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MEDITATION:

Written by Mark D. Roberts, a contemporary pastor, speaker, and seminary professor.

Do you ever feel as if you aren’t quite sure what to do next? It could happen in the context of your work, where you’ve got a tricky personnel issue, a boss who’s overly demanding, or a client whose preferences aren’t obvious. We often feel perplexed about relationships with family and friends. Perhaps you’re wanting to be a good parent to a teenager or a good friend to someone whose hurting, but you’re just not sure how to act. There was a time when, if we found ourselves in situations like these, people would tell us we need wisdom. These days, however, we don’t talk about wisdom nearly as much as we used to. We’re more apt to want to “fix things,” to look for “solutions,” or to look to Google for “the right answer.” We’re less likely to think, “I really need wisdom here.” But wisdom is what we need, now more than ever as the world becomes more complex, more uncertain, and more volatile. We need wisdom at work and at home, in our neighborhoods and churches, and in a world filled with unprecedented and unruly problems. Wisdom isn’t the same as knowledge. Wisdom is judging what’s best or having good sense. It’s knowing how to live well and choosing to do so.

Yes, we do need wisdom, but not just any kind of wisdom. There are versions of wisdom that are neither truthful or helpful. The Letter of James in the New Testament labels such wisdom as “earthly, spiritual, devilish” (James 3:15). James doesn’t mean that all practical wisdom, such as what you get from years of experience in a job, is necessarily wrong. But he does recognize that what the world regards as wise can sometimes lead us astray. In addition to common wisdom that comes from living attentively, we need wisdom of a special sort. James calls it “wisdom from above” (James 3:17). This is, of course, an understated way of saying we need wisdom from God, who dwells in Heaven above. Wisdom from above is godly wisdom, divine wisdom, supernaturally uncommon wisdom. It excels all over other kinds of wisdom because of its source. It comes from the “only wise God” (Rom 16:27). Sometimes we might assume that such wisdom is only relevant to “spiritual things.” It matters only to how we pray, read the Bible, worship, and share our faith with others. But, in fact, wisdom from above touches every part of life. James writes, “Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom” (James 3:13). Wisdom has everything to do with living well in all segments of life, including our work, personal finances, citizenship, and neighborliness.

Now you may already be convinced that God’s wisdom is relevant to all of life. You may regularly seek “wisdom from above” throughout each day. If so, that’s great, though most Christians recognize that they’d like to be more attentive to God’s guidance. Alternatively, you may not seek divine wisdom for the practical, everyday matters at work, home, and beyond. You may see that you need to learn to receive “wisdom from above” for the challenges and opportunities you face each day…As you face the complexities of life, know that you’re not on your own to figure out what’s best. There is “wisdom from above” available to you. In fact, the “only wise God” is able and eager to share divine wisdom with you, to help you live well in every part of life. That is good news, indeed.

PRAYER:

Written by Mark D. Roberts, author of today’s meditation.

Gracious God, you are wise beyond anything I can imagine. Your wisdom brought the universe into existence. It stretches across space and time. Nothing hides from your wisdom. Thank you, dear Lord, for being willing to share your wisdom with me. I do need “wisdom from above.” I confess that sometimes I act as if I have all the wisdom I need. But then, Lord, I confront situations that show me the truth. My wisdom is inadequate at best, worldly and sinful, at worst. In these times I realize the truth. I need your wisdom, Lord. I need it each day, in each situation, in each relationship.

MEDITATION:

Written by Debbie McDaniel, a contemporary Christian author.

The cross is empty and so is the tomb. You can try to bury Power, but it won’t stay there. You can try to bury Truth, but it is not dead. You can try to bury Love, but it cannot be contained. Jesus is alive, He won the victory of sin and death.  And He’s still the same, even in all the days after the Easter weekend. He never changes. He made a way for us to live free. No other truth in history has the ability to change our lives and affect our future like this. Yet so many still choose to reject Christ’s sacrifice and love. He offers us a choice today, and it’s the best decision you could ever make. What Christ’s death on the cross and the power of His resurrection offers:

• It provides a bridge, a way, to God. It gives us an opportunity to have a personal relationship with the very God who made us and loves us more than we could imagine. Without the cross, there is no way to cross over to the other side of relationship with him. Any attempt will fail. He is the Only Way.
• It provides opportunity for forgiveness of sin. Through the price that Jesus paid on Calvary, we have the chance to be forgiven of our own sin. He took our sin and shame upon his very shoulders. He took the blows on our behalf so we wouldn’t have to suffer. Such incredible love. Such amazing sacrifice.
• It provides freedom to all those who believe. Freedom from the shackles of sin. Freedom from shame. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from hopelessness. Freedom from despair. Freedom from addiction. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from darkness and eternal separation from God.
• It provides new life. We are not only forgiven and set free, but we have a whole new life and destiny through Christ. We are changed, from the inside. He renews our minds. He changes our hearts and desires. He gives us fresh purpose for every day set before us.
• It provides power for us to live today. When Jesus died on the cross, and was buried, it didn’t stop there. The final picture of all that the cross provides lies in the powerful Resurrection of our Lord. He won. He didn’t stay dead. His power broke through, and that same power is alive within us today. As believers, God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit, living and moving through us each day.
• It provides the way to have victory over the enemy. We don’t have to fear him or his attacks. As we live aware of his traps, the power of Christ over our lives gives us a covering and protection from his evil schemes. We’re not left to fend for ourselves. We don’t fight in our own strength. We can stand strong in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ.
• It provides for us an eternal heavenly home. We never need to fear about what will happen when we die. In Christ, we have been given the gift of eternal life. This earth is only our temporary home. God is preparing a place for us, with him, to live forever. And you can be assured it will be far greater than we could ever imagine.

PRAYER:

Written by Debbie McDaniel, author of today’s meditation.

Dear God, thank you for your great gift of love and sacrifice, so that we can live free. Thank you for the power of the cross and the Resurrection. We ask that the truth of it all sinks deeply into our hearts and changes us forever. Fill us fresh with your Spirit today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by Tory C. Butler, contemporary pastor, and author.

There is a tradition in African American communities called tarrying. It is when friends, family, and church family gather around the body of someone who is sick and sometimes near death—and the community begins to sing and sometimes pray with the hopes that the one who is infirmed might be restored or received with open arms by a loving and redeeming God. Can you imagine Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome watching from afar as Jesus died on the cross and not really knowing what to do, not knowing if they could cry out, not knowing what song to sing to bring him comfort at his most painful hour?

Tarrying is not simply about bringing comfort to the one who is sick or dying; it is a willingness to enter into the pain of the community. These women dealt with their grief together. They probably wiped each other’s tears and held each other’s hands. They knew they could not change the fact that their Lord had died but, they could commit to not suffering alone. You see, many of us are suffering in silence because we are too afraid to be vulnerable, too afraid to let our images slip. But maybe in the sharing of our pain, we might find others who are grieving too, others who are singing our songs, and praying our prayers. And maybe as we find our collective voice of pain, we can discover our collective hope of resurrection.

PRAYER:

This prayer is an ancient collect from the 6^th century.

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light, look favorably on your whole Church, which is a wonderful and sacred mystery. In your eternal foreknowledge, you peacefully do your saving work for humanity. Let the whole world know that things that were cast down are being raised up, and things that had grown old are being made new, and all things are being restored by him in whom they have their beginning, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

The Old Rugged Cross  Performed by The Martin Brothers

The hymn was written in 1912 by George Bennard, an evangelist traveling throughout the Midwest. He was heckled incessantly by several youth at a revival meeting in Michigan. Troubled by their disregard for the gospel, Bennard turned to Scripture to reflect on the work of Christ on the cross and wrote this hymn.

MEDITATION:

Written by Margot Wallace

Gol ‘Gatha is not the place where anyone, especially a king, wants to end their life.  It was the most demeaning, brutal, Roman punishment rendered to their State’s most feared political adversaries – to hang humiliated in public view for days until death. The ways of kingship understood in Judah are based on the divine sayings by which God, through the prophets, bestows office.  Whoever sat at the right hand of a King on formal occasions was next to him in rank and identified as the official empowered to represent the king and carry out his policy. The King was the principal mediator between God and people.  Melchizedek, the ancient predecessor of the Davidic line in the kingship of Salem (old name for Jerusalem), was such a king. His name means “King of Righteousness” or Salem(peace), later known as Jerusalem.  There is no mention of his birth or death, however, this King is known by Abraham, combining the functions of king and priest (Genesis 13-14). 

Jesus Christ, through his submission to the Roman death on a cross, becomes the anticipated (Psalm 72) Messianic King – High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5-7). He sits at the right hand of God (Psalm 110), in anticipation of the Last Judgment that will take place at the end of time (Revelations). Holding his position eternally by overcoming death, he lives to intercede for us, who wish to draw near to God now. Through the power of an indestructible life, this Son is appointed, who has been made perfect forever.

PRAYER:

This prayer is modified from the Mozarabic Rite, a liturgical rite of the Latin Church, once used in what is now Spain and Portugal that was developed in the 500s A.D.

O God, Son of God, you suffered for us, the righteous for the unrighteous. Save us by the shame of your Passion and clothe us with the robe of your righteousness. Through the suffering and death you did not deserve we have escaped the punishment our sins have deserved. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?  Performed by Three Mo’ Tenors

This is an American Spiritual that was first printed in 1899 and included in the Episcopal Church hymnal in 1940. It was the first spiritual to ever be put in any major American hymnal.

MEDITATION:

Written by George Young, a contemporary pastor and former missionary.

History is littered with attempts to bring about justice, to find “systems so perfect that no one will need to be good,” as T. S. Eliot once said. In the past century, revolutions in the name of perfect, just societies have massacred innocent people by the millions, bringing about unprecedented misery and massive injustices of their own. Cries for justice are sometimes so politicized by the ideology of class warfare that the jargon of justice itself is a turn-off. If the Lord himself were not passionate about justice, we would almost rather despair of even trying, live in isolation, and let the rest of the world go by.

Believers whom God has called into the realm of politics have an opportunity to “loose the chains of injustice” widely. And it is important that we pray that God will give them wisdom to tear out deep-rooted injustice. For those in other callings, justice is sometimes simpler, like giving a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. Harder than that, though, is breaking out of our own self-centeredness and listening to the voice of compassion within, “when [we]see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from [our] own flesh and blood.” Bob Dylan sings about the homeless, “What good am I … if I just turn away when I see how you’re dressed?”

PRAYER:

Written by George Young, author of today’s meditation.

We look up to you, Lord Jesus, the just Judge of all. Search our hearts, that we may be a part of the solution, not the root of the problem. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Where Charity and Love Prevail:  Performed by Walk With Faith

This Latin hymn, Ubi Caritas, is from the 9^th century. It was translated and published in 1961 by Omer Westendorf (1916-1997).  It is traditionally performed on Maundy Thursday.

MEDITATION:

Written by Dallas Willard (1935-2013), an American philosopher and author known for his writings on spiritual formation. This is an excerpt from his book “The Divine Conspiracy.”

Anger and contempt are the twin scourges of the earth. Mingled with greed and sexual lust…these bitter emotions form the poisonous brew in which human existence stands suspended. Few people ever get free of them in this life, and for most of us, even old age does not bring relief. Once you see those emotions for what they are, the constant stream of human disasters that history and life bring before us can also be seen for what they are: the natural outcome of human choice, of people choosing to be angry and contemptuous. It is a miracle that there are not more and greater disasters. We have to remember this when we read what Jesus and other biblical writers say about anger. To cut the root of anger is to wither the tree of human evil. That is why Paul says simply, “Lay aside anger.” Yet influential people tell us today that we must be angry, that it is necessary to be angry to oppose social evil. The idea goes deep into our thinking…A leading social commentator now teaches that despair and rage are an essential element in the struggle for justice. He and others who teach this are sowing the wind, and they will reap the whirlwind, the tornado. Indeed, we are reaping it now in a nation increasingly sick with rage and resentment of citizen toward citizen. And often the rage and resentment is upheld as justified in the name of God. But there is nothing that can be done with anger that cannot be done better without it. The sense of self-righteousness that comes with our anger simply provokes more anger and self-righteousness on the other side. Of course, when nothing is done about things that are wrong, anger naturally builds and finally will break into action, whether in a family or a nation. That is inevitable and even necessary outside the Kingdom Among Us. But the answer is to write the wrong in persistent love, not to harbor anger, and thus to right it without adding further real or imaginary wrongs. To retain anger and to cultivate it is, by contrast, “to give the devil a chance.” (Ephesians 4:26-27). He will take the chance, and there will be hell to pay. The delicious morsel of self-righteousness that anger cultivated always contains comes at a high price in the self-righteous reaction of those we cherish anger toward. And the cycle is endless as long as anger has sway.

PRAYER:

Written by Rebecca Barlow Jordan is a contemporary Christian author.

As I start this day, help me remember that I belong to you, and my desire is to act accordingly. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions that could steal precious time and energy from the most important things you have designed for me. I’m proud to be your child, Lord. And I’m so grateful that you died for me—rising again on your own new morning—so that every day could be filled with the wonder of your love, the freedom of your Spirit, and the joy of knowing you.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Be Kind to Yourself:  Performed by Andrew Peterson

This song,  composed by songwriter/performer Andrew Peterson in 2015, was written for his pre-teen daughter about God’s love and his love for her.

MEDITATION:

Written by Joanne Melton.

Mother-in-law….three simple words and two hyphens.  For some, this “threesome” can represent angst, discomfort and disagreement.  To others it can mean companionship, friendship and true blessings. My “true blessing” is my mother-in-law, Elsie Aline Black Melton. Elsie was born and raised in Georgia, married, and raised two daughters and a son. While Robert and I were dating, Elsie graciously included me in many a Saturday or Sunday on the porch to enjoy a home cooked meal prepared by her hands.  There were homemade biscuits, sliced ripe red tomatoes, creamed corn fresh off the cob, butter beans, a fruit cobbler and always sweet tea! Elsie and I would sit together on the porch and shuck corn, string the beans, and hull peas. This was our time.  We got to know one another pretty well.  This true Southern Lady would share stories about growing up, things about her children, what was happening at Sunday School classes, and her adventures of traveling to many wonderful places. She was an accomplished seamstress and each Easter and Christmas she would make dresses for her granddaughters.  It gave her such joy to know how proud they were that she made them! Elsie was an elegant, charming woman who spoke with a soft Southern accent. She showed such grace and humility in all that she did. My mother-in-law blessed my life in ways I still hold dear.  Elsie remains a true blessing now and forever.

PRAYER:

This prayer is transcribed from the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Father, God, in Thy mercy, in Thy love,

Be Thou with us now.

For we know and we speak of Thy love.

And help us then to put away, for the hour,

The cares of this life; that we may know in truth

That the spirit and the lamb say, “Come.”

Let them that hear also say, “Come.”

Let all that will, come and drink of the water of life.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

The Holy City:   Performed by Stanford Olsen and the Tabernacle Choir

The hymn was written in 1892 by Frederic Weatherly (1848-1929) It became the single most popular song of the 19^th century, selling a million copies in sheet music. This was a favorite hymn of Elsie Melton of today’s meditation.

MEDITATION:

Written by Valerie Hess, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her book “Spiritual Disciplines Devotional.”

One fall my daughter participated in an exchange program, living in a small village in rural Alaska that was a primarily subsistence culture. The family she lived with made only twelve thousand dollars a year but was generous to a fault. They insisted on paying for everything. They had little, but they treated my daughter very well.  At the same time, another student I knew was in an exchange program and lived with a wealthier family. This family was stingy even with things like toilet paper and light bulbs. They wouldn’t even give this student a ride to school, which was a half-hour walk away, but they would wave as they drove past on the way to town! This is not to say all rich people are selfish and all poor people are generous because we know that isn’t true. The point is that our culture encourages us to acquire all we can while ignoring the needs of the people around us. All of us have things we can share with others, regardless of where we are in the economic strata. It is truly a question of attitude and not plentitude.

PRAYER:

Written Mary Leonora Wilson, a contemporary nun and author.

Humble Savior, grant me the grace to see beyond the visible and to recognize your hidden presence in every person before me. Impress your virtue on my heart.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Make Room:  Performed by Community Music

This song was written by Community Music’s husband and wife worship leaders Lucas Cortazio and Evelyn Heideriqui and songwriters Josh Farro and Bekah White in 2018. It is a prayer for God to take the place that is rightfully His in our lives.

MEDITATION:

Written by C.S. Lewis (1898-1960), a British writer and lay theologian.  This meditation is an excerpt from the book “Readings from C.S. Lewis.”

People often think of Christian morality as a kind of bargain in which God says, “If you keep a lot of rules, I’ll reward you, and if you don’t I’ll do the other thing.” I do not think that is the best way of looking at it. I would much rather say that every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a Heaven creature or into a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is Heaven: that is, it is joy, and peace, and knowledge, and power. To be the other means madness, horror, idiocy, rage, impotence, and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other.

PRAYER:

This prayer is from the Book of Common Prayer used by the Anglican church

Merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you

in thought, word, and deed,

by what we have done,

and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you

with our whole heart and mind and strength.

We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

In your mercy forgive what we have been,

help us amend what we are,

and direct what we shall be,

so that we may delight in your will

and walk in your ways,

to the glory of your holy name.

Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Love God and Love People:  Performed by Danny Gokey

This song was written by the performer in 2019.

MEDITATION:

Written by Becky Jessen.

The first person I think of when I hear “loving and just” is my dear grandmother. She was one of ten children (9 girls and 1 boy) born on a small farm in south-central Pennsylvania. Since they were poor, she was “hired out” at age 8 to a wealthy family in the city. She was let go at age 9 because she ate half of a strawberry while fixing a lunch for others. She then was moved to another family. All her life she “made do” and never ever complained. She was always the first to take something from the garden or bake something for someone in need. She was never resentful, but always uplifting in her quiet respectful way. She taught by her example all five of her grandchildren her deep faith in her loving, righteous God. Even at the end of her life, she was singing her favorite hymns with my sister. In my opinion, she was the epitome of kind, loving, and just. I strive to be like her.

PRAYER:

This prayer is a traditional Celtic blessing.

May you have

Walls for the wind

And a roof for the rain,

And drinks bedside the fire

Laughter to cheer you

And those you love near you,

And all that your heart may desire

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Wonderful Words of Life:   Performed by Fountainview Academy

The hymn was written by the American revivalist song leader Philip Bliss (1838-1876).