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MEDITATION:

Written by Arlene Stamper.

Do you ever wonder if you have made a difference in someone’s life because you are a Christian?  I can tell you firsthand that being a Christian and sharing your faith with others can change a life. It changed mine. I grew up with parents that did not go to church or profess faith in God. My father was born in 1907 in a German town in Europe.  He experienced cruel behavior from the priests in his town and he wanted nothing to do with the church.  My mother took me to the Presbyterian Church because I begged her to take me. I was baptized when I was nine. But still…it was an uphill battle to be Christian in my family. And somehow, I felt I was disappointing them. It was just easier to not go to church. And I lost my way. I had doubts. But God placed many Christians in my path. Thank you, Lord!  One of my friends displayed such a strong faith and I marveled at her belief. I wished I could be like that. Another good friend when I shared my doubts, she gave me a beautifully framed biblical quote “Doubting Thomas” which I kept by my bedside for years. My mother-in-law who was a devout Baptist would serve up big mugs of hot tea when I visited, then she read from her bible and answered my many questions. They all shared their faith with me.  And encouraged me. I have experienced the love of many Christians …even when I resisted His love and didn’t think I could have that kind of faith. I thank them all and I thank God for them…and for not ever giving up on me. Now I try to share my faith with others whenever the opportunity arises. You just never know who may be waiting for that right word of encouragement for them to take that step of faith. 

PRAYER:

Written by Emily Rose Massey, a contemporary writer, storyteller, and disciple of Jesus.

Father, I thank You for calling me to Yourself and making me Your child through what Jesus did for me on the cross. In Him, I am now able to be called righteous, not for anything I have done, but because of His sacrifice. You have called us as believers to go into the world and make disciples of every nation. I ask that You give me a courage and boldness to share Your truth and Your Gospel with those around me, whether that is online or with another person face to face.  I pray that those you place in my path would see Your great love for them in the truth that I share. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Were I the Perfect Child of God: Performed by Tony Alonso. Contemporary songwriter and pastor for the Church of Scotland, John Bell, wrote the text to accompany this traditional Scottish melody in 2004.

MEDITATION:

Written by Timothy Keller, a contemporary pastor and author. This is an excerpt from his book “Generous Justice.”

When I was a professor at a theological seminary in the mid-eighties, one of my students was a young man named Mark Gornik. One day we were standing at the copier, and he told me that he was about to move into Sandtown, one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in Baltimore. I remember being quite surprised. When I asked him why, he said simply, “to do justice.” It had been decades since any white people had moved into Sandtown. For the first couple of years there, it was touch and go. Mark told a reporter, “The police thought I was a drug dealer, and the drug dealers thought I was a police officer. So, for a while there, I didn’t know who was going to shoot me first.” Yet over the years Mark, along with leaders in the community, established a church and a comprehensive set of ministries that have slowly transformed the neighborhood…The problems of the poor are so much more complex than any one theory can accommodate. What it takes to rebuild a poor neighborhood goes well beyond public policy or social programs. It takes the rebuilding of families and communities and individual lives. This is why Gornik not only established programs of social service but also began a church that called people to spiritual conversion…the weak educational system that society provides for inner-city youth sets them up for failure. But when we add personal wrongdoing and crime to the larger forces of exclusion and oppression, we have a potent mixture that locks people into poverty. Taken in isolation no one factor – government programs, public policy, calls to personal responsibility, or private charity—is sufficient to address the problem.

PRAYER:

This prayer is from the Byzantine rite for the evening vespers service.

While fasting with the body, brothers and sisters, let us also fast in spirit. Let us lose every bond of iniquity; let us undo the knots of every contact made by violence; let us tear up all unjust agreements; let us give bread to the hungry and welcome to our house the poor who have no roof to cover them, that we may receive mercy from Christ our God.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Beauty for Brokenness Performed by Graham Kendrick. This song was written by contemporary British singer-songwriter Graham Kendrick and was originally recorded in 1993.

MEDITATION:

Written by Ruth Grendell.

I recently received a memorial article about a former faculty friend.  Victor Heasley taught undergraduate chemistry courses for 48 years at Point Loma Nazarene University. He, also, founded a summer research program that provided the opportunity for students to gain additional research experience and to participate as co-authors of articles for scientific journals. Vic continued his own research and authored a chemistry book and many scholarly articles.  When asked why he taught for so many years, his answers were: “Students were exciting to be around; they were filled with new ideas and thoughts which brought meaning to my life. The education setting is a place of dreams—a place of hoping, planning, reaching, succeeding.  Each student meant a new and different relationship—these relationships and friendships kept me going for so many years!”  He was authentic in his concern that the students have a faith, a foundation beneath their learning; remembering honesty, faithfulness to others, compassion for those who are hurting and alone, and a relationship with the eternal God.”

It was a privilege to work with Vic on the faculty council and to learn from him—for modeling his approach with my students when he taught our nursing students to understand the research process and how to apply the information in their clinical healthcare settings.  He was a great mentor when I conducted my own research study for the advanced degree. Now, I have become a mentor to several nursing graduates. What a privilege!  As I reflect on my contacts with Vic, I think about the people who have benefited from their skills of hoping, planning, reaching, succeeding, as well as demonstrating their faith that the graduates have applied in their careers. 

PRAYER:

This prayer is from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979, of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA.

O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Take My Life and Let It Be: Performed by Chris Tomlin. The hymn was written by Frances Havergal in 1874.

MEDITATION:

Written by N. T. Wright, a contemporary Biblical scholar, theologian, and former Anglican bishop. This is an excerpt from his book “Broken Signposts.”

John’s gospel depicts a God who cares deeply about justice. This point is fundamental: although we humans have within ourselves a strong echo of this longing for justice, in God himself that longing is complete and perfected. Part of the hope the Christian faith offers is the knowledge that God will not allow injustice to be the last word. That is a central element in the good news of the gospel. It is vital, then, to remember that John’s gospel is a book about how the whole world is being put right at last. It is a book about justice. It tells the story of how the creator God himself is passionate about things being sorted out, straightened out. And it tells us what he has done to bring it about. Unless we read the book with this larger story in mind, we won’t understand the teaching about love and comfort that we are (rightly and properly) wanting and expecting. The ultimate truth is important for us to remember as we encounter two dark realities in John’s gospel: the fact that Jesus himself is seemingly a victim of injustice and the power of the Adversary to create and exacerbate injustice in this world.

PRAYER:

Written by Brian Heasley, a contemporary author and International Prayer Director for 24-7 Prayer.

Written by Kirstyn Mayden, a contemporary Christian author.

Dear God, we look for Your guidance and wisdom to restore and heal systems of injustice that continue to permeate our country and the world. Amidst racism, educational disparities, and healthcare inequalities, remind us of Your sovereignty. Unify where there is division and help us to view each other in the image of You. Forgive us for times that we have played any role in perpetuating systems of injustice and soften our hearts to listen and hear from those who are different than us. Thank you for Your restorative power that can heal broken hearts, systems, and indifference. Teach how to continue to glorify You in our actions, attitudes, and minds.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

My Anchor Holds: Performed by Golden State Baptist College Choir. The hymn was written by William Clark Martin (1864-1914), a Baptist pastor and hymn writer in 1902. Music was composed by Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919).

MEDITATION:

Written by Celeste Bailey.

When my family and I came to the US, my twin sister and I were 17 and just graduated from high school in Beirut, Lebanon. We came in January and tried to apply to Columbia University (our brother lived a few blocks away from the university), but we were told that we had to wait until September.

We prayed that God would open a path for us, so we won’t have to lose the academic year. Our dear Egyptian family friend, who emigrated with his wife and daughter to the US years earlier than us, suggested we try a junior college near where they lived. They knew the Dean of the college quite well and asked him for help. Without hesitation, the Dean accepted us to attend the college right away.

With trepidation, my sister and I moved into the college’s dorm, which was about one and a half hours north of Manhattan. We became quite a ‘celebrity’ in this quiet small town. A reporter came to take our photo and asked us questions regarding our escape from the civil war in Lebanon. However, the article was really about a Muslim American (our friend) and a Jewish American (the Dean) coming together to help two Christian girls in time of need! Because of the kindness of two people, we were able to finish Freshman year and we are so ever grateful to them and to the Lord who works all things together for good to those who love Him.

I should not forget to mention that my first-time meetings with dormmates were a bit comical. When they saw my sister and me, their mouths dropped with astonishment and quickly inquired why we are not wearing a ‘hijab’ and asked us if we rode ‘camels’. The look on their faces was priceless. I think we disappointed them, but we did have a good laugh!

PRAYER:

Written by Brian Heasley, a contemporary author and International Prayer Director for 24-7 Prayer.

Father, I want to fight for the things that You care about. I want to finish the race that You’ve set before me. I want to keep the faith, continuing to move and grow no matter my age or stage of life. Thank You for the call and the challenge of this. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

In the Garden: Performed by Rosemary Siemens. The hymn was written in 1912 by C. Austin Miles (1868-1946) based on a vision he saw while reading his favorite Bible chapter, John 20.

MEDITATION:

Written by Dr. O. S. Hawkins, a contemporary author, retired pastor, and president of GuideStone Financial Resources. This is an excerpt from his work “What Does the Lord Require of You?”

Micah taught in a culture characterized by idolatry, immorality, and outright rebellion against worship of God. In fact, it was a culture much like the one we are experiencing today in America. Micah boldly proclaimed that certain things are “required” of those who follow the path of the Lord. First, we are required to “do justly.” And he was referring to much more than a ruling in a court of law — God requires that we are to live differently than those around us. Specifically, we should be both moral and ethical in our dealings with others.  Justice has become a popular byword among young evangelicals today, but Micah was emphasizing action over mere talk. It is not enough for God’s people to love justice and to be cheering from the grandstands for those people working for justice. each of us is required to “do justly,” to put justice into practice. What a difference it would make in our society today if more of us began to “do justly,” and rushed to the defense of those who are suffering in unjust circumstances and situations. Again, doing justly is a requirement, not a suggestion.

PRAYER:

Written by St. Patrick (AD 385-461), a Christian missionary and bishop who served in Ireland.

God of all people,
You call on us today to loose the bonds of injustice,
to let the oppressed go free, to break every yoke.
Transform our lives and lead us to the peace and joy that is Easter!
Amen

MUSIC MEDITATION:

The Glory of These Forty Days: From the Glory and Praise CD Library. The hymn dates to the 11^th century and is often ascribed to Gregory the Great. others believe it to be of English origin.

MEDITATION:

Written by David Kool and Andrew Ryskamp, contemporary leaders of the “Faithward” mission. This is an excerpt from their article “How to Apply Micah 6:8 to Your Life.”

Micah 6:8 asks us what the Lord requires of us. There are many different ways to answer this question. You might have a passion for evangelism. So, you focus on the Great Commission… Or you might be more focused on worship and emphasize verses like Psalm 95:6. You may think that God wants holiness, and the Ten Commandments define what it is that God expects of you. Or you may emphasize Christian character, and so the fruits of the Spirit as described in Paul’s writings might be your favorite.The wide range of answers to this question helps the Christian community to be diverse, holistic, and inclusive, so that the passions, interests, and gifts of all God’s people can be realized. Perhaps thinking about what the Lord desires of us also encourages us to develop a holistic spirituality that includes the parts of our faith that are not in our wheelhouse. If I have a deep interest and call to pray, I may need to push myself to make sure I head out from my prayer closet to share my faith. If I love the experience of worship, I probably should not ignore my neighbors as I walk or drive to church on Sunday morning. Micah 6:8 connects our faith with our actions, our care for those in need with our walk with God…This verse simply describes what God wants from un in return: to do justice, love, mercy, and walk humbly with God.

PRAYER:

Written by Debbie Przybylski, founder and director of Intercessors Arise International.

Lord, I pray that I might realize my authority in prayer. Teach me to pray with Your strength and power. I want to work together with You in prayer to determine my future and the future of my nation. I want to pray with authority for my city. I desire to pray powerful breakthrough prayers that move Your hand to action. Teach me to daily come to You and pray faith-filled prayers for my needs and the need of those around me. I can’t reach my workplace or neighborhood without Your power. I thank You that You remember all of my prayers and that they influence Your heart. Give me revelation of my spiritual authority.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

My Faith Looks Up to Thee: Performed by the Antrim Mennonite Choir. The hymn was written by American pastor Ray Palmer (1808-1887) in 1830.

MEDITATION:

Written by Lyn Lloyd-Smith

PRAYER:

The author of this Ash Wednesday prayer in unknown.

O God, You remind us through ashes today

that we are made of the earth.

Let us live in it with care and compassion.

Let us speak with a renewed spirit of hope.

Let us always work for peace; For the time is now!

Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Hyssop: Performed by Karis Funk. This meditative chant, written by the performer, is based on Psalm 51:7  

MEDITATION:

Written by Os Hillman, a contemporary author. The story is from a presentation made by Ken Blanchard at his 2004 “His Presence in the Workplace” conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Ken Blanchard, the author of the One Minute Manager, once shared a story about what can happen when individuals in a company model servant leadership, no matter where they are on the totem pole. A business consultant was training more than 3000 employees of a mid-western grocery chain to approach their jobs with a goal of creating a memory for their customers. She stated that “this is what will distinguish your store from all others.” Johnny was a 19-year old bag boy that had down-syndrome. His first response to the consultant’s suggestion was “I’m just a ‘bag boy.'” Nevertheless, he went home and shared what the consultant said with his mother. They began to ponder the consultant’s words about how he could create a memory for his customers. Johnny had a habit of collecting inspirational thoughts that he would often read. He decided he would begin printing these sayings and place one in each of the bags of his customers. When customers came through the line he would place the sayings in their bag and say, “I’ve included some of my favorite sayings in your bag in hopes it will encourage you today. Thanks for shopping with us.” After just a few weeks, an amazing thing began to happen. One day the store manager noticed that all the customers were lined up at only one cashier station when there were other stations open. He began to panic, thinking the other stations were broken. After further investigation he found this was not the case. Actually, customers wanted to come through Johnny’s line in order to get his saying of the day. One woman came up to the manager and said, “I used to come to the store only once a week, but now I come everyday!” Johnny’s example spread to other departments in the store. The florist began giving a flower to each florist customer. The meat department put Snoopy stickers on each meat order with a special greeting. This one act by a bag boy changed the entire climate of the store. How can you create a memory for someone in your workplace today? Jesus was all about creating memories.

PRAYER:

Written by Lloyd Wicker, a contemporary pastor and chaplain in the US Navy.

God, help us to see the needs of others not as interruptions to our day, but rather as opportunities to reflect the love of Christ for people who need it. In his name, Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by Miles McPherson, a contemporary pastor, former San Diego Charger, speaker, and author. This is an excerpt from his book “The Third Option.”

My heart breaks to see so many people enslaved by a false sense of who they are. Sadly, those who miss God’s image in themselves are often the people who exhibit the greatest amount of racial prejudice and hatred. I see this reality manifested most often in prisons and juvenile detention centers—two of my favorite places to visit. During one of my regular visits to a juvenile detention center in San Diego, the staff asked me to meet with one kid in particular. I waited in one of the cells—which consisted of concrete walls, a cot, and a metal stool—until a skinny White kid walked in. Holding his head down, he barely looked at me. During our conversation, he told me he had been physically abused most of his life. He was also a proud White supremacist. I asked him, “who’s been abusing you?” “My dad.” “What color is your dad?” “White.” “He’s not Black, yet you hate all Black people?” And that’s when he snapped. He suddenly started calling me the N-word, yelling curses, and telling me to get the F* out. Because the walls are made of concrete and metal, every word echoed. Everything he screamed at me bounced off surfaces of the prison for all to hear.

The next week I went back to visit the same young man. The grateful staff told me they thought they’d lost another volunteer, and I wasn’t surprised. Dealing with people who do all they can to push you away isn’t for everyone. People who hurt spend a lot of energy hurting other people, and this kid was hurt. His words didn’t faze me, because I’d been on the receiving end of much worse. I was there to minister to his pain—to honorably invest in the potential of God’s purpose for his life. I also understood where this young man’s pain came from, and recognized it wasn’t about me. My second visit was different. I went in understanding his pain, with a commitment to love him no matter what. I chose to remember that, deep inside, he and I both wanted and were designed for the same thing: honor. This time our visit ended differently. Before I left, we closed our conversation by praying together. My new fried—a White supremacist prisoner who hated his father and hated himself—is the perfect example of someone who had missed God’s image in himself. It’s literally impossible for people like him to see in others what they don’t recognize in themselves, until they have a personal encounter with God that changes their self-perception.

PRAYER:

Written by Miles McPherson, the author of today’s meditation.

Dear Lord, I ask that You reveal to us the true nature of the unalienable image that You have given us. I want to be a person of honor, and I want to be part of a movement of honor. Holy Spirit, I can do that only if You fill my heart with the love of the Father. In Your name I prayer. Amen.