Lenten Devotional: Day 9
Lent is a season of repentance and humility, a time where we are called to consider our human sin and frailty in light of the splendor and perfection of God our King. Psalm 2 is the first of many so-called “royal Psalms,” focusing on God’s kingly character. The psalm opens with a question that answers itself, establishing rebellion and the throwing off of God’s yoke as the desire of the nations and kings who conspire against the true King. The reaction of “He who sits in the heavens” is scornful laughter, highlighting the ridicule of one who will not be mocked.
The Set Up: Lent is a season of repentance and humility, a time where we are called to consider our human sin and frailty in light of the splendor and perfection of God our King. Psalm 2 is the first of many so-called “royal Psalms,” focusing on God’s kingly character. The psalm opens with a question that answers itself, establishing rebellion and the throwing off of God’s yoke as the desire of the nations and kings who conspire against the true King. The reaction of “He who sits in the heavens” is scornful laughter, highlighting the ridicule of one who will not be mocked.
The reaction is not only derision, but action. The Lord refers to his Son, the real and true king, who will come and accomplish everything that was originally expected from David and his entire lineage. All is his and his reign over all false kings and nations betrays the attitude of rebels as not only foolish, but dangerous. In a jarring and ironic poetic image, the “potter” (Isaiah 45:9) will smash their lives like broken pottery, which becomes trampled underfoot and ultimately insignificant — trash on the ground.
While this psalm is sobering in its judgment, it also offers great hope. It points forward to the true divine Son who came to be the final and only truly righteous king, the one who obeyed his Father perfectly and broke the yoke of sin to set us free. Because Christ accomplished his mission on earth, he could definitively say: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He is the one the scriptures call “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3).
Passage to Read: Psalm 2
Reflection Questions:
This Psalm talks about the nations wanting things their way instead of God’s way. What are some ways that you see that playing out in our world today? How do you see that playing out in your own life?
The Psalmist writes, “Serve the Lord with fear?” What do you think it means to fear God?
How is God wanting to be the king of your life?
Prayer Focus: Our King and Father, where you are there is majesty and perfection. Thank you for giving us your Son, who reflects your glory and intercedes for us, advocates for us, and sends us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Lenten Devotional: Day 8
People think of Jesus in many ways. Perhaps two of the most common is that he is a wise teacher or a great example. But this passage, which is the most cited in the New Testament, tells us of two of Jesus’ roles — priest and king.
The Set Up: People think of Jesus in many ways. Perhaps two of the most common is that he is a wise teacher or a great example. But this passage, which is the most cited in the New Testament, tells us of two of Jesus’ roles — priest and king.
The king in Psalm 110 is unequaled in power and might. He sits at God’s right hand in the place of highest authority. He is guaranteed victory over his adversaries and he rules his people in such a way that they freely follow him. He crushes opposing kings and executes judgment among the nations. He is exalted and has sure victory over all his enemies.
When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, God restored him to his original place at his right hand. His resurrection was both a vindication of his status as the Son of God and his enthronement as the rightful king over creation. He defeated the power of sin and death and he presently reigns as king. This means that Jesus has the power and authority to protect us from all evil and wickedness and that he deserves our complete allegiance and loyalty.
This psalm also tells us that Jesus is a priestly king. Priests offer sacrifices and prayers on behalf of their people. But Jesus is a permanent priest in the order of Melchizedek, who was greater than all other priests. Jesus offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sin and he continually intercedes for us. He clothes us in holy garments, so that through him, we can draw near to God.
Passage to Read: Psalm 110
Reflection Questions:
• If someone asked you to describe Jesus, what are some of the first things that come to your mind?
• What do you think it means to see Jesus as a king? How can Jesus be the king of our lives?
• Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” What do you think that looks like practically for you?
Prayer Focus: Father, thank you that you have raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at your right hand, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Help us to trust in him daily as our priest and king. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Lenten Devotional: Day 7
James, who was the half-brother of Jesus, told the church that they should pray for each other. Those prayers, James said, are, “powerful and effective.” In actuality, the Greek words that James used are better translated, “powerful, having been made effective.” Our prayers are powerful because they have been made effective. What makes your prayers and mine effective? The resurrection of Jesus. It’s not how articulate we are when we pray. It’s not using special words or phrases. It’s praying in the name of Jesus, who died and then CAME BACK TO LIFE, that makes our prayers powerful. And when we pray for each other in Jesus’ name, things happen.
The Set Up: James, who was the half-brother of Jesus, told the church that they should pray for each other. Those prayers, James said, are, “powerful and effective.” In actuality, the Greek words that James used are better translated, “powerful, having been made effective.” Our prayers are powerful because they have been made effective. What makes your prayers and mine effective? The resurrection of Jesus. It’s not how articulate we are when we pray. It’s not using special words or phrases. It’s praying in the name of Jesus, who died and then CAME BACK TO LIFE, that makes our prayers powerful. And when we pray for each other in Jesus’ name, things happen.
Passage to Read: James 5
Reflection Questions:
1. When you pray, do you believe that your prayers are powerful and effective? Why or why not?
2. James uses Elijah, “a man just like us,” as an example of the power we have in our prayers as regular people. How does this help or embolden you to pray?
Prayer Idea: If you really believed that your prayers were powerful and effective because of Jesus, what would you pray for? Make those your prayers today, and tomorrow, and the day after that. Persist in prayer and see what God will do.
Lenten Devotional: Day 6
David was the second king of Israel and the bible describes him as, “a man after God’s own heart.” When you read David’s story, one thing that sticks out is how much David trusts God in some pretty horrible situations. For instance, when Saul was the first king of Israel and David was serving him, Saul became jealous of David and tried several times to kill him. David was forced to flee out into the desert and mountains and run for his life. During that time, there were at least two different times where David had Saul lined up in his sights and could have taken him out and become the king. But both times David resisted. He believed that if God wanted him to become king it would happen…
THE SET UP: David was the second king of Israel and the bible describes him as, “a man after God’s own heart.” When you read David’s story, one thing that sticks out is how much David trusts God in some pretty horrible situations. For instance, when Saul was the first king of Israel and David was serving him, Saul became jealous of David and tried several times to kill him. David was forced to flee out into the desert and mountains and run for his life. During that time, there were at least two different times where David had Saul lined up in his sights and could have taken him out and become the king. But both times David resisted. He believed that if God wanted him to become king it would happen, but he wasn’t willing to eliminate the current kind to make it happen. Later, when David was the king, his own son Absalom led a coup to take the throne away from David and led an army to hunt David down. Again, David wanted Absalom spared and wept and mourned for him when he was killed in battle. In these hard situations and others, David believed that God would deliver him. 2 Samuel 22 is called, “David’s Song of Praise,” that he sang when he was victorious over all of his enemies. Some of it reminds me of the words of St. Patrick.
THE SCRIPTURE: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. 4 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.
“He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. 18 He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. 19 They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. 20 He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. - 2 Samuel 22:2-4, 17-20
David had confidence in hard times because he believed that God was his ROCK, his FORTRESS, and his SAVIOR. That when he was at his lowest, God picked him up and placed him on solid ground. This morning when I read that, I put myself in David’s shoes and I thanked God that we was MY Rock, MY Fortress, and MY Savior. God is not just great because of what He did in David’s life, God is great because of how He is at work in MY life. God is our hope and our deliverer. Whatever breakthrough you are praying for today, God is YOUR Rock, YOUR Fortress, and YOUR Savior! During this season of Lent, we are reminding ourselves of our dependence on him.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- How have you seen God be your rock, your fortress, or your savior in the past? Have you had a “no way out” moment where God was your only hope?
- What is your prayer during this Lenten season? What are you believing God for?
- How has Lent caused your faith to grow so far?
PRAYER FOCUS: Give God thanks for being YOUR Rock, YOUR Fortress, and YOUR Savior. Tell Him what you are believing for Him to breakthrough on your behalf or on behalf of our church or city.
Lenten Devotional: Day 5
In the Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament), three of the four authors write about Jesus experiencing a forty-day fast in the wilderness. During this time, we read that He was tempted by the devil. If you have been feeling temptation or thought about giving up on fasting or whatever you have set aside for Lent, you are not the first and you are not alone. When we commit to fasting and prayer, we put ourselves in a position to really hear from God. We also put ourselves in the enemy’s cross hairs. But the good news is that we can trust God to give us the strength we need to keep going as we believe for breakthrough!
THE SET-UP: In the Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament), three of the four authors write about Jesus experiencing a forty-day fast in the wilderness. During this time, we read that He was tempted by the devil. If you have been feeling temptation or thought about giving up on fasting or whatever you have set aside for Lent, you are not the first and you are not alone. When we commit to fasting and prayer, we put ourselves in a position to really hear from God. We also put ourselves in the enemy’s cross hairs. But the good news is that we can trust God to give us the strength we need to keep going as we believe for breakthrough!
THE SCRIPTURE: 4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted[a] by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’[b]”5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’[c]” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[d]” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[e]” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. - Luke 4:1-13
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- When you read this passage, which one of the temptations that Jesus faced do you think was the toughest? Why did you choose that one?
- What are the situations or circumstances that you find tempting in your life? How do you usually respond to those temptations?
- Jesus responded to the devil’s temptations with Scripture. What are some Scripture passages that help you in dealing with temptation in your life?
PRAYER FOCUS: The Bible promises us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Thank God that He won’t allow you to be overwhelmed by temptation and that He will be your source of strength and encouragement as you go through this Lenten season. Pray also for your brothers and sisters in Christ who are sharing this season with you.
Lenten Devotional: Day 4
James, who was the half-brother of Jesus, told the church that they should pray for each other. Those prayers, James said, are, “powerful and effective.” In actuality, the Greek words that James used are better translated, “powerful, having been made effective.” Our prayers are powerful because they have been made effective. What makes your prayers and mine effective? The resurrection of Jesus. It’s not how articulate we are when we pray. It’s not using special words or phrases. It’s praying in the name of Jesus, who died and then CAME BACK TO LIFE, that makes our prayers powerful. And when we pray for each other in Jesus’ name, things happen.
The Set Up: James, who was the half-brother of Jesus, told the church that they should pray for each other. Those prayers, James said, are, “powerful and effective.” In actuality, the Greek words that James used are better translated, “powerful, having been made effective.” Our prayers are powerful because they have been made effective. What makes your prayers and mine effective? The resurrection of Jesus. It’s not how articulate we are when we pray. It’s not using special words or phrases. It’s praying in the name of Jesus, who died and then CAME BACK TO LIFE, that makes our prayers powerful. And when we pray for each other in Jesus’ name, things happen.
Passage to Read: James 5
Reflection Questions:
1. When you pray, do you believe that your prayers are powerful and effective? Why or why not?
2. James uses Elijah, “a man just like us,” as an example of the power we have in our prayers as regular people. How does this help or embolden you to pray?
Prayer Idea: If you really believed that your prayers were powerful and effective because of Jesus, what would you pray for? Make those your prayers today, and tomorrow, and the day after that. Persist in prayer and see what God will do.
Lenten Devotional: Day 3
When we start to feel distant from God, God instructs us to SEEK HIM. That’s what Lent is all about. Setting aside some of the common everyday activities and objects of our lives so we can seek God in a greater way. When we do that, God promises, we will find him. When you seek me, you will find me.
The Set Up: Have you ever lost something that was super valuable to you? Maybe you couldn’t find your wedding ring so you turned your house upside down until you found it. Or maybe you misplaced the plane tickets (back when we used paper tickets) for your vacation and scrambled to come up with them before you missed your flight. Probably one of the scariest moments you can have as a parent is when one of your kids goes missing, or as a child when you couldn’t find your mom at the store. Whatever the situation, whenever you are missing something valuable, you stop whatever else you are doing until you can find it.
In todays passage, God talks to Israel about losing their way spiritually. He tells them that over time they may find themselves drifting away from God and toward the idols of the people around them. Isn’t that the way things often work in our lives too? We don’t often make a hard right turn or a 180 degree turn away from God’s best for our lives. We tend to drift. That’s what God warned Israel about and it’s what can happen to us. But then God gives them an instruction and a promise. It’s found in verse 29:
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deuteronomy 4:29
When we start to feel distant from God, God instructs us to SEEK HIM. That’s what Lent is all about. Setting aside some of the common everyday activities and objects of our lives so we can seek God in a greater way. When we do that, God promises, we will find him. When you seek me, you will find me.
Biblical Passage to Read: Deuteronomy 4:25-31
Reflection Questions:
* What is the most valuable thing you have ever lost? We’re you able to find it or get it back?
* What do you think it means to seek God with all your heart?
* How are you seeking God during this Lenten season?
Prayer Focus: Jesus, you said we should ask, seek, and knock when we pray. I believe that when I ask, I will receive. When I seek I will find. And when I knock the door will be opened. Help me to find you as I seek you this Lenten season.
Lenten Devotional: Day 2
Lent is an opportunity for us to be still, to take time to let the water of our heart settle down, so we can take a good long look and see who we are. There are so many things in our 24/7 world that keep the water of our heart sloshing around. May you set some of those things aside this Lenten season, allowing God to show you the condition of your soul, and helping you to grow to be more like Christ.
The Set Up: In 1924, Dr. Willem Einthoven, received the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Einthoven, who had been born on Java in the Dutch East Indies, and later grew up in the Netherlands, was a medical doctor and professor who studied the human heart. His efforts to understand the human heart led him to create the String Galvonometer. That early prototype eventually became the first electrocardiographic machine. If you’ve ever had an EKG or ECG of your heart done, you can thank Dr. Einthoven. While the technology has vastly improved (Einthoven’s original machine weighed over 600 pounds, took up two rooms, and required five people to operate. Today, you can get a basic ECG from your Apple Watch), the principles he discovered are still used today. The ability to test our hearts is a great gift in detecting and helping to prevent heart disease or damage. It is a life saver.
In the same way the condition of your physical heart impacts your physical heart, your spiritual “heart” is an indicator of who you are as a person. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings from Solomon and others, we read that our heart is like a mirror, reflecting our spiritual, emotional, and mental health. When that proverb was written, mirrors were scarce. Sometimes a sheet of bronze or other metal was polished until you could see your reflection, but water was the truest and most accurate surface that they could use to see themselves. But in order for us to be able to get a clear reflection from water, it has to be still. When water is still, we can look at it and clearly see ourselves. Lent is an opportunity for us to be still, to take time to let the water of our heart settle down, so we can take a good long look and see who we are. There are so many things in our 24/7 world that keep the water of our heart sloshing around. May you set some of those things aside this Lenten season, allowing God to show you the condition of your soul, and helping you to grow to be more like Christ.
Passage to Read: “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” – Proverbs 27:19
Reflection Questions:
· Have you ever looked into a fun house mirror (The kind that distorts your reflection)? What are some of the things in our lives that can distort how we see ourselves?
· When is the last time you were able to get still and take a look at the mirror of your heart? Why don’t we do that more often?
· What do you think is the value of seeing the spiritual condition of your heart?
Prayer Idea: In Psalm 139:23-24, David prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” As you still your heart and pray this, believe that God will answer that prayer.
Lenten Devotional: Day 1
The season of Lent is a time when we determine to set aside some of our comforts to pursue a greater level of relationship with Christ. We give up something to gain something greater. We repent (which means to turn away from 180 degrees) of things in our lives that are keeping us from becoming who God calls us to be. We pick up some things, like prayer, reading the Scriptures, and serving to help us to align our lives with Christ. May the next 45 days be for you a time of growth as you pursue Christ and share in his journey to the cross, even as we anticipate the celebration of his resurrection.
The Set Up: One of the most interesting and inspiring books in the Old Testament of the Bible is the book of Daniel. When Daniel was a young man, probably a teen or college-age young adult, his nation, Israel was overrun by the Babylonian army. Daniel, along with many children from royal or elite families, was taken to Babylon and put into a training program to see if they could become leaders for the Babylonian Empire. Daniel flourished in Babylon and became one of the kings closest and most trusted advisors. Somehow Daniel was able to maintain his faith in God without compromise despite his environment. And throughout his life, he continued to pray for Israel to be protected and restored. One day, as Daniel read the words of the prophet Jeremiah, he read that Israel would remain desolate for seventy years. When Daniel read that, his heart broke for his people. Despite the fact that he was in a place of power and doing well in Babylon, he cared deeply about his people. Here is how Daniel responded:
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
As we begin the season of Lent leading up to Easter, we are embracing the same posture as Daniel. Daniel fasted, giving up food or some foods, and spent extra time in prayer for Israel. In Lent, we give up food, certain foods, or other things such as entertainment, social media, or other comforts as we commit ourselves to prayer and seeking God. Daniel put on rough burlap clothing and sprinkled himself with ashes, which was a sign of mourning in his time and culture. Yesterday, millions of Christians observed Ash Wednesday as a day of repentance and declaring our need for Christ.
The season of Lent is a time when we determine to set aside some of our comforts to pursue a greater level of relationship with Christ. We give up something to gain something greater. We repent (which means to turn away from 180 degrees) of things in our lives that are keeping us from becoming who God calls us to be. We pick up some things, like prayer, reading the Scriptures, and serving to help us to align our lives with Christ. May the next 45 days be for you a time of growth as you pursue Christ and share in his journey to the cross, even as we anticipate the celebration of his resurrection.
Passage to Read: Daniel 9:1-19
Reflection Questions:
· Daniel was not a part of the problem in Israel, and what was happening there was not his problem. Why do you think he was so moved to fast and pray for them?
· What has helped you personally to feel closest to God? How can you allow the season of Lent to help you feel that closeness?
· What is God asking you to give up for Lent this year? What is God asking to pick up for Lent this year?
Prayer Idea: In the same way that Daniel was moved to fast and pray for Israel, is there something that God is stirring you to pray for during this season? Commit to spend time daily during Lent praying for that situation.
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