2012 Lenten Reflection

8/3/2019 2012 Lenten Reflection

1/26

FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc.275 State Street

Albany, NY 12210

(518) [email protected]

www.focuschurches.net FOCUS

Lenten Reflections2012


2/26

Sunrise Service

West Capital Park6:30 am

with resurrection reflectionsMusic and celebration

7:15 amHot Community Meal at Emmanuel Baptist

**********

Resurrection Worship in the FOCUS Churches:

Delmar Reformed9:30 & 11:15 am386 Delaware Ave., Delmar

Emmanuel Baptist9:55 am275 State Street

First Israel AME11 am381 Hamilton Street

First Presbyterian8:30 & 10:45 am362 State Street

Trinity United Methodist10 am235 Lark Street

Westminster Presbyterian10 am262 State Street

ALL ARE WELCOME!!


3/26

Resurrection

EASTER

February 2012

These Lenten reflections have been created by forty men and

women from the FOCUS Community. Traditionally this period is a

time for spiritual preparation through repentance and growth in faith

for Easter. It is the time of the church year when the passion anddeath of the Savior come into focus. It begins with a special day or

repentance, Ash Wednesday, and ends in the depth of tragedy,

sorrow and grief of Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

The season of Lent beckons us to see what we are clinging to. The

imagery of this season, therefore, is frequently stark. These days

draw us into a wilderness in which we can more readily see what we

have shaped our daily lives around: habits, practices, possessions,

commitments, conflicts, relationshipsall the stuff that we give

ourselves to in a way that sometimes becomes more instinctual than

intentional. Much as Jesus went into the desert to pray and fast for

forty days, Lent offers us a landscape that calls us to look at our lives

from a different perspective, to perceive what is essential and what

is extraneous.

We are pleased to have joyful permission from clergy and artist Rev.

Jan Richardson to use her charcoal prints for each Sunday from

Artwork:

The Lenten Series Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com

Traveling blessings as we head into the landscape of Lent.

Rev. Debra JamesonFOCUS


4/26

Day One Joel 2:12-13a

Wednesday, February 22

Rend Your Heart

A Blessing for Ash Wednesday

To receive this blessing, all you have to do is let your heart break.Let it crack open. Let it fall apart so that you can see its secret

chambers, the hidden spaces where you have hesitated to go.

Your entire life is here, inscribed whole upon your hearts walls: everypath taken or left behind, every face you turned toward or turnedway, every word spoken in love or in rage, every line of your life you

would prefer to leave in shadow, every story that shimmers withtreasures known and those you have yet to find.

It could take you days to wander these rooms. Forty, at least.

And so let this be a season for wandering for trusting the breaking fortracing the tear that will return you to the One who waits who

watches who works within the rending to make your heart whole.

Jan Richardson is the Visiting Artist at First United Methodist Church of

Winter park, Florida, serves on the faculty of the Grunewald Guild in

Washington State, and is part of the Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery, a

community that draws from Methodist and Benedictine traditions.

Day 40 John 19: 38-42

Saturday, April 7

Gods presence has strengthened us on this journey even as we try toavoid this day - the day the tomb is still occupied.

But now we are here. Now it is over. Death has taken Jesus.

For those who followed him it was a day of sorrow and bewilderment.Bereft of the one around whom they had shaped their lives, they had tochoose whether they would isolate themselves in their sorrow and fear,or whether they would remain together and wait for a way to present

itself.

I sit today with the death of Jesus yearning impatiently for lifeabundant. But God invites me to sit for a while, to be silent and to

enter into the despair and futility of this day, Saturday, the day beforeresurrection. And so we wait.

Jan Richardson reflects, Holy Saturday is not a day for answers. It is athreshold day, a day that lies between, and so resists any easy certainty.It is a day of waiting, of remembering to breathe, of willing ourselves toturn to one another when grief lays hold of us. It is a day to openourselves to the one who goes into the places of deepest pain and

darkest fear, in order to bring us out.

Prayer: God of lifes darkest hours, whose care for us continuesthrough our times of limited awareness and fractured faith, speakto our deepest longing for a Savior not bound by cruelty anddeath. Teach us relationships unmarred by distortion and distrust.Lead us to discipleship freed from self-concern and debilitatingdoubt. We want to embody the love that Christ traveled all theway to a cross to express, for we too would sustain the weary,help the stricken, and give glory to your name. Amen.

Rev. Deb Jameson

FOCUS


5/26

Day 39 John 18:119:37

Good Friday, April 6

Today is Good Friday, the day we read the circumstances of Jesusmurder and Passion. On this day, the only sinless one was killed. ThePresbyterian Church (USA) A Brief Statement of Faith says, Unjustly

condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified Isaiah53:8 says, By a perversion of justice he was taken away. His unjustdeath echoes down through the centuries to today whenever anyonedies unjustly, like those protesting in Syria today.

When an innocent man dies, we remember Jesus death, like whenTexas executed Ruben Cantu in 1993. Whenever those standing upfor what is right are killed, we think of Jesus, like those who have beenmurdered in South America fighting destruction of the rainforest.Bishop Oscar Romero was murdered for opposing the landed rich in

El Salvador. The Civil Rights era claimed Dr. King. The Occupymovement has had several near deaths by police. Its only a matter oftime.

You could say Jesus lives on in each of these, and youd be right. Butonly Jesus was raised on Easter, vindicating his sinless life. It is only thisraising that makes this Friday good.

Prayer: God of Good Fridays pain, help us to dare to love others

in a costly way, as Jesus did. Before we jump to Easter, help us todwell here long enough to grasp just how deeply human miseryhas seeped into the earth, and taken firm hold. That way we canappreciate what Easter achieved, and our Easter joy may be fulland surprising and joyful. Amen.

Glenn Leupold, Co-Pastor, First Presbyterian Church

Day Two Luke 18: 9-14

Thursday, February 23

In Open City, a recent novel by Teju Cole, the narrator says that weare each the hero of our own story, never the villain. In the novel heis surprised to discover that he is viewed as the villain in anotherpersons life story. Similarly, I believe that each of us, withoutexception, is some mixture of the Pharisee and the tax collector inthis parable. Truthfully, some days there is a lot of the Pharisee in me.In Lent the work of repentance (literally, thinking again) affords methe chance to recognize my own sin, and be more like the taxcollector.

The same is true of the people we serve in FOCUS. Just because theircircumstances are humble, or even humiliating, doesnt mean they

dont judge others. At the same time there are many moments in ourtime together when each of us can let the tax collector out and let thework of redemption begin. At those moments we can see theGod-made-flesh in the other, and a tiny glimpse of the kin-dom of Godemerges.

Recently a breakfast guest brought his dishes back to me and said witha sly smile as he handed them to me, What do I owe you? I laughedand said, No it is I who owe you! I had the feeling we both knew towhom the debt was truly owed.

Prayer: Lord, transform me in the crucible of your love, so thatmy true self can emerge.

Kathy Moore is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and washes dishesat the breakfast program. She lives in Berne.


6/26

Day 3 Luke 9: 57-62

Friday, February 24

I never sleep as comfortably on the road as I do at home. When Ireturn from traveling, I always look forward to a good nights sleep.

Nothing beats the comfort and security you get from your own bed!

Thats why I marvel at Jesus willingness to give up the comforts ofhome in order to go out into the world to bring Gods message. Healso expects his followers to do the same. He lets us know that if wewant to follow him, we are expected to put our own comforts aside sowe can do the work of the kingdom.

Jesus was willing to give up everything to serve others. How can we do

any less? How can we strive to have more and more when there arepeople who have nothing? Is it right for so few to have so much, whileso many have so little? How can we change our priorities in order tostep out of our comfort zone and follow Jesus? If someone is in need,am I following Jesus if I turn away and focus on my own needs?

The answer is simple, but not easy. Whenever we have an opportunityto serve Christ, we must put our own comforts aside and act in theway the he would have us act. Get in the habit of being aware of

opportunities to serve Christ, having the attitude of joyful service, andtake immediate action. When we say, I will follow you, Lord, wemust really mean it!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to leave behind all the baggage andcares that hold me back, so that I can joyfully follow you. Amen.

Rick Ryther, First Presbyterian Church

Day 38 Exodus 24:3-8

Thursday, April 5

This ceremony, with blood being flung against an altar and over thepeople, sounds strange to contemporary ears. Blood was, and still is,a distinctive element that makes life possible. This bizarre-soundingritual was a sacred act of covenant-making. It was part of the ancientIsraelites' sacred promise to obey God. Their acceptance of the Lawwould be life-giving and the covenant would make their distinctive lifepossible. This loyalty oath reflected the creation of a new communityin the world.

We read this text on Maundy Thursday. We remember Jesus' wordsabout a new covenant in his blood, which he freely gave for theredemption of the world. And we hear his words about a newcommandment to love one another. Jesus also offers the possibilityof a new community -- one guided by a covenant of love andobedience to the way of the cross.

According to Jewish tradition, this covenant-making took place fiftydays after the exodus. The feast of Pentecost (meaning fifty days)celebrated the anniversary of the giving of the Law. According toChristian tradition, it was on the feast of Pentecost when the HolySpirit came to empower the fledgling group who would become thedistinctive community of Christ-followers known for their love for

one another.

Prayer: O Holy Christ, grant to us your courage and bind ustogether in your community of love.

Kathy Donley is blessed to serve as pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

She enjoys the hammered dulcimer and mysteries with clergy cast asamateur detectives.


7/26

Day 37 Hebrews 12:1-3

Wednesday, April 4

As I have read this meaningful Bible verse and pondered over it for thelast week or so, the one word that keeps leaping out at me is the

word perseverance. On Dictionary.com, perseverance is defined assteady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc.,especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. For me,this is my life.

Life has brought me many challenges along the way: divorce, job lossand child with a physical disability to name a few. As the bible versestates, we are hindered; obstacles will get in the way as we attempt tomove through the race of everyday life. However, if we fix our eyeson Jesus, listening to the scriptures of the Bible, and using them as a

model as we make our way through the journey called life, we will getto the finish line.

We must remember that Jesus did not have an easy life. Heencountered many obstacles during his short time on Earth. We arenot meant to have an easy life either. Each obstacle and difficulty wasand is placed in our path for a reason. God gives us challenges thatteach and mold us. Jesus surrounded himself with believers. Follow hisexample and use the cloud of witnesses around you as a supportgroup to help when we struggle, trip or are tempted.

Prayer: God, help me when life gets difficult to remember thatthe obstacles you place in my path are placed there for a reason.Help me to use your book as a guide and the members of mycongregation as support when I am struggling.

Sharon Schultz has been a member of the Delmar Reformed Church for thepast 15 years. Sharon has two daughters and works as a counselor at

Coxsackie-Athens Middle School. Sharon recently completed a three yearterm as a church elder and enjoys participating on the church mission team.

Day 4 Luke 4: 1-8

Saturday, February 25

Ive always been a little bothered by the straightforward way in whichthis story of Jesus is told. Heres the poor guy, alone in the wilderness,

with nothing to eat and no one to talk to, yet when Satan comes alongand suggest a way out of Jesus difficulties, Jesus tosses off a one -liner:Man does not live by bread alone.

It would be simple to assume that Jesus, being the Son of God, hadfortitude that the rest of us can only aspire to; but Im not convincedthats the case, not in this situation. Jesus was a man, and men gethungry, and after forty days without food he must have been half-deadof starvation; yet he has the faith and the strength to refuse Satans

offer. What kind of strength does that take? Was it a Begone, thou

foul demon! roar, or a get away from me because Ive about tocave whisper? The Bible does not tell us, but Im inclined to think itwas the latter, the whimper of a man tried almost beyond his ability tobear.

So whats the lesson here? Not to be tempted, because Jesus refusedto be tempted? I dont think so. I think the lesson is that its now howyou refuse temptation, but that you do it. Even if the best you can dois a whimper and a last-ditch grab at a broken reed along the way,God wants to see us try our best to deny things that are not good for

us. If you give it your best shot, He will always be there to help youthrough the hardest places and temptations.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us when we are tempted; give us thefortitude and faith to turn away from the things that we wantwhich are bad for us, and towards the things which are for ourgood. Amen.

Becca Leet, the FOCUS Breakfast Food Manager, is a member of Emmanuel

Baptist Church in Albany. She likes, writing, baking, and cats.


8/26

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

A Woman Anoints Jesus

Day 36 John 12:20-36

Tuesday, April 3

This is Johns Palm Sunday, and in the gathered crowd are someGreeks who wish to see Jesus. When Phillip and Andrew tell Jesusthis, he responds by saying this is not the time for casual sightseers,but if they want to follow him now, they will have to walk with himdown the via dolorosa (the way of suffering).

There is no getting around it, Jesus call to us is demanding. His love,so amazing, so divine, demands our souls, our lives, our all. When itcomes to discipleship, there is no room for by-standers. There is notagging along. Christian discipleship is a death sentence.

But as demanding as Jesus is, he does not ask of us one thing that theworld will not take from us anyway. The question in our lives is notwhether we will die. The question is how we will live and how will wedie. Yes, just as Jesus soul was troubled, so we will be troubled as weface death and experience deep loss during our lives. But with faithwe can find peace amidst the strife, and confidence during ourstruggles, knowing that whether we live, or whether we die, we are theLords.

This is the lesson of the cross, an instrument of death that leads tonew life. And it is to this cross we turn our eyes in this Holy Week.There we see one who has been lifted up; the one who has drawn theworld to him.

Prayer: Lord, help us to stay with you in your hour of trouble.Stay with us in our hour of trouble. Amen.


9/26

Day 35 Isaiah 42:1-9

Monday, April 2

This reading from Isaiah reminds me that God creates people to fulfillhis plan to bring forth justice for all people. God wants his followersto bring kindness and compassion to those we meet without

complaining, wallowing in self or hanging on to hurt/pain as if theywere trophies from the past. Instead, we are to learn from thesethings and look to tomorrow for better times.

Jesus washed his disciples feet; there was no job he felt was beneathhim. I know people like that in our congregation. They start aconversation with what can I do to help. When they are asked tohelp they always do or give more than asked. The rewards are greatand fulfilling whether they be meeting new people or renewing oldfriendships. I always get a feeling of accomplishment working with

others.

I worked at the FOCUS Food Pantry recently and was amazed at thenumber of people in need. Those who pulled my heartstrings mostwere the children. The awareness of need was overwhelming. I thinkGod expects us to strive for faithfulness, not perfection. God hassuch hope for all his children. At the end of my life on earth I hopethat God will be pleased with me, knowing that Ive done the best Icould. I find that praying in the morning gives me a new perspectiveon the day; a new beginning, if you will.

Prayer: My prayer is one I heard at a service one Easter inHawaii. May the words from my mouth bring music to your

ears. Amen.

Carol Hendrick is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She is a

wife (49 years), mother, grandmother of 12, Sunday School teacher for thepast 45 years and a member of Trinitys Staff Parish Relations Committee.

Day 5 Luke 4: 9-15

Monday, February 27

Hindsight is 20-20. Said another way, when we make plans, God

chuckles. Whether our plans are simple weekend plans or the

mapping out of a glorious career, God may have other ideas. In our

current economy, fantasies of find a job or being able to retire early

have become wildly unrealistic. It is only by looking back prayerfully

that we see more clearly what God wanted for us and how it all

unfolded. Hindsight has helped me to recognize the soundness of

Gods plans for me so far. With trust in the unfolding of Gods plan, I

can set aside disappointing realities and work for whatever the future

provides.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to set aside my disappointments andplace my faith and energy in your provision for my life. Amen.

Jeanette Sharp is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, a practicing

Psychologist and Bible Study teacher. She and her husband, Bob live in

Albany.


10/26

Day 6 Luke 4: 16-21

Tuesday, February 28

It was the Sabbath, and so Jesus went to Synagogue. On this Sabbathit was the synagogue of his hometown. They honored him by givinghim the scroll to read. He unrolled the scroll, and spoke:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to

bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release tothe captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed gofree, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor.

Then Jesus sat down and said, Today, this scripture has been fulfilledin its reading. The townsfolk werent ready to hear that. Hey, isntthat Marys boy? they said. Isnt that the carpenters son? They had Jesus pigeon holed as one of their own, and there was no way they

were going to accept him as the Anointed One. Jesus barely left withhis life.

A while later, when John the Baptist was rotting in prison, he chargedhis disciples to go to Jesus and ask him, Are you the one, or shouldwe look for another? Jesus once again turned to Isaiah 61, andrecited to them what for all purposes was his personal missionstatement.

Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the

lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, andthe poor have good news brought to them. (Matthew 11)

Prayer: O Lord, help us to see Jesus not just in the extraordinary,but give us sight to also recognize him in what is familiar to us.Amen.

THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF LENT

A Mother's Lament


11/26

Day 34 Romans 11:25-36

Saturday, March 31

I remember a sermon given by the pastor of one of the Methodistchurches I attended years ago: the preacher was talking about how hewas on a plane one day sitting next to Baptist practitioner years ago;

the practitioner was speaking about how she was a little afraid of flyingbut had faith in God about how the flight would not end in tragedy forher because of the strength of her faith. Further along in theconversation the Methodist pastor shared with the Baptist congreganthis avocation; her response was, Ill pray for you.

The pastors take on this was that the Baptist congregant did notconsider him to be Christian enough because he was a Methodistand not a Baptist. To make this response to the scripture fit the wordallowancewas this not the type of arrogance that Paul was

cautioning the Romans against?

In Pauls context, Rome was the seat of social sophistication andeducation for the day. We are not privy to the questions he wasresponding to, but we can imagine what it might have been: Whatabout those Christian Jews who arent behaving like we are?

Hypocrisy may be the worst sin for Christians as it violates the newcovenant Jesus exposed to us when he was asked about what was thegreatest Commandment.

Prayer: Lord, help us to live with your will being at the forefrontof our minds: help us to be humble as You intend us to be; we askfor your guidance in all things and help us to hear Your word asYou wish us to discern it to be. Amen.

Chaz: Thursday morning breakfast facilitator; the volunteers Rock! God hasblessed us with their dedication and their works! I pray that God helps me

to continue to be a model of his acceptance and agape form of love.

Day 7 Luke 4: 22-30

Wednesday, February 29

Thomas Wolfe famously titled his posthumous novel, You Cant GoHome Again, the story of a writer who is shunned and driven from hishometown after he writes a book sharing the secrets of the town.

Anyone who has returned to their hometown as an adult cansympathize with the predicament Jesus faces in this passage.

Before Jesus returns to Nazareth, the stories of his preaching andmiracles have preceded him. But, instead of being hailed as hishometowns conquering hero, he is greeted skeptically. The people ofNazareth did not see the prophet, but instead the little boy who grewup in their midst. Jesus refuses to perform the miracles he hadperformed earlier. Instead, Jesus, sensing their distrust, instead tells oftimes when God performed miracles for Gentiles, rather than the

Jewish people of Israel. The news that Jesus is sharing is that salvationis available to everyone who follows him. Enraged, the townspeopledrive him out of Nazareth and attempt to have him be thrown off acliff. Jesus instead walks through the crowd and continues on hisjourney.

Close your eyes and imagine that someone who proclaims himself theMessiah appeared at your Church. How would we respond if aMessiah appeared in our midst and refused to prove Himself? Wouldwe accept Him based on belief, or demand that He prove himself by

performing a miracle? Would you dismiss him without physical proof?

Prayer: Please help us to accept that which we feel with ourheart and our soul, not just with our eyes.

Michael Cooper, and his wife Laura, have belonged to Delmar ReformedChurch for six years. They have two sonsBrian, who works and lives inNew York City, and Alex, a student at SUNY Binghamton. Michael isDirector of Publications at the Rockefeller Institute of Government. A formerConsistory member at DRC, he currently serves on the Bethlehem Board ofEducation. Michaels avocations are music, film, and reading.


12/26

Day 8 Matthew 5:17-26

Thursday, March 1

This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, but for me at least,one of the less familiar. Perhaps that is because the theme, the law,is a difficult one. I imagine the crowd, disciples included, expected

something new and revolutionary, and Jesus seems to have anticipatedthat as he begins Do not think that I have come to abolish the law orthe prophets

Jesus continues, acknowledging the importance of the law but alsomaking it clear that much is expected of us in keeping thecommandments. Instead of self-righteously checking off a list of lawsobserved, as did the scribes and Pharisees, we are to do more. As anexample, Jesus says it is not enough to refrain from committing aphysical murder. When we are angry, and insult our brother or sister,

we are in a sense murderers. As such, we are separated from God,unworthy of approaching the altar. We must find a way to bereconciled to our brother or sister.

As this winter has been a time of great stress for the guests andvolunteers at our Breakfast Program, I have seen the destructive forceof anger. But I have also witnessed the transformative power offorgiveness and reconciliation, and mornings of grace.

It seems to me that by living more fully in the law, in the true spirit of

the law, we become fully human, experiencing the rich life for whichGod has created us.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to understand the law as Jesus

taught, and guide us as we seek ways to be reconciled to ourbrothers and sisters. Amen.

Nancy Horan - Member of Emmanuel Baptist, FOCUS Executive Council,and Breakfast Program volunteer. Loves gardening, hiking and snowshoeing

(when there is snow).

Day 33 Mark 13:14-27

Friday, March 30

Imagine. A passage from Mark concerning the end times that soundslike Revelation. The abomination of desolation could be a person ofconsummate evil, or an accumulation of all the ills of a selfish society.

Scientists conjecture the inevitable conclusion of our little corner ofthe Creationwhen the Earth eventually spirals closer to the Sun, ora large asteroid inflicts annihilation upon creatures great and small.Pessimists conjecture fire and ice consuming the Earth. Fire fromnuclear war. Ice from the nuclear winter that follows, as ash andsteam hide the Sun from remaining eyes. Even for the elect, death willbe painfulthe price we all must pay for eternal life.

Beware false prophets. They are not restricted to biblical times. Well-meaning delusionists and ulterior-motivated opportunists are too

prone to proclaim the End of History. This year it is the Mayancalendar that has captured Hollywoods attention, giving The Rapturesome 3D competition. Best advice: Live each day as if it were yourlast (procrastination be damned); and live each day as if you would liveforever (accepting the long term consequences of your actions andinactions). We know not the day, nor the hour of our individual orcollective demise. We do know the Son of Man will command angelsto convey us to our final reality.

Prayer: Jesus promised us eternal life. He will keep his promise.

Amen.

Tim OToole, Webmaster and member, First Presbyterian Church


13/26

Day 32 Lamentations 4:1-10

Thursday, March 29

Repentance

Lamentations 4:1-10 is a traditional meditation for Tisha BAv, the

commemoration of the destructions of the Temples in Jerusalem andother tragedies of Jewish history. This passage is not the only one todepict cannibalism in the Old Testament, nor is it the only mention ofwomen eating their own children, but it may be the most piteous.

Rabbi David Seidenberg, reflecting on this passage*, places it in thecontext of sustainable living. He points out that when we abuse theresources of the Earth, we are gorging, getting fat, on the birthright ofEarths children. We are consuming our hope for the future.

Read Lamentations, a distant klaxonEar, can you not hear the warning?Pray earnestly; you who have beenEstranged from God and humanity,Neglecting the poor, the sufferingTear your clothing, you who have so much,Accumulating wealth at the expense of Earth itselfNo jewels, no oil, repay the cost of greedChildren lost to famine, war, poverty- Repent!Empty your self! Make room for the Holy!

jah

Prayer: Beloved and forgiving God, our selfishness and worldlydesires bring their own punishment. In Your eternal Mercy, lift usout of our senses of entitlement and need. Teach us your pathsof generosity and love. Amen.

(*The Jew and the Carrot (http://jcarrot.org)

Judith Henningson is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and works at

the FOCUS Breakfast Program.

Day 9 Matthew 5: 27-37

Friday, March 2

It was just a little lie. We only cheated once. It wasnt really gossip,just a story. If we try to justify our actions we can be pretty sure thatwe know we have done wrong. Jesus words about the ways we live

and act pierce us. He is speaking about realities in life that we try tosoften of avoid. Temptation overcomes us and we call it a little thinguntil we are reminded of Jesus words.

Jesus knows what it is to be human and Jesus knows that we cannotpretend before God. His words to God on our behalf, Father,

forgive them, for they know not what they do, his plea for us toacknowledge what God has spoken to us and to direct us to followGods intent. There is much out there to tempt us. And there is aGod who knows what makes a good life for us. Thanks be to God,

hold fast to what is good and right, in all the dimensions andexperiences of living.

Prayer: Gracious God, we hear in your words to us what youwould have us be and we try to excuse ourselves but we knowwhen we stray from your will we deny the gift of your presence inour lives and so we ask your forgiveness and the strength tofollow you every day. Amen.

Freda A. Gardner, First Presbyterian church, participant in FOCUS endeavors,retired teacher.
http://jcarrot.org/http://jcarrot.org/http://jcarrot.org/


14/26

Day 10 Mark 8: 22-30

Saturday, March 3In todays reading we find Jesus and the disciples doing good andkeeping secrets. Its not inconsistent with other biblical injunctionsabout doing good works in secret but it may seem like a strange

business to the 21st century reader. The messianic secret in thegospel of Mark has been challenging readers for a long time. Lots ofexplanations have been offered, but at the end of the day were left totry to reckon it up in the context of our own experience and thatmakes for a valuable devotional exercise.

As I live into these verses in the year 2012, the insight they provideseems to me to be one of expectation. Jesus was simply doing whathed been given to do: embodying the grace of God. Once the secretis out and weve labeled him, we also have a tendency to get busy

creating an idol of him. Whereas in Jesus - weve been given asurprising encounter with grace, in labeling him we may miss seeingthe grace because it doesnt look like we thought it would. We tradeserendipity for expectations. We substitute our demands for the giftsof love.

What gift of grace might we be missing today simply because it doesntlook like we expected? What work or word of hope, healing,encouragement might we neglect or ignore because wed mislabeledourselves or a neighbor?

Prayer: Gracious God, guide us to see and embrace yourpresence, love and grace in the world around us, even when itdoesnt look like we expected it to. Amen.

Jeffrey Matthews, Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, is a member of

the FOCUS Executive Committee and Personnel Committee.

Day 31 Romans 10:14-21

Wednesday, March 28

The portions of scripture preceding this passage provide us withGods instruction to us for our salvation. Here, beginning in verse 14,we hear why there is no excuse for non -believing. From the

preceding verses we learn that salvation comes from believing in JesusChrist and confessing him as your Lord and Savior.

The only excuses then for non-believing are a lack of hearing the wordor a failure to understand the word. Paul uses the Israelites here asthe example of those who have heard and have understood (verses 18-20). But are we not the same? Have we not heard? Have we notunderstood? Verse 21 then provides the good news for God tellsIsrael and us All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedientand obstinate people. He has not closed himself off to us, or to any,

but rather awaits with open arms all who will hear, believe andconfess.

Prayer: God we have heard your word. We are without excuse,knowing full well that you save us upon our confession of ourbelief in your Son, Jesus. Remind us in our times of doubt,strengthen us in our times of weakness, walk with us in our timesof loneliness for we know you await us with outstretched arms.

Tom Marston, Delmar Reformed Church

Observed by many to be trying


15/26

Day 30 John 12:41-48

Tuesday, March 27

Light shining in the darkness is an image that speaks to us in manycircumstances of our lives. We have all experienced the completeblackness of a power outage, when we welcome the smallest glimmer

from a flashlight or candle. More importantly, many have felt thedarkness and despair of the soul, whether in a hospital room, at aloved ones deathbed, or feeling irretrievable loss of job or finances.

As Jesus approached the end of his life on this earth, he wasundoubtedly frustrated by his knowledge that people didnt believe hisimportant message. Over and again John tells us that: Eternal life isin him, and this life gives light to all mankind; Jesus Christ is the truelight arrived to shine on everyone coming into the world; and later, quoting Jesus, I am the light of the world. So if you follow me, you wont be

stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path .

But isnt there always a but? The last sentence in this passagedraws us up short. We love to think about light in our darkness, butjudgment? Oh, thats a tough one. Its not easy to think our decisionsand actions might be judged as rejections of the truths Jesus hasspoken to us. If we are honest, we realize that we do fall short ofcompletely understanding and living Christs message. So, in thisLenten season, may we be mindful and prayerful in pursuing themessage.

Prayer: Eternal Creator, we thank you for the Light you have sentus. Please let us accept the Help you have sent us to find our waythrough the darkness into Eternal Light. Amen.

Lawrie Lierheimer, Westminster Presbyterian Church

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

The Last Supper


16/26

Day 11 Romans 4: 16-25

Monday, March 5

When I was given this verse to write about I wasnt sure of itsrelevance to our Lenten journey, but my pastor who was niceenough to ask me to do thissaid to let it percolate a bit. So thats

what I did along with researching it, which I always do with a puzzle orproblem I come on. For me that meant reading the passage throughin several different versions and finding my answer to the relationshipbetween it and Lent in the translation called the Message.

These verses in Romans give the very reason for our Lenten journeyas they also give the reason for Jesus sacrificial journey that wememorialize and contemplate in Lent and the price we are asked topay for that gift. The gift is grace: an amazing free gift given to us byGod through Jesus sacrifice. Its not given because of our deeds or

acts or because of our lineage or adherence to the law. Godspromise arrives as pure gift (Romans 4:16 the Message) as it did forAbraham, our faith father before us.

The amazing free gift of grace is for everyone. There are nomembership requirements, down payments or minimum balances.Simply believe in God and embrace Gods promise made flesh in Jesusthrough the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, as we continue this Lenten journey, help us to keep

foremost in our thoughts that this journey is made possiblethrough your amazing free gift of grace and nothing of our owndoing. Amen.

Alberta Ryan-Pepper is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and

one of its representatives to the FOCUS Executive Committee. She, her

husband, Tim and their family which includes people and pets - live in

Albany.

Day 29 Lamentations 1:1-13

Monday March 26

Sometimes when reading a newspaper or magazine an item stands outthat is worth clipping and saving. This happened recently when I readthis: Peace on the outside comes from knowing God within.

There is a profound message in these nine words. Give pause amoment and reflect. Our inner voice which comes from God is thereif we but pause and listen.

A medical situation arose in our family which caused alarm as well asthe need to make many choices. It was as though there was a guidinghand leading the way. Listening and following gave a sense of peaceand direction.

Life is full of challenges and yes, decisions. A favorite Bible passage isfrom Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall directthy paths.

Another passage is from Lamentations 3:25-26 The Lord is good untothem that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a manshould both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

May we in our every-day lives seek and follow that inner voice.

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, in gratitude we give theethanks for your guiding hand and the peace which helps guide

us along the way. Amen.

Barbara Bradley is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She and

husband, Wes are retired and live in Glenmont.


17/26

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

The Crucifixion

Day 12 Hebrews 11: 8-12

Tuesday, March 6

My views on faith have changed markedly since 2000 because ofexperiences with guests in the FOCUS Breakfast program andfriendships with people born in Africa.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that faith caused Abraham torespond when God tells Abraham to leave behind his place andcommunity and trust only God to take him into the unknown. TheBible tells us that faith was a struggle for Abraham.

Our Breakfast program guests sometimes discuss their faith journeystruggles. In 2010 I participated in a prayer service for Breakfastprogram guests led by Rev. Alice Kyei-Anti, our visiting missionaryfrom the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The prayer service theme

was, Do people see the face of God when they see you? All werepraying about how to be faithful whether responding to a call for alife style change or a call to serve others.

In 2010 Rev. Alice said in a sermon, I feel my faith journey can besummed up as doing service for God . . . I continue to follow Hisdirective to go where I am needed. Rev. Alice inspires me as I learnabout how she has served God as a pastor, missionary, and individualadvocate in 19 different countries.

As I watch FOCUS volunteers and Church friends reach out in love, Ipray for wisdom on how to live the rest of my life and to respond tocalls which will help others see the face of God.

Prayer: Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me andanswer me! Come, my heart says, seek his face! Your face,

Lord, do I seek. Amen. (Psalm 27)

Lois Wilson, a Deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church, has been aFOCUS Breakfast Volunteer since 2001 and made four trips to Ghana since

2005.


18/26

Day 13 Hebrews 11:13-19

Wednesday , March 7

The inspirational words of these verses are about the FAITH ofAbraham, Sarah, Isaac. In Hebrews 11:13 All these people refers tothese 3 people who had a tremendous faith in God. They all died not

yet having in hand what they were promised. But they still keptbelieving. They saw themselves as transients in this world and wereafter a far better country -- heaven country. God was so proud ofthem.

People of faith need to be looking for their true home and believe thatGod will give us what he has promised. By faith, Abraham, at time oftesting, offered Isaac back to God, even after he had been told byGod: Your descendants shall come from Isaac.

Standing in the sandals of the characters in these verses is not easy.Our human nature wants everything that we can get in this world. ButGod wants us to have things that are good for us. We get frustrated,impatient with God when life is not how we want it to be. Our faith isput to the test. But our faith that God will do what is the best for usshould be steadfast. And our prayers will be answered. This is Godspromise to humanity. Like Abraham we must keep our faith strongduring adversity.

One year I volunteered for the school supply program of one of ourFOCUS churches. We packed school supplies for children who couldnot afford them. We then distributed these supplies to parents andchildren who came. Participating in this project brought more joy tome than even the parents of these children. Seeing the sparkling eyesof the children and their happiness when they took their packages leftme with a deep inner peace. I thought to myself, I see God workingfor these children - he provides for our needs.

Prayer: Our heavenly father, why do we look to ourselves forhelp? Help us to be still and know that you are God, always

there for us. Amen.

Archana Mane, member of Delmar Reformed Church, Delmar

Day 28 John 14:15-21

Saturday, March 24

Jesus speaks of love and revelation in the same breath. He wants hisfriends to understand that loving and knowing are of a piece, thatloving draws us deeper into knowing and being known by the one

whom we love. Here on the threshold of his death, Jesus cannot gountil he assures them that he will not leave them bereft but will, infact, continue to love and help them. He cannot leave until he tellsthem that by their loving, they will remain in relationship with him;through their shared love, he will yet reveal himself to them and be

known by them.

What knowledge does your loving lead you to? As you stretchyourself into loving others, what becomes revealed to youof them,of yourself, of God? How has love challenged or changed what you

know? How are you opening yourself to its presence in your life?

Blessing that Knows Your Name

Chances are there will come a day when you will forget

every last word of this blessing. It does not matter.

Let this blessing slip through your fingers.Let it roll from the smooth plane of your palm.

Let each line disappear and every syllable fall away.

Let this blessing return to where all blessings begin.Let it leave you until all that remains is the place where

it pierced youwhether like fire or like breath you could not say,

only that you heard your name as it entered,

then heard its own as it blew away.

Jan Richardson


19/26

Day 27 John 11:5512:8

Friday, March 23

Take your shoes off before you come in; I just washed the kitchenfloor. But why, Mom, its just gonna get dirty again!

And many went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves.

I stood in front of a mosque watching the men sit on stone benchesand wash their feet before entering for prayer. My camera was itchingto take a picture, but my mind said no!this is too private and toosacred a space for that. A young man caught my eye and read mymind. He smiled and motioned for me to come closer and he told mewith hand motions that it was OK to take a picture. I smiled, snappedthe picture, and shook his hand a bit wet, but it was our personalcommunion, a sacred place, a treasured photo. I wonder if he does

that every day, or maybe five times a day. Theyre just going to getdirty again.

Mary, why are you wasting that expensive perfume, and why do youprostrate yourself at a mans feet? Thats a years salary; it could feedthe hungry, clothe the poor, bail someone out of a defaultedmortgage. Why do you make me feel like Judas asking that question?Am I not right?

You always have the poor with you. Is that an answer? Or is that a

question? Why?

Prayer: O, Lord, there is a place where the floors are always polished and feet are always clean. Where? There is a placewhere people starve and babies cry. Why?Amen.

Richard Gascoyne, First Presbyterian Church

Day 14 I Corinthians 2:1-9

Thursday, March 8

For I resolved to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ and him crucified,

says Paul.And him crucified. What foolishness! Who in her right mindwould follow a leader who was executed as a despised criminal.

Thats not my idea of a good time. And how foolish the disciples musthave felt. Terrified, yes, but foolish also. They left their jobs, theirfamilies, their communities for this? A crucified leader? What foolsthey were.

So what makes us continue the foolishness? Why do we follow aChrist crucified? Because we know the end of the storyor maybe itstrue beginning. We know that crucifixion wasntand isntthe end.Christ lives! He is risen! He will come again! And knowing that, wehave the freedom to live on the other side of crucifixion. We dont

need to fear the power of human might. We dont need to worryabout being successful in human eyes. We can throw ourselves bodyand soul into serving Christ because we know that whatever happensto our bodies, our souls are safe in Christ.

I follow a Christ crucified. But alsoI serve a risen Saviorand I knowthat

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrowway.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!You ask me how I know He lives?He lives within my heart.

Alfred H. Ackley 1933

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the freedom that your deathand resurrection have brought to us. May we serve you willinglyand well. Amen.

Edith LeetEmmanuel Baptist Church member and FOCUS volunteer


20/26

Day 15 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

Friday, March 9

Ive been a librarian for nearly two decades. One of the things I havenoticed over the last several years is that many people seem to thinkthat virtually all the information they will ever need can be found by

going on the Internet and Googling for it. In fact, Google and othersearch engines do not always retrieve whats known as grayliterature, which is defined as research that is either unpublished orhas been published in non-commercial form. Often, it is thatparticular dissertation, government report or policy statement thatprovides the best answer to a query.

Likewise, there is human knowledge. Some folks believe thats all thereis, and are skeptical of any other source of data. But others have beenblessed by the Spirit to access the gray literature of Christs

spirituality. Best of all, one doesnt need a computer or other deviceto access this database, and one can download it at any time, day ornight. And the wisdom to answer lifes pressing questions can befound in unexpected clarity.

Prayer: May we be transformed by the greater wisdom offered tous graciously by the Spirit of God. Amen.

Roger Green, First Presbyterian Church, formerly kept the FOCUS

community page on the Times Union website, blogger

Day 26 John 10:1-6Thursday, March 22

The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize hisvoice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When hegets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they arefamiliar with his voice. (vs. 3-5, MSG)

Reading this passage today, it is verses 3-5 that stand out to me. Howdo I learn to recognize Jesus voice? So often I feel that I just move

with the crowd. Im in a good flock, so that generally works just fine,until I hit some dangerous places, when there are dissensions in thegroup, personality based or theologically based, or when Im feelingtoo tired to continue. Can I really discern Jesus voice from thestrangers?

I know the answer to this. I need to keep a strong personal

connection with God. I need to take the time to study scriptures andpray daily.

This week I am called to follow Jesus on a mission trip to theDominican Republic. I am traveling with a flock of Christians, and Ihave taken this trip before. Still the challenge for me is to hear Godcalling MY name, to not be distracted by petty concerns, to bespiritually connected, familiar with Jesus voice, so that I dont wanderfrom where God is leading.

Prayer: God, I pray for the wisdom to recognize your voice, totrust in your leading. Hold me close as we travel this journey, andon all our journeys of service to you.

Marilyn MaloneEmmanuel Baptist Church Moderator


21/26

Day 25 John 9:1-7

Wednesday, March 21

When night falls, the workday is over. I ask this question: for aChristian is the workday ever over? If we are to live our livesfollowing Jesus, we become the light that spreads His word.

Spreading the word of Jesus can take on many forms. We will neverrestore someones sight by applying mud to their eyes, but how manypeople do we encounter who are blind to Jesus words. We cannotforce people to read and learn about Jesus.

So how do we engage those who have not met Jesus? I believe it isthrough our everyday actions and volunteer work. Just as Jesustouched the life of the blind man, we who follow Him touch the livesof people every day. It is through our actions towards people that thelight of Jesus comes through. When we volunteer at the food pantriesor the breakfast program, we are spreading Jesus light. When weparticipate in mission programs at our respective churches, we arespreading Jesus light. When we teach Sunday school or sing in thechoir, we are spreading Jesus light. When we walk down the street

and help someone who has fallen, we are spreading Jesus light.

It is the hope of every Christian that as they spread Jesus light peoplewill be drawn to it. If someone is living in a dark room and seeks asource of light, we have an opportunity to be that light. We have thatopportunity to open doors, share Gods love and bring people to thelight. We are Jesus light in the world.

Prayer: We ask God to be with us as we go out into the

world and give us the ability, as Christians, to be His light.

Amen.

Donna B. Holley, Delmar Reformed ChurchFOCUS food pantry volunteer and Sunday school teacher, Member of theConsistory

Day 16 Mark 1: 21-28

Saturday, March 10

Blessing in the Chaos

To all that is chaotic in you,

let there come silence.

Let there be a calmingof the clamoring,a stilling of the voices thathave laid their claim on you,that have made their home in you,that go with you even to the holy placesbut will not let you rest,will not let you hear your life

with wholeness or feel the gracethat fashioned you.

Let what distracts you cease.Let what divides you cease.Let there come an endto what diminishes and demeans,and let depart all that keeps youin its cage.

Let there be an openinginto the quiet that lies beneath the chaos,where you find the peaceyou did not think possibleand see what shimmers

within the storm.

Jan Richardson


22/26

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Agony in the Garden

Day 24 John 8: 31-38

Tuesday, March 20

If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will knowthe truth, and the truth will make you free.

Nancy Kuivila, a Westminster Presbyterian member, recently sent mean e-mail that made the distinction between integrity and truth: Ascientist was discussing the elaborate efforts during World War l toprotect their cultures from the penicillin mold. It was not until theending of World War II that we began to read of the miracles thatpenicillin was bringing to bacterial infections. World War lresearchers were doing their work with integrity, but did not see theTruth at that time.

It seems to me that much of Christendom is sprinting as fast as they

can away from the truth, frightened by the discoveries of science,unwilling to open their eyes to advances in medicine, psychology,astronomy, geology, genetics, and evolutionary theory.

We believe in a Lord who said, the truth will set you free. Our faithin him can liberate us to enter into the academy and into all spheres oflife where people our seeking knowledge with the confidence that thepursuit of truth will draw us closer to God.

My father was a physicist who designed electron microscopes. He

said his faith was never more confirmed than when he was lookingthrough the lens of his microscope.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen us to be fierce in our pursuit of truth.Visit us with your Spirit that we may know your presence at thecenter and on the frontiers of our learning. Amen.

Rev. Jim Reisner, Westminster Presbyterian Church, FOCUS Executive

Council


23/26

Day 23 John 8: 21-30

Monday, March 19

The Pharisees have been questioning Jesus, arguing with him, and trying totrap him. But Jesus refuses to play their game. He does not allow their

opinion of him to tell him who he is. The only conversation that defines himis the one he has with his Father. In the face of scoffing, he holds fast towhat his Father has told him about who he is and what he is called to do.

Jesus had a choice. He could have decided that simply announcing hisdivinity and hinting at his sacrifice was a poor strategy. He could havedecided that, given the realities on the ground, his Fathers instructions

needed tweaking. He could have tried to make his claims more plausible,and less startling, he could have condemned the crowds and called out theirevery fault, or he could have turned to the Father and complained about

being sent to do the impossiblealone.

But Jesus chooses to exercise faith. He keeps his eyes and ears not on thecrowds, but on his Father. He does not take matters into his own hands, butspeaks only the words his Father has given him. He demonstrates his faithand trust in his Father, testifying that his Father is true and that he has

not deserted me.

As a result, many believe.

Prayer: Lord, when I am pressed by doubts and worries, criticismand unbelief, help me to turn to you in faith, listening for yourwords and believing that I am never alone. Amen.

Annalaura Chuang is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church whereshe teaches Sunday School and - along with husband, Cliff and their two

childrenparticipates in the community life in a number of ways.

Day 17 Jeremiah 23:16-24

Monday, March 12

In considering Jeremiah 23:16-24, the central theme of false prophetsis one which remains an issue for us today, as we are bombarded byopinions from an array of sources.

The line, I did not send these prophets, yet they run with their messages,

resonates with me as I consider the propaganda of many groups (somepolitical, some religious) who promote their own agendas and validatethem with a divine stamp. As it was thousands of years ago, it still istoday, since human beings still highjack the word of God for their ownpurposes.

Platforms of hate or judgment are promoted by those who wouldrepresent us in our government or in our churches. Oftentimes, the

message has a kernel of truth or a belief we share. So how todetermine what we let in and what we resist?

As Christians, our core doctrine is to love each other without judgment and to take care of each other. Serving at the FOCUSbreakfast is a good reminder of this message. Our guests come to usfor many reasons. Their needs are diverse, some being of the bodyand some being of the spirit. These people have arrived at our tablevia a variety of paths.

As we continue through the Lenten season, lets reflect on the charity Jesus showed to others, despite their social status. It is important tohold these truths dear even as we are bombarded by sophisticatedmedia, which is after all the false prophet of today.

Michelle DePersia is the Office Manager at Trinity United Methodist Church

and a regular volunteer at the FOCUS Breakfast Program.


24/26


Tuesday, March 13

The prophet Jeremiah does not mince words. He has a strongmessage to a broken community in exile: just because your people arein crisis does not mean you can react out of fear.

The false prophets of Jeremiahs time claimed to speak for Godwithout having a clear calling as prophets. Since the uprooted peoplefelt threatened at the core of their religious identity, they abandonedcool headed thought and went along with whatever harebrained claimspeople made on Gods behalf. According to Jeremiah, God is againstthe prophets who take advantage of the people in their vulnerablestate and lead them astray.

When we first read this passage, it is very easy to draw analogies to

our present day and to empty words spoken between individuals oron television. Many people claim to have a special insight into ourcurrent times. They often want to sell you something, too.

When we encounter the passage on a deeper level, we see ourselvesin it as well. Lent is a time of individual and communal reflection, oftaking inventory and assessing our spiritual lives. This passage fromJeremiah is fertile ground for self-examination.

When have I reacted out of fear? Has my congregation felt threatened

to the point that we could no longer maintain cool heads? How do Idiscern Gods voice among the cacophony of voices around me?

Prayer: Loving God, Give your FOCUS community ears to

hear only your voice and guide us to respond to your call for

our lives. Amen.

Frances Wattman Rosenau, Associate Pastor of Westminster PresbyterianChurch, member of FOCUS Executive Council, and downtown Albany

enthusiast.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Jesus before Pilate


25/26

Day 22 Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21

Saturday, March 17

Discretion is the word that comes to mind when reading thesepassages. How often do we boast of our good works to pat ourselveson the back for all that we do? However, Jesus reminds us that God

sees everything that we do. Our fellow brothers and sisters do notneed to know our good deeds.

These passages humble me to remember that we need to do Godswork quietly and our reward is knowing that we have done thesegood deeds in Jesus' name and God will reward us. We do not needreward from our fellow man. The same is true of our treasures. Weneed to be reminded that our true treasure is in heaven, not inworldly possessions. One of my favorite passages is held within thesepassages For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let us

remember this now and during this Lenten Season.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we pray that we remember what ourfocus is when serving you. Remind us not to be boastful and tostore our treasures in You and not in worldly possessions. In yourname we pray. Amen.

Linda Mayou, Delmar Reformed ChurchI have had the pleasure of working in the FOCUS food pantry once. Last year our Berea group provided plants, soil, tomato plants, etc. for theSchuyler Inn residences. I also try to quietly purchase the monthly request of

non food items to be distributed by the FOCUS food pantry.


Wednesday, March 14

Good & Bad Figs. The Lord showed Jeremiah two baskets of figsplaced in front of the Temple. The first basket contained good figs,those that ripen early; the other one contained bad gifs, too bad to

eat.

The Lord, the god of Israel, considered the people taken away toBabylonia like the good figs. The Lord would treat them withkindness. He would watch over them and bring them back to the landof Jerusalem. The Lord would build them up and not tear them down;he would plant them and not pull them up. He will give them thedesire to know that he is the Lord. Then the people will return to theLord with all their heart. They will be his people and he will be theirGod.

But King Zedekiah of Judah, the politicians around him, and the rest ofthe people of Jerusalem who have stayed in that land or moved toEgypt will be treated by the Lord like the figs that are too bad to beeaten. The Lord will bring disaster on them that all the nations of theworld will be terrified. People will ridicule them and use their name asa curse everywhere that the Lord scatters them. There will be war,starvation, and disease on them until there is not one of them left inthe land the Lord gave to them and their ancestors.

Prayer: As I desire to know the Lord, please guide me to repentmy sins and listen to the message of God.

Jeanne KardashSunday School Teacher, Delmar Reformed Church


26/26

Day 20 Jeremiah 25: 8-17

Thursday, March 15

Jerusalem was coming unglued. If Gods people had listened andobeyed they wouldve continued to enjoy Gods favor, but since theydidnt there was trouble. Judah was told it abandoned God for other

gods, traded the Living Water for broken cisterns. Theres a price topay for not listening. Abandoning God leads to abandoning neighbor.The nation was guilty of oppressing widows, the alien and thefatherless and no one noticed the widespread moral indifference. Godtried to reach them, but no one listened!

Prophets speak mainly in desperate times. Through Jeremiah Godspeaks in thunderous tones to the threatened city, particularly its deafleaders. The day of reckoning has come, brought upon themselves byinfidelity and indifference. Joy, celebration and prosperity would be no

more. The time of destruction and exile was immanent and would lastfor two generations. God planned to use foreigners to teach Judah topay attention and keep covenant with God. But a further word isgiven. Hope is extended! After 70 years they would return to theirland. In the meantime, will they become more faithful and attentive atlistening to the heart cries of injustice? As importantly, will we?

May we pray and live into the spirit of these words by Brian Wren:Living in a world that suffers, pain and evil fret our mind.Reason ends with broken answers. Let us pray, and hope to find,

through each other; joined together, Christ alive, caring, bearingevil, giving joy that the world cannot destroy.

Mark Chaffin is the interfaith chaplain at Baptist Health, Nursing andRehabilitation Center in Scotia, a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and

a FOCUS advocate.


Friday, March 16

The angry and vengeful God of the Old Testament can be hard for usto understand in today's world. Two questions arise: How can theCreator become angry enough to wipe out his creation? What will

save us from our own destruction and restore our relationship withGod?

The first answer lies in obedience. God demands that his people obeyhis commandments. When they turned away and acted in selfish,greedy ways, they found out that they would suffer the consequencesof their actions. The destruction they faced was a direct result of theirmistreatment of each other and the world that they were supposed totake care of. God had given them a great gift, and had made themresponsible for its care. They failed in their responsibility.

Today, we understand that what we do can have a destructive impacton our planet. When we put our own comfort and pleasure ahead ofthe needs of others, and ahead of the well-being of the natural world,we face the loss of the world that nurtures us. If we are to avoid ourown demise, we must change the way we treat the planet and eachother.

The second answer is especially relevant in this season of Lent. Jesuscame to us to show us the way, and in so doing, he made the ultimate

sacrifice for us, paying the debt that we owed God. As we approachEaster, we are reminded of that sacrifice, and take the time every dayto express our thanks for it.

Prayer: Creator God, we thank you for the world you gave us,and we ask your guidance in caring for it. And we thank our LordJesus Christ for the sacrifice he made in paying the great debt weowed you. Amen

Rick Ryther, First Presbyterian Church, Albany, Scoutmaster of Boy Scout

Troop 75 in Delmar.

Documents

2012 Lenten Reflection