Read: Psalm 126:5-6
 
God sees our hearts so, he knows that v5-Those who sow with tears shall reap with in joy.  v6- He who continually goes forth weeping bearing seeds for sowing shall doubtless come again rejoicing amen.
 
When you sow like a farmer, you toil to prepare, you carry seeds and tools needed to plant with hope and perseverance, sometimes with tears because it can be uncomfortable & inconveniencing.  Likewise, in the journey of faith, while sowing the seeds of righteousness like pastors and people of God do, despite the difficulties, we keep hoping, keep expecting a bountiful harvest  Also in raising children you put up with sacrifices and denials all laden with hope and expectations.  In the classrooms with teachers and students, teaching and directing, persevere to impact knowledge.  
 
All these struggles will be replaced with future joy and celebrations.  Why?  Because we put all of our faith and trust in God believing that he will bring a harvest from the seeds sown.  He sees our struggles.  He sees our hearts and he will bring a good harvest from our struggles.  It takes a while for the seeds to germinate hence God’s timing and our ability to persevere, to wait, to endure to the end despite difficult and unexpected circumstances take the grace of God.  We can look forward to a future harvest of joy and celebrations because he sees our hearts.
 
God bless & keep us all Amen
Susan Osifade

Read: Isaiah 43:20-21
 
O, what a comforting reminder it is to know that even in the midst of peril, as the storms of life are raging, God is still with us.  He provides for us, even when it seems like we’re on the verge of calamity, he’s still there.  This passage emphasizes that God can make a way for us out of no way.  Even the dangerous and wild things of this world still worship the Lord.  His living water gives us the energy to keep moving forward and the hope to know that he has not abandoned us.  This passage also reminds us that if it had not been for the Lord on our side, where would we be?  
 
When we adopt a Christ-like perspective and view our trials through the lens of faith, we’re able to see God’s presence in our trials.  Even though we’re not able to see in the natural world how the Lord is working things out for us, rest assured that he’s behind the scenes making a way for us.
 
God, thank you for not abandoning us.  Your word says that in this world, we will have trouble - trouble and hard times unfortunately are a reality of life - but to be of good cheer for you have overcome the world. We take solace in the fact that your mighty hand is still upon us and that you, and you alone, will keep us safe.  We give honor to your holy name.  We magnify and praise you.  Amen.
 
 
Corey Beauford

Read: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
 
            In Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” it says in this Psalm that “God’s love never quits.”  When God seems far away, it is we who have moved not God.  We have put layers between us and God.
 
            God’s love is so strong and so sure that God gave Jesus to be crucified.  We cannot imagine what that sacrifice was.  As parents we know the love we feel for our children but can we imagine a love so strong that we would sacrifice our child.
 
            During Lent we prepare for Jesus’ death.  Without that death there can be no Easter - no resurrection.  Without that death there can be no Easter - no resurrection.  Without Good Friday we cannot know that God’s love never quits.  The resurrection cannot happen without death..
 
            If we skip from the parade and celebration of Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday without being part of the week in between, we cannot understand the full power of God’s love.  We cannot understand that God’s love never quits.
 
            Dear God, thank you for loving us with a love that never quits.  Help us to know that we can call on you at any time and you are there.  We know that your love is so big that it covers all of us.  Thank you for hearing our prayers and giving us what we need.  We pray in the name of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.
 
Donnalee Sanderson
(from 2016 Lenten Devotion)

Read: John 12:1-8
 
This story is very familiar to me.  I know, as a child, I didn’t get it at all!  “Perfume in your hair,” eww.  Then “wiping someone’s feet,” double eww!  But now as an adult, I think I get it more.  I have always identified with Mary.  It might be because I portrayed her in “The Twelve Other Disciples.”  She is a very cool character.  She is misunderstood by many, including her sister, but not by Jesus.  She is expressing her love and respect for Jesus, much like she did when she sat at his feet listening to him, much to her sister’s chagrin.  She knows that he is the Messiah.  She wept for her brother, as did Jesus, at his tomb.  And now she has the audacity to “waste” perfectly good and expensive perfume to wash his feet!  What she didn’t realize, or maybe she did, she was anointing his body for death.
 
Judas, oh Judas we know, Jesus knew but oh how shallow you must have looked, even then.  You just didn’t get it!  We don’t know how the others there might have reacted.  They may have agreed with you but wouldn’t say it!  This act of a simple woman set up a chain of events that we celebrate to this day.  And Judas, as much as we malign you, played a crucial part in this story too.  I also once played Judas’ wife in a play of the “Trial of Judas.”  It illustrates the necessity of Judas’s actions.  Thank you, Mary, and thank you Judas for the parts that you played in this.
 
Thank you, Lord! We should be so grateful for everything that happens in the time leading up to the death of our Savior.  Just as we are so grateful for all our trying times as it helps us to grow in you and for you.  Help us to always remember that when those times occur we know that you are always with us and will guide us on our path.  Amen
 
Tracy Day

Read: Isaiah 43:16-21
 
We can all agree that we are living in uncertain times, with people suffering in varying degrees, physically, emotionally, psychologically, economically, culturally, and religiously.  Many are fearful and probably doubtful.  Our reading in Isaiah 43:16-21 today is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and his ability to bring about transformation.  Many today are in a place of despair, longing for deliverance and restoration, let us trust in, “Thus says the Lord,” that he will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (vs 19).  This imagery of transformation and provision is deeply comforting, God assures us that he will provide sustenance and renewal. In our own lives, we may face seasons of dryness and difficulty, but God's promise remains:  He will make a way where there seems to be none.  Also, “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (vs19).  This encourages us to open our hearts and minds to the transformative work that God is doing in our lives, even amid our struggles.
 
In this season of reflection, repentance, and renewal, we are invited to delve deeper into our faith and draw closer to God.  Our Bible reading today speaks profoundly about God's redemptive power and his promise of new beginnings.  Let us commit to living in a way that reflects his transformative power and declares his praise.
 
Isaiah 43:16-21 is a beacon of hope and renewal  It reminds us that God is always at work, creating new beginnings and making a way where there seems to be none.  As we continue our Lenten journey, let us embrace the new things God is doing in our lives and live in the fullness of God’s promise.  May we declare God’s praise and honor him in all that we do.
 
Lord, as we journey through Lent, let us take to heart the lessons from our reading and create space for quiet reflection and prayer and listen for your voice and be open to the new paths you are leading us in Jesus’s name.  Amen
 
Uloma Nathan-Igwe
Certified Lay Servant

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