Read: Psalm 136
 
God’s love endures forever.  What blessed assurance Psalm 136 is during this Lenten season.  The Psalm begins with a song of praise thanking God for the great wonders that he has done.  The Psalm continues by recounting some of the trials that the ancient Israelites endured, and after each trial, the refrain is, “His love endures forever.”  Is this your refrain during Lent?  Can this be your refrain during your life’s journey as you face trials and temptations?  List the trails and struggles that you are currently dealing with.  Then count your blessings, name them one by one.  Your blessings are a testament to God’s love that endures forever.  In the words of Psalm 136, Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.
 
Dear God, when I get discouraged or overwhelmed by the trials, temptations and evil in this world, please help me to remember that your love endures forever, and that you will never leave me or forsake me.  Help me, Father to stand on your promises that are in the Bible.  Amen.
 
           
Dorrett Carroll

Read: Luke 15:25-32
 
This scripture tells us the story of the prodigal son in which Jesus talks about a father who had two sons.  The younger son took his inheritance and went away to live a life of sin.  The older son stayed at home to help his father. The older son hears about the younger son’s return and the celebration that his father is giving for the return of “a son who was dead and is now alive.”  The older brother is angry with his father.  He stayed home and worked hard for his father without any reward for his service.  But, let us look at the bigger picture.  When we sin and then ask God for forgiveness and repent of our sins, God shows us his compassion, mercy and grace.  This is what we should also exhibit and give to others who anger us.  We must learn to forgive others.  If we do not forgive others who wrong us, how can we expect God to forgive our sins.  Let us remember to praise God, give him honor and glory for what he has done for us.  And remember to live our lives like Jesus would live.
 
Please heavenly Father, grant us wisdom, peace, compassion, love and blessings.  Help us with our daily walk in this life.  I pray in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
 
Carolyn Chambers-Powell

Read: Luke 15:1-7
 
The scripture lays out a description of what it means when we are tempted and misled in life.  But it also outlines the significance of what it means to our heavenly father when we return to his will.  The significance of a lost soul is compelling.  In Luke 15:10 it mentions that even the angels in heaven rejoice when someone becomes a believer in Christ.  It is a delightful moment when a person returns to the righteous path after falling into a sinful nature.  Additionally, it is a delightful moment when someone who had never engaged in seeking the gospel receives Christ as their savior.
 
Jesus describes the power of love in both passages.  It was the love of bringing a lost one home and it is the power of love that has one rejoicing when a lost soul has decided that without our heavenly father we can find ourselves in a desperate situation that may keep spiraling downward.  Sometimes our father will allow us to “lean to thy own understanding” so we can see how erroneous situations can get when we allow ourselves to be tempted by worldly influences.  However, it is a joy to help guide someone out of despair and a troublesome life into the arms of Christ and his holy word.
 
When we repent, it is the picture of a lost soul who has returned.  Through God’s grace and mercy, we have that opportunity to rebound and turn away from the temptation which caused us to fall into sin.  But it also is a joy when one who is unfamiliar with the gospel leaves their old life for the life of the eternal one.  It is a joy to feel the power of love and to comprehend the sacrifice Jesus made and how his care and love for us will bring our lost souls back home.
 
Heavenly Father, we are so grateful with the agape love you provide for us.  We are very grateful for the grace and mercy you give us.  We are grateful you allow us to show you the appreciation of your love by continuing to engage in your words and not be conformed to the world.  Thank you for sending your son, Jesus. Amen
 
Jeff Fox

Read: Deuteronomy 15:10-11
 
            When I first read this scripture, my thought was what does generous giving have to do with Lent and Easter.  After overnight meditation, it became clear to me that the Old Testament and the New Testament have a lot in common.  It is all about love.  God our father always provides for us.  And when he generously gives to us, we need to spread the blessings to others.  God so loved us that he gave his own son for our redemption, Jesus came on earth, lived among us and died for our sins.  Because of that gift, Jesus became our mediator between us and God our father (whom I call my best father).
 
            I decided to give regularly my offerings no matter how many financial problems I have.  I increased my giving to 10 percent of all my raises at word and I noticed that I always have some money in my purse all year round.  To God be the glory!  Recently I decided to give a donation to a ministry of God’s kingdom which I haven’t done yet.  But he knows my heart (I am just waiting for the funds) so he already provided and reduced by monthly living expenses a little more than my gift.  This means I am blessed 12 times my giving.
 
            Heavenly Father, I pray that my witness in this devotion may be a blessing to all the people who read it and praise your name for the ultimate gift you have given us.  Jesus Christ was, is and always will be the generous gift to the world.  Help us to do likewise.  Amen.
 
Afi Logbo
(from 2005 Lenten Devotion)

Read: Joshua 5:12
 
The biblical tradition of Passover goes back to Exodus where it celebrated Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the forces of destruction, or the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites.  And in this part of the book of Joshua as noted in the scripture reference, its celebration here - their first in the land of Canaan - marks well this transition as the people of God.  They have been protected through their journey of wondering in the wilderness.
 
Their wondering season lasted for 40 years.  And for those 40 years, their sustenance was provided by God in the form of manna.  Each morning, except on the Sabbath, they would gather just enough and this sweet white substance that fell from heaven tasted like honey.  However, when the people of Israel arrived in the Promised Land, the manna ceased.  The Passion Translation of Joshua 5:12 tells us that On that day, when they ate the produce of the land, the manna stopped falling from heaven.  The Israelites never ate manna again, but that year they enjoyed the fruit of the land of Canaan.
 
This symbolism of manna provided by God in the desert, represents the spiritual nourishment needed during times of difficulties, hardship or seasons of spiritual "wilderness" or “wondering.”
 
The Israelites, once they entered the Promised Land, could sustain themselves from the produce of the land.  This verse is often interpreted in a Lenten context as a representation of the idea that once we receive the "true food" of Christ, we no longer need temporary spiritual sustenance, signifying a transition from reliance on outward practices and rituals, to a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
 
Everlasting Father, During this time of fasting and reflection, help us to focus on receiving the full grace of Christ.  Because you sent your one and only son, Jesus, we have access to you.  Help us to live a life fully nourished by our relationship with you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
 
 
Nikeisha Ogletree

Read: Ruth 2:7
 
            It took a lot of courage for Ruth to go to the field of Boaz to glean, even though her mother-in-law had instructed her to do so.  She knew that in that time there was always some left for the gleaners, the underprivileged, but she was a Moabite and a woman.  What chance did she have?  But Ruth had been courageous all along.  She had left all that was familiar to her to accompany her mother-in-law back to her home.  Though recently bereaved herself, she did what in her heart she knew was right.  Little did she know that Boaz would know of her situation and show favor to her.
 
            There is a lesson in this story for us during this Lenten season.  Ruth set her eyes on Bethlehem because she knew it was the right thing to do.  Jesus set his eyes on Jerusalem because he knew it was what he had to do.  How often do we set our sights on what we know is right and then get sidetracked, forget the higher goal, fall by the wayside?
 
            There’s a hymn that puts it this way -
 
Turn your eyes on Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face,
And things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace.

Read: Psalm 32:8-11
 
Okay I have to admit I lost count of how many times I read this scripture as well as from how many different translations trying to figure out where to go with it….so please forgive me if it seems I missed the mark…ahhh, there it is...forgiveness, let me see if I can unpack forgiveness and this scripture.  Surely we all know that we are sinners and Christ died for our sin but that doesn’t mean we have a clean slate, that we can just go around committing transgressions without even giving it a second thought and not bother to ask God for forgiveness, no, no, no…here is what I feel this scripture is saying to us.
We need to go directly to God, do not pass go, do not collect, (oops, I digress) and confess our sin, yes our sin not anyone else’s or what they may have done, you know play that game we are all so good at, the blame game.  We should not try to hide our sin, because, well, God already knows what we have done, and once we have confessed our transgression it is not time to go about doing our own thing, to be like a stubborn mule set in our ways, turning a deaf ear to the Lord, no this is the time we need to open our ears and our heart and listen because God will guide and instruct us on the path to righteousness.  And don’t think you can hide your sin, well you can try but you are sure to find yourself experiencing many woes, and who wants that…not me…no, put your trust in God’s mercy and honestly confess your sin to him and you will be restored as you experience his unfailing love which never fails to forgive us no matter the sin, and that my sisters and brothers is most assuredly a reason to be glad, sing, and rejoice!!!
 
Thank you Jesus for giving your life for our sins, help us to always remember to come to you to honestly confess our transgressions and to be open and ready to hear and follow your guidance and instruction. Amen.
 
Cindy Harding,
Certified Lay Servant

Read: Psalm 32:1-7
 
Whenever my two years younger brother and I were with my paternal grandmother as kids, she would pray for us at bedtime.  Also my mother filled in when we weren't living with my grandmother.  As I grew older, I learned that God was always more ready to listen than I was to pray.  Then as an adult, praying morning and evening became an essential part of my life.
 
It's clear the psalmist speaks as an adult but he/she didn't get there without some instruction from others more mature in prayer.  Psalm 32 is one such mature source.  Verses 1-2 tell that one reason to pray is to seek forgiveness for our sins.  Verses 3-4 show the consequences of not seeking forgiveness in prayer.  Then verse 5 shows God's response to seeking forgiveness and verses 6-7 tells us how we grow closer to God.
 
 
Jim Langworthy

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