me, enable me, and empower me to change and grow through His GRACE. When, after prayerful consideration (He often says no), I am led to accept a task I have learned to prepare and relax in the knowledge that He is there, and His Grace will be abundantly sufficient. I only need to "Let go and let God." Only through total commitment and denial of our selfish aims can we hope to become the persons God made us to be. I'm working on it! How about you? PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your love, patience and forgiveness personified in Your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Give us your solace of joy and peace in our soul during these troubled days of war. In the name of Jesus. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9 But Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's Gift! Ephesians 4:7 Mildred Quails

MONDAY, MARCH 25

What a wonderful God we have...the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. 2 Corinthians 1:3 Did you ever have a day where nothing seemed to go right? I'm sure we all have felt like this sometime in our lives. It happened to me this week when things did not go my way and I felt extreme pressure on the well-being of my family. I had a bad day or so I thought. Then I remembered the words of Col. Ed Hubbord, a US POW in North Vietnam. He said there is no such thing as a bad day and related how many POWs learned foreign languages, did hundreds of pushups and many other tasks that seemed impossible under such adverse conditions. Most importantly and well documented, was the faith many of the POWs had in the Lord. When all were in isolation, prayers and church services were done through the tap code. I know in my heart that I cannot have a bad day because the Lord is there for me to talk with and to ask for help and guidance. He gives me peace of mind knowing that He is always there. PRAYER: Our Heavenly Father, thank you for being there in our times of need for comfort. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: There is no such thing as a bad day if you trust in the Lord and ask for help. Don Roswell

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them. 2 Timothy 1:7 During the time, in mid 70's, I went through my surgery when a melanoma mole was discovered, my family and many friends gathered around me. My pastor visited me every day, along with my friends, during the hospital stay. My faith strengthened in people and in my God, at this time and continues. The following year my father died in Texas. We brought my mother, quite ill, to live with us in Florida. This was a time of adjustments in our family and again friends were there. Faith means so much in our lives. Mother was with us, and ill, for 10 years and through them I learned to be more patient, tolerant, compassionate, stronger, and wiser because of this faith with family and friends. Our church is richly blessed with those who are there for us when needed in all areas of our lives. PRAYER: Dear Father, we know you are there if we just will ASK that You will give and bless our lives. Thank you for obstacles and showing us ways around, over, and under to move them. We need to keep our wheel of life in balance... God first, family second, career/business third. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: When others reach out, reach back and don't be afraid to help them through difficult times. Bev Bain

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 ...."I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Mark 9:24

Have you ever been hounded by God? For years I vacillated between faith in God and agnosticism. Just as I would become comfortable with my unbelief something would draw me back. Eventually I realized it was God who was hounding me. It was as though the choice was mine, but he did not want to take no for an answer. This realization did not come from a deep hope, for I was quite comfortable with my skepticism. While he was reaching out to me and I was running from him, I got to know him. We established a personal relationship, and I experienced his presence. Even when I disappointed him, he opened his heart to me. God through his grace hounded and claimed me. He would not let me go. I now know God chooses all his children and longs for us to accept him as our personal loving father. The choice is ours. When I accepted him in that way, as the poet said, "it made all the difference." PRAYER: Father, we cannot understand the fullness of your love, but we are grateful for it. Help us to love others as you have loved us. Ben Gordon

MAUNDY THURSDAY, MARCH 28 JESUS COMFORTS HIS DISCIPLES Read John 14:1-10 Has truth become so devalued in our time that it doesn't bear much weight in our decision-making, actions, and transactions? We elect admittedly dishonest political leaders, and often re-elect them. Honesty has become such a rarity in our society that it makes the headline news. Often what rings true to our ears is not just the statement spoken, but who said it. Let's strive to keep our communication such that no one will ever have cause to doubt our veracity. We shouldn't watch passively as esteemed values and strengths weaken and slip away. We can reclaim them! How? Jesus is our teacher. Follow His leadership. His father taught us not to "bear false witness," the Son made the way clearer. At this Lenten-time of the year leading up to Easter and our celebrating Jesus' resurrection and ascension into His heavenly home, we can be grateful for His true promise that in our eternal life where He is, there we may be also. He told us that His going was to prepare a place there for us. We can trust His faithfulness. Because He lives, we will live, if we believe. Jesus Christ our Savior said, “Ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” To Thomas' question, “How do we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but through Me.” You can believe it. It's the truth. Jesus said it! PRAYER: Dear Lord, show me the way; may I be an example for truth in this life. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Help the present generation to recognize the importance of such values as honesty and truth. PRAYER FOCUS: All God's children. Tina Mock

GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 29 "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." Psalm 56:11 Constantly, daily. Christians face problems that come in all sizes. May they be small, large, near, or far, we face them in different ways. As a youth, working in my local church, I learned a song that has helped me endure throughout all these years. Many of the verses have long been forgotten but those that stick out and being so, I constantly use them in my everyday life. The song, the title escapes me, reminds me that "this day will pass and with-it common trifles, but God and I will go unendingly." Many times, in times of trouble, despair, the passing of loved ones, that verse comes back to me that "God and I will go unendingly." PRAYER: O God, help us to follow after the things that make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Bill Robinson

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 UNMOVABLE YET ABOUNDING Read 1 Corinthians 15 Therefore...be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (verse 58) In the very early years of the 1990's, on any given day, I wondered if that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel wasn't an oncoming train. Today, I praise God for the strength and growth during those two years. I became more obedient and faithful. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is the event that sets Christianity apart from other religions. At the time 1Corinthians was written; some were teaching that there was no resurrection. Paul wrote to counteract this teaching and in doing so gave us this great classic passage on the resurrection. It is most important to realize that our hope for life beyond the grave is dependent upon the truth of Christ's literal bodily resurrection. This hope and assurance of eternal life then becomes the motivation for our Christian service. Three words are dominant in verse 58. Steadfast is loosely paraphrased as "sitting tight." Unmovable implies adherence to a position of "stick-to-itiveness." We should be so convinced of the fact of the Resurrection that our faith can never be shaken. The result — abounding in love and Christian service. PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to find the power of the Resurrection in uncertain and painful areas of my life. Amen. Marjorie Robinson

EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31 "Sin must not rule over you: you do not live under law but-under God' s grace." Romans 6:14 (Good News for Modem Man) As we enter into the Lenten Season, we should pause and reflect on the great gift that God has given us in Jesus Christ our Lord. It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday order of events and forget or push into the background God's great mercy and love for us. We must never let ourselves become slaves to that which is temporary and not of God. By His death and resurrection, Christ Jesus has lifted from us the tremendous burden of sin and made it possible for all to be saved. This gift of salvation is free if we will only believe and receive it by faith. The Law was not done away with but is not the key any longer to salvation. However, we should strive to do good and live a morally clean life in order to show our appreciation and love to God for His great gift of love. Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, is that great gift and nothing can separate us from the love of God. PRAYER: Almighty God may our hearts be filled with thanksgiving continuously for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Your saving grace through Him. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The greatest gift we can give or receive is LOVE. Jack Shotwell