Lenten Devotional – 2019

Written by and for the members and

friends of Christ Lutheran Church

Wednesdays, March 6 – April 10: 5 PM Soup & Sandwiches

Wednesdays, March 6 – April 10: 6:30 PM Lenten Services

Palm Sunday – April 14: 8 AM and 10 AM services

Thursday, April 18: 6:30 PM Maundy Thursday service

Friday, April 19: 6:30 PM Good Friday service

Easter Sunday – April 21: 8 AM and 10 AM services

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to seen by others; for then you have no reward from your father in heaven”. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. (Matthew 6:1-2) The word translated here as “hypocrite” is a term taken from the stage and refers to actors. We should be clear. There is nothing wrong with acting, when you are doing it as part of a play. But when we act a part in everyday life – praying to appear pious, giving charity or helping out to appear thoughtful – then there is deceitfulness to our actions, an insincerity to our lives that betrays the actions we're undertaking. So if we were to boil all this down to just few words, we'd imagine Jesus would say, “Check your motives” “Be real”. In all you do or say, be real. Anything else is a sham and you've already receive your shallow reward.” Prayer: Dear God, in faith and life and in all our dealings with others, help us to be real and true just as we help others are real with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Submitted by: Pastor Nirmala

Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Read: Matthew 6:1–6

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was falsely accused of

speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. At his

trial, Stephen was given an opportunity to answer the charges as

documented in Acts 7. Stephen had a two-fold purpose when

referencing Moses and the burning bush. First of all, because

Stephen was accused of speaking against the holiness of the

temple building itself, he reminded the court that God didn’t

confine Himself to a building. After all, Moses had seen the bush

burning, was intrigued as to why the bush burned but did not

burn out, and went to investigate. When Moses got close

enough, God told Moses to “Take off the sandals from your feet,

for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Verse 33)

In Moses’ time, this practice of removing one’s shoes was an

accepted token of reverence. God’s determination that the

burning bush was His holy place proved God’s holy temple was

wherever God designated it to be.

Secondly, Stephen reminded those at his trial that God’s people

had rejected Moses as their ruler and deliverer, and also now

many years later, they had just rejected and crucified Jesus.

Stephen’s ultimate message was that the Jewish people had a

habit of rejecting those whom God sent to lead His people. And

at the end of the trial, God’s people again rejected the person He

had sent when they stoned Stephen.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that God’s

holiness can be found outside the church as well as inside.

Also, we thank you for those in leadership positions here at

Christ Lutheran, especially Pastor Steve and Pastor Nirmala.

Continue to bless their work as they encourage us to be strong

disciples of faith!

Submitted by: Martha Gehrking

Thursday, March 7, 2019 Read: Acts 7:30–34

My, what a beautiful Psalm. Immediately we get a jolt of confidence with the words that those “who abide in the shadow of the Almighty will say to the Lord “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”” This is reassurance, and a wonderful reminder to all of us just who needs to be in charge of our lives….it’s not us! If that isn’t enough, in verses 9 and 10 he gives us some more to chew on “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.” Again, a reminder of who’s in charge, but even more a reminder to us not to worry, as we are in good, strong hands. Now stress and subsequently, worry seemingly comes to us all, whether it’s my 8 year old who sees a cat running across the road on a cold, snowy day and worries about its well-being, or my 13 year old daughter, undergoing multiple changes both physically and emotionally as she navigates junior high, or my 15 year old son who recently (and nervously) asked a wonderful young lady to the homecoming dance (she said “yes”). We all have stress, and I think that is how God forges us into who we are. And then there are us adults, right? Whether it’s work things, family things, or other things….we are all busy, but who’s in charge? We are all on different journeys, and each has its own path. This Psalm tells me, ‘Son, you are never alone, allow Me to be your guide, trust in Me, give your worries to Me’. The rest of the Psalm gives us assurances that God is always with us, and we need to trust in Him, and ends again with a bang “With long life I will satisfy them (all of us who believe), and show them my salvation.” That reminds me of lyrics from a song written by Bart Millard of Mercy Me “I can only imagine when that day comes, and I find myself standing in the Son, I can only imagine…” Trust in the Lord, for He is good. Submitted by: Matt Petersen

Friday, March 8, 2019 Read: Psalm 91:1–2, 9–16

Timing is important. All the experiences listed in these verses are appropriate at certain times. We as human flesh have a desire to know why these times are happening and when they will pass. We can find ourselves doubting, questioning and sometimes resenting God's timing. This can lead to us distancing ourselves from our faith. I often refer to these dark times as the "wilderness" and find that instead of doubting I need to reach deeper with prayer, praise and practice.

We practice in a sport when we want to become better. There is practice in faith. By trusting God's plans as our coach, trusting in His timing and by finding peace through discovery, acceptance and appreciation. The word is your "ball" per se. The more you dribble or the more you read the more comfortable it becomes in your hand and in your life, it becomes second nature. When God put you in a tough game, you will know what to do because you have practiced and trust your abilities in knowing you will accomplish what is set forth before you and feel a sense of satisfaction in the strength you obtained through the season.

A few things our family has found that work is for us is each night at the supper table we say our meal prayer and then we go around the table and list our "pit and peak" of our days. We often say a quote or mantra we learned while watching the movie "God's Not Dead" and that is "God is Good ALL THE TIME; and all the time GOD IS GOOD". Finally, we acknowledge that God makes no mistakes and that can be toughest one to practice and we practice it by doing the above day after day. We can't lean on our own understanding; we can acknowledge the situation and how hard it is, we can feel the pain that comes with it and mourn the loss that occurs and we can hurt when trust or hatred is shown. We should be present in those feelings because those are a part of what He is using to grow us.

God is offering us wisdom in this scripture "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens" our God is sovereign. Our activities in this world are meaningful as we rely on His wisdom, His timing and His goodness. Submitted by: Christina Zabel

Saturday, March 9, 2019 Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1–8

“Temptations and Grace” My mother-in-law had a funny picture in her house that said something like this- “So far today I haven’t gossiped, lied, gone off my diet or hurt anyone but I’m going to get out of bed now Lord, so I’m going to need your help.” That picture always made me laugh because sometimes things are funnier when they are so true! How are our New Year’s resolutions going? Temptations are very much present in our lives each day. No matter where temptation comes from, whether our sinful selves, the world, or the devil himself, we know that at its heart, sin is about wanting to do things our way, to have things on our terms, to put ourselves in control of what is right and wrong, to doubt and question God’s Word. Without Christ, temptations, sin and death win. God sent His son into our world full of temptations. Jesus resisted all temptations and paid our debt in full, freeing us from the sins of all our lapses and relapses into temptation. God’s love for us helps us to keep getting out of bed and trying to do our best to share God’s love with others and resist temptations with His help. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving me, for saving me, and for helping me through every moment of my days. Amen.

Submitted by: Kaia Long

Sunday, March 10, 2019 Read: Luke 4:1–13

Question: What is the most important aspect of Jesus’ ministry? a. That Jesus was an incredible teacher of the Word of God, and lived

out spiritual disciplines. b. He was able to heal others’ afflictions & diseases, cast out demons, and

had power to control nature, including the wind and water. c. His thoughts, words, and actions followed God’s commands perfectly. d. His leadership skill in showing all followers how to live a joyful life

rooted in God’s Kingdom. e. He is the propitiation of our sins by his sacrifice on the cross, and

conquered death with his bodily resurrection.

It’s a tough one, isn’t it? They’re all true! Thankfully, we don’t have to separate these qualities from each other, or take Jesus’ actions separately from his perfect character. Still, if pressed to choose, I’m going with option “E”, because it is the Gospel. In 1 John 2:1-6, we read what comes to those who believe this Good News and repent of their sins. What happens? We start walking in the ways that Christ walked! Our justification by faith is amazing, but it’s not even the end of the good news. The faith given to us by the Holy Spirit changes us, and leads us to become more Christ-like. One can insert the words “godly” or “holy” for “Christ-like” -- none of them mean that we become God (that would not be right), but that our thoughts, words, and actions become conformed to Him. Looking back to our answer choices above, our repentance and belief in the Gospel (“E”) grants us the incredible gift of being justified and worthy of God’s love, and this leads directly to our ability to “walk the Christian walk” by living out spiritual disciplines (“A”), following God’s moral law (“C”), and finding joy in all of it (“D”). Christ’s character traits are those that all that Christians should aspire to, and work diligently to emulate. God’s love is life-changing. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the Gospel. Jesus, you lived the life we could not live, and offered the sacrifice we could not provide. Let us remember that you’ve made us worthy and justified by your Cross. Let this forgiveness lead us to become more Christ-like. Let our justification by faith transform our practical behavior. Help others to know that your forgiveness is offered to everyone, and we pray that your Holy Spirit will guide us as we spread the Good News on earth. Let the Word change our lives and all those who receive it, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Submitted by: Owen Hoegh

Monday, March 11, 2019 Read: 1 John 2:1-6

Peter is quite harsh in these verses as he warns about becoming entangled in the teachings of false teachers. Being entangled paints a picture for me of a sheep caught in the thorns by its wool. It truly cannot escape no matter how hard it thrashes and pulls. Another example is a fish caught in a net. It can flip, fight and jump to no avail as it is trapped. The sheep and the fish are hopelessly trapped and their freedom is disabled. They have lost their ability to function.

These examples help me understand the helplessness of those people who gave the appearance of being a Christian but did not persevere on the path of righteousness. In other words, they cleaned up pretty nice on the outside but inside, their basic immoral and sinful nature never changed. Eventually, this true nature comes out.

Peter tells us that it would be better for people to never know the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn your back on it. Simply knowing about God doesn’t save you. Your heart must submit to the belief in God and your conduct must be in accordance with what you have learned about God. True holiness is conquering the desire to disobey God.

The false teachers that Peter warns about do not have moral standards. They do whatever they feel like doing. At the time, it may be enjoyable but the end result is not good. They are living like a bunch of animals following their lusts with disregard for anything sacred. People that are misled by these false teachers find it extremely difficult to reject them and return to their belief in God. Again, Peter says that genuine Christians who turn their back on God will get a worse punishment than those who never had the opportunity to know Jesus.

When you love the truth and high principles and lose them, it can cause a shipwreck in life. If you love Jesus and then turn your back on him, you have shipwrecked your eternal life. Submitted by: Kristie Nelson

Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Read: 2 Peter 2:4–21

Psalm 17: 6 “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words”. In reading this cry for deliverance from David I cannot help but think of Paul’s words to the Romans in chapter 10, verse 13, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. Imagine being trapped in a deep pit with no way out. Even if there was a way you could not make it because your arms and legs are broken. You have no idea if anyone is nearby to hear your cries for help. You are helpless and facing eventual death in that pit. You cry out time and again to no avail when suddenly you hear a voice and then a face appears above you and a rope is lowered as your rescuer descent into the pit, secures you to the rope and eventually lifts you out of the pit. David is crying out for such deliverance and he is confident of receiving it because of the Lord’s steadfast love. You and I cry out for deliverance as well and when we call upon the Name of the Lord he answers. Jesus descended from on high into the pit of human existence in order to rescue us when we were completely and utterly incapable of rescuing ourselves. Our only hope is to call on Him and receive deliverance He provides through His death and resurrection. That deliverance is from our ultimate enemy, death, and from our enemy the Devil who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. But the Lord shelters us in the shadow of His wings and pours His love upon us. Prayer: Than you God for sending your Son Jesus Christ to rescue us from the pit and promise us a place in Heaven. Help us to cry out to you for help and comfort when we face challenges in our lives. Amen. Submitted by: Pastor Nirmala

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Read: Psalm 17:6–7

Whenever I read this passage of Scripture I think of the R.E.M. song “Losing my Religion.” The Apostle Paul had quite a resume as a leader and scholar of the Jewish faith. He came from the right tribe, went to an excellent school and had made quite a name for himself persecuting Christians who he thought were following a false messiah. He was better than most religious leaders at keeping the law of God by his own admission. All this changed when Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus Syria. Paul went from persecuting followers of Jesus to be willing to die for the sake of the gospel. He considered his former understanding of God to be garbage compared to knowing Christ Jesus. His life was now turned to be found in Him, “not having a righteousness of his own that comes from keeping the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:9.) The apostle Paul lost his old understanding of religion to make himself right by his obedience to the law to having a relationship based on the righteousness of God received by faith. Religion based on human righteousness eventually falls apart. It’s a good thing to lose your religion if you are your own savior. When the Apostle’s life was over it wasn’t Paul’s obedience that God him to heaven, but Christ’s death and resurrection. It was God’s righteousness given through the cross that became the Apostle Paul’s only hope. It is our only hope as well.

Submitted by: Pastor Steve Rheingans

Thursday, March 14, 2019 Read: Philippians 3:2–12

Let’s Dwell in God’s House What does it mean to ‘dwell’ in the house of the Lord? David asks to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. What does that mean to us? When I looked up this word in the dictionary, I saw the expected “to live or reside in” type definitions, but one of the entries was a little different: “to linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech or writing”; and another stated “to be motionless for a period of time”. David definitely knew how to dwell with the Lord – no matter which definition you use. We can look at the Lord’s house in multiple ways as well: the church building; the world around us; our hearts. No matter which of these you think of in this case, we all need to dwell there with the Lord. I know I need to focus more on the lingering, pondering, and being motionless parts. How can we have a meaningful conversation with God unless we stop what we are doing so that we can listen? How can we truly enjoy the presence of the Lord unless we make a concerted effort to dwell with Him? Once we do, think of all of the blessings we will enjoy – forever and ever. Prayer: Lord, help me learn to dwell earnestly with You, share my joys and concerns with you, praise you, rest in your loving arms and just enjoy your presence daily. Amen.

Submitted by: Julie Carlblom

Friday, March 15, 2019 Read: Psalm 27:4–10

WORSHIP IS AN ACTIVE WORD

“Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.” (v.29)

My husband Denny grew up cheering for his Chicago Cubs year after year. He and his dad were always hopeful but fatalistic about their team’s chances. So the spring, summer and fall of 2016 was an unbelievable golden season for them as they cheered their Cubbies to a World Series victory that broke a 108 year old record of defeats. The feeling of the surreal miracle at the end of the 7th game was a mountaintop experience! The fact that the “curse” was broken and victory had been achieved was earth-shattering to Cubs fans everywhere.

Similarly, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey the people, perceiving Him to be the long-awaited Messiah, broke into the jubilant words taken from the 118th Psalm “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (v.26) That psalm was part of their liturgy used since ancient times as worshippers approached the Temple and depicted a Messiah who would deliver them from their enemies. The exuberance of the people as they welcomed Jesus that Palm Sunday was HIGH!

Psalm 118 accounts how God has saved His people in the past and is worthy of all our praise. We come together each week with fellow Christians to participate in this thankful expression of praising our Lord and Savior through the songs, prayers, the reading of Scripture and listening to the interpretation of the Word. Worship is an active word. If we approach worship with our whole mind, heart and soul, we will allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with God’s love and connect us with each other. It will be our weekly mountaintop experience and will empower us through our week. Then our worship will be a blessing for all.

Prayer: Dear Lord, “You are my God and I will give thanks to you. You are my God; I will extol you” (v. 28). Forgive me for the times I come to worship not solely focused on You. Open my mind and heart so I may joyfully praise you every day for the many blessings you bestow and use me to recount your many deeds of love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Submitted by: MarJean Damerval

Saturday, March 16, 2019 Read: Psalm 118:26–29

What is Our Reluctance?

"How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing." (v.34)

The point at which appears in Luke's gospel Jesus knew he was on a timeline and there were still things to do before he headed toward his death in Jerusalem. On this passage, as Jesus contemplates Jerusalem, the Holy City of David, he is filled with sorrow at the reluctance, even refusal, of God's chosen people to allow him to gather the in as a mother hen gathers, warms, and protects her chicks.

The Word reminds us also in Psalm 91 that God offers to be our protector and nurturer. It is not only the Jewish people of Jesus' day who refused to believe he was the Messiah. When he did not live up to their expectations, they turned their back on him. How often do we do that in some way? Have we been reluctant or resistant in believing he was and is the only one who can protect, nurturer, warm us in mind and spirit in this troubling world we live in today?

Jesus must continue to grieve today when he sees not only individuals, but churches even cities resistant to believing all his Word promises he is for us. When Jesus doesn't meet our expectations or answer our prayers, do we find ourselves among those who turn their backs on him and seek help and comfort from things the world offers? What Jesus offers he does so out of love, but how many see him as the last resort? How many who claim to be followers stop following him when the cost gets too great (John 6:66)?

When we take an honest look at our own lives and the choices we make, especially when we depend or rely on ourselves, do we see how our pride gets in the way of experiencing all Jesus offers every day of our lives? Lent is a time when we are intentional to be honest with ourselves and repent for all those ways and things we have turned to instead of Jesus. It is when we, like the prodigal son who humbled himself (Luke 15:11-24), admit we too have resists Jesus, that he gathers us again openly into a relationship of love and mercy.

Prayer: Oh Jesus , you are the one who offers us not only comfort and protection like a mother hen protecting her chicks, but all we need to live from day to day. Forgive us when we are reluctant or resistant of your invitations and look to other sources for our help. You are enough in any situation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Submitted by: Pastor Joy

Sunday, March 17, 2019 Read: Luke 13:31–35

“What then shall we say about Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.” (vs 1-2)

Abraham He did many good works. But more importantly, Abraham believed in God. He had faith in God. Not by his good works but by God’s grace He had faith.

I had a college professor who taught this definition of grace:

God’s Redemption At Christ’s Expense.

Grace is a gift from God earned for us by Jesus Christ. It is not something we can earn. It is a gift from God. It is given to those who are circumcised and to those who are uncircumcised. Old Testament law required circumcising. However, it is not by law but by God’s grace that we have faith.

Because of our faith we reach out to others, both to those who are circumcised and to those who are not circumcised. We do good works and share the message of our risen Savior who died on the cross for us. We share the message of God’s gifts of grace and faith with others through our words and deeds.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for your gift of Jesus Christ who died for us. Please continue to teach us about grace. Thank you for the gift of faith and the hope of salvation so that we might join you in heaven. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen Submitted by: Larry Larson

Monday, March 18, 2019 Read: Romans 4:1–12

We all live in a time when things can’t happen fast enough for us. We want an answer to a question, we Google it; or technology lets us get things done much quicker than in the past; or if we need to get somewhere quickly – drive or fly there. The people Moses brought out of slavery and lead through the wilderness were not any different – things didn’t happen quickly enough for them either, and when things didn’t happen quickly enough or how they wanted them to happen, they left the path that God had laid before them – turning to idols and sinning against God by not following the commandments given to them. Paul warns the people of Corinth not to make the same mistake that the people following Moses made. The Old Testament is full of examples of God’s grace and punishment. It’s very easy for us to “go off the rails” and not follow the path God has planned for us. But because Jesus died for our sins, we are forgiven. Our “punishment” may be that when we do go off the rails we’re at the mercy of world – a world full of uncertainty – both good and bad. It’s during those times when things aren’t happening the way we’d like, or fast enough that we need to ask God for guidance when we are uncertain of our direction; and then look for the answer because it may come in a different way than we expect. That’s the beauty of having a living God that is with us every day, someone we can “communicate” with to ask those tough questions and seek direction. Submitted by: Terry Bird

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Read: 1 Corinthians 10:1–13

"Lord, will only a few be saved?" In this "Parable of the Narrow Door", Jesus answers that question. He was on His way to Jerusalem to die a sacrificial death for us. Living our lives as true Christians means we believe the only way to heaven, receiving the free gift of salvation, is through Jesus Christ. "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus is not one of the many ways but He is the only way. He is the narrow door. He does not want us to be just "good religious people" trying to "do good" that will lead to heaven. For we are not saved by good works but for good works. "For by grace we are saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). For as Jesus said..."many will try but will fail” (Luke 13:24). So what does a life of surrender to Jesus look like as a true Christian? Some reflections should include reading and studying God's Word, praying unceasingly, speaking boldly to others of the Gospel, repenting of our sins, loving God first and our neighbors as ourselves, sacrificing our own ambitions and desires for those of Christ, obeying His commandments. This is what happens after we have walked through the "narrow door." Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, have a personal faith in Him and then live your life for Him! One day Jesus will come again. Will you have entered the narrow door or will it be locked? "When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late” (Luke 13:25).

Submitted by: Marilyn Kubly

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Read: Luke 13:22–31

When celebrating Christmas with my extended Hoegh family, we got to hear and share many memories of my Grandma Hoegh. It was the first Christmas after she had passed away the previous spring. My uncle Monte shared a story of visiting his Mom (my grandma) at the nursing home. In her last weeks and months she was struggling physically, but she was still surprisingly sharp when the energy was there. In all the times Monte visited, he didn’t remember ever hearing her roommate speak. Then one day, Monte, admitting that he isn’t the greatest singer, started whistling hymns with his mom. To his surprise, his mom AND her roommate began to sing (out loud) the words of praise to God. It was a testament of how the melodies and lyrics of hymns can be imprinted on our hearts, and, through discipline, it can stay there even through the waning of our physical health and capacities. What a gift it is, to worship our Lord in song.

In this psalm, David is likely fleeing from Saul, who was trying to kill him. This is not exactly the perfect time and place to worship, but worship is what David yearns for the most. Do we cherish the opportunities we have to worship God? He alone is worthy, and we are called to treasure his gifts and promises. During a difficult time David wanted to come back to what he remembered, a place of worship, just as my grandma and her roommate were in the nursing home. Songs/Psalms can bring us to a place that feels like “home”, especially with the communion of believers in a place of worship. How great to think of all the generations who have sung the lyrics, or have read Psalm 63, in praise of our God. Let us rejoice and sing!

Prayer: O God, you are my God! Help me to thirst for you and worship you as David was in the reading today. Give me the discipline to learn about your Word, and have it imprinted on my soul. I thank you for the communion of believers, both living and dead, and all of the generations that demonstrate their faith in Jesus. Help us all to cherish our songs and all aspects of worship to you, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Submitted by: Owen Hoegh

Thursday, March 21, 2019 Read: Psalm 63: 1–8

Hello & Happy Friday! We have made it through the week -

now let’s reflect.

That is what our passage today is about. Give it a try. We

are all children of God. Doing our best - putting our best

foot forward. Striving to live a godly life that would make our

heavenly father proud. Only God knows our true self. Our

innermost thoughts, feelings and actions. We need to

acknowledge all that he has given to us, know to give him

Thanks and Praise. Relying on him always for guidance as

well as forgiveness. He knows that we are not perfect. We

need to know where to turn. As a congregation we need to

support one another.

One never knows when our time here on earth will come to

an end. If we can reflect on our actions daily and see all that

he has done, we can rejoice knowing that one day soon we

will walk with him and others and share our eternity with him

in heaven.

Submitted by: Susan Holz

Friday, March 22, 2019 Read: Revelation 3:1–6

In two of the Bibles in our home, the headings of this reading

from Isaiah are: “The Vineyard of the Lord is Destroyed” and

“Looking for a Crop of Justice”. Both headings refer to the

fact that even though our Lord carefully tended His vineyard,

the expected outcome did not happen. “My vineyard” is a

common description of God’s relationship to His people.

The Lord is describing Israel’s unfaithfulness and

unfruitfulness in this parable from Isaiah.

We, as people of God, need to consider what care and

instruction the Lord has permitted for our lives. Does the

fruit of our service match the generosity of His nurture? This

question makes us feel uncomfortable, as it was meant to.

We need to let this Bible passage make us pass judgement

upon ourselves so that we make plans to purge the wild fruit!

Through the Spirit’s work, the Lord brings forth in our lives

fruit worthy of repentance. This season of Lent is a good

time for repentance and change.

Prayer: Dear Lord, though the world goes wild, make me a

garden in which You delight, secure in Your righteousness.

Amen.

Submitted by: Nancy Hoegh using study notes from The

Lutheran Study Bible from Concordia Publishing House

Saturday, March 23, 2019 Read: Isaiah 5:1–7

Luke writes in verse one about terrible atrocities Pilate’s soldiers delivered to worshipers in the temple. Pilate’s soldiers slaughtered the Galileans as they worshiped and gave sacrifices to God. Jesus answered to the crowd with a response that did not make sense of the tragedy suffered by the Galileans. Instead Jesus asks a question about sin. In this time in Israel, sin and judgement were closely linked in worshiper’s minds. To parallel Jesus’s response on sin we can look at the I 35 bridge collapse. Those who perished there were no more sinners than any one of us. Often, we believe that suffering is the result of sin while providing us with comfort, because it eliminates randomness. Sin explains suffering and provides reassurance as it offers us a way to avoid the disasters that we see befalling others. We are called on by Jesus to repent for our sins lest we suffer for our sins as we know not when we will be called for our own judgement.

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

8 “‘Sir,” the man replied, “leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

Luke writes about the vineyard, which is a common metaphor for Israel, that contains a barren fig tree, a lost soul. The owner of the tree has waited long enough and passes judgment on the tree to cut it down, as it is useless in the owner’s eyes. As the gardener gets a reprieve for the tree, the gardener continues to nurture the tree for one more year. If the tree is redeemed it will be the gardener that has saved the tree. Our redemption comes by nurturing our own soul, as the gardener nurtured the fig tree. As the gardener saved the fig tree, so will redemption come from our redeemer whose purpose is to save rather than condemn.

Submitted by: Glen Meyer

Sunday, March 24, 2019 Read: Luke 13:1–9

Sometimes it’s very easy to judge others because they don’t

live like we do, or they’ve made a terrible mistake in their

lives. Reinforcing this passage, Jesus said, in John 8, verse

7, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at

her first”. Referring to a woman the Pharisees brought to him

that had committed adultery. In verse 11, he forgives her,

telling her to go and sin no more. It’s not our job to judge

other people – the way they live, the mistakes they’ve make

in their lives – that’s God’s job. We need to focus on

ourselves.

Near the beginning of our service, we open with Confession

and Forgiveness – where we confess our sins “…by thought,

word and deed, by what we have done and left undone….”

And we receive forgiveness when we are truly sorry. I find it

very easy to be in “auto” when saying the words of

confession – not really thinking about what I’m saying or

about what I’m getting in return – forgiveness.

Think about it….

Submitted by: Terry Bird

Monday, March 25, 2019 Read: Romans 2:1–11

As Wayne & I were flying from Beijing to Shanghai, China we were both throwing up in the airplane's barf bags. Our tour guide in Beijing had offered us a crab apple coated with honey from a street vendor, and without thinking we tried several bites of it. That evening after a delicious Peking duck dinner, Wayne was sicker than a Chinese Dog. A couple of hours later he had severe vomiting & diarrhea which lasted half the night. The nurse & wife in me took over trying to mend him back to health. Our debit card also would not allow us to get cash so I also had to deal with that besides not feeling well myself. Thankfully we had brought along antibiotics and after several days Wayne began to feel better.

I don’t remember praying to God at that time, but God must have heard my cry, as our wonderful tour guide showed up to offer her sympathy & help. After a long phone call to the bank in the USA our card worked so we could finally get cash to pay for the clothes we laundered at the hotel and for future expenses.

Verse 12 of Psalm 39 was very appropriate in China, and has been for me many times in my life. “Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry; come to my aid when I weep.” I recall crying like a baby at St Mary’s Hospital when work got the best of me, when our loved ones have died, when our marriage wasn’t working, when our girls were driving me crazy, and with many other frustrations in life.

Psalm 12 b: “Like all my ancestors I am only your guest for a little while.” Wayne and I are both so very fortunate that our ancestors were God fearing people, “and put their hope in God” Psalm 39:7. My mother’s German relatives worshipped at a Lutheran church in Springfield, MN, and Wayne’s Scandinavian relatives in a Lutheran country church near Lamberton, MN.

It is so comforting and important to know that God always listens to our cries, and provides help when we need it in many ways. That has been a life lesson for me to learn the importance of prayer at anytime and at anyplace.

Submitted by: Genny Hendrickson Member of St John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Read: Psalm 39:7–13

In the Bible, Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths in a simple way so people could understand His teaching about God and His kingdom. Vs. 18-19 speak of the "Parable of the Mustard Seed". "What is the kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in a garden. It grows and becomes a tree and the birds make nests in its branches." God is creator and ruler over all of creation, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

For those who have opened their hearts to accept Him as Lord and Savior, He has planted the seed of faith. Through our spiritual journey as believers and members of God's Kingdom, we then need to be bold to share the Gospel with unbelievers. "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). Because of His life giving Holy Spirit now within us, we are empowered through our testimonies to increase His kingdom throughout the world. In Jesus' time, God's Kingdom was composed of only Jesus and His wayfaring followers. But because the Gospel has become known all over the world since Jesus lived, it has grown to include millions of people, growing God's kingdom from a seed to a large tree, so large that many birds come to rest. In Luke 13:20-21, Jesus also shared the "Parable of the Yeast". He asked, "What else is the Kingdom of God like?" In verse 21 He answered, "It is like yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in the measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough." Yeast is a necessary ingredient because without it the dough would remain hard and would not rise into a larger loaf. Jesus knows we cannot have a hard heart to receive Him as Lord and Savior. And just like the previous parable, this one also reflects the message of growing something small into something big, paralleling the growth of our own faith and the growth of God's kingdom.

Just like the minute, very small, mustard seed growing into a large tree, so the small amount of yeast permeates a loaf of bread to become much larger than before the yeast was added. It grows internally within us as well as externally in the world. Jesus is the sower of the seed of our faith and the yeast that grows it into maturity and brings new believers into His kingdom. Our faith grows into fullness as we love Him, live for Him, become more like Him, serve Him.

Someday when Jesus comes again, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess He is Lord of all, King of Kings, and His kingdom will have no end. Will you be in His kingdom?

Submitted by: Marilyn Kubly

Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Read: Luke 13:18–21

Births, baptisms, confirmations, graduations, weddings, promotions, retirements---at each of these important moments of our lives, we take pictures to commemorate and verify the occurrences for posterity. The Israelites had been wandering for forty years. Now, they were finally at the Jordan River which was, miraculously, dry, enabling their cross-over to the long-awaited Promised Land. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, didn’t have cameras to take souvenir pictures for the future. Consequently, he instructed twelve men, one from each tribe, to create a lasting monument commemorating this historic event. The first pile of stones was built in the middle of the Jordan River, representing the exact spot where the priests and the Ark of the Covenant stood while the Israelites crossed over. This monument served as the visual verification of how God had remained with His people in their past and would continue to remain with them in this new land. Eventually, rains would fill up the river, covering these stones; but in the future, when there was again a drought, the Israelites would see this first monument and be reminded where the Ark had once rested. In addition, Joshua instructed a second pile of stones to be built in the Promised Land itself. These stones allowed present and all future generations to pass by, see the commemorative “picture”, and trust that just as God had been with them in Egypt and in the wilderness, God would always remain with His people and fulfill His covenant to then. Prayer: God, thank You for Your constant guidance, love, and presence through all the momentous times of our lives. We rejoice always that You never fail us! Submitted by: Martha Gehrking

Thursday, March 28, 2019 Read: Joshua 4:1–13

“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (vs 1)

Joy – The Gift of Forgiveness This Psalm of David talks of being “blessed”. What does that mean anyway? In vs. 1, we are blessed if our wrong doings – our transgressions – are forgiven; if our sins are covered (hidden away forever). We are a blessed man, woman or child when the Lord does not count (or hold) the guilt of our sin against us. God’s blessing comes when we do not cover up or try to hide our sins (vs. 5) from God but instead acknowledge our transgressions (sins) before Him and He lovingly and generously forgives our sin and the guilt that goes with it. To be blessed by God is to be filled with joy because He loves us and have forgiven us! Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me not to cover up my sin but to confess it to you. Thank you for blessing me with your joy and for removing my guiltiness. Amen.

Submitted by: Mary Jo Peterson

Friday, March 29, 2019 Read: Psalm 32:1–5

But, what about the other sheep?

I’ve always wondered about the parable of the lost sheep. I understand that God is happy when we repent, are ‘found’ and come back to him, but the parable talks about the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to go in search of the one. Does God leave us as He searches for lost souls? How can that be? In truth, it doesn’t happen. One of the study Bibles in our home explains that shepherds of that time would not go out alone with 100 sheep. If a sheep became lost, the ‘head’ shepherd would go to look for it, leaving the rest of the flock with the other shepherds. They were safe and well cared for even though the lost sheep was still being actively searched out. How like God this story really is! Whether we publicly acknowledge it or not, He is always in charge and always caring for us – whether we are safe in the fold or wandering far away. If we stray from Him, he pulls out all of the stops, using countless experiences, friends, family and situations to bring us back to Him. If we quietly stay with the flock, He is there tending to us as well. If it were anyone but God, it would be exhausting many times over. But He never gives up, and then asks the entire fold to rejoice when any lost ones are returned to Him. Prayer: Great Shepherd, thank you for caring so fervently for your lowly sheep. Help keep me within the fold when I would tend to stray. Use me to help the lost come home and help me to celebrate with you and the angels when they do.

Submitted by: Julie Carlblom

Saturday, March 30, 2019 Read: Luke 15:1–10

Ambassadors for Christ “So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us." (v.20)

An elderly gentleman with a walker frequently visits a local shopping mall encountering those who might notice and his "gifts of encouragement," freely offered. As I walked this mall for exercise, I noticed his handing out wrapped lifesavers or a small index-sized card. Some folks ignored him and walked by. I stopped my pace to accept a lifesaver and the warmth of his big smile on a cold MN day. I asked him why as challenged as he is with a walker making his way around handing out wrapped candy or cards with simple words of encouragement. A scripture verse was typed on the bottom. His response," I'm not too old to make a difference, even with a smile and a little something to give freely."

It was then I recalled the verse above. This man was not too old to be an ambassador for Christ, especially in a busy shopping mall. From this passage we are reminded of what Jesus did for us through his death and resurrection - he reconciled us to God and brought us back into a relationship with him that once was separated because of human sin. Jesus paid the price all out of love (John 3:16). Not only have we been forgiven and restored, but we are set free, not to go on living as we once did, but now as children of God in whom the Spirit of God dwells to teach. To remind, to equip and empower us to respond willingly to the Lord’s call to be his ambassadors in the world today.

An ambassador is a representative of someone or something. As followers of Jesus we are called on a daily basis to represent him, to respond Ashe would, to reflect his loving character through our words and actions. By so responding we each in some way are able to make a difference for Christ's sake.

Prayer: Especially in this Lenten season, Lord Jesus, we reflect on all you have done for us through your death and resurrection. As we have been set free from making ourselves right with God , set free to live for the Lord's purposes, may our response be a willingness each day to be an ambassador for your sake. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Submitted by: Pastor Joy

Sunday, March 31, 2019 Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16–21

Hallelujah!

After this, I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: Hallelujah!

Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! I grew up in a very charismatic church which I attended with my family until I graduated from high school and went off to college. Typically, there was much emotionally charged worship which I didn’t understand completely. Singing of songs included loud praises and lifting of hands and many people shed tears as emotions ran rampant. I didn’t understand it completely and it frightened me more than bring me peace and joy. The preaching felt judgmental and I longed for the joy of it to be explained to me. I departed from that denomination, not because of the worship, but because I did not agree with the theology being taught. In time, I have come to understand the joy of this passage from Revelation. I realize that there is wonder in this emotional praising and there will be joy at our second union with Jesus, the lamb of God; there will also be celebration and worship. We, those of us who follow Jesus will be among the multitude who will shout – hallelujah! - as we are ransomed by our Lord. I now understand and look forward to this time! Prayer: Holy God, how we long to be among those who will see your holy face at the time when we, along with the angels, can praise Your name and see our salvation. Hallelujah! Amen. Submitted by: Pastor Beth Perez

Byron United Methodist Church

Monday, April 1, 2019 Read: Revelation 19:1–8

The psalmist declares a harsh guilty verdict on humanity in today's scripture reading. Humankind, according to the writer, has fallen to such depths of depravity that we are incapable of doing good in God's sight. Isaiah 64:6 echoes this sentiment, insisting that our good deeds are filthy rags compared to the requirements of God's law. Even the best of us falls short of God's glory.

When we read these verses, they may seem to be a bit hyperbolic. People do good things all the time. We love our children. We help people in our community. We obey the laws (at least most of the laws, most of the time.) We volunteer at school or at a food bank. And it's not just Christians who do this. We all know people of other faiths (or no faith) who do similar things. What does the psalmist mean by saying that no one does good?

As I was preparing for this article, I recalled a portion of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography in which he described his attempts to attain moral perfection. Each week he would strive to acquire a new virtue: justice, frugality, selflessness, industry, etc. He found that just when he had acquired a new virtue in his life, an old vice he thought he had conquered would manifest itself. Ultimately he was unable to attain moral perfection by his own efforts.

I think that is what the psalmist is driving at. By our own efforts we may be able to acquire some virtue or extinguish some vice, but we will never be able to achieve true holiness. It will always elude us. We just can't do it. Thank God we don't have to. Christ has done that for us. We will never be perfect in this earthly sojourn, but we can be confident that God will perfect us in the life to come.

Prayer: Thank you Father for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life and to satisfy the demands of the law that we could never satisfy by our own merit. May we be made more and more like Him through daily repentance and by the proclamation of your Holy Word in preaching and the sacraments. Amen. Submitted by: Paul Reinschmidt

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Read: Psalm 53:1–3

The Great Pursuit

“Shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly?

Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest,

I am He whom thou seekest!”

– Hound of Heaven, Francis Thompson

“…He took them with Him and He privately withdrew…But

when the crowds learned of it, they followed Him…He began

talking to them…” Luke 9:11.

I want us to ponder on the word “began” momentarily. Are

we making deliberate attempts to spend time with the Lord?

There cannot be healthy relationships without spending

quality time with each other. How many times do we get

frustrated in our walk with the Lord? He doesn’t answer us,

because we did not seek Him earnestly and persevere. If we

seek Him, He would begin to talk with us. “When the crowd

followed Him, He looked up to heaven and blessed them,

and broke for them and kept giving them…bread and fish to

eat till they were satisfied (Luke 9:16). Will you seek the Lord

today so that He can reveal Himself to you?

Prayer: Lord, give me a heart to relentlessly pursue you.

Submitted by: Shanthi Siva

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Read: Luke 9:10–17

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (vs 1b)

Before they were born, I remember well considering names for our children. I also remember saying to our daughter when she was pregnant, “What are we going to name this baby?” You’re not, Mom. We are!” She was right! And, when that baby was baptized, he was named a “Child of God”.

I have been diagnosed with cancer. By God’s mercy, treatment sustains me. God’s words, “I have called you by name, you are mine…I will be with you” (vs. 16) comfort me. As I “pass through the waters…work through the fire” (vs. 2) I remember God has promised to be with me. God has made me and I pray my life has glorified Him - even in these days when the best thing I can do is to remember all the good things in my life and give thanks.

This season of Lent is a good time to renew our relationship with God. Whatever age we are or whatever profession we have chosen or wish to choose, God made us for a purpose. He formed us. He accepts us just as we are. He gave His only Son to redeem us. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you…” (vs. 1) He will direct us to be His servants in this earthly kingdom and in His heavenly kingdom forever. God is calling my name to live for Him here on earth and, when the time comes, to die and live eternally with Him. Through the blood of Jesus, God has reserved room for me in heaven.

Listen! God has called you by name. Praise and serve Him now and forever.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for knowing my name. AMEN Submitted by: Joanne Larsen

Thursday, April 4, 2019 Read: Isaiah 43:1–7

Worthy of mention

In this world of social media and instant gratification, people crave for attention all the time. Children are needy and they are good at identifying their interests early on. When they find out, they are good at something, they do not stop talking about it. It is their new found love. Their hearts are filled with their hobby or interest. In Philippians 2: 25-30, Paul talks about a little known character in the Bible - Epaphroditus, a Philippian Christian sent by the church in Philippi to take a gift to Paul and to assist him in his ministry. Epaphroditus, we understand from Paul’s description that he was passionate about Christ. He took his mission seriously. Even though we do not know the details of his illness, it is implied that Epaphroditus went to great lengths to fulfill his mission. Paul was making certain that the Philippians understood the effort Epaphroditus had made for the cause of Christ. We do not know the details about his health, however, Paul lets the Philippians know that his condition had been far worse than perhaps they had imagined. It is interesting that Epaphroditus is mentioned soon after Paul mentions about Timothy, his surrogate. Paul believed that Epaphroditus’s healing was God’s direct intervention.

In reading the Bible, especially the Old Testament, I have often wondered why the names, the lineage and the insignificant characters take up so much space or call for our attention. As God has intended they had deserved a place in the Bible for some reason. To me, Epaphroditus falls in the line of Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives who delivered Moses, Rahab, Abigail, and other characters who have made a choice to obey God and earned a place in the Bible.

Prayer: Is my life worthy of mention when I stand before the throne on the judgment day? Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Submitted by: Shanthi Siva

Friday, April 5, 2019 Read: Philippians 2:25–3:1

“…he (Caiaphas) prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God…” (vs 51b – 52a)

God Has a Plan In this passage, Jesus was on his way to the cross – he knew that. He would go to the cross but he would go according to his Father’s will and timeframe. His Father’s plan for his death was what was important and not the scheming and devised plan of the chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus life and death was in the hands of his Heavenly Father. Our Heavenly Father, our Creator, knows the plan he has for each of us. His plan is for our good – for our well-being. He gave up the life of his only begotten son so that we can have life; we can have our sins forgiven and know his joy and peace in our lives. Will you, will I accept this great gift that is ours through the death and resurrection of God’s only son, Jesus, or will we reject it as many of the chief priests and Pharisees did? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Open my mind, and my heart to receive this day your gift of forgiveness and love through the name of your son, Jesus. Amen.

Submitted by: Mary Jo Peterson

Saturday, April 6, 2019 Read: John 11:45–57

There is a big difference between the actions of Mary and

Judas in this Bible passage. Mary, in humble devotion, yet

with extravagant expense, anoints the feet of Jesus with a

pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and

wiped his feet with her hair. Judas, the betrayer and thief,

covers his greed with seemingly pious intentions, when he

suggests that the ointment could have been sold for three

hundred denarii and given to the poor.

We sinners may appear to have pure motives, but inwardly

we have greedy hearts. Through repentance and the

blessings of the Word, God grants us pure hearts. No

monetary value can be placed on our redemption through

His blood, the forgiveness of our sins.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to follow Mary’s example by

lavishing love on Him who died for us! Amen

Submitted by Nancy Hoegh, using study notes from The

Lutheran Study Bible from Concordia Publishing House.

Sunday, April 7, 2019 Read: John 12:1–8

“Confidence, Hope, and Encouragement”

This passage talks about the confidence and assurance that those who trust and believe in Jesus can have! It is a message of confidence, hope and encouragement.

There is reference in verse 20 to a curtain. The reference to the curtain points us to the curtain in the temple surrounding the most holy place. Only the high priest had access through the curtain to God. When Jesus died, that temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. Jesus has removed the barrier between us and God by his death and resurrection. Jesus washed us clean with his blood.

We can have confidence that God loves us and died for our sins so that if we believe in him we have hope and assurance for all our days on earth and life after death. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (23).

How are we to live in response to God’s love? Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near (24,25). We are to actively “make Christ known” to others through lives full of love and good deeds. We also aren’t to try to live the Christian life on our own. Not meeting together quickly becomes a bad habit and habits are hard to change. We are to meet together and encourage one another as we remind each other of God’s love and faithfulness given to each of us in this life and the next.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving us. Help us to “make Christ known” and encourage others throughout all our days. Amen. Submitted by: Kaia Long

Monday, April 8, 2019 Read: Hebrews 10:19–25

1 John 2: 8-11: These verses share the importance of other's well-being and treating them with respect. Does it mean we need to love everyone? No, there are people in our life that we may not like as well as others, but we can still focus on an attitude of kindness and respect toward them. Life is about choices, we can choose our actions towards one another and Christian love is an action. 1 John 12-14: These verses reminded us of the three groups of people. First, we have the "dear children" who refer to the youth of our church who are learning and growing in God's love and have been forgiven through baptism. Second, we have the "young men" which refers to the adults of our church who have learned and discovered his word through confirmation, but are now putting it in action. Third we have the "fathers" of our church which is referring to the elders who know and have wisdom through life experiences and have seen the word in action because they have been with Him since the beginning. 1 John 2:15-28: These versus remind us to not be mesmerized by the worldly things around us. Pop culture can often define what is "cool" or "acceptable" or "norm" and this can cause our hearts to draw away from God. The same passion we have for sports, books, music, television programs and other worldly items is the same passion we should be directing toward him. These verses truly remind me of the 10 Commandments and Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all mind and with all your strength" and Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on path". Go and be the light and share His love with all whom you encounter. Submitted by: Christina Zabel

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 Read: 1 John 2:18–28

In these verses, we see that Jesus knew two things for sure. First of all, Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen to him when he went to Jerusalem. He knew he would “be mocked and insulted and spat upon.” (Verse 32) Physically, these would be the easier things for him to endure. He knew that he would then be publicly and brutally whipped (flogged) in order to make an example out of him, that he would then be hung on the cross to die, and that he had to suffer this horrible death in order to fulfill what the prophets had declared. But more importantly, Jesus knew that “on the third day he would rise again.” (Verse 33) He knew that his resurrection was what would bring eternal life to all of God’s children.

Secondly, Jesus knew that even as he now tried to foretell his death and resurrection to the disciples (those who knew him best), they did not understand what he was saying. Yes, they had followed him daily for three years. Yes, they were directly taught by him. Yes, they had watched as he taught others of God’s kingdom. Yes, they were present when Jesus healed hundreds of sick people and performed many miracles. And yes, they loved and believed in Jesus. Still, they understood nothing “. . . they did not grasp what was said.” (Verse 34) They did not yet understand the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Ultimately, those things did not matter to Jesus. He still went to Jerusalem. He still went through the humiliation and torture of that gruesome death, believing that in three days the disciples would then understand.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice of dying on the cross for the world and for me so that we all can have eternal life. Please fill my heart with gratitude and love that I may live my life demonstrating how much your sacrifice means to me.

Submitted by: Martha Gehrking

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Read: Luke 18:31–34

It was God’s will to crush Jesus because this was not God’s personal preference but rather the key to his mission allowing all of us to share in God’s glory. Jesus died, not because of his sins, but for all of our sins. Our guilt was cast on him but he is righteous and his life goes on forever. Jesus’ death accomplished God’s purpose and fulfilled his promises. These verses connect the suffering and the triumphant Messiah. The message about seeing offspring and prolonging his days means that Jesus lives forevermore to see all of the children of God as they are active in evangelism, discipleship and missions. We are blessed with many children in our congregation and a thriving ROV. These children help live out God’s prophecy on continuing God’s kingdom without an end. Cherish those many active children at Christ Lutheran! Also, remember when you partake in Holy Communion to remember Christ and his suffering on the cross. The fruit of the suffering is what saves us from sin. The hope of blessing goes along with the suffering.

Submitted by: Kristie Nelson

Thursday, April 11, 2019 Read: Isaiah 53:10–12

This Psalm portrays Christ’s passion. In these passages

Jesus’ suffering and betrayal are presented. His emotional

turmoil and rejection leading up to his dying on the cross is

laid out here. Though he describes his undying love and

trust in his God, he feels like a broken vessel. God is called

out to intervene in his worldly suffering. When reading this

Psalm one can imagine Jesus saying as quoted in Luke

23:34:” Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”

even though he knows death is near.

Jesus places his life and suffering into God’s complete

control. Verse 16 concludes with “Let your face shine” as a

blessing and light of God’s countenance of favor on his

servant Jesus. The verse ending with “steadfast love” relates

to God’s never-ending love. God is faithful and just and

does not abandon Jesus in his suffering and death on the

cross.

Submitted by: Glen Meyer

Friday, April 12, 2019 Read: Psalm 31:9–16

So much of the Christ’s purpose is in this text. Christ knew that “the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed”, starting with the decisions of the chief priests and scribes to plot with Judas. Jesus knew the world would deny his kingly presence. As he prayed at Gethsemane, he knew the horrible things that were to come. Once again, as many times before… i.e. “I must be about my Father’s business…”, “fill jars with water and take them to the host...” “you will find a donkey, tied there…”, “one of you shall betray me…”, “you will disown me three times…” -- he tells his disciples what will happen. “You will meet a man and be shown the upper room”. There the disciples prepared the Passover. The final time with those Jesus loved. His time with his disciples would be brief, but this is a ceremony of remembrance of grace for all Christians.

This Passover meal reminds us of his sacrifice. The beautiful message of our Passover meal is “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” – “this is my blood of the new covenant which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” When you receive the bread and wine, you can feel the presence of Christ and his saving grace.

We cannot fathom the immense suffering that occurred after that supper. Only rely on Christ’s statements toward the end -- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” and “Today you shall be with me in paradise”.

Submitted by: Jane Cabaya

Saturday, April 13, 2019 Read: Luke 22:1–13

In this text we have some of the strongest support for the doctrine of the divinity of Christ in the New Testament. It declares that Christ is equal with God. Christian theologians would later use it to contradict the heresy known as Arianism, which essentially denied the divinity of Jesus, claiming that he was created by God the Father and thus subordinate to the Father. The early Christian fathers countered Arianism by asserting that Jesus was “begotten of the Father, light of light, true God of true God, being of one substance with the Father.”

This makes it even more amazing that Christ would deliberately set aside his equality with the Father, empty himself, and condescend to be born as a man, taking the form of a servant. Would you and I do such a thing? Probably not. It goes against our nature. When we work hard and achieve even a modicum of success and status, we tend to guard it jealously, lest it slip away. For instance, if I become a manager and get to move into the corner office, I would be mortified to be demoted and have to go back to working in a cubicle.

Jesus is co-eternal and consubstantial with the creator of all that is, seen and unseen. Yet today's reading indicates he did count that as something to hold onto, never to be relinquished. Rather he willfully and with humility denied himself, took up his cross and died to redeem the world.

The text goes on to state that because of this ultimate act of humility, the name of Jesus has been lifted up higher than any other name. At the last day everyone who ever lived will bend the knee and confess that he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Prayer: Dear Father, we give you thanks for your Son Jesus, who willingly and lovingly set aside His rights as true God in order to take the form of a servant even unto death on a cross. Help us to honor and serve Him as we await His coming in glory. Amen.

Submitted by: Paul Reinschmidt

Sunday, April 14, 2019 Read: Philippians 2:5–11

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever. (v1) ...This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (v24)

“EVERY DAY IS A GIFT FROM GOD”

September 26, 2010 was the day that I realized the truth of that statement. I had a heart attack that day and I know I was lucky. My key chain has a metal heart with that saying on it and reminds me to thank God for each of my days. Having a life-crisis event does put a different perspective on what’s important, doesn’t it!

Martin Luther was in fear for his life from the Roman Catholic authorities in 1530 when he was hiding in Coburg Castle where he did a lot of his Biblical writings. Psalm 118 was said to be his favorite. It was full of thanksgiving and praise for God’s steadfast love and redemption. And he said verse 17 was his personal motto: “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.” He was living each day with the danger of being discovered but in the joy and thankfulness for what God had done for him.

As Jesus was welcomed with hosannas when he rode into Jerusalem, he knew that mere days later he would be humiliated and crucified on a cruel cross to shouts and insults from those same crowds. The people had expected the Messiah to come to liberate them from Roman rule and be their King. They greeted him with the words from Psalm 118, a traditional entrance psalm used as the people approached the temple for worship. It recited the history of the Exodus and the victory song of the Red Sea in verse 14 “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation... the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” (v16)

But then comes verse 17 and 18 which brings us face to face with the reality that we are sinful and don’t deserve rescuing or salvation but that Christ took on the sins of the world so we can “recount the deeds of the Lord”.

Jesus even used the words from verse 22-23 to explain the coming of his death and resurrection later that week. “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” God’s promise of salvation has been fulfilled in Christ’s obedience to death on the cross, enabling us to rejoice in each and every day of life as a redeemed Child of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me to see each day as a tremendous blessing from You and use all my talents to Your glory. In our loving Savior’s name, Amen.

Submitted by: MarJean Damerval

Monday, April 15, 2019 Read: Psalm 118:1–2,14–24

The imagery, numbers, and symbolic visions found in Revelation are so powerful, aren’t they? Let us be glad that we can read this Word, AND the Study Bible notes that help us understand it better! Jesus Christ is the divine author, and he is conveying the visions through to “his servant John” to believers. It unveils a spiritual war that don’t always see -- between God and Satan. Jesus has already won the decisive victory through his sacrificial death, but the church continues to be assaulted by “the dragon”. The ending will be revealed, but let’s look first at a few characters in the text from today, in which the “Woman’s son defeats the Dragon”.

The Woman: She symbolizes Israel, the chosen people of God, that all believers are a part of. The 12 stars on the crown represent the 12 sons/tribes of Israel from way back in Genesis.

The Dragon: This is the ancient serpent, the devil and Satan, who we knew would be defeated in Genesis 3 after the fall of Adam. The 7s and 10 horns represent great power, and it wants to devour the woman’s child.

The Male Child: This is the promised Messiah and Lamb of God, born to rule all the nations with a rod of iron (not a royal scepter, but the shepherd’s club). This is the one who would “bruise the serpent’s head”.

I really appreciate the lawyer-like case that John gives us in his Gospel, and that way of thinking is visible in Revelation, too. We find out that, since the Lamb has shed his blood for them, believers conquer the beast and the dragon that empowers it. Satan, the “accuser of our brothers” cannot press charges against us anymore. We have power over Satan, only through the blood of Jesus. Woah! We also find out that Satan’s tyranny will end, “his time is short”, and the Kingdom of our God is coming. So, in the end, JESUS WINS. The old heaven and earth, stained by sin and suffering, will be replaced by the new heaven and earth. The church (bride) will be united to the Lamb (her husband).

Prayer: Lord, we pray for the time when God’s Kingdom has spread throughout the world, here in Byron and everywhere on earth. Help us to remember that Jesus has won and is coming again. Be with us as we spread your Gospel to others, and give us the strength to maintain our faithful testimony to our death, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Submitted by: Owen Hoegh

Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Read: Revelation 12:1–12

Scripture

I’ve heard these words spoken at most weddings. It seemed a bit strange when they ended up being the Gospel a couple of Sundays ago in our service. Finally the verses were heard by everyone. Pastor said the Greeks have many words with varied meanings for “love”. If you search the internet, you’ll find an array of lists. When I read something lately about “love”, the statements said “love is trust” also. Biblically, it’s protection, trust, hope, and perseverance. Being with my better half in marriage for fifty years is a life of “love”. When you go through the marriage ceremony this text gives you guidance for sharing lovingly with your spouse; striving to understand when differences come forth; forgiving when wrong is thought or done; and always knowing that days will be wonderful no matter what. Sharing your love! Some kinds of love that I have dealt with include “Minnesota nice”. Maybe we are a little overly caring, but it sure feels good when we can give a hand, or do a “random act of kindness”. I know I’ve experienced it in other places. I’m sure many cases of kindness and love happen in the world today, but they’re often overlooked for all the critical, sometimes hateful and cruel moves, and events that fill the news. One kind of love that is unique and still highlighted as a “once in the world event” was the “Silent Night: the Christmas Truce of 1914”, when thousands of British, Belgian and French soldiers put down their rifles, stepped out of their trenches and spent Christmas mingling with their German enemies along the Western front. Wouldn’t be nice to have some of that love, in one of its best forms, flow over to our police, judges, and leaders. Submitted by: Jane Cabaya

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13

Jesus was troubled because of what would be happening in a few hours. He loved the disciples and knew he would soon be leaving them. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end (v. 11). The disciples still lacked understanding the depth of his love and his leaving even though Jesus spoke of it many times. They were all with Jesus for a last meal together. Jesus wanted to teach them another lesson about love and humility. Jesus dressed himself as only a servant with a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin and insisted on washing the feet of his disciples (v. 4). They were now prepared to eat as they have been cleansed. Jesus showed his love again with the sharing of bread (His body) and wine (His blood). Jesus taught them and us the example of love and humility through these acts of compassion. How can we know more of the love Jesus has for us? The Bible. Jesus will teach us many more act of love and kindness when we continue to read God’s Word every day. Prayer: God of love, open my heart and mind to hear your guidance and to follow it. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Submitted by: Jeannette Tweite

Thursday, April 18, 2019 Read: John 13:1–13

In one of the clearest messianic prophesies in the Old Testament we learn of the future suffering servant who was coming. Israel’s hopes of a messiah tended towards someone who would be a combination of King David (strong king and military commander) and Moses (law giver and deliverer) both of whom would set them free from foreign oppressors and put them in control of their land. Yet in this glimpse of the one who is coming to deliver Israel we hear other descriptions of the Messiah’s mission. He took up our pain and bore our suffering… He was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed… the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53. In referring to Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, the Apostle Paul writes “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. Through Christ’s crucifixion and death we have been made right with God. Jesus has set us free from sin, death, and the power of the Devil to be the forgiven children of God. Thank you Jesus for revealing the depth of your love for us on Good Friday! Thank you Jesus for sharing your eternal life with us now and forever! Submitted by: Pastor Steve Rheingans

Friday, April 19, 2019 Read: Isaiah 53:1–10

Joy Comes in the Morning – if we look for it

I can only imagine how Mary Magdalene must have felt. First, the man she worshipped had been beaten and hung on a cross. Then, he died and they had to bury him. Losing a loved one hurts down to our very core. To then have that loved one’s body go missing must have been pure devastation! Have you felt it? When you think things can’t get any worse, they do. It’s hard to think. It’s hard to get up in the morning and face another day. The tears come in waves. Nothing seems to make sense.

Where do you turn? Mary turned back to the tomb. I can’t imagine that she was really expecting to see anything different than she’d already seen. She was just looking one more time. You’ve done it. In your search for something that has been lost, you look again in the same places you’ve already looked, not really expecting to find it there, but hoping, wanting, desperately seeking. Think of your happiness when you actually find what you’ve been looking for and imagine Mary’s overwhelming joy in finding Jesus alive! Her joy would not have been nearly as great had she not first experienced the loss, the devastation. She’d been able to see Him every day. She’d loved Him. But now that she’d lost Him, seeing Him again had a whole new meaning. She jumped and ran for joy!

It’s the same today. For most of us, we don’t really appreciate the blessings that God has bestowed upon us until we’ve lost some of them. How sad. He has given us so much! We have all of the food, shelter, clothing and even loved ones that we truly need, yet we ask for so much more and forget to thank Him for what we already have. We have gifts and talents that we have been blessed with and don’t bother to share with others as part of our thanks to Him for giving them to us. Let’s think of Mary today. Let’s run (don’t walk) to share – the news, our gifts, our talents, our thanks with all of those around us. Spread the joy that comes after the devastation.

Prayer: Lord, help me to focus on the joy that comes from all of the gifts that you have given me, including the wonderful gift of your Son. Let me find it in my daily activities, and allow me the privilege to share it through those same blessings that you have bestowed upon me. Amen. Submitted by: Julie Carlblom

Saturday, April 20, 2019 Read: John 20:1–18

The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus

On the First day of the week, at early dawn, “the women came” to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood before them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. (Luke 24:1-5) Early in the morning, the women came to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. To their surprise, the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. They were terrified because they did not find the body. They were overwhelmed with pain and loss. At that moment, they heard the good news from the two men. In that darkness, God showed in a most unexpected way. It was beyond belief! Even the disciples could not comprehend what the women told them. It seemed like an idle tale. This is no idle tale! This is God of life, new beginnings and endless possibilities. This what you and I experience each day! God is coming to rescue us, bless us, and remind us the promise of forgiveness, our own resurrection and life everlasting. We need to open our eyes to see it, our hands to receive it, and our hearts to live in it. Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Because he lives, we shall too! Prayer: Gracious God! Thank you for our Risen Lord who

help us to move through the darkness and disappoints of life

to experience hope for the future. He is our living hope.

Submitted by: Pastor Nirmala

Sunday, April 21, 2019 Read: Luke 24:1–12