Reflect, Repent, Renew: Lenten Daily Devotional week 5

The Christian season of Lent has traditionally been set aside by the church as a time for reflection, repentance and renewal. It lasts forty days, plus Sundays, and is meant to mirror the forty days of Jesus in the desert. We are called to take on new disciplines, new ways of thinking, and partner with the Holy Spirit to more clearly see who we can be in Christ as we embrace what our Savior has done for us. This devotional guide can help you in this journey.

How to use this devotional guide: You may choose to use this for individual use, for small groups, or for use during family time. Each day there are readings from scripture – several psalms, another Old Testament reading, a reading from the Gospels, and from the New Testament epistles. We encourage you to read one or more of the passages and meditate on them. Some of the scripture passages are obviously connected to the season, while for others the connection may not be so obvious. The devotional writing for each day is in response to one or more of the scripture passages. We have left room for your personal notes and reflections.

If you find the devotional writing to be a blessing or help, please let the author know. After all, you will see them in worship – and how often do we get to thank an author in person?

In addition to the printed version available each Sunday for the next week, they are also on the church website, www.avongrovenazarene.org. Click “Connect,” then click “Pastor’s Blog.”

Writers:

Kris Guertler is the wife of Jim and mother of Jamie. She serves as director of our women’s ministry, on the Academy board and music ministry. She is a school nurse in the Octorara Public Schools. She lives in Parkesburg.

Heather Hyde is the wife of Jackson and the mother of Hadley. She serves as our Associate Pastor. She lives in Chatham.

Becky McGehean is the wife of Jay and mother of Maddy and Mackenzie. She is an administrator at Avon Grove Nazarene Academy and a member of the church board and youth staff. She lives in West Grove.

Jay McGehean is the husband to Becky and father of Maddy and Mackenzie. He serves as our youth pastor, and is a health and physical education teacher at the Avon Grove Charter School. He lives in West Grove.

Justin Reed is a senior at Avon Grove Charter High School, a leader in our youth group and involved in music ministry. He lives in Cochranville.

Clara Saxton serves as director of Kingdom Kids, our Wednesday evening program for children, and is a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway,  Fox and Roach Realtors. She lives in Kennett Square.

Esther Schutz is the wife of Mike. She serves as our Minister of Worship Arts and Administrative Assistant and teaches music lessons. She lives in Penn Township.

Mike Schutz is the husband of Esther. He serves as our senior pastor. He lives in Penn Township.

Beckey Williams is a recent graduate of West Chester University and serves as director of the after school program and a teacher at Avon Grove Nazarene Academy, and is a member of our music ministry. She lives in Oxford.

Monday, March 7

Scripture Readings:  Psalm 89; Genesis 49:1-28; Mark 7:24-37; 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. ²⁵ In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. ²⁶ The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. ²⁷ “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” ²⁸ “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” ²⁹ Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” ³⁰ She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

³¹ Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. ³² There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. ³³ After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. ³⁴ He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!”(which means “Be opened!”). ³⁵ At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. ³⁶ Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. ³⁷ People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:24-37

How amazing would it be to be physically healed by Jesus when he was on earth?  Better yet, how great would it be if he healed your child or loved one that was suffering greatly!  This is exactly what he does in Mark 7.  This poor mother was wrecked with worry for her young daughter who was possessed by a demon. (How dreadful)!  Her deepest desire was to get her child healed.

When Jesus enters this house he is hoping to stay anonymous. This is mysterious to me that he didn't want to be known. Was he tired?  Did he have a different agenda for this town?  Was time getting close for his crucifixion?  Was there still work to be done?

Regardless, the mother knows him immediately and needs his help desperately. Jesus responds and does what she needs, even from a distance!  Jesus doesn't even need to be with the little girl to cast out the demon. When the mother returns home her daughter is healed!!  The demon is gone!!

Likewise the man who was deaf and nearly mute also needs a healing touch. Jesus does something a little gross and using his spit to heal this man.  Everyone was amazed by Jesus' healing power.

Another mystery is that Jesus tells the group not tell anyone about the healed man. Why wouldn't he want the world to know?  Was he being humble?  Would people not believe unless the saw for themselves?  It seems sharing this news would be a good way for Christ work to spread. The men could not help themselves because they were so amazed!

What do you need from the Lord this Lent?  Healing for you or a loved one?    He can do it from a distance!  To share his good news?  Stay faithful in this season. Keep persevering and waiting for his healing presence. – Heather Hyde

Tuesday, March 8

Scripture Readings:  Psalm 94, 95, 97, 99, 100; Genesis 49:29-50:14; Mark 8:1-10; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;  let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. ² Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. ³ For the Lord is the great God,  the great King above all gods. ⁴ In his hand are the depths of the earth  and the mountain peaks belong to him. ⁵ The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. ⁶ Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; ⁷ for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture,  the flock under his care. Psalm 95:1-7

Sometimes there’s just no light in the darkness…or so it seems.

Due to a broken electrical pole, this morning our whole community was without power.  I made my way in the dark, found the matches and lit a candle.  It is amazing how much light is cast with just one small candle.  This week, for whatever reason, I struggle to find that one small glimmer of light to share.

Our theme verse for Ladies’ retreat was Matthew 11:28:  “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Put my yoke upon your shoulders-it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves, learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.  When you are yoked to me, your weary souls will find rest.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light!” (The Voice)  In just two days, little did I know how much comfort those words would bring.  I faced a situation that caused me extreme anxiety.  Those times tend to hit without warning and rock my inner world.  I felt weary and heavy…”When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”  Jesus reminded me, “I’ve got this.  I’m carrying this.  Remember…I made the earth, the mountains and the amazing sea?  Really now…I’ve got it.”

Sometimes, we make our relationship with Jesus so complicated.  All he asks is that we “Come.”  This is my glimmer of light.  “Come let us sing for  joy…come before him with thanksgiving…come let us bow down and worship.;  for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture…the flock under his care.  He cares about every detail of our lives and loves us beyond our wildest imagination.   – Kris Guertler

Wednesday, March 9

Scripture Readings:  Psalm 101, 109, 119:121-144; Genesis 50:15-26; Mark 8: 11-26; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b]11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

This is one of a few Bible passages that address the idea of each of us being gifted differently and, therefore, serving different purposes in the Kingdom.  I must be honest and tell you that this is an area where I often struggle spiritually.  It took me a long time to learn and accept that we are all gifted differently.  I really want to believe that we can all be good at everything if we just work hard enough!  And, while I REALLY do believe God wants all of us to have a great work ethic in everything we do, we ultimately have to accept the fact that we all serve different purposes when it comes to doing God’s work. 

It is my observation and experience that we all spend a bit too much time and energy fighting against our God-given personality, role, talents, etc.  Instead of accepting and embracing who we are, we try to change it.  I know I spend far more time in prayer asking God to change me than I do asking Him to use me exactly as He made me.  I can’t help but wonder if churches would be healthier and God’s people would be more fulfilled if we all simply took this verse to heart.  Instead of being competitive, we would be thankful for the person that has strengths to offset our weaknesses.  Instead of keeping score and keeping track, we could give people permission to fully be themselves and, therefore, do what they are best at doing.

Let’s start here.  Let’s be the people God created us to be, and let’s start giving others permission to do the same…

- Becky McGehean

               

Thursday, March 10

Scripture Readings: Psalm 69, 73; Exodus 1:6-22; Mark 8:27-9:1; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

¹⁵ Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?¹⁸ But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹ If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,²⁴ while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

1 Corinthians 12:12-26 is about the many parts of the body, and how each individual part of the body is of importance. An ear cannot be an eye, because it does not have the ability to see; just as an eye cannot be an ear because it cannot hear. God had a plan for our bodies, and each part is necessary so the body will function to its full capacity. The same can be said of the body of the church, as every person in God’s kingdom is important to the work He has planned for us.

                When reading this passage I like to relate the ‘body parts’ to the different gifts that God has blessed us with. Some people are skilled with working with children, or people with special needs whiles others might have the gift of speaking to crowds of people. Alone those gifts are great, but when God’s people come together and combine their talents then truly great things can happen. I believe that’s why church is so important, because you are spending time with other believers that have different passions than you might, then you can take those relationships from church and apply them to the secular world. – Justin Reed

Friday, March 11

Scripture Readings: Psalm 107; Exodus 2:1-22; Mark 9:2-13; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3

Psalm 107 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” …

Exodus 2:1-2 – Moses’ birth, self-exile, life among the Midianites

Mark 9:2-13 – the transfiguration

1 Corinthians 12:27 and 13:3 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is part of it.”  , without love, we are nothing.

These scripture passages take us to so many places!  The way we praise the Lord musically with this Psalm’s opening phrase in our services is both calming and exhilarating.  That’s precisely the way the Psalms are meant to be enjoyed.  We don’t sing the whole psalm, though, and it goes on to explain how lost we are without a relationship with God and how many times and ways he has brought his children to a place of rest and peace when we cry out to him and ask for his help.

Exodus 2 reminds us that Moses’ family needed sanctuary for him as an infant and that was provided.  Then as a man he killed an Egyptian and needed sanctuary again, which he found in the desert.   The concept of refugees in foreign lands appears many times in scripture. Doubtless we are expected to be conscious of God’s intention that we hear the cries of refugees.

And 1 Corinthians 12:27,   ahhh.  “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is part of it.”  What a privilege! With what we know about genetics today, we realize that every cell in the body has the same DNA as every other cell.  Let that one sink in for a minute!!  Then Chapter 13:3 reminds us that without love we are nothing.  So we need to be true to our Savior’s DNA and exhibit love in every way and in every situation.  With privilege comes responsibility.  Focusing on the Word is an important way to stay on track, particularly as we anticipate our most holy day of the year – Resurrection Sunday!  - Clara Saxton

Saturday, March 12

Scripture Readings: Psalm 33, 102, 108; Exodus 2:23-3:15; Mark 9:14-29; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others,  I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive?  I would gain nothing, unless I loved others. 4 Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record  of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don’t know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn’t perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

It’s Not For Puppies

“...and they called it puppy love, oh I guess they’ll never know, how a young heart really feels and that I love her(him) so...”

Now if you’re old enough to remember that hit song Puppy Love sung by Donnie Osmond, then when I tell you my story, you’ll know what I’m talking about. And if you’re too young, then you’ll probably still know what I’m talking about.  I was in Jr. High and I was in love! He was the High School’s star football player wearing the Varsity jacket. My friend Stacy (not her real name) and I found out he delivered the inter-office mail to our school’s office everyday at 10:00am. So on more than one occasion, we found a way to “pass” him in the hallway. And every time we did, the more in love I became. Now I can’t say that he ever noticed me then, but he definitely noticed me when I would “shop” at the local store while he was working part-time. And when he found out that I lived right across the street from him? Well, that confirmed it. HE was the one, for sure, forever.

The apostle Paul is the author of today’s Scripture passage, I Corinthians 13. It is a definition of love and a lifestyle of love that transcends all others. He clarifies the bottom line. If you had any doubts about what the word and action of love means, you need look no further. It’s all here. Unfortunately for us 21st century, English-speaking peeps, the word love has been diluted down to where you can hardly taste the real thing: I love my husband, I love my children, I love ice cream, I love chocolate, I love to sleep in, I love The Sound of Music, I love music, I love, I love, I love, oh and I love Jesus. Paul reigns it all in and teaches us, through the beauty of Holy Spirit-inspired words and mindset, that all actions, even really, really, good and noble actions, are in vain if we don’t have love. And then he narrows it down even more, now these 3 remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.

Oh and that first crush? He graduated high school and we lost touch, until maybe 20 years later. I almost didn’t recognize him. He was fat, bald and didn’t remember me. That puppy love wasn’t the real deal. No, the real deal I would meet in college! The one who made a covenant with me “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘til death us do part.” And it is in covenantal relationship that we fall in love with Jesus. The One Who has paid our debt and sets us free. The One Who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever! – Esther Schutz

Sunday, March 13

Scripture Readings: Psalm 118, 145; Exodus 3:16-4:12; John 8:46-59; Romans 12:1-12

⁴⁶ Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” ⁴⁸ The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?” ⁴⁹ “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. ⁵¹ Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” ⁵² At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” ⁵⁴ Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. ⁵⁵ Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” ⁵⁷ “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” ⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” ⁵⁹ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. John 8:46-59

I am!  These two words give me hope.  These two words provide strength.  These two words comfort me.  These two words define my King!  Then why do I find myself in the shoes of the Pharisees and Jewish crowds who constantly questioned who Christ was and who He claimed to be? 

                I am too comfortable.  I am imperfect.  I am a mess.   I am a man who struggles with sin.  I am a believer who questions.  I am a man who doubts.  I am a man who gets wrapped up in the busyness of my life.  I am NOT I AM, but I know Him.

                I am amazed.  I am used.  I am blessed.  I am comforted.  I am forgiven.  I am loved.  I know I AM.  This Lenten season I want to stop doubting what God can do in me and through me.  I want to stop putting myself before others.  I want to serve my King.  I want to trust Jesus.  I want to rely on Him in my good days and through my difficult trials.  I want to be a blessing to others because I know Him.  I want to please Him.  I want to be His hands and His feet.  I want to spread His love.  I want to accept His gift of salvation and I want it to be obvious in how I live my life.   I am NOT I AM, but I know Him!     - Jay McGehean