Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Friday, March 19

By Rev. Eldon A. Moore, February, 1981

There is Life!

Read: Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

It will be our hope for a better tomorrow that will keep us going today. Our faith is one of hope. In the New Testament world, God in Christ gave hope to a world which had no hope, and in today’s world we still have this same hope.

Ours is a faith that tells us no man need despair, for God is good and merciful, and active in the affairs of each of us. We don’t always have to accept situations as they are. We can help create circumstances and not merely adjust to them. Creativity is a God-given capacity. Man creates his own hopes, but God fulfills them. God is working his purposes in each of us. He will change us, discipline us, save us from futility. His steadfast love endures. Such an attitude of hope will not fail us. It is like a true compass to guide us.

Not too many days ago, while I was raking long fallen leaves in our backyard on a cold dismal day, and pondering the troubles of the world-what should appear from under the decaying leaves, but a tender green fern to remind me that no one should give in to despair or hopelessness.

There is life! There is light! There is hope! Yea, wait for the Lord!

Prayer

Dear God, help us to find new meaning in our faith as we put our trust and our hope in Thee. We praise Thee that Lent is a time that renews the vision of our life in Christ, our hope, and our joy. Amen.    

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Thursday, March 18

By Carl M. Bennett, March 17, 1979

The Loss of Power

Read: 1 Chronicles 29:12

On a recent winter morning, I drove to the campus of one of our Holston Conference Colleges where I am Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In mid-afternoon of the day before my visit, the entire area experienced a cold rain which was accompanied by freezing wind. The combination of these two forces of nature caused trees and their limbs to be covered with thick layers of ice.

When I reached the campus, the weight of the ice had already caused many tree limbs to break and fall to the ground. Trees that had not broken were leaning toward the ground. An Executive Committee Meeting was just getting ready to start in the library when all of the lights in the building went out. A tree limb broke at that moment, fell across the electric wires leading to the library and pulled the wires loose from the source of the electric power.

The power for our lives comes from God. The strength for our bodies comes from God. So long as we hold God’s hand we can receive the power to do great things, bring honor to our families and our associates and ourselves. Riches, whatever we conceive them to be, are possible through God’s powerful hand.

At times, when we have experiences that are difficult, unpleasant and unrewarding, we may feel that everything is against us. At such times we may have doubts not only about ourselves but about our connection with God. We may feel a loss of power.

When these things happen we need only stop and reassure ourselves that nothing can separate us from the love of God. All we need to do is reach out in prayer in order to find that God’s hand, with his strength and power, is always within reach. Then we will know that the connection has not been broken.

Prayer

Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the strengths in our lives. We pray that we may never forget that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.         

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Wednesday, March 17

By John Scott, February 13, 1978

Jesus is God’s Child

Read: John 14:6-7

Our Church School Class of Fifth Graders recently studied how God reveals Himself in Jesus. The previous Sunday, Lila Boehms had suggested that the children bring a baby picture of themselves and everyone brought one, including the teachers.

The class enjoyed guessing which picture belonged to whom. They noticed how a child often resembled a parent or a brother or sister. We discussed how children also can resemble a parent by facial expressions, gestures and in the way they express themselves. One can tell a lot about a parent from observing their child.

Likewise, we can tell a lot about God by studying about Jesus. Jesus is God’s child – Jesus “takes after” God.

Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you                     would know my father as well.”

Prayer

Our Heavenly Father, may your plan for our lives be revealed to us through the early life of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Tuesday, March 16

By Harvey and Kayla Carruth, April 1, 1979

Have You Hugged Your Kid Today?

Read: Romans 12:9a,10 (The Living Bible)

The popular bumper-sticker whose inscription appears above brings a haunting question to mind. Have you noticed how quickly time passes and before you know it those you love are suddenly “just not around anymore?” The one who used to be the baby is now into soccer and basketball-diapers and baby bottles are things of the past. Our little girl is suddenly eleven and going on eighteen! Family members are located hundreds of miles away. Parents, who never grow old, have joined the ranks of the retired. Even close friends are frequently transferred and move far away.

How often do we fail to express the love we have for family members and friends? Do we just assume that they will know we love them? To be sure, we have only the best of intentions but somehow those important words go unspoken until it is too late.

In John Powell’s book The Secret of Staying in Love, there is an account of a man whose father has just died in his arms.

His mother looked at him and said, “Oh, he was so proud of you. He loved you so much.” As tears streamed down the young man’s face he realized that he wasn’t crying because his father was dead but rather because his father never told him that he was proud of him and that he loved him. The son was just expected to know the great part he played in his father’s life and the great part he occupied in his heart – but the son was never told.

What a waste! Why do we let it happen? How long has it been since we told someone how much we cared about them? Do so today – don’t wait until it is too late.

Prayer

Dear God, there is a wealth of unexpressed love in the world. Today, help us begin to say those simple but all important words that have for so long gone unspoken. Amen. 

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Monday, March 15

By Nancy Carmon, March 24, 2019

A Personal Discovery 

Read: Hebrews 4:15-16

Several years ago I participated in a Walk to Emmaus, an intensely personal three-day weekend Christian retreat. Attendees, pilgrims, are challenged to silence, prayer, and contemplation with workshops, small group discussions, great meals, singing, worship, daily communion and finally commitment or “Fourth Day”.

The first event was the challenge of self-denial. Just as Jesus went into the wilderness to contemplate his mission and was met with temptation, we were asked to discover our own personal temptations. Was it pleasures “of the flesh”, personal comforts, eating, drinking? Was it personal goals, life in the world and the sometimes-overwhelming concerns of daily living? Was it power and prestige given by others and society? For me it was the surrender of self-will, letting go of my own desires and plans, and opening myself up to the possibilities of a God-filled life.

Perhaps Lent and practice of “giving something up for Lent” is more about spiritual renewal and prayer than it is about what we plan to give up. Perhaps for me it is a time to revisit my temptations and to re-surrender myself. This Lenten season might be an opportunity for you to contemplate and pray about your temptations, to discover what pulls you from a faith-filled life, to recommit yourself to the vows you said when you joined the church – “to support the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness”…and then to surrender self.

Prayer

Holy God, Help me to discern your will for my life during these days ahead…to live within your will each day. Forgive my human weakness and my sin. Strengthen me to celebrate Easter with a new heart. In the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 14, Evening

By Ruth L. Defriese, April 3, 1976

Fountains of Life

Read Psalm 36:9

“For with thee is the fountain of life, in thy light shall we see light.”

A constant wonder to behold is a fountain with its spontaneous and constant flow of life giving water. The sureness of this ever flowing stream of water brings joy and satisfaction. There are numerous kinds of fountains and each in its own way serves a purpose.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating is the tiny bubbling clear stream to be discovered deep in the rocks and ferns of the mountains. When compared to the impressive multi-lighted high leaping fountains, this tiny bubbling mountain stream might seem insignificant. Yet how like the fountain is God’s plan for man.

Some individuals in their Christian endeavor reach spectacular heights while others might be compared to the tiny mountain stream. Each serves its purpose and each is dependent upon a deep inner source to fulfill its purpose.

Christians too are dependent on an inner source, which is the love of God, to fulfill their purpose in life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give each of us the wisdom, grace and understanding to know that with thee is the fountain of life. May our love be constant and may we serve thee joyfully and fulfill our purpose in life. Amen.

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Saturday, March 13

By Dona McConnell, Director, Beacon of Hope, April 19, 2019

Under the Bridge

Read: Luke 19:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

On my way to work at Beacon of Hope I pass under the bridge overpass where many homeless gather. People are hunched on the side of the street with blankets wrapped against the bitter cold.  There are people of all ages and races, males and females, young adults and children. Extreme poverty does not discriminate. Sometimes it’s especially hard to bear, like a recent day when I spied a young boy, maybe 12 or 13, wearing socks but no shoes.

I hear all the arguments. “They should get a job.” “They want to be homeless.” “They are all on drugs.” All I know for sure is that no one under the bridge is happy. No one grew up dreaming of this life. No one “prefers” being cold and hungry.

So what can I do? I can’t help everyone, but I can try to love those who are sometimes hard to love. During Lent, as we reflect on Jesus’ life and death, we can reflect also on his lessons of unconditional love. Jesus’ mission on earth was based on inclusion. He loved the poor, the homeless, the lepers, the sinners. No one, not even the thief on the cross beside him, was beyond the reach of His love. As a follower of Jesus, am I not also called to love those whose lives I may not understand?

This Lenten season, I’ve decided to pray every day for someone under the bridge. I’ll pray for them to escape the cycle of pain they’re in, regardless of the reason, and to get another chance at a life of blessing. I’ll try to remember that we all deserve equal measures of mercy as children of God.

Prayer

God of love, grant us the ability to love others, especially those who are lost in the world. Help us not to turn away from their pain, but to follow Jesus’ teachings and love them.

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Friday, March 12

By Rev. Rick Isbell, April 18, 2019

Being with the “Other”

Read: Luke 19:5-6

In our most recent trip to Israel, Sue and I had the opportunity to experience something we have never done before. In small groups of four, we had the unique experience of having supper with a Palestinian Christian family in their home. The family we visited with one Sunday evening lived on the outskirts of Bethlehem in Beit Sahour. After meeting in Bethlehem and being transported to their home, we set down around their kitchen table, ate supper with them, talked and learned of their lives as Palestinian Christians living in Israel. The mother was a teacher and the father was a builder who had built their entire beautiful 3 story limestone home himself. I did not know what to expect, how to interact with them and where the conversation would go. For about an hour and a half I was in the company of the “other” whom I did not know, had never seen before and was an American in a Palestinian home.

This beautiful experience caused me to remember that Jesus was always in the company of the “other”. He ate with people he did not know, he had conversation with persons very different from him, and yet the people were changed by his presence. It seems he associated with and told stories about the “others” of that biblical society…. tax collectors, prostitutes, extreme nationalists, handicapped persons, fishermen, Samaritans, persons with illnesses, women, children, etc.

This experience in January caused me to think how much you and I are around the “others” in our society. How much do we associate with and try to understand those who are different from us? If I had not chosen to be a part of this experience in our Holy Land trip, I would not understand the daily life and challenges of a Palestinian Christian family. Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone and be in fellowship with our neighbor. Where do you need to spend time with the “other” this Lenten season? It just might change your life.

Prayer

Help me God to see the “others” around me. Help me to be with, help and understand my neighbor so that I may have a heart like Christs this Lenten season.

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Thursday, March 11

By Ann Reego, April 18, 2019

Lunch with Jesus

Read: Matthew 25:40

Traditionally, Lent is a period of self-reflection and personal accountability. I see it, also, as a time to celebrate Jesus’ life and teachings. We hear sermons about answering His call, as the disciples did, and are challenged to look for ways to improve and enhance our own discipleship.

I have seen homeless and disenfranchised people walking our streets and standing at interstate exits asking for rides or money and have reacted in various ways. How can they live like that? Why don’t they shave or take a bath? Are they so emotionally disabled that they just dropped out of society? They make me so sad. Why? What? THEY.

This year I answered a call in the Messenger to work in the CSUMC Soup Kitchen. I found answers to my questions, although it’s not the answers that I expected.

#1—THEY are guests at our church every Thursday for lunch, and are welcomed at any time for   services on Sunday.

#2—THEY all have a face, a name and a story…just like me.

#3—THEY see life differently than I do – and that’s OK.

#4—THEY find joy in many experiences and are able to express their joy in life itself.

#5—THEY have the same needs as I do.

#6—THEY are not staying homeless just to get a free meal on Thursday.

#7—THEY are a real and present part of our society, and overlooking them or judging them will not make them go away.

Jesus did not qualify who received his love, his blessing, or his help. He offered his message freely to whoever was willing to accept it. Every Thursday morning, Church Street UMC does that, too!

I have made new friends. I have comforted someone who was feeling low. I have laughed and shared joy with people I would never have met. I have smiled more than I can ever remember.

And I get to have lunch with Jesus every Thursday! 

Prayer

Holy God, we are challenged to open our hearts and minds to everyone we meet. We pray to accept this challenge, for in doing so, we will see Christ. Amen.

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Wednesday, March 10

By Keith Biggers, March 11, 2018

Does Jesus Still Reign 2000 Years Later?

Read: John 21:15-17

It is a hot summer day in Atlanta and my truck is loaded with a couple hundred sack lunches. I park under a shade tree near several tenement apartments. Soon, I am surrounded by throngs of children. One little boy in particular likes to sit on the tailgate beside me as I pass out a simple lunch bag with a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a bag of chips and a milk. He looks at me and says, “I missed you yesterday, Mr. Biggers.” I realize I may be the only male role model in this child’s life at this moment.

Like hundreds of others throughout the city, I am a volunteer for M.U.S.T. Ministries, which stands for Ministries United in Service and Training. I started volunteering for M.U.S.T. to find something to do with my spare time after retirement, but I have found so much more. It is probably one of the best and most professionally run humanitarian operations in the country. What I learned from that operation, I have tried to apply on a small scale as Benevolence Team Leader at Church Street.

I am sometimes asked, “Do we really change people’s lives, or do we just enable a lifestyle?”That is a question I don’t ask myself anymore. Jesus said, “Feed my Sheep.” So, in answer to the question, “Does Jesus still reign after all these years”, I say, “Yes, but it is through us, His Church.”

Prayer

Sing Prayerfully…

“Jesus shall reign where’er the sun, does his successive journeys run; His kingdom spread from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more. Amen.” (By Isaacs Watts)

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