Hello Everyone,
This year is Larry’s last year as our Pastor – he’s retiring after many
years of service to God. College Mound has been lucky to have had him
these last 29 years.
And, personally, I’ve been so blessed to have been able to work with
him so closely over the last many years. He has helped me grow
spiritually in so many ways and through so many projects!!
One such project is our Youth Lenten Devotion Guide. Larry personally
wrote ALL of the “bones” of ALL of the guides. He put together
passages, scriptures and “what to write” guidelines for the youth and
adults over the past TEN YEARS!!
This year I thought it was fitting to go back and reprint our first Lenten
Devotion Guide – it was originally written in 2007!! The only thing I’ve
edited in this edition is the date for each devotion (I’ve updated it to this
year’s dates).
Please remember as you read it that things were different 10 years ago Alex & Sheryl Arredondo hadn’t had Emma yet; Caitlin Reed, Casey
Beck and Katie Keller were high school seniors; and the youth that were
in junior high and middle school at the time this was written are now out
of high school!
I hope you enjoy this reprint of our first Lenten Devotion Guide.
Vickie Reed
Lenten Devotions by the College Mound UMYF
March 1 – April 16, 2017
Lent has often been called a “spiritual journey of the soul”. It is a journey that leads us
from the gloom and dark days of winter to the joy and light of “Son”rise on Easter
morning! It is a period of six weeks, or forty days - NOT INCLUDING SUNDAYS! In
the words of the Bible, it is a “LONG TIME”!
Many people think of Lent as a time to “give up” something so it’s absence makes us
think about what Jesus gave up for us so that we can have a right relationship with God.
Other people would rather “ADD” something positive, encouraging, and uplifting to
their lives so they truly grow in the spirit of Christ in a more focused or intentional way.
You might even try a combination of the two - giving up AND adding something!
Each of the six weeks of Lent will have a theme that we focus on as we go on our
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:
1) Where‟d I put that?
As we get ready for the trip, we may want to INVENTORY some things we need or could use
along the way - things that we may have forgotten where we left them (or never had at all and
need to get)!
As we PACK for the trip, is that item really necessary or could I leave it behind? What do I
really need to TAKE ALONG?
2) You expect me to ride in THAT - and sit next to THEM!!!
What is the VEHICLE that we’ll be in on our journey? Let’s explore some ways - or means - for
“travel”: what carries us on the journey.
Who is it that you‟re traveling with? Sometimes it’s WHO you travel with that makes the trip
fun - or not! Who will you be traveling with?
3) “We‟re off!”
Finally we get under way - or do we??? What are some things that prevent us or enable us to get
“on the road again”?
4) Sights (or SITES) along the way…
What do you expect to see along the way - or are you looking out the window???
What would be interesting enough to make you stop and look at something more closely???
5) PIT STOP! PIT STOP! N - O - W!!!
Sometimes you’ve just got to stop - to eat, to “go,” to stretch, or rest and sleep.
What are some things that happen during our journey that slow us down and keep us from getting
to our destination?
What are some things that we really need to do along the way that would enable us to get to
where we’re going?
6) Are we THERE yet???
How do you know when you’re “THERE” yet???
What are the SIGNS that tell us where we are and how do you read them?
In addition to each weekly theme, there will be a daily theme with a scripture verse that
goes along with it, a prayer, and some “packing to do”. You will be asked to pack - that
is, write down what is asked for and place it in an envelope (your suitcase, backpack,
TRUNK, etc.). If you want, you can staple your “baggage envelope” on the inside back
cover. We’ll bring our “baggage” for the Easter Sunrise Service and place it in “the first
fire of Easter”.
Week One - Day One: “Where‟d I Put That?”
March 1st by: Larry Davis
“ASH WEDNESDAY” - Rewards
Matthew 6:1-2
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then
you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not
sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues so that they may be
praised by others.
Did you ever have a pet that just loved to go “Bye-bye”? You know - when you
asked if they wanted to go “bye-bye” they went into overdrive at the thought of
getting to go somewhere!
That is how we should all feel about getting to go “Bye-bye” on our Lenten journey!
We should be in “overdrive” at the thought of getting to go somewhere - but this
isn’t just any somewhere, it’s a trip that will lead us closer to God!
Just think about it - we get to go on a journey that will bring us closer to God!!!
Now, that’s something to get excited about!!!
Prayer: O Lord, may we find that the reward of our Lenten journey this and every day
is the opportunity to be “closer drawn to Thee”. Amen.
Packing: write down and pack away something you have done that was done in a
wrong spirit, or for the wrong reason. As you “pack it way” - do so with the
understanding that it is now and forever “put away” and never to be unpacked
again!
Week One - Day Two: “Where‟d I Put That?”
Thursday, March 2nd by: Caitlin Reed
“Loving God..”
Deuteronomy 30:16
If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you
today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his
commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous,
and the Lord your God will bless you in the land.
It would be a good idea to pack God’s commandments for the Lenten journey
because they could be used along the way. The commandments would be a reminder
of what God wants us to do and how he wants us to act. Sometimes we get distracted
and forget what we are here for. A little reminder would be good to have. He
created us for a specific purpose. God did not call them the 10 suggestions. He gave
us the commandments for a reason.
Prayer: God, help show us how we can love you and Jesus by keeping the
commandments. Amen.
Packing: God’s message (okay - COMMANDMENT) was for us to NOT covet, or
envy others. So “pack away” any jealousy(ies) you may have or had (in other words
- write them down). If you envy someone for ANY reason - PRAY for that person(s)
and write a prayer out asking God to clear away your jealousy and to make more
room for Jesus in your “luggage” (LIFE!).
Week One - Day Three: “Where‟d I Put That?”
Friday, March 3rd by: Dorit Flowers
“It Is No Secret…”
Psalm 51:6
You desire truth in the inmost being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
How could I hide anything from an omnipotent God? He is always with me. He
knows when I come out and when I go in. He knew me before I was born and even
counted the very hairs on my head. I am thankful that God knows my heart. He
knows my inner most thoughts. He keeps me from sin because He does know the
"secret" things and helps to guide me on the road of righteousness. Psalms 44:20-21
Prayer: Lord help me realize every day that I'm not perfect event though sometimes I
think I am. I am grateful that you know my thoughts and count them. You know my
short comings and the things I try to hide from you. Give me the strength to unlock the
door to my heart so nothing can stay inside. Let me live in you alone.
Packing: Write out a secret about yourself that only God knows (just a word or
symbol will do - you don’t have to write out the whole thing). Pack it away - and
clean it out of your heart and leave space for Jesus to come and teach you wisdom!
Week One - Day Four: “Where‟d I Put That?”
Saturday, March 4th by: Kyle Carney
“Concern for Others…”
Isaiah 58:10-11
If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your
light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will
guide you continually.
We love God through others and by helping someone can sometimes change their
ways or faith towards God. By feeding , giving people a home, and giving medicine
to the sick people that shows that we are doing what God would want us to do and
that we are faithful to our God.
Prayer: Dear lord please help me as I help others into you holy faith and ways oh lord
for I need your strength to help the people in need of life.
Packing: Write out something you have done that was selfish and self-centered.
Now give it up - and give it to God. It’s “packed away” never to be brought out (or
repeated) again! And those “snacks” - SHARE what you already have along the
way with others!
Week Two - Day Five: “You Want Me To Ride in That?”
Sunday, March 5th - 1st Sunday in Lent by: Cheryl Beck
“The SAVIOR Express…”
Romans 10:13
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
It’s nice to know there’s nothing complicated or dangerous associated with
the journey to Heaven. It’s a relief to realize it’s Jesus, and Jesus alone, that is our
means of salvation.
Jesus wants not only you, but everyone to be successful in life and in their
journey to Heaven. In giving his life for us the way He did, shows His dedication to
us and it is only fitting that we show the same dedication towards Him and what He
expects of us. In times of need, we should always call on the Lord, and know He’s
listening, and believe that He will deliver us through whatever obstacles that we may
be facing.
It is a joy to know that Jesus is our way to salvation because of how
understanding He truly is. Everyone is human and everyone makes mistakes. We
do not get to Heaven because of how good we are, but because of how great He is.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being not only my Savior, but the Savior for the
whole world. Amen.
Packing: Write one word - “JESUS” - not to pack away and forget, but to know
Jesus is always there with you! Whenever you are troubled, follow Paul’s advice
and call out the name of the Lord, simply saying, “Jesus” and BELIEVE that Jesus
comes to you to clean out your spirit of confusion and take away your troubles!
Week Two - Day Six: “You Want Me To Ride in That?”
Monday, March 6th by: Jake Reed
“Ride with a Stranger?”
Matthew 25:34-35
Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you . . .
for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a
stranger and you welcomed me.
If I went to a church that I had never been to before, I probably would not
feel at home or like I was in the right place. I would want someone to come over and
talk to me instead of exclude me. I would want to be welcomed. I would not want
people acting like it was my first visit there, but like I had been a there every
Sunday.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for welcoming me as a stranger and making me a friend.
Will you help me welcome others who are strangers and help me make them my
friends?
Packing: Find someone (maybe even a stranger) who speaks a language you don’t
know. Ask them to write one word (positive, encouraging, affirming) on your
packing slip without telling you what it is. Pack it away - not to forget, but to
remind you to always welcome strangers with a positive, encouraging, and affirming
smile!
Week Two - Day Seven: “You Want Me To Ride in That?”
Tuesday, March 7th by: Chelsea and Michelle Black
“Broken Hearts”
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
Everyone’s experienced a crushed spirit or broken heart. A feeling when you want
something so bad, whether it be someone or some thing, and not getting it or them.
It’s like when you have been best friends with someone for years and then you find
out they spread a rumor about you and told lies about you, or when you date
someone for a long time, but then they decide they don’t like you anymore and
break up with you. It can even be like when you study hard and do all the work
you’re suppose to but you make a C when you thought it should be an A.
Jesus is the first person to turn to because people sadden Him every day. They
break His heart by all the mean things they do and say, but He continues to love us
and will always lift our spirit and ease our heavy heart if we just ask him.
Prayer: Lord, I know you‟re saddened by us every day and that we break your heart by
doing bad things, but I know you‟re waiting for us to come to you and ask you to take
our pain away. So lord, I ask you now to make my heart light and take away the
sadness so that I can live and be the way you want me to.
Packing: Write the name of a person who broke your heart or crushed your spirit.
Pack it away - and ask Jesus to help you forgive that person. Imagine Jesus wiping
away your hurt and anger.
Week Two - Day Eight: “You Want Me To Ride in That?”
Wednesday, March 8th by: Chris Arredondo
“Repentance”
Jonah 3:4-5
Jonah began to go into the city . . . And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh
shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast,
and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
The people of Nineveh had sinned and God warned them they had better change!
Lent is a time to repent and get rid of the sins that separate us from God and each
other.
God warned the Ninehvites by sending Jonah to tell them that it was going to rain
for forty days and forty nights. I would feel happy and I wouldn’t have to feel sorry
or have to ask for forgiveness.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please warn me when I am about to sin so that I could change.
Amen.
Packing: Sometimes the best “warnings” are in our own heart - if you do something
that makes you or someone else feel bad. If you’ve had any “warnings” - write them
down and pack them away. Write down a friend’s name you can count on to
“WARN YOU” in a friendly way when they see you doing bad things.
Week Two - Day Nine: “You Want Me To Ride in That?”
Thursday - March 9th by: Alex Arredondo
“In Daddy‟s Arms”
Matthew 7:11
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much
more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him?
It is hard to imagine how much God loves us. It’s hard to imagine “God”. He gave
me a wonderful father. Some people don’t always have great fathers. My “Father”
gave us one great father. He raised and supported ten kids and my mother. What
else can you expect from him? Without God’s help, he would have had a tough
time. My father is a man of few words, but the tears I see when we leave after a visit
is the only thing I have to see to know how much he loves us all.
Prayer: God, I ask that you bless my father, who has given his life to care for us. I ask
that you give him eternal life, for what he has given us. You know what he has gone
through. I ask that you forgive him and all of us for our sins. Eternal Father, thank
you for all your blessings and the help you have given us all. In the name of our
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Packing: Think of something that is a sign of God’s love for you - it could be a
rainbow, the sun, or a baby kitten - anything that makes you realize that God loves
YOU and that love carries you through every situation every day! Draw, or find a
picture of your symbol and pack it away to remind you that YOU are LOVED by
our Heavenly Father!
Week Two - Day Ten: “You Want Me To Ride in That?”
Friday - March 10th by: Chris Arredondo
“Forgiveness”
Psalm 130:3-4
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
But there is
God doesn’t forgive because we are good, he forgives because he is great! God
forgives us because he is great and he knows that we are good but sometimes we get
in trouble.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me with forgiveness for others and myself.
Packing: Sounds simple, but try it out! Write on a slip of paper to pack away ONE sin that God has forgiven you of. In that empty space of your heart that God
has cleared by forgiving this sin, place the name of the person you sinned against.
During the rest of Lent, pray for that person.
Week Two - Day Eleven: “You Want Me To Ride in That?”
Saturday - March 11th by: Larry Davis
“Let‟s change cars!”
Matthew 5:43-44
You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
At the end of the Civil War the enemies of the South wanted revenge, wanted to
utterly crush the people, and wanted to totally annihilate their enemies. To that end
President Lincoln responded, “Why don’t we make them our friends? If we do that,
haven’t we accomplished the same thing?” If Lincoln had lived, I wonder how
things would have gone for the South instead of the way they did?
Put in today’s terms, if we “loved our neighbor” as Jesus taught and made them our
friend, I wonder what “enemies” we would conquer? I wonder what amazing
differences would be brought about in their lives? And even more to the point - I
WONDER WHAT AMAZING DIFFERENCES WOULD BE BROUGHT ABOUT
IN “OUR” LIVES???
Prayer: Oh Lord, you have conquered me by making me your friend. Even when I was
an enemy to God through my actions, you still loved me and tolerated me and forgave
me. Teach me to do the same with my “enemies” so that I may discover a new and true
friend in them and You! Amen.
Packing: Lent is a time to renew our belief in Jesus’ teachings and let God purify us
of hatred and meanness. If you have an enemy (someone or some thing that you
talk about with hatred or scorn), write their name on a slip of paper. As you place it
in your “luggage” also place them into God’s hands and pray that God will heal
them, AND YOU, and bring them (AND YOU) into God’s family.
Week Three - Day Twelve: “We‟re Off!”
Sunday - March 12th by: Vickie Reed
“BELIEVE!”
Genesis 15:6
All (Abraham) believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Nothing is impossible with God. Henry was born on Friday, October 19, 1990. On
Saturday morning, I expected the nurse to bring Henry to me. She didn’t. A
Neonatologist came in with Henry’s lung x-rays. Henry had pneumonia. It was
very serious and VERY scary. He had been transferred to the NIC unit at the
hospital. We were allowed to see him only for a few minutes each hour. There were
lots of tubes, monitors, nurses and doctors. Early Sunday afternoon, the Doctor
came to talk to us. Basically he said that he couldn’t account for it, but Henry had
remarkably improved and that, while he wasn’t out of the woods yet, he was very
hopeful. He might have not been able to account for the improvement, but we
could. We know, we BELIEVED, that the prayer lifted up for Henry at all the
morning church services (including College Mound) and God’s response to that
prayer was the cause of the improvement.
Prayer: God, please help me to „believe.‟ With Your help, I can do the impossible.
Amen.
Packing: write your DOUBTS on a slip of paper and pack them away. In their
place, have FAITH & BELIEVE! If you want to try something different - clean!
Find something dusty and as you clean it, imagine God cleaning away the dust of
your doubts so that faith will shine out!
Week Three - Day Thirteen: “We‟re Off!”
Monday - March 13th by: Dena Davis
“Too Much Baggage - Repack!”
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be
condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
When you travel, especially when you fly, you can pack too much and be over the
weight limit and have to repack or leave something behind. When we took Lauren
to the airport as she was being sent overseas to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps,
her luggage had to be weighed - and it weighed a lot! She wasn’t over her weight
limit by much - just several hundred pounds - or about a thousand extra dollars!!!
But since she was with the military, they WAIVED THE EXTRA CHARGE!!!
Did you know that every one of us is over the “weight” limit as far as God is
concerned!!! The weight of judging others, condemning others, and our inability to
forgive others puts us way over the weight limit!!!
The GOOD NEWS is that the love of Christ WAIVED the extra charge!!! It
certainly does LIGHTEN THE LOAD when we don’t judge, condemn, or withhold
forgiveness of others!!! It’s because of WHO we’re WITH that WAIVES the extra
charge!!! Otherwise, we’re all over the limit….
Prayer: Oh Lord, thank you for dealing with all my EXTRA baggage! Thank you for
taking care of my “over the limit fees”. Help me to be able to do the same with and for
others. Amen.
Packing: Write on a slip of paper the name of someone you have judged or
condemned or refused to forgive. Ask Jesus to cleanse you of judgment and
condemnation and fill you with forgiveness. In its place ask Jesus to help you treat
them and others with compassion and forgiveness.
Week Three - Day Fourteen: “We‟re Off!”
Tuesday - March 14th by: Dena Davis
“Oh NO! A Toll Booth!”
Psalm 50:23
Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right
way, I will show the salvation of God.
The Israelites made elaborate sacrifices to God to PAY for their sins and show that
they loved and feared God.
Did you see how much money those people owe who go through the toll booths and
DON’T PAY!!!! It’s in the thousands of dollars!!! Doesn’t that just want to make
you shout “SHA-NO”!!!
Well, we kind of like do the same thing when we miss out on going to Sunday School
and Church and all the other things that could bring us together as God’s people.
We are, like STEALING - not from God, but from OURSELVES! We are being
ROBBED of the wonderful things we could be enjoying --- “SHELL-O”!!!
Prayer: Lord, may the only thing we steal, be time to be with you and with the people of
God. Help us to realize the GIFT we have in spending time with you and your people!
Amen.
Packing: Write on a slip of paper things that you are “thankful” for! Next time you
feel like you’ve been sacrificed, remember them and be “thankful”!
Week Three - Day Fifteen: “We‟re Off!”
Wednesday - March 15th by: Lisa Carney
“Full Service!”
Matthew 20:26-27
Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wished to
be first among you must be your slave.
As people of God, we can take on tasks that no one else wants to do. We can help by
cleaning someone’s yard or house. We can help by simply being there for someone
to listen to them during their time of need. There are many ways of helping others
both physically and emotionally. Jesus was there for us when He died on the cross,
He was there for the children when He told the people not to hold them back but to
allow them to come to him. We can be there for others just as Jesus is still here for
us today.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please open our eyes and hearts to see the needs of others and to
be there for them in their time of need, no matter what it may be. Amen
Packing: sometimes you can’t plan on it - but HELP someone you would not
normally help, especially if you can do it without them knowing or expecting
anything in return. Write down your feelings on your slip of paper and pack it
away - not to forget, but to remind you to be of help to others always!
Week Three - Day Sixteen: “We‟re Off!”
Thursday - March 16th by: Charli Beck
“Trust or Rust!”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a
tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
Jeremiah tells us we must plant ourselves in the Lord and depend upon him
completely.
I was writing my devotion about how I should only depend of God because He is all
that I need. Then I realized He is all that I need, because He is the one who created
my life and He is the one that can take it away. As you all know, my dog Chunkie is
very old and has a tumor in her throat, and I know that He could take her up there
with Him, but I just thank God that He keeps her down here with us, because if He
didn’t I would be very sad. So, I depend on God with my every need because I
know He will do His very best to fulfill everyone’s need.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Please help all those who need you the most right now, and help
all those who are confused and looking for answers. Please be with everyone who
needs you Lord, in your name we pray. Amen
Packing: If possible, find an acorn or a seed that could grow into a tree - orange,
apple, etc. Pack it away to remind you that even great trees start off very small. If
need be - your trust may start off small, too - but like the trees, grow large and
healthy!
Week Three - Day Seventeen: “We‟re Off!”
Friday - March 17th by: Chase Arredondo
“Shotgun!” (or you may say, “FRONT SEAT!”)
Genesis 37:3-4
Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than any other of his children . . . and he made
him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him
more . . . they hated him.
When I began playing baseball, my coach didn’t think I was very good. He said
I was too big to play baseball. I sat on the bench a lot or played in the outfield.
After that season Coach Steve moved away and I was placed with a new team with
Coach Jerry. Coach Jerry really worked with me and helped me believe in myself. I
practiced a lot with my cousin and my dad. Three years later coach Steve came back
to town and started working with another team. When it came time for our teams to
play each other, Coach Jerry told me it was my turn to be starting pitcher. I was so
nervous, but I knew God would help me. Coach Steve was telling his team it was
going to be an easy win, but I pitched one of my best games with 4 out 5 innings of
no hitters. We did win our game that day, and I proved to Coach Steve that even
though I am big, I can play baseball.
Prayer: God help us to not boast or tempt others to be jealous, but to instead teach us
to encourage and compliment others. Amen
Packing: on a slip of paper write down the name of someone who needs
encouragement. Not only pack it away - but the next time you see that person, pay
them a special compliment!
Week Three - Day Eighteen: “We‟re Off!”
Saturday - March 18th by: Shelby Cassidy
“In A Bad Neighborhood - Or Are We?”
Luke 15:1-2
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the
Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners
and eats with them.”
If we want to follow Jesus’ example, we should make friends with people who need
our help or attention. There is this girl I know from school who chooses her friends
by thinking if they make her look good in front of her x-friends. She has given up on
her other friends because they don’t make her look good so she hangs around the
wrong people who want her to smoke and do other inappropriate things and then
they will start talking to her over the phone. I think she should choose her friends
by thinking about if they care about her and won’t make her smoke or do any other
inappropriate things and choose the right crowd.
Prayer: God, please help me choose people who need me more than I need them!
Amen.
Packing: on a slip of paper write a name of someone you have ignored in the past
because they weren’t popular, or successful, or interesting. Not only pack that name
in your luggage, GO TO THEM THIS WEEK and be a friend!
Week Four - Day Nineteen: “Sights Along the Way”
Sunday - March 19th by: Brenda Gonzalez
“Okay - OPEN YOUR EYES!”
Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits - who forgives all your
iniquity, who heals all your diseases.
Our trip through Lent is half-way over - so let’s take time to stop and stretch our
legs - take a look around - AND REJOICE! My favorite way to rejoice and bless the
Lord is to share my love with others. Through teaching, talking to people and
sharing my feelings about Jesus, I'm able to share my love and faith in Him. Setting
an example of the love of Christ along the way by loving unconditionally is also a
way to bless our Lord. Sometimes it is hard to be the light of Christ when we are
having a bad day, but how we deal with the hard times is the best display of our
faith. Take each day as it comes and praying as you go.
Prayer: God, please let us everyday rejoice in Your love – in the way YOU love US!!
Amen.
Packing: write down on a slip of paper some things you would feel silly or foolish
doing to “Praise God”! As you pack them away, ask yourself why what you think of
as foolish, God may actually admire and desire!
Week Four - Day Twenty: “Sights Along the Way”
Monday - March 20th by: Lisa Carney
“Every Town Is Someone‟s Home-town”
Luke 4:24
“Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet‟s hometown.”
How could people in Jesus’ hometown fail to recognize who He was? In today’s
world, we do not seem to recognize Jesus unless we need Him. This does not apply to
everyone or to everything but a lot of the time we don’t call on Him to thank Him
for the good things He has given us, the things He has provided for us or just to say
how much we love Him. Jesus has never left us alone and has not forgotten how to
recognize us, we should not forget to recognize Him on a daily basis.
Prayer: Lord, please open our hearts and our minds so that we never forget the great
things you have done for us and that we will remember to recognize you for all you
have done a sacrificed. Amen
Packing: On your slip of paper write the name of someone you know who does the
work of Jesus. As you pack it away, say a prayer for that person and thank God for
putting them in your life.
Week Four - Day Twenty-one: “Sights Along the Way”
Tuesday - March 21st by: Casey Beck
“Did You See THAT?!?!?”
Matthew 18:26
So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will
pay you everything.”
God is a patient God! He waits for us to return to Him. We are precious to Him
and even though we may stray, He will remain, knowing that we’ll restore our faith
in Him.
I’ll admit, when I first came to church, I came because I thought it was expected of
me. Then I liked hanging out with the people in my youth group so it turned into
more of a social reason than a spiritual reason. And my reasoning stayed like this
for a long time.
I know this guy named David and he’s the drummer of a band called “Not
Ashamed”. They’re a Christian rock band and all of the guys in the band are my
friends so I get so excited whenever they have a concert.
Usually in the middle of their show David grabs the microphone and gives sort of an
impromptu sermon. At one concert in the middle of last year, David started talking
and made me look at my life in a whole new perspective. He said that it didn’t
matter what car you drive, what clothes you wear, or who you associate with - if you
don’t have a good relationship with God, nothing is going to matter in the end.
I can tell that David has definitely influenced the way I view things now. I don’t
judge people as quickly as I used to, for example, and I’m coming to church not
because of my friends, or my crazy expectations, but because it is important to me to
strengthen my relationship with God. So while I was spending my time at the
church for the less-important reasons, God remained patient with me and waited
until I found the true reasons that make Sunday morning worship so important.
Prayer: God, thank you for your patience not only with me but for all of your children,
and please help me to be patient with the ones in my life. Amen.
Packing: on your slip of paper write the name of someone who disappoints or
irritates you. For the rest of Lent, while God is patient with you, you be patient with
this person. If this becomes difficult, imagine what it is like for God to show
patience and mercy to all of us always!
Week Four - Day Twenty-two: “Sights Along the Way”
Wednesday - March 22nd by: Dorit Flowers
“Flowers On the Roadside”
Psalm 147:15-16
He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He gives snow like
wool; he scatters frost like ashes.
Some days of Lent are like winter and others like spring. The seasons change
without our having to do anything.
Without Him, I would be nothing. I could fill pages of God's awesome power in my
life. I've had miraculous healing, deliverance, financial blessing, the love of my life,
the list is endless. He brought me to a wonderful church family at CMUMC. I
could shout it from the rooftops that our God is an awesome God.
Prayer: Lord I praise You for your goodness and mercy. You spared my life in the
flesh, you spared my life in the Spiritual. I've been healed, restored, delivered, and
given many second chances. I thank you for the many winters, but am in awe of you
for the restoration of my soul and bringing me back to the spring. How could I ever
have made it without your blessing?
Packing: Each day for the rest of Lent, write on a slip of paper any way you see a
new sign of spring. With each new slip, say a prayer thanking God for his power
working in the earth and the seasons - and even in your life!
Week Four - Day Twenty-three: “Sights Along the Way”
Thursday - March 23rd by: Katie Keller
“Trash on the Roadside”
Luke 11:23
Whoever is not with me is against me; and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Do our actions reflect that we belong to Christ or do we scatter opportunities to do
his work by littering pettiness, impatience, selfishness, and coldness to others along
the way?
Whenever I see a roadside full of trash, it saddens me because I think of all the
people who think to themselves, “If I throw only one piece out of my car, it won’t
matter because the piece is so small. No one will ever know.” But if everyone had
that same thought and threw out a piece of trash, the little pieces would accumulate
and then we’d have piles and piles of trash that would mess up the roadsides. The
same can be seen with our sins. Do our actions reflect that we belong to Christ or do
we scatter opportunities to do his work by littering pettiness, impatience, selfishness,
and coldness to others along the way? We can “pick up” others on the way and
make the trip prettier for everyone else if we just take the time to do Christ’s work
and put it ahead of ourselves and to not make excuses. When we’re doing Christ’s
work, if we leave out all the little things that we tend to worry about like impatience
and selfishness, then we are able to hear Christ better and to do his work through
with his help.
Prayer: Dear God, please forgive us for the negative in our lives and help us to be an
example of Jesus to others.
Packing: Pick up some trash today - that is, help bring the beauty of Christ into
someone else’s life today by sharing a smile with them, comfort, a hug, etc. Write on
your slip of paper how it made them feel - how it made YOU feel!
Week Four - Day Twenty-four: “Sights Along the Way”
Friday - March 24th by: Kyle and Lisa Carney
“Tallest Statue in the United States!”
Hosea 14:3
We will say no more “our god” to the work of our hands. In you the orphan find
mercy.
In Huntsville Texas is the tallest statue in the United States - Sam Houston! At times
he looks like he’s standing right in the middle of the road and that he’s in the way!”
There are times that we don’t make the right decisions in life and we seem to let the
devil get in the way of our relationship with God allowing ourselves to succumb to
the things the devil wants us to do. We should always remember that God is first
and foremost in our lives and if not for Him, and Him giving up His ONLY Son
there would be no mercy for us to be forgiven of our sins. We can always take solace
in the fact that no matter how bad we mess up or what we do, we can always ask
God for forgiveness and He will grant us forgiven. Isn’t God good?
Prayer: Lord, I know that things I do are not always pleasing to you but I ask that you
lead and guide me so that I do not get sidetracked and do the wrong things. Amen
Packing: On a slip of paper write something that has caused you to sin because you
made it equal to God. Maybe you should do without that (or several things) today
to remind you how important God is in your life!
Week Four - Day Twenty-five: “Sights Along the Way”
Saturday - March 25th by: Kevin Carney
“I Got A Ticket for Speeding too Slow!”
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was
beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
The time I got in trouble was when I was at school when I was out of dress code in a
teacher’s class. Another student told on me even though they were out of dress code
themselves. I was angry, but I knew that I had done wrong and I shouldn’t angry
for that is was my fault.
Prayer: God, thank you for giving us the tax collector for he is the one that was hated
by many but even through his trials and actions as a sinner he still asked for
forgiveness from you our Lord. God remind every day to be humble too others so that
we may be humble to others, also lord help us to throw away our pride and excuses sot
that we can bring all our sins to God for forgiveness.
Packing: write down a sin you committed against another person - someone you
wronged or said something hurtful to that you shouldn’t have. . . If you can, go to
that person and say you’re sorry.
Week Five - Day Twenty-six: “PIT STOP!”
Sunday - March 26th by: Shelby Cassidy
“Can I Really Talk to the Person in the Next Stall?”
2 Corinthians 5:20
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we
entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
As Christians, following Jesus means teaching others about him - not only by our
walk, but by our talk!
How I might teach others about Jesus when I walk and when I talk? How I would do that is
walk like Jesus tells me to walk and not like everybody wants me to walk or try to walk like
them. When I talk to someone I would tell that person about Jesus and I would tell them that
Jesus Christ died on the cross for us and forgave us for our all of sins and that they should
take in consideration and ask Jesus Christ into their hearts and that they should read the Bible
and also learn more about Him like that. They should also spread the word around to
everybody they meet.
Prayer: God, enable me to be a teacher by walk & talk for Jesus - even if I am
embarrassed or afraid to do so! Amen.
Packing: On a slip of paper write a name of someone you believe needs to hear
about Jesus - and pray for them. Between now and Easter go to that person and
speak to them, even if it’s just to say that you’ve been praying for them. They will
hear you - no matter how they react.
Week Five - Day Twenty-seven: “PIT STOP!”
Monday - March 27th by: Kevin Carney
“Road Signs - Too Descriptive?”
Matthew 1:24
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he
took Mary for his wife.
Imagine a road sign describing the qualities needed for Jesus’ parents! God says we
are all wonderfully and specially made to do his work in the world! We all have
special qualities that make us work well and different from others.
Prayer: Lord please lift me and others who do and don‟t believe in the Lord to lift us
up in your spirit. Oh Lord fill us with your desire to hear and obey his call.
Packing: take a SHEET of paper and have people around you write what they
believe are YOUR special God-given qualities (and you may even want to write
theirs down and give to them too). As you read them, pray a prayer of thanksgiving
for the gifts you have been given!
Week Five - Day Twenty-eight: “PIT STOP!”
Tuesday - March 28th by: Katie Keller
“KOA - Shelter for the Night”
Psalm 46:2
Therefore we shall not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains
shake in the heart of the sea.
The world sometimes is a scary place, especially when it storms- especially when
we’re on an overnight trip and need to stop and rest. God is a perfect refuge because
He is there whenever we need Him, ready to listen to us. He can offer us His
protection if we just ask.
Prayer: Dear God, please cleanse us from all fear of human events and natural
disasters and helping us to find our refuge in God alone.
Packing: In the next 24 hours get away from the power of events - go for a walk,
talk with friends, read a book - play a game. Remind yourself that “He’s got the
whole world in His hands!”
Week Five - Day Twenty-nine: “PIT STOP!”
Wednesday - March 29th by: Caitlin Reed
“Stay in Your Lane!”
John 5:17
But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.”
Jesus was answering the Jewish leaders who were criticizing him for working on the
Sabbath- they thought it was wrong. It’s just as wrong to think today that only
Sunday, or the Sabbath, is when we can worship or go to church or learn about
God.
There is not one particular, set day that is best for acting in God’s name. Sunday is
the day that the people meet to worship together. Youth meets on Wednesday to
have additional worship time. We should live everyday in God’s name and be an
example of Christ. There isn’t a right day or wrong day to worship. We are
supposed to learn and worship Jesus everyday. He wants us to pray and talk to Him
at any time. I try and be an example to people by acting like He wants us to act. God
created us in His image. Live everyday to the fullest and for Him.
Prayer: God, help me find every opportunity every day to respond to His love and do
His work in the world. Amen.
Packing: Between now and Easter, look for opportunities to do something kind for
someone else - especially if you can do it in secret without receiving or expecting
anything in return. On your slip of paper - write down how it made you feel. . .how
it made THEM feel!
Week Five - Day Thirty: “PIT STOP!”
Thursday - March 30th by: Niko Gonzalez
“What Are Those Bright Lights Ahead?”
John 5:35
(John the Baptist) was a burning, shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice a
while in his light.
It takes a very special person to choose to teach children. Special is the best way to
describe my Sunday School teacher. She is always happy and kind. She helps me
with the Bible, she lets us do fun activities and we have a great time in her class. She
works really hard on Vacation Bible School to get other kids to come to our church.
When those other kids come to church, they can learn about the Bible. That’s why,
Ms. Susie is a good example of a light for Christ.
Prayer: God , please lead me to the light - to make ME a light like John the Baptist
was! Amen.
Packing: Write a letter to a person who has been a “burning, shining lamp” for
Jesus in your life. Thank them and tell them how they have “brought Jesus to light”
for you. Say a prayer of thanks for them.
Week Five - Day Thirty-one: “PIT STOP!”
Friday - March 31st by: Jake Reed
“Road Hazards”
John 7:28
Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, “You know me and you know
where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the One who sent me is true.”
The people of Jesus’ day could not believe God’s child would be someone they knew
so well. As a result, Jesus suffered horribly, even though he fully relied and totally
believed in God, his Father.
Nowadays, if a kid does something wrong, the parents will punish them. If an adult
breaks the law, a police officer will bring him/her to a jail cell and they will pay for
their crime. Everybody in this world HAS committed a sin in their lifetime. When
we commit sins to God, we cannot pay for it. Jesus suffered horribly for our sins so
we don’t have to.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for letting Jesus suffer in order for us not to have to.
Packing: In your prayer time today, as you finish - add the words “Lord, grant me
this prayer in YOUR OWN TIME.” Now - pack it away and let God deal with it in His time!
Week Five - Day Thirty-two: “PIT STOP!”
Saturday – April 1st by: Henry Reed
“Rocks and Windshields Don‟t Mix - Or Do They?”
Psalm 7:10-11
God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge.
Lent is a time to rest behind God’s shield, especially when we’re down or feel like
we’re just not getting anywhere. God protects us from others’ judgment whether
you are sitting still, or on the right/wrong trail. Because unlike others, He is a
righteous judge. God is the only one that sees what is truly in our hearts.
Prayer: God take away our need to measure our spiritual growth against others.
Amen.
Packing: Find a quiet place where you can pray, or just sit, undisturbed. Close
your eyes, relax, and imagine yourself resting behind God’s strong shield - think of
it as protecting you from harsh judgments - yours and others. If you do have a
strong observation - write it down and pack it away to remind you that God is our
“shield and defender”.
Week Six - Day Thirty-three: “Are We THERE Yet?”
Sunday – April 2nd by: Scott Smith
“Didn‟t I Come This Way Already?”
Isaiah 43:18
Do not remember the former things or the things of old.
Everyone makes mistakes and God understands that people are not perfect. If we
repent and change whatever we were doing wrong He will forgive us and in His
mind it is like it never happened. However, it is hard for us to not get down on
ourselves about mistakes we have made in the past. God has forgiven us and it is
our responsibility to not dwell on things from the past, but to try to not make the
same mistake again.
Prayer: God, help us to focus on what‟s ahead and down the road – a future You have
prepared for US!!
Packing: On a slip of paper write down a bad memory or something that reminds
you of a past sin. DON’T WAIT for EASTER - go ahead and crumple it up and
THROW IT AWAY! Now thank God for providing you with a new start!!!
Week Six - Day Thirty-four: “Are We THERE Yet?”
Monday – April 3rd by: Tori Harper
“Service Road”
Luke 1:38
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to
your word.”
Why me? I've asked that question many times before. Sometimes you wonder why
you were the one chosen to be the victim of God's work. Deaths in the family are the
worse. Every time I've been noticed that someone has passed away. I ask why me?
Why my family? Why my friends? I understand that He does things that He thinks
is right. If I would have said "Here I am" and let Him tell me why this had happen
to me, all things would be less confusing and more understanding. Living by His
word is the greatest thing you can do and the only thing that will help you
understand why this happened. God works in mysterious ways and not all turn out
the best, but that’s life and we have to face the fact that it's hard. Leave all your
worries in God's hand and all will be good.
Prayer: Lord I ask that You guide me and help me understand that I should trust You
more and have more faith and become the greater person than those of non-believers.
Let me help them know You and let me help them have faith and trust in You.
Amen.
Packing: open your Bible to Luke 1 - whenever you pass by it, remember what God
accomplished through Mary’s faith!
Week Six - Day Thirty-five: “Are We THERE Yet?”
Tuesday – April 4th by: Larry Davis
“The Man…”
John 8:19
Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would
know my Father also.”
Do you remember the first traffic ticket you ever received? I do! I was a junior in
high school and had only had my license for a couple of weeks. I was in the
marching band and we had an out of town game and didn’t get home until late. I
had stopped at the stop light because it had turned red. No one else was around
because of the late hour, except for one lone police car. After I had stopped, I turned
right on red and proceeded the two blocks to my house and turned in my driveway,
at which point the police car pulled in behind me with his red lights flashing.
“Son, you ran that light back there,” he explained.
“Sir, I beg to differ with you,” I said. “But, I stopped on red and then turned right.”
“Oh, we changed that law yesterday. It’s now illegal to turn right on red after you
stop…”
So he wrote the ticket….but I think he felt sorry for this young kid who got caught
by a law that had changed in mid-stream, so-to-speak. He listed the wrong court
date, which enabled me to “get out” of the ticket. I paid it anyway. I felt obligated
since it was the right thing to do.
Jesus paid the ticket; not for just me, or you, but for the whole world! He paid the
price for our faults. He made no excuse. He just did it without any thought to
changing his mind. It was the right thing to do… Aren’t you glad he did???
Prayer: Lord, thank you for “fixing my ticket”….for paying the price for my wrong.
Thank you for believing that it was the right thing to do. Now make me feel right with
you through what Jesus has done on the cross.
Packing: Every time you see a police car - think of them as a friend; someone who
is there to “Protect and To Serve”. On your slip of paper, write the ways that Jesus
has protected you and you have served Him today!
Week Six - Day Thirty-six: “Are We THERE Yet?”
Wednesday – April 5th by: Vickie Reed
“The Relatives”
John 8:33
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to
anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‟You will be made free‟?”
Sometimes we forget that we are not the only one God has loved. We have
RELATIVES in the faith. God does not just love us as Methodists; He loves us for
what’s in our hearts. Just as he loves the other religions in the world – He looks into
the hearts and lives of our neighbors: the Baptists, Catholics, Protestants, etc. We
need to remember that and be respectful of their different beliefs. Remember, we
are all God’s children.
Prayer: God, I ask that you fill me with respect for those who came before me in faith.
Amen.
Packing: If possible - talk to someone and ask them to share their faith and how
they feel God loves them. If you feel resentment against other faiths, write those
down on a slip of paper and pack them away - to be destroyed - that’s what
resentment does, doesn’t it? DESTROYS!
Week Six - Day Thirty-seven: “Are We THERE Yet?”
Thursday – April 6th by: Dena Davis
“Jaws of Life”
Psalm 105:4-5
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.
wonderful works he has done, his miracles.
Remember the
We need the Lord’s strength to live as good Christians. The Bible is full of the
stories of how God has worked in strong and mighty ways: Moses bringing the
people from Egypt, David and Goliath, Samson, Daniel and the lion’s den, and well, you can think of one of your favorites. The point is, God really did all those
things with people just like you and me!
So why do you think we don’t have any more stories like that today? Does God not
do those same kind of miracles today? Or is it that we just don’t see them or talk
about them or share them with anyone else?
Some of the biggest miracles are the smallest ways God is with me every day!!! It’s
when I see the little ways that God is with me that I feel the strongest in the Lord!!!
Prayer: Oh God, help me to see the smallest and littlest ways you are with me, so that I
can do the biggest and most awesome things set before me. Amen.
Packing: Find a red piece of paper. Write on it the book or passage of one of the
stories of God’s strength. Keep it with you for the rest of Lent to remind you of
God’s strength when you need it!
Week Six - Day Thirty-eight: “Are We THERE Yet?”
Friday – April 7th by: Brenda Gonzalez
“Work Zone!”
John 10:37-38
If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them. . .
. . believe the works.
In Matthew 9:27, Jesus heals two blind men and making them see. He said to them,
“Do you believe that I can make you see again?” When they said yes, he said,
“Because of your faith, it will happen.” To me, this passage indicates that Jesus
didn’t heal these men. Instead, they healed themselves through their faith. As a
counselor, this passage speaks to me. People come to me expecting a miracle cure.
After talking to me, sometimes they find help and think that this came from me. The
truth is, this cure has been with them all the time. They just didn’t have the faith to
see it. Sometimes, through counseling, prayer and meditation, we find the
confidence to step out in faith and be the people we have always wanted to be. In
this way, through our faith in God and ourselves through Him, we are all miracles.
Prayer: God, open my eyes to the miracles that still occur every day!
Packing: Today find a blue piece of paper. Carry it with you and when you see
something miraculous - write it down on your slip of blue paper!
Week Six - Day Thirty-nine: “Are We THERE Yet?”
Saturday – April 8th by: Larry Davis
“Bumper Stickers”
Jeremiah 31:10
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away.
How often do we display our faith and love for the Lord? Our work is to declare we
belong to God. When you think about it, we really spend more time trying to hide
that instead of declare it, don’t we???
The faith we live out loud in our daily lives is kind of like bumper stickers on cars,
some are really funny - some are serious - some just advertise - but they all serve a
purpose.
What PURPOSE are we serving - or better yet - what PUROSE are we LIVING? To
lift up and declare the Lordship of Jesus, or cover it up and try to hide it??? Let’s
show Christ in all that we do and STICK TO IT!!!
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to show others not only who I am, but “WHO‟S” I
am - your child!!! And help me STICK TO IT every day in every way!!! Amen.
Packing: On a slip of paper make your own bumper sticker (or bumper “snicker”)
about how you love the Lord!!!
Palm Sunday - Holy Week
Sunday - April 9th by: Vickie Reed
Philippians 2:5-7
Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with
God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being
born in human likeness.
We have spent these weeks of Lent asking the Lord to empty us of selfishness, sin,
anger, and everything that takes us from the Lord. Let us replace these negative
qualities with positive attitudes and actions. We can replace selfishness with
selflessness, sin with obedience, anger with understanding and compassion. Let us
take this remaining time of Lent to move TOWARDS GOD as we think carefully on
what he wants us to do and be.
Prayer: God, fill us with your love and compassion. Amen.
UN-Packing: the next time you have a glass of water (or soda, etc.), give thanks to
God for emptying himself for us, and drink the water as a symbol of filling yourself
with the Lord.
Monday of Holy Week
April 10th by: Larry Davis
John 12:8
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.
As Jesus prepares to suffer and die, he doesn’t forget the poor. He has two messages
for us: 1) “Pay attention to me now because I will soon leave you.” and 2) “Take
care of the poor when I am gone.”
One of the most amazing sights I’ve ever seen of sharing took place in the parking
lot of the Days Inn in Terrell. One of the victims from hurricane Katrina was right
in the thick of things helping pass out food, sharing a kind word, lending a shoulder
to cry on (and even sharing a tear or two), and sharing everything she had - which
was herself! That’s ALL she had to share as she’d lost EVERYTHING! So she
shared what she did have - totally and completely! And all the while she kept saying
“Thank you, Jesus, for all you have given me!”
Jesus certainly met the spiritual needs of those around him, but He also tried his
best to meet their physical needs as well. May we never loose sight of the poor as
human beings and children of God. When we do that, WE have become the poorest
of the POOR!
Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for my selfishness and when I see the poor around me and
look the other way. Help me see them as children of God. Help me see them through
your eyes. Help me TRY to meet not only their spiritual needs, but their physical ones
as well. Amen.
UN-packing: Literally! Find some things you don’t need to share with the poor!
Tuesday of Holy Week
April 11th by: Casey Beck
Psalm 71:1
In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
This is the time during Lent we may want to run away and hide because we know
what is about to happen to Jesus. But instead of running away we need to run to
Jesus and confide in Him all of our troubles.
Michael and I have been in school together since first grade but we just got to really
know each other our senior year. Riding the bus to and from football games,
hanging out at lunch and after school and us taking trips to Canton to the
playground at midnight made me realize what I had missed out on over all these
years.
Then one day I come into the band hall and someone tells me that Michael had to be
rushed to the hospital and he’s been in ICU all night.
I couldn’t believe it. He felt fine Friday after school. We cried and prayed all day,
we even said a group prayer in band which is something that doesn’t happen
anymore these days.
I went to visit Michael in the hospital a couple of days later, he wasn’t really all
there when I walked into the room so we didn’t talk much. His grandmother told
me that he had had a seizure and he was having trouble breathing and talking
sometimes, all of this had been brought on by stress and anxiety. At least that’s
what the doctors said, they still really don’t know what’s wrong with him. He
moved to a regular room four days later and got to go home four days after that.
How could something like this happen to such a good guy?
It’s been almost two months since Michael went to the hospital and he’s still having
problems. He’s going to a neurologist soon and hopefully they can find out what’s
really going on.
It isn’t fair that something this bad is happening to such a good person, but instead
of being angry and questioning God, we all ran to Him with our concerns and He is
taking care of all of them. And I have no doubt that Michael will get better, all we
have to do is keep our faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help direct us to You, especially when we are afraid or
ashamed. Amen.
UN-packing: Find a quiet place and close your eyes as you imagine all that Jesus
experienced during Holy Week. Now imagine yourself WITH Jesus, every step of
that way, holding his hand, listening to him, seeing his agony. Realize and
BELIEVE that Jesus knows you are there, and even as he suffers, he is still holding
your hand and protecting you - keeping you safe.
Wednesday of Holy Week
April 12th by: Henry Reed
Matthew 26:21-22
He said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly
distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”
It wasn’t only Judas who betrayed Jesus, the disciples fled when he was arrested
and Peter denied him three times. Thomas refused to believe that Jesus had risen
from the dead. It is easy to stand up for what you believe in when you are
surrounded by those of the same ideas. When we are alone in a group of people who
don’t like what you believe in, it is harder to stand up for what you believe in. That
is what the disciples were faced with; angry mobs who wanted to harm anybody
that was Jesus’ friend. It would have been very difficult to stand up for Jesus when
against those odds. When the odds are against you and your beliefs are not what is
“popular” you should still stand up for what you believe in.
Prayer: God, I ask for forgiveness for any time that I have betrayed Jesus. Please fill
me with a desire to do better!
UN-packing: Take some time to think about how you may have betrayed Jesus by
failing to follow him. Ask for forgiveness and promise to follow him more closely,
more faithfully in the days ahead.
Thursday of Holy Week (Maundy or Holy Thursday)
April 13th by: Larry Davis
John 13:14
So if I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one
another‟s feet.
Jesus wanted to help people understand that they should serve, help and even do the
“dirty jobs” of helping each other “clean up” - not just their feet, but their spirits of
doubt and fear.
You’ve heard the saying, “It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.”
The dirtiest of the dirty jobs was done by Jesus! He literally took the dirt of the
world, sin, upon himself and carried it to the cross. Now THAT was a dirty job!
But in Jesus’ words, He said that he had given us an EXAMPLE to follow in our
own living. The thing about “examples” is that they become worthless until applied.
Now that would be a really “dirty thing to do” - to make the EXAMPLE of Jesus
worthless…
Prayer: God, help me not to hesitate to do the dirty work of serving and cleaning and
helping others. Help me to always look to Jesus as my EXAMPLE and APPLY his
example to my own life and living. Help me to know that it‟s when we get the dirtiest
that we have been made clean in your sight. Amen.
UN-packing: Attend your Holy Thursday service tonight. If you don’t wash feet,
then imagine doing so. . . As you receive the GIFT of the Last Supper, be aware of
some new ways that God is calling you to serve others.
Friday of Holy Week (Good Friday)
April 14th by: Vickie Reed
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was
the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Jesus died for ME! Wow – what as staggering, humbling statement. “The Passion
of the Christ” was a very powerful movie depicting the days up to Jesus’ crucifixion
and, since seeing it, when I think of Jesus’ death on the cross, I can almost feel the
whip, the crown of thorns, the pressure of the cross on His back, the long walk. I
feel so humbled that God sent Jesus to die for ME!! Even though I feel unworthy, I
find comfort in the thought that God thinks I’m worthy. My job is to remember
WHY Jesus died and to be the best Christian I can be.
Prayer: God, never let me forget the agony of Jesus‟ death on the cross. Amen.
UN-packing: If possible, attend a Good Friday service. If you can’t, read one of the
Gospel accounts of Jesus’ passion and death. Find someone to talk with about what
it means to you that Jesus endured the Cross for your sake.
Saturday of Holy Week (Holy Saturday, the Vigil of the Lord)
April 15th by: The Church Members!!!
Ezekiel 36:25
I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your
uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.
What does it mean to be cleaned by God? We are not, cannot purify ourselves, only
God can do that. As our Lenten journey is coming to an end, give some thought to
how your Lenten journey has helped cleanse your life. (Write your thoughts in the
space below.)
Prayer: God, forgive our sins, cleanse us, and fill us with a new faith in all His
promises! Amen.
UN-packing: If possible, attend the “Seven Last Words” Service today. Be
prepared to hear each of the seven last words of Jesus as soap and water to cleanse
your soul!
Even though Lent is coming to a close, don’t forget that your journey
with God continues daily. So – buckle up and keep driving!!!
We hope you have not only enjoyed “Our Lenten Journey – 2007” but that you have
learned from it. Learned not only something about the contributors, but also about
YOURSELF and your relationship with God. If a particular devotion touched your
heart, you might want to mention it to that author! They have all worked hard on this
book.
Thanks to all who contributed to this endeavor in any way – either by writing a
devotional, prodding your children to write their devotional, editing, supporting,
lending equipment to put the books together, compiling – we couldn‟t have done it
without you!!