Lent Day 6

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Scripture - Psalm 44

Devotion

The Psalmist remembered what God had done for his ancestors. God had driven the Canaanites out of the Promised Land. God did this because of his love for them.

But things were not going well in the psalmist’s time. They were beat by the enemy. The writer asked God, “Why have you forgotten us as we face death?”

However the psalmist did not give up, but asked God’s help. Thus he displayed his faith in God.

What took place in Old Testament times applies today. We can go to God with our problems and ask for help. God wants his followers to have faith and praise him. We can discover the power of God’s love and forgiveness.

God is always with us. Consider that suffering is not a punishment but it is a way for us to strengthen our trust and faith, continue to believe and follow the Lord.

 Prayer

Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord, praise the Lord.  Amen. (Psalm 150:6)

Lent Day 5

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Scripture

Psalm 103

Devotion

O my soul!

My gracious Lord,

I praise you.

My Holy Father, I see you.

My Holy Spirit, you need our praise.

Jesus Christ is great!

Heavenly Father, work your wonders.

Judge us when gone from earth.

I praise you now.

When man was created, he was great

But he was blown away by the wind.

Now bless all and my heavenly soul.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, you are to be praised. Work your wonder on us that we may be able to stand. Return us to the creation we were intended to be. Bless us, we pray. Amen. 

Lent Day 4

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Scripture

Psalm 42

Devotion

Watching the nightly news, there is always enough ‘bad news’ to go around. The economy is in the dumps, little real progress is being made in our war against terrorism, and the politicians in Washington (and elsewhere around the country) show no sign of cooperating in getting us out of this mess we are in. the news is so depressing.

Things weren’t always this way. Like the psalmist, we long for the ‘good times’ again. We want things to be like they once were. So, what are we to do?

The psalmist reminds us – our trust is to be in God. Our hope and strength is in God who will be with us no matter what. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”

Prayer

Loving God, our hope is in you. Give us life. We thirst for you. We trust you. We praise you. Amen.

Lent Day 3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Scripture

Psalm 35

Devotion

God does not judge you or make fun of you when you are down. God does not hate anyone but he loves everyone. God does not expect everyone to be perfect, loving and not judging everyone you meet.

But what a place this would be if we all got to know one another and not let what others tell you or how they look stop you from accepting them as a person.

Know that whatever you look like, God loves you and accepts you for who you are.

Prayer

God of Grace, you do love us. Even when we are who we are, you love us. Wow! Help us to be who you have created us to be. And help us always to accept others as you have accepted us. Amen.

Lent Day 2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Scripture

Psalm 31

Devotion

I think this scripture is talking about how we are trusting in the Lord for protection.

During the 2008 flood, many people were affected negatively by the water. Many people had to leave their homes. Some people relied on churches for shelter. In doing that, I believe, they were trusting in God for protection.

There have also been many other instances where I and many other people have had to trust completely in God for protection. We confess our sins and ask for God’s forgiveness and protection.

The lesson in this Psalm is that we should always trust in God for protection.

Prayer  

Great and Glorious God, you are strong when we are not. Protect us, we pray. Guard us from those things that would destroy us. Care for all of us in our times of need. Amen.

Lent Day 1

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Scripture

Psalm 102

Devotion

Psalm 102 talks about a prayer of an afflicted man when he is faint and pours out his lament before the Lord. He wants the Lord to hear him praying and answer him. He talks about himself forgetting to eat, and that he is reduced to skin and bones. He talks about how his enemies taunt him all day, like our enemies might taunt us. He says the Lord will respond to his prayers and he will not disguise their plea.

God will listen and answer our prayers. The psalmist says all the kings of the earth will revere his glory and the Lord will rebuild Zion. The Lord will be the only king in the world.

Prayer

Merciful Lord, you care deeply about all your creation. You hear our prayers. You know our needs. Help us Lord. Give us what we need Lord, for we need you. Amen.