Read: Luke 13:1-9
 
During Lent, we are called to examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and draw closer to God.  In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus addresses two difficult situations - tragic deaths at the hands of Pilate and an accident where a tower collapsed.  The people assumed these victims must have been more sinful than others, but Jesus quickly corrects this thinking.  He reminds them - and us - that all need to repent, for none of us are exempt from sin.
 
Jesus then tells a parable of a barren fig tree.  For three years, it had not produced fruit, and the owner was ready to cut it down.  But the gardener interceded, asking for one more year to cultivate and fertilize the tree, hoping it would bear fruit.  This parable is a reminder of God’s patience and grace.  He gives us opportunities to turn away from sin and bear fruit in our lives, but he also calls us to action.
 
Reflection: Lent is a season of spiritual pruning.  Are there areas in my life that are unfruitful?  Have you been delaying repentance, thinking you have plenty of time?  Jesus warns that we should not take God's patience for granted.  The time for change is today.
 
Action: Spend time during this blessed Lenten season to reflect on any facets of your life where repentance is needed.  Ask God to help you bear fruit in ways that honor him - through kindness, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
 
Lord, during this Lenten season, help me to see where I need to repent and bear fruit in my life.  Thank you for your patience and grace.  Give me a heart that seeks you daily and a life that reflects your love. Amen.
 
 
Franklin Cole

Read: I Corinthians 10:12-13
 
God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  While I find these subjects slightly interesting in a church history and theology kind of way, I couldn't write two hundred words let alone two thousand on either one.  There should be no division in the body, but that it's parts should be of equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.  If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
 
Perhaps this is why the apostle Paul devoted three chapters of the book of I Corinthians to the subject of spiritual gifts to give us hope.  If the Corinthian church was anything like our churches, it was filled with members devaluing their gifts and coveting everyone else's.  Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, determined to set them straight.  There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work.
 
God grant me the power to see the needs of those around me.  May I touch a hurting heart and rejoice in an achiever's success.  Amen.
 
Jim & Joana Quartey

Read: I Corinthians 10:1-11
 
Learning from the Past
 
"Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did."  I Corinthians 10:6 (NIV)
 
During Lent, we journey through a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal.  Paul’s words in I Corinthians 10:1-11 serve as a powerful reminder of the lessons we can learn from those who have gone before us.  He recalls the story of the Israelites in the wilderness how they experienced God’s miracles yet still fell into idolatry, sin, and unbelief.  Their story serves as both a warning and an invitation.
 
Lent is a time to examine our hearts.  Are we clinging to God, or are we drifting toward the same pitfalls that trapped the Israelites; idolatry, grumbling, or a lack of trust?  Paul reminds us that these stories are not just history but lessons for us today.  They call us to turn away from sin and toward God’s grace.  As we reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, let us take this time to ask: Where in my life do I need to realign my heart with God?  The season of Lent is not just about avoiding sin but about embracing the transforming power of Christ’s sacrifice.
 
Lord, help us to learn from the past so that we may walk more faithfully with you.  Reveal any areas in our lives that need to change and give us the strength to trust in your grace.  As we journey through Lent, draw us closer to you.  Amen.
 
 
Agatha Nicol

Read: Psalm 63:5-8
 
The King James Version indicates: My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips". The passage continues, "When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches"
 
In this passage, David expresses his joy and satisfaction in God.  He compares the joy of worship to the satisfaction of eating rich food, also expresses his trust in God and his confidence that God will protect him.  "Marrow and fatness" refer to the abundance of grace for me and my entire family, with spiritual delight and refreshment in the word and ordinances in our daily lives.
 
 
Sam Dina

Read: Psalm 63:1-4
 
            In this reading, David was in the wilderness of Judah.  He calls upon his God to strengthen his faith to survive in a land where there was no water.  He lifted up his hands and praised God’s name because his life would become better if he stayed strong in the Lord.
 
            I have gone through so much this past year, kept in mind that the god I serve, is always there for me.  He won’t put upon me any more than I can bear.  Though my trials may seemed hard to me, I prayed to my God and he told me to have faith and believe in him, for he would make everything all right.  I felt his love and it strengthened me to go on each day.  So go to God in prayer when you feel that your faith is beginning to bet weak.
 
Lord God, give me strength to go on.  Keep my faith strong to believe that you are always there for me.  Place your shield of armor around me to protect me from negative thoughts that will weaken my faith in you.  Amen
 
 
Virginia Stinson-Brown

Read: Psalm 22
 
Have you ever felt like you were distant from those around you and you were lonely?  Has there ever been a time when no matter how hard you tried nothing seemed to have worked and you started to question everything?  How do you respond when these in situations?
 
The psalmist in this passage is experiencing some of these emotions.  He has been calling to God and has wondered why he is in his current situation.  He feels distant from God based on what is happening around him.
 
            A, but even in his situation, he acknowledges that he still cannot do it alone and he is totally reliant on God.  He knows how Go has moved and calls on God to be near him.  He knows who to call on when the going gets tough.  Verse 19, “But you, Lord, do not be far from me.  You are my strength; come quickly to help me.”  He is honest in the feelings he is encountering as he writes this psalm, but he continues to call on the name of the Lord.  He understands that through it all God is in control.  Verse 22, “I will declare your name to my people, in the assembly I will praise you.”
 
            In our lives today we can encounter challenges at any time.  This psalm is a great reminder that no matter what may be going on, it is so important to keep our eyes focused on the one who made us, who comforted us when we were sad, healed us when we were sick and loves us unconditionally.
 
Father God, please help us keep our eyes focused on you.  We thank you for all that you are and all that you do.  We give you all the praise and glory.  Amen.
 
Greg Richards
Certified Lay Servant
(from 2020 Lenten Devotion)

Read: Isaiah 55:1-5
 
For the past year, I have been volunteering with a nonprofit, serving Prince George's County with food, clothing and accessories, personal hygiene, baby diapers, toys, books, and small kitchen and household items.  As community members shop for what they want among the displayed items, I see firsthand some needs of the community, the importance of sharing, and the blessings associated with helping one another.
The scripture reading for today highlights a different kind of community giveaway.  Through the prophet Isaiah God has invited the public - all of us- to come to his offering of water to quench our spiritual thirst.  Isaiah hinted that money should be spent on bread, which is good and rich food that is sustenance for the body and spirit.  He also hinted that labor should be on that which satisfies, that is, used to serve God and God's creation.  Accepting this invitation leads to delight in the richness of God, joining the everlasting covenant, and sharing the gospel.
During this Lenten season, as we reflect on the life and work of Jesus Christ as he prepared for the work on the cross, we can hear the echoes of Isaiah's words.  We saw Jesus humbly serving the poor, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and diseased.  We saw Jesus feasting with the rich, conversing with the religious leaders, socializing with members of his community, and attending community events.  He invited all to come to his offering of physical and spiritual food.  He showed the importance of living in a community and laboring in work that satisfies.  He served God, by serving the community.
Today we who are called to be God's hands and feet must follow the instructions of the prophet Isaiah and the examples of Jesus Christ.  We are called to spend on food that is good and rich to nourish the body, soul, and spirit.  We are called to serve God and join in his everlasting covenant of love and to live as Jesus lived.
 
Dear God as we journey through this Lenten season, I ask that you open our ears to your voice calling and the voices of those calling for help.  I pray that you will strengthen us to serve you by serving those in our community who are desperate, hurting, and feeling lost. May your love flow through us to bring love, peace, and hope in this broken world.  I pray in Jesus' mighty name.  Amen.
 
 
Pamella Miller

Read: Luke 13:33-35
 
Fear Not for I Am with You
 
Luke 13:31-35 begins with a warning from the Pharisees for Jesus about Herod’s plan to kill him.  The course has been set; there is no turning back, even though the news about Herod’s threat upon Jesus’ life is ominous, nevertheless, Jesus continues on his mission.
 
Today, people are facing a time of uncertainty with anxiety and fear permeating the whole community.  It is difficult to evaluate the motives of some of the current executive policies whether or not these warnings are either sincere or representative of a real threat, they seem problematic.  There are hints, however, of hard times ahead.  We thus cannot dismiss the motives as necessarily “business as usual” or it would never affect me, how about our neighbors, our friends, classmates, coworkers, our children schoolmates, our babysitters, those struggling parents etc.  Whatever the purposes are, Who knows?  Perhaps Jesus Christ prepared us for just such a time as this.  This is the time to go down on our knees and intercede through our prayers for those vulnerable in our communities.  “I will answer them before they even call to me.  While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.” (Isaiah 64:24)
 
In situations that are far beyond our control, let us remember the words our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; “come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, I will help you, and I will uphold you with my righteous right hand until these calamities pass by.” These are God’s promises for us.
 
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, you are my refuge and my fortress, in you I put my trust.  I will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday, God’s goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Amen
 
Dipo Ogunrinde

Read: Luke 13:31-32
 
When I saw a fox in my backyard the other day, I almost jumped out of my skin.  I have since been reassured by both friends and neighbors that foxes are not usually aggressive to people; but I just do not trust them. It is no surprise to me that biblically, “foxes are associated with craftiness and deception.”
 
In fact, in Luke 13:31 when urged by the Pharisees to, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow ....” (Luke 13:32). He speaks of the sneaky, deceiving, foxy Herod who had John the Baptist killed and now seeks to bate him. Herod fears the threat to his power and position by this “new King of the Jews.”  But Jesus’s focus remains on his mission here on earth and his response includes the prophecy of his death and resurrection, i.e., “and on the third day I will reach my goal.” (Luke 13:32).
 
I am in awe of Jesus’s stance in this scripture.  He is neither threatened nor deterred by the Pharisees warning.  Instead, Jesus refuses to stop working and ultimately dies for our sins, opening the door to eternal life with the Father.  Hallelujah!  Jesus was standing on business as our youth would say.  As God’s children going forward in 2025, this example reminds us that in order to continue Jesus’s ministry here on earth, not only do we have to stay the course, but we must put on the armor of Christ like character and conviction too.
 
Lord, help us to resist all the daily trappings and distractions we meet along the way, especially the temptation of clicks, likes and followers.  May our actions reflect Jesus. Amen.
 
 
Yulanda Swindell

Read: Philippians 3:17-4:1
 
In this scripture Paul has said to his brothers and sisters to pattern your lives after Christians and notice who else lives up to the example.  For you have been told that there are many who walk with Christians who are really adversaries of the teaching of Christ.  They are proud of what they should be ashamed of and all they think about is this life, here on earth.  
 
As Christians, our “homeland” is in heaven, where the Savior (the Lord Jesus Christ) is and we are looking forward to his return.  When he returns, he will change our broken and sickly bodies into a transformed body that we will have long after Jesus’s resurrection.
 
The Lord loves you and longs to see you, for you are his pride and joy and his reward for his work on earth.
 
 
Angela Glenn

Read: Psalm 27:6-14
 
It seems like every time I tune in to news stories these days, all the news is bad.  Fires, floods and famines are rising around the world and governments and corporations are backing away from their responsibilities to respond to climate change.  All the “isms” seem to be increasing both here and abroad - authoritarianism, racism, sexism, etc. while basic freedoms are diminishing.  Basically, the world is going to hell in a hand-basket and there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about it so why not just check out and ignore it all!  Psalm 27 gives a different perspective, though.  Instead of falling into despair and apathy, David’s words urge us to “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”  In the midst of these trials, “I remain confident of this: I [we] will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”.
 
In the midst of these dark times, let us not lose hope.  Let us all seek the Lord and ask to be led in a straight path.  Let us seek opportunities every day to support and uplift those around us who may be downtrodden and be a light in these dark times in whatever way we can.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen
 
 
 
Martha Shrader

Read: Psalm 27:1-5
 
There’s a practice in the mental health field called 333, that guides people struggling with anxiety, reminding them in times of stress to name three things they can see, hear and touch.  In our verse for today, the psalmist David uses the power of prayer and proclamation to declare three things he can trust in, seek after, and hope for:

1. You can trust in the light and salvation of God and pray to remain fearless in times of trouble
2. You can daily seek after the Lord and the beauty and faithfulness of God to keep you safe by realizing that the living God and God’s Holy temple is within you
3. You can hope in the promises of God that can give you an assured confidence, not in yourself but in the steadfastness of the sovereign power of God in Christ Jesus.

 
Look around you and identify the goodness that you see, identify the encouraging things you hear (whether it’s a singing bird or a kind word); touch the tangible things in your world (whether it’s thru a hug or the fabric of your garment) and give thanks to the Lord who has kept you safe and alive with purpose unto this day.
 
 Gracious and merciful God of all creation, fill us with spirits of hope and gratitude and grant us ever-growing confidence and faith in your grace and loving kindness to strengthen us this and every day. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, amen.
 
Marci Matthews

Read: Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14
 
            (This passage is a precursor to the well-known exodus of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt.  God’s plagues did not melt Pharaoh’s heart, and the Hebrews were skeptical to say the lease.)
 
            God is not mincing words here.  God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron on how the Hebrews can save themselves from God’s final and most devastating plague against Egypt.  God’s intent is very clear - God is Lord!  God will fulfill God’s promise to save them.  So God changes the calendar and gives explicit details on when and how God’s orders are to be completed:  On the tenth day of that month, choose a lamb for each household; share with a neighbor if your household is too small, because all the lamb has to be consumed and portions have to be manageable.  Slaughter the lamb on the 14th day and use the lamb’s blood to make the door posts and so spare the Hebrews when the Lord’s death vengeance passed through.  Orders on how to dress and how to consume the meal, and finally how to celebrate this memorable occasion as a festival forever.  (Now known as the ‘Passover’).  Follow God’s orders and be saved.
 
            Fast forward to our current Easter weekend.  According to the Gospels, the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion coincided with the festival of Passover.  Coincidence?  Or part of the plan to save us?  John actually places the crucifixion on the 14th day and refers to Jesus as the ‘sacrificial lamb.’  Another awesome memorial that culminated on Easter!  Free pardon mercy and grace for all!!  Freedom from personal slavery!  The resurrection on Easter fulfills the promise of a Savior.
 
            Are we accepting God’s instructions for our salvation, even now?  Or is skepticism winning?
 
            O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be thou our guide while life shall last; and our eternal home.  (Isaac Watts)
 
Merlyn Drummond
(from 2016 Lenten Devotion)

Read: Genesis 15:1-6
 
God Promises A Son to Abram
 
Lesson from His Life:
 
Live for God and you’re likely to be at the right place at the right time.  Examine your heart.  To whom or what is your greatest loyalty?  If you can honestly answer God, you are living for him.
 
Our outward actions such as: church attendance, prayer, good deeds-will not by themselves make us right with God.  A right relationship based on faith - the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do.  Right actions will follow naturally as by-products.
 
 
Michele Jackson
 

Read: Romans 10:8b-13
 
I remember when I was in tenth grade staying in the Boarding Home, we had to be going to Youth for Christ on Saturday and Scripture Union on Sunday.  Different schools attended this revival.  We were very glad to leave our Hostel to see other friends.  We were not going to listen to the word of God but to meet our friends.  Some of the Christian songs were very inspiring, such as He Lives, He lives within my heart and also what can make me whiter than snow.
 
My observation is that God offers salvation to every individual regardless of our ethnic background.  Salvation comes through believing in Jesus.  No amount of good works can ever be sufficient to win God’s approval.  Secondly, the songs inspired me to be attending the revival.  We were taught not to disobey our elders because we need not be punished.  Jesus is our father and we do not want him to punish us.  Thirdly, we should remember Jesus died for us for all our sins whether we are white or black, pink or red, purple or mauve.  We are all human being in the sight of God.  God blesses us all who put their trust in him.
 
Today, I encourage First Church to choose life so that you may also live.  I am so thankful that God has provided a way for us to remain in fellowship with him at all times.  I am blessed to know that his love and his word flows out of me and that I am never without him.  This is the word of faith that I proclaim today, may you be blessed by this revelation of God's wonderful plan for you, Amen!
 
II Corinthians chapter 5 verse 7 states for we walk by faith, not by sight.  This is my favorite hymn which I used as a prayer.
 
My faith looks up to Thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!  Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away, O let me from this day be wholly Thine!
 
Dorothea Williams

Read: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
 
When I read my Bible, I always look for how the particular passage is relating to me and my experiences.  My friends, this word is so timely and it is especially for you, right now.  Every day, we are besieged with the news of faithful public servants being fired from their jobs without justification and sweeping devastating decisions being made with no consideration for the consequences of these actions.  This creates fear and trepidation even among the most faithful saints among us.  Who is going to step in to help us?  Who is going to come to our aid and protect us?  These are the questions on our minds every day!
 
Let’s not forget that God is still God and is still in charge!  Take courage and solace from this scripture.  Let’s start with you.  Are you dwelling in the shadow of the most high or do you pop in now or then?  The importance of consistency in your walk with God, daily maintenance with prayer, reading the word and meditation is how you dwell in the shadow of the most high.  He is our refuge and our fortress.  A refuge is defined as a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.  In the Old Testament, fortresses were built on high ground with thick walls and strong gates to protect cities and territories from enemy attacks.  What an assurance!  God will keep his promise, but we have to put all of our trust in him despite all of the chaotic circumstances around us.
 
What happens when we trust God?  When life’s circumstance come against us, we can rest assured in the knowledge that when we call on him, God will answer.  He will be with us whenever we are in trouble.  He didn’t say that we would not ever have trouble, but rather that he will be with us to rescue and protect us and most importantly, to deliver us when we are in trouble. What are the lions and serpents that you are facing in your life?  Stand on God’s promise that if you constantly dwell in his shadow, he will be with you, deliver you and honor you.
 
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for your promise to be my fortress and refuge when I am attacked by the lion and the serpent.  Thank you!  Please keep me focused on you and nothing else during these trying times that we are in. Amen.
 
Marcia Cort

Read: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
 
An Attitude of Grace and Thanksgiving
 
What great things has the Lord done in your life?  Do you remember?
In the passage from Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Moses instructs the Israelites to recognize and express gratitude for the blessings they have received upon entering the Promised Land.  He emphasizes the importance of presenting the first fruits of the soil to the priest as an offering, which serves as a symbolic act of acknowledging God's provision and faithfulness.
As we contemplate these verses, we are reminded of gratitude's crucial role in our lives.  Just as the Israelites were enjoined to remember their journey and give thanks, we, too, are called to recognize how God has guided and blessed us.  Each day offers an opportunity to present our 'first fruits' - our time, talents, or resources - as a gesture of our devotion and acknowledgment of his goodness.
Reflecting on life's journey, like the Israelites, we often ponder the beginning and how we got there.  Moses responded, “Every road we travel, every choice we make was designed to bring us to this place God has chosen.  An attitude of thanksgiving requires us to embrace the bitterness and the sweetness of life's journey, taking comfort in knowing that we have been guided, cared for, and blessed.
Let us continuously strive for strength, always seeing the silver lining, wisdom to learn from every circumstance, and grace to extend kindness and gratitude to others.  In doing so, we create a rippling effect of positivity and love that transcends our immediate surroundings and touches the lives of many.
Let us take a moment to reflect on the journey we have undertaken, the challenges we have surmounted, and the blessings we have received.  As we do so, may our hearts be filled with a profound sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to live in a manner that honors and glorifies God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your unwavering love and faithfulness.  Help us remember the countless ways you have blessed us and encourage us to respond with grateful hearts.  May we give our best to you each day, recognizing that all we have comes from your generous hand.  In Jesus' name, amen.
 
Judith David Tanner
Certified Lay Servant

Read: Luke 4:1-14
 
Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ., the greatest gift, given to all mankind, was led by Holy Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting, and afterward was hungry.  The tempter (Satan/devil) came tempting/testing him three times, but, Jesus overcame the tempter each time with the word of God.  The tempter departed from Jesus until a more opportune time.  Jesus was tempted throughout his ministry but, overcame every temptation.  Being both divine and human, Jesus went through these temptations, being able to relate/sympathize with us, when we are tempted.  We are given a way of escape.  We have the word of God, Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus to cover us...help in the time of need.  In this life, we are often tested, but we have opportunity to repent and God forgives and throws it into the sea of forgetfulness to remember it no more.  We will be strengthened, able withstand the wiles (tricks) of the enemy.  He can't get to God, so he comes trying to steal, kill and destroy those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  We have a choice, to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and live (gain eternal life) or reject him and suffer eternal damnation, apart from God. 
 
God had a plan to save us from a life of sin, shame, and give us a more abundant and eternal life.  The first Adam sinned, but Jesus, known as the second Adam, was tempted, yet, without sin!  He who knew no sin became sin for us and our salvation.  He atoned for the sins of the world...thank You Lord!  Jesus paid a debt he did not owe, for the debt we could not pay.
 
The song goes, "Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe.  Sin has left it's crimson stain.  He'll wash it white as snow."  Another is "Yield not to temptation for yielding is sin, each victory will help us some other to win."  Because of Jesus' sacrifice, overcoming sin and gaining the victory, we also can overcome and have victory as well.
 
Lord, how we love you, give you all the glory, honor and praise for your plan to save us from the tempter.  We look forward to your coming again, to gather your own unto yourself.  Help us to put on the full armor of God, so we can stand and be suited for the battle, but it's you who will fight the battle, win and gain the victory.  Amen
 
Mary DeaVone
 

Read: Psalm 51:1-17
 
“Give Me a Clean Heart”
 
            Lent is a time of reflection and repentance.  Our scripture is a Psalm by David after he had committed a sin with Bathsheba and he wanted to be right with God again.  The psalm is a prayer for forgiveness.  Salvation saves the sinner but does not take away his ability to sin.  Anyone who claims total sinless perfection once they are saved is in a terrible state of self-deception.
 
            Sin cannot take away our salvation, but it does tear us down spiritually and emotionally.  As long as we occupy our bodies there will be the capacity for sin.  David hurt a lot of people in his yield to temptation when he slept with Bathsheba but ultimately his sin was against a holy God.
 
            David was broken because he had hurt God.  This is the difference between a slave and a son.  The slave fears the master’s whip, but the son fears the father’s displeasure.  If you fear only the punishment of sin, you had better check your salvation.  A true Christian weeps not over the consequences of his actions, but he weeps because he has offended and displeased his heavenly father.  David has lost his joy and he wants it back.
 
            Joy is the by-product of a right relationship with God.  If true joy is missing in your life it’s because something has gotten between you and God.  Sin sours the spirit.  Sin can cause spiritual indigestion.  The only solution or cure is repentance.  David confessed his sins and God’s right to judge.  God is not looking for excuses or alibis, he is looking for honesty.  If you want to be right with God, you must come clean.  David requested cleansing - when we allow God to cleanse us, great things take place.  The mountain of our guilt is removed.  Our condemnation is taken away.  Our sin is buried in the grave of forgetfulness.  God removes the penalty and pollution of our sin.  He restores our joy and receives us back into close fellowship with himself.
 
            Thank you God for sending your son to take away our sins and transforming us to new life.
 
Rev. Dr. E. Allen Stewart
Consulting Pastor