MARCH 28 – 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-13
By: Marie Hoder

Samuel Anoints David as King
16 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.” 6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen.” 9 Next Jesse summoned Shimea,[a] but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen.” 10 In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” 12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” 13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

What Does God Want?
David wasn’t the oldest or the tallest or the best. Yet God chose him to lead His people. You don’t have to be the strongest or the fastest or the best looking. God isn’t remotely interested in that. So why do we get hung up on those things? Shouldn’t what is important to God be important to us?

But what does God want? Jesus put it in simple terms in Matthew 26:
37 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

God wants us to love him and love each other. Let’s put away and forgive everything that stands in the way of this and see how our lives can be transformed.

Prayer
Lord, Samuel got it wrong at first when he went to find the new king. As do we, going after the brightest, fastest, prettiest people and things. Help us to put that away and focus on loving You, forgiving and loving ourselves and others, and bringing Your love to those around us. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 27

MARCH 27 – Hosea 6:1-6
By: Diane Bechtold

1 “Come, let us return to the LORD; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 3 Let us know, let us press on to know the LORD; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.”4 What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like the dew that goes away early. 5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have killed them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. 6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

What a perfect contrast between the capriciousness of humanity and the steadfast love of God. Hosea exhorts repentance so that there can be restoration to a rightness with the God who raises us up. This is a God who wants a relationship in which we can be close and share love that is freely given. Repentance means not just “feeling” sorry, but making new actions into the future. Let those new actions bring us closer to the heart of God.

Prayer
Loving God, We pray that we not stray far so that we can receive your love and reflect it to others. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 26

MARCH 26 – Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9
By: Carolyn Champagne

The book of Deuteronomy reaffirms God’s Covenant with his people Israel. Moses addresses the people he led to the Promised Land to observe God’s laws, and to show others how wise and discerning they are. They were blessed to have a God who was close to them and wants only the best for them.

God wanted the Israelites to pass the law down from generation to generation. That is US! We have now received the law, God’s covenant, and need to continue to share it with others. It is now our turn to pass it on to the next generation. God blessed the Israelites so they could be a blessing to us and we could be a blessing to others. Spread God’s word this Lenten season.

Prayer
Lord God, I pray we will not forget the words Moses wrote about observing your covenant. We are  grateful the Israelites listened and spread your word to the next generations so that we would know you. I pray we do the same. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 25

MARCH 25 – 2 Kings 5:1-15
By: Bill Nasworthy

Naaman, a warrior and officer, was suffering with leprosy. He was told by a slave girl who served his wife, to go to the prophet in Israel to and he would heal his wounds. After his king wrote a letter asking for this to be done, and Naaman gathering rich gifts, he heads to meet the king of Israel.

However, the king can’t help him and gets rather upset about being asked. Eventually Naaman ends up seeing Elisha who tells him to wash in the River Jordan seven times and that will clear up his sores. Naaman is angry being asked to do such a task, I think he wanted Elisha to see him face to face and cure him. Eventually Naaman does as he was told and was healed. Then he believed that the true God was the God of Israel. That’s it in a nutshell!

Many things can be gleaned from this passage. What sticks with me is all of the wealth that Naaman brought to pay for his healing wasn’t necessary. You can’t buy God’s love… yes, that is what God is giving when he heals… his love!! That is the healing power.

Prayer
God, Thank you for the love you share with me. All I need to do is ask for your healing power to wash over me as Naaman in the Jordan River. Clean me with Your love and give me grace. Amen

Lent 2014 - March 24

MARCH 24 – Mark 12:28-31
By: Sue Leffin

RULES, RULES, RULES! Brush your teeth up and down; say your “ pleases and thank you’s”; be polite to your elders; don’t eat with your mouth open; don’t touch anything; red means stop, green means go…..well, you get the picture. In Jesus’ time research shows that there were over 300 rules or
what NOT to do and over 200 for what TO do. There were even people who interpreted the rules.

Imagine how complicated it all was. But Jesus simplified the rules for everyone with just a few words.

When asked what He thought was the most important commandment…well, it was this simple: 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

These words guide our lives and mission. We at St. Stephen “get it”. I pray that your Lenten season is uncomplicated and that the distractions of the world melt away when you remember God‘s gift of Jesus – sent to simplify our lives to one word…LOVE!

Prayer
Lord, in a world of rules, help me to remember that one simple, uncomplicated thing You gave me….LOVE!Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 23

MARCH 23 – Jeremiah 7:23-24
By: Russ Hauck

23 But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ 24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.

The obvious interpretation of these verses is that God is demanding obedience. But we can read this passage through resurrection eyes. Notice that verse 23 doesn’t say “Walk in the way I command you – or else!” It says “…that it may be well with you.” God seems to be saying, “I have been sending you many prophets and giving you commandments and instruction for your own good.” But the Israelites did not listen to God, or “incline their ear,” but instead “they walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts.”

Yet, even through their “disobedience,” God did not give up on his people. God kept his promise, in
spite of their (our) intransigence. God sent Jesus to live among us and to walk with us. Each and every day, we are supported and renewed by knowing that God is with us. And, with that understanding, we are always looking ahead toward the cross and resurrection… and moving forward.

Prayer
Most gracious and loving Lord, we pray that you will give us ears to hear, a will and determination to walk in your counsel, and a heart that glows with your faithfulness and love. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 22

MARCH 22 – Matthew 18:21-35
By: Jim Detzel

When Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother who sins against him, Jesus replies “seventy times seven,” which means an unlimited number of times. We are to forgive as the Father has/will forgive us – ALL of our sins.

Jesus uses a parable to teach this concept – a master who forgives his servant an amount that is incalculable, but somewhere near $6 billion in today’s terms, and yet that same servant does not forgive another that owes him about $12,000 in today’s terms. The master hears of this shameful treatment and reverses his forgiveness and had the wicked servant sent to jail.

How are we in the forgiveness area? Do we let perceived transgressions against us to fester and create anger in our bellies, or do we forgive those who would do injustice to us and allow any anger to diminish and vanish? What is the worst offense that has been committed against us? Are we able to put it aside and forgive the perpetrator of such?

Prayer
Dear Jesus, please give us the strength and fortitude to forgive as you have forgiven us. You died for our sins, and we should be ready to pass on that forgiveness to others. Please let us be led by your Holy Spirit in our dealings with each other. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 21

MARCH 21 – Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
By: Frank Raike

Romans 5: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

There’s a movie coming out soon, call “Unbroken” adapted from Laura Hillenbrand’s non-fiction bestseller of the same title. The film is directed by Angelina Jolie and is a bio-picture of World War II hero Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star of the 1936 Munich Games who survived a plane crash in the Pacific theater, spent 47 days drifting on a raft and then more than two and a half years as a prisoner of war in several brutal Japanese internment camps.

After the war and suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder, Zamperini became a born again Christian after attending a crusade led by evangelist Billy Graham in 1949 in Los Angeles. Graham later helped Zamperini launch a new career as a Christian inspirational speaker. One of Louis’ favorite themes is “forgiveness,” and he went back to Japan and visited many of the guards from his POW days to let them know that he has forgiven them. The guards were somewhat surprised by Zamperini’s genuine affection for those who had once ill-treated him.

I believe Zamperini stands as a man justified through faith that has the Holy Spirit poured into his heart. He faced unfathomable suffering and torment only to find the grace and forgiveness for others. He has peace with God. Today, at 96 years of age, Louis is still spry and full of life. He lectures audiences across the globe on how to deal with stress, the meaning of Olympism, and the freedom he found through knowing Jesus.

Prayer
Lord God, as we reflect upon our lives and those activities, challenges, pains, and decisions we make,  help us to keep the faith and remember that we have your grace. Let us always share that love and faith with others. And let us celebrate the peace with you. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 20

MARCH 20 – Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
By: Susan Wollner

1 Come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
6 Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
7 for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today!
8 The Lord says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah,
as they did at Massah in the wilderness.
9 For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience,
even though they saw everything I did.

The psalmist begins by calling all to sing for joy to the Lord and come before him with thanksgiving. We are called to extol God with music and song. When I read this I thought of how blessed we are at St. Stephen to be able to do that with the wonderful musicians and many talented people who share their talents in praise of God. Whether you have been given a musical talent to share or a worshiping heart to praise we all have the opportunity to praise God.

A few verses later the psalmist tells us that we should not harden our hearts to God as the Israelites did when they quarreled and complained to Moses because there was no water at Rephidim. They did not trust the Lord to take care of them. When we do not trust it is harder to hear the spirit of the Lord and rejoice in His love. We too should not quarrel or complain but we should trust and praise God.

Prayer
Dear Lord, As we remember you and the gift of your Son, Jesus, help us to have trust in you and do not let our hearts harden so that we may know your Holy Spirit. Encourage us to worship you in music and in song. Keep our hearts alive in your word and our voices strong in praise of you. Thanks be to you our glorious God. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 19

MARCH 19 – Jeremiah 17:5-10
By: Evelyn Nasworthy

To begin to understand these verses, you really need to go back and start reading at verse one. Scripture reminds us that God’s people have strayed from Him. He says that he will be angry at them forever. He loves his people, but their attachment to things and possessions is their downfall. Often money, and lots of it, seems to be the god to which we are faithful. Other times, it is people of power. We are trying to get a promotion, earn more money, and have bigger and better things. And soon….
we are “enslaved” to those things that matter little. God curses that! He wants us to return to putting Him at the center.

Verse ten reads, “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Our thoughts and actions are being reviewed all the time by God. I don’t think this is a surprise to anyone, but as a reminder to us that ‘Big Daddy is watching’ never hurts to hear. Your reward is a gift he has prepared for you already. Our lives should be filled with giving, sharing, and loving all that we are able to do and then a little bit more. It needs to be with great joy that “things” are shared with others.

In this day of “material things”, put God at the center around which all things revolve. He is the core of our being… then everything else will fall into its appropriate place. May this time of reflection bring you blessings!
 
Prayer
Dear Father… With all of your many blessings, we often forget to keep you at the center of our lives. Thank you for the reminder through Your Word in Jeremiah. I will strive to keep me centered in You. Amen

Lent 2014 - March 18

MARCH 18 – Luke 16:19-31
By: Maureen Collins

In the parable of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus (meaning God is my help), Jesus paints a picture of contrasts: heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion, riches and poverty.

Having just returned from Haiti, I experienced the timelessness of Jesus’ teaching. I expected the abject poverty of this country would cause an air of despair, individually and collectively for citizens and visitors alike, but I was mistaken, in a profound way. Amidst the poverty were children and adults that are full of compassion, hope and helping those less fortunate. I saw multitudes of rich people…rich in spirit.

The rich man did not go to hell because of his wealth but because of his selfishness and unwillingness to help others in need. Is your life abundant in riches? Do you know the joy and freedom of possessing God as your only treasure?

Prayer
Lord, as you have blessed me in abundant and material riches on earth, increase my understanding that real treasure is found in your way of happiness. Give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others the treasure you have given me. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 17

MARCH 17 – Matthew 20:20-22
By: Elaine Cornelius

A Mother’s Request
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”

Parents want the best for their kids. The mother in this story is no different. She knows kings are powerful and those around them are respected. She believes Jesus will be a powerful king when His reign begins and she wants her boys at the very center midst of it. She is strong enough to ask for what she wants. She is determined.

Jesus’ response to her is not really the answer she was seeking. He doesn’t give her the assurance it will happen. He instead tells her she doesn’t know what she is asking. He then poses a question. He doesn’t elaborate on what His cup holds, but asks if they can drink it. Without hesitation, all three respond that they are able. They were sure in their ability to do what was needed for Christ’s kingdom.

This woman was asked what she wanted. She responded with an ambitious request. She did not let her lack of understanding stop her. Her reply made it clear she was “all in” on her quest to be linked to Christ’s kingdom. I think the boldness of this mom’s conversation with Christ says a lot about her faith and her willingness to do what was needed. It makes me ask myself if I am willing to ask the questions to be all God wants me to be in Christ’s kingdom.

Prayer
Lord, when I answer your call, help me to respond with confidence. Remind me as I make my choices You will lead me along the path I am to go. Help me to be bold in sharing my faith in You with the rest of the world. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 16

MARCH 16 – Isaiah 1:18-20
By: Nancy Ulerich

Come now, Let us reason together, says the Lord:
Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
you shall eat the good of the land,
but if you refuse and rebel,
you shall be eaten by the sword:
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah confronts Judah with their sins. The people of Judah have come under God’s judgment for their evil acts. What God considers evil acts is pretty consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments. God detests our injustice to others, our failure to correct oppression. The people of Judah have not taken care of their widows and orphans. They have, therefore, blood on their hands. Their sins are like scarlet, a color that was double died, permanently marked in deep red.

God, however, wants to argue the case with us, “reason together,” so that all may see the just, loving principle of His dealings with men. He can clean the permanent stain of sin and make us pure white as fresh snow. Isaiah tells Judah that they can be cleansed; their sins can be forgiven, if they make a deliberate choice. If they are willing and obedient, they can eat the good of the land. So God, although He judges the behavior of the people of Judah, does not reject them as hopeless, but calls them to repent, to turn toward God so that they may have a good life. He calls us to turn toward Him and have a good life!

Prayer
Jesus, help us to see clearly Your calling to us, Your people. Throughout the ages, it has not wavered or changed. You call on us to promote justice and correct oppression, as it will be done in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 15

MARCH 15 – Matthew 5:44-45
By: Brenda Galarza

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

After reading these verses, I realized that Jesus has given us a difficult task. Love your enemies and pray for them! It shouldn’t be difficult but it is. Why should we love our enemies and those who are trying to hurt us? The answer is simple…because God loves us. Let us show God’s love to others by loving those no matter how they behave or act.



Prayer
Lord, during this time of Lent, help us to show your love to all people and to be reminded of your unfailing love for us.

Lent 2014 - March 14

MARCH 14 – Psalm 103:1-4,9-12
By: Brooks Collins

In this Psalm, David implores us to be grateful to God for the many blessings He has given us, but also for His mercy and forgiveness. He goes on to use imagery of great distance when he talks about how much God loves us (“as high as the heavens are above the earth”), and how completely He forgives our sins (“as far as the east is from the west”). What a relief that God DOESN’T give us what we deserve!!

The miracle of Easter is arguably the greatest example of God’s love and forgiveness for us. We condemned His only Son to crucifixion as a common criminal, an enemy of Rome, believing that we were bringing to an end the movement of a radical and a few unhinged followers. Had this truly been the end of the story, humanity would have been condemned to eternal death. Instead, God raised  Jesus from the grave, defeating sin and death, offering eternal life to all having faith and believing in the power of His love.

Prayer
Lord, as I make decisions about what I am to do each day, help me to base my choice in my love for you and for others. Let my actions create peace and build faith in You, so those who are touched by my actions will see Christ in this world. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 13

MARCH 13 – Luke 6:35-38
By: Cheryl Cornelius

35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”



These verses are very clear if we are willing to follow them. It is not easy to do what the “world”
says is unwise, foolish or even dangerous. But Jesus has a higher calling for us. Jesus wants us to make the world better and to not answer to the status quo. These verses, though not easy, give us very explicit directions on how to do just that. We just have to be willing!

Prayer
Lord help me to love my enemies, show me where to give without expecting anything in return, and let me not to judge others. Amen

Lent 2014 - March 12

MARCH 12 – Ezekiel 18: 21-32
By: Char Klima

“Turn, then, and live.” This should sound very familiar. Once again God is pleading with His people (that’s all of us) to turn toward Him and embrace His ways that lead to abundant living. In this text it  is framed in the Old Testament concept of sin and punishment. Nevertheless, God repeats over and over that He takes no pleasure in anyone dying or being cast away from His presence. Get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit, God urges. Live in My light instead of your darkness.

When Jesus comes on the scene, He takes every opportunity to invite us to live our lives in ways that bring us peace and fulfillment. Stop pursuing false and worldly values that lead to dead ends and can never satisfy. God loves us; He knows what will ultimately give us LIFE! Turn to Him and really  Live!

Prayer
Precious Lord: Help us to turn to you with an open heart and listening ear. Keep urging us to accept what you freely give-the living water from your well that never runs dry. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 11

MARCH 11 – Matthew 7:7-11
By: Jeanette Nation

Ask, Search, Knock

7 “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? 10 Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Use this time of the Lenten season to learn about the invitations God has revealed to us…”ask and it will be given”. These commonly used verses remind us that God will listen to all. We may well be dumb enough to ask for the rocks and the snakes but then God gives us bread and fish anyway. We need not worry that God will punish us for praying wrongly!

Pray boldly and with perseverance and doors will open. What an amazing thought that His promises in Heaven are far better. We have the gift of knowing, through Jesus Christ, that our relationship  begins now… each time we pray.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for hearing my prayers and revealing your promises through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 10

MARCH 10 – Matthew 25:34-36
By: Cyd Law

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

This passage reminds me that I am the hands and feet of Jesus and if anything is going to get done in the fight against hunger, homelessness, injustice, and sickness I have to step up to the plate and take action. That is a scary thought and for many years I just sat on the sidelines and watched others do the work. I gave some money here and there to help out but I always said I was too busy to actually do something myself. Then a friend asked me if I could help him deliver bread from a little bakery in Casselberry to the homeless shelters in downtown Orlando. Well what was supposed to be only when he needed help has turned into an every other week volunteer job. But I love it. I have met so many wonderful people all being the hands and feet of Jesus. My challenge to you is become the hands and
feet of Jesus and actively search for things you can do to make our world a little more Christ like.

Prayer
Dear Lord, Open my eyes so I can see the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the sick and the injustice in this world. Give me the strength to stand up and make a difference as I want to be your hands and feet. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 9

MARCH 9 – 2 Timothy 1:8-10
By: Elaine Cornelius

8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Ugh! I stare at my computer screen where there’s another picture telling me to “share if I am not ashamed of Christ.” It sits on my page and I ignore it as usual, not because I am embarrassed by my faith, but because nothing I post on social media sites can speak of my faith more clearly than the way I live. I can be bold in sharing my faith, rely on God’s power and not my own and the message will be heard by all who choose to see.

Nothing I do will change the fact we are covered by God’s grace. It is a free gift. We are called to God’s purpose for our lives, which He selected specifically for us because of His love for us. We are to experience life for the gospel or maybe it’s more of live our life through the gospel. This would mean the gospel is such a part of our lives that we don’t need to post something on social media to tell everyone we are not ashamed, our lives will do that for us. Anyone who sees us would be certain not only of who we are but who Christ is.

Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to live life as Your follower, demonstrating Your love and grace no matter what other people may say or do. Thank you for Your gift of grace. Help me to live the gospel in all aspects of my life so all who see me, find You.

Lent 2014 - March 8

 MARCH 8 – Isaiah 58:9-14
By: Shirley Evans

I thought of two things as I read this scripture – in verse 9, the Lord answers our call and says, “Here I am.” This is a God who listens, who loves us and has compassion. He is not a distant God, but someone close and available. What a wonderful feeling!

The second thing – the old saying, “It is better to give than to receive.” It came to mind as I reflected on the remainder of the passage. When we give of our self, give out of our heart and soul, the reward  to us is much greater than we could ever imagine. Think of a time when you helped someone – gave them food, a ride, fulfilled a need they had – and found a sense of peace, a warmth in your heart, not because you did something good for your own glorification, but just because they needed it. God’s promise is like that – His free gift of love, mercy and grace.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being with me today and for your continuing blessing and love. Let me share that love with someone today through an act of kindness that you have taught us. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 7

MARCH 7 – Psalm 51:10-15
By: Lou Shives

The book of Psalms has been described as a place to go to when one is hurting or desires to praise God. Several verses describe human problems or emotions so well that they make excellent prayers regarding laments, praise, and thanksgiving.

Psalm 51 was written by David after the prophet, Nathan, confronted him regarding his adultery with Bathsheba and conspiracy to commit murder of Uriah. In verses 10-15, David seeks redemption for his sins, states that he will teach God’s ways to sinners so that they will return to Him, joyfully sing of God’s forgiveness, and praise Him.

David’s words reflect our mission at St. Stephen to love God, love people, and make disciples. During this Lenten season, as you prepare for the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, praise God for forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the joy of salvation through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Prayer
Lord God, as we reflect on Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, we are humbled that You love us so much, forgive our sins, and accept us as we are. May we be ambassadors in our community so that others will come to know You and comprehend the extent and fullness of Your love. Amen.

Lent 2014 - March 6

MARCH 6 – Luke 9:23-25
By: Matthew Swope

Deny thyself. During this time of Lent, it is customary to give up something of which we are particularly fond—chocolate, caffeine, cable…the list goes on. Thus, we deny ourselves a small pleasure in trying to focus more on Christ and His ultimate sacrifice. In Luke 9:23, Jesus challenges us to do much more by denying ourselves and taking up our cross to follow him each and every day.

What does this really look like for us as Lutherans?

In this day and age, we are constantly bombarded with a focus on the individual. What makes YOU feel good? Trust YOUR instincts. YOU must take care of YOURSELF before YOU can help others.

The mixed messages of an egocentric society can muddle Christ’s message in our heads. It isn’t that God expects us to forget about our individual needs/goals/desires, it is that we are to trust entirely in God. Imago Dei—we are created in the image of God, and together as a community we form a prism of the many individual facets of God Himself. We each serve a beautiful and unique role therein. Surely God wants us to celebrate our glorious diversity; however, God also desires us to “lose ourselves” in Him. Only in striving to do so can we join in this journey to the cross.

Prayer
Dear God, help us to embrace your word. Give us the courage to take up the cross and follow you,  knowing not only that we will stumble along the path and fall short of the destination, but also that by Your grace Christ will pick us up, dust us off, and spur us on. Amen.

Ash Wednesday - March 5

March 5 - Joel 2:12-13
By: Barbara Reynolds

The book of Joel begins with the analogy of a massive swarm of locust marching on the land of Israel, devouring everything in its path. The people watch as the land is stripped of all vegetation by
huge insects resembling advancing war horses without riders.

There appears to be no hope. “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “Return to Me with all your heart and with fasting, weeping, and mourning and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness and relenting of evil.”

In our present age we are still assaulted by hoards of advancing locust that march on many lands and strip them of all promise of a better tomorrow. The message remains the same...”Return to Me. Repent. Rend your hearts and the love of God, which is far above human understanding will have compassion on His creation.”

Prayer
Today’s world seems to be under siege by advancing evil. Children never know peace, a full belly, a warm bed. Parents are unable to provide the bare minimum for survival as the devouring swarm of locust descend on them daily. Help us in our time of need. Help us to return to You praying that You will always have compassion on Your creation.