As I usually do in the run up to Ash Wednesday and Lent, I have been thinking about fasting and the purpose behind fasting. As I was meditating on Lenten practices I thought about how many people will give up things like chocolate, coffee, or social media for Lent. I do not want to discourage... Continue Reading →
Lenten Devotional Week 6
Scripture Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Psalm 96:1 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 Reflection To worship is... Continue Reading →
Lenten Devotional Week 5: Guidance
Scripture And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.... Continue Reading →
Lent Devotional week 4: Service
Scriptures "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." - 1 Peter 4:10-11 and submit to each other out of respect for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 Reflection If... Continue Reading →
Lenten Reflection 3
Scripture Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it... Continue Reading →
Lenten Devotional: Week 2
Scripture Place these words I’m speaking on your heart and in your very being. Tie them on your hand as a sign. They should be on your forehead as a symbol. Teach them to your children, by talking about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when... Continue Reading →
Lenten Devotional- Prayer
Scripture Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.... Continue Reading →
Ash Wednesday
Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 CEB 1“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in... Continue Reading →
The Sword Will Cut You- Luke 2:25-34
God of the covenant, in the glory of the cross your Son embraced the power of death and broke its hold over your people. In this time of repentance, draw all people to yourself, that we who confess Jesus as Lord may put aside the deeds of death and accept the life of your kingdom.... Continue Reading →
Fast?
Today marks the start of Lent, a season traditionally dominated by fasting. Yet today, many Christians are preferring to say as a preacher friend did to me recently, “Rather than fasting, I want to add something new during Lent.” Meaning, rather than giving up anything, this person was going to add a spiritual discipline. Now... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 