Lenten Devotion for Friday, March 19

Today's lessons:

Psalm 126

Isaiah 43:8-15

Philippians 2:25—3:1

Author:

George Davis

Member, All Saints Church Byron

Synod Green Team member

Synod Congregational Life Committee member

Theme verses:

Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.

May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.

Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

Meditation:

When I was asked to write a Lenten Devotion, my question to myself was why me. Then I read psalm 126 and came up with the answer of "Why not me?".

I have many things in my life of home and church to be joyful about. I also have a few things that stress me and worry me.

My joys are good, health of all my family. A wonderful and understanding wife understanding why I do so many things for my place of work (Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center). My many times that I go out and speak to congregations about doing energy conservation.

I think about everything that God has given me. The joy of his creation of the land the air and the sea. And yes, his son to die for us on the cross.

I think about all those farmers who sow the seeds and rejoice when they see all that they can harvest to feed others.

Sometimes I think to myself is there more that I need to do. Yes I think that the Lenten season is a time to reflect on the life of Christ but how we can carry on what he taught us. The love he has for all people. The joy of helping all people in whatever way God has blessed us. To spread the word of Christ to all people in so many ways.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father bless us and renew is every day as we go through this Lenten season. Let us reflect on why you gave your only son to die on the cross. Let us reflect on how we can sow the seeds of being brothers and sisters of Christ . Amen