Famous

Lent

The Lord God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful. ~ Psalm 111:4 (CEV)

When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? ~ 1 Corinthians 10:16 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is famous for his mercy, which comes to us in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:

Lord, as we are in the season of Lent --preparing ourselves to celebrate your sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, we are thankful. Help me to be mindful of your wonderful deeds -- the things which make you famous around the world. And help me to spread your fame. If anyone in history deserves to be famous it is you, Jesus. I want to be a full participant in the gifts of your body and blood. Amen.

Servants

Lent

If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you’d rather serve—and do it today... As for me and my family, we’ll worship God. ~ Joshua 24:15 (MSG)

Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:1 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

My basic identity is that of servant of Christ.

PRAYER:

Lord, it is so easy when I am dealing with such heady matters as your mysteries, that I begin to think of myself as pretty important. Of course, I wouldn't say that publically. I don't want people to think that I am arrogant. But I still feel important and easily lose sight of reality -- that my calling is to be your servant. I am not your master. I am not even the authoritative curator whom everyone has to look to for pronouncements that provide endorsements of what you say. Help me to think and live like a servant of Christ. I'm going to stay in his shadow as much as possible. Amen.

Don't Despair

The First Sunday in Lent

Jerusalem will be told: “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. ~ Zephaniah 3:16-17 (MSG)

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. ~ Hebrews 12:12-13 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Don't despair because God will make a way.

PRAYER:

Indeed, Lord, you are our Savior -- and I am grateful. But I'm often right on the edge of despair. I get worn out by the struggle and worry that I won't have enough strength to move forward. Help me to push forward without turning away. Help me to be strong. For you are the source of my strength. I'm going to trust you -- and only you -- to strengthen me. And it will all work out all right. Amen.

Sing

Lent

I have complete confidence, O God! I will sing and praise you! Wake up, my soul! ~ Psalm 108:1 (GNT)

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. ~ James 5:13 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Take every opportunity you have to sing praise to God.

PRAYER:

Lord God, I'm grateful that you give me so much about which to be thankful. Yet, I remain unmoved. I don't sing your praises very freely. It's only when you rescue me from something really bad that I get cranked up. Give me, please, a song to sing and freedom to since it. I'm going to sing more. Amen.