Day # 40 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #40 – Holy Saturday

WORD OF TODAY:  1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (ESV)

9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

Today consider the state of mind of all those who had followed Jesus in His life and ministry. It was the Sabbath, and the Body of Christ Jesus lay in the tomb of Joseph. The day was still, no work was done and the day filled with quiet sorrow. Jesus was gone, dead and buried. What would your life be without Jesus? How empty would each breath breathed be without our Lord? Consider the silence of the day our Lord lay in that tomb.

We have walked for 40 days now, examining ourselves through Scripture and prayer and fasting, acknowledging our own wretchedness, our sinful nature, our corrupt hearts. Consider today the desperation realized as our only hope lay dead in a tomb. How frightful a thought that after all the suffering, shame, and pain He endured, our Lord Jesus Christ is simply gone, alone and dead locked in the cold, dark tomb. Take some time today to sit quietly, and consider the wrath of God laid upon Christ Jesus because of our sin.

Consider if it all ended with Jesus in the tomb. For if Christ is not risen, then our faith is in vain (from 1 Cor. 15:14). And so as a prisoner set free from death row, we give thanks for the Truth that God had not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through the wrath laid upon our Lord Jesus Christ in whom we now walk. The Sun will rise in the morning, and the dark, cold tomb will be filled with Light and hope empty of wrath replaced with life eternal! Now prepare your hearts and be encouraged, the Light will soon rise!

Day # 39 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #39 – Good Friday

WORD OF TODAY:  Romans 6:10-11 (ESV)

10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

On this day we recall the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. We fast this day completely, recalling and reliving the horror of our Lord taken and beaten and nailed to the tree where He suffered, bled, and died. This death He died, He died to sin. He surrendered His life as a satisfaction for the sin of the world, once for all. If this was all there was, an innocent life given as an offering for the guilty, we would yet remain under the curse of sin today. But in Christ Jesus, His death was a death to sin, and yet we know death could not hold Him. In His resurrection He lives, and the life He lives He lives to God.

All of humanity is invited in faith to participate in this sacrifice, and resurrection. The way we participate is through faith accepting that this sacrifice was offered by the Great High Priest as the once-for-all sacrifice of Himself, and in this sacrifice we are justified as righteous in Him, by Him, and through Him. Our Lord Jesus Christ is sacrificed for us, and in accepting His sacrifice for us we consider ourselves dead to sin. In doing so, the old self is no more, and we are made new, born again into new life that is alive to God in Christ Jesus!

Christian, now is the hour of salvation offered in the humiliation and suffering of the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, the Christ, Incarnate God, Jesus of Nazareth. The price He paid for our souls is incomprehensible. He paid this price willingly, because He loves us that much. What does that love mean to you today, and what is your loving response to Him today (Luke 17:11-19)?

Day # 38 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #38 – Maundy Thursday

WORD OF TODAY:  Hebrews 9:13-14 (ESV)

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

We often hear “life is precious”, and so it is! As Christians we understand that the very life within us, and that of all living beings, is a blessed gift given by God. In the time before sin entered the world, death did not exist. Consider what living into that Truth would be like, where there is no death!

Yet sin brought with it a consequence, and death is its name. From the heart of Truth, we all know death to be unnatural and foreign to our design. We mourn a life lost because life lost is not part of God’s will, but a consequence of our own unrighteousness.

God, in his grace, provided for the transfer of guilt and satisfaction of consequence in the sacrificial system, and in our Scripture today we are wise to hear how precious the life of the goats and bulls were to purify the flesh of the defiled persons. Consider how the innocent animals bore the weight of the unrighteous, and the value their lives had as a substitute for mankind’s.

The offering of a life for a life in substitution for the consequence of sin sanctified the flesh, and the lives offered were precious for the precious lives saved. How much more precious, then, is the life of Christ Jesus and the blood from His body offered to purify not only the flesh but even the soul, purifying the conscience from dead works to serve the living God! Consider the precious Incarnate life sacrificed, His life for our life, given freely to purify your soul.

Day # 37 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #37 – Holy Wednesday

WORD OF TODAY:  1 Peter 2:23-25 (ESV)

23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

Yesterday we were charged to submit ourselves to God. And why would we not, if we hear the Truth of the Gospel. Jesus was just, and entrusted Himself to that justice. God is true and faithful to his word, and Jesus was not under the curse because He was the One who was made sin who knew no sin.

He bore our sins in his body on the tree. This is true whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not, whether you doubt or not. Jesus Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree. If we put our faith and trust in this Truth, we will live to righteousness having died to sin. It is by His wounds that we are healed. He bore our sins in his body on the tree.

Christian, count the wounds of Jesus and consider the pain He endured. He did that for you! He did that for all the ones who caused Him all that suffering. You didn’t ask Him to do this, He did it because He loves you and wants to have you with Him forever. He did not revile in return for those who reviled Him, nor did He threaten those who brought suffering upon Him. This was His purpose, to bear upon Himself the suffering of our sin, the reviling of our sin, ,the death of our sin.

Consider today this most precious gift of atonement offered for every sinner to receive, and the cost by which it came. Jesus was steadfast in His willingness to suffer for your redemption, and all He asks is that you walk with Him in faith.

Day # 36 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #36 – Holy Tuesday

WORD OF TODAY:  James 4:7-10 (ESV)

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

There are many among us who enjoy the wealth of this world, laughing in the temporal excitement and happiness found in sin. We all know the drug addict did not begin with an intent and knowledge of the place the drug would take them when they first experienced that high. We all know the alcoholic did not desire from that first sip to be beholden to the bottle more than spouse, job, children, or parents and friends.

No, the drug addict did not think they would be homeless and penniless on the street doing anything for that next fix, nor did the alcoholic. Submitting ourselves to anything other than God will be our ruin. When we submit ourselves to God, we do resist the devil and in God’s presence the devil will flee. We are wise to draw near to God by submitting ourselves to God, and we are promised he will draw near to us. The laughter of the evil world will end, either through our repentance and amendment of life given to God in Christ Jesus or our reward has been received by the gift of the world where suffering will be forever. Our worldly laughter is turned to mourning when we turn to God. Convicted of sin, we find gloom in what the sin has guided us to become, like the drug does to the addict and the drink does to the alcoholic.

Will you submit your whole self to God? Christian, let it turn to sorrow as you submit yourself to God and in Him you will be exalted instead of ruined.

Day # 35 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #35 – Holy Monday

WORD OF TODAY:  John 20:25 (ESV)

25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

Who can blame Thomas? He gave up everything to follow Jesus, only to watch Him be taken by the authorities, beaten, nailed to a cross, die, and be buried. It must have seemed like a sick joke the others were playing on him as they tell him the Lord had been with them. And yet it was true, Jesus had come and visited them all.

Thomas was confused and hurt, having watched Jesus, whom he’d seen heal and teach, be condemned in shame and murdered by His own people. What have you experienced that causes you to doubt? What understanding did you at one time think was correct only to be caught off guard with an unexpected twist that now makes you cynical, contrary, or suspect of tale or circumstance?

The child looks upon the world with awe and wonder, without predisposed prejudices or worldly-scarred lenses. The child doesn’t put restraints on the miraculous. Jesus says it is the childlike to which the kingdom of God belongs.

As we begin our Holy Week journey on this Holy Monday, consider the lenses through which you view the world. Are you like Thomas, scarred from hurt and confusion in such a way as to doubt our Lord, or others by whom He witnesses? Consider, Thomas knew the wounds to look for on Jesus, but his heart was heavy with the burden of sorrow. Thomas knew that Jesus was the Christ, but he felt abandoned and alone. Christian, consider today how Jesus knew the sorrow of Thomas’ heart, and the sense of abandonment he felt. He knows yours too, and He will comfort you where you need it. Have you made your cry?

Day # 34 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #34

WORD OF TODAY:  Ephesians 1:7-9 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ...

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

Have you considered the true riches of Almighty God’s grace? The amount of gracious wealth possessed by our God is truly immeasurable. The Apostle says that the riches of his grace was lavished upon us, an extravagant abundance given to those who repent of their trespasses and turn to God, redeemed in the blood of Christ and become His disciple.

Let us today consider anew the depth of the riches on display in the grace provided to the adopted children of God, having had our trespasses forgiven by the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. We have spent many days considering our sin, and the depth and breadth thereof. Now let us consider the sins of the whole world, and the depth and breadth of the entirety of mankind’s sin. Jesus Christ died for it all! Every sin of our day and of days long gone. Every sin! Consider the mystery of His endless riches. Do you doubt His wealth of grace for you?

Next let us consider the revelation of the mystery revealed that the Apostle brings into view, the will of God according to this purpose that Christ was sent forth to accomplish, the redemption of the people of God. We may be tempted to believe God desires condemnation, but we know better. This was the plan before the dawn of time, God knew what He would do for the sake of His creation.

Today walk in the light of this amazing Truth. Take some time to reflect on what this means to you today, and how you can proclaim it to another.

Day # 33 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #33

WORD OF TODAY:  John 11:21-22 (ESV)

21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

The reality of pain in our world hits us so squarely at times. The sorrow, the hurt, the struggle through all that is faced as we live our lives can be so very difficult to understand and endure.

Have you found yourself making a cry like Martha, saying “Lord, if you had been here?” Maybe you now feel as though our Lord is distant, beyond hearing, beyond helping?

Martha displays a belief, and a trust, and Truth in her words. And yet even so, she diminishes the power and authority of our Lord to her own understanding. We may feel as though our Lord is so far from us that He does not hear, or know, or care about the troubles of our day. But just as He did with Martha and Mary and Lazarus, He will do for us. He will come in His time to His glory, and will make all things new.

Today we consider how small we make Almighty God, and how distant we may think our Lord is from our lives. Do you ever say “Lord I know you would have done ....... if you’d had only been here?”, never doubting His power but only His presence? Consider today John 20:25 compared to John 20:27 and ask yourself was Jesus not there when Thomas doubted? Jesus would answer his every petition without any question from Thomas.

Where in your life might you be doubting, or minimizing, Almighty God’s presence and power and authority? How might you help others see God’s presence and power and authority?

Day # 32 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #32

WORD OF TODAY:  Psalm 38:1-3 (Coverdale Psalter-2019 Book of Common Prayer)

Put me not to rebuke, O LORD, in thine anger; neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure: 2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. 3 There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure; neither is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

The psalmist makes the plea from the convicted heart. Do you know this cry that the psalmist makes? In awareness of offense, do you see the true anger of God towards the transgression, and in that offense now brought to light yields the sorrow in your heart as if arrows have pierced it, and that the weight of justice causes agony within your very being?

The psalmist confesses what is true, there is no health in us. We have offended, and as we sojourn through this dark world we find no rest. The reason is confessed, it is the result of sin.

In the flesh, in this world, the palmist knows there is no health, but only sickness. There is sickness caused by our sin, and there is sickness as a result of the weight of conviction.

Until the sinner realizes these truths, true repentance is not possible. Today let us consider the absence of health in our flesh and the need of the Great Physician to heal us of this terminal state of sickness. Today let us consider the need for Spiritual presence and guidance to be our health as we remain in the flesh. Finally, let us give thanks for the conviction of our hearts, though they be painful to face. Consider the benefit of the pierced heart of conviction, and how it leads to mercy through confession.

Day # 31 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #31

WORD OF TODAY:  Proverbs 28:13-14 (ESV)

13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 14 Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

The very first reaction after the first sin occurred was concealment. Adam and Eve first concealed their nakedness, then they concealed themselves from God. As we look back on this attempt to conceal, we are able to see clearly this attempt to conceal did no good. God sees all, and God knows all. So we find concealment of transgressions as nothing more than an escalation of sin. Therefore we know there is no prosperity in concealment of our transgressions, as the proverb proclaims. Prayerfully consider today those desires you have to conceal transgressions, and ask that subconscious actions be revealed as well.

If we desire the mercy of God, our confession is required. This is the only way we might obtain mercy. The difficultly of complete confession is found in the knowledge of the righteous judgment of God. True confession embodies an awareness of the unworthiness of mercy and forgiveness that we seek, and yet by God’s grace the sober penitent finds mercy.

Consider today the abundant mercy shown to those who fear God and confess their transgressions, beginning with Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves, yet God offered the first sacrifice for the transgressions of mankind by providing more fitting garments to clothe them (Gen 3:21). Consider today the mercy you have received, recalling and reflecting upon the effect that mercy has had on others. Offer a prayer for the innocent affected by your transgressions, and a moment to serve those who are innocently suffering today that you might encounter.

Day # 30 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #30

WORD OF TODAY:  Psalm 103:8-9 (Coverdale Psalter, 2019 Book of Common Prayer)

The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and of great goodness. 9 He will not always be chiding; neither keepeth he his anger forever.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

As we begin this final quarter of Lenten Season, we again encounter the Truth of God’s love and grace and mercy. Today we are reminded that the LORD our God does not desire a single soul to be lost. Our LORD does not wish for anyone to suffer. The gift of redemption is offered freely without cost to the recipient, but it’s offering comes from a great cost paid by Christ Jesus.

Take some time to consider today the depth of compassion our LORD has shown. Is there any greater witness of our Triune God’s compassion than Jesus’ cry from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”? How great is the mercy of God displayed in the Incarnation, the Son lowering Himself into humanity and suffering the consequence of our sin?

The psalmist proclaims the LORD is long-suffering. Consider, the Word spoken became flesh and hung on the cross, who with a word could have removed all the pain and hurt He endured. He struggled for each breath upon the cross enduring the weight of our sin. Consider anew today the long-suffering of our LORD, the agony of Christ Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself, and the slow-motion of the moment in time that each heartbeat must have been during His suffering.

The anger brought forth from the offense of our sins lay bare across the back of Jesus, righteous anger toward the unrighteous with every blow upon those nails driven through His flesh. But the anger is no longer kept, Jesus has taken away that anger upon Himself. Consider today this great gift of love that is our God!

Day # 29 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #29

WORD OF TODAY:  Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

There is to be a brightness that shines into the dark world through which we sojourn. Jesus says here to those who follow Him, “you are the light of the world.” In John 8:12 Jesus says “...I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

These two statements of Jesus are not in disagreement. When Christ Jesus has touched our hearts, our souls, and our lives with His healing love the darkness fades and His light dwells within us. When we walk in His calling, we brightly reflect His light from within us into the world. Furthermore, collectively as the Church, we are His Body now present in the world.

If the light of Christ Jesus burns within you, it is to be raised up high and used for the witness to others. The people around us will see our hearts (Luke 8:16-18). Consider today the ways in which you have covered the light of Christ Jesus that burns from within you.

There may be times when we fear the light that burns within us, when exposed to the world in fullness, might get extinguished by the winds of this world. Darkness will try to defeat the light, but darkness cannot overcome the Light. Our light comes from an eternal fuel of love and grace, and it is to be shown to the world. Be intentional today to let the Light within you shine for all to see!

Day # 28 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #28

WORD OF TODAY:  Psalm 40:1-2 (Coverdale Psalter, 2019 Book of Common Prayer)

I waited patiently for the LORD, and he inclined unto me, and heard my calling. 2 He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay, and set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

The psalmist says he waited patiently. How patient are we when we make our cry unto the LORD? We know that patience is one of the characteristics embodying the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Patience is not of our own strength, but a strength from the indwelling Holy Spirit. The psalmist was Spirit-led as he waited for the LORD.

The Helper within us not only enables us to outwardly bear patience, but strengthens us to be at peace as we display confidence that God’s actions will come to His glory in His time.

Is there something you have been crying out to the LORD these past 27 days of Lent, but have not yet heard from the LORD? Have you made your cry unto the LORD and heard nothing? Consider the psalmist, who waited patiently, and witnesses that in this patience the LORD inclined unto him and heard his calling.

Today consider how much you desire to control Almighty God. How often do we try to define what is an acceptable time frame in which an answer should come, or how quickly the Lord should act from the petitions we make.

For today, make your petitions unto the LORD, and do so with a petition to be Spirit-led. Ask the Holy Spirit to bear fruit from within your heart and be strengthened with the Truth of His promise to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5; Deu. 31:6).

Day # 27 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #27

WORD OF TODAY:  1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV)

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

St. Paul would write in Romans (8:12-17) that to live in the flesh is death. He continues to note that we are to be in the Spirit, by whom we put to death the deeds of the body. The deeds of the body noted to the Corinthians include sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, theft, greed, drunkards, revilers, swindlers.

We may look upon another and see their sin so clearly, but do we find ourselves deceived of our own sin? To have an inheritance as children of God, we must not be deceived. Let us pause today and begin with the petition that we will be brought to conviction of our hidden sin as well as our known sin. Let us also ask for humble clarity into our own hearts that we might see and acknowledge the impurities that lie within.

Now we consider our own truth so that we can repent and amend our lives. Jesus always wanted to know the nature of the heart, what is truly inside a person. What does He see within your heart?

Today, commit to praying for yourself to have a pure heart, and for another who may be involved in the sin list presented here today that they may see their error, repent, and return to be true children of God:

The deceived-sexually immoral, idolater, adulterer, homosexual, thief, greedy, drunkards (alcohol & drugs), revilers, and swindlers.

Day # 26 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #26

WORD OF TODAY:  1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

Note today that St. John begins this portion of his Epistle with “if”. “If we say”, which means we have a choice. We have a choice to deceive ourselves or be honest with ourselves. We can say we are without sin, but we know if we say this it is only self-deception. And we so often pursue self-deception in order to avoid guilt, shame, and consequences. However, the disciple of Christ Jesus must know, and embrace, the Truth that the curse promised to the sinner has already been paid. Jesus took upon Himself every ounce of guilt, every ounce of shame, and every ounce of the consequence of your sin. That is, if you have given to Him your guilt, your shame, your sin. St. John notes a second choice, another “if”. “If we confess...”

The consistent Truth we find here today is Almighty God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His word proclaimed is the Word of Truth, and is trustworthy and reliable. So when we are told we are condemned in our unrighteousness, we are. And when we are told that Jesus accepted our condemnation in unrighteousness though He Himself was Righteous, we are. God does not undo what He has said. So today consider how Almighty God is faithful to His word. Yesterday we considered how valuable His word is, and today we see why His word is so valuable. It is God’s Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, who willingly took upon Himself our guilt, shame, and condemnation. So today consider anew the absolute Truth that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Day # 25 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #25

WORD OF TODAY:  Psalm 119:162-164 (Coverdale Psalter of the 2019 BCP)

I am as glad of thy word, as one that findeth great spoils. 163 As for lies, I hate and abhor them; but thy law I love. 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee; because of thy righteous judgments.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

Jesus, in His parable recorded in Matthew 13 says 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

The Psalmist says that the word of the LORD is as if one has found great spoils. Consider today the relationship between the Psalmist’s words and the parable of Jesus. Do you realize the treasure to be found in God’s Word? Do you recognize the value of the treasure that is God’s Word?

Finally today, consider the Psalmist’s devotion as a model for your day. Will you set aside seven moments of your day to give praise to Almighty God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Here is an optional template you might consider:

First Praise Time- Give thanks for God’s Word, and His Righteousness.

Second Praise Time- Pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly and intentionally.

Third Praise Time- Consider the true value of God’s Word.

Fourth Praise Time- Pray the Ten Commandments (Exo 20).

Fifth Praise Time- Confess your sins and the convictions of your heart.

Sixth Praise Time- Consider once more the true value of God’s Word.

Seventh Praise Time- Pray the Lord’s Prayer and give thanks for God’s Word.

Day # 24 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #24

WORD OF TODAY:  Psalm 1:6-7 (Coverdale Psalter of the 2019 BCP)

Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgment, neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 7 But the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous; and the way of the ungodly shall perish.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

If the sinner cannot stand in the congregation of the righteous, the sinner has no hope of standing before Almighty God. Even in the midst of judgment, the weight is unbearable to the ungodly.

In this first Psalm, we see clearly the hopelessness of the sinner. It is clear none can stand before the Righteous One, and there is no hope in helping ourselves. There are no do-overs for the sinner, and an offense before God is forever an offense before God.

When we find ourselves in trouble, our minds begin to try to work ourselves out of that trouble. How might this be true for you? When we recognize the consequence of sin, we might also try to formulate in our minds a way out of the just accountability. Consider today then these questions:

How do I try to earn God’s forgiveness? How do I try to justify sin? How do I attempt to make deals with God in order to avoid guilt?

Truly, Psalm 1 speaks to the One who fulfills the Law and has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, Jesus Christ our Lord. And you do not need to reason your way out of sin with Him, nor do you need to try and make a deal with Him. You only need to believe in Him, believe on Him, believe through Him. Follow Him, be His disciple and He will cleanse you and remove the unrighteousness that keeps you from the glory of God. Consider this amazing Truth, the only way that we can save ourselves.....is to abandon ourselves........to Jesus! How might you empty yourself to Him today?

Day # 23 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #23

WORD OF TODAY:  John 14:15-17 (ESV)

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

Do these words of our Lord Jesus Christ pierce your heart? The “if” beginning our verse today reminds us of the choice we have, to believe or not. The “then” rings of Truth as the only application for the one whose choice is to love Jesus, obedience.

Consider today and reflect upon the Truth that it is impossible to love a God not known. For us to love God, and thereby participating in the result of that love (which is obeying His commandments) we must first know Him (you might also consider then what Jesus says in John 12:45 “And whoever sees me sees him who sent me”).

How well do you know Christ Jesus? Do you know Him in His humanity? Do you know Him in His Divinity? Do you know Him as the Word made flesh? Do you know Him as your Savior, Master, Lord, King?

“IF” we love Him, we will desire to obey His commandments, and He will ask the Father to send His Spirit to be with us and dwell in us. The Helper will live in us, speak Truth to us, guide us, protect us, encourage us, strengthen us.

Do you know the Helper’s presence? Do you hear the Helper speak to you and guide you? Take a moment now and listen for what the Helper might say to you. Is it a moment of conviction? A moment of encouragement? A moment of comfort? A moment of peace? How will you share the Truth of the Gospel today?

Day # 22 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

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40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #22

WORD OF TODAY:  Galatians 3:1-3 (ESV)

1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

The Christians in Galatia are struggling. Saint Paul asks them if they are unintelligent, which is another way in which we could translate “foolish”. The witness these Galatians now bear more resemble a pursuit of fleshly perfection (if there was such a thing) than a Spiritual perfection. They were enlightened into the Gospel Truth by the Spirit, began to live in the Spirit, and now are on the cusp of abandoning the Spirit to their own fleshly prerogatives.

This account reminds us that Christians being born anew in the Spirit through faith in Christ Jesus remain under spiritual attack. The very faith foundations of the Christian are cleverly challenged and shrewdly disguised. This is especially true for those who are just beginning their faith journey.

Consider today where you secure your faith anchor. What basic Truth do you return to and count on to hold you when the storm winds begin to blow, lifting waves and wind against the very foundation of your faith?

Is it not Jesus Christ, God incarnate of the Virgin Mary, condemned as a criminal unjustly with willing acceptance on behalf of the one who believes in Him? The Holy Spirit will always reveal the Gospel Truth, pointing the believer toward the Son through whom the believer might approach the Father.

Is this your anchor point? Consider today what your anchor point truly is and how you might offer an alms-gift to another to share your anchor point.

Day # 21 - 40 Days of Lent Challenge

[Download a pdf of this entry along with a printable journal page for today HERE.]

40 DAYS OF LENT:  DAY #21

WORD OF TODAY:  Ezekiel 18:30-32 (ESV)

30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”

THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:

There is but one Judge, and there is but one Truth. Our transgressions are many, and they are the product of our wanting to administer truth instead of living under God’s Truth. As we begin the second half of these 40 days, we can begin to reflect upon the Scripture we have so far encountered. For today, recall how we are to write the commandments of God on our hearts, loving God with all that we have and all that we are. Consider the commandments of God as bound upon our fingers, as frontlets before our eyes, as proclaimed from the prophets, as witnessed by the disciples.

Yesterday we read how Jesus satisfied the debt of the trespass, nailing it to the cross. In Him we are able to do what the house of Israel was not able to do, and that is truly casting our transgressions away. In Christ Jesus we are made new by Him, given a new heart and a new spirit, for the Spirit of God now dwells within us! That is, of course, if we accept this gift of renewal through confession, repentance, and amendment of life. There is but one Judge, and that judge is Christ Jesus. As we confess in the Creeds, Jesus will come to judge all when He returns. And the Lord takes no pleasure in the loss of a soul, and here we hear God’s call to turn, and live. Consider-how have you turned to the Lord God? How will you witness today to someone that you encounter this plea of God’s love for His creation?