Lenten Devotion for Thursday, March 4

Today's lessons:

Psalm 63:1-8

Daniel 3:19-30

Revelation 2:8-11

Author:

Nord Swanstrom

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rockford

Synod Council Member

Synod Finance Committee Member

Theme verses:

Daniel 3: 19-30 Faith in the midst of fire…

Meditation:

These verses recorded in Daniel speak to us as we attempt to understand God, the Deliverer. King Nebuchadnezzar had ordered that a huge golden idol be made. He ordered his people to worship it, but three of Daniel’s companions; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the idol, infuriating the King.

The King ordered the three bound and thrown into the depths of a fiery furnace. An amazing story in that the three survive and come out of the fire to the amazement of the King. Their faith in God touched the King’s heart and they were rewarded greatly. All of the people were ordered to worship the one true and living God. An amazing story of how great our faith should be.

Do we have that same faith? Are we so easily distracted in today’s world with other interests and false idols that we fail to devote our energies, praise, and thanksgiving to the God from whence we come?

Our journey through Lent allows us time for reflection on our journey of faith. A time for slowing down, a time for reflection, a time that enables us to fully realize the sacrifices made by God for all people. A time to strengthen our faith.

Prayer:

Thank you O God, for this Lenten season and for faithful servants throughout the ages with strong faith. Open our hearts and minds O Lord, that your Spirit be ever present and that our lives be strengthened with a strong faith played out in our words and actions. Amen