2020-Lenten-Devotional.Pdf

2020 Lenten Devotional Christ Lutheran Church Marine on St. Croix, MN

February 26 - Ash Wednesday Worship at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Disposition of Ashes and Holy Communion at both Services.

Wednesday Lenten Worship 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 4—April 1

Maundy Thursday April 9 6:30 p.m. Worship

Good Friday April 10 6:30 p.m. Worship

Easter Sunday April 12 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship

A heart-felt thank you to all the contributing writers of this Lenten Devotion Booklet. Your willingness to share your faith with the

congregation is valued.

Christ Lutheran Church

150 Fifth Street Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 651-433-3222

clcmarine.org

Before there can be an Us, there is a Me. Sounds right. Sounds even simple. Whether we are talking about two people or two hundred people, any notion of Us presumes the individual—presumes the Me. And while for the sake of appearances we often project a Me that is stable and solid, completely put together - for many of us the real Me is barely holding it together. We suppress. We ignore. We hide the truth of our lives, the truth of what it means to be Me. During these days and weeks of Lent we are hoping to be a safe place for you to be honest with all of who you are. We are inviting you to find strength and healing by acknowledging that sometimes our lives are not perfectly put together. Sometimes our lives are not stable and solid. Sometimes being Me looks desperate and anxious. Sometimes it’s admitting you’re broken or imprisoned by the guilt and scars of days gone by. Sometimes being Me feels like you are aimlessly wandering day after day in a life void of any sense of meaning or purpose. If we really want to talk about what it means to be Me - then we have to be willing to say that we all get to the point of feeling sick and tired of being Me. Besides our worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays, we are hoping this daily devotion will provide a safe space of honest reflection and contemplation about the struggles and challenges of life. And how those struggles and challenges shape not only our understanding of what it means to be Me, but also of the God who embraces all of who we are and loves us just the same.

THIS IS ME: Being Mortal

Pastor Joel Martin Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Throughout the year our Sunday liturgy often includes the words, “let us be honest with ourselves, each other and God.” We say them as a way of entering into a time of confession and forgiveness. And I have to admit there are times in which we say them and don’t think much about it. But every so often the words stop me in my tracks. “Let us be honest.”

“Let us be honest with ourselves?” No thank you. It’s like asking me to step on a scale. Why do I need to step on a scale. I know I weigh 190 lbs. I don’t need a scale. But in case you haven’t seen me lately, I don’t weigh 190 lbs. I haven’t weighed 190 lbs. since I was in high school. “Let’s be honest with ourselves?” Let’s not, and say we did. It is a lot easier to avoid the obvious, to live an illusion, to diminish the brokenness, to hold on to what was, to suppress the pain, to deny what is really happening. But the illusion, the holding on, the deny- ing, suppressing and avoiding begins to add up. It’s becomes a lot to carry and before long it really begins to take its toll on your life – physically, relationally, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. It is a day centered around confession. Confessing who we are and who we are failing to be. Confessing what we have done and what we have failed to do. Confessing our actions and our inactions, our words and our silence. It is a day centered around being honest about all we are carrying in our lives and the toll it is taking in our relationships with each other, with God, and even with ourselves.

But it is also a day centered upon hearing a word of grace. It invites us to honestly see what is most elemental in us, what endures: the love that creates and animates, the love that cannot be destroyed, the love that is most basic to who we are. It is a day centered upon hearing a word of hope. It invites us to imagine where God’s love will lead us, what it will create in and through us, what God will do with our lives in both our brokenness and our joy. It is a day centered around hearing a word of forgiveness. It invites us to free ourselves and each other, to set it down and let it go and stand honestly and lovingly in the mirror of life before us saying, ‘This is Me.’

Let us be honest. 5 Kay Hempel Thursday, Feb. 27

1 Corinthians 13:12 - For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

When you look in a mirror you don't see through it. You see your reflection. As I began thinking about this familiar verse, I was suddenly struck by Paul's use of the word mirror. According to A.N. Wilson in his book Paul: the Mind of the Apostle, because of its use in pagan rituals the word 'mirror' represented 'mystery' to the Corinthians. Perhaps, for the Corinthians, the mystery was this new faith with this new God who loves you and asks you to love, not just your family and your neighbors, but your ene- mies as well. There were no visible figures of this new God like they had in their pagan religions. All they had were people who told about Jesus of Nazareth and his teachings about this God of love. This man had been killed for his teachings and then miraculous- ly had risen from the dead. The Corinthians were being asked to live a life of love, service and sacrifice for others and to wait for full understanding after death. They were asked to trust a whole lot. Unlike the Corinthians, the Galatians, the Thessalonians, all those early converts, we now have a history behind our faith with symbols, churches, the Bible. Our Christianity is no longer a new religion. Yet, we still face the same unknowns. When we look in a mirror we see ourselves with all our blemishes and faults. Perhaps, for us, the mystery is that God loves us in spite of all our imperfections, and failings. Those early Christians believed fiercely in this new faith of love. They lived it, told others about it, suffered ridicule, and many died for it. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their courage and persistence.

6 Bea Melby Friday, Feb. 28 Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and the Lord will make straight your paths.

I have been sick 4 times since Thanksgiving so I have had many full days this winter to sit in my chair by the window from which I have a 180 degree view of the open back couple of acres surrounded by woods. Deer come day and night to feast on the hackberries that the squirrels have shaken from the tree into the snow. As I watched the deer walking their trails this year I honed in on a couple of things I have never noticed before. The deer, being in energy saving mode in winter, move slowly and calmly down their well- traveled trail. The trail is deep from hundreds of footsteps and it heads straight to the berries. What I noticed is that their trail is not one packed down surface but a series of individually packed footprints hollowed out in the snow. Once they break trail they save energy by high- stepping into the same spot with each step thereafter. They all do it, step after step, hind feet following front feet, never having to look down and never missing a step. I read about it, “hinds feet,” in a story 30 years ago but haven’t thought of it since. There it is. It’s so cool. They stay the straight easier course trip after trip, step after step, day after day. It’s their security instinct, their fundamental nature to survive that they seem to be cooperating with. It’s cold, they’re hungry, they are aware of the dangers out there, and they follow the straightest easiest path. They don’t think about it, they don’t override their fundamental nature. It’s in their DNA. They just do it. I believe that all human beings are created in the likeness of God, that our fundamental nature is divine and perfect Love. Unlike those deer, we have the ability and propensity to override our fundamental nature when temptation arises. I am often tempted to exercise my freewill thinking to create a circuitous path that is often hard and doesn’t really yield what I am after. Help is available but I often forget to avail myself. There are countless characters in the Bible just like us who could use a helper. God even sent Aaron to help an insecure Moses. I can be so full of my self-centered thinking that I am not available to hear that still small voice within, even if it is shouting at me. By experience I know there is an easier, softer way. Nature abhors a vacuum. To the exact extent that I empty myself of any plotting, planning, or negative thoughts, the wisdom of God rushes in to help me. Hey, it’s the buddy system. My mother used to say “You are so headstrong.” Until now I haven’t really heard that expres- sion. Like so many things, she was right. In lieu of these verses from Proverbs, I now take headstrong to mean that I am relying on my own understanding. She had so much wisdom. Had I only listened to her. I am reminded of two sermons from this past year that seem apropos to the season of Lent. Joel spoke of the spiritual journey in terms of going into training and Hannah gave a list for fasting and feasting regarding our thoughts. I accept the training challenge. I am going into training during Lent. I am going to practice noticing negative thoughts and feasting on thoughts of Love.

May I be hollow like the reed so you may play your melody through me. -Psalms for Praying by Nan C. Merrill 7

Ken Sogge Saturday, Feb. 29

Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I am writing this devotional on the day before Valentine’s Day. (If it weren’t for the last minute, a lot of things wouldn’t get done.) The Psalm verse and the Corinthians verses mentioned below are timely messages for Valentine’s Day. Think about it. God is in love with me, and with you. If I can believe that He loves me, it will be easier to love Him and to love each of you. After fifty plus years of marriage, I often say a successful marriage is a series of compro- mises. It is more than that. Paul said it in his message to the church in Corinth. Corinthi- ans 13: 4-7. (You could look it up.) My love fails, but God’s love never fails. A better way to base my thoughts and actions on something incredibly meaningful. Christ told us that the focal point of our existence is to “love one another.” It is hard to do that all of the time. It is hard to do that at all, without any reservations. I need to spend more time thinking about how to love everyone around me. I must admit that I fall short regularly. Thank God that I can ask for forgiveness on my shortcomings in this area. That is not very hard. I can do that. However, just as important is to repent. That is, to grow and progress in loving those around me without even thinking about judging or resenting any of them. That is the rub. I need to ask God to help me accomplish this and set it as my personal goal. I need to love those around me without necessarily expecting love in return. If I could do this, I think I’d find that I would see lots of love around me, even some directed at me.

Lord, help me grow in achieving the goal of realizing your desire: “love one another.” Amen.

8 WEEK 1 THEME: THIS IS ME: Being Desperate

Bonnie Worth Sunday, March 1

Ezekiel 36:26 - And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

What is an obedient heart? Some translations say a heart of love. We all think we understand love - or do we? It’s easy to love people who think and look like us. Can we love people in dirty, unkempt clothes, or people with darker skin? What about people that dress different than us? They might wear long dresses and scarfs over their heads, or even wear a turban. Are they automatically bad or not to be trusted?

My mom used to say “we all look different on the outside, but we are all the same on the inside.”

Is God happy with us today? We have found more ways to hate one another than love. Our country is so divided. Rich, poor, Democrat or Republican, color of skin, religion, the way we dress, all of these things have caused dislike and desperate times.

Let’s try love. Let’s help one another. Let’s not act like we are better than they are, but let’s try to walk in their shoes and see how we treat them.

Dear God, create a clean heart within us and a right spirit within us. Amen.

9 Ann Skoglund Monday, March 2

Psalm 34:17-20 - When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

A reading of hope. I will hold on to “not one of them will be broken.”

I was driving into work on a Monday morning feeling

… kind of lost

… kind of sad

… kind of off

… kind of Monday blueish

… thinking that my faith sure ebbs and flows

Then 2 things happened that had meaning for me …

1. I saw the sun peak out in between the clouds for a split second … it was a ball of hot pink and beautiful.

2. I saw a hand painted rather crude sign in someone’s yard that said, “I have loved you at your darkest.”

Suddenly, I did not feel so desperate. It is the smallest of things some days, is it not?

10 Cindy Kramer Tuesday, March 3

John 14:1-3 - “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Jesus has just completed the Last Supper. He reveals to his disciples that one of them will betray him. Naturally, they are upset and greatly troubled. Jesus consoles them and gives them comfort. Their continued belief in the Father and in Jesus will carry them through all their anxious times. Jesus continues to console his disciples with the promise of a heavenly mansion which he will prepare for them. He will then return and bring them to this wonderful, peaceful place at the appointed time. The above verse was read at my father’s funeral more than 30 years ago. I was too con- sumed with grief to absorb this message. As the years have passed and my spiritual faith has grown, I have learned to embrace this passage. It should give us all comfort and peace, not only as we are grieving, but also when we are troubled and questioning our faith. For our trust in God and His Son will assure us a heavenly place in God’s kingdom. Thank you, Lord, for your words give us comfort and a promise of hope for the future with you. Amen.

11 Suzanne Pollack Wednesday, March 4

Jeremiah 29:11 - 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.

I will bless you with a future filled with hope - a future of success, not of suffering. I chose this reading as I am less familiar with the old testament and thought could learn something new. It also sounded upbeat. However, in reading the verse in context one finds that the people of Jerusalem and Judah were taken to Babylonia as prisoners. That sounds bleak but God tells the people to basically go on living your lives. Make the best of it. Build homes, grow crops, find partners and get married, start families. In short, I believe God is telling us to make the best of our situations in life. I think he is telling us to not dwell on our day to day or even long term suffering and challenges, but to try and make the most of it. Maybe it seems insurmountable, maybe things feel so bad don't know how it can get better, but God is asking us to try, small steps, building on bigger steps. He is asking us to do our best to stay grounded and moving forward even when life is awful and everything is out of balance. God is asking us to believe in a future filled with hope. He is asking us to believe we will get through this. There is a future and we need to be hopeful. We will have success and not just suffering, we will get through this! I am generally a pretty hopeful person. But remembering as a kid, I had moments when felt lonely, bullied a few times, parents got divorced,sad but always thought could never get downer/deeper than the bottom of the dark dark well. Then one had to come up. Somehow this always gave me hope that the future was brighter and more hopeful. That we would have success, maybe not the way we visioned it but we would find hope and success. God bless you all! May you believe in future hope and success, and try to not dwell or be immobilized by our suffering and challenges. Amen.

12 Tammy Anderson Thursday, March 5

Ephesians 4:31-32 - Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Be kind to one another. Such a simple thing, right? Why then can it be so hard? Every morning I wake up determined to be kind, thoughtful and calm throughout the day. Yet before long the stress and rush of life starts to weigh me down. My smile gets smaller, as does my patience. I start feeling resentment, anger and bitterness creeping in. Most days, God does something to remind me to be kind, if I'm listening. My child gives me a hug out of the blue, my mother calls, the warm embrace of a dear friend. Somedays it is a gentle nudge, some days God gives me a good swift kick. I am thankful for those signs to remind me to be kind. To spread kindness to others. Be forgiving. Be the hands and feet of Jesus on Earth. Can you imagine if the world practiced this just a little more? Wow, what a difference that would make. This Lenten season, instead of giving up something, let's give more. More Kindness. More Understanding. More Joy. Be kind to one another.

13 Pat Pardun Friday, March 6

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

What a lovely invitation! God offers us an opportunity to off load what is heavy and hard. God says: I am here, I can handle it – and you will find rest, healing, and wholeness for your soul. I imagine “take my yoke” as God putting an arm around my shoulder. Next, “learn from me” is God coming closer – whispering in my ear some ideas or suggestions for how I might address – or move through something of concern. Then, in “I am gentle and humble of heart,” God affirms being trustworthy. And lastly, God offers the gift of finding “rest for your soul,” for having turned toward and trusted in God. Oh my goodness! When I was looking at the options for a verse to write about – this one kept catching my eye and heart. I was not sure why. I did not have any immediate thoughts about what to write – but, it just felt right. In sitting with it, and thinking about what to write, I have come to experience it as a reminder. One would think that this would be a common “go to” scripture verse – for times of trial. And, perhaps it is for many. I cannot say that I have thought to turn to it regularly – most likely because I am thinking that I have to figure out whatever is going on myself. Hmmmm . . . Thank you God – for reminding me that you are here and ready to take on whatever I am willing to turn over. Amen.

14 Steve Delisi Saturday, March 7

2 Corinthians 12:9 - My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

This verse has always been such a comfort to me. For those of you who share my inter- nal self-dialogue of never being enough, always falling short, and never quite doing things “just right,” we can lean into the promise of this verse. How soothing it is to know that in our very weaknesses and human imperfections, the Lord’s power and spirit is made known to the world. Although I expect to hear (as we saw in the video during one of Pastor Joel’s recent sermons), “What have you done? What have you done?” Instead I hear, “My grace is enough. I created you, claimed you, and I love you. You are who I created you to be, and my spirit and power is made known to the world because of your wonderful imperfections.” Lord, thank you that your grace and power rests upon us, not in spite of our weaknesses and failings, but precisely because of our human imperfections. May we hold to the promise that your grace is sufficient and your love enough! Amen.

15 WEEK 2 THEME: THIS IS ME: Being Sick and Tired

Linda Mendenhall Sunday, March 8

Mark 5:34 - And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

The woman had been suffering for 12 years. She had been to many doctors, healers and spent all she had. She was lonely and apparently had no one to be her advocate. She had to do this herself. The crowds were getting thicker and I imagine there would be much jostling about as she made her way to Jesus. He was her only hope. She thought "If I can only touch his cloth, I will be healed." She got close enough to Him to touch His clothes and immediately felt and knew she was healed. Jesus felt the power leave his body and turned to find who had touched Him. He was urged to move on but he wait- ed. The woman, though she was afraid, came forward to admit it was she, ready to be humiliated in front of all. But Jesus called her "daughter" thus claiming Her as his own. No one else has been called daughter by Jesus in all of the New Testament, so this was huge. Also, he took the time to stop even though he was probably being jostled by the crowd and urged on. His words to her made it clear to all in the crowd that her faith healed her, not the touch of the cloth. And he gave her a blessing to go in peace. We are not guaranteed that faith will heal us on this Earth. But to have faith in the Lord is to have hope in life everlasting. Jesus has the time for us. Let us make time for Him.

16 Sue Mardaus Monday, March 9

3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

This letter was written by John (Jesus' disciple) to his friend Gaius who was a leader in the church. John wrote this letter to praise and thank Gaius for his help. When we write letters or greet someone we often ask how they are and if they are well. We are concerned for all the people we love and are in contact with just as Jesus was concerned for all the people he came in contact with.

We must remember that God is always with us in good times and bad. It is the bad times that we sometimes have trouble remembering that God is with us. This last year I had several friends and relatives who passed away. I prayed to God to help them through, not necessarily to get better but to end their suffering. Sometimes we know they won't get better but if we have faith, we know God will take them home.

The second part of the verse talks about going well with our soul. We also need to pray for everyone's soul. God knows what we need for our soul also.

Dear Lord, Please take care of all people that are suffering physically or mentally. Thank you for being there for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

17 Tom Nyman Tuesday, March 10

Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

Ole Olson was trying to find a job. His friend, Sven Svendsen told him there was a sign in the window of the local Starbuck’s that they were hiring a janitor So, Ole went for an interview and was offered the job. He was told he just had to sign the Starbuck’s code of conduct which the boss put before him. Ole looked at it and made a big X at the bottom. “What’s that?” asked the boss. “That’s my sign,” said Ole. “I can’t read or write.” The boss snatched the paper up and said, “I’m sorry but to work for Starbuck’s you have to be able to write your name.” Ole walked away sadly, and finally found a job working for a barge company, working on a tugboat on the Mississippi. He worked his way up to become a captain, did well for himself and bought his own boat. That led to success and soon he owned his own fleet and was rich. He was also generous, creating a park for his city among other things. The city council and Mayor wanted to honor Ole by naming the new park after him. At the ceremony, he was to sign the park over to the city so Ole put his X on the bottom of the document. The mayor, finding Ole was illiterate, said, “You accomplished everything you did without being literate? Think of what you could have become if you had learned to read and write!” “Yah,” Ole said, “I could have been a janitor at Starbuck’s.”

Isaiah was writing to God’s people who were just returning from Babylonian exile whose hopes and dreams had eluded them many times. They dreamed of the former glory of Solomon’s Temple there in Jerusalem. Half a century later, Jesus, returning from a time in the wilderness, preached at the synagogue in Nazareth using these words of promise from Isaiah as his text. We all have our down times when our hopes fail to materialize. But the message of Isaiah is clear: Look around you and behind you. God continues to bring you out of your despair even if not the way you might have expected. Who would have thought Mary’s little boy would be the Messiah? So, give yourself over to the Spirit, discover occasions for laughter, let waters flow in your deserts, let your deserts become God’s garden, and rejoice! You are loved and saved. So pick up your hammer or whatever and get to work rebuilding and refashioning the world God gave us.

18 Marcy Wirth Wednesday, March 11

Revelation 21:4 - The Lord will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

This chapter tells us of unseen realities. It describes heaven using symbolic terminology rich with inviting images. In heaven there will be no death, mourning, crying, or pain. Won't that be awesome?! After surviving a car accident that could have taken my life, I'm so thankful to be here with family and friends. My rib, neck and back pain has subsided 90%. Just think....there will be no pain in heaven. Heaven is where I want to be when I'm done here on Earth. There are still so many things to do. But I feel I'm ready to join God anytime. In Chapter 6 in 1 Corinthians, verses 2-3, it says Christ followers will be with people from past ages. They will be serving God without time demands, frustration, fear of fail- ure or exhaustion. We will enjoy the beauty of heaven for all of eternity! Such a great promise!

19 Pastor Hannah Bartos Thursday, March 12

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Ugh. Oof. Uffda. These words regularly come out of my mouth. Life can be so hard sometimes. And if life isn’t hard for you right now, look around. Listen to the news. Talk to your neighbors. It doesn’t take much to notice that it is so hard for others in this world. Sometimes it feels like nothing is working, and it’s all uphill. Sometimes it feels like two steps forward, one step back. Sometimes the pain is too much to bear. Sometimes life is messier than we ever thought it could be. People talk about “Victory!” but sometimes, it takes all of our energy to just keep not quitting. Being strong and courageous doesn’t mean ignoring the bad, or the hurt, or the pain. It’s ok to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. Being strong and courageous means putting one foot in front of the other. Being strong and courageous is a call to keep showing up, to keep praying, to keep working, to keep seeking, to keep hoping. Being strong and courageous is a faithful call. In whatever you are facing today, this is not the end. If all you can muster today is not quitting, that’s ok…that’s good…that’s a victory in itself. God goes with you each and every day. Thanks be to God!

20 Dawn Ziegelski Friday, March 13

Romans 8:18-19 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth compar- ing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

I have read many of the scripture chapters surrounding this verse in Paul’s letter to the Romans. This scripture reading fills me with hope and promises, but also raises lots of questions for me. I can certainly understand that if earthly life is tough, it’s well worth the struggle because happy days await me in heaven once I pass through St. Peter’s gate. This is great news as long as I am on the ‘children of God’ list. If I make the list then I have glorious days awaiting me. I am armed with hope and promises that my earthy sufferings will one day be a thing of the past. But then, I have many questions. Paul writes that we are of the flesh and can’t do good even when we try our hardest to be good. He states very clearly that by our own actions, we will never hope for the glory that is promised to the ‘children of God.’ We are flawed. We are weak. We are sinners. So, do I have any hope of getting on the ‘children of God’ list? How do I qualify? Paul writes in Romans 7:14 “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” God’s ways are not the ways of man, God’s thoughts are not my thoughts, but God’s Spirit is within me. Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who redeems me from my sins and calls me to be a ‘child of God.’

21 Connie Powell (Ann Skoglund’s mother) Saturday, March 14

John 11:23-26 - Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Many of us have lost loved ones this year and in the past. May we join them one day. Our faith teaches us, if we believe in God, we will never die. This time of Lent is a great time to put things in God's hands and turn our life over to Him. So may we use this time of Lent to prepare ourselves for His resurrection and ultimately our final destination.

Oh may the joy of Holy Lent Bring us the patience to repent to lose our lives for Christ this day And run by faith the gospel way.

22 WEEK 3 Theme: THIS IS ME: Being Imprisoned

Neil Johnson Sunday, March 15

Lamentations 3:22-26 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

The daily news can be so sad and upsetting. It can be difficult to fall asleep some nights, but I always try to remember these words of scripture and a favorite hymn..."Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my father...morning by morning new mercies I see." I think of all of the times these words have lifted me up. They are God's promises to us. No matter how dark, despairing, or depressing the evening can be, a new day brings hope, compassion, and God's never-failing love. How Great Thou Art! Amen.

23 Pastor Joel Martin Monday, March 16

Hebrews 12:12-13 - Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

So how was your ‘Sabbath?’ I realize some people work on Saturdays and Sundays so I am not necessarily talking about this past weekend. Maybe some of you were off these past few days. But for others it might have been some other days over the past week. You know the days you are supposed to ‘be off.’ The days we sometimes call our day (or days) of Sabbath. So, I am asking - How was your ‘Sabbath’…your rest…your time of renewal of body, mind, and spirit?

I realize for too many of us, the understanding of ‘having a day of rest’ just doesn’t ring true. Maybe when the kids are older. Maybe when I no longer have to prove myself at work. Maybe when I finally am able to say ‘no’ to the next person who asks me to do just one more thing. Or maybe when my body finally gives up and says, ‘I can’t do it anymore’ and we end up getting sick. But getting sick isn’t really a Sabbath – getting sick is just getting sick, and it is usually not restful.

God was on to something when God commanded a time of Sabbath. If for no other reason than to let our bodies, our minds, our spirits be healed. “Lift up your tired hands,” the writer of Hebrews says. “Strengthen your weak knees.” There are many verses in the Bible you and I don’t understand. My guess is all of us can understand this verse.

Tired hands? Yep. Weak knees? Been there. Hurting feet because we have been trying to zig-zag through the curves life throws at us only to find ourselves lost and disjointed? Don’t get me started.

In the week to come, may you find time for Sabbath rest. May you find the space to honestly lift up and acknowledge your tiredness. May the presence of God strengthen your life. And may God surround you with love, with peace, with healing.

Leigh Delisi Tuesday, March 17

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our in- ner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Let me tell you about my mom. She had a stroke in September, and she lost all feeling and movement on her left side. It has been devastating, but it has not devastated her. She says she knows she was saved for some reason, and she is going to live her life looking for ways to help others and make the rest of her life worthwhile. Let me tell you about Bill. He had cancer. It was devastating, but it did not devastate him. He said each day was an opportunity to serve others. He went on mission trips; he served meals to the homeless; he supported countless ministries. Let me tell you about Marty. She had multiple brain aneurysms. It was devastating, but it did not devastate her. She said she did not place her hope in the doctors or any promise of healing. She placed her hope in a God who would continue to work in people’s lives regardless of what happened to her. Let me tell you what I am learning. We are all dying. It is a devastating truth, but it need not devastate us. Although we all know sickness, injury, and hurt, God is always there to give us a message of hope. We can serve others. We can live lives of gratitude. We can trust that we are God’s children, no matter what.

25 Kevin Nyenhuis Wednesday, March 18

Colossians 3:13 - Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

I took the verse as is, without looking at the context before or after the passage. In the first reading I was thrust into my childhood. For with six kids, my parents drove this idea into us. Fairness and forgiveness were a mandate within our family, and lived out by “bearing” with one another. Often easier said than done. Just like we teach our kids to put on socks, tie their shoes, and zipper their coats — we are charged to teach them how to dress themselves in forgiveness. Having raised our own kids, I pray this legacy has and will continue to be passed on.

Almighty, help me to recognize where I need to circle back on the issue of forgiveness. Let me move forward free from burden of complaint against others, and forgive as you have forgiven me. Amen.

26 Marcy Wirth Friday, March 20

Ephesians 4:26-27 - Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold. This is a chapter telling us how to live with God as our constant guide. Christ will live in us and empower us to live a life that pleases God. When Jim and I were engaged to marry, my Mom told us to never go to bed angry. Sev- eral times I did and I tossed and turned most of the night. I don't like confrontations with anyone! But I have learned it is important to have a voice and to express my feelings. It's a gift to be able to face difficult issues with people we love and to resolve problems. Then there are those people out there that we have to deal with in our jobs or elsewhere. It is not easy to express our feelings and point of view. When we put it off, it seems to eat at us. Sometimes if unresolved it can stay with us for years! Finally, I have had to lift it up to God and let go of the things I can't resolve.

Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to work through our anger with others and ourselves. Help us to let you be our guide. In Jesus name, Amen.

27 Bonnie Worth Thursday, March 19

Ecclesiastes 7:9 - Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

This comes after reading about being desperate. How fitting! Our anger and grudges don’t spread love, they imprisons us. We all have said things and later wished we hadn’t said them. Let’s hope the person who heard them doesn’t hold grudges. We all need to heed this Bible verse. It’s important in marriage, raising a family and in maintaining friendships. For that matter, world peace depends upon this Bible verse. We need to let go of past grudges. Sometimes people are having a bad day, that doesn’t make them bad people. We all pray that God will forgive us ours sins and then we turn around and hold on to grudges. Many years ago a minister said in a sermon that I heard, “Holding on to past grudges and sins is like getting a new car and pulling the old one behind.” Think about that, by the time you are on your sixth car and still pulling all the old ones behind, you can’t move. We really do need to let go of old grudges and ideas, and become more caring about others.

Dear God, help us let go of our grudges and teach us to love one another. Amen.

28 Karen Sogge Saturday, March 21

1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your anxieties on the Lord, because the Lord cares for you.

I call it the "What If" syndrome. It can cause us to worry and fret, to lose sleep, etc. That's what anxiety is. But the Bible tells us to give those feelings to God, because He loves and watches over us.

Dear Father, today I'm not feeling very confident. When I look at others, they seem so much more self-assured and competent and courageous and strong. In comparison I feel I lack the skills and abilities to meet the challenges I face. I now claim the strong promise You gave St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for You, for my power is made perfect in weakness". (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)...although I am weak, You are strong. ..So I joyfully begin this day, confident not in my own strength but in Yours alone. Amen.*

*abbreviated prayer by Karen Barber from book FILLED WITH JOY, A DAILY GUIDEPOSTS PRAYER COMPANION

Lord, as I go through my day today, help me to look outside of myself at those around me. Let me see each person I encounter through Your eyes...help me to remember that you lovingly created every person in Your image. Reveal to me ways that I can share Your love with each one through a thoughtful word, an act of kindness, or perhaps simply a smile. In Your name, Amen.*

*abbreviated prayer by Rebecca Ondov from same book as above.

29 Week 4 theme: THIS IS ME: Being Lost/Aimless

Matt Smith Sunday, March 22

Luke 6:37 - Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Following Christ in my daily life is really hard for me. Not that I don’t want to, or that what Jesus asks of us is too complicated or hard to understand. It’s pretty simple, like in this verse—but it’s just hard for me to do with any consistency. I know I should see others through eyes of love instead of judging them, yet I am constantly second-guessing and judging myself…and then I start carrying that over to other people even when I know I shouldn’t. As I think about this, I realize the piece I’m usually forgetting is that I am forgiven, not condemned, by God’s grace (see Ephesians 2:8-9)—despite the fact that I can never really live up to what’s asked in this verse. And also forgiven is that neighbor, and co- worker, and even family member who I’m all too quick to judge and dwell on all the things they could have done differently or better. Perhaps if I’m a little less harsh on myself, I will be more charitable to others. And so I think this verse may be one that is good to read backwards, so it’s easier to understand and apply in our lives: “You are not judged, so don’t judge others. You are not condemned, so don’t condemn others. And because you are forgiven, forgive others. “ Perhaps if I remember to think of myself and others in this way, I’ll come a little closer to living out what Jesus asks of me.

Dear Lord, help me each day to remember Your love and acceptance of me, and have me show that in loving and forgiving words and actions for others. Amen.

30 Dan Schultz Monday, March 23

Romans 8:38-39 - For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul dictated his letter on spirituality to the church in Rome about a.d. 57! In spite of human sin, God offers his righteousness to us through the work of his Son Jesus Christ so that we are then able to be justified by our faith in Him. Do you sometimes feel you are losing your battle against sin? Just about the time you think you have things under control, you fall back into a pattern of that sin! No matter how long you know Christ, sin seems to want to pull you away from God! But we have been saved! Just as sin seems to want to pull you down, the Holy Spirit is there to lift you up in God’s love for you! And God demonstrates His love for us, in this: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) We have been saved by our faith in the belief that there is one God existing in three per- sons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all! (2 Cor. 13:14) Amen.

31 Janet Johansen Tuesday, March 24

Revelation 21: -3 5 - And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

The theme for this week is about being lost and feeling aimless. These are emotions that we all feel at many times during our lives. Being lost may involve a physical aspect or an emotional feeling.

The reading for today is from Revelation 21: 3-5. In these passages, God is predicted to live with his people -- meaning us. How can we be lost if God is with us? This hope will also help us lead our lives with a purpose.

There is another Bible passage that reminds us who we are and where we belong. In John 15 verses 16-17, " You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. I command you to love each other."

Well then, how can anyone feel aimless or lost when they are chosen by God? We must be pretty special. Jesus tells us in John 15 verses 9-11, "I have loved you even as the Fa- ther has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

This joy for life is also predicted in the passage from Revelation 21 verse 5. "Look, I am making all things new!” We are indeed chosen by God and have a special goal to love each other every day. Let this be so.

32 Jody Nyenhuis Wednesday, March 25

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

This is the promise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Living into this kind of hope is hard to do when the world stage is so troubled and often evokes fear in us. So how can we overcome being afraid and live into a Christian perspective that envelopes us in Jesus’ promise for a different kind of peace?

Try this simple breathing exercise right now: breathe in... Jesus’ promise, Peace I leave with you. breathe out... Jesus’ promise, My peace I give to you. breathe in...Jesus’ encouragement, Let not your hearts be troubled. breathe out... Jesus’ encouragement, neither let them be afraid. breathe in... Jesus’ promise, My peace I give to you. breathe out... Jesus’ call to us, Live in my peace and share it with others.

Amen.

33 Pastor Joel Martin Thursday, March 26

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

There are times where I wish the psalm included these words instead, “And if I ever find myself walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” As in, there are times where I wish having faith meant my life would be free from experiencing pain and suffering. If I just trust in God enough I could avoid experiencing loss in my life. Or as long as I firmly believe God loves me then nothing bad will ever happen to me. I wish walking with God in my life would mean I could avoid the “shadow of death.” But if the psalm included the words, “and if I ever…” it just wouldn’t ring true.

If you haven’t already walked through the valley of the shadow of death, you will. Some of you know this truth, some of your know this walk all too well. Loss and death seems to come at us in so many ways. There is the death of dreams and opportunities. The loss of our youthfulness, our innocence, and our health. The death of the people we hold most dear in our lives.

It doesn’t take away the pain. It doesn’t take away the very real feeling of emptiness. It doesn’t take way the tears and sadness. And maybe it isn’t supposed to. But what the promise of the presence of God does do is bring comfort. The psalmist reminds me, and maybe reminds you, we are never alone. Even when we are in the “shadows,” in the darkest days, in the most painful moments – God promises to be there.

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay. Close by me through the valleys and shadows of life. Guide me. Comfort me. Love me. Amen.

34 Ann Skoglund Friday, March 27

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 - For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

The theme for the week hit me as with the death of my father, one does feel lost and is aimless. T’was the season for it. I did not handle it with grace. In fact, it ended up being quite the muddled mess. The deal is that we don’t get to pick the time. This is why it is so important to build up our resources. I do this in various ways. I gain strength in: · being outside in the vast Universe that has been given to us · meditating · opening and talking about Spirit with others · being quiet and trying to let Spirit come to me · watching others who display grace · honoring those who have gone before us (the 100 billion or so) · attending CLC and getting a message that stays with me all week

Today it is time to celebrate, as today is my birthday! It is my “season/time” to laugh and play, smile and dance. My dad would want that for me.

35 Tom Nyman Saturday, March 28 Isaiah 40:28-31 - Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is un- searchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

When I was an Intern Pastor at Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Baltimore I had some wonderful experiences. David Manrodt was my Supervising Pastor and a great man with whom to share ministry. David and I took a Hebrew course together at Baltimore Hebrew College from an en- thusiastic teacher who loved the language, the culture and the country.

I learned there about Hebrew writing styles. Sometimes they wrote in couplets where the second line described or amplified the first line such as, “riding on an ass and a foal of an ass” meaning one and not two animals.

Another literary device is the using three lines that grow in intensity with each new line such as: “They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

First we “soar,” then we ‘run,” and then we “walk.”

At first glance this seems to be in reverse order, where the “soaring” should be the pinnacle.

At second glance, it seems to me that the high point is to be able to walk in faith and find the strength that God gives even to those of us who plod along sometimes.

Isaiah was written to people living in exile. They had been dragged from their homeland to Bab- ylon. They were weary. They were tired. They wondered if they would ever be able to go back home. Some had doubts if God even cared about them or if God was powerful enough to do something.

Some of us have had times when we felt dazed, almost numb, or frightened. It’s easier to hope in God when we’re soaring and majestic with the birds of prey than when we’re plodding along like turtles on a treadmill.

Isaiah reminds us that God hears when people cry. God empowers them. Remember the Exodus. If you are exhausted, or oppressed, if you are bone tired, or running on empty, remember your history. Time after time God rescues people. That’s our hope. That’s our faith. And faith is not something we offer our Creator; faith is something our Creator desires to engender with in us. Faith means God is with us, encouraging our hope so that we may look at the vastness of the cosmos with a sense of wonder that our Source has and will lift us up so we walk and even when we stumble, know that God will give us strength and new vision. 36

Week 5 theme: THIS IS ME: Being Broken

Pastor Hannah Bartos Sunday, March 29

James 1:19-20 - Know this, my beloved sisters and brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of one does not produce the righteousness of God.

I am good at many things, but being slow is not one of them, especially when it comes to being slow to speak and slow to anger. I’m not the only one, right? How easy it is to be reactive in our response to others. How easy it is for anger to boil and spill out in judgement and hate. How easy it is for our ears to be closed to hearing and our mouths wide open for speaking, maybe even shouting. These words from James challenge us to join God in God’s promises to us. God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, loves you as you are. What would it look like today to mirror that promise to those we encounter? What would it look like to join with God in co-creation, of bringing God’s kingdom to life here and now? We aren’t called to follow political parties or ideologies. We aren’t called to spew our opinions louder than everyone else. Instead, we are called to shape our lives into Jesus’ life. We are called to be part of God here and now in our walking-around lives. Maybe patience and listening aren’t virtues that we have fully embraced. But we are given opportunities every day to practice. Maybe in this case practice doesn’t make perfect, but perhaps practice makes things better, and better is what we need. Dear God, may we partner with you in bringing your kingdom to come today. Help us to slow down and pay attention. May our lives and interactions mirror yours. Amen.

37 Ellen Johnson Monday, March 30

Matthew 18:21-22 -Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

When I start to rediscover this parable about forgiveness, I think Peter is pretty generous suggesting forgiving seven times (that's a lot.) But by verse 22, when Jesus' answer is "seventy times seven," I realize how blessed I am. I am sure I have exceeded the need for forgiveness many times over decades. This is me. Like all humans I have sinned against God, my family, my friends, my neighbor, myself, perhaps you. It is unfathomable how many times Jesus forgives. May you join me in extending that remarkable grace to all. Amen.

38 Micah Johnson Tuesday, March 31

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

I talked to my aunt this morning and she told me that a co-worker had passed away. She was 41 years old and had worked for the business for 16 years. As she left for home on Friday, she wished everyone a good weekend. She didn't return on Monday so they checked on her. She had died sitting in her favorite chair watching TV. How devastating. What was so sad for me what that she had died alone. But I remembered that God is always with us, filled with compassion and comfort. My aunt was comforted by that promise. As the week went on, they were able to comfort her family and each other. Dear God, in our greatest sadnesses, you are with us. Help us to be with one another. Amen.

39 Dawn Ziegelski Wednesday, April 1

Job 1:20-21 - Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

When I read this scripture for the first time, the words were very familiar as I have heard them many times in life. It’s a highly used phrase not only used in worship. I have known the outline of Job’s tale. I knew that Job had about as much tossed at him as any person possibly could to test his faith, but before I felt I could write a devotional, I wanted to read what happens before we get to this scripture to give me context. So, I’ll back up to Job 1:1-19…Job has everything money can buy and Job has the money to buy it, so he does. He and his family are enjoying everything life has to offer. Life is good. But then the story of Job has an interesting “reality TV” plot twist: Satan has a chat with God. God is quite pleased with how loyal and devoted Job is to his faith. Satan tells God that it’s easy for Job to have faith when God has given him all the good things on earth. Satan asks God if Job would be so faithful if he had it all taken away. So God does. God takes everything money can buy away from Job. Satan and God sit back and watch what happens to Job’s faith and beliefs. Job 1: 20-21—Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshipped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” When Job has everything money can buy; his faith is strong. When Job loses all his pos- sessions and all his wealth; his faith remains stronger than ever. He embraces his faith. Job worships God. Job thanks God, and Job is truly grateful for all that he has. As I read through several Bible versions, I found that Satan is footnoted as ‘the Accus- er.’ This adds a different level to the story, as the accuser could be Job’s neighbor or friend (or me?) going through some really tough times in life and looking at Lucky Job and thinking, “Well, of course it’s easy for Job to have faith in God...he’s got it all.” There is always a Job in our lives who has more than we do. The Good News is that we can all have Job’s abundant faith in the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.

40 Peg Arnason Thursday, April 2

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplica- tion with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I like the verses that precede those assigned for today: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. And those that follow: Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison. If he could rejoice and not worry under those circumstances, we should, too. God looks after us.

In his book EPISTLES, Leslie Brandt paraphrases this: “We can well afford to celebrate, to live in thankfulness, and to allow the incomprehensible peace of God to mend the frayed edges of our lives and make us serene and secure in our Christian faith.”

Gracious God, We thank you for your love and constant presence in our lives. Be with us as we go through this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

41 Dawn McGinley Friday, April 3

Psalm 91: 1-4 - You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buck- ler.

I love reading the Psalms. And even more so, when I recognize how the poetry and lyr- ics of the Bible have become treasured modern-day songs. My confirmation ‘New Eng- lish Bible’ isn’t so new anymore. It hasn’t been re-written as so many versions of the Bible have, but these fine ancient words strung and stacked together and captured on my well-worn pages provide a beautiful promise of safety, of protection, and of refuge from life’s worst.

Psalm 91 is the foundation of a musical favorite that’s not only mine, but our congregation’s. ‘On Eagle’s Wings’, as we sing it today, is a beautiful arrangement of notes and phrases, that triggers an emotional and spiritual uplifting in even my darkest moments. Sung at a loved one’s funeral, when I can barely whisper the words, or at an Easter resurrection service when I can joyfully sing God’s praise, the words always remind me of God’s strong and ever-present love.

At Norb’s burial in Oakland Cemetery, as Pastor Joel was finishing the graveside service, the eagle flew high over our congregation. And truly, by the soaring eagle’s wings we were reminded of God’s love and His ability to raise up not only his beloved Son, but each of us, too.

We pray to you, O God, that we may always feel the safety and protection of your en- during love. As the strong and powerful eagles soar over the St. Croix Valley, help us remember the words of Psalm 91 and sing your song in our own hearts.

42 Peg Arnason Saturday, April 4

Romans 5: 3-5 - Not only that, but 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 Spir- it who has been given to us.

Suffering, endurance, character, hope, love. These words are underlined in my Bible. I don’t remember when or why I did that but it’s a good sequence wherever we are. Paul was writing to friends in Rome. There was not an organized church at that time and he had not yet gone to Rome, although he hoped to go there. He wants them to know God’s love, and the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I’m writing this on Valentine’s Day and am seeing many posts about love on Facebook but nothing compares to the love God has for each of us, no matter where we are or what we do.

Lord, As we go through this Lenten season and approach Good Friday and Easter Sun- day, we thank you for the great sacrifice that you made for us. Help us to love those we meet each day. In your name we pray, Amen.

43 Week 6 theme: THIS IS ME: Being Anxious/Angry

Sue Schultz Palm Sunday, April 5

Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

A good or bad day doesn’t depend on circumstances, but on attitude, and the little things that make us thankful. This verse does not say a “smiling face” is good medicine, but to rejoice in God and serve with gladness. Joy is in God’s strength and the Holy Spirit which is always with us. It is the old adage, mind over body; not crushed bones and bone tired body; but calm excitement in our heart, not mind. My Grandma always said, “You gotta love who you gotta love, that’s it.”

I took this verse because I have been trying to figure out how we work so hard for the Swedish Dinner and still have fun. I come home every year bone tired and with an ach- ing back. But I have never seen so many happy people in one room. This year I was able to talk to the people because I was a waitress. They walk down those steps and when they have their filled plate, they are happy. The joy of God together is contentment. All these “fish” eaters get together and reacquaint themselves with new and old friends, wear their bright sweaters, and sit together and compare stories. We need to have more lutefisk smiles at our church service. A cheerful heart isn’t just a lutefisk eater, but a Spirit led heart with quiet joy and generosity. Somedays more generosity, other days pure humility.

Thank you Lord for every day. Help me to see signs of your goodness great and small. Help me to work with little steps to solve big struggles. Give me understanding of eternal encouragement when I am worried. I pray to be an example of your love.

44 Mary Rudeen Monday, April 6

Matthew 5:4 - “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

To mourn is to feel or show deep sorrow or regret, often for someone who has died, there is grief and sadness for the loss of something or someone. To be comforted is to find strength and consolation.

Following are some words about death from Treespirited Woman, by Colleen Baldrica.

“Life is a cycle. It begins and ends. In the middle is what we call living. How we live is different for each. No one knows if her life cycle will be long or if it will be short.

Everything has a life cycle. Each day, each month, and each year has a beginning and an ending. All that lives, dies: the butterfly, the deer, the flower, the tree, and the human. It is only the human that worries about death.

When someone dies, they are physically gone. Still, a part of them lives on through all the lives they have touched. Life is like a river, it constantly moves, but it is always here.

One does not want things to change, and death is change. Death is often easier to accept for the one who is dying than for those it leaves behind. Death is a time to celebrate one’s life: a time to remember through tears, laughter, and stories. Death is not to be thought of as punishment, it will happen to all things that live.

The words I have spoken will be with you always. As you share them with others, a part of me continues to live. Life has been a gift, and I have lived it well. When it is time for me to no longer live in this world, I will pass on. It is part of the cycle. I have had my beginning and when it is time, I will reach my end.

It is good to cry. Crying cleanses the soul. When one feels sadness, it is not for those who have died, it is sadness for all the losses in one’s life. Every time someone dies, the future has changed."

Lord, Thank you for giving us strength to find comfort and consolation in our losses as we mourn the loss of someone or something that held special meaning to us. In your name we pray. Amen. 45

Cheryl Reinitz Tuesday, April 7

Isaiah 40:31 - But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

I am writing this devotion on Friday, February 14. Fifteen years ago today, my dear father-in-law passed away unexpectedly. Although he had been struggling with heart disease for a very long time and was hospitalized, none of us were prepared for the call that morning to tell us our dear Harley had died. Harley was a devoted husband and LOVING father of seven. He was always willing to help and would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. What would we do now? He was the patriarch of the Reinitz clan! Not only were we in shock but were lost without him. At Harley’s funeral, “On Eagles’ Wings” was sung by the soloist. This is a comforting song because it reminds us that God is there. We must hope or wait. Waiting involves the belief that God will enable and empower us to keep going regardless of the circumstances. Just like our family felt 15 years ago on Valentine’s Day. In a devotional by Steven P. Wickstrom, he wrote that the Hebrew word “qavah” is translated to “wait” in this verse. The literal meaning of the word is “to bind together like a cord.” A piece of string cannot hold much weight; however, a piece of rope con- sisting of many stings can hold a lot of weight. This is just like the strength of many – all bound together with God. As we grow in our relationship with God, we form many strands. When we twist these strands together, our rope is the strength we get from God. So that when there are anxious times, we know that God is our strength.

46 Sherrill Reid Wednesday, April 8

Romans 12: 19-21 - Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I could have used the Bible the day I went on the ambulance run to the campground near our little town. The call was for a pre-teen who was hysterical and hadn’t slept in days. When we arrived at the cabin, we confronted several young men wearing the colors of an east-side gang. My fellow medics (all men) were ready to abandon the young hysterical girl and tried to pull me out of the cabin. The young girl was lying on the ground kicking and was surrounded by the men in colors. I stood there quietly and said my usu- al call for God to hear, “A little help please, God.” I slowly walked up to the young men and said, “Who is the boss or the man in charge?” A rather formidable gang member stepped up, pleased to be called the man in charge and asked me what I needed. “I need help getting the girl into the ambulance, since too many people are in our way.” Rapidly the gang leader cleared the way and ordered the other members to help the other medics. After we tucked the girl into a blanket, she fell into a deep sleep. At least 2 years after that, I got on a bus which was as packed as a sardine can and I saw a group of gang members at the back. When I got to the back and to the consternation of his men, the leader and I recognized each other and I was beckoned to take a seat. He had a boom box. Until it was time to disembark, we sang and had a great time.

47 Linda Mendenhall Maundy Thursday, April 9 THIS IS ME: Being Loved

1 Corinthians 13:7 - Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I am writing this on Valentine's Day. Love is in the air! The 13th Chapter of 1 Corinthi- ans is about love. This is the verse I chose because I have written the verses 4-8 for myself and have it taped to my bathroom mirror. It’s starting to look a little wrinkled from humidity. I like to be reminded that love is patient and kind. Love is awesome! The feeling we get when we are loved. Parental love. It is indeed unconditional. I never realized that until I had my first child. Unconditional love. And don't get me started on the grand- children! Today you will be reading this on Maundy Thursday. The word "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word "command" referring to Jesus' command to his disciples to “love one another as I have loved you.” The washing of His disciples’ feet. The Last Supper. The beginning of Holy Communion. We take the bread and wine in remem- brance of Jesus, our Savior. How he suffered and died. For us. And the promise of eternal life if we believe in Him. God so loved the world he sent us his only son. Jesus took on the task because He loved us. Unconditionally. It is so easy for us to love those who love us. But to love someone who has hurt us or someone we love becomes complicated. I really don't have any advice on how to do that. I just pray for help from the Lord to try to understand the mind of the hurtful person. And try to love them. "Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always hopes, always perse- veres. Love never fails.” 1 Cor 13:4-8 NIV

Love is in the air! GOD IS LOVE.

48 Pastor Hannah Bartos Good Friday, April 10

THIS IS ME: Being Redeemed/Forgiven Romans 14:8 - For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

Being a pastor is a blessed and holy vocation. Later this year, I will mark ten years of ordained ministry. In my time I have experi- enced many, many sacred moments. The honor of being with people in some of life’s most intimate moments is undeniably sacred. It has been life-changing for you and for me. One of the opportunities I am most grateful for is presiding over funerals. There is something so sacred to walk with families through the death and dying process and of- fering God’s promises of the resurrection. At funerals we speak these words from Romans: “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” On this Good Friday, these words mean everything. They offer light even when the sun has to go away. They offer hope even when the curtains of the temple tear like the clothes of a mother overwhelmed in inexplicable sorrow over the loss of her child. They offer a promise that even in the darkness, crucified love still lives. No matter what this life may bring, or when death may come, we are held in the promise that we belong to God. This is unshakeable and unending, even when it’s unfathomable. Thanks be to God!

49 Sharon Remund Holy Saturday, April 11

THIS IS ME: Being Redeemed/Forgiven

Galatians 6:9-10 - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

I love the bumper sticker from John Buchanan’s sermon at 4th Presbyterian Church in Chicago: “Jesus is Coming. Look Busy.” It is a reminder that we all have work to do. In this year’s CLC theme of “This is Us,” we look around and see many good workers who seem perpetually busy. Our congregation is blessed with wonderful pastors and a community of volunteers who do extraordinary things and give unlimited time in service to our church and others. We are inspired by them and thank them for enriching our faith experience. When we become discouraged or doubtful of our own service contributions we can look to these faithful servants in our midst and be renewed in our commitment as we remember, indeed, that ours are the body and hands of Christ here on earth.

Dear Lord, teach us to persevere in sharing your love through our humble acts of service. Amen.

50 Pastor Hannah Bartos Easter Sunday, April 12

THIS IS ME: Being Whole

Matthew 28: -5 6 - But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

Happy Easter! The stone has been rolled away, the alleluias are ready to be shared, and we can proclaim Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! With Mary and Simon Peter and the other disciples, we encounter the empty tomb and see the Living Christ. But today is just the beginning. An encounter with the Living Christ changes everything. The resurrection shows that our God is a God of new life and never-ending possi- bility. Even in the face of death, God has the last word. This word is one of light, life, and love. It’s one of wholeness. Yes, we are broken, we are hurting, we are lost and aimless, we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. But God brings wholeness, reconciliation, and new life to each of us. This is us! This is me! This is the good news we can share every day. It doesn’t mean life is perfect, but we have faith that in the end, Christ’s life, death and resurrection change everything. We are forgiven, we are loved, and we are promised eternal life. When Jesus ministered, lives were changed, the sick were healed, and the sorrowful began to laugh with joy. Through the Holy Spirit, this joy is now given to us. Jesus asks Mary that first Easter morning, “What are you looking for?” This question is for us too. Though I don’t know what your heart desires or what you are searching for this day, know that because he lives, we can believe. Because he lives, we can have courage and hope. Because he lives, even in our sadness or weeping, we can exude joy. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleuia! Let us pray. Wonderful, amazing, God, we thank you that you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead, bringing us the promise of new life, and setting us free from sin and death. Help us to witness to the power of the resurrection in all that we do and in all that we say so that others might know your saving grace and your unending love. Amen. 51 Christ Lutheran Church Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota www.clcmarine.org