A Life Changed

Saturday, March 10

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17

When I ask myself the question, “What is my living proof of Jesus

Christ?” my answer would be when I received Christ as my Savior. He

made me a new creation in Him. The old is gone forever and the new has

come! Praise the Lord! I thank God that even though I am a sinner, He

demonstrated His love for me by giving His Son to die for me and forgave

me of all my sins. Because of His life, death, and resurrection, I will be

with Him for all eternity in Heaven. Also, I no longer have to live in my

own strength. As I read the Word of God and get it down in my heart, I

can depend each day on the Holy Spirit’s strength and guidance for my

life. What glorious proof that the living Christ changes lives forever! I am

so thankful that I am a life changed! If you have not received Christ as

your Savior, now is the time my friend! Become “A Life Changed”.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you so much for making it possible for a sinner, such as I,

to receive by grace through faith, your precious gift, Jesus Christ. Amen. ~Debbie Jones

Have Mercy on Me, O God

Friday, March 9

Read: Psalm 51:1-17

For me, Lent often comes at a perfect time for a new start. Memories

of failed New Year’s resolutions are still fresh enough that, I think if God

will wipe the slate clean just one more time, I can take another shot at

‘getting my stuff together’ – at renewing that spiritual fervor, nipping that

pesky sin, acting out that conviction. It’s a theology of “try harder.” This

season– when Christians remember the God who loved us all the way to

the cross – becomes a self-improvement regiment. Not in Psalm 51.

David’s contrite prayer calls upon a God who goes far beyond merely giving

us one more chance. David and God both know that David needs

more than a fresh start; he needs a God whose mercy upholds his life. He

needs a God who is mercy. When we read this psalm of Israel, we are

invited to surrender to God our whole selves. We are invited to gaze on

Jesus, the one who has already prayed this prayer for us and who

is God’s

answer to this prayer. We are freed to look with joy upon

His merciful

work. And when we are so freed, we can see Jesus’ surprising and subtle

work in the world, in our neighbors and even in our lives.

Prayer:

Merciful Lord, in this time of Lent, turn us toward your prayer for us, Jesus

Christ. Amen. ~Nate Rauh

Look Up

Thursday, March 8

Read: Genesis 15:5

I see Jesus working every day, although sometimes more clearly. On

one such occasion, I was in bed anxiously praying for a word of assurance

concerning my family. I distinctly heard a voice say

“get up, go outside in the

sun, and look up.”

Rather than think about what these words meant, I leapt

out of bed in hopeful expectancy, quickly dressed, and rushed outside. As

my eyes adjusted to the light, I was moved to look to my left. There I saw

a bell tower rising above the tree line, with four bells, framed vertically in

the tower’s structure. In them, I immediately recognized my wife, our two

sons, and myself, all held together through life’s various storms, by

Christ’s strong hands. To those passing by, my slack-jawed countenance

probably didn’t register. Yet I experienced God that morning in a profoundly

moving way. As Alfred Ackley wrote in the refrain of his famous

hymn (

“He Lives”), “You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.”

And ultimately, that is where I see Jesus at work the most...charming my

fears while sanctifying my heart.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, During this time of Lenten reflection, lift up our eyes to You, the

source of all light, and show us that You are indeed with us. Amen.

~The Rev. Charlie Stribula