2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 12

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  (Philippians 2:10 – 11)

 

Jesus was a humble servant and for this He was given a Name above All Names, a name so powerful that just at its mention people everywhere would know its significance. In American society it seems that so many have forgotten the importance of Jesus name, not unlike Biblical times when people mocked His claim that He was the Savior. I interpret this passage to be Paul’s prophecy that SOMEDAY every soul in the entire world will acknowledge Jesus as Lord. And what a great day that will be…  [Written by: Billie]

 

Conclusion:

I pray this has been an amazing prayer journey for you. The prayer is for your metamorphosis.  Your life can honor God.  The test is in the choices you make, not your words or your desires, not in the motions momentum carries you.  As we live holy lives, remember to “(make) the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  Then God will honor you on our Resurrection Day with those words, “well done, good and faithful servant.”  Until then we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection! [Pastor Dan]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 11

 

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”  (Zephaniah 3:17)

 

God promises to take away our afflictions and troubles, and through this remove the effects these difficulties have had on our lives. By removing the cause God has also removed the effect. By accepting God as our Savior, we gain this promise made to His people, so why shouldn’t we rejoice as the Bible tells us to. I can think of no greater reason to be happy, than to have ended difficult times.  How often do we celebrate and offer praise for healing or the end of the trouble in our lives? We are not the only ones rejoicing when we accept God into our lives. He celebrates as well. The conversion of sinners and comfort of believers is a cause of great joy throughout heaven, causing God and all the angels to rejoice. [Written by: Charles]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 10

 

“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”  (Mark 15:15)

 

I never know how to feel about the actions of Pilate. He was the quintessential politician struggling between his conscience and the wants of his people. For most of us I am sure it’s not hard to relate to Pilate in that way. I have struggled –and often still do—with doing what I feel is right instead of what is popular or expected of me. Our nature as humans lends itself to this very dilemma. The answer comes when we accept that we are not in control. Giving ourselves in full to the Lord erases any questions. [Written by: Billie]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 8

 

“He was assigned a grave with the wicked and with the rich in His death, though He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.”  (Isaiah 53:9)

 

If you have ever seen the movie “The Passion of the Christ,” then I am certain your mind, like mine, is imprinted by the horrific reality of Jesus’ crucifixion. He was the victim of a great injustice. Even though he had done no wrong, He died the death of a wicked man. Imagine the insult to be buried with criminals! How often do we hold grudges over petty insults or little hurts? Lord, help us today to forget the pain caused by others and to reach within ourselves to forgive… [Written by: Billie]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 7

 

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”  (Isaiah 53:6)

 

The phrase that immediately sprung to mind when reading this passage is “we are not worthy.” So many times we turn away from God—maybe just for a minute or maybe for much longer…yet his love for us endures. Though His people were turning away, He still gave His Son that we might live. What a wonderful gift!  [Written by: Tammy]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 6

 

“I offered my back to those who beat Me, My cheeks to those who pulled out My beard; I did not hide My face from mocking and spitting.”  (Isaiah 50:6)

 

As Christians we are often called to go into a sometimes hostile and bitter world to spread God’s Word. As a prophet spreading the redeeming message of God, you would think that Isaiah would have been met with open arms and great joy, yet this was not the case. In our modern times, with the hardships and difficulties that we see in our society, it would stand to reason that anyone bringing a message of hope and joy would be welcome and not shunned, but this is just as much the case today as it was in Isaiah’s time. We must, just as the Prophet did, submit ourselves to the abuses of society to bring the Word of God to all.  But, we can be strengthened by the knowledge that God will help us. He will hold us up and guide us though our troubles, so that we need not be ashamed to be called Christians. [Written by: Charles]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 5

 

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

 

Yes! We were called to be Christ’s followers, to be his chosen people! It sure sounds great, but (YOWZERS) what a tough job. Kermit the Frog says “It’s not easy being green,” and I think he is right. It is not always easy to be a good Christian following in Jesus’ enormous foot steps, but God the Father just asks that we try, truly try with all we have. If we give Him that effort, He will lead us. What could be better?  [Written by: Billie]

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April 4

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

I will never really understand what Jesus went though on the cross for me: the suffering, shame and scoffing. But, hallelujah for the victory of the cross and that Jesus is at the right hand of God, waiting for me. [Written by: Dawn]

2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 3

“Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4)

Jesus’ life was about doing for others and self sacrifice so much that it can be overwhelming. Jesus gave so much, but he never uttered a word of complaint about it being too much. He never said he was too tired, and He never quit. In this way let Him inspire selflessness in us. We may not all have money to spend or things to give, but we do have genuine God-given talents and time. Let’s all take today to reflect on how we are using our talents. [Written by: Billie]

2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 2

 

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.”   (Isaiah 53:3)

 

All I could think in reading this verse was how often people in our own community are treated this way. They are called dregs, outcasts, homeless, and sinners. They are thought of as having a lesser status than everyone else, somehow making their lives and needs less valuable. When I read Isaiah’s description of the ways Jesus was mistreated, I’m ashamed for so often we Christians find it easier to hide our faces than to reach out. [Written by: Billie]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

April 1

 

“I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.”           (John 17:23)

 

These words of Jesus are part of His prayer for believers. It should give us both comfort and embolden us when we stop to think that our Savior prayed to the Father on our behalf, with a purpose that the world would recognize that there is something different about us. We belong to Christ. Sometimes it is our own fear that keeps us from being recognized as His. Fear can be a debilitating thing. Years ago the world's longest bridge was completed at San Francisco at a cost of seventy-seven million dollars. During the construction of the first part of the bridge, no safety devices were used and twenty-three men fell to their death in the water below. In the construction of the second part, it was decided to install the greatest safety net in the world, even though the cost amounted to $100,000. It saved the lives of at least ten men who fell to it without injury. In addition the work went 25% faster with the men no longer fearful of falling. The knowledge that they were safe left the men free to devote their energies to the task in hand.

 

In this verse from His prayer for believers, we should draw the greatest strength for the task at hand. Don't lose sight of the power of Christ’s prayer for us.  [Written by: Eric]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

March 31

 

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”   (1 John 5:13)

 

It used to be said: if one is unsure of their salvation, there must be a reason.  The standard answer became that the person had mistakenly put feelings in front of faith.  What if the real answer was in the separating power of sin instead of the sanctifying power that naturally accompanies salvation?  Continual sin will separate us from the experience of God’s love and eventually our assurance of salvation.  Continual sin will place us in the precarious position of not knowing.  I propose feeling the lack of assurance of salvation is “good.”

 

If or when we reach such a place, it is a good time to back off and look at ourselves from another perspective.  This view is difficult, because most of us have not had much experience with seeing ourselves objectively.  See, one of the problems of sin is that it makes us think we are right when we are not and keeps us from the pain of the surgery of truth.  At some point we were awakened from our sin and intellectually accepted the salvation provided in and through Jesus.  However, instead of spiritual growth we began to coast in a false sense of security.  We never achieved the transformation promised in salvation through sanctification.  Our lives were lived in constant carnality (NIV: “worldly”) rather than being instep with the Spirit of God.  It is a horrible place to be, living according to our desires instead of the will of God.  Yet, it can be a place of decision.  What is yours?  [Written by: Pastor Dan]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

March 30

 

“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.”  (1 John 3:10)

 

In 1 John we find suggestions regarding Christian living, focusing on love, purity, and eternal life. John claims that true Christians can be easily identified, because their hearts will be pure and they will show love for other. Would others be able to identify you as a Christian only by using these criteria? If not, what changes do you need to make?  [Written by: Tammy]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

March 29

 

“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”  (1 John 3:9)

 

John’s words present a lofty expectation. The idea that those who have accepted Christ as Savior will no longer be capable of sin seems a bit over the top. Yet, it is true that when God is in our hearts, we view the things of the world differently. Temptation will always be present, yet armed with the knowledge and love of God those temptations no longer seem as prevalent. [Written by: Tammy]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

March 28

 

“He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.”  (1 John 3:8)

 

By committing sin, we commit ourselves to the devil, for all who sin fall short of the glory of God and belong to the devil. Because of God’s infinite mercy, we are spared though His Son Jesus Christ who came to remove the stain of our sins and free us from the grasp of the devil. This is not something we can sit back and wait for though; we must work to end our sinful ways ourselves. While Jesus purifies us of our sins, He cannot stop us from sinning; the choice is ours. Choice led Eve to commit the original sin, and from that time forward it has been our choice whether or not we sin. So, we must work to end our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior and ask for His forgiveness to truly be free of the devil.  [Written by: Charles]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

March 27

“Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”            (1 John 3:3)

 

Biblical hope is not “wishful thinking.”  It is confident expectation, sort of like waiting for Christmas.  It is in light of our future expectations that we behave.  If we expect the worst, we tend to act the part, sometimes causing the worst we feared.  If we expect something glorious, then we look forward with excitement and diligent expectation.  So here it is: Jesus will return (see v 2).  Is there anything that you are doing (or not doing) that might be found embarrassing when Jesus returns?  It’s time to clean house today. [Written by: Pastor Dan]

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2009

March 26

 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  (1 John 1:9)

 

Here is the “roadmap to restoration.”  When we confess our sins, we freely admit to them and take responsibility for them.  In the Garden of Eden responsibility was avoided by blaming someone else.  Adam said, “The woman you gave me…”  Eve argued “the devil made me…” This, gently put, is not helpful.  Sin is the result of our willful choices.  Notice this confession of sin is mandatory before the next step occurs.  As Adam Clarke said, “in order to get a clean heart, a (person) must know and feel its depravity, acknowledge and deplore it before God, in order to be fully sanctified.”

 

God then forgives and purifies.  Here is a “double cure.”  Forgiveness deals with the guilt; purifying (cleansing) deals with the pollution caused by sin in our lives.  Think of it as an oil spill.  The tanker is our sin nature that leaks pollution all over our lives.  Being free from the guilt of sin would be without purpose and temporary at best without a clean up.  Jesus once rescued a woman scheduled for execution.  After her accusers left, he stated that He did not accuse her but did not leave her “off the hook.”  His parting words to the woman were sobering, “go and sin no more.”   [Written by: Pastor Dan]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

March 23

 

“This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”  (1 John 1:5)

 

This message from Jesus to the people shows the pure and excellent nature of God. There is nothing dark or hidden; there is only glory and radiant beauty, pure and unblemished in any way. If we, as Christians, truly seek to be like God, we must leave the darkness of this world behind us and step into the light, living a pure life in the eyes of God and man. However, as long as we hold on to the dark things in our lives, the small vices and sins we think to keep hidden, we cannot live the pure life as Jesus would have us, and we live a life in darkness. There is no gray area in this world there is only light and dark.  [Written by: Charles]

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2009 Lenten Prayer and Devotional Guide

March 22

 

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  (James 1:4)

 

James identifies “perseverance” as the key to perfection. In chapter 1, verses 2 and 3 he says, “When troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your perseverance has a chance to grow.” In contemporary society perseverance is a trait that is valued. We hold up those who have suffered from afflictions for all to see and commend. We measure men based on their ability to survive in a crisis. BUT—do we give God the glory? Do we humbly bow and acknowledge that without Him we are nothing? –OR—do we do take the praise as if we accomplished a great thing alone?  [Written by: Tammy]

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2009 Lenten Prayer and Devotional Guide

March 21

 

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”  (Hebrews 12:14)

 

This verse offers two reminders: live in peace and be holy. Throughout the book of Hebrews, we are encouraged to reflect upon God’s expectations. While it often feels impossible to meet those goals, nothing is impossible when God is on our side. How many times has God proven that He is with us? Encouraging us? Sympathizing with us?  [Written by: Tammy]

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2009 Lenten Devotional and Prayer Guide

March 20

 

“... Because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”  (Hebrews 10:14)

 

Here we see the present and continual sense of our salvation.  One sacrifice provides for us to be “made holy.”  In some circles those are fighting words.  Some would like to see us as merely “sinners saved by grace.”  While that is correct on one level, we are also MUCH more than just what that expression would claim. We are made holy.  This holiness is ours right here, right now and not some distant future.  It is God’s present plan for every believer.  [Written by: Pastor Dan]

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