Lent Devotional Booklet- 2016 (1)

Ash Wednesday Worship 12 PM & 7 PM Refor ALmiWAnYSg
Supper 5:45 PM

Midweek Worship 7 PM
Supper 5:45 PM

Midweek Worship 7 PM
Supper 5:45 PM

Midweek Worship 7 PM
Abendmusik: Ugandan Children’s Choir 7 PM)

Supper 5:45 PM
Midweek Worship 7 PM

Supper 5:45 PM
Midweek Worship 7 PM
Maundy Thursday Worship 7 PM
Good Friday Worship 12 PM & 7 PM
Community Easter Event 2 PM

March 27 Sunrise Worship 6:15 AM

Easter Festival Worship 8 AM, 9:30 AM & 11 AM

Easter Breakfast 7-11 AM

Kinsmen Lutheran Church

12100 Champion Forest Drive
Houston, TX 77066
Kinsmenlutheran.org

Lent 2016 Always Reforming 71

March 27 Continued…

The instruction here (to go and tell the rest of the brethren) is different from the great
commission found in Mark 15:16 (to go into all the world and make converts into the king-
dom of God). I don’t believe that the instruction being given to women in this text has any-

thing to do with gender issues.

I believe that for the fact that the ladies went to play their role, and so were provided with
the possibility to be at the right place at the right time, to receive the instruction.

In verse 8, the bible tells us that the ladies trembled in total bewilderment, and they fled
from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. The ladies must
have been completely bewildered. At first, they were disappointed and sad because Jesus
had been crucified and buried. And now, they probably were in total shock at what there
eyes were seeing, or not seeing. Some questions that come to mind are: Did the ladies for-
get that Jesus told them that he would rise again on the third day; and that he will go
ahead of you into Galilee? Had they not read in the scriptures that weeping may endure for

the night, but joy comes in the morning? The behaviors exhibited here are typical of wom-
en in total distraught situations. Crying, weeping and wailing are all natural emotions, and
it is okay to exhibit them especially in time of loss and hysteria. However, as Christian be-
lievers, in our attempts to express loss, we should exercise care not to express defeat like
unbelievers.

Today’s text encourages us to obey the instructions of the master. Jesus said that he that
obeys his commandments is he that loves him. The instruction here is “go and tell”. Not go-

ing is considered sinful in the eyes of God; and not telling means not carrying out the Mas-
ter’s instructions. We must endeavor to obey God with faith and courage even when it may
be humanly frightening. Angels do not preach the gospel, we do. Sheep beget sheep, not
shepherds. ‘I do not know what to say’ should not be an excuse. All we need to tell them is

that Jesus is risen, he is alive and well; and that he saves!

Dear God, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to
fully embrace living as Easter people. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to
want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue it and the strength to
complete it. Amen!

Edith Chuta

70 Always Reforming Lent 2016

March 27 Mark 16:1-8

Resurrection Table of Contents

In today’s text we see a dedicated team of ladies with hearts full of love and commitment Preface ………………………………………………………………………….….……….5
being faced with a ritualistic project, a job that had to be done. They had managed to February 10 ………………………………………………….…………….….…...………6
gather the items needed for the project, and they were on their way to the mission site to February 11 ……………………………………………………………………….……….8
accomplish their project. On their way to the sepulcher, they remembered a particular February 12 …………………………………………………………………………...….9
problem they had; they needed help to roll away the stone blocking the entrance of the February 13 ………………………………………………………………………...... …10
sepulcher/tomb which the bible describes as 'very great'. Mark 16:3. The ladies knew the February 14 ……………………………………………………………...…………...….12
magnitude of the stone, but we thank God that on the realization of the problem they did February 15 ……………………………………………………...………………...…….13
not stop and go back to their individual houses as defeated people. The size of their February 16 …………………………………………………………...………………...15
problem did not stop them from accomplishing their task. We thank God that they forged February 17 ………………………………………………………………………...…...17
ahead both in wisdom and in bravery. In verse 4, as they looked, they saw that the stone February 18 ………………………………………………………………………...……18
was already rolled away. In today’s text, we must learn that if we don’t give up every February 19 ……………………………………………………………………...……...19
problem on earth has a solution. We must learn that we are worshipping a miracle February 20 …………………………………………………………………...………...20
working God. Today’s text teaches us that there is always an angel assigned to every one February 21 ………………………………………………………………...…………...22
of our great stones/problems. God assigns stone rolling angels to whatever situation we February 22 ………………………………………………………………...………….. 23
are mostly worried about in life. God has enough stone rolling angels to keep our mira- February 23 ……………………………………………………………...……………...24
cles from being locked up in the grave. God can always create doors, and make ways February 24 …………………………………………………………...………………...25
where there seem to be no ways, to let out our miracles. This is one assuring period that February 25 ……………………………………………………...…………………….. 26
reminds us that God is able to take care of (it) no matter how big the problem may seem; February 26 …………………………………………………………………...………...28
all we need to do is trust Him. February 27 ………………………………………………………………...…………...31
February 28 ……………………………………………………………………...……...32
In verse 6, the angel assured the ladies not to be alarmed. We read the words "where they February 29 …………………………………………………………………...………...33
laid him," because Jesus' body was no longer there. Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1: 19-20 March 1 ……………………………………………………………………...…………...34
March 2 …………………………………………………………………...……………...35
describes the power that raised Jesus from the grave as “Great Power”. "And his incompa- March 3 …………………………………………………………………………………...36
rably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty March 4 …………………………………………………………………...……………...37
strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at March 5 ………………………………………………………………………………......38
his right hand in the heavenly realms." Paul calls this power "all surpassing power from March 6 …………………………………………………………………………...……...39
God." 2 Corinthians 4:7. The resurrection power of God is what gave Jesus the indisputa-
ble title of "a name that is above all names." That is what made Jesus the Champion! The

resurrection power of God is the center of attraction in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The
resurrection power of God is what separates Christian believers from the rest of the oth-
er religious believers. It is what makes us different. In Philippians 3:10 Paul declares that
he wants to know this power that resurrected Jesus from the dead. This period encour-
ages us all to get even more inquisitive than Paul, to get to know and embrace that power
that resurrected Jesus from the dead. We must aspire to connect with the spirit of God's
power, and to get a grip on the resurrection power of God for our wholesome lives. 1 Co-

rinthians 2:4-5.

In verse 7, the angel instructs the ladies to go and tell the rest of his disciples that “‘He is
going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you’”. We are

reminded here that Jesus is a promise-keeper; what he said he would do is what he will
do.

4 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 69

March 26 Continues...

Table of Contents Joseph knew that according to Roman law, the body of an executed criminal was handed
over to his family or friends only when special request was made to the Roman authori-
March 7 …………………………………………………………………………………… 41 ties; but Joseph was not family. Actually, he was one of the Sanhedrin. We see a bit of Jo-
March 8 …………………………………………………………………………………… 42 seph’s attitude in even mustering up the courage to approach Pilate. Further, there was
March 9 ...………………………………………………………………………………….43 an urgent need to get the body of Jesus buried; it was “the preparation day.” It was the
March 10 ………………………………………………………………………………….45 Friday evening before the Sabbath. The preceding day was given to making all the neces-
March 11 ………………………………………………………………………………….47 sary preparations for the Sabbath. Once the sun set, the Sabbath began and no work
March 12 ………………………………………………………………………………….48 could be done according to Jewish law. Therefore, the burial had to be completed before
March 13 ………………………………………………………………………………….49 the Sabbath began. A further incentive is found in Deuteronomy 21:23 where the law
March 14 ………………………………………………………………………………….51 stated that dead bodies should not remain hanging on a tree overnight.
March 15 ………………………………………………………………………………….52
March 16 ………………………………………………………………………………….53 Joseph came later in the evening, when the crowd had dispersed and asked Pilate for him
March 17 ………………………………………………………………………………….54 to take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted him the permission. So he came and
March 18 ………………………………………………………………………………….55 took away His body.” He must have been frightened of the possible consequences of his
March 19 ………………………………………………………………………………… 57 now open discipleship. He was no coward in his secrecy, but simply using a bit of com-
March 20 ………………………………………………………………………………… 59 mon sense. Here we see the faithful response of Joseph. All was orchestrated by God. Je-
March 21 ………………………………………………………………………………….60 sus was dead and the path of least resistance for Joseph would have been simply to fade
March 22 ………………………………………………………………………………….61 away into the sunset, to silently follow Jesus; protecting his own interests. But instead,
March 23 ………………………………………………………………………………….62 he chose to follow Christ as best he could. Mark shows in great detail the devotion of Jo-
March 24 ………………………………………………………………………………….64 seph in burying Christ. Along with Nicodemus, who was also now in the open. John.
March 25 ………………………………………………………………………………….66 19:39-40. They took Jesus down off the cross, wrapped him in linens fit for a royal buri-
March 26 ………………………………………………………………………………….68 al, anointed him with burial spices, and according to Matthew, placed him in his own
March 27 ………………………………………………………………………………….70 tomb, and rolled the stone against the entrance to keep out marauders and beasts. Jo-
seph’s very life was on the line for these actions following the death of Christ, yet he
, stood for Him.

The major significance of Christ’s burial for all Christian believers is seen in the 6th chap-
ter of Romans where Apostle Paul points this out as he builds his case for personal holi-
ness. He teaches that all in Christ are also crucified, buried and resurrected with him!
Our sins are gone! Finished! As he was then buried, so were our sins buried with him in
the grave. Our sins were left in the grave, never to require judgment again, and never to
burden us again. Let us believe the words of the psalmist who proclaimed that “As far as
the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm
103:12.

Our Father in heaven, please help us never to view Christ’s death and burial the same ever
again. Amen!

Edith Chuta

68 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 5

March 26 Mark 15:40-47 Preface

The Death and Burial of Jesus

Today’s text centers on the death and burial of Jesus. The early church had a particular Lent is a season when the church focuses on the
place and purpose for the burial of Christ. The burial of Christ is an essential part of the continual process of conversion for everyone. It is a
gospel message. It is from today’s text that we derive the famous phrase for one of the solemn and penitential period. Lent is grounded in and
most important creeds of Christendom, “The Apostles’ Creed”. modeled after the forty days Jesus spent in the desert,
tempted by the devil. As people of faith, we lay aside
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, those practices and material goods that lead us into
temptation. We do this not to enamor ourselves of our
the Creator of heaven and earth, own sanctity, but rather to gather with the whole
Christian community as it practices its participation in
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: the death of Christ—that we might know the alleluia of
the resurrection with Christ.
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, (first published in Sundays and Seasons 2014, Year A)

born of the Virgin Mary, Always Reforming—semper reformanda—was a key
phrase used by Martin Luther during the 16th century.
suffered under Pontius Pilate, His 95 theses nailed to the Wittenburg Church door in
1517 signaled a call to be a church that is always
was crucified, died, and was buried. forming and reforming itself. But what does that mean?
We are a forming church in that we are always teaching
From today’s text, we recognize one word in our ‘Creed’ that forces us to stop and take and learning and passing on the faith. We are
another look at the biblical text. The simple word “buried” tells us more than what hap- reforming in that we are always trying to be a
pened to the body of Jesus. It alerts us to an area of biblical truth that we might other- community that follows Christ today and this may look
wise overlook. What is significant about Jesus’ burial? What might we otherwise over- different depending on the context. Regardless, as a
look? There are certain things we must notice in Mark’s account of Jesus’ burial. community, we are to be signs/foretastes of redeemed
humanity as the church wherever we find ourselves.
Through out the gospel according to Mark we have seen the responses of people to the We will be exploring what this means for us as
person and works of Christ. The first is a confirmation of attitudes 15:40-47. In verses individuals and as a community throughout Lent.
40, 41, and 47, we see the first group involved in the burial of Jesus, a group of women,
“Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. Mark also
mentions that there were other women who followed Jesus to Jerusalem, presumably
they had gone to observe the Passover ceremonies; but these three are given a place of
prominence. Jesus is dead, but the path of least resistance would be to let the dead be
dead; to be honored with a burial rite, not necessarily a dignified burial ceremony, just to
be given the last rite as a human being.

It is not the identification of these women that grabs our attention so much as what they
did. Mark says that these women had followed Jesus since his ministry in Galilee, minis-
tering to or waiting on him. These women were a very important part of the ministry of
Jesus, serving him when others would have nothing to do with him. Though they could
not have initially known the end result any more than that of the Apostles, they followed
him nonetheless. Now they were faced with the same certainty that others faced – Jesus
was dead. Yet, this did not hinder their continued service to him. These women demon-
strated their faith in Christ by their very presence, a presence that is documented by
Mark at the Cross, at the tomb, and at the resurrection.

Joseph in verses 43, 46 is the second person of note in the narrative of Mark. “Joseph of
Arimathea” went to Pilate and “asked for the body of Jesus.” The fact that “he gathered
up courage and went in before Pilate” is better understood by knowing the context.

6 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 67

February 10 Mark 9:30-37 March 25 Continued...

Spoiler Alert! “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will Certainly, had it not been for the unusual events surrounding the death of Jesus, the Ro-
kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” man centurion would not have made the startling confession (startling for a Roman)
found in verse 39 of our text, "Truly this man was the Son of God". Apparently, there nev-
Here we are on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and immediately we have er has been another man like the Lord Jesus Christ. In all ways he was and is truly
spoiled the whole story. There are still forty more days (with a few Sundays unique. His conception and birth were unique, his life and ministry were unique, and he
thrown in) to go before we get to Easter. We know the ending; in fact, we’ve proba- was unique in his death. Among other happenings surrounding his death was the veil at
bly seen this story through to its ending many times before! the temple split into two from top to bottom thereby exposing God to all people; making
God more personal to everyone. Everyone can now approach God for themselves. The veil
I am terrible about spoiling things for myself. If I’m not watching it live, then I tore to let us know that there is now no more demarcation between the Jews and the
probably have at least skimmed through some reviews or a Wikipedia article and Greeks, men and women, young and old, all colors of skin, all tongues, all tribes and all
have a rough idea of how the show or movie or book is going to turn out. Admit- nations. The veil tore to let us know that God no longer lives in the temple; but He now
tedly, even the best story’s major turning points are lessened somewhat by fore- lives in the hearts of men and women, and children who accept to live their lives for Him.
knowledge of what is to come. So what are we to do with this Easter story? How The veil tore to teach us to open our arms of love to embrace others; and to love all peo-
do we maintain the suspense of the Passion when we know all too well its conclu- ple. The events surrounding the death of Jesus are not to be explained in naturalistic
sion on Easter Sunday? terms for they are all because of God's supernatural and miraculous power. Not only
were the events surrounding Jesus’ death supernatural, but his death was in itself super-
This isn’t even the first time Jesus has predicted his death in the Gospel of Mark natural.
(see Mark 8:31) and it won’t even the last time either (see Mark 10:33). Even Jesus
himself can’t resist the temptation to get in on some spoiler action! How do we re- After the fall of man, people vertically scattered on the face of the earth doing their own
spond to such a beginning to our Lenten season? Do we engage the autopilot? Do things in their own ways. God first loved us and desired to reconcile us back to himself;
we simply go through the motions in a repeated tradition? and the only way to get that job done was to personally and horizontally come down in
the flesh and live among men. He did that in the person of Jesus Christ! The cross sym-
When I know the ending, my mind tends to wander. I idly check my phone (much bolizes two roads crossing each other, meeting at a point. God had to meet man at a
to my wife’s chagrin) looking for something else to fully engage my attention. I am point in order to reconcile man back to himself!
not fully present.
John 3:14 reminds us of when Moses, in the wilderness, lifted the tree on which he hung
Perhaps to Jesus’ chagrin, the disciples busied themselves discussing a different the serpent according to God's instruction. Numbers 21:9 At that time, when any body
topic that had engaged their full attention. Who is greatest? Personally, I can see beaten by the serpent looked up to the tree and beheld the serpent, he would be healed.
the appeal of such a thread of conversation. With Batman v. Superman fast ap- That tree has been likened to Jesus hanging on the cross. Even the medical field adopted
proaching the movie theaters, we are asked who is the greatest: Son of Krypton or the tree and the serpent hanging on it, to mean a symbol of healing. In today’s text, we
Bat of Gotham? Or even more media-dominating, we are inundated by the ques- must continue to believe on the cross, the core of the gospel; and as we do so, we must
tion: who is the greatest presidential candidate? I have to wonder who it is that endeavor to look up to the cross of Calvary to receive healings and solutions to our prob-
the disciples decided was #1. My vote is for Andrew. lems and situations. Galatians 3:13 "Jesus bore our shame, he who did no sin became sin
for us."

Our Father in heaven, we thank You for sending Jesus to sacrifice his life for our sins.
Please continue to teach us that You are with us always even when we feel aloneness.
Amen!

Of course, Jesus takes this very human debate of greatness and does what Jesus Edith Chuta
does best—he turns it on its head. “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all
and servant of all.” In the culture of antiquity, one’s fame and greatness were
judged by the company they keep. In the same way, Jesus welcoming a child into
his company reinforces his counter-cultural message of humility. It’s with this
message of humility that we can start to prepare for Lent.

That’s right, press the pause button.

66 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 7

March 25 Mark 15:16-39 Sure, you know the ending, but the ending is just one part of the story. Easter is an
entire journey that is traveled through Lent. I have found time and again that even
Crucifixion though I may know the ending, the impact of its message is only made more power-
ful by the events leading up to it. If I’m too busy glancing at my phone, I may miss
From the preceding text, we read that Jesus’ disciples had abandoned him, even Peter key context that paints the end of the story in an entirely different light. I find that
who had pledged his steadfast and lasting support for the master. Jesus stood all alone I need to remind myself that there’s a reason a story is not a beginning and an end-
without supporters through all his proceedings and trials. His disciples probably thought ing—that its middle offers important moments that are essential to the story as a
that the sacrifice in which he was engaged could be contagious, and so they didn’t want whole. The journey informs the ending.
any part of it. Obviously, sacrifice cause people to walk away. And being all alone, Jesus
faced all manner of mockery, abuse and ridicule in the hands of his captors. For a Likewise, on repeated viewings I almost always pick up something new. Even revis-
moment, people wondered if he really was whom he claimed to be; and they may have iting a story at a different stage in life brings new meaning because we as the audi-
wondered why he that did all those miracles could not save himself. Finally, they led him ence help shape the story by the context we bring.
out to crucify him. Condemned criminals normally carried their own crosses to the sites
of their execution, but Jesus did not carry his own cross. Rather, they commandeered a In the same way, I must remember to humble myself as Lent starts anew. 2016 is a
passer-by (Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus) whom they forced him to new year and I am in a different place than I was at in 2015 or 2014 or 1992. How
carry Jesus’ cross. They brought Jesus to Golgotha where they crucified him. will this new context shape my Lenten journey this year? I can only hope to discov-
er it by quieting the oh-so-tempting distractions and humble myself to Jesus’ gos-
As if it wasn’t enough that Jesus had to suffer the abandonment of those humans who pel.
were closest to him, he also felt the abandonment of his Father. “My God, my God; why
have you forsaken me?” He was all alone! When he desperately needed the touch, It is time for me to put down the figurative phone that is distracting me. Next, it
encouragement and support of friends, someone to understand, someone to endure the will require a little bit of discipline. What a coincidence that Lent is a time for
pain with him, he was left to himself. Have you ever felt abandoned by your friends? Have adopting a discipline! And no, adopting a discipline doesn’t necessarily mean you
you ever felt abandoned by God? Have you ever cried out and answer did not come. Have have to give up chocolate or soda or wine. Adopting a Lenten discipline should be
you ever felt drained of all your energy? Have you ever felt like no matter how much you adopting a change in your life to humble yourself so you can better experience the
cry out, and no one listens? No wonder David wrote in Psalm 13:1-4 and said: Lenten journey.

“How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? For example, you could decide to pray once a day for all of Lent. Maybe you already
How long will you hide your face from me? pray? It could be to memorize a Bible verse every week of Lent or committing to si-
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts lent meditation on the passion. For me, it will be to read this Lenten devotion (that
and day after day have sorrow in my heart? doesn’t sound too hard!) every day and reflect upon how it informs this year’s jour-
How long will my enemy triumph over me? ney to Easter.

3 Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Whatever you decide, I pray that the Easter Spoilers don’t spoil the opportunity to
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, walk closer with Christ.
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
Loving Father, As we embark on another journey of Lent towards Easter, open up our
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.” minds and hearts to your Holy Spirit. Help us quiet the distractions in our lives and
humble ourselves to walk with you on your path to the cross. Keep us strong these
There are times we when pray but God remains silent. I don’t know why God sometimes forty days and bring us safely to the joyful victory at Easter.
seems to be silent in our greatest hours of need, except to suggest that may be He is test-
ing the level of our faith. One thing I know is that we must continue to believe that He is Amen
always present with us even when we can’t feel His presence. He has promised us in His
Word Isaiah 43:1-2 that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Do we really believe that? Andrew Hanson
We must believe that regardless of how alone we may feel, Jesus has felt that aloneness
too, and because of that, he knows how to strengthen us in our times of need.

8 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 65

February 11 Mark 9:42-50 March 24 Continued...

Temptations to Sin minor sins, and many more kinds of sins. Jesus asked his Father if there was another way of finish-
ing the job, so as to avoid drinking that cup.
42 k“Whoever causes one of lthese little ones who believe in me to sin,7 mit would be better for
Proverbs 6:4, 10, 11 says "Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Yet a little sleep,
him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 nAnd a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth,
if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with and thy want as an armed man.” Proverbs 20:13 says "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty,
two hands to go to ohell,8 to pthe unquenchable fire.9 45 qAnd if your foot causes you to sin, cut open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread." Romans 13: 1 says "And that, knowing the
it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into ohell. 47 rAnd if time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:…." It is true that God created night time and
your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with ordained rest for all His children, yet Jesus encourages us to "….watch ye and pray, lest ye enter
one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into shell, 48 ‘where ttheir worm does not die and the into temptation." Mark 14:38. Today’s text teaches us to be sober, and not to slumber. We must en-
deavor to awake to righteousness, and sin not. We must be the watchmen God has called us to be
fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire.10 50 vSalt is good, wbut if the salt for ourselves, for our families, friends, colleagues, pastors, teachers, leaders, and the entire world
has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? xHave salt in yourselves, and ybe at as a whole. We must stay alert and remain prayerful!
peace with one another.”

Just…wow. This is one of those passages that I want to skip over, or tell myself it’s just a Father, we thank you for the gift of the blood of Your only begotten son Jesus Christ. Please help us
metaphor, because the bald truth of it is so painfully convicting. Does Jesus really mean to invite others to partake of this special sacrament. Help us also to spiritually stay alert, watching
that it would be better for a person to be murdered than to cause another to sin? Is he and praying without ceasing. Amen!
really advocating dismemberment as a preventative measure?

Sadly, humans are extraordinarily creative when it comes to finding ways to sin. Even blind
and lame, I’m certain I could come with something rather horrible. That’s because sin
doesn’t just live in the eye or the hand, it has a permanent address in our mind. It would
actually be far easier if we could end sin by losing a hand or a foot. But these measures,
dramatic as they sound, won’t cure us of sin-sickness. That is why we must throw
ourselves on God’s mercy and ask for forgiveness, because no action we ourselves take will
ever be enough to rid us of our sin.

But pain of disfiguration is not the only danger mentioned in this passage. Even greater
punishment is reserved for those who lead others into sin. And here lies the truth in the
passage, the cause of the incendiary imagery. It is hard to follow Jesus. It is hard because
our nature wants to go our own way, the easy way, the lazy way, the self-fulfilling, self-
indulgent way. It is hard for us to avoid sin on our own. But it is so much harder when
someone else is leading us by the hand and saying, “Go on, try a taste, you’ll be fine.” Our
struggle to avoid temptation is so urgent, so acute, that anyone who makes that slide into
sin easier is our enemy. Even if that person is a friend, a family member, or a church
leader, the person leading you to temptation is your enemy, the serpent in the Garden. So
be vigilant, friends. Watch your thoughts and actions with the vigilance of someone who
might lose a foot if they step into sin.

Stevie Berryman

64 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 9

March 24 Mark 14:12-42 February 12 Mark 10:1-12

Lord’s Supper Teaching about Divorce

Our text today very vividly narrates the events prior to the arrest of Jesus. It was during the time of “They are no longer two, but one flesh.” (v.8)
the Festival of the Leavened Bread, and it was necessary for Jesus’ disciples to make preparations
for that special meal where it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb. God commanded the Divorce! They say it takes two people to get married, but only one to get divorced. To me, I
Israelites that meals (feasts) follow the covenants or laws He made or instituted with them. “And find this statement true but not Biblical. Divorce is painful, but at times necessary.
this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your
generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.” Exodus 12:14. As a memorial, the Isra- As I was experiencing it, I searched scripture extensively for answers. For me, I was torn be-
elites remember that God promised them in Exodus 12:13 "...... when I see the blood, I will Pass-over tween Paul’s writing “And a husband must not divorce his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:11) and
you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” Matthew’s writing “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual
immorality, makes her the victim of adultery . . .“ (Matthew 5:32). With this and knowing the
For the significance on celebrating the Passover meal, it was expedient that Jesus ate the last Sup- marriage was heading for a “train wreck”, I struggled for more than 2 ½ years praying for the
per with his disciples. Jesus said in John 6:63 that the “flesh profiteth nothing”. He and his disciples guidance of the Holy Spirit.
needed to eat the last supper in order to withstand the magnitude of persecution that was in their
futures. When a spouse does not place God first in their life and refuses marital counseling, there is
not much the other can do. I finally realized I was unequally yoked. “Do not be yoked together
It is remarkably very interesting as well as important to note that the added part of the with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14). This scripture is under the heading “Warning against
“commandment” according to Apostle Paul’s account in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 “……, That the idolatry” and I realized the love of money, alcohol and sex became most important to my
Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he partner. When the “one flesh” does not focus on Jesus, then “spiritual surgery” may be
brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. required and for me it was necessary, without anesthesia. As a result, I refused to be confused
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new by the effects of alcohol rather focusing on the Word.
testament in my blood: This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.”
With regard to “spiritual surgery”, I always found it significant that the verses before Mark 10:1
In John 6:53, Jesus became even more emphatic about his claims. "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, (Causing to Stumble, Mark 9:43-47) and the verses before Matthew 5:32 (Adultery, Matthew
Except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." 5:29-30) were very similar. These are the verses about “plucking/gouging out your eye, cutting
off your hand/foot, and losing one part of your body”. Most fellow believers (especially those
John 6:54-56 “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him not experiencing divorce) think these verses are hyperbole about ridding sin from oneself.
up at the last day. For my flesh is meat in deed, and my blood is drink in deed. He that eateth my However, in my mortal wisdom, I believe Jesus was talking about “spiritual surgery”; the
flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” When Jesus said “I will raise him up, separation of Believers/unbelievers and removing a Believer’s burden from the yoke with an
he claimed that his blood and his flesh will cause an upward change in position (from a low state to unbelieving partner.
a higher position) to any person that drinks it, and eats it. Eternal life means ‘immortality’-it means
that one will never die. On account of his blood and body Jesus promised immortality to our fami- So, be aware. Spiritual surgery may become necessary, but the pain is worth the freedom that
lies, our marriages, our dreams, our businesses, our health, our jobs, our joy, our gifts and talents, is found in Jesus Christ. Yes, freedom; glory be to God!
and every thing that concerns us. ‘Eternal life’ means that we are able to leave legacies behind-for
our fruits to remain. Dear Jesus, today, help us recognize the idols that Satan places in one’s faith journey and help
us resist the world’s false promises. Amen.
In verses 32-42 of today’s text, we see the human side of Jesus as he began to worry that his
disciples were sleeping more for such a time at hand. Ecclesiastes 3:1"To every thing there is a Prayer concern: Those struggling with their marriage commitment.
s season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Jesus probably began to wonder why all
his disciples got on the same side of emotional laxity that night. Even after he confessed to them Russ Petrucciani
how sorrowful his heart was, and severally pleaded with them to join him in prayers, yet they slept
the more. One may wonder what took hold of all his disciples that night. Not even Peter could keep
his eyes open. Pitiful! In Mark 14:35-36, the weight of the sins of the whole world heavily came
down on Jesus, and he felt the pain. We see him conferring with his Father about the cup in front of
him that he was about to drink.

It must have been the ugliest cup to behold, or it was the contents of the cup was what got to him
more. Inside that cup were the sins of everybody; very ugly sins, little sins and big sins, public sins
and private sins, spiritual sins, emotional sins, physical sins, financial sins, horrible, terrible and



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March 22 Continued...

condoning bad behavior. Understanding allows us to move forward from our reactions of
hurt and pain. The lesson we must learn here in this text is how to follow Jesus’ exempla-
ry attitude in forgiveness. Forgiveness begins with understanding ourselves. Our reactions
towards others are dictated by our feelings about ourselves. Jesus knew exactly who he
was. He knew his value was not dependent on what others thought of him but on what
God the Father thought of him.

Forgiveness leads us to freedom of action. Forgiveness frees us from revenge, bitterness
and blame and all the emotions that can paralyze us and keep us from truly redeeming

work. Forgiveness helps us to move forward in love, adjusts expectations of others, and
allows us to realistically and wisely adjust our expectations of the relationships we are in.
Jesus knew the hearts of those who were around him – even Judas, his disciples, the reli-
gious and political elites, the chief priests. He was not surprised by their ugly behaviors.
He was sad about their ugly behaviors towards him, even upset; but he also forgave them.
May we learn to do likewise!

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of
The Holy Spirit, be with us all now and forevermore. Amen!

Edith Chuta

March 23 Mark 14:66-72

Peter Denies Jesus

There are so much sad and painful lessons the Lord has brought before our minds in the
verses we have read in today’s text. The first lesson we must learn from today’s text is
how possibly and shamefully a great saint may fall. We in today’s text are told the most
painful and sad story of how Peter so entirely got overtaken by fear, that he actually de-
nied Jesus. We know that Simon Peter was an eminent apostle of Jesus Christ. He was one
who had received special commendation from our Lord's lips, after a noble confession of
his Messiahship-"Blessed are you, Simon Barjona," "I will give unto you the keys of the
kingdom of heaven." Peter was one who had enjoyed special privileges by Jesus, and had
special mercies shown to him by Jesus. He declared that he knew not Jesus whom he had
accompanied and lived with for three years; had his own wife's mother healed by him;
taken him up into the mount of transfiguration; and saved him from drowning in the Sea
of Galilee! He declared that he did not know Jesus. He not only denied his Master once,
but he did it three times! And he not only denied him simply, but did it "cursing and
swearing!" And above all, he did all this in the face of Jesus’ plainest warnings, and in
spite of his own loud protestation that he would do nothing of the kind, but would rather
die with him.

12 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 61

February 14 Mark 10:17-31 March 22 Mark 14:43-65

In paralegal school, my favorite subject was probate law. Probate is, in itself, an orderly process. In the The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
absence of a will, inheritance is based on family relations. You first look down the family tree for de-
scendants. Being none, you look up the family tree for parents. If the parents are deceased, you look In today’s text we see series of fast moving symbolic events that take Jesus from the se-
across the family tree for siblings. The process continues until a legal heir can be found. renity of the garden to the hasty tribunal in the house of the high priest, Caiaphas. As Je-
sus had been predicting, the hour had indeed come when he would be rejected by the re-
In this passage, most people focus on Jesus’ instruction to sell everything and become poor in order to ligious leaders, betrayed by one of his own, given into the hands of the Romans to be put
have treasure in heaven. People are often misguided to abandon all worldly possessions or are led to to death. Judas famously betrays Jesus with a kiss. People (like Judas) who manipulate
feel shame and guilt in not being able to comply with this request in their own lives. Like the man in the others to get what they want simply live within the human trajectory of sin. Yes, betrayal
story, they leave this passage feeling sad. by a friend or by a close relative can be very disappointing, very annoying, stressful, hurt-
ful, and can make one mad or frustrated. Yet, Jesus teaches us to learn to forgive them.
However, what draws me into this story is the man’s initial question: “What must I do to inherit eternal Like one friend of mine used to say, “there is nothing worth going to hell”.
life?” Remember, for an inheritance to be given and experienced, someone has to die. That is what
makes an Inheritance different from a gift. We have the benefit of hindsight and knowledge that the All Jesus' disciples flee and abandon him. His disciples cannot see any future with him,
man and the disciples did not have at this time…Jesus was the one that died in order that we may inher- and in the end they all leave him just as he had predicted. Even the ones who had lived
it eternal life. The inheritance is not of our own merit, but from God’s mercy alone. We are saved by with Jesus for years eventually abandoned him. But their ever faithful Savior does not de-
grace through faith. sert them, and that is the good news here in today’s text. The lesson we must reflect on
here is why it is that some people who have had so much access to God’s truth still fail to
But, there is more to this story then salvation. Although people may bequeath their belongings to any- submit to Him as Lord. 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:20-26.
one, most wills, and in the absence of any will, belongings are passed to family members upon an indi-
vidual’s death. Inheritance is more about belonging to a family then earning or gaining something. The A young man flees away naked. Peter follows form a distance but warming himself by a
same is true regarding eternal life. public fire. A mock trial takes place. Jesus is silent but speaks only to indicate that he is
indeed the messiah. Jesus did not answer the high priest when he asked “What is it that
By having faith in Christ Jesus, we become brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. We become God’s these men are testifying against You?” I sense that this reaction of Jesus portrays a great
children, we become His family. God is not only concerned with where we spend our eternal life, but revelation about Jesus’ purpose; and that should teach us a better approach to those who
how we spend our life on earth. God does not desire us to live impoverished, solitary lives. Rather, God challenge our faith. Mark 14:53-61; Isaiah 53:1-8.
intends for us to discover a new family, the family of God, and experience a rich life in community with
others. The disciples had left their homes and their families behind to follow Jesus, yet Jesus promises This tribunal before Caiaphas is not for the purpose of finding the truth. The verdict had
them that they will receive a hundred times more in this present age. The disciples would be blessed already been secretly given. All they needed was for the council to find some substantial
in their lifetime, as we are blessed now. They were blessed with a large family of believers, larger than evidence against Jesus. When the false witnesses failed to provide convincing testimony,
the size of their families left behind. the question was directly put to Jesus: Are you the Messiah, the Son of God? Jesus re-
sponds I am! Reading in Mark 14:62, I don’t believe there was any doubt in the priest’s
This is why Jesus does not scorn the man, but instructs him lovingly. Jesus asked the man to rid his life mind as to who Jesus claimed to be. Jesus reiterates that everything that was happening
of those things preventing him from living by faith in God and in a community with his neighbors—a was being done to fulfill the Scriptures; yet, the crowd was not moved by Jesus’ declara-
community where, in the fullness of life, the designations of first and last have no relevance. “All of you tion. This declaration should also encourage us in our own spiritual lives. ‘Jesus is Lord’!
together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it” (1 Corinthians
12:27 NLT). Rather than leaving this passage with a sense of sadness, we should leave with a sense of Jesus is then condemned and abused. The condemnation of the council starts a series of
peace and belonging. As followers of Christ, we are part of the Christian family and our Father has events that will lead to the cross, and then to the empty tomb. Having spent time in pray-
promised us a glorious inheritance. We are written in His will. So now, with knowledge of our future er to the Father, Jesus is no longer afraid. Rather, he is filled with righteous resolve to
secure, we are to go out into the world to enjoy life and fellowship with our Christian family, our kins- complete the journey that began in Bethlehem. He is resolute and ready to face death for
men. the sake of sinners.

Lord; We ask you to help us be what you would have us be for you. Help us to remove those things that In today’s text we find one very important principle Jesus tried to instill in his disciples
block our way to you. Remind us that in family, there is no first or last, but each member is just as im- and into the world that would later through them believe in his teachings; and that is the
portant as the others. Fill us with your love so we may give it to others. Just as your Son gave His life for principle of forgiveness. We see Jesus practice what he preached in this text: "Love Your
us. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen Enemies." "Forgive those who sin against you and your heavenly father will forgive you
your sins." "Father, forgive them because they don't know what they are doing." One might
Renee Alfaro say, well, that was easy for Jesus - he's God. But we must remember that he was also fully
human. Today’s text teaches us to learn to forgive. Bishop T.D. Jakes once said, "You can-
not forgive what you do not understand." Understanding is not the same as excusing or

60 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 13

March 21 Mark 14:3-9 February 15 Psalm 19:7-10

Mark 14:5b. "And they criticized her sharply" 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
This passage is a very familiar passage in scripture. A woman, Lazarus' 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
sister Mary, came to the home of Simon the leper, in Bethany and used a The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
very expensive bottle of perfumed oil to anoint Jesus head and feet. It is 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
important to note this apparently took place at the same time Mary washed The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.
Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. From the passage we gather that it
was not necessarily unusual to pour oil on the head of a guest, but it was 10 They are more precious than gold than much pure gold;
unusual to use an expensive oil especially on a man who served the poor they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
and spoke of the poor frequently. The oil was kept in a special sealed bottle,
made of Alabaster, a product used in high end items. The oil was an God's Law, His Word is so perfect, exactly what we need on day to day basis.
imported oil from the Himalayan Mountains in India. The weight of the oil
was about a pound. The value of the oil was approximately 300 days wages With all the demands and schedules and deadlines in our lives these verses from Psalm 19
which in today's world would be around a year and one and a half months are so refreshing. We are called to love and serve Jesus and serve our neighbors. But how
salary. Simply poured over the head and feet of a man sitting at a table. do we do this with our hectic life styles? For me it is turning my life over to Him, not just
Several people were sitting around the table among whom were Judas when life gets impossible but every day, every morning fellowshipping with Him, asking
Iscariot and Lazarus. Judas was the one who spoke out what several were for his guidance, His instruction, asking Him who can I serve today and how can I glorify
Him. Asking Jesus for help in ministering to others; giving back to God, giving ourselves
thinking, why on earth would she do such a thing? to others through the day as I encounter various people at work, in the neighborhood, in
the market place.

That is a lot of money just wasted that could have been put to better use, Another way of giving back to God and giving to others is through loving God with all
like taking care of the poor. Good old Judas really began telling Mary off. your heart, all of your soul, all your mind and all your strength. How can one know they
Jesus spoke up and told the group to leave her alone, she was anointing him love God? 1 John 5:3 states: In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his
for burial. Her actions would forever be remembered as a memorial to her! commands are not burdensome. Do God's commands ever feel burdensome? They can be
What??? Mr. Take Care of the Least Among You, Feed and Clothe the Poor, at times but if we ask God to give us the same desires as He desires it will be a delight and
actually agreed that such an extravagant action was okay? The point Judas not a burdensome. God will honor this prayer. Then we won’t have to fight the old sin na-
and the others missed is Jesus could see Mary's heart, her motives for using ture that can creep back into our lives.
this oil, her motives for anointing him, washing his feet and drying them
with her hair. Mary's motives were in line with God. She gave God her best, How often to you thank God for His laws, His Word, the Holy Bible? These verses shows
even if she did not fully understand the significance, she used her very best us so many things about His laws. They demonstrate how much God loves us in this
on her Lord. Mary did not use the oil that they bought to take to the priest "personal letter" to each of us and how the Holy Spirit guides us, inspires us, and provides
on Sunday. No, Mary gave Jesus everything she had. She took a chance that peace in the storms of our lives. His Word is refreshing to our soul, is like a fresh breeze
he would understand her motives even if the rest of the company present blowing across our cheeks. It gives joy to our heart, a quick step in our walk, cheerfulness
did not. He did. I want to be like Mary. in voice. It sheds light to the darkest situations, brings truth to circumstances. His Word
will last forever and is never changing. From Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yester-
Dearest Father, help me to be a Mary in your eyes. Help me to take the risk, day, today and forever.
whether it is a financial risk, a reputation risk or a relational risk. You alone
are worth of any and all risks. Thank you for the rejection you risked giving His degrees are firm and righteous. They provide our basis of right from wrong, a stand-
me the hope and promise of eternal life. Amen ard or spiritual “plumb line”. God’s laws, like physical laws, are there to protect us, not
restrict. One might challenge the law of gravity but doing so can bring harm even death.
Shella Smith Similarly people try to change or break his commands. God’s laws can’t be broken, they
will break you. Some think that can live above God’s laws but this will eventually catch
up with them. Society norms do not supersede them. God’s laws are everlasting, and they

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February 15 continued... March 20 Mark 11:1-11

will save you from destruction if you abide by them. You might feel that God’s laws are Triumphal Entry
unnecessary and out of date, but on the contrary God’s Word protects you from death,
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in a Christ Je- Overview of today’s text: Jesus had to go up to Jerusalem as that was the reason he came.
sus our Lord. An example of this is “You are not to commit adultery”. God wants you to He had need of a means of transportation to get into Jerusalem-to be glorified. He sent
experience the joys of a committed marriage, because adultery only brings devastating two of his disciples to go and fetch him a colt that he needed to ride into Jerusalem. He
heartache for the spouse, the children, your relatives. sent two people because he knew that it is not easy to untie a colt that no one has ridden.
No one had ridden that colt because it was tethered to a pole at the door without. The
What is more precious than gold, more than pure gold? These verses say God’s Word is. door without is a place where two paths meet, or crossroads. It is a place of confusion and
Do you treat God’s holy writings more precious than pure gold? If you think about it,
eternal life in heaven is more precious than gold. Once you die all the gold in the world indecision. It is a place where people are tied up in bondages-whether to stay in the flesh,
will not help you. But the Bible provides the answers to obtaining eternal life in heaven or to get filled and be drunk with the Holy Spirit. The colt, tethered to a pole, needs to be
and so many other blessings here on earth. loosened. Why? The master has need of it! Jesus still needs the people tied up in bondage.
Today’s text teaches us to go into all nooks and corners of the world to untie those that
O Lord we thank you for your Word, for your law to help us in so many ways: realize our are bound in sins, sicknesses, diseases, afflictions and all manner of bondages, for the
need for a savior and how to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and our Savior. We ask that master's use.
you give us the same desires you have that we might delight in your ways and understand-
ing and giving back to you and to others. In Jesus name, Amen. It was a big risk going into Jerusalem at that time; but as his disciples cast their clothes on
the colt for Jesus to sit on, he majestically rode into Jerusalem. They did that probably to
Steve Feldman either make a comfortable saddle for Jesus, for hygiene purposes or for royalty. While Je-
sus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a multitude of his followers came out; and
with their clothes they spread ‘red carpet’ for him on the ground while others spread
branches they had cut in the fields. As Jesus rode by, people shouted saying, “Hosanna”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our
father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Today’s text teaches us to lavish Jesus with appreciation services and ceremonies. He de-
serves a red carpet ushering into our hearts. Even when we are shouted down to keep qui-
et by the agents of the enemy, we must persevere to open our mouths wide and shout his
praises. The bible tells us in Luke 19:40 that other creations of God, other works of nature
will praise him if we do not hesitate to praise him. He answered, “I tell you, if these were
silent, the very stones would cry out.” It will be a shameful thing that the rocks will out

praise humans.

Our Father in heaven, please help us to see that Jesus deserves all our attention. Help us to
learn to praise him no matter what is going on around us. In Your son’s name we pray.
Amen!

Edith Chuta

58 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 15

February 16 Exodus 20:1-21

Exodus, Chapter 20, begins very simply, “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am
the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery…;”’ the rough
equivalent of me saying, “Hi, I’m Wade you might know me from the media booth”, or Ade-
le saying, “Hello, it’s me.” God starts off this passage by introducing himself. The Lord
speaks to his people and says, “Hi.” Then, not a breath later however, he jumps into, “You
shall have no other gods before me…” and “You shall not bow down to them or wor-
ship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.”

This is clearly important. God wastes no time after his greeting, he just gets right to it.
And that’s important because we have to remember where we are in the Bible at this time.
God’s people have just fled from Egypt; they’re running and starving, hoping to reach the
Promised Land. And look at us now, rushing from one place to another, fulfilling tasks and
obligations, being starved of the satisfaction of time spent enjoying the fortunate lives we
live. It seems to be a constant that God’s people be strapped for time, weary, and impa-
tient. So God gets right to the point. No gods beyond Him. God goes into great detail about
this emphasizing nothing in heaven above Earth below or any place below that is deserving
of the devotion God is. God tells us of his love and his jealousy, how we will favor for a
thousand of generations those who love him and punish those who disobey. I personally
see development in character in God, he goes from vengeful and jealous to willing to send
his only son down to die that our sins be forgiven. Every day I am thankful for the for-
giveness and love of Jesus and in the reading of this passage I see the forgiveness that lat-
er sets us free.

Next in the soliloquy God says not to misuse his name. So I really hope this message to
you is considered an appropriate use. God goes into detail with this one too, explicitly stat-
ing that the misuse of his name is an offense of which he will know a person’s guilt. The
third commandment is the honoring of the Sabbath. God tells briefly of his creation of the
world and how he set the Sabbath aside as holy, as a day of rest. God goes on and says he
doesn’t even want animals working on Sabbath. Yet here we are, for many this is a day of
weekly grocery runs, last minute homework due Monday, and trying to fit in chores maybe
to have a few precious hours without school or work. God tells us to relax, to chill out,
take a day, and breathe. All too often we forget this commandment. I know a lot of people
who work too hard and really need the day of rest. This is a commandment we need to
learn again and remember, God says, “Relax.” Now the commandments start to get briefer:
“Honor thy father and mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is
giving you.” A commandment I know I should work on obeying more. However this is a
very important commandment. The love provided by family is a part of life we cannot go
without. God saw this too encouraging us to always remember our families and where we
come from. Now God hits his stride and starts listing off commandments rapid fire. Don’t
kill, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, and don’t state false testimony. These are the easy
ones. I’m going to assume most, if not all, of the people here have not murdered, and the
same for the other two. In fact these commandments are so obvious that three of them

16 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 57

February 16 continued... March 19 Mark 15:6-15

made their way into the laws of humanity. The illegality of things such as thievery and Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified
murder and false witness is a long-standing tradition. We as people, as God’s people have
to have a clear understanding that these three commandments while simple and easy to Overview of the event: Of everything Jesus was accused, ‘treason’ was a very serious
follow must not be forgotten. We have to be the voices of pity, mercy, and love carrying allegation. The Pharisees feared that if Jesus was left alone probably he would one day try
the good news. We have to know the temptation to break some of these commandments (I to over throw their government. The high priests, whose political and spiritual positions
mean stealing on this one, I’m not a murderer, promise). We as people who follow these were for life were all interested in the conviction of Jesus. All the way from Rome down to
commandments have to uphold them we have to teach people about peaceful solutions to Bethlehem; from Emperor Tiberius to Herod Antipas, they were all paranoid because
rising problems. We have to be the commandments. And finally God tells his people not depending on the outcome of Jesus’ case, their positions could be overthrown. Pilate, the
to covet. Not to look at something someone has and wish you had it. That is a tough one, Roman governor, knew that his life and career-success depended on what he did with
people may have the latest technology, or more money than you can shake a stick at, or Jesus' case. He knew that he could even be killed if he released Jesus. He saw that Jesus
even the dogs I watch when their owners are away. We are supposed to see that they have was not really guilty of anything and wanted to let him go, but he did not want trouble
it and not want it. We have to trust in God. We have to trust in the fact that He has a plan, with the Jewish religious and political leaders so interested in the case. And so, for the
and we will get what we deserve. Too few people show this trust, too few people believe in reason of paranoia and to protect his job, Pilate formed a political alliance with Herod An-
the fact that God has told us, “Don’t worry about what they have. I’ve got you.” tipas over the blood of Jesus.

Then God finishes; he’s done talking. I imagine an awkward silent pause, and then the In verse 2 Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" “You have said so.” Jesus
people speak up, but they speak to Moses. They tell Moses that he should go talk to God, replied. It was the governor's custom to release one prisoner at the Passover Feast - any-
because talking directly to that much power may kill them. Moses tries to reassure them one the people wanted released. The Jewish leaders knew this and had persuaded the
that it was God testing them, and they just send Moses to talk to God by himself anyhow. crowd of people gathered around Pilate's house to call for the release of a criminal named
We witness this as well, with people being reluctant to come to church. We have to be the Barabbas and to demand that Jesus be crucified. Pilate asked the crowd of people, "Which
ones who walk into the darkness for other people, and eventually walk back out. We have do you want me to release, Barabbas or Jesus?" The crowd yelled for Barabbas to be
to be God’s hands on earth. To obey these commandments is to live as God wanted us to, released. Pilate asked, "Then what should I do with Jesus?", and the crowd yelled "Crucify
but if we mess up we know we are forgiven and that is what it is important to remember. Him, Crucify Him!" So Pilate ordered the Roman soldiers to crucify Jesus.
We have these rules but we don’t need to live in fear of making mistakes, we need to live
in joy at the life we have. Today’s text reminds us to stay on our knees for all our political and religious leaders.
Just as the blood of innocent Abel cried out from the ground, so does the blood of Jesus
Dear Lord, We ask you to allow us to walk into the darkness and be with you. We ask that cry out of the ground. There is the need for our leaders to hear the cry of the blood of
you guide our lives to fortune and happiness. We ask you to be with those who need you Jesus. Jesus was crucified outside the city walls, perhaps 600 meters from Herod’s palace,
most. Knowing your infinite grace and wisdom we trust in you, in your son’s name we pray. just about one third of a mile. The blood of Jesus still cries too close to the government
Amen. houses of this world.

Wade Ivey Today’s text teaches us to pray for the reconciliation of the church and state. The church,
both old and new factions, old time religion and new age churches illegally and secretly
judge Jesus in the dark, and for condemnation, turn him over to the state in the day time.
Government officials form all kinds of alliances with religious leaders over the blood of
the innocent man-Jesus even today. Leaders of the different governments of our world
need our prayers. The bible in 1Timothy 2:1-2 encourages us to pray for our leaders.
Jeremiah 29:7 tells us to pray for the city in which we are, because when the city is at
peace, then we will be at peace also. Praying for our federal, state, and local officials is not
just for the sake of peace, but also for Christian’s freedom to proclaim the gospel.

Father, please teach us to steadfastly stay in prayers for our political and religious leaders.
In Your son’s name we pray. Amen!

Edith Chuta

56 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 17

March 18 continued... February 17 Dueteronomy 5:7-21

The Ten Commandments

to the eastern Mediterranean and marching on Jesus’ army in a long and costly campaign. “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.8“You shall not make for yourself an image in
Pilate thought he had better nipped all that in the bud, and deal with Jesus before Rome the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9
sent an ambassador asking for his immediate return to the capital to explain how he let you shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous
the situation get far out of hand. Jesus was being accused of subverting the people and God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of
of standing in the way of paying taxes to Caesar. Pilate could not be nonchalant about those who hate me, 10but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me
the matters raised against Jesus. The political structure of Rome was being endangered. and keep my commandments.11“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for
The Roman peace was being threatened. Pilate could not ignore a man who was encour- the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 12“Observe the Sabbath day
aging people not to pay their dues to the Empire. by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor

In Pilate’s mind, his wagon was not going to be hitched to the scribes and Pharisees be- and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you
cause of Jesus. The Sanhedrin didn’t want to carry the sole responsibility of killing Jesus. shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female
Pilate didn’t want to be caught by any of the snares the Sanhedrin laid out to catch him. servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in
So when Pilate said, “Take him yourselves, and judge him by your own law,” he was not your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that
being ironical or sarcastic, nor was he making fun of the narrow limits within which you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a
Rome allowed the Sanhedrin to operate. He simply wanted them to deal with the Jesus mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you
problem. He gave them the authority to come to their own conclusion in that particular to observe the Sabbath day.16“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God
trial without his interference. But Pilate’s tactics became quite unacceptable to Caiaphas has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the
and his cronies. They wanted a formal, judicial, Roman review of Jesus of Nazareth that land the penetrate LORD your God is giving you 17“You shall not murder.18“You shall not
would end in a guilty verdict. The goal of all their devices was to put Jesus to death un- commit adultery.19“You shall not steal.20“You shall not give false testimony against your
der the Roman yoke. Pilate must condemn Jesus by Roman law in order to lift him on the neighbor. 21“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your
cross. The manner of Jesus’ death was not an accident. That was why Pilate reigned. Just neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that
as Jesus himself had predicted it, Pilate took Jesus back inside his chamber, judged and belongs to your neighbor.”
condemned him because Jesus was destined to die on a cross.
In life there are many rules. For me, some of the rules my parents have made are: 1. Do
Our heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us how expedient positive attitudes can not talk to strangers. 2. Do not cross the street without looking both ways. 3. Always say
translate us as Your children. Please continue to uphold us even when we are wrongfully please and thank you. 4. Always use your manners. Sometimes, I do not follow these
accused. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen! rules, though. Following rules is always very important even if the rule is silly. Take my
brother for example. One time my brother was throwing a ball around in the house
Edith Chuta against my parents’ rules. Well, there was this lava egg that my parents got from Hawaii
on a vacation that was made out of volcanic ashes and lava sitting on our mantle. The
ball hit the lava egg, and it fell and broke into pieces. If my brother had followed the rule
my parents had made, the irreplaceable lava egg would not have broken.

The Ten Commandments are God’s rules that he has made for us to follow. If we want to
live a Godly life we need to follow his commandments. If we do not follow his command-
ments there are consequences. In the Bible, people who didn’t follow his commandments
were punished. Take King David for example. He was a good king, until he tried to steal
someone’s wife. Then God punished him, by killing his son. If we remember to always
follow the commandments we will always lead a godly life. And will have more rewards
in the end.

Dear God, Please help us to follow your commandments, so that we lead a godly
life. Please help us to also share these commandments with others, too. So that we
may help them lead a pure and Godly life too. In your lovely and perfect name we
pray. Amen

Colgan Nash

18 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 55

February 18 Psalm 52 March 18 Mark 15:1-5

I found myself apologizing for words said about a coworker. I had been blowing off Jesus before Pilate
steam, and everyone has the right to do that. But I soon found that the person I was
blowing off steam to took my words and reported them to the person that they were Overview of today’s text: The bible in today’s text states that the chief priests, with the el-
about. They were words said in haste, and definitely not explaining my coworkers actions ders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin (all the political leaders of that day)
in the kindest of ways. And while they were true, they were not said in love. secretly met very early in the morning (for an illegal meeting), and they made plans to
condemn Jesus.
And so later that day, as I was working, I found myself being yelled at by Susie. She was
hurt, and she was firing hurtful words at me. She accused me of things I knew weren’t Jesus' arrest was based on the allegations that he blasphemed against Caesar; calling him-
true, like me thinking I was better than she was. She was hurt even more because she had self king of the Jews; and for attempting to usurp the prerogatives of royalty, which were
seen me as a friend, but now all that had changed. And I knew why – because Rebecca properly dispensed only at the decree of Caesar. All Jesus’ charges can be summed up as
had told her not just what I had said, but had made it worse. Not only had this incident ‘treason’ against the majesty of the emperor. Now between verses one and two of today’s
been reported back to Susie, but other comments I had made about work that were not text we can turn to Luke for further information. He tells us of the specific charges that
negative had been twisted to have negative meaning. Thus the need for the apology. the Jews made there in the porch outside Pilate’s residence. We are told in Luke 23:2,
“They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He op-
Truly I was not mad at Susie, but I was livid with Rebecca. I had worked to have a positive poses payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king'” We can now better un-
relationship with Susie, and now Rebecca had put a wedge between us. derstand in today’s text why Pilate began ask Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Verse
2. The Jews shifted their accusation of Jesus from sins against God in the first table of the
It is because of incidents like this that I am so thankful to David for writing psalms like law – blasphemy – to crimes against men – insurrection. They brought him out of the
Psalm 52. I know that he felt, as I did in this instance, stabbed in the back. His harsh mists of theological dispute into the clear light of law and order in the land. The Jews
words for Doeg were the same sentiment I had for Rebecca. And maybe you’ve been there made Jesus an enemy of the state.
too. I found myself in a lose – lose situation. It was her words against mine, and the only
thing I could do was continue to be cordial to both Susie and Rebecca. That was not an In not too many words, they Jews reminded Pilate that he was the representative of Rome,
easy thing to do when the tension in the air was so heavy you could cut it with a knife the grandson-in-law of Emperor Augustine, and the friend of Caesar. They impressed up-
with Susie, and with Rebecca there were clear showings of jealousy and contempt. on him to do his duty to his patrons in Rome.

Truly, I felt there was little I could do about the situation except try to be kind to them, Pilate happened to be in Jerusalem at that time so as to forestall troubles at Passover. Be-
and not to mutter a word about anything at work about someone else who also worked ing a Roman governor, it was him who must by Roman law condemn Jesus; an attempt to
there that might possibly be taken as negative. Lots of prayer and asking God to make shift the blame from the Sanhedrin. The scene before us in today’s text describes crossing
the situation better was the most active thing I could do. I know as David knew that God of the border. Pilate, a Roman governor, a Gentile, had to come outside his residence to
was with me through it all. It was not a great situation to be in, but he gave me wisdom meet with the 71 members of the Sanhedrin because they refused to enter his house dur-
to get through it, and strength to extend kindness to people who were not kind to me. ing the Passover. Pilate had to step down of his judgment throne, came outside to look at
them and the beaten-up, handcuffed prisoner whom they pushed through the door into
Thankfully, God has completely changed my situation. Since then I find myself in a new his residence. “‘What charges are you bringing against this man?’ Pilate asked them; and
workplace. And while things are not always perfect there either, I know that God is at then he told them ‘take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.’ ‘But we have no
work in my life. I believe he is always teaching me, but that he also has my back. I thank right to execute anyone,’ the Jews objected. Pilate then went back inside the palace, sum-
God for answered prayers, and for watching over me through it all. moned Jesus and asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?' "But to his amazement, Jesus
remained silent.
Lord, thank you for understanding all our feelings including hurt and the desire that those
who turn against us get what’s coming to them. Help us to hold our tongues where our Pilate, the grandson-in-law of Emperor Augustine by his initiative in marrying his grand-
words may lead to hurtfulness of others. Thank you, God, that we can turn our desire for daughter thought of himself as a ruler not by the grace of Jehovah the God of the Jews,
justice over to your hands so that we may forgive even when we don’t want to and leave but by his own grace, by the grace and favor of Rome, and also for being a friend of Cae-
the judgement to you. I pray for healing of relationships that have been damaged by sar. If Jesus of Nazareth was going to rock his throne then he had to bring upon himself
hurtful words and actions. Help us to pray for our enemies and be kind to them. Give us speedy judgment to find him guilty of leading an uprising against the sovereignty of Rome
patience to see your hand at work in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen. and all her subjects. In his mind’s eye he could see the warrior Jesus at the head of an ar-
my leading thousands of soldiers into battle against Rome. Pilate could envisage legions of
Benita Engle Roman soldiers having to be gathered from other parts of the Empire sailing in an armada

54 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 19

March 17 Mark 14:10-11 February 19 Psalm 62

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus When you lay your head down on your pillow at night - the plan is to get
rest. Another day is coming and it all starts over again. But what if you
Our text today particularly deals with a man named Judas Iscariot. This passage reveals Judas as didn't know because like David you are in the midst of a battle. He was in a
he hatches his plot to betray the Son of God into the hands of his enemies. Judas is, without a life threatening situation. "They fully intend topple him from his lofty place;
doubt, the most notorious and most vilified of all the disciples of Jesus. Every time he is men- they take delight in lies." Some of us have been there or witnessed someone
tioned in the Bible, the Word of God reminds us that he is a traitor who betrayed Jesus to His
death. In today’s text, we shall get to know Judas Iscariot a little better. I pray that we hear and close to us in a life threatening situation. They try to rest but their body
heed the lessons that come from the life of this tragic character-Judas Iscariot. has been stricken with illness. Rest doesn't come easy physically. But like
David, they knew their rest would come from our Lord God alone. "Find
Judas was a failure as a disciple! This is a man who got exposed to the same teachings the others rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." For any of us, it is
heard, saw the same miracles and was involved in the same ministries. Yet, Judas never came to only by having Him abide in us that we can truly have REST - it is in that
saving faith in Jesus Christ. Judas spent three years with the Lord Jesus Christ but he died lost. place we will fully feel, recognize, and understand the strength and love of
Judas only became more spiritually hard, calloused and hateful. He was the most successful hypo- HIM to provide Godly Rest.
crite of all time. He hid behind the camouflage of hypocrisy and no one but Jesus ever realized it.
He played his part so well that no one but Jesus Himself knew that Judas was a fraud and a huge Lord God, I pray you will be my rock and salvation seeking you in any and all
pretender. situations to provide my soul with rest that can only come from you. Amen.

Today’s text says in verse 11 that: They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him mon- Mary Collins
ey. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Being an opportunist, he watched for the
opportunity to carry out his evil plan. He was completely taken over by Satan. Every thought, every
deed, every action of his was carefully choreographed by Satan himself. He became a willing par-
ticipant in the devil’s plan. He could have yielded himself to the Lord and things would have
turned out far differently, but he yielded himself to Satan and Satan seriously used him as its ves-
sel to accomplish its evil purposes. Judas was a thief! Greed, lust and thievery always go together.
The other disciples chose him to be the treasurer for the group, but Judas used that position to
steal from the bag, John 12:6 tells us that Judas “...bare what was put therein”. The word “bare”
means “to take away; to pilfer”. Compared to the other disciples, Judas stands as a warning about
the dangers of wasted opportunities, hardness of heart, wicked lusts, and spiritual carelessness.
Judas and his life teach us two basic truths:

1. It is possible to be near Jesus and to very closely associate with him and still be hardened in sin.

2. Judas is a clear reminder that the purposes of God stand sure. No matter what anyone may do,
they will never thwart the plan of Almighty God. God always accomplishes what He determines to
do. In today’s text, I am moved to call Judas The Great Pretender. In all his personality, privileges,
problems and punishment, I pray that we will use the lessons from this wretched man’s life to
look deep within our own souls, lest we be found to also be pretenders, hypocrites and
blasphemers.

From today’s text, it is obvious that a godly heritage is not enough to save one’s soul. Having
Christian parents cannot guarantee the salvation of one’s soul. There must be a conscious turning
from sin to embrace the gospel message by faith. There must be a life-changing, soul-saving en-
counter with Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, in all that we do in your ministry, please help us to stand strong in showing our true love
and affection to you. Amen!

Edith Chuta



52 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 21

March 15 Mark 13:14-23

I’ve been wrestling with today’s scripture the past four days. Volunteers were asked to
write the devotions for this project and no one volunteered to write this one. I thought how
hard could it be? Let me tell you, I’ve been struggling. I’ve read and re-read the scripture,
study helps, sermons, and references. I would love to hear your thoughts on today’s pas-
sage, but I will take this opportunity to share my thoughts.

First a bit of history that might help understand today’s scripture. Desolating sacrilege or
abomination of desolation (or even monster of desecration as per The Message) is a direct
quote from Daniel (Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:31 & Daniel 12:11). The phrase is used in Daniel
9:27 to denote the pagan altar set up in the Jerusalem Temple. But that’s not where I want
this devotion to go.

Hurricane season – June 1 – November 30 – gets quite a bit of attention here in the Gulf
Coast. Hurricane watchers monitor satellites for signs of hurricanes. Models are forecasted
of where and when the hurricane may strike. Sometimes, the models change, but hurricane
tracking saves lives. We stay alert to the forecasts. We stay alert to the signs that deter-
mine whether or not we flee our homes for safety and which direction we should travel. We
get ready. (As a side note did you know there is a 12 day (12 step) program to hurricane
preparedness? Check this out: http://emergency.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/12-
Days-Hurricane-Preparedness.pdf. Isn’t it ironic that there are 12 more days until Easter?)

After the hurricane, I believe the best sign is that sign that tells us that it’s time to come
home. Isn’t that what our life with Jesus is all about? We stay alert and follow the signs,
signs of His gracious love that tell us He’s always with us. It doesn’t matter what storm of
life we may be facing, He’s always there waiting for you and for me to come home and that
my friend is the Good News.

Please pray (or sing) with me:

Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish,
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot cure.”

Here see the bread of life, see waters flowing
Forth from the throne of God, pure from above.
Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing
Earth has no sorrow but heav’n can remove. (ELW 607) Amen

Lynnae Schatz

22 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 51

February 21 Mark 10:32-52 March 14 Mark 13:9-13

Today’s text sets a very interesting scale on which Christians should use to weigh the abundance 9 “As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beat-
of the hearts. After Jesus had sorrowfully poured out his heart to his disciples about his impend-
ing execution, James and John astonishingly still had the nerve to ask Jesus to sign a blank check en in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a tes-
of “whatever we would ask of you” over to them. We can agree here that there are still many peo-
ple that have a false understanding of the kingdom of God. If care is not taken, we too can very timony to them. 10 And the good news[b] must first be proclaimed to all na-
easily be tempted to think along the lines of James and John’s thoughts. In today’s text, we should
examine our hearts whether we are following Jesus only for him to meet our needs, for a better tions. 11 When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about
life, a smoother ride and to get whatever our hearts desire. There are still many people whose ide-
as of messiah-ship includes expecting thrones in Jerusalem, finding ambition in the kingdom, pur- what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who
suing influence, power and prestige, and the opportunity to dominate. Those motives fail to un-
derstand the kingdom of God. speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child,

At the heart of the today’s reading we read of a defining moment for Jesus’ mission; the very and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 13 and you will be hat-
heart of the gospel. In Mark 10:46, as Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were
leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside ed by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
begging.
It’s Monday. Maybe this passage resonates with you as you begin the work week – “they
Two times he cries out: 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, will hand you over to councils” - you will be in meetings all day. Or maybe “you will
Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he stand before governors and kings” – you will feel pressure from your boss and
shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me! coworkers, or maybe even your family.

Jesus calls him over: Mark 10:49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind “And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations” – no matter what the
man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet pressures you face today, you are to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
and came to Jesus.
Easier said than done some Mondays.
His cloak was a hindrance to him to more quickly get to Christ. Mark 10:51 states “What do you
want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. Lord I want to see. Such an important prayer for any- But the passage continues, “Do not worry beforehand about what you are to say…for it
one who would be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. God forbid that the pride of our hearts – our in- is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” That gives me comfort for every day.
dependence would keep us from saying “I need to see!” If anyone desires to follow the king, the
crucified king, the person needs to see. In Romans 8:26 it says “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not
know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for
What do you want me to do for you? Jesus is on the main land opening blind hearts and eyes. 2 words.”
Corinthians 4:3-4 states that The Blinded eyes of unbelievers 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is
veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so Whether we’re leading the biggest meeting of our lives, talking to a stranger on the
that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. street, confronting a friend about a disagreement, or just trying to pray, the Holy Spirit
translates for us and gives us words.

We are called upon in this Lenten season to seek for ways to overcome our misunderstanding of Sara Ray
the kingdom of God. It is very important for all of us to see clearly who Jesus is, and what he has
come to do. In this Lenten season, Jesus invites us to deny ourselves and take up our crosses and
follow him; and yet he does not intend it to be a dreary trudge after Christ, reluctantly trailing be-
hind. That kind of faith only sees men like trees. God made you to long for that which most de-
serves to be longed for. Jesus invites us to give up that which has no value in order to gain that

which has supreme value. Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately
he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Bartimaeus’ physical eyes are opened by

Jesus, and he follows Jesus on the Calvary road.

Lord, we pray with Bartimaeus this day: Lord, we want to see.” Amen!
Edith Chuta

50 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 23
Coloring page
February 22 Psalm 34:11-14

“Lectio Divina", a Latin term, means "divine reading" and describes a way of reading the

Scriptures where we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to what God

wants to say to us. In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk called Guigo, described the

stages which he saw as essential to the practice of Lectio Divina. There are various ways of
practicing Lectio Divina either individually or in groups but Guigo's description remains

fundamental.

He said that the first stage is lectio (reading) where we read the Word of God, slowly and
reflectively so that it sinks into us. Any passage of Scripture can be used for this way of
prayer but the passage should not be too long.

The second stage is meditatio (reflection) where we think about the text we have chosen
and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what God wants to give us.

The third stage is oratio (response) where we leave our thinking aside and simply let our
hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by our reflection on the Word of God.

The final stage of Lectio Divina is contemplatio (rest) where we let go not only of our own
ideas, plans and meditations but also of our holy words and thoughts. We simply rest in
the Word of God. We listen at the deepest level of our being to God who speaks within us
with a still small voice. As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within. Obviously
this transformation will have a profound effect on the way we actually live and the way we
live is the test of the authenticity of our prayer. We must take what we read in the Word of
God into our daily lives.

These stages of Lectio Divina are not fixed rules of procedure but simply guidelines as to
how the prayer normally develops. Its natural movement is towards greater simplicity,
with less and less talking and more listening. Gradually the words of Scripture begin to
dissolve and the Word is revealed before the eyes of our heart. How much time should be
given to each stage depends very much on whether it is used individually or in a group. If
Lectio Divina is used for group prayer, obviously more structure is needed than for indi-
vidual use. In group prayer, much will depend on the type of group. Lectio Divina may in-
volve discussing the implications of the Word of God for daily life but it cannot be re-
duced to this. The movement of the prayer is towards silence. If the group is comfortable
with silence, more time could be spent resting in the Word.

The practice of Lectio Divina as a way of praying the Scriptures has been a fruitful source
of growing in relationship with Christ for many centuries and in our own day is being re-
discovered by many individuals and groups. The Word of God is alive and active and will
transform each of us if we open ourselves to receive what God wants to give us.” (http://
ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/what-lectio-divina)

So today, read Psalm 34:11-14 slowly and practice Lectio Divina. What word(s) sinks in?
Read it again and think about that word. Read it again. What is God telling you? Read it
again and rest in His word.

Lord, guide me as I read your Word. Open my heart so that I receive what you so freely
give. Amen.

Lynnae Schatz

24 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 49

February 23 Psalm 111 March 13 Mark 13:1-8, 24-37

Wow! Lectio Divina with this scripture is difficult for me. There are so many words End of the Age
within the Psalm that stand out, but it’s the last verse that I keep coming back to.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good The second coming of Christ is to be spectacular: the Son of Man coming in the clouds,
understanding. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 angels gathering the elect, the ushering in of a world of peace with no more sorrow and no
more tears, and for believers to be in the presence of God. Who would not want that to
It’s no secret that The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies. While focusing on come to pass? It sounds like something to wait for with eagerness.
Psalm 111:10, I was reminded of the song from The Sound of Music, “Let’s Start at the
Very Beginning.” It truly is the beginning lessons in life that make us wise. However, I think the part before that brings me a lot of trepidation. Because before all the
good stuff comes a bunch of bad stuff – war, natural disasters, earthquakes, famine, and
Some of my first Sunday School memories are learning songs. I think the first song I persecution for believers. Not to mention the sun coming to darkness and the stars falling
learned was: from the sky! While unfortunately we are all too familiar with wars and natural disasters,
this is far more intense than what we have come to know.
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love. It is easy to admit that I am not looking forward to all the negative things that come before
the good things. But it may be less popular to say that even without the bad stuff, the
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love; second coming seems an inconvenient interruption to life here on earth. Although there
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love. are so many bad things here on earth, there are also good things. And I cling to the desire
to see life play out. I desire to see children grow, relationships blossom, and all the good
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love; that this life brings come to pass.
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love.
I suppose my perspective would be very different if I were the disciples. They had a taste
Serve Him, serve Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love; of what it was like to live with Jesus, and they also knew persecution. The spreading of the
Serve Him, serve Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love. faith had urgency, because the second coming was happening any day now. And in their
situation who wouldn’t want to see Jesus come again. And yet it didn’t happen, at least not
Aren’t those verses the foundation for our faith – Praise, Love, Thank and Serve? in their lifetimes.

During my confirmation years, I studied The Small Catechism of Martin Luther which And so with great paradox we find ourselves 2000 yrs later watching and waiting. We have
begins with the Ten Commandments. And yes, we started at the very beginning. The a human perspective that cannot see much past the next few years, and yet people of the
First Commandment: You shall have no other gods before me. It’s the part that comes Christian faith have waited all this time. It could happen any day, and with all the time that
next that brings me to today’s scripture: “What does this mean?” We are to fear, love, and has passed it would seem we are closer now to the second coming than the disciples
trust God above all things. The “What does this mean?” for the every commandment be- were. But only God knows the timing.
gins - “We are to fear and love God.” The beginning of our Christian faith – We are to fear
and love God. We are a people who are to watch and to wait. We are to be expectant of the coming, which
means we should also expect to endure through hardships because those come first. And
The fear of the Lord is not to be afraid or terrified of our God, but rather have a reveren- while by earthly standards those are all negative, they give us great opportunity to witness
tial awe of Him. Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible defines it this way: “The fear of God is an to the world. As darkness increases in the world, our lights can shine brighter. If we can
attitude of respect, a response of reverence and wonder. It is the only appropriate hold to our faith as the world crumbles around us, then the people around us may just
response to our Creator and Redeemer.” The fear of the Lord is designed to help us grow wonder why, and want to have the hope that we cling to.
to become more like God—to grow in His love. This is the beginning of wisdom and with
that His praise endures forever. Heavenly Father, help us to cling to you through all of life’s challenges. You tell us that this
world will pass away but your words never will. It is in a world of ever increasing
Lord, I want to praise you all the days of my life. Thank you for loving me. Hallelujah, uncertainty, that we need you more now than ever. May our faith serve as a witness to our
Amen. neighbors so that they too may seek you and find you. For you are our only hope. Help us
live expectantly and ready for you to come at any moment that we might not be caught off
Lynnae Schatz guard. Lord, may our desire be to draw more closely to you and increase our urgency to
share your love with all those around us. Help us to remember that our days are numbered,
and our years are not guaranteed. We should not wait to share what is good with those
around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Benita Engle

48 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 25

March 12 Deuteronomy 6:1-9 February 24 Mark 11:12-14

" YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH."
I have heard some Christians negatively talk or react towards Jesus’ action in cursing
Most of us have heard this commandment our entire lives. We probably even the fig tree. As a growing Christian, I also did not understand that passage of the Holy
know it is the great commandment issued directly from God to His chosen Scripture. As a maturing Christian, I started praying to see through Jesus’ eyes. The
people through Moses. We understand that we are to hold God higher than
anything or anyone else in our life. Yeah we all get that. But how? The pas- issue of fruits-bearing was so important to Jesus that he cursed a fig tree in Mark
sage the above verse is taken from continues and answers that exact ques- 11:12-14. The bible tells us that Jesus was hungry, and on seeing the fig tree from
tion. We are to be constantly changing into Godlike creatures. We should be afar, he had hope of quenching his hunger from the fruits thereof. But on getting to
thinking of God and his love for us every second of the day. Teaching our the tree, he found no fruit on that tree. The bible also specifically tells us in verse 13
children that we have the comforts we have, not because Mom and Dad go to for the time of figs was not yet. Some of us will wonder why Jesus felt so much
work to earn money to pay for them, but because God provides the abilities
that Mom and Dad have as well as providing the work for them to do. We disappointment knowing that it was not yet time for the harvesting of figs.
need to remember that every single thing on this planet, galaxy and universe
is present because God is so good and has provided it. His love for us shows The bible is the purest mirror to help us see things just like Jesus. The issue here is
in every blade of grass, in every shooting star, in every wave crashing on the
shore. We should be giving God praise for everything. not about ‘timeliness’ in bearing fruits. It’s about ‘fruitfulness! God commands us in

The good and the bad times. For how would we know things are good if God Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth. Every time we read this
did not love us enough to allow bad times to show us where we have hidden
command of God, the first thing that some people think about bearing fruits is about
faults, insecurities or feelings? God should be in our minds so fully that eve- having children. In as much as that is also true, yet it is just half the truth. We must
rything on our to-do list will follow time spent with God. We might even be a
not condemn those people who for one reason or the other do not or did not have
little surprised to find we are trying to do too much, doing the wrong things
or not doing enough. We need to surround ourselves with thought of God to children. There are many people who do not or did not biologically have children of
remind us that God alone is I Am. God should be the center point of our their own, but are still very effective in their services in God’s kingdom. If God only
thoughts, our words, our actions, our bodies and our homes. The text en- meant to have children (as in bearing fruits), then, as most women do not have
courages us to "write" these truths on our hands, our door posts and our
children in old age, Psalm 81:10 must not be true. “They shall still bring forth fruit in
gates, which we can use as a metaphor to "write" God's love and what He has
done for us over our entire life. No one should ever wonder if you are a child old age;...” So, to Jesus, I think, if a tree is not doing what it is meant to do, it might as
of God. I know I have some reforming to do, how about you?
well die off the face of the planet earth and not take up nutrients meant for fruit
bearing trees. It is scary though to say that the same thing applies to us people. We

must bear fruits in the kingdom of God, or else!

Father please show me each and every day a way I need to reform or a behav- Actually, did you know that “fruit bearing” is part of the stipulations to receive
desired answers to our prayers? It is not God’s desire that the population of the
ior I need to change in order that anyone who sees me, hears my voice, or in ministry of Jesus Christ dwindle or reduce instead of increasing. God needs us to
my vicinity will know that I am your child. My desire is to be just like you. In ensure the continuity of the works of His Kingdom. Some of the stipulations to
Jesus name. Amen
getting our prayers answered found in John 15:7 and 16 are: abiding in Jesus, his
words abiding in us, going, bringing forth fruits, and our fruits remaining. “If ye
abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done
unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye
should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever
ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” It is apparent here that
there are requirements to receive desired answers to our prayers. Jesus uses the word
“whatsoever” to reassure us that when those stipulations have been fulfilled, our
prayers will be answered.

Shella Smith Dear God, please help us to abide in the Lord Jesus. Teach us how to let Your Word
abide in us. Make us ready vessels to go and bear fruits in Your kingdom. We also pray
that after we have done our best that our fruits will remain. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.

Edith Chuta

26 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 47

February 25 Mark 11:15-19 March 11 Psalm 22: 1-2, 14-21

Jesus Cleanses the Temple But you, O Lord, do not be far from me; O My Strength, hasten to help me! Deliver me from the
sword, my precious life from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion’s mouth and from the
In Mark 11:15-19, Jesus began to cleanse the temple. In that event he quoted the scrip- horns of wild oxen.. You have answered me.
ture Isaiah 56:7, God’s house shall be called a house of prayer, and not a den of thieves.
The bible says that the enemy-the thief comes but for one thing in mind, "to steal, to kill …love, love, love all you need is love,
Remember the lyrics? Remember the tune? Remember who sang the song?
and to destroy." John 10:10. There is no point in going to church if one knew there would
Lent, ‘tis the season. A liturgical season, a season normally associated with fasting, self-denial,
be thieves in there: the spiritual thieves who steal people's blessings, joy, peace, happi- prayer, almsgiving, spiritual growth, conversion, and simplicity practices in one’s faith tradi-
ness, deliverance, and healing. There are church folks who offer to be used as agents of tion. Or the perfect 40 day period of a self-help program where you identify an area of your
the enemy to declare wars against the kingdom of heaven. faith life you want to change or a practice you wish to further, a chance to let go of habits and
ways of being that no longer serve you.
Believe it or not, there are people who go to church with contrary agendas from that of Lent can also about putting something positive in place. An opportunity for a spiritual spring
the Holy Spirit of God. From the ways they talk, dress, smell, and behave inside the cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder
church, some church folks make other people not to desire to be in the house of the Lord. our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him. A best prac-
Some church people carelessly talk out loud and carry on conversations inside the church tice is when one loses the self in serving the other, then there is no one else with you but God.
forgetting that there are needy people around them. Although there is a bit of immaturity Lenten disciplines are done to ultimately transform our entire person: body, soul, and spirit,
involved here, but I have personally come across a few people who quit going to church and help us become more like Christ. St. Athanasius describes this process theosis, "becoming
because of other people’s negative behaviors inside the church building. by grace what God is by nature." A time when one cannot distinguish between the sacred and
the profane and then everyday acts may become acts of prayer.
Jesus affirms that the house of God must be a house of prayer. There is no better founda- These acts can help one discern, learn, examine, and balance our lives.
tion on which to build a church than on prayer. More than good preaching and good mu- Almsgiving/Stewardship (Charity): A time to examine our personal everyday practices in giving
sic, the house of God is mostly about prayers. Solomon, when he completed the house of of our time, talents, and treasures in helping others and doing acts of charity and mercy. Stew-
God in 2 Chronicles 6, he prayed to God to keep His ears open to the prayers of all that ardship practices can be done by helping your family, friends, and neighbors out of tight situa-
tions.
will come into that house to confess to Him, to forgive them and to accept them. When we Prayer and Scripture Reading; A time to consider, develop or strengthen a practice of regular
come into the house of God, (by faith) we expect that God’s ears are open to hear our scripture reading and prayer.
prayers. Solomon further asked God in verse 23 to judge them. No wonder Peter said that “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done. Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung. Noth-
judgment must start in the house of the Lord. 1 Peter 4:17, "For the time has come that ing you can make that can’t be made. Nothing you can do, but you can learn to be you in time.”
judgment must begin at the house of God:" Therefore, we must learn to approach the Perhaps one can consider one heartbreaking issue – one broken thing – and dedicate oneself to
learning everything you can about it and then do whatever you can to repair it.
house of God with awe and respect. God is with us. A God of love. With love as the motive for all we do it can be just that simple.
Inga Abele in High Tide suggests that; “It seems that that while you are living this life, you are
Prayer is the act of acknowledging the supremacy of God, an act of confessing sins to thinking about a different one instead.”Do not be this person.
Him, an act of thanking Him for His wonderful deeds among the children of men, and the “No where you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.”
act of supplicating to Him. Prayer is all about having a conference with a holy God. Rather “What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of a human being, to feed the hungry, to
than disrespect His house, we must learn to come into the house of God with reverence help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the wrongs of the in-
and mind of worship. jured.” Hadith

In 2 Samuel 7, God told David through Nathan the prophet, to build Him a house because God of Love, Name of Names, Our identity unravels in you, you give it back as a lesson. In love
He had not been in a house since the time He brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, your name resides. Unite our “I can” to yours. Clear our intention for co-creation. Focus your
but have gone "in a tent and in a tabernacle". He made His desire known to David to be in light within us, make us useful. Create in me a divine cooperation, from many selves; One Voice,
One Action in Your Service. Amen
a house that will be built for His name's sake. He also promised David that if he built Him
a house, that He will put His name there, and that He would establish his (David’s) king- Randy Bratsven
dom forever.

46 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 27

March 10 Continues... In Exodus 3:5, God said to Moses “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are

However, he came back from college with a wife. She experienced the heartbreak and sor- standing is holy ground.” Jesus said that God's house cannot be a market place. Psalm
row of unrequited love. But, instead of hating him and asking God to make his life miser- 51:7 says ‘Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than
able, she prayed for God to allow her to see Karl through God’s eyes in order that she snow’. God desires to purge us of all wickedness stopping us from becoming all we can
might love Karl as God loved him. She accepted the thing she could not change, Karl’s
marriage to another, but had the courage to change that which she could, her thoughts spiritually become. The church is a special meeting place where Christians touch base
and how she viewed Karl. with a holy God.

If Corrie could redirect her love of Karl from romance to agape love, I could do the same. The church is a house of prayer, and must be reverenced. We must learn that in order to
Even though my wedding vows were broken on an earthly level, I could still adhere to my succeed in touching the hem of Jesus' garments, we must have, keep and lift up holy
vows and honor God on a higher level. I could change my way of thinking to re-define hands. The bible says in 2 Timothy 2:19 for anyone who names the name of God to de-
what it meant to love, honor and cherish the man who used to be my spouse. part from iniquity. Psalm 66:18 says “if we regard iniquity in our hearts, God will not hear

Love: Like Corrie, I prayed that God would allow me to love my ex as a child of God and a our prayers”, also in Leviticus 11:45, God says 'ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.'
brother in Christ. That I would be able to express my love not as that of a spouse, but as St. Paul admonishes us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 by asking ‘What? Know ye not that your
that of a sister and friend. body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
your own?’ If we want to succeed in our Christian race, we must let God cleanse us be-
Honor: I will not speak any ill of my ex nor will I allow others to speak ill of him in front
of me. I respect him as a person. cause we are His temple.

Cherish: I choose to only remember the good times, and try to forget the bad times. I Father, we desire to succeed in our Christian race. Purge us oh Lord, and we shall be clean.
find comfort in recalling the happy memories…memories which range from big vacations Teach us how to reverence Your house for the spiritual benefit of our brethren. Amen
to the simplicity of running errands together on the weekend.
Edith Chuta
So, like the Psalmist, I continue to fulfill my vows in the presence of God’s people. I will
love, honor and cherish, as long as I shall live.

Are there vows you have made, but are unable to keep due to circumstances beyond your
control? Ask God to show you to change those circumstances, or change the way you view
those circumstances, so that you may reflect God’s mercy.

Lord; Your love is perfect and your promises eternal. We are imperfect and often our im-
perfections hinder our ability to rejoice and worship you. Guide our thoughts and ways so
that we may use our lives, the good and the bad, to honor you. Use our lives to reflect your
mercy and to guide others to you. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

Renee Alfaro

28 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 45

February 26 Mark 11:20-26 March 10 Psalm 116:12-19

The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

God’s desire for every fruit bearing tree is for them to produce fruits. Jesus taught many The Psalmist is praising God for delivering him from death. One can surmise from the
important lessons regarding bearing of "spiritual fruits" in our lives. It is important for us previous verses that this was a long illness, not just physically, but emotionally. Twice,
to know that our eternal lives depend on the understanding of the lessons Jesus taught. the Psalmist mentions his sorrow: “I was overcome by distress and sorrow (v 3)” and
God’s desire for us is to produce good fruits-to be productive in life, and in His kingdom. In “when I was brought low, he saved me (v 6).” In return for his salvation, the Psalmist
fact, Jesus warned, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and is thrown into twice vows to “fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” Instead of
the fire” to be destroyed Matthew 7:19. We must aim high to reach the highest spiritual quietly thanking God for His mercy, the Psalmist is publicly displaying his gratitude
through worship, thanksgiving, and sacrifice.
goals. According to James 5:7-11, to produce the best spiritual fruit requires work, time,
patience and perseverance. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much These vows are not the “deals” made with the Lord for answering prayer (“Lord, if you
fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” John 15:8. Notice God’s beautiful portrayal of make me well, I promise to go to church every Sunday”). The vows referred to are those
solemn promises made to God as the external demonstration of one’s devotion. Vows are
His people as flourishing fruit trees in Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed is the man who trusts in entirely voluntary, but once made are regarded as compulsory (Numbers 30:2). The most
the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which widely recognized and understood vow is probably that of marriage, the sacred promise
spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be to love, honor and cherish your spouse for as long as you both shall live. But, how do you
green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit”. fulfill that vow to God in the midst of a broken marriage?

Bearing abundant fruit glorifies God and identifies us as Christ’s disciples! As the purpose
of our calling Jesus states: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go
and bear fruit - fruits that will last” John 15:16. Hence we must be oriented toward eternal

goals and work with all our hearts and minds to bring them to fruition!

The following parable is quite instructive: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his My parents, who have been married fifty-three years, are the most wonderful example of
vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his this vow of devotion…the devotion and commitment not only to each other, but to God.
vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it Divorce is not in their vocabulary, and I grew up not having it in mine. Although I knew
down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this people that were divorced, it was not something I would ever do. So, when I began dating
year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that my husband, whose parents had been married almost as long as mine, I thought I had
found someone with the same value on devotion. I had spent half of my life dating and
you can cut it down’ ” Luke 13:6-9. The keeper of the vineyard asked for another year, then married to him, when he came, asking for a divorce.
during which time he might fertilize the soil to encourage growth. This illustrates God’s
patience with us-how He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to I was devastated. What kind of Christian was I? In my head, I had failed everyone, but
repentance” 2 Peter 3:9. A fruitless fruit-bearing-tree, however, will eventually be “cut worst of all, I had failed God. I was breaking, what was to me, the most sacred of vows. I
down.” Profession without production is not good. The above parable teaches us to find out wanted to tell the parents of my Godson that I completely understood if they changed
their minds and picked a new Godmother. I surely was not the example of a “good
what we can do differently if we are not spiritually bearing fruits. The Word of God is the Christian” they had in mind for their son. Yet, I knew and believed that through-out
seed, and our hearts are the grounds. It is very important that we prepare our hearts into history, God used broken, imperfect people to glorify His name. King David was an adul-
good fallow ground ready for cultivation each time the gospel is presented to us. The Word terer and a murderer. Rahab was a prostitute. Jonah ran from God. For those that have
of God should not go in through one ear and diffuse through the other ear. We must allow studied Randy Frazee’s The Story, he talks of the lower story and the upper story. No
the Word of God to abide in us. It is only then that we shall spiritually bloom and bear matter how messy our lower story, our life here on earth, God uses that mess and imper-
fruits in God’s kingdom. fection in His upper story, the story of the Good News. So, how could God use the sin of
my divorce, that which is against His will and teaching, to glorify Him? Perhaps I could be
It is a true saying that sheep beget sheep. Shepherds do not beget sheep. It is the redeemed by using this sin as a Godly example for my Godson, and for others.
responsibilities of the church members to multiply themselves by making more and more
converts; to make sure that their spiritual children are eating the right food and are
spiritually walking in the right direction; to make sure that their converts are spiritually
doing well, and are spiritually being taken care of; invite them to bible studies and other
church meetings; follow up on their converts to find out why they did not make it to the
meetings; teach them how to pray and how to grow their faith from no-faith-at-all to great-
faith. Pastors do not have eyes all over their bodies. Pastors may not always see everybody
all the time.

44 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 29

March 9 Continues... We have already been ordained as the royal priesthood. Everything has been laid out for
us. We have entered into other people’s labor. All we need do is to go, and bear fruits. It
7 is one thing to go, and another thing to bear fruits. Angels do not preach the gospel, we
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; do. Sheep beget sheep, not shepherds. ‘I do not know what to say’ should not be an
excuse.

Two weeks after retiring, my friend suffered a stoke. Additional demands for physical therapy were Our heavenly Father, we desire the power to bear fruits in Your kingdom. It is obvious that
added to the regime and I was grateful to be there. More debilitating medical issues arose, hospitals, we cannot do it by ourselves. Please help us to focus on Christ as we try to give of ourselves
rehabilitation and finally home hospice ending just before Thanksgiving. Within six months of my re- to others, bearing good fruits. In Your son’s name we pray. Amen
tirement it was all over. I was blessed to be a part. Praise the Lord.
8 Edith Chuta
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
My Lord’s support did not end with my retirement. He continued to carry me in wonderful and loving
ways. I started stopping by the Kinsmen Saturday service after leaving the hospital or rehabilitation
facilities. A gentle man named Al Roy welcomed me each time. He became my pew mate and just sat
by patiently as I cried through many services. Then Shirley Lund joined my pew team. Later Lynnae
Schatz became a mentor and friend continuing to provide direction and suggestions. My church family
has grown substantially to support me in my Christ journey.

Now I read Psalm 121 and it is an affirmation for what I already know. My Lord loves me, watches over
me and cares for me deeply.

As I prepared this devotion, I shared with a friend what I was doing. He wrote and shared the follow-
ing:

Psalm 121
A song of assents
I see my help coming,
From the maker of all.
He never sleeps, never slumbers,
Never letting us fall.
My goings He watches,
All the days of my life.
Wanting only my safety,
Ever keeping from strife.

A lifetime of watching,
This is His hearts’ desire.
To protect now His own,
From Hell’s burning fire.

-BJP

Dear Lord, Watch over me, Keep me from all harm, As I grow in your word and presence, As I learn
and become closer to you. When I fail Lord, lift me up again to try another day. Your faithful serv-
ant in Jesus’ name.

Amen

30 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 43

March 9 Psalm 121

The Story of Barbara

1
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
I must confess that I had not read this Psalm before. The bible is filled with wonderful things tucked
away in various nooks and crannies. Even though I had not read it previously, I know of its promises
and have depended on them numerous
times.

2
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
The most recent occurred about six years ago. A dear friend of over twenty years whom had given me
shelter and helped me was gravely ill. She was the reason I came to Kinsmen in 1998 after she ap-
plauded my relationship with God, but advised I also needed a church family. She joined with me.

3
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
Now she needed help and try as I could to arrange my work schedule against chemotherapy, home
medications and other needs, the JOB became unmanageable with increasing demands and obligations.

4
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
I went into crisis. I had to choose. It really wasn’t much of a choice though, People first. It was over-
whelming to think of leaving a job of almost 30 years, benefits, pay, structure and the like. I carefully
investigated my deferred retirement options. As tough as it was to investigate, I found people sudden-
ly coming into my life with answers and success stories. The process was sound and after considera-
ble prayer, I gave notice.

5
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
I likened my decision to a leap of faith, completely uncharted territory. My only backup was My Lord
and I totally surrendered to his will.

6
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

I retired at the age of 49 to care for my best friend full time. It was the right thing to do. My Lord
smoothed every bump in the way, it all worked flawlessly. I found every need met during this transi-
tion.

42 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 31

March 8 Psalm 102 February 27, 2016 Mark 11:27-33

Jesus Authority Is Questioned

Each summer I give the same speech to our Junior High youth who go to Lutherhill. Now, 27 Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders
youth usually have a fun-filled, faith-filled experience at Lutherhill. There are days and came to him 28 and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?”
nights filled with adventure, worship, Bible study, and a wide variety of activities. It is a 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these
time of growing deeper in faith and closer in friendship. things. 30 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.” 31 They argued with
one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘Of hu-
Yet, as you can imagine, going to Lutherhill in June is sometimes, most of the time, fairly man origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus,
hot and humid. There are bugs that bite, long days and late nights, and personalities that
don’t always mix well initially in the cabins. The youth can get a little tired and cranky “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
from time to time. So every year I give the same speech about lamenting.
By whose authority?
This week there will be no whining, I say, but you are more than welcome to lament. La-
menting is different from whining. When you lament you are honest about your present The question of authority often came up when I was working with churches in India. It was asked by members
circumstance - how mad, sad, bad you feel. When you lament, you also are honest about of the church, employees of the programs and sometimes by government officials. There were times when the
the mighty acts that God has done in the past and your hope and trust in God’s future question was asked with the best of intentions by people who cared about the success and sustainability of a
mighty acts. So, I tell the youth, don’t whine about being hot and tired, lament about be-
ing hot and tired, it’s Biblical after all. I’m hot and tired but I know we have night swim ministry. More often than not, though, the question was only a disguised attempt to prevent change or divert
tonight. I’m hot and tired but it’s because of all the fun we’ve been having. I’m hot and money and energy away from the program.
tired but the cabins have A/C
I seldom ask anyone, “By what authority are you doing these things?” and would never openly put that question
In the psalms, like Psalm 102, there are examples of God’s people lamenting. In Psalm to God in prayer. However, my actions, or lack of action, tell God that there are parts of my life that I don’t
102, the writer begins pleading to God, continues with being honest about the present think are under God’s control. I know this because the parts of my life I think I should control seldom get men-
struggles, and concludes by testifying to God’s goodness. And Psalm 102 is not written in
such a specific way that one today could not pray this psalm when experiencing times of tioned in prayer and when they are mentioned, I’m only asking for God to bless what I’ve already decided.
trouble. In psalms of lament there is an interplay between brutal honesty about one’s sit-
uation and unrelenting confidence in God’s presence and power. This is what it means to What parts of your life do you try to keep away from God’s authority?
lament.
Maybe it is your career, calendar, finances, relationships, anger, disappointment or shame. Those have all come
Following the example of the psalms of lament, we should not hold back about our pre- up for me in the past month.
sent struggles when we pray to God. We do not have to hide our feelings of abandonment
and despair. And yet, we do not grieve as ones without hope. Psalms of lament, like The God who created you has also given you everything you need for an abundant life and wants you to enjoy
Psalm 102, help us to honestly express our struggles while reminding ourselves of God’s
mighty acts in the past and God’s promises in the years to come. it. Too often we miss out on the life God wants for us because we are either unwilling to give control to God or
wrongfully assume that we have to handle somethings on our own.
Lord God,
Hear us when we share our struggles. Remind us of how you have been faithful to us in Learning to trust God to lead you and to give God authority for all your life is the mark of a disciple but it
the past, and help us to be confident in your presence with us now and forever. In Jesus’ doesn’t mean that life will be easy. More often than I care to remember, I have participated in meetings where a
name, Amen. project that would benefit hundreds of children was stopped after years of planning when one person refused
to give permission for it to continue. The first time this happened I was enraged and barely stopped myself
Pastor Mark
from questioning the person’s Christian faith. However, I soon learned being a servant of God means that I
must trust that God is working in ways I will never know or understand. The amazing thing is that God often
turned what seemed like a failure into a success beyond my wildest dreams, but it took time.

Let us pray.

God, sometimes your ways are not easy for us to understand and seem so different from how we expect the world
to work. We ask that you walk patiently with us until we fully understand how you work in the world. Lord, show
us how we, your servants, can be a part of your plan and help us to give all authority to you. In Jesus’ name we
pray. Amen.

Mark Warpmaeker

32 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 41

February 28 Mark 12:1-12 March 7 Psalm 89:1-4

Parable of the Tenants A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.

Sometimes I think we have this image of Jesus being this quiet, calm, perhaps passive person. At least 1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD,[a] forever;
at one time in my life I kind of saw him as someone who should be dressed in tie-dye. Jesus did have a with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
gentle side and perhaps that’s the side at one point in my life I got stuck upon. That isn’t the Jesus
that was speaking in Mark 12. Jesus was bold, fearless. Who was his audience? Regular people for cer- 2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;
tain were listening. The court or political power was there too, the Pharisees and Sadducees. As a reg- your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
ular person, it would not be good to get on the bad side of these folks. Yet, Jesus rebuked them in
front of ordinary citizens. Jesus was at least egging the Pharisees and Sadducees on. 3 You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to my servant David:
This parable harkens back to Isaiah 5:1-7 (March 3). Of course the Pharisees and Sadducees knew this.
This was a time in the Jews’ history where their country had been overrun. Their temple was destroyed. 4 ‘I will establish your descendants forever,
This was a dark time in the Jews’ history as a people and a nation. Jesus was saying that history can and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah
repeat itself. This time, however, instead of laying the vineyard to waste, the landowner will bring in a
new group of people to care for the vineyard. From Isaiah we know that the vineyard is Israel and the Selah means to stop and listen.
vine the Jews. The Lord gave His people responsibilities in tending for this vineyard. The vineyard had
been an ideal vineyard, fertile soil, clear of stones, soil prepared, a hedge to protect, and a watchtower St. Francis of Assisi says “Preach the gospel and if necessary, use words.” I enjoy the idea
so the vineyard would be protected. The tenants turned on the first servants, the prophets sent by of that – that my life should be a testament to Jesus in the way that I walk, drive, work,
God. This had to anger the Pharisees and Sadducees. That wasn’t enough. Jesus expanded the story play, and sleep. Following Jesus should be so engrained in me that it comes out in every-
to predict his own death at their hands effectively calling himself the Messiah. Jesus refers to himself thing that I do. As a natural introvert with not much need to hear myself talk, I find com-
as the capstone. This architectural piece is critical in building a new structure, an expanded kingdom fort in that fact that my actions can proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
built on the blood of Jesus. So when Jesus tells the Pharisees and Sadducees, that this capstone will be
their undoing, they were quite angry. All of this was quite brash. We of course understand who those But this Psalm reminds us that sometimes we need to proclaim God’s faithfulness to all
new tenants would be, us, the Christians. generations using our mouths.

The message is powerful. It is one of holding people accountable for their actions and one of redemp- As a new mom, I find myself using words much more often than before. I talk to my
tion. We know from Isaiah that God is disappointed in His people because they did not bear good fruit. daughter about almost everything - what we see on our walks, where we’re going in the
We know what these fruits are: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle- car, and while we play in the bathtub.
ness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We know that he never gave up on the Jewish people, still has
not given up on the Jewish people. We know that he expects us to deal with the consequences of our I talk about not just the trees and the birds, the cars that go by, and the water in the bath-
actions good or bad. With Jesus, we see the story continues. God just won’t lay the land to waste but tub, but I tell her about the awesome God who created these tress and birds. When we’re
will open his vineyard to any who will follow Him. Jesus showed us the way. driving and we hear a siren, I tell her about the people who God blessed with the gifts of
courage and healing and helping. And at bath time I tell her about the God who loves her
However, lest us not get too comfortable as we are not infallible. When I look at the church or the peo- so much, God claimed her as God’s own in the waters of her baptism.
ple of the church today, who do we most represent in this parable the initial tenants or the second
batch of tenants? We are just as human as the Jews of the 8th century. We have many worldly things to On this Monday, how will you sing of God’s steadfast love?
distract us from our Father. Our own personal desires for our own glory get in our way too. We chase
careers, material things when we should be chasing God and showing the fruits of the spirit. During Sara Ray
this session of lent, let us take time to take stock in our own personal lives to return to being the ten-
ant that our Father desires us to be.

Abba, So many in our society have forgotten You, have turned away from You. I have not forgotten You,
yet I have strayed from You. I ask You to help me listen to you, to hear You and let the Holy Spirit within
me led me in a way that glorifies You. Help me Lord to be the person You want me to be. Thank you for
loving me in spite of my sin. Thank you for giving us your Son as a model for us and our Savior. In Je-
sus name I pray, Amen

Lisa Pruitt

40 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 33

February 29 Psalm 86:8-13

8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.

9 All the nations you have made shall come
and bow down before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.

10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.

12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.

13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

What is the last problem or concern you lifted up to God?
Too often I find myself wanting God to give quick answers or solutions to my questions
and problems. I expect God to solve the problem quickly even when it has been building
for days, weeks or, sometimes, years. Amazingly, there are times when God provides a
quick response, but those times are few and far between.
When I turn my problems over to God, the answer I get more often than not is a gentle
reassurance that God is in control and will care for me. Sadly, I often miss this gentle
reassurance because I wasn’t listening to what God was saying.
The writer of Psalm 86 is feeling persecuted, attacked by his enemies, and is looking to
God for help, seeking a solution to a problem. However, the psalmist takes a unique ap-
proach. Instead of begging, pleading or demanding a quick answer, the psalmist has com-
plete trust that God will take care of everything. The level of trust shown in this text is
amazing.
“There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like
yours.” (Psalm 86:8)
“For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10)
The psalmist knows God is in control and knows God will ultimately accomplish what is
needed. So instead of asking for God to solve his problem, the psalmist asks for God to
show him how God is working in the world. “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk
in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.” (Psalm 86:11)
It is easier to listen to what God is saying if, for a moment, we let go of our list of prob-
lems and instead ask God to show us how we can be a part of God’s work in the world.
This can be really hard to do because it means giving up control and possibly letting go of
some of your dreams and expectations so that God can work through you. The benefit is
that God has things planned for you that are better than you could ever dream for your-
self.
Let us pray.
Amazing God, you have created me and all that I have. Open my ears to hear where you

are calling me and open my heart so I can accept what I hear. Please show me how I am a

part of your wonderful plan for the world then give me the courage to follow you. All of this

I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark Warpmaeker

34 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 39

March 1 Mark 12:13-17 March 6 Mark 12:28-44

The Great Commandment

Trick questions. You’ve seen them before. In this text are two important issues: the issue of love and the issue of God’s commandment. In

1.Mary’s father has 5 children known as Nana, Nene, Nini, Nono, and _____. What is the John 14:21 Jesus says that he that hears and keeps his commandments is he that loves him.
name of the 5th child? Obedience means selling out one’s will in order to fulfill an obligation. Obedience is the key to
divine favors. Obedience spurs one into giant steps of faith. God demands that we obey Him.
2. In a year, some months have 30 days, while some have 31. Guess which month has Samuel told Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22 that it is better to obey God than to sacrifice to Him. Obedi-
28 days? ence to the Master's commandments must be birthed from the heart. It must be an act of love.
Love is a spiritual force, and is the only thing that can aid a Christian believer into obeying God’s
3. How many animals of each kind did Moses bring on the ark? commandments. Love is a product and the sign of a Holy Ghost filled life.

Today’s reading begins with the Pharisees and Herodians trying to trick Jesus with the 1John 4:20 asks If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth
questions, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? In order to love
we not?” one another like Christ loves the church we have to understand the mystery of God in love. The
A variety of political groups existed in the first century AD. One of the groups was the mystery of God in love is the ability to love one another no matter where we find ourselves. In
Herodians, a group that supported the Roman leader, King Herod Antipas, who reigned order to understand the mystery of God in love, we have to be born of the Spirit of the living
from 4 BC to AD 39. The Herodians were known for their desire to submit to Herod and God; and that is to have a new heart and a new life, so as to be able to love one another like Je-
his rule in exchange for political favor and peace. The Pharisees were a group of Jews who sus does, beyond our natural instincts.
believed in the Old Testament. They tried to obey all God’s laws, but often failed to obey
God’s most important rules. The Pharisees thought their religion was always right; many “Greater love hath no man than this that he can lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.
of the Pharisees cared more about their religious rules than about God.
Jesus sidesteps their questions by asking them to bring him a coin, a denarius, and then Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that the greatest of all the fruits of the Holy Spirit is
answers their questions with questions of his own, “Why are you putting me to the test? ‘love’ (charity). Love is above all other spiritual fruits. It is the mother of all spiritual fruits. The
Bring me a denarius and let me see it….Whose head is this, and whose title?” Holy Spirit is the agent and the carrier of love. Just as the Holy Spirit is gentle, love also is gentle.
In the ancient world coins had significant political power. Rulers issued coins that were In verse 7, the phrase "all things" is repeated four times: Love bears all things; love believes all
stamped with their own image and inscription on them. Coins were regarded as personal things; love hopes all things; and love endures all things. In order for us to love each other like
property. Since the Jews used the Roman currency, Jesus explained that what belonged to Christ loves the church, instead of forgetting all things, we should remember all things. The
the emperor must be given to the emperor and what belonged to God, must be given to more we remember all things, the more we will try to endure all things. Love is priceless! We all
God. need love at all times: to love and also to be loved. Romans 5:5 states that the love of God is
You have been stamped with God’s image. You were created in his likeness. You rightfully shed abroad every Christian’s heart. Everybody of the human race has love in them. Love is in
belong to God. Do you give yourself to God? Do you give to God what rightfully belongs the human nature. We all have love inside us. We are all capable of loving people no matter who
to Him? they are. We just have to dig up the love inside our hearts, cultivate it, nurture it, and let it blos-
som so that through us people will see the love of God.
We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering. Lord, use
our voices, Lord, use our hands, Lord, use our lives, they are yours: we are an offering. All It is true that in these recent times, circumstances from injustice, human wickedness and unfair-
that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be, we give to you. We lift our voices, we ness may try to overshadow the love in our hearts and make it seem hard to exhibit that beauti-
lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering, we are an offering. (ELW ful side of our human nature. That’s the reason we pray for world’s mission ministries to under-
#692) Amen. stand the concept of God’s love beyond the worldly definition of the subject matter. We pray
that the members of world’s mission ministries will allow the pulsating heart of Jesus be incar-
Trick question answers: nated in them to enable them bleed out their hearts for other people no matter who they are, or
1. Mary where they are. Everything in life will be tried and proved. Everything in life will perish; but only
2. All of them love will last forever. Love is the only thing that will stand the test of time. Jesus’ name is love,
3. None. Noah built the ark and anything done outside love is not done in Jesus' name. Love, and every work performed in
love will last forever.

Lynnae Schatz Our heavenly Father, we ask for more grace, more strength, more understanding, more wisdom
and more knowledge to be able to not only grasp the concept of love, but also to stand with Christ
in love for one another. Amen!

Edith Chuta

38 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 35

March 5 Hebrews 1:1-4 March 2 Mark 12:18-27

God Has Spoken by His Prophets When I read today’s scripture I was reminded of the hymn, The God of Abraham Praise. I believe
that hymn is a great devotion for today.
God has spoken by his prophets, Spoken his unchanging Word;
Each from age to age proclaiming God, the one, the righteous Lord. 1. The God of Abr’ham praise, 6.The goodly land I see,
In the world’s despair and turmoil. One firm anchor holds us fast: Who reigns enthroned above; With peace and plenty blest;
God is king, his throne eternal; God the first, and God the last. Ancient of everlasting days, A land of sacred liberty,
And God of Love; And endless rest.
God has spoken by Christ Jesus, Christ, the everlasting Son, Jehovah, great I AM!
Brightness of the Father’s glory, With the Father ever one; By earth and heav’n confessed; There milk and honey flow,
Spoken by the Word Incarnate, God of God, before time was; I bow and bless the sacred Name And oil and wine abound,
Light of light, to earth descending, He reveals our God to us. (LBW #238) And trees of life forever grow
Forever blessed. With mercy crowned.
It’s amazing what you learn when you read. Today I learned about the Jesus Nut. Yes, for real!
The Jesus Nut is the single nut that secures the rotors on a helicopter. If that small piece of metal 2.The God of Abr’ham praise, 7.There dwells the Lord our King,
ever came off the helicopter would crash to the ground. At whose supreme command The Lord our righteousness,
From earth I riseand seek the joys
At His right hand; Triumphant o’er the world and sin,
I all on earth forsake- The Prince of peace;
On Zion’s sacred height
Its wisdom, fame, and power – His kingdom he maintains,
And Him my only portion make, And glorious with His saints in light
My shield and tow’r. Forever reigns.

3.The God of Abr’ham praise, 8.Before the great Three-One
Whose all sufficient grace They all exulting stand;
Shall guide me all my pilgrim days, And tell the wonders he has done,
Through all their land:
In all my ways. The list’ning spheres attend,
He deigns to call me friend; And swell the growing fame;
He calls himself my God! And sing, in songs which never end,
And he shall save me to the end
Through Jesus’ blood. The wondrous Name.

4.He by Himself has sworn; 9.The God Who reigns on high
The great archangels sing,
I on His oath depend, And “Holy, holy, holy!” cry,
I shall, on eagle wings upborne, “Almighty King!
To Heav’n ascend. Who was, and is, the same,
I shall behold His face;
I shall His power adore, And evermore shall be:
And sing the wonders of His grace Jehovah—Father—great I AM,
Forevermore. We worship Thee!”

Just as the Jesus Nut keeps the helicopter in flight, Jesus, God’s Son, our Savior, keeps us in flight. 5.Though nature’s strength decay, 10.Before the Savior’s face
He sustains us. He purified us by dying on Calvary’s cross. Oh he loves you and me. This is most And earth and hell withstand, The ransomed nations bow;
certainly true. To Canaan’s bounds I urge my way, O’erwhelmed at his almighty grace,
At His command.
Lord, there are so many times that I think I’m handling life on my own. Lord, forgive my sinful The watery deep I pass, Forever new:
ways. You opened up your arms on that cross and poured out your lifeblood for me. It is that life- With Jesus in my view; He shows His wounds of love;
blood that lifts me up. It is that lifeblood that allows me to soar. Lord, thank you. Thank you for They kindle to a flame!
loving me. Thank you for being my light and salvation. Thank you for being my first and my last. And thro’ the howling wilderness And sound through all the worlds above
Thank you for being my king. Amen. My way pursue. The Paschal Lamb.

Lynnae Schatz 11. The whole triumphant host
Give thanks to God on high;
“Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,”
They ever cry.

Hail, Abraham’s God, and mine!
I join the heav’nly lays,
All might and majesty are thine,
And endless praise! (LBW #544) Amen!

Lynnae Schatz

36 Always Reforming Lent 2016 Lent 2016 Always Reforming 37

March 3 Isaiah 5:1-7 March 4 Psalm 121

The Song of the Unfruitful Vineyard, “I lift my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the
Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”-Psalm 121: 1-2 (NIV)
This is a powerful song and warning. Jesus used these verses in his own ministry as a parable as a
warning (See February 28, Mark 12:1-12). There is no mystery to its meaning for the people of its I have always been told I have an angel watching over me. There have been times in my
day. The vineyard is Israel. The vines are her people. Step forward from about 8th century BC to life when my choices could easily cause more harm than good but somehow God protects
the beginning of present time, A.D., the story is answered. But does it end there? me even in times of trouble. I love to travel. I love to visit different places and learn
about the people who live there and the history that has made them who they are. I espe-
From Isaiah, we know that our Father cared for, loved, his people tremendously. He picked fertile cially love going to the mountains. I love being in nature and I am always awestruck by
land. He prepared the land to de ideal for growth. He protected his people and chose to watch how big God is and how small I am in comparison. One summer, I was traveling with a
over them. He gave His people all opportunity to glorify Him with their good fruit. Yet, the peo- dear friend from Houston to Colorado. We packed up my tiny Honda Civic and we decid-
ple of that time did not fully accept God and His graciousness. They did not fully blossom into ed to drive the entire way. In Colorado, we were coming over Wolf Creek Pass and there
the people that God had directed them to become. God had gone to great lengths to show favor to was a fairly large rock that had fallen in the middle of the road. My choices were to
His people the least of which was to give them land and making that land prosperous. God gave swerve into the mountain, swerve off the side of the road down a cliff, or hit the rock. For
them the autonomy to live their lives. Yet, instead of reciprocating God’s love, instead of follow- a Houston girl who is not used to driving mountainous terrain, we hit the rock. Two oth-
ing His wishes, instead of being thankful, the people turned their back on God. God was hurt and er cars ahead of us did the same thing and blew out their tires.
angry. He reminds me of a parent who watches a child behave badly and then lets that child face
the consequences of that bad behavior. For those who are a parent, you know this experience. It My Honda, my friend, and I were fine. We immediately pulled over and thanked God for
is hard to watch your child behave badly. You feed them, house them, love them, lead them, teach His protection in what could have been a dangerous situation. Later on that trip, travel-
them and boom! Your child makes a bad choice. You let them deal with that bad choice. It’s aw- ing to the Grand Canyon (yes, I put 4000 miles on my little Honda that summer), we hear
ful to watch as a parent. I suspect this is a little like how our Father felt and feels. Thus, since His something scraping the road and it just did not sound like a very good noise. We were in
people turned away and led their lives by their own ways and not His ways, He let them deal with the middle of nowhere in Arizona and very few cars had passed us by. We stopped to see
that decision. More powerful countries with armies came into the land, trampled it and took con- what was causing the scraping sound and if something was loose. A car finally did stop
trol. Life was very hard for God’s children as a consequence of their decision to turn away. We to see if we needed help. It ended up being nothing and we could continue our journey.
know that God forgave them as they returned to Him. Twice God seemed to give us what we needed when we needed it. We made the rest of our
trip successfully and I must say it was an adventure. I think about that trip often mainly
We know in Jesus’s time, Jesus once again warns the worldly kingdom will be lost. This time in- because it is one of the fondest memories I have of my dear friend Pam. who passed away
stead of the vineyard being left alone, not protected, the vineyard will be preserved but opened to in 2009. We were able to see God’s protection and provision in every step of our road
other tenants, the followers of Jesus Christ. trip that summer.

But does it end there? We are in a time in this country where people are turning their back to God. Sometimes we may go through a trial or a struggle or we are faced with a big decision,
This is a country that has been blessed and protected by God. We are a country that has not seen and it is sometimes just better to face it head on than to swerve off the road. When those
lots of battles on our own soil. There have been battles, yes, but there have mostly been times of trials and struggles seem too great to overcome, the psalmist reminds us that God will
peace not war. While we have poor, as a whole, this country has been rich with food, water, natu- watch over us. He will watch over our coming and our going no matter where the journey
ral resources, and inventions/technology. Are we not behaving like Judah, the northern kingdom, takes us, and He will not let us fall. We are never promised that we will not endure pain,
of 8th century BC? Do we not have lots of strain on our economy and the threat of violence on this sadness, trials, or challenges. However, we are promised that when we endure pain, sad-
land become more tangible? Isn’t this song of Isaiah for us as well? ness, trials, or challenges, God will help us through it. I can find peace in knowing I can
call out to Him for help in times of trouble….and I know God listens.
Who are we to be? His children. As a child we need to follow our Parent. Jesus tells us we are to
love God with our everything. And we are to love one another. Love all. Even the unlovable…..

Abba, We are in a world full of distractions. We have gotten caught up in stuff that isn’t important Dear Lord, Maker of Heaven and Earth, there are times when I don’t know which way to
to You. Our hearts have hardened. We make choices to glorify ourselves instead of you. In this turn. I look to You for help in times of trouble. Thank you Lord for the promise that You
time that we prepare for the crucifixion of Your son, his betrayal, his humiliation, his pain, quiet our will always watch over my life protecting me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
minds so that our hearts open fully to You. Let us be led by the Holy Spirit that is within all of us so
that we can go out into the world and be separate from it while we reach out with love to those we Kristen Schulze
encounter every day. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen

Lisa Pruitt