For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV)
Passage: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Today is Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, it marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. Many Christians focus upon their desire to be more Christlike at this special time of the year. In doing so, they honor the Lord and also become better witnesses for Him. As we approach Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, may we enter into a deeper period of reflection upon the Word of God. May we draw even closer to Jesus, the Christ, with each day that passes. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Jesus has the authority! He has the power! He has instructed us to make disciples… and to baptize them and to teach them to obey the commands of Jesus Christ. Christ has given us power and authority to do these things through Him, but not all things have fallen under our jurisdiction. We are not to judge. We are not to save. May we become effective servants to the responsibilities given to us, by Jesus Christ, to do. May we remember our boundaries and under Whose authority we serve. Call on His power, His knowledge, and His wisdom to accomplish these things… in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Verses: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What are we, as Christians, to do? To love God and love others – it is as simple as that! Well, maybe that isn’t that simple to do? We often love our ways over God’s ways. We may often think that others are unlovable. I guess loving God and loving others is easier said than done! May we learn to love God and others more authentically and more fully. May we see the image of God in everyone. May we allow His image to be seen more clearly in and through us. May we encourage others to allow His image to be expressed in and through each of them too. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Christ, and for God’s glory, I pray. Amen.
Verses: Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Many of us probably know that our prayers should be in line with God’s will. To know what that is, we need to know Him. However, even if we know His will, we must truly believe whatever we are asking for will be done. Personally, the most fervent and heartfelt prayers I have prayed are the ones that I know have been answered, because I had specifically prayed. I take my prayer requests very seriously, only praying when and how I am prompted to do so. It is a blessing to know that they will be answered. Holy Spirit, may you guide our prayer requests and remove all doubt from our minds and hearts about the fulfillment of those requests. This I pray, in Jesus’ name, and all to the glory of our heavenly Father. Amen.
Verses: Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Opening Prayer: Father God, there are many things in this world that confuse or frighten us. May we learn to trust You to provide the answers to our prayers and to protect us from whatever might seek to harm us. May we see Your guiding light in a world that is so often full of physical or emotional pain and spiritual darkness. Open our eyes to Your endless love and abundant grace. May the Holy Spirit transform us and draw us ever closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Message [used with permission from A Sermon for Every Sunday]: “Let Me Put on My Lipstick” for Transfiguration Sunday, by Father Michael Renninger, Pastor of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia.
In this Sunday’s sermon from Luke 9:28-36 Michael Renninger tells the story of a mother who was dying of cancer, and yet still seemed to care more about her daughters than herself. “I’ll bet you have known people like this,” Renninger says: “people who are suffering, struggling, perhaps even facing death. We think we’re taking care of them, but they are really taking care of us! No matter how they are feeling physically, their love is radiating and they carry themselves with grace and beauty.” Renninger reminds us that Jesus does this at his Transfiguration. What about you? Can you allow that same radiance to shine forth from your life, no matter what you are going through?
Closing Prayer: Accepting God’s love transforms us. We are made beautiful in His eyes. Father God, how blessed we are that You have chosen to create something awesome in us. It is Your plan – that we may be raised up to new life and transformed into the likeness of Your Son! Praise Your holy name! May Your love flow, from us, to the world around us. As we read the Scriptures, we get a glimpse of what a resurrected life might be like. May the future hope we have found, through Christ, be seen by others. May they choose to believe in Him… and receive. Amen.
As I have grown older, and hopefully more mature, I have become less patient with those who seek to cause division among people or who purposefully undermine other people’s efforts to do good. This impatience also holds for people who claim to follow Christ, but are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. As the Scripture tells us, it is best to avoid them, but sometimes that is hard to do. I pray that the Lord God will guide us, through the Holy Spirit, to stand up for Jesus Christ and His teachings. May we be strong and courageous, but may a hedge of protection be placed around us to keep us from harm. Amen.
Verse: Romans 16:17-18 (NIV) I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Faithfully Yours Forever 