Download raying the Lord `s Prayer in a Nation Divided

BEN HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
LENTEN DEVOTIONAL
March 1, 2017 - April 16, 2017
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your
kingdom come, your will be
done, on ear th as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread, and forgive us
our debts, as we also have
forgiven our debtors. And
lead us not into temptation,
b u t d e l i v e r us from evil.
the Lord’s Prayer
P raying
in a Nation Divided
Matthew 6: 5-15
Table of Contents
Introduction by Rev. Dr. Byron E. Thomas, Senior Pastor. .................. 5
2017 Lenten Devotions ............................................................................. 7—57
Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017 ...................................................................... 7
Thursday, March 2, 2017........................................................................................ 8
Friday, March 3, 2017 .............................................................................................. 9
Saturday, March 4, 2017 ..................................................................................... 10
First Sunday in Lent, March 5, 2017
Monday, March 6, 2017 ....................................................................................... 12
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 ....................................................................... 13—14
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 ............................................................................... 15
Thursday, March 9, 2017.................................................................................... 16
Friday, March 10, 2017 ....................................................................................... 17
Saturday, March 11, 2017 ................................................................... 18—19
Second Sunday in Lent, March 12, 2017
Monday, March 13, 2017 .................................................................... 21—22
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 ................................................................................... 23
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 ............................................................................ 24
Thursday, March 16, 2017 ................................................................................. 25
Friday, March 17, 2017 ....................................................................................... 26
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Table of Contents
Saturday, March 18, 2017 ....................................................................................... 27
Third Sunday in Lent, March 19, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017 .................................................................................... 29
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 .................................................................................... 30
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 ............................................................................. 31
Thursday, March 23, 2017 .................................................................. 32—33
Friday, March 24, 2017 ........................................................................................ 34
Saturday, March 25, 2017 ................................................................................... 35
Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 26, 2017
Monday, March 27, 2017 .................................................................................... 37
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 ......................................................................... 38-39
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 ............................................................................. 40
Thursday, March 30, 2017 ................................................................................. 41
Friday, March 31, 2017 ......................................................................... 42—43
Saturday, April 1, 2017 ........................................................................................ 44
Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 2, 2017
Monday, April 3, 2017 .......................................................................................... 46
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 ......................................................................................... 47
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 .................................................................................. 48
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Table of Contents
Thursday, April 6, 2017 ....................................................................................... 49
Friday, April 7, 2017 ............................................................................................. 50
Saturday, April 8, 2017 ........................................................................................ 51
Holy Week—April 9, 2017—April 16, 2017
Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017
Monday of Holy Week, April 10, 2017 .......................................................... 54
Tuesday of Holy Week, April 11, 2017 .......................................... 55—56
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 12, 2017 .................................... 57—58
Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017 .................................................................. 59
Good Friday, April 14, 2017 .......................................................................... 60
Holy Saturday April 15, 2017 ............................................................ 61—62
Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 ........................................................................... 64
Acknowledgments .................................................................................. 65—66
The Lord’s Prayer ................................................................................................... 67
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Introduction
Rev. Dr. Byron E. Thomas, Senior Pastor
Ben Hill United Methodist Church
Once again I am grateful for those who have submitted a meditation for this year’s booklet. Lent is a
very special time of the Christian year where we reflect upon the life of Jesus. Specifically, it looks to the
time of Jesus’ retreat into the wilderness for forty
days. It was a time of intense soul-searching, prayer,
self-reflection and fasting.
Starting out in the wilderness was necessary for Jesus
to see and be strengthened for the work that He was
sent to do to the very end. Formation took place in the
wilderness. Focus was refined and faith was fortified
during the time He spent there. It was a place for
equipping Jesus to faithfully execute His ministry and
complete His mission.
I hope you will accept the invitation to be a part of this
season of self-reflection, soul-searching, prayer and
fasting as we are strengthened to execute the work
that God has for us of caring for those for whom God
cares.
Pastor Thomas
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2017 Lenten Devotions
March 1, 2017—April 16, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
6
Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Self-Examination in the Light of God’s Word
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
During the season of Lent Christians are intentional about self-examination. Selfexamination however is not done in light of our standards of acceptability; rather, it
is done in the light of God’s Word.
This can be an intimidating exercise. Most of us would simply prefer to believe that
we are doing just fine. However, Christians are called to look not just upon those
things in our lives about which we are pleased, but also upon the unpleasant aspects of our lives, specifically, sin. Why? Because sin is toxic and to ignore it or
pretend it is not there only leaves it unchecked as it poisons our souls and all other
dimensions of our lives. Refusing to examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word
also allows sin to remain in the type of environment where it grows most toxic –
darkness.
When sin is revealed the next step is to call it what it is (confession). It is then that
we experience both the fulfillment of the promise as well as the power of scripture
- we are purified of our sin and its many effects. Then we will know what it is really
like to be free.
Meditation and Study:
Joel 2: 1-2, 12—17
Psalm 51: 1 – 17
2 Corinthians 5: 20b – 6:10
Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21
NOTES:______________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Lord, give us the courage to look upon ourselves in the light of your Word,
trusting that with all we find unpleasant, you have already forgiven us. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Byron E. Thomas
Senior Pastor, Ben Hill United Methodist Church
7
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Delegating Authority
Romans 1: 1 – 7
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of
God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3
the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh
4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by
resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received
grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles
for the sake of his name, 6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus
Christ, 7 To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (NRSV)
There’s an axiom in the business world that you can delegate authority but you can’t
delegate responsibility. The Book of Romans is Paul’s letter to the church in Rome
with instructions on Justification and how to live a Christian life. Because the letter is
written to the Roman church Paul’s task is not to convert non-believers. He’s writing
instructions for “church folks.” The first 7 verses of the first chapter is spent basically
establishing that God has given Paul the authority to speak. While Paul writes with
authority, much of his writing demonstrates how the Love of God and the power of
the Holy Spirit are the factors that make things happen even when things look bleak.
In other words, while Paul had the Authority to share the Gospel, the ultimate Responsibility to make it happen rests with The Trinity. As you reflect on God’s assignment
for you during this Lenten season, know that you have the authority to speak truth to
power, to share God’s love with those in need, to help make disciples of Jesus Christ.
While we have the authority to deliver God’s instructions, God has the responsibility
for the results.
Meditation and Study:
Deuteronomy 30: 15—20
Psalm 1: 1—4, 6
Luke 9: 22—25
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Father God, thank you for granting us the authority to serve your people.
While we are blessed to speak on your behalf, ultimately you are responsible for the
results. Place us in position to be a blessing to others and empower us with the ability
to speak on your behalf. In the name of Jesus we pray…Amen.
Mike Watkins
Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)
8
Friday, March 3, 2017
When the Storms of Life are Raging
Romans 1: 8 – 17 (Emphasis: Verses 16 – 17)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings
salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the
gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from
first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (NRSV)
One Sunday I was driving home from Marietta and it was storming very badly. I was
coming around I-285 heading south and noticed cars that were pulled over on the side
of the road with their hazard lights on. There were others moving very slowly with
their hazard lights on, but I chose to keep moving at a steady pace through the storm.
When I got another five miles down the road, the sun came out and the storm was
over. I thought of the other cars that chose not to press on and were still in the storm.
God showed me that when the storms of life hit, some people give up and sit on the
side doing nothing. Their light is flashing because they want others to know they are
wounded and they want others to join their pity party. Some move through the storm
very slowly, keeping one eye on the storm and one eye on God. Their light draws
attention to them because even though they are pressing on they still want to be recognized for what they are doing. Then there are those who just turn on their headlights to see a little clearer, and turn up the wipers to dry the tears as they continue to
press on. Their focus is on God and not on the storm. These are the ones that come
through the storm quicker.
So in that moment God showed me that when I am hit with a storm, there are times I
want to give up and do nothing. There are sometimes I am just creeping along, but
when I am able to see the light, dry my eyes and keep pressing on, the storm will pass
before you know it. It will be sunny again! Don't stop pressing forward.
Meditation & Study
Isaiah 58: 1—9
Psalm 51
Matthew 9: 14 – 15
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Father God when we are hit with the storms of life helps us to remember that
you are always present to bring us through. Give us the strength to keep pressing on
no matter how bad the storm gets. Amen.
Cynthia Holland
Vice Chair, Nominations and Leader Development (NLD)
9
Saturday March 4, 2017
Cleansed and Forgiven
Psalms 51 (Focus: 7)
7 Purify me from my sins and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.
My most treasured memory as a child was watching my Mother memorize and recite
long dramatic readings. She was a devoted Christian and loved sharing her gifts at
church services, weddings, teas and other Christian social events in our community.
One of her favorites and mine is The Beautiful Snow, which chronicles the fall of a
woman’s life, comparing it to the flight of “snow so pure when it falls from the sky, to
be tramped in the mud by the crowd rushing by”. She confesses:
“Once I was pure as the snow—but I fell: Fell, like the snowflakes, from
heaven to hell; ….
Dealing in shame for a morsel of bread,
Hating the living and fearing the dead.
Merciful God! have I fallen so low?
And yet I was once like this beautiful snow.”
We may not have experienced a fallen life like this woman who cried out to God for
mercy. And most have not committed the sins that caused King David to cry out to
God: “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean, wash me, and I will be whiter than
snow.” Yet we all have sins that need to be confessed and repented before Almighty
God. When we do we can be confident that God hears our cries for mercy and forgiveness. His response is to purify us by cleansing us in the blood of Jesus, as He forgives, heals, and restores our lives for His purposes.
Meditation and Study:
Isaiah 58: 9 –14
Psalm 86: 1—6
Luke 5: 27—32
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Merciful Father, we thank you for your promise that says, “If we confess our
sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1
John 1:9). God’s promise says “all” not “some”, it doesn’t say “certain sins”, it doesn’t
say “except for the below mentioned actions.” Thank you, Father for removing the
stain of all of our sins. Amen.
Dyanne Cunningham
Associate Lay Leader
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First Sunday in Lent
March 5, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
Meditation and Study:
Genesis 2: 15—17; 3: 1—7
Psalm 32
Romans 5: 12—19
Matthew 4: 1—11
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Monday, March 6, 2017
Faith: Why I Believe and Why I Know
Mathew 7: 7 - 8
7 Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be
opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds,
and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
My Mother taught me the prayer, “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” I advanced to learning the prayer that has been a part of my daily life, “The Lord’s Prayer.” I am sharing a
testimony of one of the many times I relied on the power of prayer.
For several years I drove to the hospital with an allergic reaction. After moving to Atlanta, I was finally given my first allergy test. What a test it was! The Allergy Specialist
was able to identify a plethora of items that I was allergic to from environmental objects to foods.
On one late evening, I found myself once again headed to the emergency room with
an allergic reaction. Upon arrival at the hospital with a swollen face, oversized lips,
tongue, and struggling to breathe, it was a challenge to communicate with the receptionist. There was a request for an EKG, and finally recommended a tracheotomy procedure. I felt my life was in jeopardy. Yet, I had faith and believed that God would
take care of me. After minutes passed, suddenly a physician appeared at the door,
quickly evaluated the situation and said, “I know this lady.” This physician knew of my
experiences with allergies. He administered medication that quickly resolved the
scary situation. You could feel the calmness throughout the room. With my swellings
subsiding, it was finally a nightmare that ended. My allergic reaction was due to seafood. Why did this Doctor appear at the door at that frightening time? I believe in
prayer, and I had faith that God would take care of me.
Through the blessings of God on that scary night, I lived. This Is Why I Believe and
Why I know He Lives. To God Be the Glory!
Meditation and Study:
Leviticus 19: 1—2, 11—18
Psalm 19: 8—10, 15 Matthew 25: 31—46
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the many blessings we have received
throughout our lives. For these blessings, we have kept the faith. When we are in
need of blessings, you are there to give us comfort. For all of these things, we do believe. Amen.
Carolyn Goodman
Shekinah Glory Bell Choir, Jewels & Partners, United Methodist Women (UMW)
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Monday, March 7, 2017
Peace, Be Still: The Lord Is Still On the Throne
Hebrews 4: 14 – Hebrews 5: 10
14 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a
high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who
in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find
grace to help in time of need. 5:1 Every high priest chosen from among mortals is
put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices
for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself
is subject to weakness; 3 and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins
as well as for those of the people. 4 And one does not presume to take this honor,
but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not
glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to
him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; 6 as he says also in another
place, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."7 In the
days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and
tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because
of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through
what he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal
salvation for all who obey him, 10 having been designated by God a high priest
according to the order of Melchizedek. (NRSV)
The United States is experiencing political division unlike any seen in more than a
decade. The recent defeat of its 1st female presidential candidate, against an American businessman, has caused a national divide leaving behind a country reeling from
the shock, and devastation of election results. American’s have taken to the streets,
protesting feelings of anger, and rage, as fear, panic, and anxiety grips the citizens of
the United States. Fear of the unknown divides our nation along racial, cultural,
class, gender, and political party lines. People of God, let us keep in mind a few realities that hopefully will help to calm this season of discontent. Regardless of who is
placed on the American seat of power in January 2017, we continue to serve our
Great High Priest, The Lord Jesus Christ.
So, regardless of the plans of transition being made by the newly elected President.
And no matter the words of division used politically to mount a divisive movement of
hatred and racial supremacy, we have nothing to fear. The Lord our God is Sovereign and Omnipotent, looking upon all the works of humanity, and bestowing upon
us, Wisdom, Grace, and Mercy, cloaked in Love. The Lord Jesus Christ remains the
true ruling power in all the heavens and the earth. Regardless of who is placed upon
this earthly throne, the Lord’s kingdom shall forever reign. Let us walk by faith, and
not by sight, and see what the Lord has instore for all the inhabitants of the earth. For
the earth is still the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell
therein. (Psalm 24:1). (Continued on next page)
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Monday, March 7, 2017
Peace, Be Still: The Lord Is Still On the Throne (Continued)
Meditation and Study:
Isaiah 55: 10—11
Psalm 34: 4—7, 16—19
Matthew 6: 7—15
NOTES:_______________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Dear Lord our Father, we thank you and worship your holy name. We thank
you, for easing our fears, and for reminding us that you are and will always be Our
Lord, Our Savior, Our King, and Our Great High Priest.. You alone are worthy to be
praised. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Sandra Smith
Coupled-In-Christ
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Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Trust God
Matthew 18: 10 – 14
10 "Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in
heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. 11 12 What do
you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray,
does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one
that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than
over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father
in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. (NRSV)
My oldest son had just turned two years old when his brother was born. When my
little one was eight weeks old, I took both boys to the mall. I went into a children’s
store to give my oldest a chance to walk around. He had been walking since he was
seven months old and felt confined in the stroller. As soon as he was out of the
stroller, he took off running. He did not stop when I called him. I looked at the store
manager and asked her if she would hold the baby while I retrieved his brother, who
was a very fast runner. I caught him and placed both boys safely in the stroller. Home
we went.
I love both of my sons and chose to leave one to find the other one. My infant was
sleeping. My two year old was physically independent and running full speed. He
was blessed with many gifts, including speed and agility. Nevertheless, he lacked the
wisdom and knowledge to use them appropriately or protect himself. His re-fusal to
stop when I called him made his need for active parenting urgent. I went after him
as soon as he strayed and caught him before he was lost. I never left him, even when
he was trying to leave me. How many times God has done the same for me!
Meditation and Study:
Jonah 3: 1—10 Psalm 51: 3—4, 12—15, 18—19 Luke 11: 29—32
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Father, thank you for every good and perfect gift. Teach us to respect the boundaries You set for using our gifts in ways that glorify You and keep us from harm. Give us
the wisdom to trust You like a sleeping baby. Yet, when like restless toddlers we stray,
bring us safely home. Amen.
DuWanna Thomas
First Lady, Ben Hill United Methodist Church
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Thursday, March 9, 2017
God, Thank You for Seeing Us Through
Psalm 138: 1 – 3, 7 - 8
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above
everything. 3 On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of
soul. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of
my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The Lord
will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not
forsake the work of your hands. (NRSV)
God, thank you for seeing us through and for allowing us to continue to minister to
persons in the Ben Hill Community, City of Atlanta, and Worldwide. Many have said
that the reason Ben Hill UMC overcame our past financial trials and tribulations was
because of the ministry we have done over the years and because of our focus on
helping those who were less fortunate. Ben Hill continues to:
 Feed the homeless at Trinity United Methodist Church on a continuous basis. The
Homeless community knows they will receive a nutritious meal when Ben Hill is
feeding. It is known that we do not feed the homeless what we would not eat.
 Serve thousands of families each year at the Food Bank located within the church.
We provide food and clothing to families in the Ben Hill Community and others in
need.
 Sponsor families at Christmas and Thanksgiving along with Christmas gifts for
children whose parents are incarcerated through our Angel Tree Ministry.
 Sponsor the Back to School Jam where we donate over 600 book bags filled with
school supplies so that students can start the school year off with needed supplies.
 Travel to Haiti on a yearly basis to serve the brothers and sisters of Haiti by offering medical and dental services, humanitarian support, and ministering the gospel
of Jesus Christ.
There are countless other projects that Ben Hill leads in the community. The important point that I am making is that we recognize that it was God who brought us
through and we give Him the honor and the praise. It is in our DNA to serve those who
are less fortunate and Yes Ben Hill, we will continue to share our gifts! To God be the
glory for the things He has done.
Meditation and Study:
Exodus 20: 1 – 17
Matthew 7: 7—12
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for your grace and for your mercy for we know it was
you who saw us through. Let everything we do bring glory and honor to your name.
Amen.
Eldridge Stephens
Social Concerns Ministry
16
Friday, March 10, 2017
Can You Believe This?
Micah 7:18-20
18. Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of
the remnant of your possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He
delights in showing clemency. 19. He will again have compassion upon us; He will
tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
20. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and unswerving loyalty to Abraham, as you
have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old.
Wow! Can you believe what is being said by the 7th century b.c.e. prophet Micah? Micah was a voice to the people of Judah raised up by God. He is writing in this passage
to the people about how incredible and remarkable God is and has been to the people.
He seems to be saying that this God is almost unbelievable. Consider that He pardons
iniquity, passes over transgression, refuses to retain anger forever and even gets great
delight in extending clemency and mercy! Then to top it off He keeps on showing compassion to us by treading our misdoings under His feet and casting our sins into the
depths of the sea. All of this while at the same time never failing to extend His faithfulness to us. There are lots of guarantees and warranties that we all are covered by
from our automobiles to our appliances to our computers to even our health care. We
are accustomed to such coverages and we consider them ordinary, expected and common. Hear what Micah says again. “Who is a God like you?” This warranty, this covenantal offering, this assurance is so good that it is unbelievable! Can you believe how
magnanimous this God we serve is? And we have the privilege of abiding in relationship with Him forever? It’s real and unfailing. Believe it today and walk in the power
that it affords us.
Meditation and Study:
Ezekiel 18: 21—28
Psalm 130: 1—8
Matthew 5: 43—48
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: God our Father, help us in this day and every day that you give us to believe in
your greatness, your faithfulness and your abiding presence in our lives. You are so
good to us, indeed better than we deserve. Yet you never give up on us and you show
your clemency and mercy to us every day. Thank you for your unfailing love and compassion as we seek to live out our trust and belief in you. In your Name we pray,
Amen.
Anthony M. Alford, Sr.
Teacher, Corporate Bible Study
17
Saturday, March 11, 2017
A Faithful Soldier
Luke 7: 1 - 10
1 After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered
Capernaum. 2 A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill
and close to death. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him,
asking him to come and heal his slave. 4 When they came to Jesus, they appealed to
him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy of having you do this for him, 5 for he loves our
people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us." 6 And Jesus went with them,
but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him,
"Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof;
7 therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my
servant be healed. 8 For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under
me; and I say to one, "Go,' and he goes, and to another, "Come,' and he comes, and
to my slave, "Do this,' and the slave does it." 9 When Jesus heard this he was
amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, "I tell you, not
even in Israel have I found such faith." 10 When those who had been sent returned
to the house, they found the slave in good health. (NRSV)
She sat alone, quietly in the rear of the sanctuary, before church service began. Her
overall demeanor revealed that she was homeless. I was drawn to her; perhaps because of a mutual sense of ‘loneliness of the soul’. I invited her to sit with me, towards the front. She declined my invitation and said she needed something for her
hygiene. I escorted her downstairs for assistance in getting the supplies she needed,
and returned to my seat in the sanctuary. Later......she returned to hers.
During the Greeting, she came forward and quietly sat next to me. Her trusting eyes
affirmed that our kindred spirits had connected! I took her hand and asked her name.
“Debra”, she said. After service, my husband and I gave her money for food. She
purchased a bag full of snacks and we drove her to a house near the church she called
‘home’. As she got out of the car, for the first time, she gave a ‘beauuutiful’ smile and
said “Thank You”!
That was five years ago. I never saw Debra again. I’ve often asked myself, could I
have been a more ‘faithful soldier’ and prayed with her or tithed more of my time?
That may have inspired her to return.
In Luke 7:1-10, the faith of the centurion soldier was commended by God because he
cared for his dying servant and believed that God would heal him. In doing so, he
became a servant to his own servant.
My brief encounter with Debra is what I call a Christian epiphany: Our lessons and
blessings come from study and application of the Word. Sometimes, the ‘sermon’ is
sitting right next to us (like Debra), testing our acts of faith and commitment to discipleship in becoming effective servants and ‘faithful soldiers’ for Christ.
Debra, my friend, wherever you are, I pray for you....still.
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(Continued on next page)
Saturday, March 11, 2017
A Faithful Soldier (Continued)
Meditation and Study:
Deuteronomy 26: 16—19
Psalm 119: 1—2, 4—5, 7—8 Matthew 5: 43—48
NOTES:_____________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Heavenly Father, mold me to be Your faithful solider so that I may serve
beyond myself and please only You in all that You guide me to think, say and do.
Let the life I live be a sermon in action. Amen! Amen! Amen!
ChrisTine Mayfield
Communion Steward Ministry
19
Second Sunday in Lent
March 12, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
Meditation and Study:
Genesis 12: 1—4a
Psalm 121
Romans 4: 1—5, 13—17
John 3: 1—17
20
Monday, March 13, 2017
Stay Out of the Wilderness
Numbers 21: 4 – 9
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of
Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5 The people spoke against
God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the
wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food."
6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people,
so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, "We have
sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away
the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten
shall look at it and live." 9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a
pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent
of bronze and live. (NRSV)
We have all experienced times of ‘in the wilderness’, whether we drove ourselves
into it or we encountered situations or circumstances that landed us on Wilderness
Boulevard. Maybe it was an old habit that you just couldn’t shake and you found
yourself in the wilderness time and time again. Maybe it was the loss of a job that
you enjoyed immensely and when it ended, you sat on the floor and felt surrounded
by all of the elements the wilderness has to offer. After traveling through the seemingly never-ending wilderness, with nothing to eat or drink but manna, the people
spoke against God to Moses. Maybe you haven’t spoken against God during a time in
the wilderness, but maybe you questioned Him or doubted His promises. How did
God respond to the people when they spoke against Him? By afflicting them with
venomous snakes. Once afflicted, the people begged Moses to intercede, and he did,
and God, rather than removing the snakes, sends a cure for snakebites. So the people still got bit, that danger didn’t go away, but God did offer healing if the people
just looked in the right direction. Sometimes God will allow bites, aches, and pain…
but healing of those aches and pains is available if we look ONLY to God. Sometimes
God allows us to get lost in the wilderness...but a path out is available if we look ONLY to God. Remember the scripture: No temptation has overtaken you except what
is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond
what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that
you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.
There’s a way out of a wilderness experience ONLY if you look to God. Trying to get
out on your own, will not work, as we can do nothing by our own might. It is only
when we truly know and understand that God is the ONLY one who can and will give
us the strength to stay out and remain out of wilderness experiences. So how do we
stay out of the wilderness? Focus ONLY on God. Just as the Lord made a bronze serpent for the people to set their eyes on and thus were saved, what has the Lord put
in your path for you to set your eyes on that will save you? If you are not sure what
God has set before you to gaze upon, pray that God reveal to you what it is and
then….set your eyes upon it. (Continued on next page)
21
Monday, March 13, 2017
Stay Out of the Wilderness (Continued)
Meditation and Study:
Daniel 9: 4—10
Psalm 79: 8 –13
Luke 6: 36—38
NOTES:______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dearest Lord, help me to only gaze upon You and what You have set before
me to gaze upon. Help me to not search for things that I think I should look to for
satisfaction. I understand and trust that it is only those things You determine that
are best for me that will bring me good and not harm. And Lord, when circumstances arise that bring me to a wilderness experience, help me to not speak against You
or grumble. Help me to know that You allowed this situation and my countenance
shall remain the same for it is You that will provide a way of escape because You are
faithful, You are the same. Just as You provided in the past, You will provide now. I
thank You for that Lord and trust You in all things. Amen.
Eden Mabry
Chaplain, Visioning Team
22
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Starting All Over Again…..
Isaiah 65:17-25
17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am
about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and
delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does
not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one
who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. 21 They shall build houses and inhabit
them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain, or bear
children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord— and their descendants as
well. 24 Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and
the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall
be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord. (NRSV)
In Isaiah 65: 17-25, the scriptures tell us that the Lord is going to create new heavens
and a new earth; the former things will no longer be remembered or come to mind.
Wow, does that mean that God is going to ‘recreate’ His heavens and earth? Have you
ever thought that life is not going the way you desire so if you could just pack up,
move from your current residence or even city and start afresh, life would be better
for you? Sometimes we encounter situations that cause us to doubt whether we are
on the right path or the path that God intended for us. Why does this happen? Each
day God gives us brand new mercies just because He is God! What do we do with
them? We take them for granted, we ‘give’ them away or we may even ignore them.
Does He give them because we earned them from the previous days – just like interest
on a bank account? Does the investment we make by trusting in Him and His plan for
our life, cause us to receive these mercies? No, He tells us that we are His chosen
people and because He loves us, He wants the very best for each of His children. Isn’t
it good to know with assurance that the God we serve allows U-turns, mistakes and
‘oops’ in life. He forgives us daily for our sins and wants us to be obedient to His will
and His way. Life’s experiences can sometimes lead us down a path that seems hopeless. God sent His Son to give us ‘hope’ when we are at that point of ‘giving up.’ He
has promised restoration to all of His children. He asks that His people repent, turn
from their wicked ways and follow Him – not on some days or in some situations, but
ALL of the time! He wants us to trust Him 100% in every situation. No matter how
dark the situation may appear, God’s Got It and You! Give Him a try – “Clean up,
straighten up and Start Your Life All Over Again…” Watch Him work it out for you!
Meditation and Study:
Psalm 50: 8 – 9, 16 – 23
Matthew 23: 1 - 12
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Lord, how gracious and merciful are You! We give you honor
and praise for just being God all by yourself! Thank you for your daily grace and mercy! Help us to be an obedient people called to do Your Will. Help us to be a light in
this darkened world, so souls may be touched and hearts softened. Forgive us of our
sins and grant us a fresh start! It is in your Son’s name that I offer up this prayer.
Amen.
Carol Clarke Wesley
Lay Leader
23
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Oh Lord, My God
Psalm 31: 5 – 6; 14 - 16
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. 6
You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.
14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." 15 My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. (NRSV)
Have you ever been in a situation so distressing that you thought your life would end
at any given moment? David was in the depths of such a dire situation running in fear
for his life. There were folks telling lies and making false statements against him in
order to gain favor with King Saul. Some hated him for no apparent reason and contrived to kill him. These were hurtful stressful times that created days of depression
which made David sick within his heart...soul. He cried out repeatedly to God for help.
Not just one time but many times. I know what it feels like to continuously be in prayer regarding unwanted circumstances looming all around about you. For your enemies
do not just up and disappear all at once. David understood that his hope and help was
in God's control so he gives himself completely to his care. Since we will also have
some dark days as we cope with unpleasant people and unwanted circumstances,
what are our responses as Christian believers? Hopefully we will turn our attention to
a loving Father who has us as we have him. We can express our unyielding trust in our
Heavenly Father by continuously depending on His promises to us as our creator and
redeemer. The Bible is clear as it speaks about those who seek to destroy God's people
for they will indeed get their "just reward". Let us believe as did David when he declared "my times are in your hands". Let us give thanks to the Lord for He has reached
down from on high with His mighty love to deliver and rescue us from hands that work
iniquity.
Meditation and Study:
Jeremiah 18: 18 – 20
Matthew 20: 17 - 28
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Lord God, help us to live a God-centered life so that we can feel your presence
and have that blessed assurance that you are always very near. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Hattie Randall
Church Historian
24
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Make a Joyful Noise Today
Psalm 95: 1 – 3
1 O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to
him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all
gods. (NRSV)
An abundance of anything is taken for granted. The ability to talk, walk, see, touch and
feel is an everyday occurrence that is sometimes taken for granted. The truth is these
senses are gifts from God, and a privilege to maintain.
I truly and humbly can make a joyful noise today. Twice in my life, I lost my voice for
extended periods...10 months; and 8 months, respectively. My healings were challenged past all my doctors orders so I patiently endured the struggle, physically; emotionally; and spiritually. I believed my silence meant to listen, learn and wait for the
breakthrough. But just believing is not enough - you have to stand firm in your faith to
carry you through it all. During these periods, my trust in God’s goodness and compassion for us (2 Timothy 1:12) strengthened my faith. By reading the Word, praying daily
and staying committed to bible study class, an inner peace of assurance dwelled within
me. Knowing that God’s presence was near in times of doubting my voice would ever
return again and disappointment because it was taking so long, I had to reject the
power of my thoughts of worry and fear. Then miraculously God provided complete
restoration of my voice! God’s renewing power encouraged me for others. Both healings came to me in public spiritual settings where others were able to see God’s glory
in God’s Divine time. I’m grateful and humbled for each blessing and thankful for
those who prayed for me. What God did for me, God will do for you. I am a witness
making a joyful noise today and everyday. Trust God today!
Meditation and Study:
Psalm 31:1 - 5
Psalm 95
Luke 1:37
1 Peter 4: 11 - 12 Colossians 1: 15 – 23
Exodus 16: 1 - 8
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear Father God, on this glorious day, we give you all the praise for your love
and faithfulness in our lives. We seek your help to simply yield and trust your loving
hand to heal us and guide us through the wilderness. Help us to reflect your Almighty
love to those around us using the tools you have equipped us with today. Open our
eyes to hope and help us to see just beyond the break. Help us to not have a hardened
heart as our struggles persist but to trust you Lord, our Refuge and Strength. This is
the day you have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Hallelujah! In Jesus’
Name…Amen.
Marilyn Jennings
Executive Leadership Team, External Marketing
25
Friday, March 17, 2017
Rejection to Righteousness
Matthew 21:33-46
33 "Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence
around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went
to another country. 34 When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to
collect his produce. 35 But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned
another. 36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same
way. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, "They will respect my son.' 38 But when the
tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his
inheritance.' 39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Now when
the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41 They said to him, "He
will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will
give him the produce at the harvest time." 42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the
scriptures: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the
Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be
taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. 44 The one
who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." 45
When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking
about them. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded
him as a prophet. (NRSV)
With the talks of building walls and the rejections of certain type of people, there is an
uproar in the world. The air we breathe is intense. The questions that arise are:
“Who’s next?” “Am I next?” “Are my people next?” The answer is no! Man make walls
to keep things in and other things out. We must be very careful in our walk with Christ
Jesus of whom we are “rejecting”, “selling out”, or “turning away”. As my Mama
would say, “Child be mighty careful….that might be an angel/messenger of the Good
Lawd (Lord).
Instead of focusing on a wall, focus on the cornerstone, The Lord and Savior Christ
Jesus.
Meditation and Study
Genesis 37: 3 – 4; 12 – 13; 17 – 28
Psalm 105: 16 - 21
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: We praise and honor you God in these times of uncertainty. Above everything
we say “thank you” that no one is compared to you and your infinite wisdom. Holy
Ghost, thank you for continuing to remind us to pray without ceasing. Thank you
Christ Jesus, you are there with the Father who holds our future. And again thank you,
as a people who have been rejected and continues to be rejected, we have moved
from rejection to righteousness through the blood of Christ Jesus. Amen.
Sharon E. Phillips
Prayer and Healing Ministry
26
Saturday, March 18, 2017
My Personal Psalm of Salvation
Psalm 103: 1 - 12
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the
Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you
with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live so
that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord works vindication and justice
for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in
steadfast love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He
does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward
those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our
transgressions from us. (NRSV)
Lord, when I was lost, you sought me; you found me; you saved me!
When I was distressed, hurt, troubled, alone and broken you sent angels to listen…
pray…teach! I will always bless you Lord; with my heart, my mouth, my song, my
praise! I will bless you. I will bless your holy name!
You loved me when I didn’t know how to love myself – I praise you and lift your name
on high. You are my God on whom I will depend. I will trust you.
Lest I should forget and begin to pull away…forgive me O Lord! Bring me back to you.
Never leave or forsake me for I am yours and you are forever my GOD!!
Meditation and Study:
Micah 7: 14 – 20
Luke 15: 1 – 3; 11 - 32
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Father, thank you for sending Jesus to atone for my sins. Help me remember
the lessons that He taught. Help me to write His words on my heart and to learn,
grow and transform so that His dying to save my life is not in vain! Amen.
Jessica Godfrey
Vice Chair, Church Council
27
Third Sunday in Lent
March 19, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
Meditation and Study:
Exodus 17: 1—7
Psalm 95
Romans 5: 1—11
John 4: 5—42
28
Monday, March 20, 2017
By Jesus’ Stripes I Am Healed
Isaiah 53:5
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him
was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. (NRSV)
Life does not always deal us a winning hand. We must understand that we are going
to have some ups and downs in this life but one thing that gives us hope is that God
said “He would never leave us.”
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer six years ago. Every CT scan I had was not a good
report except in September, 2016. They said that the scan showed that some of the
cancer was shrinking while others were continuing to grow. This is the time when
you have to stand on the word of God. I am so glad I know Jesus or I would have
given up a long time ago. He is my ROCK. Never give up because of what a medical
report says. We have to stand firm on God’s word. There is nothing too hard for God.
God says “we are made in His image and we are fearfully and wonderfully made.” So
then with that being said, He does not have cancer or any other disease so I’m not
going to have it either. We must speak the word to our bodies for it to line up with
what God says about sickness. I’m not saying you won’t be in pain sometimes, I am
most of the time, but I continue to pray and believe God’s word.
PRAYER WORKS. Trust God. Regardless of what it looks like or feels like. He will
take care of you.
Meditation and Study:
Psalms 107:20
Proverbs 4:20-23
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to believe and know that your word is true. Help
our unbelief. Give us peace as we go through trials and tribulations on this earth.
Help us to stand firm in your word knowing that all is well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
~In Loving Memory~
Marianne Hendricks
Co-Chaplain, Majestic Choir; Communion Steward Ministry
29
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Turn Around He's Always There
Psalm 25: 4 - 9
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your
truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day
long. 6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have
been from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O Lord! 8
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads
the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. (NRSV)
In this Psalm David reminds us that regardless of what we do or how far we stray,
the God of our salvation is always near. God loved David as He loves each and every
one of us. He gave his son so that we might have salvation. So when we forget to
love one another and to love God and to be faithful to His word and to His ways, He
is never too far to help us turn around. All we have to do is ask Him. He gives us His
mercy and His grace unconditionally. It is always our choice if we stop, remember
and ask. He will never leave us nor forsake us. It's never too late to turn around…
He's always behind us.
Meditation and Study:
Daniel 3: 25 – 30
Matthew 18: 21 - 35
NOTES:______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear Lord be with us this day, we humbly beseech you. We humbly ask
that you give us the guidance of your promises that you will never leave us nor
forsake us. Father teach us your ways. Let us stay in your will. Let us love one
another and more importantly remember that you gave your son Jesus that our
salvation would be complete. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Johnnie Follins
Certified Lay Servant Speaker; Ben Hill Training Institute
30
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Christians Fulfilling the Law
Matthew 5: 17 - 19
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come
not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least these commandments, and
teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but
whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
(NRSV)
When I first studied this scripture some years ago, I was content to know that Jesus
was the fulfilment of what was prophesied in the old testament and we could rely on
the teachings of the old testament for modern day living. Slowly the revelation came
that Jesus meant He would fulfil all the promises of the Old Testament and obey all
the commandments. As a Christian, it means that I must follow his teachings and His
example. His whole life was following the commandment of loving the Lord our God
with all his heart, soul and being and teaching others. We must do the same. To do
that is a tough and hard thing in this society. I struggle to do it with perfection but
keep trying because I love God and know that all things can be done through Christ
who strengthens us.
There are false prophets and those with misguided interpretations of God’s word all
around us. We must rely on God’s word and His working in our hearts to make sure
that living with justice and love is a way of life for everyone and that the teachings we
follow and share are true to the word of God.
God works in our hearts through prayer, Bible study and being doers of His Word. I
thank God for our Corporate Bible Studies, Sunday School classes, Men’s Bible Study,
Women in Search of Excellence Bible Study, and C4 Ministry all of which help prepare
us for knowing God’s word and putting it to practice as Jesus did.
It is my prayer that more of us will enjoy these wonderful opportunities.
Meditation and Study:
Deuteronomy 4: 1; 5 – 9
Psalm 147: 12 – 20
NOTES:_________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving us clear directives in your word. Sometimes they
are not easy for us to follow. We need your help today to do what is right, to learn
and to share the wisdom of your true word clearly as Jesus did. Help us to accomplish
our tasks in love and humility. Amen.
Emma C. Dumas
Chair Servant, Prayer Vision Area
31
Thursday, March 23, 2017
God Desires…
Jeremiah 7: 23 - 28
23 But this command I gave them, "Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and
you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it
may be well with you." 24 Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but, in the
stubbornness of their evil will, they walked in their own counsels, and looked
backward rather than forward. 25 From the day that your ancestors came out of
the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; 26 yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but
they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did. 27 So you
shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call
to them, but they will not answer you. 28 You shall say to them: This is the nation
that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline;
truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips. (NRSV)
The more I read and study the Word the more I understand God is more concerned with relationship than He is with religion. God desires an authentic, transparent relationship with His people. He desires that we engage in an effective
relationship with Him and one another. As with any relationship there are responsibilities and benefits.
In this passage Jeremiah reminds us that God desires to be our God and He desires
that we are His people. From Genesis to Revelation God seeks His people. Just as
God asked Adam in the Garden of Eden “Where are you?” He is asking you and I
that same question.
An effective relationship with God requires several things. It requires I love God
with all my heart and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. It requires I communicate
with Him regularly. It requires I seek God’s Will for my life and pursue it with diligence.
The benefits of such a relationship are numerous. God has proven His love for us
by sacrificing His only Son. God’s ongoing counsel through His word and confirmation from other people reminds me that He has my best interest at heart and desires that I live in His abundance as I journey through life. My relationship with
God has gotten me through difficult days and stormy situations. It has comforted
me in times of sorrow. It has lifted me in times of despair. It has rejoiced with me
in times of jubilance.
Regardless of what the world says about me I know I am valued in God’s eyes.
(Continued on next page)
32
Thursday, March 23, 2017
God Desires… (Continued)
Meditation and Study:
Psalm 95: 1 – 2; 6 – 9
Luke 11: 14 - 23
NOTES:_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for being my God. Forgive me when I miss the mark.
Restore me to right relationship with you when I fall away. Continue to walk with
me while I am on this journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Darryl Kirkland
Atlanta College Park District (ACPK) Lay Servant Ministry Director
33
Friday, March 24, 2017
Love Your Neighbor
Mark 12: 28 - 34
28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and
seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first
of all?" 29 Jesus answered, "The first is, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is
one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this, "You shall
love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
32 Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that "he is
one, and besides him there is no other'; 33 and "to love him with all the heart, and
with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and "to love one's neighbor as
oneself,'—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from
the kingdom of God." After that no one dared to ask him any question. (NRSV)
The ways of the Lord are righteous, walk in them and you will be truly blessed. Love
the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and your mind and all your strength. Love
your neighbor as yourself. There is no Commandment greater than these. I rejoice in
the spirit of love that flows to me and from me to help others. Neighbors, co-workers,
friends, and some strangers if they ask and I see or feel the need I will help in the way I
can. Giving financial support, paying rent, house notes, providing transportation and
just giving moral and spiritual support. The more you give the greater will be the riches
of the kingdom. I truly believe that to much is given much is required. I have good
health, loving and successful family and friends. I give my time, my service and my
tithes and offering to my church. I am able to live a lifestyle that I enjoy and I know
that these are blessings from the Lord. God does not give us blessings to bless ourselves. He give us blessings to help others. I am thankful that my heart has been big
enough to have concern for others and not just those I love and who love me.
Meditation and Study:
Hosea 14: 2 – 10
Psalm 81: 6 – 11; 14 & 17
NOTES:_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Lord, as I look out for the needs of others, I pray that I would be a vessel of
your blessing and joy. Give me eyes to see the needs and a heart to respond. Help me
to serve others with right motives. Let me lead with love. Amen.
Dr. Jacquelyn Woods-Thompson
Chair, Social Concerns
34
Saturday, March 25, 2017
F.E.A.R.
Luke 1: 26 – 38 (Focus: 30)
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee
called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the
house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said,
"Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was much perplexed
by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said
to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now,
you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God
will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house
of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 Mary said to the
angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel said to her, "The Holy
Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;
therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And
now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is
the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be
with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. (NRSV)
What an honor to have this opportunity to share with my church family during the
Season of Lent. The beauty of this moment... I am preparing my thoughts/
reflections and we are celebrating our Advent Season. So moving was the Hanging
of the Greens Worship Service. Thus far, we have lit the candles for Hope and
Peace. Just as preparing for Christmas can cause us to experience isolation, loneliness, and the painful absence of loved ones, we also have a sense of fear as we try
to set aside time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reading
the text, Luke 1: 30, The Angel said unto her, fear not Mary: For thou hast found
favor with God. I find comfort in these words and I pray this blessing for each of
you during this glorious season.
F.E.A.R. = F: False; E: Evidence; A: Appearing; R: Real. FEAR NOT!
Meditation and Study:
Psalm 40: 7 - 11
Isaiah 7: 10 - 14
NOTES:_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Almighty God, may all of your people be at Peace, and your Holy Ghost
Power come upon us, and the Power of the Highest overshadow all. In Jesus’
Name, Amen.
Ira L. Deloach
Member
35
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 26, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
Meditation and Study:
1 Samuel 16: 1—13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5: 8—14
John 9: 1—41
36
Monday, March 27, 2017
Signs & Wonders
John 4: 43 – 54 (Focus 48)
43 When the two days were over, he went from that place to Galilee 44 (for Jesus
himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in the prophet's own country). 45
When he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he
had done in Jerusalem at the festival; for they too had gone to the festival. 46 Then he
came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there
was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had
come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son,
for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and
wonders you will not believe." 49 The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my
little boy dies." 50 Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the
word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. 51 As he was going down, his
slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. 52 So he asked them the hour
when he began to recover, and they said to him, "Yesterday at one in the afternoon
the fever left him." 53 The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said
to him, "Your son will live." So he himself believed, along with his whole household.
54 Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee.
(NRSV)
"Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." Those were the words of Jesus
to the people of Cana. Jesus had just come to Galilee and the people followed Him.
They remembered that He had turned water into wine at the wedding feast. They were
waiting to see what signs and wonders He would perform in the city. There Jesus was
approached by a man whose son was sick. This man asked Jesus to come and heal him.
Without leaving Jesus told him, “Go your way, your child lives.”
What an awesome lesson He taught that day! There was not a miracle performed. It
was based on faith in God’s word! So many times the Lord has given me His Word. Yet
I still choose to disbelieve until I see it. God is calling us to go forth and accept what He
says.
Meditation and Study:
Psalm 30: 2 - 6
Isaiah 65: 17 - 21
NOTES:_________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Lord, we desire faith to believe it is done even before we see the evidence.
Help increase our faith. Amen.
Stephanie Watts
Singles Ministry
37
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Christians Are Always Healed
John 5: 1 - 16
1 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now
in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which
has five porticoes. 3 In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 4 5 One
man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying
there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to
be made well?" 7 The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the
pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else
steps down ahead of me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." 9
At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now
that day was a sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, "It is
the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat." 11 But he answered them,
"The man who made me well said to me, "Take up your mat and walk.' " 12 They
asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, "Take it up and walk'?" 13 Now the
man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the
crowd that was there. 14 Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See,
you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to
you." 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him
well. 16 Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such
things on the sabbath, (NRSV)
Do you want to be healed? Do YOU want to be healed? Do you WANT to be healed?
What an interesting question to ask a person who has clearly suffered, one who appears down and out, one who forces himself to hold onto hope though it seems a
wasted verb.
In 2016 I was granted the privilege of assisting in the care for my father. In many ways
it was a role that he had more than adequately prepared me to fill. My Dad was one
of those rare men that had regular bi-annual checkups, visited the doctor whenever he
felt out of sorts, watched his diet, was a regular walker and was not over weight.
Needless to say, Daddy was surprised and more than a little upset when he was given a
diagnosis of cancer in January 2014. At 86 years young, Dad was not interested in
knowing the stage of his cancer but immediately focused on living as long as he could.
He told Jesus that he wanted to be healed and knew that with God in control, everything would be alright. Dad’s normal weight was 155lbs. He weighed 139lbs. by the
time of his diagnosis which combined with his age made the oncologist skeptical of his
ability to accept the prescribed treatments. The treatments went well with virtually no
adverse reactions. As the oldest living patient at the cancer center, the medical staff
was dismayed as they began to call him “legend”.
On May 8, 2016 Dad picked up his mat and walked into GLORY. Now with Jesus, the
disciples and the elders, he is healed! (Continued on next page)
38
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Christians Are Always Healed (Continued)
Meditation and Study:
Ezekiel 47: 1 – 9; 12
Psalm 46: 2 – 3, 5 – 6, 8 - 9
NOTES:________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Prayer: James 5:14-16. Thank you God for earthly fathers who walk the
walk and talk the talk. Thank you for fathers, who demonstrate integrity,
who work hard, who support their families and believe in Your Word. Help
us model Christ and become living sermons for You. Amen.
Johnnie Simmons
Chair, Church Council
39
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Hope, in the Mid-night Hour
Psalm 145: 8-9
8 “The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in Love. 9 The
Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” (NRSV)
As I look forward into this Easter season, reminded of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, I believe God grieved for Jesus, His one and only SON: I cannot imagine God not
grieving , even though, God knew what His will was and the outcome: His will would
be done. God or Jesus could have stopped Jesus’ crucifixion but neither did. Prior to
going to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus did not pray for God to change His (God)
will, Jesus prayed for us with compassion and Love: “I pray also for those who will
believe in me through their (disciples) message…” John 18:20-21: In the Garden of
Gethsemane, Jesus prayed “. O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless not as I will, but as thou will.” (Matt. 26:39).
I met the grief God might have felt, in one of my mid-night hours, when my wife died,
“God’s will be done”: Hard to accept, yet a reality of living in this world. The pain, at
times, seemed unbearable. In my deepest mid-night hour, a journey so deep in the
valley, my grief swelled: Depression loomed. I heard it call my name, John. Heart broken, I knew my only HOPE was Jesus. With tears filled eyes, on my knees I rushed into
Jesus arms through prayer, my only HOPE. At that moment, God’s Grace and compassion and LOVE began to heal me.
Have you had a mid-night hour experience? Now, today, If you are in a mid-night hour
experience, and you are feeling down, depressed or hopeless, Jesus is waiting on you
to seek Him; to call on His name for He is your HOPE: Jesus is rich in GRACE, COMPASSION and LOVE. Call Him, He’s on call 24/7.
Meditation and Study:
Isaiah 49:8-15
John 18:20-21
Matthew 26:38-39
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear God, I need you in my life. I believe in your Son, Jesus Christ. I have
doubted you; forgive me for doubting. Lord thank you for your Grace, Mercy and
Love. I ask for your Peace and Presence in my life forever. Amen.
John Postell
Member
40
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Do Not Forget
Psalm 106:21
21 They forgot the God who saved them- the one who had done great thing in Egypt.
Exodus 32: 17 - 14
7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought
up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from
what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a
calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your
gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ 9 “I have seen these people,” the
LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so
that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make
you into a great nation.” 11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God.
“LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you
brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent
and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham,
Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants
as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I
promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’ ” 14 Then the LORD relented
and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. (NRSV)
Jesus wants us to believe in his word and in His promises to us. Just as the children of
Israel grew impatient and forgot all that God had done for them, sometimes in my pain
and worry, I forget. I am limited now because of knee pain and worrying if I will have
to have knee replacement. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it causes me to forget
God's promises. Then a kind neighbor or friend is always calling and asking me what I
need. God sends people to assist me with driving, garbage collection, housework and
other things that are hard for me to do right now. I can stay at this pity party or trust
God. I choose to trust God and He reminds me in His word of how much He has already done for me. He brought me through so many surgeries; the last one was open
heart surgery. Having my aortic valve replaced was serious. God sent a trained surgeon, caring nurses, family, friends, neighbors, and church members to take care of
me and supply my every need, even before I asked. God promises to bring me
through this minor setback, and the outcome will be to God’s glory. I will not fear as I
read God’s promises daily and revel in the knowledge that God keeps His word and is
faithful.
Meditation and Study:
Psalm 106: 19 – 23
John 5: 31 - 47
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
Prayer: God of grace and glory, thank you God for sending your son Jesus to testify of
the words you have called Him to do. We celebrate in His light, and His witness. In
His holy name we pray, Amen.
Iona Walker
Team Lead, Prayer Vision Area
41
Friday, March 31, 2017
A Call to Serve in the Shadows
John 5: 31 – 47
31 "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. 33 You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining
lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But I have a testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very
works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. 37 And the
Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his
voice or seen his form, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you
do not believe him whom he has sent. 39 "You search the scriptures because you
think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. 40
Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 41 I do not accept glory from human beings. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in my
Father's name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will
accept him. 44 How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do
not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? 45 Do not think that I
will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your
hope. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But
if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?" (NRSV)
I give all Praise, Glory, and Honor to God the Father for this opportunity to share my
testimony. When I was approached to write a devotional for the Lenten Season, I was
at a complete loss. My thoughts were all over the place, so I decided to seek God’s
guidance in prayer for the words to write. It was then God spoke to my spirit and said,
give a testimony about the call on your life. Some people are called to preach in the
pulpit, sing in the choir, and stand at the doors for the Lord. I am called to serve in the
shadow, wherever the Lord sends me on assignment and to stay in prayer at all times.
1.
As a public servant, I witness to veterans everyday by giving them words of encouragement. When they experience unpleasant memories, when they feel like
all hope is lost, and when they feel all alone, I tell them God said, “Never will I
leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrew 13:5) NIV.
2. I witness to my co-workers about God’s goodness, when life seems to be so overwhelming, when they don’t know how they are going to make ends meet, when their
surroundings and circumstances are chaotic, I tell them “God is our refuge and
strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) NIV.
(Continued on next page)
42
Friday, March 31, 2017
A Call to Serve in the Shadows (Continued)
3. I pray for those who are sick and shut in, call to see how they are doing and to let
them know that we are thinking about them and,; I go out to serve communion to
those who are not able to come to church and receive communion, I remind them
that “God is Jehovah Rapha-The LORD our Healer. “ (Psalm 30:2) NIV.
4. In the midnight hour, when the Holy Spirit awakens me, I pray for our clergy, our
Ben Hill family, my family and friends, the world we live in today and our leaders.
During praise & worship, I pray that the Holy Spirit would come and permeate our
souls and I pray at the time of the greeting that members and visitors alike would
experience God’s act of love and warmth as we greet each other with a smile and a
hug. I pray for lost souls that they will come to Christ, “Be devoted to one another
in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10) NIV.
One of my favorite quotes by Mother Teresa, “Prayer in action is love, Love in action is service”. As we approach the Lenten Season, reflect on your calling, stay in
deep and constant prayer, ask for forgiveness for all you have and have not done,
and take care of those in need. “His master replied, Well done, good and faithful
servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many
things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23) KJV.
Meditation and Study:
Isaiah 65: 1 – 8
Psalm 34: 17 - 22
NOTES:______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we faithfully assume a spirit of fasting during this Lenten season, I pray in our quiet time with you, that our minds and hearts are clear to
hear the Holy Spirit’s voice speaking to us what your Call to Service is in our lives. I
pray that even in these uncertain times, we can continue to be faithful to all that
you have called us to do. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Karen Mattison
Altar Guild, Communion Steward Ministry, Disciples of Comfort
43
Saturday, April 1, 2017
God is a Righteous and Just Judge: I Trust Him
Psalm 7: 1-12 (Focus: 8-11)
8 The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and
according to the integrity that is in me. 9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God. 10
God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart. (NRSV)
God is a just judge. David’s prior appeal to God’s testing of man made him
think of the justice of God. He declared this fundamental principle. God is a
just judge.
God is a righteous and just judge. I trust god. The greatest boost to my own
peace of mind comes as I release all problems and concerns to God. With one
simple thought, I trust you god. I open my life to divine solutions. Then the
power of God flows through my words and actions and out into every situation in my life.
I trust you, God. When I consider all you have created in me and have allowed me to be a part of. I give you thanks for all the divine order in my life.
I trust you, God. By daily affirming these words, I remind myself to release all
past and present concerns. Trusting God, I invite the Holy Spirit to move in
my life. I no longer feel the urgency about any situation, for my trust in god
has soothed my heart and mind. Then I let God open the way to the new
blessings that are in store for me.
Meditation and Study:
Jeremiah 11: 18 -20
John 7: 40 -53
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for allowing me to trust you in all my daily actions. Judge
me, O Lord according to my righteousness. Amen.
Janis Drake
Chair, Training and Spiritual Formation
44
Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 2, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
Meditation and Study:
Ezekiel 37: 1—14
Psalm 130
Romans 8: 6—11
John 11: 1—45
45
Monday, April 3, 2017
What Do You Say?
John 8: 1 - 11
1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple.
All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 The scribes and the
Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all
of them, 4 they said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing
adultery. 5 Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?"
6 They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus
bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he
straightened up and said to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to
throw a stone at her." 8 And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 When they
heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with
the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are
they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I
condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." (NRSV)
I worked as a Director in the Human Resources area for many years. Frequently, managers would present disciplinary situations for my review. The manager says to me,
John has missed his deadlines and the policy says that we need to put him on probation. What do you say? Managers sometimes presented the situation to test my response and to shift the responsibility for the decision. It would be easy enough to
agree with the manager and just place him on probation. However, our responsibility
extends to balancing the needs of the employee and the organization. This means that
we have to peel back the onion and uncover what has really happened.
Similarly, the Pharisees tested Jesus. Christ saw their wickedness and He can always
see through any masks that hypocrites might wear. Jesus was a Teacher; He did not
intervene as a judge in these types of cases but worked toward the separation of government and religion. He taught the disciples that the Christian religion was not an
enemy of government.
Wouldn’t it be great if we lived in such a way that our lives convicted others without
condemning them? Jesus does not require us to have everything together for Him to
offer us His love and grace, Jesus covers the sinner in love and grace and then He addresses the sin. How often do we gossip and not think how hurtful it is to the person?
How often do we disagree with someone and assume that they are in the wrong without peeling back the onion? How often do we fail to tell the whole truth? Sometimes
we don’t recognize our own sins until God points them out. We can learn a lot about
lovingly correcting someone from John 8:1-11.
Meditation and Study
1 Kings 17: 17 - 24
Psalm 23: 1 - 6
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Loving Creator, Thank you for your unconditional love and offer of forgiveness. Help us to recognize our sinful behavior and call us back to you when we fall
short of your Glory. In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.
Carolyn Cartwright
Chair, Altar Guild
46
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Responses in Our Seasons of Distress
Psalm 102: 1 – 3; 16 - 21
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. 2 Do not hide your face from me in the day of
my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call. 3 For my days
pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.
16 For the Lord will build up Zion; he will appear in his glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the
destitute, and will not despise their prayer. 18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so
that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord: 19 that he looked down from his holy height,
from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, 20 to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free
those who were doomed to die; 21 so that the name of the Lord may be declared in Zion, and
his praise in Jerusalem… (NRSV)
Have you ever been distressed? Not just stressed but distressed! Where emotions take
over? Where uneasiness, anxiety, darkness or even pain has set in?
Maybe a better question is have you ever been confronted with a major health challenge, where even doctors couldn’t make the proper diagnosis, or no cure exists? Has
your financial situation ever left you with more month than money each month? Have
you found yourself marginalized at work or out of work for months or even years?
Have children or relatives who you raised to “know better,” simply not doing better
and they are finding themselves in the midst of unlawful situations?
I have been distressed, experiencing some of the above. And when what on the surface appears to be stress, morphs into distress, my flesh desires a quick answer and
my prayer is for the same thing--a solution. I desire answers or a way out, right now.
But knowing who God is, I am able to pause and to react differently. I cry out, as God
desires realizing that he is the only true problem solver, and not we, ourselves. But
then I tarry in His presence in prayer, meditation and fellowship. I listen for what God
is saying in that moment or season of my distress. And then I wait and wait on His
response, beginning to feel a praise being birthed in me. And I believe and remember.
I believe that He can and will move in the situation as He did for Zion, as He did for the
Israelites who were distressed and when He acted on their disbelief and distress.
His answer may not be our heart’s desire, but it will ultimately be for His glory, our
relief and our testimony.
Meditation and Study:
Numbers 21: 4 – 9
John 8: 21 – 30
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your presence in whatever season of distress we may find
ourselves in. Forgive us when we allow our “human” selves to take over and we desire
our own solution. Give us the courage to cry out to you, to meditate on your word, to
wait on you, to praise you in the process, while believing that you are capable of relieving our distress and providing relief according to your wisdom and ultimately a
testimony to benefit others. Amen.
Monica Miller
Faithful Member
47
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Committed
Psalm 102:1-3, 16-21
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord: let my cry come to you. 2 Do not hide your face from me in the day of
my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call. 3 For my days
pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.
16 For the Lord will build up Zion; he will appear in his glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the
destitute, and will not despise their prayer. 18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so
that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord: 19 that he looked down from his holy height,
from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, 20 to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free
those who were doomed to die; 21 so that the name of the Lord may be declared in Zion, and
his praise in Jerusalem…(NRSV)
I said yes. Immediately the second guessing, wavering, began. Perhaps I should have
said I’d think about it, or no maybe next time. But “something” compelled me to say
yes so, I had to follow through on the commitment. After reading the scripture and
meditating, I received only one word – “Committed”.
Committed is what the Hebrew boys were. (Daniel 3) Unwavering. In the parable of
the seeds, the seed that fell into the good soil represents commitment. (Luke 8)
Threats, temptations, distractions ineffective. Both situations reflect commitment to
God’s will and way no matter what. Even under threat of death for the boys. Rock solid
trust, unwavering faith. Committed to God’s will and way above all else. Can I say
that's true of me?
God is committed to us. He hears our prayers and answers. (Ps. 102:17, Ps. 34:17). He
draws near to us as we draw near to him (Ja. 4:8), never leaves or forsakes us (Heb.
13:5), provides for us (Ps. 23:1, Matt. 6:25-33), forgives and restores us. (1 Jn. 1:9)
What does he ask of us? To accept, believe, trust and follow him, surrender to his will
and way.
Am I committed to him? Yes. I believe his word is truth and I trust him. Is my commitment unflinching, unwavering? Truthfully no, not quite, not always. I continue to work
so God’s word takes root in good soil in my heart, praying he shows me when my will
and desires don’t reflect and honor him and for strength to choose faith over feelings,
forgiveness over retaliation, standing over compromising.
So, I’m committed to spend more time in the word, to listen more attentively for the
Holy Spirit’s guiding voice, to surrender my will to his. Lord, please help me stand unwavering! He will. He committed to do so.
Meditation and Study:
Daniel 3:14- 30
Luke 8:1-15
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear Father God, I want to be more committed in faith to you. Please
strengthen me and give me the courage to stand firm for righteousness, to be steadfast, unmovable. Let no fear reign within me, only peace and confidence in you. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.
L’Tanya Franklin
Chair, Youth Word Made Flesh; Member, Word Made Flesh Ministry
48
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Even Though…
Psalm 105: 4 – 9
4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. 5 Remember the
wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered, 6 O
offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 7 He is the Lord
our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He is mindful of his covenant forever, of
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 the covenant that he
made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac… (NRSV)
Even though, in the midst of my storm, God allowed me to be angry, without conviction, toward my antagonist. I felt, I deserved an apology. After many prayers to be
delivered from my situation, God answered them and moved this person out of our
building. Two years have passed, I felt that I was in a good place, until I attended an
event with a mutual friend and that person was there. Right then, I realized that I was
harboring resentment in my heart. At an event, my friend and I were approached by
this person. I had no intentions of holding a conversation. I spoke and proceeded to
talk with another person who came up to me. A couple of weeks later, someone who
works with that person approached me. He wanted to let me know that he had seen a
change in the way that person treats people. I expressed that I was glad to hear that
she had changed. No one desires that kind of treatment. He stressed to me, “No, she
really has changed for the better.” Also, he said, I was prepared for her and there were
some struggles, but she has learned to deal with people differently. We have worked
on projects together and we had some pleasant experiences. He ended with saying, “I
just wanted you to know she has really made a change.”
It was more than just what he said, but the spirit in how he said it. It felt as if it was an
apology in the spirit. I felt a weight lifted off of me and at that moment, I let it go.
Meditation and Study:
Genesis 17: 3 – 9
John 8: 51 – 59
Job 13
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: God, thank you for your presence in the midst of the storm, and for Your
words that encourage us to look directly at you, in the presence of our enemies, while
we are going thru anything that life throws at us. Amen.
Ralencia Howard
Word Made Flesh Ministry
49
Friday, April 7, 2017
GOD’S DIRECTIONS
Proverbs 20:24
24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their
own way?
Psalm 18:2
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take
refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NRSV)
Early this year, I began visiting a close friend and mentor who was homebound. During
my visits, we engaged in some interesting conversations, we talked about our families,
(living and deceased). My friend was such an inspiration to my Christian journey, helping me to see clearly some road blocks in my journey.
One day I was on my way to visit, a dark thunderous cloud appeared. Knowing that I
have a fear of driving in bad weather, I immediately called her daughter to let her
know I would not visit that day. I returned to my home and sat down in my favorite
chair. As I sat there I looked out my window and a bright sun had appeared. I called
her daughter told her the weather had changed and that I was going to visit.
When I arrived, I could not get my friend to answer the phone and open the gate of
the subdivision. I called her daughter and received another code to enter. Once I entered the home, I found my friend in a situation where she badly needed help.
God let his SUN shine brightly that day so that I could do His work. Thank you God, for
your directions. ~In Memory of Ms. Ruby Walthall Dyer~
Meditation and Study:
Jeremiah 20: 10 – 13
John 10: 31 – 42
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Thank you Lord. You are my light in dark days. You are my strength when I
am weak. I am so thankful for your unconditional love and protection and for guiding
me daily. Amen.
Catherine Lewis
Finance
50
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Proclaim the Word of God
Jeremiah 31: 10 – 13 (Focus: 13)
10 Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a
flock." 11 For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too
strong for him. 12 They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they
shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered
garden, and they shall never languish again. 13 Then shall the young women rejoice
in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. (NRSV)
As I began to read and study the scriptures that were assigned to me, I read Ezekiel,
then John, and Jeremiah. I thought: Where do I find myself in these scriptures? I remembered about 15 years ago as I was going through some rough times in my life,
through my tears I asked God: What do you want me to do? I can remember clearly
hearing: Proclaim my Word. Even after studying the word of God, I was still confused
and I needed some help. As I continued reading Jeremiah 31: 13 which says: “…he
would turn my mourning into gladness, he would give me comfort and joy instead of
sorrow,” all I needed to do was to read his word and all my answers were right in front
of me. Proclaim God’s word, utilize my faith, and know that His word is true. Not by
one word, not by many words, but every word that God has spoken are we to live.
From His word I learned that God permits me to encounter obstacles and that hardship is not a curse but is one of the greatest blessings of my life. To know His word in
my life is to proclaim it and live it through faith.
Meditation and Study:
Ezekiel 37: 21 – 28
John 11: 45 - 56
Psalm 30
Proverbs 4: 18 -20
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to understand that through these political proclamations and the unrest of today we should follow your word and the words of Pastor
Thomas and sit back and watch you work. That you God, and only you in your timing
will unify this nation. Help us to continue to proclaim our faith through your word and
be doers of your word. Amen.
Juanita Jackson
Chair, Care Vision Area
51
April 9, 2017—April 16, 2017
52
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 9, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
Meditation and Study:
Liturgy of the Palms:
Matthew 21: 1—11
Psalm 118: 1—2; 19—29
Liturgy of the Passion:
Isaiah 50: 4—9a
Psalm 31: 9 –16
Philippians 2: 5—11 Matthew26: 14—27:66
Matthew 17:11—54
53
Monday of Holy Week, April 10, 2017
“Focus on Jesus”
John 12:1-11
1
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised
from the dead. 2 Lazarus and his sisters hosted a dinner for him. Martha served and Lazarus was
among those who joined him at the table. 3 Then Mary took an extraordinary amount, almost
three-quarters of a pound,[a] of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus’
feet with it, then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house was filled with the aroma of the
perfume. 4 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained, 5 “This perfume was worth a year’s wages![b] Why wasn’t it sold and the money given
to the poor?” (6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He
carried the money bag and would take what was in it.) 7 Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. This
perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. 8 You will
always have the poor among you, but you won’t always have me.” 9 Many Jews learned that he
was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised
from the dead. 10 The chief priests decided that they would kill Lazarus too. 11 It was because of
Lazarus that many of the Jews had deserted them and come to believe in Jesus. (NRSV)
In our text, Jesus has just raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. This experience of
tragedy and despair turns to awe and celebration, and is followed by a meal in Jesus’
honor. He and his disciples are being hosted by Lazarus, Mary and Martha and we
observe a familiar scene. Martha is being a dutiful host, Lazarus is likely checking himself from time to time to ensure that he has really returned to the land of the living
and the disciples are scattered about the house. I imagine Jesus is sharing brief grins
and words with those gathered there, all the while thinking about his coming death on
the cross. In the midst of this, Mary enters the room, breaks through the busyness of
the scene and focuses on Jesus.
In an expression of extreme love, she pours out a costly and imported oil onto Jesus’
feet and wipes it with her hair. Rather than waiting until after he was deceased to
anoint his body, Mary demonstrates the full extent of her devotion while Jesus can still
experience it.
Today is the first day of Holy Week. Like Mary, during this time we are called to break
through the busyness of our lives and to focus on Jesus. To resist the temptation to
hurry through this week as we hurry through so many others, and to reflect on the
high cost of our salvation, just like the high cost of the oil. We are reminded that God
loves lavishly, and so should we.
Meditation and Study
Psalm 27: 1 – 3; 13 – 14
Isaiah 42:1-7
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Eternal God, help me discern Your presence this day. Open my eyes so that I
may see You and my ears so that I can hear You clearly. Help me to love others, as You
love them. May Your grace pour out from me and may my light bring others to you.
Amen.
Minister Elizabeth Pollard
Youth Minister, Ben Hill United Methodist Church
54
Tuesday of Holy Week, April 11, 2017
Offering Someone Else a Lifesaver
Psalm 71: 1 – 6; 15 & 17
1 In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness
deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of
refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue
me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have
leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is
continually of you.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day long,
though their number is past my knowledge.
17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous
deeds. (NRSV)
It’s hard to forget the cafeteria fight wherein a male student was “jumped”
by two other male students. There were no words/actions that preceded this
attack; they just pounced on him, according to witnesses. I ran to the scene
and started pulling bystanders away from the brawl. I was not able to see the
victim, but I saw the offenders kicking, stomping and throwing perpetual
blows directed toward someone on the floor. It was BAD. Afterwards I saw
the victim – standing – when all of the madness ceased. I simply said,
“WOW.” There stood one of my favorite students – a small-framed young
man who had heretofore never been in a fight. He’s silly, not hostile. I wondered how he could have survived what I witnessed and come out without a
scratch…no blood…no bruises…NOTHING… I found out that a male Assistant
Principal and two male teachers realized the student was being attacked and
placed themselves on top of and around the student. The Assistant Principal
was injured; he got punched in the head several times. One teacher was
scratched and the other got punched in the chest. I heard one teacher tell
the victim, “I wasn’t going to let them do anything else to hurt you.” The
Assistant Principal added – with a laugh, “We took all of your punches.” They
were his fortress and deliverers all-in-one.
In a divided nation, the “least of these” often fall down (or are knocked
down) to be pounced upon. Consider the consistent attempts to suppress/
deny citizens any level of healthcare and to ensure incarceration instead of
education for certain “classes.” The defenseless are being beat up and beat
down, and we are called to act on their prayer: “Deliver us from evil.” In order to minimize their injury we may have to take their blows ourselves. (Continued on next page)
55
Tuesday of Holy Week, April 11, 2017
Offering Someone Else a Lifesaver (Continued)
Meditation and Study:
Isaiah 49: 1 – 6
John 13: 21 – 38
NOTES:_______________________________________________________________
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Prayer: God, thanks for the countless times we have been grateful recipients of your
ability to “deliver us from evil.” In this world where evil “appears” to trump good,
you have given us gifts, graces and strength to help the most vulnerable persons be
triumphant. Give us the courage to shield and defend others in the same way you
continue to shield and defend us. We, like Jesus, will have to take some blows for
someone else. Help us to do it judiciously and courageously. Amen.
Reverend Willie Vincent
Choir Director, Ben Hill United Methodist Church
56
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 12, 2017
Born To Die
Matthew 26: 1-2, 17-18
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you
know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to
be crucified.” 17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples
came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to
eat the Passover?” 18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The
Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with
my disciples at your house.’”
A few days before Christmas 2016 I was keeping my husband company in his hospital
room as he was recovering from surgery. Determined to not get behind on my Disciple II Bible Study lessons, I awoke early that morning hoping to do the lesson for that
day before the nurses and doctors began their rounds. It dawned upon me that I had
not finished my Christmas shopping and I still had an assignment for this Lenten Devotional.
My son called to see how things were going. After assuring him that everything was
fine, I asked him if his Christmas decorating was completed. I urged him to read to his
sons from the Bible the account of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2: 1-18), making certain
that they understand the reason we celebrate Christmas and give gifts to one another
is because we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given
from God to mankind (John 3: 16).
After that conversation with my son, I found myself pondering over the fact that in a
few days my family would gather to celebrate Christmas and then in less than 4
months our next family gathering would be for Resurrection Sunday. Yes indeed, our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thought it not robbery to come to show us how to live,
how to die and how to be reconciled to God. Jesus came knowing that He was to die
on Calvary to save all who believed. That is when I decided that the gifts I would give
to family members under the age of 18 would be gifts that pointed them to Jesus on
Calvary. Each were given something with a “cross” on it and enclosed was the following message, “As you celebrate Christmas today and in the future, please remember
that Jesus was born to die for you and me. Remember to thank Jesus for His obedience every day.”
On this Wednesday leading up to Resurrection Sunday, let us remember that without
Christmas there is no Resurrection Sunday and without Resurrection Sunday we
would be eternally lost in our sins. (Continued on next page)
57
Wednesday of Holy Week, April 12, 2017
Born To Die (Continued)
Meditation and Study:
Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 69: 8 -10, 31—34
Matthew 26: 1-25
NOTES:_______________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your obedience. I pray that I be obedient to God’s
call to me so that I too can fulfill God’s plan and purpose for my life. Amen.
Faye Swift
Servants of Christ Usher Team, Six Marks of Discipleship Team,
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)
58
Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017
Let Go and Let God
Philippians 3: 13 – 14
13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on
toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (NRSV)
From the Spring of 1980 to the Spring of 2017, thirty-seven years has been a rewarding
experience for me here at Ben Hill United Methodist Church, 2099 Fairburn Road
Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30331-4916, 404-344-0618. This church has served as a
training ground and launching pad for me to the church of Jesus Christ in this House of
Prayer and the up building of the Kingdom of God here in the earth. “Jesus”
Space and time in this Lenten Devotional 2017 will not have room enough to write or
tell of all the experiences, revelations, trials and tribulations encountered here with
the presence and working of God in my personal life and publicly. So I close with three
(3) lines of encouragement to Let Go and Let God.
C – Call Jesus, thy Son of David, to have mercy upon us all.
P – Pray the word of God, the scripture.
A – Ask, help me Holy Ghost.
The best Certified Public Accountant on the heaven and the earth. “Jesus”
And I promise you the promise. – Acts 2: 37 – 47.
Jesus will come by your door. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I
your servant remain, for God is truly moving by His Holy Spirit and speaking by His Holy
Word.
Behold, then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book, it is written of me. – Psalm
40:7; Hebrews 10:7 “Jesus”
Meditation and Study:
Exodus 12: 1 – 8; 11 – 14
Psalm 116: 12 – 18
John 13: 1 – 15; 34
1 Corinthians 11: 23 – 26
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: God of all peace, Grant us Peace within each heart, so we may experience
your love and peace individually, collectively and corporately this Lenten Season 2017.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Annie Laura Howard Stephens
Member, Servant of God
59
Good Friday, April 14, 2017
The Friday’s in Our Lives
Luke 23: 44 – 46
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the
afternoon, 45 while the sun's light failed and the curtain of the temple was torn in
two. 46 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last. (NRSV)
Good Friday is a day when I am reminded of what a sacrifice my Lord made for me.
Here was the darkest day in the history of the world. On this day our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ went through humiliation, torture, disfigurement, pain and death for you
and for me. What a day that must have been for all who were there. Scripture tells
us that darkness covers the entire land. On this day those who did not realize that
Jesus was the Messiah thought that it was over. Even Satan and the other fallen angels thought that it was over. The Pharisees and spiritual leaders of that time thought
they were finally rid of this man named Jesus. There were many that counted him
out. On that day all of nature mourned the death of Christ.
I can remember a time in my life when I wondered why such a horrible day was referred to as Good Friday. It was what was to come in the next three days that made
it good. It was not the single event but how that day factored into God’s divine plan
for the redemption of human-kind. Sure things looked dismal on Friday, but thank
God Sunday was on the way! I am reminded (on a much smaller scale), that when it
looks like Friday at certain times in my life, I need to hold on to God’s unchanging
hand because Sunday is coming. Because of what Christ did on the cross on that Friday and the events of the next three days, I am assured ultimate victory in my life
over any circumstance I will experience. That Friday was certainly not good to our
Christ, but by His grace it was and is good for all who will receive the gift of grace
through faith in Him.
Meditation and Study:
Isaiah 52: 13 – 53:12
Psalm 31: 2, 6, 13 – 17; 24
John 18: 1 – 40
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the richness of that day we call Good Friday. Thank
you for how it changed our lives forever. Help us to remember that there will be
Fridays in our life though not like the one that Christ experienced for us, and that you
will give us spiritual strength to rise again. Amen.
Reverend M. Lavell Sanders
Associate Pastor, Ben Hill United Methodist Church
60
Holy Saturday, April 15, 2017
Go Forward!
Exodus 14: 10 -31 (Focus: 15)
10 As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians
advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to
Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away
to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Is
this not the very thing we told you in Egypt, "Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the
wilderness." 13 But Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see
the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom
you see today you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have
only to keep still." 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry out to me? Tell
the Israelites to go forward. 16 But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand
over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. 17
Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and
so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his
chariot drivers. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have
gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his chariot drivers." 19 The
angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them;
and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them.
20 It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was
there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all
night. 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea
back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters
were divided. 22 The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a
wall for them on their right and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued, and went
into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. 24 At
the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the
Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. 25 He clogged their chariot
wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the
Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt." 26 Then the Lord said to
Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon
the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers." 27 So Moses stretched out his
hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh
that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. 29 But the Israelites
walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their
right and on their left. 30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and
Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great work that the
Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the
Lord and in his servant Moses. (NRSV)
(Continued on next page)
61
Holy Saturday, April 15, 2017
Go Forward! (Continued)
Debt, depression, divorce, despair, death of a loved one are just a few situations that
can so easily cripple, paralyze or drown a faith. In the midst of life’s difficulties I’ve
heard God saying, “I know this is a difficult time, a difficult situation, a difficult place,
but I need for you to draw near to me, place your faith in me and GO FORWARD!” In
obedience to this command from God, something wonderful happens – God’s power is
released!
Someone once said, “Show me a faith that has never been tested and I’ll show you a
faith that can never be trusted.” Undoubtedly, the children of Israel were facing a
difficult situation. A true test of their faith had arrived. Move forward in obedience
and experience God’s power or turn back in disobedience to a life of bondage. Move.
Go forward. You’re not alone. Receive God’s power through your obedience. Recall, if
you will, that others throughout the Bible and throughout history have faced this same
command to go forward. David said, “Preserve me, O God, for in you I put my trust
(Psalm 16).”
Meditation and Study:
Genesis 1: 1 – 2: 2
Psalm 104: 1- 4, 24, 35
Matthew 28: 1 – 10
NOTES:_________________________________________________________
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Prayer: Gracious Father. We go forward today in obedience. We go forward recalling
that you still specialize in things thought impossible. We go forward, trusting that
whatever the outcome of our situation, it will be for our good and your glory. Amen.
Gloria Parker
Chair, Evangelism Vision Area
62
Easter Sunday
April 16, 2017
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer
in a Nation Divided”
63
Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017
In His Presence
Luke 23: 43—45
43 Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."44 It
was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
(NIV)
When Jesus hung on the cross, he turned to the thief next to him and offered him a
promise of hope....to be with him in paradise. The verse that is often skipped over is
the tearing of the veil of the temple. We figure we know what the words mean, but
the symbolic action, "...and the veil of the temple was torn in two..." is not as obvious.
The symbolism is left open to several meanings. For me, the words and the action belong together. They point directly from the cross to the resurrection.
The veil of the temple separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. It was
the place on earth where the Holy Presence of God lived. Only once a year could the
High Priest possibly enter into the Holy of Holies and that would be after rites of purification and preparation. He was required to dress appropriately and tie a long rope
around his waist and leave one end of the rope outside the room. This was in case
God's glory was too much for him. If the experience of coming close to God caused him
to pass out or die, the other priests could pull him out of the Holy of Holies without
entering into it themselves.
Jesus' crucifixion tore the barrier between us and God and His resurrection leads the
way to God for the thief and for us as well. God's Presence has been let loose in the
world. No priest or sacrifice or ritual is required to enter into His Presence. He lives in
hearts not buildings. Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My
Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him." (John
14:23) My hope is you will invite Jesus to make His home in you today.
Meditation and Study:
Acts 10: 34, 37 – 43
Psalm 118: 1 – 2, 16 – 17, 22 – 23
John 20: 1 – 9
NOTES:________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the atoning sacrifice of your life and the power of
your resurrection upon our lives. Remind us when we forget that we need only call on
the name of Jesus to enter your presence. Thank you for loving us. Amen.
Reverend Belinda G. McCastle
Associate Pastor, Ben Hill United Methodist Church
64
Acknowledgments
All praise be to God for the things he hath done! Through prayer, meditation, fasting and study, we pray that this work inspires each reader to an
even deeper love and worship of God. In a climate of division, confusion
and disillusionment about the disparate treatment of our citizens, injustice,
and at times what appears to be a diminishment of kindness and love, we
must remember that we are a people of hope and not despair, love and not
hate. We encourage you to keep prayer as a priority in your life. As you
pray the Lord’s Prayer, may you be reminded of the promise, the power,
the presence and the peace of God through Christ Jesus. May God be glorified and may each reader be encouraged and strengthened as you focus on
Him. God is always in control!
Special thanks...
Heartfelt thanks to the Ben Hill UMC Clergy, Leaders and Members who
have blessed us with their testimonies, witness and insights for the 2017
Lenten Devotional. Thank you to each Lenten Devotional writer for your
servant leadership and for answering the call.
Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas, Jean Brown, Winsome Jean, and
Carol Clarke Wesley for your prayers, leadership and support to bring the
2017 Ben Hill United Methodist Church Lenten Devotional to completion.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of
you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel
from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a
good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in
my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long
for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that
your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure
and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Amen.
~ Philippians 1: 3—11 (NIV) ~
Compiled by: Tina Stevenson, Worship Vision Area Chair
Scriptural references: www.biblestudytools.com/nrs (niv)
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Acknowledgments
Contributors:
Page (s)
Rev. Dr. Byron E. Thomas, Senior Pastor, Ben Hill UMC .................................... 5, 7
Mike Watkins, Chair, SPRC ................................................................................... 8
Cynthia Holland, Vice Chair, NLD .......................................................................... 9
Dyanne Cunningham, Associate Lay Leader ....................................................... 10
Carolyn Goodman, Shekinah Glory Bell Choir ..................................................... 12
Sandra Smith, Coupled In Christ .................................................................. 13—14
DuWanna Thomas, First Lady, Ben Hill UMC ....................................................... 15
Eldridge Stephens, Social Concerns ..................................................................... 16
Anthony Alford, Sr., Teacher, Corporate Bible Study .......................................... 17
ChrisTine Mayfield, Communion Stewards .................................................. 18—19
Eden Mabry, Chaplain, Visioning Team ........................................................ 21—22
Carol Wesley, Lay Leader .................................................................................... 23
Hattie Randall, Church Historian ......................................................................... 24
Marilyn Jennings, ELT, External Marketing ......................................................... 25
Sharon Phillips, Prayer and Healing .................................................................... 26
Jessica Godfrey, Vice Chair, Church Council ........................................................ 27
Marianne Hendricks, Majestic Choir ................................................................... 29
Johnnie Follins, Ben Hill Training Institute .......................................................... 30
Emma Dumas, Chair, Prayer Vision Area ............................................................. 31
Darryl Kirkland, ACPK District Lay Servant Ministry Director ........................ 32—33
Dr. Jacquelyn Woods-Thompson, Chair, Social Concerns .................................... 34
Ira Deloach, Member .......................................................................................... 35
Stephanie Watts, Singles Ministry ...................................................................... 37
Johnnie Simmons, Chair, Church Council ..................................................... 38—39
John Postell, Member......................................................................................... 40
Iona Walker, Team Lead, Prayer Vision Area ...................................................... 41
Karen Mattison, Disciples of Comfort .......................................................... 42—43
Janis Drake, Chair, Training and Spiritual Formation ........................................... 44
Carolyn Cartwright, Chair, Altar Guild ................................................................ 46
Monica Miller, Member...................................................................................... 47
L’Tanya Franklin, Chair, Youth Word Made Flesh ................................................ 48
Ralencia Howard, Word Made Flesh ................................................................... 49
Catherine Lewis, Finance .................................................................................... 50
Juanita Jackson, Chair, Care Vision Area ............................................................. 51
Min. Elizabeth Pollard, Youth Minister, Ben Hill UMC ......................................... 54
Rev. Willie Vincent, Choir Director, Ben Hill UMC ........................................ 55—56
Faye Swift, Six Marks of Discipleship Team .................................................. 57—58
Annie Laura Howard Stephens, Member ............................................................ 59
Rev. M. Lavell Sanders, Associate Pastor, Ben Hill UMC ...................................... 60
Gloria Parker, Chair, Evangelism Vision Area ............................................... 61—62
Rev. Belinda McCastle, Associate Pastor, Ben Hill UMC ...................................... 64
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The vision of Ben Hill United Methodist Church is to
share God’s love and make disciples of Jesus Christ
by connecting people to God and one another
wherever they are and across generations.
Embrace the Vision!
Ben Hill United Methodist Church
2099 Fairburn Road, S.W. | Atlanta, GA 30331
REVEREND DR. BYRON E. THOMAS, SENIOR PASTOR
www.benhillumc.org | facebook.com/ben.hillumc