Jesus at Work Today

Saturday, February 25

Read: Psalm 22:26

Through all manners of denominations, organizations, and relationships

one can find Jesus at “practice and work” today; The Society of St.

Andrew puts forward this observance of Jesus by feeding the hungry

worldwide. Let us venture to observe by celebrating Easter, by our love

and willingness to share our food, resources, and time in the interest of

others. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, self-examination, and alms giving.

Thus an opportunity for shaping and molding a new year of unselfish generosities—

what a beautiful practice, which each one of us can partake by

entering in the spirit of “resurrection.” A resurrection from one’s selfish

desires, wishes, and wants.

Prayer:

Our Father during this time of Lent, comfort those who are lonely, tired and

hungry—not only physically hungry but spiritually hungry as well. May we not live by

“bread” alone but by your word that sustains and comforts us. Amen. ~Stella Carson

Send Me

Friday, February 24

Read: Isaiah 6:8

Have you ever felt that Heavenly nudge? I have, but this time it was

different. My wife and I visited a friend in ICU who had fallen and was

unconscious for days, we offered prayers for his recovery. The doctors

thought he only had days to live. His son who was stationed in Okinawa

was called home. Yet, his dad continued to hold on to life for 20 more

days. Again, we were nudged to go to the hospital. While we were alone

with my friend, I once again offered a prayer. A nudge told me to call

upon the Holy Spirit and I did. When Jesus ascended, after His resurrection,

He left the Holy Spirit to be a living presence in our lives. I didn’t

touch my friend, but passed my hand over his head asking the Holy Spirit

to come, rest on him, and bring his healing power. That afternoon my

friend responded for the first time, in over a month, to his wife. He has a

long way to go and may never be at his previous level. But his life is an

example of God’s continuing work in the world. I know my friend will

continue to encourage others and lead by word and example. When we

are nudged, we need to respond.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, remind us daily that we are your hands, and the nudges

you send are for us, to do your will, for your children. Amen. ~Fred Martin

Let the Children Come-Do Not Stop Them

Thursday, February 23Read: Matthew 19:13-15About two years ago our church began a ministry that reaches out to

families we have not reached before, most of whom were previously unchurched.

This, of course, is what the church should be doing, but it also

poses challenges that can be difficult. Children who have not grown up in

the church don’t always behave in the ways everyone would like. A few

church members expressed concerns to me about the behavior of these

children. Still, as I walked into our fellowship hall recently, three young

children from one of these families ran up to me with great big smiles, the

joy shining from their faces, yelling “Pastor!” Their excitement at seeing

me is not something I often experience in the church. One by one, they

each gave me a big hug. They were delighted to be in the church (just

imagine that!) for they knew that they were loved in the church. In that

moment, I saw Jesus in their faces and I felt the Lord’s touch as they

hugged me. He truly is at work in their lives.

Prayer:

Gracious God, thank you for showing us your presence among us. You invite

all your children into your life. Forgive us for resisting and for seeking our own expectations

instead of your grace-filled purpose. Amen. ~The Rev. Jeffry J. Roberts

Lord, Through These Forty Days of Lenten Vigil

Wednesday, February 22

Read: Psalm 51:1-17

Lord, through these forty days of Lenten vigil,

Help us to see the price of all our sin.

Teach us how prayer makes strong a faith that’s fragile;

Help us confront our sinfulness within.

Show us the cross that Jesus bore to save us-

Then change our hearts, and let that change begin!

Help us to walk the servant’s way with Jesus,

To see past self, to care for others’ need.

Help us put down the worldly things that please us,

To reach the outcasts with a kindly deed.

Then may the meaning of Christ’s passion seize us

Leading to resurrection hope indeed!

~The Rev. Stephen Hassmer

Prayer:

God, you led your people of old through the wilderness and brought them to

the promised land. Guide us that we may always walk with you. Amen.

Smile

When you thought I wasn't looking

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be..

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,’ Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, teacher, nurse, friend)
influences the life of a child.