Wednesday of Lent 4, March 22

There’s so much crime in our world today. I’m afraid.

There’s a lot of sin in our world and so lots to be afraid of! Be safe, but also know that no matter what happens to you, you have life in Christ that cannot be taken away.

God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.  ~ Psalm 46:1

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  ~ Matthew 10:28-30

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.  ~ Matthew 5:44-45

PRAY for those who hurt others - either physically, or through email and online scams, identity theft, financial schemes, and more - that the Lord would protect the innocent and change the hearts of those who do such things.

LISTEN to A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (words in the gray below the video) and take refuge in the words and promises of God.

ACT: How might you help others who are afraid or who have been hurt? 

Dear Jesus, when I am afraid, help me to remember Your words and promises, and deliver us from evil! Amen.

Tuesday of Lent 4, March 21

There’s a lot of disagreement about immigration. What about that

?

As citizens of our country, we are to obey the laws. 

As Christians, we are to love our neighbor.

It's not one or the other, but both.

You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.  ~ Exodus 23:9

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.  ~ Romans 13:1

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  ~ Matthew 22:39

PRAY for our elected leaders, to make good and just laws for our country, to follow the laws that are enacted, and to act with wisdom, integrity, and for the good of all people.

PRAY that we might listen to those who have different views than us, and be able to discuss how to love all our neighbors - both those in our country and those not.

Dear Jesus, help me love people who are different than me, and also to pray for and support my government and laws as well. Give them Your wisdom and guidance in their work. Amen.

 

Monday of Lent 4, March 20

 

What does God want from me? What is His will for me?

Very simply, God’s will is that you be His child, now and forever! That’s what He wants more than anything else!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  ~ John 3:16

God our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  ~ 1 Timothy 2:3b-4

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

ACTIVITY: Make a list of all the good things you have in your life - even if life is tough for you right now, you just might be surprised how many there are!

Dear Jesus, thank You for making me Your child. Thank you for all You have given me. Help me to make good decisions in my life and know that You will bless me and love me. Amen.

Saturday of Lent 3, March 18

Things haven’t been going my way. Is God punishing me?

NO! Your sin was paid for by Jesus on the cross. But God disciplines those He loves, not in anger or wrath, but in love. When things aren't going your way, look to Jesus, who is always on your side - the cross proves that!

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

    nor be weary when reproved by him.

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

    and chastises every son whom he receives.”  ~ Hebrews 12:5b-6

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. . . . God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.  ~ Romans 5:3b-6, 8-9

Dear Jesus, thank You for taking my sins to the cross, and for Your discipline when I need it. Work in me all that is pleasing to You. Amen.

Listen to the hymn Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me and take comfort in the words and promises of God. Life is tough! You need Jesus. And He is here for you.

If your heart is so moved by the Scriptures, hymns, and prayers of this week, consider making a donation (your Lenten almsgiving) to Lutherans for Life, to help educate and encourage people to speak in support of the value of all life. You can do so either with a direct donation on the Lutherans for Life website, or donating to our church and indicating that your donation is for Lutherans for Life.

Friday of Lent 3, March 17

My neighbor has a disability. Is God punishing them

?

NO! The sin in the world has broken all of us in one way or another. No one is perfect. That’s why Jesus died for all people!

As [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.  ~ John 9:1-3

ACTIVITY: Pray . . .

+ for a person with a disability, that they would receive the love, care, and help they need.

+ for medical research, that new treatments and cures may be found, and that all research be done ethically - that no lives be destroyed to save others.

+ for ways you may be able to help someone in need, and look for opportunities today!

Dear Jesus, I don’t understand everything that happens in the world or to me. Help me to trust in You and Your ways and use me to bring glory to Your name. Amen. 

Thursday of Lent 3, March 16

 

I want to serve God, but I don’t know how! I feel so useless. What does God want me to do?

?

You don’t have to do big things to serve God. He loves the little things we do. They matter!

I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. . . . Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.  ~ Matthew 25:35-36, 40

ACTIVITY: Do a little thing for someone today (a hug, a compliment, a favor, anything!). You might be surprised how BIG that is to them! And appreciate the little things other do for you. 

Dear Jesus, thank You for all the gifts You have given me, and help me share them with others. Amen.

Wednesday of Lent 3, March 15

My life isn’t worth living. I just want to give up. How can I go on?

First, if you feel this way, find someone to talk to and get help! And know that God thinks your life is worth quite a lot! (And He knows more than you!) He made you. He loves you.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  ~ Jeremiah 29:11

READ: Here’s a story to read about a young man who felt worthless. God is the father in this story who loves you so much!

Dear Jesus, help me go on when I want to give up. Help me trust you and your plans. Thank You. Amen.