Category: Lent 2025

Monday, April 7

Look Around at Creation

Genesis Chapter 1 – selected verses

Let there be light.

The warmth of the sun
Twinkling stars on a summer night
A child sees a super blue moon
The colors of an ocean sunset

God called the dry land earth and the waters gathered together he called seas.

The majesty of the snow-covered mountains
The colors of the Painted Desert
The rock formations in caves large and small
The depth and breadth of the oceans
The rushing white water rapids of mountain streams
A gentle babbling brook

Let the earth put forth vegetation.

Giant Redwoods
Flaming maple leaves in the fall
A crocus peeking through the snow
The deliciousness of a homegrown tomato
Ice-cold watermelon
A yellow rose

Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures.

The mammoth blue whale
A seahorse
Catching a fish for dinner
The hatching of sea turtle eggs
And let birds multiply on the earth.
A soaring eagle
A colorful hummingbird
A crowing rooster
The first robin of spring

Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kind.

The long-neck giraffe
The fluttering butterfly
The lumbering silverback gorilla
The power of a racing horse
The majesty of a Siberian tiger
A newborn puppy

Let us make man in our image.

A newborn baby
A curious toddler
A rebellious teenager
Skin tones from pale pink to dark, dark brown
Red hair, straight hair
Creative, searching
Faithful, confused

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.

Creator God, When I look around at your creation I am filled with awe, with curiosity and joy! I pray that I will always be a responsible steward so that generations to come may be awed, curious and joyful as they experience abundant life in your creation. Amen.

Carol Jean Barrow

Saturday, April 5

Young Man Born Blind

Outside a leather craftsman’s shop in a village north of Jerusalem.

A young man speaks: “I always recognized my mother by her gentle loving voice, my father by his angry rasping complaints. He had every right to be disappointed in his life, I’m sure. He is an excellent leather worker, but our villagers are poor and cannot pay what he should earn. And he has a useless son.

I was born without the gift of sight. I grew up unable to do many things on my own. I could not help in the shop, so as soon as possible, I was put out to beg. I sat in the dust at the side of the road outside the shop, holding an earthenware bowl. I lost track of the days and years I did this. They were all the same. From time to time I would hear a sympathetic word and the clink of a coin tossed into the bowl. More often there would be a curse or a slur and terse comment that someone had sinned greatly and I was punished as a result.

Through the years it never occurred to me that things might change. But they have and it was through the mercy of the Lord Jesus. He and his disciples passed by me one day. One of the disciples asked whose sin had caused my condition. ‘No one,’ Jesus answered, ‘but God’s glory will be shown this day.’

From that moment I have been able to see. The sudden glare of light overwhelmed me. I’m sure I murmured thank you. I staggered into the shop to find my parents. We rejoiced as a family for the first time. When I was able to control my emotions a bit, I looked for my healer –I didn’t know Jesus by name then – but found that he and his students had gone on their way.

At once I began my new life. I began to help my father in the leather shop. I was very clumsy but he seemed happy to have me there and I soon began to acquire some skills. Things did not go so well with our synagogue, however. The leaders were upset because I had been healed on a Sabbath. This they regarded as contrary to the Law. They were also perturbed since I couldn’t name my healer. Ultimately they cast our family out of the synagogue.

We were not cast out of society altogether, however. The Lord and his disciples visited our village again. I was able to meet him, speak with him, and become a follower of his way. Several others in the town also recognized Jesus as the Messiah. We meet often to support one another as the synagogue leaders rage against us.

We have learned that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem for the Passover festival and that his followers will hail him as King of Israel. The Romans will not tolerate that and the Temple leaders also are united against him. I must go and stand with his disciples as he faces this danger.

I wish to join them at this Passover. My parents agree I should go. Mother says a guest should contribute to the feast. Roasted eggs are often part of the Passover fare. I like the idea. An egg is a strong symbol of potential for life and growth. Jesus’ power unlocked my potential for living. What lies ahead for him in this perilous Passover season?”

Guy Johnson

Friday, April 4

O Come and Be Forgiven

Sung to the tune of “O Come All Ye Faithful”

Oh, Come all you people sinful and discouraged.
Come to God’s grace and all is forgiven.
Come and accept grace born of God’s love for us.

CHORUS:

Oh, Come and be Forgiven.
Oh, Come and be His beloved.
Oh, Come and beee Thankful
For God’s Grace.

Are you like the Prodigal sinful and remorseful?
Return to your Father to be forgiven.
Come and Bow down only to be loved.

CHORUS

Do you remember the barren fig tree?
It was not its fig time.
There was no fruit,
But it still had so much worth.

CHORUS

Are any of us worthy of God’s favor?
None of us are, but he loves us still.
His love is free
For all to accept.

CHORUS

Daphne G. Grady

Thursday, April 3

Grace

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)

My cup of grace is full to the brim.
And my cup is not at all thin.

It really has a lot to hold
Because the cup is so very old.

It was here since the beginning of time
And its contents are so sublime.

God loves me, this I know
All that grace continues to flow.

Even though I am not deserving
That cup is not conserving

The grace is there
For all to share.

If I but look
And follow the Book

I will be forgiven
And will get to Heaven.

What more could anyone ask?
Although it is a difficult task

I will do my part
And LOVE with all my heart.

To some it may seem odd
But to love and be loved by GOD

While cheerfully finishing this race
Is the most important part of Grace.

Heavenly Father, You are the potter who molded this cup of grace. Help us to run this race Without the desire to shove As we practice your love. Amen, again and again!

Daphne G. Grady

Wednesday, April 2

Psalm of Grace

God is all mercy and grace – not quick to anger, is rich in love. GOD is good to one and all; everything he does is soaked through with grace. – Psalm 145:8, The Message

Dear Lord and Savior of the World, help us to realize that the overflowing cup of your grace is available to all of us. None of us are worthy but the cup is there for us if we just pay attention and ask. In your grace-filled name we pray. AMEN!

Daphne G. Grady

Tuesday, April 1

Full to the Brim Acrostic

Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7      

Fearfully facing my inner-faith journey, I sometimes feel

Unwilling to dig under the surface of what my

Life as a Christian means. Lent is the perfect time to

Lean into the task with love, to learn from the Lord.

Thankfulness is a first step, taking the time to look at

Our lives, for areas of blessings that often go unnoticed.

The act of creating a daily “Thanks Journal” has been

Helpful to me. It helps to open my heart, head, and

Eyes to see every good thing in my life, and to give God thanks.

Being in the mindset of gratitude, focuses me and allows me to

Reflect more deeply, and to reach out to others,

In love and with more compassion. I inevitably find that

My life is indeed, “FULL TO THE BRIM!” Praise God!

Holy Lord, please give me the will and persistence to take regular, honest assessments of my life and to document them within the lens of thanksgiving, that I may be fully aware of Your constancy and love. In Your son Jesus’ name. Amen

Judy Fogt Gilmore

Monday, March 31

You Are Beloved

And a voice from heaven said, this is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. – Matthew 3:17

In the process of compiling a book of my dad’s letters that he wrote home to my mother and me, I came across this reflection that he wrote following a worship service while on a ship carrying thousands of service men overseas at the beginning of World War II.

“We had Divine services yesterday morning shortly after I wrote you. There’s something gripping about services like that – hundreds of men of different faiths, different countries, different ranks, gathering to renew and affirm their guidance of the Almighty, singing the old familiar hymns while outside rages a world war, represented, as it were, by the waves beating against this magnificent boat.” – W.D. Cotton¹

For me, there is something gripping about gathering in the sanctuary as we sing the familiar hymns of faith that stir in our hearts during this season of Lent. 

“What language shall I borrow to thank thee, dearest friend, for this thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end? O make me thine forever; and should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to thee.”²

Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?³

Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be nearer, my God to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!⁴

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.⁵

As we move through this season of Lent, pay attention to the words you hear that may come only to your ear. Pay attention, and you may hear what Jesus heard as he came up from the waters of baptism, “This is my Beloved, in whom I am well pleased.” I believe that those words come to us, each of us, as a blessing for our journey through the days of Lent. We are called to live as one who is Beloved. It is our blessing from the One that God first called, My Beloved, his son and our savior, Jesus the Christ. To hear ourselves called Beloved is a blessing. I cannot promise you there will be no ‘dangers, toils or snares’ that come your way. But I can tell you there will be help on this path. Along the Lenten Way you will find the strange grace that comes to meet us bearing comfort and strength for the journey for no other reason than Grace Alone. 

Holy and gracious God, in this season of Lent, open our ears to hear your voice calling us Beloved. When the waves of life rage around us, when dangers and toils come our way, remind us that your grace is ever near, guiding and sustaining us. May we walk this Lenten path with hearts stirred by your love, held fast by your mercy, and strengthened to live as your Beloved. Amen.

Rev. Carole Cotton Winn, 2017

1 My Darling; A World War II Scrapbook, ©2016 Carole Cotton Winn
2 O, Sacred Head, Now Wounded (UMH p. 286)
3 Were You There (UMH p. 288)
4 Nearer, My God, to Thee (UMH p. 528)
5 Amazing Grace (UMH p. 378)

Saturday, March 29

Nicodemus

Marketplace in Jerusalem. The week before the Passover festival.

After many days in his study surrounded by his books, pausing in his thoughtful work to hear reports from friends and fellow Sanhedrin members, the venerable doctor of laws Nicodemus has come out for a restful walk in the marketplace. He is accompanied by his bodyguard Samson, a mighty warrior noted for his aversion to conversation.

Nicodemus speaks: “Look at all these people, Samson. They are busy. They are happy. They are looking forward to our great national festival. And they have no idea that there is danger all about them. All this could be destroyed in a day. The Roman army is poised to crush any hint of rebellion. The Sanhedrin is locked in a position of self-preservation. Our zealot terrorists are lurking in every shadow. Good and noble leaders are threatened with disaster.

Some months ago, my friend Joseph of Arimathea told me Jesus would be here for Passover once again. My informants have told me he is here and his actions have redoubled my fears for him. He entered the city on a mule like the kings of old, hailed as king by a crowd of followers. Fortunately, the Romans don’t understand the symbolism of this or they would have imprisoned him immediately. Then he attacked the commercialism of the Temple crowd. They are seeking ways to destroy him. He preaches every day in the Temple with his crowd of followers about him to protect him. They haven’t been able to discover where he spends the night. His disciples are very loyal. But I am afraid for him, Samson. He has so many enemies and they are so strong. I’ve known him for several years, Samson, and I’ve learned a great deal from him. I have come to believe he is our promised Messiah, but I am afraid for him!”

“But look at that young man at the vegetable stall haggling with the vendor. That’s one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas Iscariot. Let’s talk to him.”

When Nicodemus and Samson arrived at the stall, Judas had disappeared. The seller explained that he had not had enough coin to buy the herbs he wanted.

“Today I have some especially fine herbs. Many folks want bitter herbs on their Passover plates and Judas wanted these. He’ll be back soon to buy them.”

“Well,” said Nicodemus, “let me save him the trouble. I’ll buy them. We could even deliver them.”

“No one delivers. Judas insists that he carry everything. But he would be very happy with the gift.”

“Very well. That’s the way it will be. Samson, give the man his money. I will hope to see Jesus another time.”

Guy Johnson

Friday, March 28

You Are Worthy

He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, “Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up ground?” But he answered and said to him, “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.” – Luke 13: 6-9

When I accepted my son Devin’s diagnosis of autism, I made up my mind that I would do all I could to help him be successful. I also decided that I would not try to make him into what I hoped or wished he would be. God blessed Devin with amazing Special Education teachers who helped nurture and guide him. Devin was doing so well in elementary school that we (his IEP team) decided that it would be good for him to go to inclusion classes in science and social studies alone and that he was to remain with his ESS teacher for core subjects (ELA and Math). When Devin was in the 4th grade he took the LEAP test and those scores usually come out at the end of the school year, however this time they weren’t released until the next school year in October. Devin was in 5th grade now and everything was going smoothly. After Winter Break we came back to school and I brought some papers to the 5th grade math teacher Miss Patterson.

“Hey D! I got a new student this morning.” She smiled.

“Ok,” I said as I handed her the papers.

“You need to lay your eyes on him!” Taking the papers from my hand. I turn around and scan the room. Then look at her confused.

“Do you see him? He’s wearing a green camouflage coat.” She said pointing to a little boy.

“Devin!” I said in shock. “Why is he here?”

“Per orders of the principal,” she said.

I ran straight to the principal’s office. As I walked in her office she said, “Don’t be mad-just hear me out, please!” I stopped and listened. Mrs. Jadid noticed that Devin scored a Basic in ELA and was just two points from a Basic in Math. She felt that he needed to be in inclusion classes for all subjects because he is capable.

I was like the owner of the vineyard. I didn’t see my son’s full potential. Mrs. Jadid was the keeper of the garden; she knew that by exposing Devin to regular education classes he would blossom and he did.

We are all worthy of a chance to become all that God has intended for us to be.

Heavenly Father sometimes we sell ourselves or others short and put limitations that hinder. Help us to remember that we are all worthy and capable. In Jesus name amen

L. Darlene Dickson

Thursday, March 27

Arboreal Faith

Let no eunuch say, “And, I am a dried-up tree.”  For Yahweh says this:  I will give, in my house and within my walls…a name better than sons and daughters…and everlasting name that shall never be cut off… – Isaiah 56:1-8

Rev Robert Raines is a former UMC pastor who later converted to the United Church of Christ and then famously served as the Director of the Kirkridge Retreat Center in Pennsylvania.  I had the opportunity while as guest of Kirkridge to spend some personal time with him and thus to become a great fan of his writings and sermons.  This borrows heavily from his book A Faithing Oak Meditations from the Mountain.

Raines tells the story of an early summer infestation of gypsy moths eating the leaves and browning the Appalachian Mountains.  Not only the trees and underbrush but the buildings of the retreat center were covered in gypsy caterpillars.  Some one thought it funny to put up a sign:  “This building defended by attack worms.”  But it wasn’t really that funny!

An old, lone oak tree on the retreat grounds, a readily visible and admired backdrop or silhouette for the sunsets and spring flowers of the grassy valley stood leafless, lifeless.  Its gray bare branches shaped by the harsh winds of its lifetime of many winters were naked for all to see and lament.

It may not be just a eunuch that posits the statement “And I, I am a dried-up tree.” Just having had a birthday I’ve been looking back at more productive days and recognizing some loss of energy and hope.  Like many I’ve been fearing for a nation that seems to have lost its mind and who has not been fought of some future calamity for the world these days? Death has visited some and left them without intimacy and nurture.  This season, even without the observance of the holy season of Lent, can leave us cut off from our roots and feeling sterile.  The future can look barren.  We find ourselves feeling like spiritual eunuchs; the fires of faith grown dim.

And I, am I a dried-up tree?

But one morning, just a few weeks later at the end of June, one of the retreatants gathered the others together to look closely at the dried-up tree.  She asked them to run their hands over its limbs and to touch its leafless fingertips.  In amazement they found buds…refoliation had already begun urging forth a second leafing.  The retreatant group beheld a faithing oak.

As people of faith “we would be faithing oaks who, having known the sacrament of defeat, yet stand there withered and weathered, who confound the odds, turn the season on their heads, putting forth seeds of hope in autumn and insisting on Easter in midwinter.  What is this outrageous grace that makes a fool of infesting Death, and raises up a faithing oak?” (Raines)

Scientists have found evidence of marine life deposits millions of years old at the top of Mount Everest, earth’s highest mountain above sea level.  That’s just under 30,000 feet above sea level and The Bay of Bengal is 430 miles away.  Who is it that can move mountains into the sea and back again or the sea to the top of the tallest pinnacle of earth? Who can sit with a dying or dead loved one and believe there will be joy in the morning? Who is it that can seek time after time the restoration of a friendship? Who is it that will reverse the values of a nation spending millions on recreation while reversing budgets for children’s school meals?

We would/must be faithing oaks.  We are to be the embodiment of the aching wisdom of the survivor. We must stake our future in the grace of refoliation, resurrection, restoration, rebirthing…

Rev. Larry Norman