Lenten Blog: Week 6 by Rachel Hockman

When I prayed to the Lord for a word to focus on for this meditation today, I heard the word “homestretch.” How appropriate a word for this particular week in the Lenten season, with next week being Holy Week. Easter is so close! We’re almost there—but not quite yet!

I can’t help but also make the connection with where we find ourselves with the COVID pandemic and the relief many of us are seeing as the numbers come down and vaccinations become more available. Normalcy is so close! We’re almost there—but not quite yet!

It can be a hopeful yet challenging time to be in a “homestretch” season. Something about being so close to the end can sometimes make us want to just give up or give in, or even rush through the process. Perhaps it’s because we’re exhausted; ready for relief. Whatever it is, the homestretch season can be daunting.

Hebrews 12:1-3 says this: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Jesus himself had the most daunting task ahead of him in his “homestretch” of his life: the journey to the cross. And yet, the beautiful phrase used in this passage tells us that Jesus focused on the “joy set before him.” That joy, our salvation and being brought to God in reconciliation, was Jesus’ focus as he endured the cross. This scripture passage also gives us the answer we need for surviving (and perhaps even thriving) in whatever “homestretch” we find ourselves in: stay focused by fixing your eyes on Jesus.

“Those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

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DISCIPLESHIP GUIDE:

THURSDAY (3/25): In addition to being in “the homestretch” of Lent and the COVID pandemic, what other areas of your life might be in the “homestretch” season? Think about the challenges that come along with being in the homestretch season. What frustrations from this season do you need to give over to God? Reread Isaiah 40:31 and use it as the starting point of your prayer for God to give you the strength to endure this homestretch.

FRIDAY (3/26): Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” No matter the season we find ourselves in, God provides us with our own “great cloud of witnesses” (other believers) to help us in our struggles. Who’s in your “great cloud of witnesses?” Pray, asking God to reveal someone with whom you can share your burdens throughout this season that will lead to growth and healing.

SATURDAY (3/27): Hebrews 12:2 says, “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This verse tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, yet there are so many distractions that pull our focus away from Him. Pray, asking God to reveal to you what your biggest distractions are. Then humbly ask God to help refocus your eyes on Him.

SUNDAY (3/28): Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Sometimes we fail to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus. We struggle to carry our own burdens alone, and yet, we still try. Pray, asking God to forgive this stubborn nature that we all can struggle with. Thank Him for his great love, that allows us the freedom of forgiveness and the gift of rest in Him.

MONDAY (3/28): Pray for the continued power of the Holy Spirit to be used through “the great cloud of witnesses” in our church and families. Then, ask God to reveal to you someone whom you can pour into. What type of life experiences have you had that perhaps might benefit another believer who is struggling to “fix their eyes on Jesus?”

TUESDAY (3/29): Because of our faith in God’s restoration and ability to “make all things new,” we know that better days lie ahead (whether in this life or the next). What are you most looking forward to at the end of the “homestretch?”

Lenten Blog: Week 5 by Rev. Ellynda Lipsey

Dear Mountain Park UMC Family,

Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to share some prayers and one of my favorite hymns from the Celtic tradition as a source of inspiration.

St. Patricks' Prayer

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.

I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near.

I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

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Come I This Day

Come I this day to the Father,
Come I this day to the Son,
Come I to the Holy Spirit powerful;
Come I this day with God,
Come I this day with Christ,
Come I with the Spirit of kindly balm,
God, and Spirit, and Jesus,
From the crown of my head
To the soles of my feet;
Come I with my reputation,
Come I with my testimony,
Come I to Thee, Jesu--
Jesu, shelter me.

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My Soul's Healer

My soul's Healer,
Keep me at even,
Keep me at morning,
Keep me at noon,
On rough course faring,
Help and safeguard
My means this night.
I am tired, astray, and stumbling,
Shield me from snare and sin.

Ancient Celtic prayers collected by Alexander Carmichael (1832-1912), published in Carmina Gadelica (Edinburgh: Floris Books, 1992). These are prayers and hymns collected in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the 19th century.

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Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Song notes from the CyberHymnal.com. The words are attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century ; translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in "Eriú," Journal of the School of Irish Learning, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt.

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The tune is called "Slane" and is of Irish folk origin. Slane Hill is about ten miles from Tara in County Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting candles on Easter Eve. High King Logaire of Tara had decreed that no one could light a fire before Logaire began the pagan spring festival by lighting a fire on Tara Hill. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick's devotion that, despite his defiance (or perhaps because of it), he let him continue his missionary work.

I love learning more about the background of hymns and prayers and want to encourage you all to explore more prayers and hymns to include in your daily devotions in the days to come. Below you will find daily scriptures from the Revised Common Lectionary to ponder as we continue our Lenten journey. I thank God for each of you as we travel together on this faith journey.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ellynda

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Discipleship Guide

THURSDAY (3/18)
Psalm 51:1-12
51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
51:2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
51:3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
51:4 Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment.
51:5 Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.
51:6 You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
51:8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
51:9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
51:11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.
51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

FRIDAY (3/19)
Psalm 119:9-16
119:9 How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
119:10 With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.
119:11 I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
119:12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.
119:13 With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth.
119:14 I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.
119:15 I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways.
119:16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

SATURDAY (3/20)
John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him..

SUNDAY (3/21)
John 12:20-33
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. 30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

MONDAY (3/22)
Isaiah 44:6-8
6 “This is what the Lord says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. 7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come— yes, let them foretell what will come. 8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one

TUESDAY (3/23)
Acts 2:14-24
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

Lenten Blog: Week 4 by Nicole Elsey

Living in the Wilderness: Lament, Lean, Learn

The season of Lent is always a time of reflection for me. I am writing this devotional nearly a year after COVID hit our community and our first online worship service. As we approach this somber anniversary, I have been reflecting on wilderness seasons and what God has taught me through them. 

Lament

First, lament when you need to. Lament is a form of worship and a vital part of our Christian journey. Our laments can bring us closer to God, not further away.  It’s a chance to say ‘God, I am overwhelmed with grief, but I will trust in your goodness and faithfulness to bring me through it. The times in my life I have named my laments before God are times I have felt especially close to him. There was no shame, only grace, and naming them started the healing process. The faith God helped me build in previous challenging times, has kept me from falling apart through this season. Share your laments with God, and let him begin to heal your heart. 

Lean

Second, draw close and lean on God. The wilderness, while empty and desolate, is always full of opportunities to grow closer to God and worship him while we wait. Worship changes things. It’s one of the reasons we meet together online on Sunday mornings and twice a month for weeknight worship. It’s also why we need to have worship time on our own throughout the week. Worship is about intimacy with God and drawing near to him. The power of God’s presence makes all the difference in our lives. We cannot endure the challenges of the broken world we live in without God’s presence renewing us daily, hourly even. Thanks be to God that his sustaining presence is not limited to inside the church building on Sunday mornings!  

Learn

Finally, look for what God is teaching you in the wilderness. Can we even learn to live like Jesus without spending time in the wilderness? I don’t think I can. Wilderness time has taught me a tremendous amount about God’s character and how to trust in him. Every time I read the Old Testament, I am still surprised that the Israelites had such a hard time trusting God when they saw so many miracles firsthand. Sometimes we can’t see all the ways that God is taking care of us and showing us mercy while we are waiting on him to fulfill his promises, but if we get discouraged and tired of waiting, or worse, try to make our own solution, we are going to miss out on what God is preparing for us and teaching us. Story after story in the Bible shows us that God is working for our good. We must rely on God’s wisdom and the promise that his ways are higher. We must learn from God in the wilderness.

Gracious God, over the past year, we have felt stretched, weak, and weary, and have been filled with lament, but you have helped us grow. We give thanks for Jesus’ example in the wilderness. We take this time to think of all the ways you have sustained us during this season, and we see that that the wilderness is not a wasteland and that you can and will use it for our good and your glory. Amen.

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Discipleship Guide

THURSDAY (3/11)
In Dare to Hope in God: How to Lament Well, Mark Vroegop lists four elements of most laments: Turn to God, bring your complaint, ask boldly for help, and choose to trust. Read Psalm 13, and reflect on the elements of lament.

Psalm 13 CEB—How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2How long will I be left to my own wits, agony filling my heart? Daily? How long will my enemy keep defeating me? 3Look at me! Answer me, Lord my God! Restore sight to my eyes! Otherwise, I’ll sleep the sleep of death, 4and my enemy will say, “I won!” My foes will rejoice over my downfall. 5But I have trusted in your faithful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. 6Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.

FRIDAY (3/12)
Spend time reflecting on your own laments. Pray through them in this format: Turn to God, bring your complaint, ask boldly for help, and choose to trust. 

Try writing your lament in the form of a haiku poem.

SATURDAY (3/13)
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: 16Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Draw close to God through gratitude. Think of three things that you are grateful for even this challenging season.

SUNDAY (3/14)
In The Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster says “Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father.” Sometimes our worship is singing, praying, and diving into God’s Word. Other times it looks like giving, serving others, and sharing the gospel. Make a list of different acts of worship, and reflect on how you can incorporate worship into your life every day.

MONDAY (3/15)
Read the following verses. Ask God to give you a fresh revelation of his nearness and unfailing love. God teaches us and refines us out of his love for us. Reflect on something God has taught you during this season.

Psalm 145:18 CEB—The Lord is close to everyone who calls out to him, to all who call out to him sincerely. 

Job 23:10 NRSV—But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold.

TUESDAY (3/16)
Read the following verses. Reflect on how your wilderness story can help someone else. Marshall Segal writes “many will not be curious about the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15) unless we suffer something that requires hope.” Sharing our stories of faith, perseverance, and deliverance encourages others to remember the power of God in their storms. 

Hebrews 10:23 CEB—Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the One who made the promises is reliable.

Job 8:21 NIV—He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Lenten Blog: Week 3 by Hank Majors

2 Corinthians1:4: "God comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble."

When I think of God comforting me in all my trouble, I reflect back on the many times God has been there for me during the difficult stages of my life. I remember being left home by myself and praying for His presence and comfort. When I was a young man and felt unworthy of God's love, He steered me toward a church where I felt the love of Jesus and became born again. With the death of my parents as a young man, I had to experience life without their love and support. When I was involved in a head-on crash with a drunk driver and my truck was wrapped around a telephone pole, God sent a 100 pound woman to pull me from my truck to safety.

I could go on and on about God's love and comfort in my life, but am I helping others? God has opened the door to many opportunities to comfort others. As a young man, my older brother needed a place to stay and Debbie and I took him in to live with us. Participating in Bible studies is another bonding and comforting place where we comfort each other while learning different aspects of God's word. Prayer group is also a bonding and comforting place where we turn towards God as a group to help others and our group. There is also another comforting aspect where we opened up our home to people in need of housing. One time Debbie and I felt God's peace for letting someone live in our home. Three times we we were told no by this individual, but we knew this was God's plan. Well the fourth invitation was the charm. We just knew it was God's plan for all of us.

So paying it forward is God's plan because we are the body of Christ, and I praise God for it!

Amen!!!

-Hank Majors

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Discipleship Guide

THURSDAY (3/04)
2 Corinthians 1:4. What does this text tell us about how God cares for us? Additionally, what does it say about us as wounded healers, healing others.

FRIDAY (3/05)
2 Corinthians 1-7. Read and meditate upon the text, and write down your thoughts from this passage. Pray that God will give you even a deeper understanding of this text.

SATURDAY (3/06)
Psalm 119:49-50 (NIV) "Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." How can you offer hope and comfort to someone today who is going through a difficult experience?

SUNDAY (3/07)
Psalm 27:1, 4-5 (NIV) "The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? One thing have I asked of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." How has the LORD been the stronghold of your life and offered you comfort at a time you felt troubled or fearful? Write a prayer of thanksgiving and share that with someone in a card or post it in our MPUMC Facebook group or e-mail your prayer for us to share.

MONDAY (3/08)
Isaiah 40:1, 28-29 (NIV) "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." How does God's promise for your comfort put you at ease during all of life's challenges? Meditate upon God's strength in your life in the midst of all of your storms.

TUESDAY (3/09)
Isaiah 49:13-"Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflictions." When have you experienced joy because the Lord has comforted you or someone close to you? How could you share this story with someone who is going through a tough time?

Lenten Blog: Week 2 by Rev. Mike Owenby

Good Wednesday morning Mountain Park Family! During this season of Lent we are asked to take a journey, to examine the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, and to take an accounting or our own life and ministry. The Gospel readings of the season recount the daily movements of Christ, while the Epistle readings connect our faith to the early teachings of the Church and the lives of the faithful. Sunday, February 28 pairs Mark 8: 31-38 with Romans 4:13-25.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus explained to his disciples that soon he will be killed but will rise in three days. He rebukes Peter’s doubtful response. Then Jesus spoke to a crowd and explained the meaning of discipleship. (See more on this passage in the Discipleship Guide.)

In the Romans passage we read of Abraham and the promises God made to him. Abraham is a fascinating character to study. He is the archetype (great example) of faith to the human race. Read the Romans passage with me:

Romans 4:13-25 (New International Version)

13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”(Genesis 17:5) He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”(Genesis 15:5) 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Here we see Abraham obeyed God. Abraham’s obedience / trust / faith is counted as righteousness. James 2:23 refers to Abraham’s faith as “righteousness” also and calls Abraham a “friend of God.” WHAT A TITLE.!! I would love to be called a friend of God - wouldn’t you too?! It is clear that God desires our faith, our obedience, and our trust in Him.

Steps. Baby steps. Big steps. What kind of “steps” is God calling you to take to be aligned with His mission? Are you experiencing unease about some status quo part of your life; feeling an urgency to be or do or move for Him? Listen. Pray. Sing. Seek counsel. Find the next “steps” God is calling you to in your faith journey.

Prayer: Father, You give us amazing examples of what faith looks like. Help me to be faithful, to listen to You in all decisions I make. Help my faith-journey to bring Your kingdom in me. Amen.

-Rev. Mike Owenby

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Discipleship Guide

THURSDAY (2/25)
Read Mark 8:31-38. Contemplate, then pray. Are there “human concerns” that keep me from focusing fully on God’s will in my life (verse 33)?

FRIDAY (2/26)
Re-read Mark 8:31-38. Sometimes, Jesus’ message is spoken in paradox (win/lose, lose/find). Contemplate, then pray, answering: How am I giving my life to Jesus and the gospel?

SATURDAY (2/27)
Re-read Romans 4:13-25. The theme of the Old Testament could be summed up in Isaac’s words in Genesis 22:7, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb?” John 1:29 answers from the New Testament, “Look, the lamb…who takes away the sins of the world!” Contemplate, then pray: Am I passing the test of faith? What might be helpful to fortify my faith?

SUNDAY (2/28)
Re-read Romans 4:13-25. God made promises to Abraham. Abraham was old. God was faithful at every point. Contemplate, then pray: Are there accomplishments I expect God to complete in me?

MONDAY (3/1)
Re-read Romans 4:13-25. Abraham was a very special archetype (example). As New Testament believers, we have/know Jesus as Savior. Contemplate, then pray: How do I show gratitude for salvation through the grace and love of Jesus’ sacrifice?

TUESDAY (3/2)
The delay that occurs between God revealing something to us and the lapse in time before it’s fruition can be one of the greatest tests of our faith. We operate on “our” time, God does not. Trouble comes when we attempt to speed up God’s plans. James 1:3-4 says, “…the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Contemplate a time when something long-hoped-for occurred in “God’s timing.” God’s timing effects the right people in the right way for His perfect outcome. Contemplate, then pray: When have my actions and my attitude been at one with God’s spirit? Or, When have I experienced God’s peace in a long-term tense situation?

Lenten Blog: Week 1 by Rev. Tyler Jackson

Today is known as Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40-day journey of Lent (46 if you include the Sundays). During the season of Lent, we learn more about the ministry of Jesus while he walked this earth, while, at the same time, we are invited to intentionally adopt disciplines that draw us closer to God. As we adopt these spiritual disciplines, we orient our lives in such a way that we begin living our lives more like Jesus – serving and loving those around us. Therefore, Ash Wednesday has the focus of confession, forgiveness, and repentance as the first steps of drawing us closer to God and beginning this journey. 

Psalm 51:1-17 is a wonderful song/poem, where the author, King David, conveys the tension of both acknowledging our sin and yet seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness:

1Have mercy on me, God, according to your faithful love! Wipe away my wrongdoings according to your great compassion! 2 Wash me completely clean of my guilt; purify me from my sin! 3 Because I know my wrongdoings, my sin is always right in front of me. 4 I’ve sinned against you—you alone. I’ve committed evil in your sight. That’s why you are justified when you render your verdict, completely correct when you issue your judgment. 5 Yes, I was born in guilt, in sin, from the moment my mother conceived me. 6 And yes, you want truth in the most hidden places; you teach me wisdom in the most secret space. 7 Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more. 9 Hide your face from my sins; wipe away all my guilty deeds! 10 Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me! 11 Please don’t throw me out of your presence; please don’t take your holy spirit away from me.12 Return the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach wrongdoers your ways, and sinners will come back to you. 14 Deliver me from violence, God, God of my salvation, so that my tongue can sing of your righteousness. 15 Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.16 You don’t want sacrifices. If I gave an entirely burned offering, you wouldn’t be pleased. 17 A broken spirit is my sacrifice, God. You won’t despise a heart, God, that is broken and crushed.

One of the things that stands out to me while reading this passage is how abundantly clear David is about who he is and who God is. In particular, David has an acute awareness of his sinfulness and what the consequences of his sin have done to his spirit, to his relationship with God, and to his relationship with others. David is aware of his brokenness while at the same time knows that God is a mender and a healer. 

Note that David doesn’t mention God’s wrath or anger to be the deciding factors in his turning toward God. Instead, the author understands God’s character of “…faithful love…[and] great compassion.” (v. 1) God’s faithful love and great compassion are what compels David to turn away from sin and turn toward God. 

As a result, David’s vulnerable confession is an invitation for God to act out God’s character; to mend the brokenness in his life and create in him a clean heart as well as a new, faithful spirit. (v. 10) The author continues by drawing on the positives that are yet to come as the healing power of God’s faithful love and great compassion take root in his life: joyful salvation, a willing spirit, outreach, deliverance, openness, praise, and proclamation!

And so, as we begin this season of Lent on this Ash Wednesday, may God grant us the grace to clearly see the ways in which we have sinned, offer our broken spirits, and receive God’s forgiveness and healing by His faithful love and great compassion through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Tyler

You can learn more about the Season of Lent by going to our website at www.mountainparkumc.org/lent

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Discipleship Guide

This week, you are invited to re-read Psalm 51:1-17 daily and consider the following reflection questions:

THURSDAY (2/18)
Spend time in prayer asking yourself: What is the Holy Spirit revealing to you as you re-read this passage?

FRIDAY (2/19)
Spend time in prayer asking yourself: How does fear or guilt prevent you from being vulnerable with God? (cf. Psalm 51:2)

SATURDAY (2/20)
Spend time in prayer asking yourself: What sin is God gently and gracefully calling you to name, confront, and repent from? (cf. Psalm 51:3-5)

SUNDAY (2/21)
Spend time in prayer asking yourself: What does a clean heart look like for you? (cf. Psalm 51:10)

MONDAY (2/22)
Spend time in prayer asking yourself: How does God’s faithful love and great compassion draw you closer into God’s presence? (cf. Psalm 51:1, 11)

TUESDAY (2/23)
Spend time in prayer: Ask God to fill you with the joy of your salvation and to provide a willing spirit this day, the days throughout the remainder of Lent, and beyond.

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Typically, on Ash Wednesday, as a sign of remembering our sinfulness in light of Jesus’ redeeming love, we would receive an ashen cross marked on our foreheads with the following phrase spoken, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Repent, and believe in the Gospel. This year, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have two opportunities for observing Ash Wednesday:

1.  Ash Wednesday Drive-thru* at our campus from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

   * This will be done safely with social distancing and individualized stickers (instead of ashes placed on skin)

2. Ash Wednesday Online Service at 6:30 p.m. on Facebook or our Website