Author: Mari Walker

Saturday, March 26

The Life and Challenges of a Long-Ago Christian, Part 4

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. —Romans 14:7

Markos                                                                                   
An Island 62-63 AD

I woke up with my face in the sand. Dazed, I sat up and looked around. I was on a beach, the sea stretching in front of me, a grassy hillside with a few trees behind me. “Where am I?” I wondered. “How did I get here?” Then I remembered the storm, the ship tossed on the waves like a cork, being thrown into the water, grabbing at a floating barrel. I said a long prayer of thanks for the miracle that had saved my life. I stood up and began to examine my surroundings. There were a few pieces of wreckage from the ship on the beach and the unbroken barrel. It was full of the hardtack we ate on shipboard. “At least I won’t starve,” I thought. And I dragged it up past the tide line for a quick meal. I spent the next few days exploring. I was on an island. There was no trace of people living there and few signs of wildlife. I found fresh water to drink and berries to eat with the bread. I settled in for a lonely life.

At first, I was happy enough. I had plenty to think about. I remembered Brother Andrew and how much I had learned from him. I thought of how much more I needed to learn. But I wanted to work with people, too. I wanted someone to talk to. As time went by, my spirits sank. I became more and more depressed. I wondered, “Is this life worth living?”

One morning I woke up feeling sick. I didn’t have the strength to get up. I grew weaker by the day until at last I could do no more than whisper softly to myself, “My faith is my shield.”

When the cares of life seem too much to bear, Lord, and we feel too weak to go on, your words and your presence give me hope and lift my spirits. Amen.

Guy Johnson

Friday, March 25

Don’t Be a Mule

I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you. Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement must be controlled with a bit and a bridle. Don’t be anything like that! —Psalm 32:8-9

That line about mules in Psalm 32 made me curious – so I did a little research about mules. Mules are stubborn animals. They function out of a personality that desires to be in complete control. They think independently of their masters, so they are hard to train and are not good at following directions. They fight for control because of their fear of danger. They trust themselves more than their masters and care only about self-preservation. Mules refuse to do anything until they are absolutely sure they will be forced to do it.

When we behave like mules, when we don’t trust God to lead us, we, too, are driven by our need for control. We go into self-preservation mode and we function out of fear. We rebel against God’s love and grace and only cave when we hit rock bottom. Until then, we try to fix things on our own. And when we behave like mules, we are not able to spread God’s love and grace to others, because we aren’t really receiving it ourselves.

I can’t tell you the number of times in life I have behaved like a mule. Frankly, I still fall into mule-like behavior from time to time, but God desires for us to set our mule-like behavior aside. If you read all of Psalm 32, we hear about the weight that if lifted when we turn our sins over to God through confession. In taking that leap of faith, we can find healing, wholeness and, according to Psalm 32, even happiness. In turning to God, we can learn how to trust and following Jesus, rather than walking on our own, burdened by the weight of it all.

“Faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the Lord.” (Psalm 32:10b) In telling God about the things we’ve done that we’re not proud of or the things we’ve left undone, we will discover forgiveness and grace.

God’s love and forgiveness is real. “The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy!” (Psalm 32:1) In Christ, we are no longer defined by the mistakes we have made. We are offered a new possibility for living. Free from the burden of guilt and sin, we can live into the joy and peace God longs for us.

Gracious Master, for too long we have tried to make our way in life on our own. We confess we have been like mules. Forgive us, and free us. May we take up the yoke of Christ and allow him to lead us down a pathway paved in love and grace. In his name we pray. Amen.

Rev. Lane Cotton Winn

Thursday, March 24

Joy in Hard Times

You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. —Psalm 16:11 (CSB)

Have you ever prayed for something and God answers your prayer but not the way you wanted it answered? Christmas was only a week away, and I was missing seeing my son Kevin and spending time with him. Kevin had been working a lot and hadn’t been around as much. So what did I do? I prayed and asked God to help me spend more time with Kevin.

I had just gotten out of the shower when my phone rang. It was Kevin.

“What’s wrong, Kevin?” I asked.

“My car broke down; the clutch is not working. I’m stuck in the middle of Staring Lane,” he replied.

“Give me five minutes, and I’ll be there,” I said as I hurried to get dressed.

As of today Kevin’s car has been in the shop for over a month. I’ve had to take him to work, pick him up, or sometimes both. I came to the realization that this was God’s answer to my prayer. I got to see Kevin at least once a day and spend a little quality time with him. One night Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” played on the radio. I couldn’t help but smile, as I reminisced about holding Kevin and singing this song to him as we danced around the room. After a minute or two into the song I looked at Kevin and said, “This is so funny. I used to sing this to you when you were little.”

“Mom, I remember,” he said, looking at me.

“Really?” I said, shocked beyond belief.

“Yes, as well as all the other songs,” he said.

My heart was so full I choked up. God didn’t answer my prayer in the way I would have wanted. We had car problems, and I was tired of taking my son to and from work. Yet He allowed us to experience a special moment together. Even in hard times God provides just a little bit of joy to keep us going. I hope we get Kevin’s car back soon but until then, I’ll enjoy the ride.

Dear God, thank you for allowing us to have joy even when things aren’t going well. Thank you for small moments and special times with family and friends. We love you and praise you for the work you’re doing on the inside of each of us. In Jesus name, amen.

L. Darlene Dickson

Wednesday, March 23

When Bad Things Happen

Be still and know that I am God. —Psalm 46:10

I am so thankful that I grew up in the church. Those memories of Bible verses memorized, songs sung and feelings of peace and certainty give me solace when bad things happen.

The last two years have presented you and me with many challenges. How comforting it is to know in my heart and soul that just as the hymn says, “God will Take Care of You.” He will. How interesting that childhood memories carry such weight into adulthood and older age. As challenges present themselves, hymns from my youth come into my thoughts and prayers. “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” are two favorites that undeniably attest to God’s love and sacrifice for each of us. “He Lives” reminds us that Christ is alive, and we are not alone in adversities.

Frequently Psalm 46 guides me when I am not sure of what to do. “Be still and know that I am God” reminds me to quieten myself of worry and fear and listen to what my Lord and Savior has to say to me. This means freeing myself of busyness by being present with God. As verse 1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Quietness and solitude allow us to focus on the Lord’s voice with full assurance of his loving guidance. Jesus, you take care of it. I’ve tried, and it’s not working out. O Jesus, I surrender myself to You.

Let’s use those scriptures and songs we learned as young people to help us through these turbulent times remembering

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know he holds the future

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Harriet Walters

Tuesday, March 22

Angels All Around

There are angels all around, messengers from God abound,
sweeping by with gentle whispers from above.
Listen closely to your heart, for it’s there the angels start
when they’re sent to show the depths, show the depths of God’s love.

They whisper ‘God calls your name.’
They counsel ‘Walk without fear.’
They sing out “You are God’s precious child. Remember He is near.’

Angels kneel each time you pray. They help you know just what to say
when you’re faced with situations that confound.
Heed that quietness in your soul. It reveals treasures untold –
words of hope and promises, promises of love profound.

They whisper ‘God calls your name.’
They counsel ‘Walk without fear.’
They sing out “You are God’s precious child. Remember He is near.’

Betty Schroeder

Monday, March 21

From Jaded to Hopeful

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. —James 1:5

The sound of my pager broke my sleep. The familiar, disturbing shriek was an unwelcome disruption; it alerted me that someone had done something egregious to a child. For five years I investigated crimes against children, and after five years the calls were only getting harder. My soul was crushed by the weight of brutality I had witnessed. I turned the pager off. But the familiar pounding in my chest and head returned; anxiety was my constant companion.

I got dressed. It was two o’clock in the morning and I had a sense of overwhelming dread. Over those five years I had developed a type of cynicism, a general distrust of others. My optimism was replaced with burnout, helplessness, and despair. No matter what I did, there seemed no way to save children from the inexplicable acts of exploitation and abuse I had seen and I wondered: How could a loving God allow atrocities to happen to innocent children? I could not reconcile it.

I answered the call on the pager and was sent to a hospital to meet a 5-year-old boy named Orlando. Orlando had multiple injuries including a broken arm, scalp lacerations, and a concussion. His mother told me she “couldn’t deal with him any longer.” I filed an affidavit for a court hearing and wondered, “Where are you, God?” Orlando and his mother lived at a homeless shelter so when he was released from the hospital three days later to go to court, he had his few possessions in a trash bag: a few worn shirts and pants. I stopped at Walmart and bought him two new outfits, new shoes, socks, and underwear. I asked if he would like a new toy and Orlando chose a dump truck. As we stood in the checkout line, he looked up at me with hopeful eyes and whispered tentatively, “Maybe, when we go to court, you could be my new mama.”

I swallowed back the huge lump in my throat. I looked at Orlando in his thread-bare clothes, his tiny arm in a sling, stitches on his scalp. He was bruised and beaten, but not broken. He was hurt and homeless, but hopeful. I was ashamed of my own self-absorbed sadness. I knelt and hugged Orlando. I explained that I wouldn’t be able to be his mother, but we would be friends, and I promised to help find him a home with people who would love him.

That day, something in me woke up. I knew I needed help. I was focused on things that were wrong in the world but had failed to see things that were right. I blamed God for the bad choices of humans and the consequences of their behaviors. I was struggling with faith.

I sought counseling and returned to church. I prayed and read Scripture. I asked questions. I read books by Phillip Yancy and Harold Kushner. And I found that I could ask God difficult questions and He would provide answers. Twenty-two years have passed since the night I met Orlando. I am thankful God used the wisdom of that small child to awaken my heart. Who has God placed in your path to give you guidance?

God, we pray that you will give us wisdom and grace this day. Send us friends with insight and messages of your kingdom that we may be reminded of your grace and glory. Help us to be messengers of your goodness and of your good news to others. When we are discouraged, help us find peace in your word, solace and comfort in your spirit, and wisdom in your light. Amen.

Jen Curry Csaszar

Sunday, March 20

Lent 3 Reflection Guide – When Bad Things Happen

Opening

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

Scripture

Luke 13:1-9

Scripture Reflection

To be a Christian does not mean we are vaccinated against bad things ever happening to us. However, whether we consciously or subconsciously believe that what happens to us is dependent on our own goodness, a challenging life experience can obliterate our faith. In our scripture, Jesus faces questions about two such crises: one being a violent human act, the other was a tragic accident. Underneath these questions, is another: “How do we get it ‘right,’ so this won’t happen to us?” Those asking want to be able to keep bad things from happening. They want control – just like most of us do, too. Jesus then calls for repentance, urging them to turn away from the drive for moral righteousness and need for control and turn towards God. Neither good things or bad can be taken as proof of God; only God’s presence with us through good and bad. He follows up with a parable about a fig tree, which reminds us that God continues to wait, continues to tend, continues to bear with us, all the while encouraging us to turn from our desire for control, order, and security and live into the potential we have to love each other.

Moment of Silent Reflection

Spend one full minute in silence as you consider the scripture and reflection.

Turn to Wonder

At least part of what’s going on in the question of verse 2 is an age-old question: “Did they die because of their own fault?” It might be a question we too have contemplated. It would certainly make life simpler if we could clearly know the cause of every effect. What tragedy or difficult circumstances have you struggled to comprehend?

What is your understanding of the word “repent”?¹

Why do you think Jesus repeats verse 3 in verse 5? How might repentance lead to a life of abundance?

Read Isaiah 5:1-7. There are numerous times in the Old Testament, as in this Isaiah passage, where the people of Israel are compared to a vineyard. How is there both a threat and a promise in this parable?²

How does the parable relate to the previous story?

What might it look like to be a “fruitful” Christian where you live?

Closing

Close your time together in a manner that is typical for you. Consider sharing joys and prayer concerns, then close in prayer.

Dear God,

We regularly fall short of your desire and intentions.

Invite us, therefore, to turn in repentance, sorrow, and gratitude

that we may use the time you have given us to love others

as you have loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

¹This question can have many answers based on personal experiences and tradition. The basic concept is for a person to recognize and turn away from the things that separate him/her from God.

²There is a threat that judgment will occur for the unfruitful; there is a promise that there will be mercy and not hasty judgment.

Saturday, March 19

The Life and Challenges of a Long-Ago Christian, Part 3

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. —Proverbs 10:25

Simon the Shark Speaks 
in Port and at Sea 62 AD

I’ve sailed these waters for fifteen years, delivering cargo fast and safe. They call me Simon the Shark. I run a tight ship and make money, lots of it. Last time out, though, nothing worked out. The hold was full; the weather was good. But just before time to sail, I lost two of the crew. I was short two men and nobody on the docks needed work. About midnight I sent my mate out to grab two bodies, any bodies would do. He brought back a couple of young kids he found wandering out late. One of them, Zeno, was a sturdy lad. But the other, Markos, looked like a dreamer. They were both scared but trying not to show it. I told them they would work for me and work hard or get chucked overboard when we were at sea. Well, they were tougher than they looked and learned the ropes in a hurry. I thought we were in for a good voyage.

Then the storm struck. It was wild. The roughest I’d ever seen. We had to jettison the cargo, but the ship was still drawing water, ready to break. A couple of the crew were washed overboard. Finally, the only thing we could do was pray to the Baal of storms. Zeno and Markos refused. “We’re Christians,” they cried out over the storm, “There is one God, our Lord. We only pray to him.” “This is our last chance. Pray with us to Baal or over the side you go,” I roared. Zeno was terrified and agreed to join us but not the dreamer. I picked Markos up to hurl him overboard, shouting, “See if your God will save you, then!” As the raging waters were closing around him, Markos called back, “My faith is my shield.”

Help us to keep faith, Lord, however fearsome the challenges facing us may be. We know you are at our side supporting us. Amen.

Guy Johnson

Friday, March 18

When My Faith is Challenged

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-4 (NRSV)

I am always amazed at the perseverance shown by individuals impacted by disasters. Statements are usually given on camera by victims standing amongst the rubble of what was once their home. Following the December 2021 tornadoes that ravaged Kentucky, not one person that I saw interviewed expressed hopelessness or despair. Quite the contrary. Their conversations were filled with expressions of faith, hope and gratitude. There was much sadness and frustration, but so many openly expressed their faith in God and hope for a brighter day; gratitude that they (and family/friends) had been spared, that their material losses did not matter in the big picture and that God had been good. They were eager to get back to work and onto the road to recovery.

As I marveled at their resilience, I was forced to think about how I would respond to such a trial in my life. Would I be able to say how grateful I was if my home and all my material things were literally blown away by a hurricane or tornado and/or a family member or friend was killed? Would my faith be strong enough to produce the kind of endurance that James speaks of? Would that sustain me as I was faced with that long, rough road ahead?

How would you respond?

We might also think about how friends and family of Jesus responded following His crucifixion. Some acted immediately. Joseph of Arimathea boldly asked for, and received from Pilate, Jesus’ body. He then placed Him in his own personal tomb. Though distraught, Mary Magdalene and the other women wasted no time in returning to the tomb to care for Jesus’ body. On a broader scale, we know that the remaining 11 disciples followed Jesus’ directive to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Dear Heavenly Father, as I face trials in my life, let my faith in You produce patience and endurance so that I can respond in a manner that will allow me to grow from the experience. AMEN.

Claudia Fowler

Thursday, March 17

The New Normal

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13

Throughout the pandemic, I have heard people express their frustrations: they are tired of staying home, sick of wearing a mask, confused by vaccine news and changing protocols, and frustrated by social distancing. I understand these feelings. For me, life never seemed to pause. We continued our work without a break, we just changed how we delivered our university courses. Students were more needy, and I still had to write, research, and perform my service work while helping my own child learn from home. I was working more than ever.

Like others, we missed seeing friends, going to movies, taking vacations, dining out. Yet I was cognizant of opportunities to develop new behaviors. I started doing yoga each day, made changes to our home, and focused on my son’s education. We cooked more, talked more, and committed more energy to our homelife. And, although we worked more, we also played more. We rode bikes together, we went for hikes, and we read together. We also prayed diligently.

We practiced gratitude daily. I noticed that, more than ever before in my life, thankfulness poured out of me. And the more we practiced appreciation for the smallest things, the more we noticed how many things there were to give God thanks for. I was often touched at how many things our son, six years old at the time the pandemic began, could identify as things he was grateful for each night. I often listened to him and took a deep breath, drinking in how refreshingly beautiful it was to hear a little boy lift his gratitude to the Lord. I have found prayer, reflection, meditation, and deep breath work to all come easier during this time of isolation.

Moving forward, I hope dining out remains a rarity and cooking together remains our family normal. I hope Lego-building days and game nights are here to stay. Most importantly, I hope I never forget the importance of daily gratitude, reflection, and prayer.

Thank you God for showing us opportunities to grow closer to you even when our world seems upside down. We know our strength comes from you. We give thanks to you for all the gifts you bestow on us including our food, our shelter, and the love of friends and family. We pray that we will see and use opportunities to grow closer to you during Lent and throughout the year. Amen.

Jen Curry Csaszar