Father of mercies and God

Ash Wednesday, February 10I AM

God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. (Exo. 3:14a)

Many years ago as a science major trying to reconcile my faith and science, I pondered, Who is God? I tried to wrap my head around an image of God. Yes, Gen. 1:26 says that humans are made in Gods image, but wouldnt an omnipotent God be capable of multiple forms? Certainly a God who can touch off the Big Bang to call the entire universe into creation is massive, pure energy. Energy can take many forms and cause great destruction, think of the force of the wind in a tornado, a raging fire, or the fantastic shock waves as a result of an exploding bomb. On the other hand, energy can be beneficial and comforting as gentle heat or calming pressure. Pure energy cant be contained. Light and heat radiate from it. So, my image of God is that of a shimmering cloud of pure energy on which we cannot look directly with our earthly eyes but Who can come to us as a still, small voice and carry us and comfort us through difficult times and Whose glory lit up the faces of His servants like Moses.

Awesome God, You ARE, and You love even me! That is enough for me! Amen

Diane Crosthwaite

February 11Bread of Life

Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35

My father likes his bread. He expects some bread with each meal. Other starches such as potatoes, macaroni, or rice are welcome, but none can substitute for having a slice of bread with butter. Even when he was in Europe with lots of types of rolls and croissants available, he still wanted sliced bread to make a sandwich. Bread is truly a staple of his lifeand he misses it sorely and often vocally if bread is not present. My dad was brought up that way. I suspect that Jesus was also brought up that way eating primarily loaves and fishes. This is what I think of when Jesus says he is the bread of life. He is claiming to be something so important to our wellbeing and livelihood that we need to seek him just as we seek our daily bread for sustenance, often for every meal. How much better our lives might be if we maintain such a clear and constant focus on Our Lord.

Dear Lord, help me to always hunger for Your presence in my life. Please sustain my spiritual life with its basic needs as only You can. Amen

Kevin Crosthwaite

February 12Our Peace

For He (Christ) is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility Eph. 2:14

A Spiritual Director is a guide who leads a person into a deeper understanding of their personal relationship with God. This is primarily accomplished through asking questions. My own Spiritual Director, Pastor Richard, once asked me, How do you experience Gods presence? I replied, When I feel totally at peace.

The text here speaks to the fact that Jews and Gentiles are no longer estranged from one another, but are both included in the one family of the one true God. The verses prior to this one tell how Christ brought about peace between God and humankind. That peace has been returned to us from God to be shared from one person to another. It is clear from the scriptures that God desires His peace be extended over the entire earth healing and restoring broken relationships.

Let me ask you this question, Are you experiencing Gods peace in your daily life? I will tell you that Gods peace is not a feeling of constant euphoria, but more of a continual, calming reassurance. It is our broken relationships that block our ability to experience Gods peace. In the deepest recesses of your heart you know which relationships in your life are broken. Seek reconciliation today for the broken relationships in your life whether they are with God or with other people. Giving and receiving forgiveness will clear the blockages and allow the peace that God desires for you, his precious child, to fill your soul.

Loving God, help us to acknowledge and remove those things in our lives that prevent us from fully experiencing the peace that you desire for us. Give us this very day a double blessing of the peace of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scott Schnapp

February 13Refuge and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

We have faith in the strength of God, but what does it mean for Him to be our refuge? From Dictionary.com, here's the definition on 1/10/16:

Refuge, noun

1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.

1. a place of shelter, protection, or safety

1. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.

Synonyms: security, safety, asylum, retreat, sanctuary, haven, stronghold.

This verse is telling us that God shelters and protects us, in fact, IS that sheltering safe place, and that He is anything that we need for recourse. God is not simply a strong arm on our behalf, but a haven in which to rest, an asylum where we can grow strong again.

When I had major surgery in 2012, I found myself in need of refuge. My children were very young: a baby up through 9 years old. My husband was scheduled to work the late shift for that month, and so I was alone with the kids for dinner and bedtime, from a week after my surgery. Our home was a safe place, but I still needed help. I was not physically strong enough, and I desperately needed time to heal. Some of God's refuge for me in that time took the form of meals; some was prayer, both mine and others; and some was God's gift of more strength than I truly had regained yet. Despite this help, I worried about the rest of my healing time: How would I cope? What happened if I got too overwhelmed?

You may find yourself like I was: worried about a present without enough resources, whether physical, emotional, or financial. I look back now, and realize that I always had just enough for each day. I didn't need to have the next day's resources! God IS our refuge and strength, and He continually reminds us in His Word to not be afraid. Share your need with God, and with your fellow children of God. He will be your very present help, both in trouble, and in your every day.

God, our refuge and strength, be with us this day of Lent. I have needs that I may not have shared, but You know my heart. Others around me have needs also, though I may not be aware. Thank You, for Your help in all of our human troubles. Help us to feel Your shelter and Your strength.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Candy Brown

February 14Attend church and discover other names of God.

February 15Light of Life

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

There are dark clouds hanging over the world today, but as we walk in the

light of life with Jesus those dark clouds need not dampen our lives together. As a teacher I often found that my students were looking for and hoping that their lives would not be one of depression and unhappiness. One class, the last one of the day, asked me to help them. They said, Most of our teacher do not like us, they always put us down! I told them that they were somewhat ornery and needed to learn to get along with people. I told them about my brother whom I never got along with. One day I apologized to him for things I had said about and to him. It changed our relationship and we became friends for life. Suddenly the bell rang, end of class.

A few weeks later as we were about to start class, one fellow asked, Mr. K, this thing you told us, does it really work? I was about to answer when one of the girls jumped up and said, It works! It works! Can I tell them? So I told her to go ahead. This is what she told us. My mother and I did not get along. She is getting really old. (I knew her mother, early 40s really old) One day I was taking a bath, and I heard a knock on the door. My mother was standing outside saying, Dee, we dont talk about things anymore. It is my fault and I am sorry. I want us to get back talking. I opened the door and we just hugged, and we were both crying. And we are now real friends, and we talk a lot. That is what the light of life means!

Rev. OlufKongshaug

February 16King of Kings

And this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords 1 Tim. 6:15

God is King of kings and because he is King of all kings, we must bow at his feet and give him the glory due his name.

Because he is the Lord of all lords, we must be faithful servants, submissive and obedient to his Hallelujah for the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.

This year was a different experience for the participants of the Messiah. We have performed the Messiah in our church for several years; but this year we also performed at the Catholic Church. This being a larger church facility, during the Hallelujah Chorus members of the audience were asked to come forward and join in singing. This was a God moment where God gave me a glimpse of how the angels in heaven will sound.

There is only one King of kings, only one person who everyone will worship - Jesus Christ. Are you taking time to worship the Lord? Today in prayer, focus on Christ; worship Him and Praise Him for being King of kings.

Which God will bring about in his own time - God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, which no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen I Timothy 6:15-16

Debby Galloway

February 17Longing of my soul

As a hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. Psalms 42:1

This humble psalmist feels no need to address God with any adjective to describe Gods attributes or character; just a pure and simple GOD will do. In his state of deep despair his thirst is for God to be present in his life, whatever, however God sees fit to respond. It appears that God has forgotten the psalmist and there is no place for him to find his God. The psalmist is searching for his soul to be uplifted.

Meditate on lifes condition when it just doesnt seem fair for you. Do you go to God in prayer and supplication for the living water that satisfies your thirsty soul?

Dick Mickley

Parish Associate

February 18My Support

They came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay

2 Samuel 22:19

Learning a foreign language has always been difficult for me. In high school I completed the required 2 years of Spanish, but it was only the patience and great latitude of accepting my creative translations by my teacher that allowed me to pass the written and oral examinations. No habloEspanol was all I remembered of my Spanish experience by the time I was a junior in college some years later.

As a college student with a Sociology/Criminal Justice major, I knew I was going to have to complete two semesters of a foreign language. But, I kept putting it off. The nice thing about college is that the student is permitted a lot of leeway in not so much what is studied, but when. So I delayed my foreign language requirement for several academic years. I was okay with that. However, the day of reckoning eventually came. I was still scared of Spanish so I thought I would try to learn Latin (what was I thinking?). I was reassured that the language is a written language only, not spoken, so half the battle was won; or so I thought. By the end of the first week of speaking Latin in class, I was overwhelmed so I dropped the class even before the first test.

Now my stress level was high. There was no getting around this foreign language requirement. I had to do it. Italian! Thats it. My wife Deborah and I had traveled to Italy a couple of times and we did okay with the language so I should be able to do all right studying the language. Wrong again. I know this sounds like a broken record, but after two weeks of Italian I was failing again. I dropped the class.

My college career was now at the point where I could not progress academically until my foreign language requirement was completed. The next semester that I scheduled classes contained only one class . . . Italian 101. I was fairly distressed.

The day of the first Italian class, I arrived to the classroom early and found myself alone in the room. It was in that brief moment of quiet and solitude before the storm that I felt the Holy Spirit gently nudge me. Say a prayer; I heard in my heart. So I did. I quietly closed the door to the room, got down on my knees, and asked God to help me, to calm and assure me that it was going to work this time. I also prayed for the other students and the professor, that they too would feel His presence in the room. The whole prayer was only a moment or two then I opened the door, sat at a desk, and waited for the rest of the class to arrive. But as I waited, I felt at peace. I found that I was calm and ready for the class to begin.

That was 20 years ago and I still remember the class with fondness. The professor was a good one and my classmates were enjoyable. I did okay. I ended up with a B grade, moved on the next semester to Italian 102 and passed it also. When I look back now at my first day in my second try at Italian 101 I remember two things; I remember the calming and supporting love of the Holy Spirit and I remember the light. In my minds eye that classroom appears to me as a peaceful place full of sunlight from the windows. Not a fearful place at all.

As a result of that experience, I routinely pray for support and help in stressful situations because I know the prayers work. I call them Nehemiah Moments now. In Chapter 2 of the Book of Nehemiah, I have learned that Nehemiah, a common Israelite man, was the cup-bearer to the Persian King, Artaxerxes. And the first time Nehemiah served the King, he was terrified. At one point that first time, King Artaxerxes asked Nehemiah a personal question. Before Nehemiah responded to the Kings question, he quickly prayed to God in the moment before he answered the King; an emergency prayer . . . a Nehemiah Moment. . . a prayer for support. The prayer was heard and answered, and Nehemiah was able to develop a relationship with King Artaxerxes that resulted in Nehemiah helping the Israelites rebuild Jerusalem.

I will face more calamities in the future. We all do. But, thanks to God and the Holy Spirit, I have been shown how to manage the trials gracefully and with confidence, knowing God is in charge and that he wants me to communicate with him through my quick prayers as well as with in-depth prayer.

He will answer my prayers.

He will provide support.

He will be my stay!

JeffGroat, Sr.

February 19Our Guide

"For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end." Psalm 48:14

Growing up in a Christian home I have experienced what it means to be guided by God in your life. The most incredible example for me was the way both Oluf and I were led to meet each otherin 1961. I had graduated from college in Minnesota and worked that summer in a camp in upstate New York run by the New York Mission Societyfor kids from the inner city. Oluf was a teacher in Denmark and through prayer and amazing coincidences got into a program which puthim in the same camp where I was. We have now been married almost 52 years! Those first years held many adventures. By 1980 Oluf was againteaching and we had three children when Oluf had a call to go into the ministry. WOW! It took me awhile to settle into that decision but we did find God's guidance through it all. At that time we lived in New York andit was difficult to sell houses but a buyer was led to us who worked in the bank where we had our mortgage! That enabled us to move our family to Iowa where Oluf got a complete scholarship to Dubuque TheologicalSeminary; also a job in a little country church which had a house for us plus nearby farmers who kept our freezer full of meat, vegetables from their gardens, and even milk from their milk tank!We are so grateful for His guidance.

Dear Lord, we thank you for your blessings and the way you guide us day to day in small and big decisions. Help us to always follow you. Amen

Betty Kongshaug

February 20OUR FATHER

Isaiah 64:8Yet , O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

I was 35 when my father died. By age 48, I was in a deep, dark place. I was born with a number behind my name; born into affluence of sorts; this was not supposed to be happening! Id spent my life trying to please my father; trying to make him proud of me. But this was in a time, and in a generation, when accolades were sparsely, if ever, awarded. Hugs were un-manly and I Love You was never uttered or heard.( at least in my world) My father was gone at a young age yet for another 13 years I continued to seek his favor as I continued to do things as I thought he would want. I had continued to allow my paternal relationship to mold and shape me. I guess I didnt really understand what was happening. Although I had a membership in my church, it was a loose association at best.

One night in 1991, I had reached the depths of my dark pit. In a time of deep, honest, contemplative prayer I just gave it all up. Here I am Lord, do with me as you Will. Jesus appeared to me as alive and real as if you had been standing before me. With a smile, He simply said: Frank, you are following the wrong Father. From darkness into the Light, in a flash. My entire life and priority structure was realigned in a heartbeat. I am no longer the potter; I am the clay.

Fortunately, with each succeeding generation we are less stoic in our emotions, and less paternalistic in our relationships. Who do your children and grandchildren know as father? Have you introduced them to the Father?

Prayer: Holy Father; make us, mold us. Create in us a servants heart. May we give over our earthly ambitions to the hands of the Potter. May we seek not favor, but give thanksgiving always for the abundance of Forgiveness and Grace given freely to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen

Anonymous

February 21Attend church and discover other names of God.

February 22Faithful and True

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. Rev. 19:11

Read: The Revelation to John 19:11-16

We have just witnessed the defeat of the great whore of Babylon [Rev. 18] and the heavens open with the rider on a white horse leads the armies of Heaven to strike down the nations. This rider is the Word of God who in the Gospel of John is Jesus Christ [John 1:14] who carries on his robe the name plate of the King of Kings and Lord of Lord. So we acknowledge Jesus Christ as the King of Kings.

In this time of Lent mediate on the state of your faithfulness to the Word of God? Do you love your neighbors, far and near, and serve them? Do you share your time, talent, and resources with those who are lonely or homeless?

Pray to the one who is Faithful and True to give you courage to follow him.

Dick MickleyParish Associate

February 23A Sure Foundation

Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: He who believes will not be in haste. Isa. 28:16

Over 30 yrs. ago Kevin and I began construction on our house. It was designed by and largely built by Kevins own hands. There was much preparation to make certain that the excavation for the footers (the foundation) was properly dug and then lined with the appropriate coarseness of gravel, and finally, that the concrete for the footers was the correct heavier mix designed to support the weight of a building. Shortly after we moved in, our house was blessed by this churchs own Cornerstones group which some of you may remember. Looking back, while all the physical preparations were necessary, it was that blessing of God brought by friends (our sure foundation) that has supported this family through good and bad times.

Lord God, You are my rock, my foundation. Help me always to seek and to cling to you. Amen

Diane Crosthwaite

February 24My Hiding Place

Psalm 32:7 You are a hiding place for me, you preserve me from trouble, you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

At our home in Ohio, we have floor to ceiling windows in our master bedroom which allow us to look out- in an easterly direction-over our pond, a grove of pines trees, and a wet lands area beyond.

Many mornings Ive awakened to magnificent sunrises-some with sunshine reflecting off clear blue water and deep green pine boughs with perhaps a deer standing at the edge of the pond taking his first drink of water. A few sunrises have revealed heavy grey clouds with shards of sunshine reflecting off the ice on the pond and snow on green boughs and a squirrel hunting for a nut. Sometimes Im in a rush or I am too busy to take notice but other times these scenes from my windows give me such closeness with my heavenly Father and I thank and praise Him. A feeling that for a few minutes this is our time together. That He is, My Hiding Place.

Most gracious Heavenly Father, may I keep looking to You through all my life. And if I want to brighten each day; the windows of heaven are open to me to refresh in Your Hiding Place. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

Cheryl Miller

February 25God who saves me

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of thy deliverance. Psalms 51:14

This psalm is King Davids prayer of confession after he had committed adultery.

He is desperately trying to find his way back into the favor of God. Maybe his bad

conscience had created a sense of separation from God. He wants to get back in

touch with the God of his youth, that helped him slay Goliath, the God of grace

who had assured him that nothing could separate him from the love and safety

of God.

It is a wonderful reality that once we link up with the salvation, we are safely in

the Kingdom with Him. Be assured that because of Jesus, we will always safely

rest in the arms of God.

OlufKongshaug

February 26God of all comfort

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 2 Cor. 1:3

All praise to God

Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. Being comforted can also mean strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles.

Almighty God,

Help us to understand that our trials are opportunities to grow closer to you. May the strength and encouragement that we draw from your love sustain us always and guide us to comfort other people who are suffering, as well.

KathiDonnett

February 27Almighty God

When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. Genesis 17:1

God appears to Abram, a second time, and revises the covenant [see Gen. 12:1-2]. Almighty is a Greek translation of El Shadday which related to names for mountain, thus could be translated God of the Mountain. For the equivalent, the Vulgate Bible translated in into the Latin omnipotens, all powerful. No wonder Abram fell on his face and listened to the one above whom there is no other.

Meditate on how you fit into the plan of the Almighty. Do fall on your face before the all powerful one and heed his call to go?

Pray to the Almighty who will be with into your future.

Dick MickleyParish Associate

February 28Attend church and discover other names of God.

February 29Lord of the harvest

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Matt: 9:38

Here in Florida the strawberries are ripe! The oranges and grapefruit have been ready for a long time. That which was so carefully planted and, nurtured for months would be of no use if not harvested, however. Were it not for the thousands of workers who labor in the fields, the harvest would be lost.

Matthew is speaking of a different crop; a different harvest, I think. He speaks of the 'harvest of souls' for the Lord. I have been privileged to work alongside the ministries of the Harvest House in our community. It is a place where determination meets opportunity by taking broken, neglected neighborhoods and rehabilitating them. They then house broken, homeless, and often addicted families. They give them counseling, and direct them to necessary social services. The residents pay meager rent, cook for themselves, attend child rearing classes. Their determination to dig out of their dark places, is met with opportunities and respect for their efforts. I have the honor to serve as 'Farmer Frank'. I have developed an EarthBox gardening program wherein we plant, nurture and grow all manner of vegetables. The growing and nurturing skills they learn are all new to these folks. In the process of learning new life skills they, themselves, are growing. This whole process is occurring on 'the other side of the tracks'. Deep in the heart of the neighborhood which gets all the press for drugs, shootings, etc.

On my first day I met Dwight. Dwight, who is in the program with his wife and children, is African-American, big as a truck, and in his 'do-rag' is a man who gets your attention-in a frightful way. When I once got him to crack a smile I glimpsed his four big gold teeth. After working with him on several occasions, he went back into his apartment. Soon he reemerged with a plate of his home-made

ceviche'--the best I ever ate. We shared treats from time to time thereafter until he 'graduated' the program. He had completed his education in the trades of tool and die making, had a job, and moved his family into their own home.

While it is a faith based program, I never 'preached' a sermon to these new friends, but I tried to live one every time I was with them. At our last meeting, Dwight said 'God Bless you, Farmer Frank'. Harvests are sometimes plentiful. Sometimes sparce. One never knows the fruits of the harvest until they get out in the 'field'.

LORD, open our eyes to the seeds you have so carefully planted around us. Of course, some of your seed landed on fertile ground and has grown healthy fruit ,easily harvested. Lord, open our eyes beyond the 'low hanging fruit', to the seed that landed on rocky, infertile soil. It, too, is seed you have sown. This crop takes special nurturing and attention if it is to bear full fruit. Lord, your crop is abundant so send me forth that I may be a worker in your fields, and experience the full measure of Your bountiful harvest.

Anonymous

March 1Prince of peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa.9:6

There have been only a few times in my life when I have been so emotionally caught up and bereft that I have struggled to be able to pray. In each of these events while I was personally unable to pray, I was assured by countless people that my family and I were being remembered in the prayers of others. As a result of those prayers of others, I experienced the most amazing thing, the peace which passes understanding descended on me. I felt the presence of the Lord and His assurance that He was, indeed, in charge and that everything would be fine. My heart was suddenly calm, I felt warmth and security. What an incredible gift of the Holy Spirit that peace is! A secondary important lesson from the Prince of Peace is that we help to facilitate the giving of that gift by our intercessory prayers. So, never feel that your prayers are little, they are a rich treasure and provide mighty peace for those in need.

Prince of Peace, provide Your comfort and security for those in need of You, and nudge me to be faithful in praying for others. Amen

Diane Crosthwaite

March 2Our help and our shield

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield. Psalms 33:20

In times of crisis we can place our hope in God. To be quiet in expectation, patient in hope, single in confidence, is one of the bright attainments of a Christian. He is our help in labour, our shield in danger. We must trust in him completely and not expect our merits to protect us. He is our rock and our redeemer.

Heavenly Father,

There are many things in this world that threaten us. We know that only by putting our complete faith and trust in you, will we get through these difficult times, whether real or imagined, personal or universal. Amen.

KathiDonnett

March 3God who avenges me

the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me; Psalms 18:47

As I read through the list of the names of God the idea of an avenging God did not appeal to me. It sounded so Old Testament. Besides I can take care of myself. However as I think about it that is the whole point. I should not be concerned about taking care of myself. I do not need to worry about sticking up for myself nor ever nursing any grudge against anyone. I do not even need to be sensitive to any perception of slights real or imagined. God will handle all of that for me. With Him as my avenger, I have the freedom to let go of any issues. I do not have to be concerned about defending myself. I do not have to sort out whether any offense that I have taken is intended or inadvertent. I never need be burdened carrying a grudge. I never have to sort out what retort is appropriate or how to exact revenge. God in His wisdom can see into the mind and intent of any of my potential offenders and then mete out justice in His own time and manner. How this frees me from worries about keeping an accurate scorecard of debits and credits against or for me.

Dear God, let me turn over to you, my concerns about slights or grievances that I may have felt or perceived. Thank you for granting me the freedom from offense at the normal friction of life. Amen

Kevin Crosthwaite

March 4Our Life

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col. 3:4

I have a dear friend, now 91 years old, who has been given bad news. Well, bad news from our human perspective. Several years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. All protocols were followed and the cancer was arrested. Just this week his lack of energy and usual enthusiasm was cause for another look at his prognosis. Sadly, the cancer has broken out . Although the Scan is not fully analyzed, he has been given enough signals from his doctors to realize 'it is everywhere'. His time with us is short. He says he is 'ready'; I say 'good, but don't be in a hurry'.

One day, each of us will probably face a similar circumstance. In the anxiety of the moment, we will no doubt fear the prospect of death. Yet, for us believers, Death is not in our future, Life is. You see, Death is defined as the absence of a relationship with God. Death = No God. How does one see the 'Shadow of Death' in the valley? There is only one way that we can see our own shadow, only one way to see our death: one must turn his/her back to the Light; turn away from the Sun(Son). In doing so, we see our shadow. A shadow of death.

Oh, our bodies are victims of 'planned obsolescence' for sure. It used to be thought that Henry Ford and his assembly line was responsible for the concept since cars would wear out every few years and need to be replaced. No, this concept has been part of the divine plan since the days of Adam, in my opinion. Can you imagine the condition of this planet if Christ never took us unto Himself, so as to make room for a new creation?

What joy we must take in the fact that when Christ appears and calls us, our life will be in Him and with Him. We will embark on a journey of eternal joy.

Heavenly Father, may we always, in all circumstances, 'face the Light; face your Son'. May we number our days, embracing each sunrise and sunset, in the sure and certain knowledge that You are our life and with You we will appear in glory. Amen

Anonymous

March 5The Good Shepherd

Iam the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Some of you know that my maiden name is Shepherd. So the good shepherd reference for Jesus has always been very dear to me, especially since I had my own earthly Shepherd (my dad) to observe. My dad was a farmer and some of my fondest memories of him involve him caring for livestock and working in fields and in the garden. Because he was a farmer he was frequently around the house in the wintertime when my sister and I were most apt to be sick. He, then, cared for us so that our mom was free to go to work.

As an adult, I grew to appreciate my dad even more when he frequently came to stay with me and my little flock (both two legged and four legged) when Kevin was away for National Guard or business trips. My dad could do it all, wherever his help was needed - doing chores in the barn, helping with children in the house, mowing the lawn, repairing things, even cooking and cleaning. He always took such tender care of us. So from his loving example, I can tell you that I have glimpsed The Good Shepherd, and I know there is nothing He isnt able to do for us if we but ask.

Good Shepherd, you know our needs before we know them ourselves and before we call on You for help, You are already caring for us. Thank You for caring for us, for being there for us always. Amen

Diane Shepherd Crosthwaite

March 6Attend church and discover other names of God.

Mar. 7My Friend

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

God is our Best Friend, as well as our King. Walk hand in hand with Him through your life. Together you will face whatever each day brings: pleasures, hardships, adventures, disappointments. Nothing is wasted when it is shared with God. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams. He can bring Joy out of sorrow and Peace out of adversity. Only a Friend who is also the King of kings can accomplish this. There is no other like Him.

The friendship that God offers you is practical and down-to-earth, yet it is saturated with heavenly glory. Living in God's presence means living in two realms simultaneously: the visible world and unseen, eternal reality. God has equipped us to stay conscious of Him while walking along dusty, earthbound paths. Praise God for being our Best Friend.

Thank you Heavenly Father for watching over us at all times, protecting and guiding us in the direction you want us to go. No one could ask for a Better Friend than you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Debby Galloway

Mar. 8Your Healer

For I am the Lord, your healer.Exo. 15:26b

Its a rare person that doesnt require healing at some time in his life, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. Fifteen years ago I found myself hospitalized with a case of encephalitis. The headache was so bad that when the nurse gave me Demerol through my IV, I could feel myself get goofy, but my head still hurt. I just didnt care as much! The daytime had enough activity at the hospital that I could find ways to distract myself, but the wee hours of the night were another story. Then I found myself without fail turning to my Lord, not so much asking for healing as just to give me the strength to endure the night or to be able to fall asleep. I was ledto recite every Bible verse I had ever memorized, and Im sad to say they were far too few. I then sang all the hymns I could remember, many more of those. The Great Physician knows there are multiple forms of healing. While my encephalitis remained for about two weeks, my suffering was healed in that I knew God was with me every minute getting me through each and that with His help I could handle whatever was before me.

Great Physician, provide healing as you know the need for each of us with whatever afflictions beset us. In Jesus name. Amen

Diane Crosthwaite

Mar. 9God of all Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3

I was ten years old and enrolled in the new membership class of our local church. I was bored, like everyone else, and we were just trying to get through the four weeks of instruction.

Then Sunday came for us to take our vows at the altar. I was a little jittery being in front of the congregation, but during the closing prayer, I experienced a complete, and total, filling of comfort - and peace that I knew was Gods Holy presence a filling in my soul that was other-worldly. At that moment, I thought my heart was going to burst, it was so full of Gods mercy and love. I remember feeling stunned..

From that moment until this, I have known and carried - that comfort and peace deeply, deeply within my soul. No matter the circumstance, I know that I am not alone.

Does that mean I have had some kind of charmed life? No temptations? Made no stupid mistakes? Made no unwise decisions? Hardly. But what it does mean, is that through good and bad, through thick and thin, and through feast or famine, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I am Gods child, and that He is with me.

And it is so.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for reaching down and touching that small childs heart and mind. Thank you for claiming me as one of Your own. Though woefully falling short of your perfect love, You have never forsaken me. I am humbled, and I am in awe. Thank you for reaching down and calling me your own. My heart is full. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Connie Wells

Mar. 10Righteous Judge

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is ordained Judge of the quick and the dead, for which He is abundantly qualified; and a righteous one, He will be. He is righteous as God, and as man, and as mediator in the discharge of all His offices. In the administration of righteous Judge, His perfect love will protect heaven, earth, the church, and us.

Many times during my twenty-nine year career at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, I have had the opportunity to interview an inmate shortly after her arrival. On several occasions, the inmate has said to me, Please do not judge me by my crime. I am always quick to respond that I do not, for that was the job of her Judge, the jury, and God. Most of the time, her response to me is a simple nod of her head in understanding. As children of God, we must be careful not to make unqualified judgment; but we must judge appropriately when commanded to do so. Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. John 7:24

When I reflect on God as a Righteous Judge, I believe He will do whatever it takes to get us on the same page with Him. If it means turning our lives upside down, turning us inside out, He will do it because Gods loves us. Even when we sin, He still has us in the palm of His hand and we are still the apple of His eye. He is a God who knows how to produce sons and daughters, and sometimes the worst punishments produce the best results. If God thinks the punished person will cooperate and learn the lesson, God is willing to take it that far. It is His unconditional love through His righteous judgment that brings us back to His fold.

Lord, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Help us to love our neighbors more than we love ourselves. Help us to be your echoes of mercy and whispers of love. Let us be instruments of Yourjustice and stewards of Your Word. In Your name we pray, Amen

Valory Nicol Floyd

Mar. 11My Stronghold

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Stronghold is defined by Merriam-Webster as: a protected place where the members of a military group stay and can defend themselves against attacks; a fortified place.

Over my life Ive learned that my stronghold for defense from earthly and spiritual problems is God. He is my light in the darkness; my hope when it seems hopeless; my protection when being attacked; my refuge from trouble; my armor/shield to resist evil. He is always with me so that Im never alone. Therefore I have nothing to fear since He is my defender. All I have to do is trust in Him. My job each day is to communicate with God, thereby putting on the full armor of God to be ready for whatever lies ahead. He will be my stronghold and protector.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being my Stronghold here on earth and for shielding me with Your armor. Help me to remember You are always there for me. Amen

The Lord is good. A stronghold in the day of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resistand to stand firm. Eph. 6:13

Nancy Bowman

Mar. 12Holy One in Your Midst

I will not execute my fierce anger;I will not again destroy Ephraim;for I am God and no mortal,the Holy One in your midst,and I will not come in wrath. (Hosea 11:9)

In order to really know God and how he operates, we need to understand his eternal attributes as described in the Bible. Hosea 11:9 shows us three of Gods attributes. The first of these attributes of God is compassion. Hosea chapter 11 imagines God as a father and Israel as his son. Israel has turned its back on God and gone over to worshipping false gods (idolatry). God is going to punish Israel for breaking their covenant with him through the conquest and exile of Israel by the Assyrians (in 722 B.C.E.). However, God will not destroy Israel completely. God will show compassion to the future generations of Israel (Ephraim). Our compassionate God ultimately desires to win his people back to himself. The second of these attributes is called impassibility. Knowing God as impassible means that he is not moved to act because of feelings or emotions as humans are. God in himself is active and not acted upon by other agents. God is no mortal who acts by whim. God always knows the correct action to take in every situation and he always does so. The third and final attribute of God in this verse is holiness. To be holy is to be set apart from typical human things. Holiness is the quality of God that makes him different from us. This is especially true concerning his highly elevated thinking and moral behavior. God comes to his people not in wrath, even though they may truly deserve it, but in peace and love.

God is the Holy One in my midst because I understand that he visits me with his love and compassion. Gods actions in and upon my life are always the right ones because God can act in no other way.

Loving God, what a great comfort it is when we better understand your ways. Allow this season of Lent to be one in which we can come to know you better through the written word you have given us. Amen.

Scott Schnapp

Mar. 13Attend church and discover other names of God.

Mar. 14My Help

I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121

I have a daughter with autism. Frequently, I've had friends share online a saying, God found the strongest women, and made them autism moms. I cry out emphatically, NO! God took me, a flawed human woman, with less than ordinary energy and strength from chronic illness, and has shown me what extraordinary really looks like (and it's NOT me).

This psalm is often the choice for those setting out on a journey, with hills or mountains ahead, representing travel dangers. I see my life with my daughter as a journey of sorts. Maybe the dangers are less physical threats, but still real and present. God's help is comfort and reassurance, strength and patience, trust and joy.

I'll start with joy. Any parent can remember the joy of watching their child's first experience of a milestone: first word, first step, et cetera. I get to see many MORE milestones! When each word, each development of new ability comes with great struggle, every one IS a milestone to be rejoiced! My daughter had only 100 words at her 4th birthday. Now, at 6yo, she's asking and answering questions, discussing her day with me, and beginning to understand time, with now and later meaning something to her. I believe that God rejoices even more in each milestone!

I also need God's help trusting His plan. It's painful at times when I see my daughter's struggle to do things that are easy for peers. She WANTS to do things like others, but may not yet have the capability, and I don't know if and when those capabilities will develop. God knows, and so I trust Him. He will keep [her] life.

Strength and patience are ways that God helps us daily. When my daughter has a meltdown (like a tantrum, but longer, and not attention-seeking), I often need both God's strength to carry my daughter to a safe place for her to recover, with my body providing her deep pressure to calm. I also need His patience as she, like many people with autism, does not sleep well. Without God giving me MUCH more patience than I naturally have, it's hard to say just how poorly I'd handle yet ANOTHER night of broken sleep! He keeps us, and He will neither slumber nor sleep.

God's help in reassuring me that both my daughter with autism, as well as my older and younger children will be okay, is invaluable to me. I fail and cry, lose my temper and yell, but God is helping me to come back, reassuring me that I can apologize and start again, reassuring me that He is with them AND me. He will keep [our] going out and [our] coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

God's help is also to comfort me. I worry, and worry, and worry some more, but God reminds me to give that worry to Him, that He's got this. He made heaven and earth; how easily He can take care of a small child and her family!

Dear God, my Help,YOU alone know our hearts, YOU know what all of our needs are before we even think of them. Thank you for being there, guiding our journeys, and assisting our steps. What a privilege to carry everything to You in prayer!!! Amen

Candy Brown

Mar. 15Alpha (A) and Omega ()

He said to me: It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Revelation 21:6

I am a runner. a person that runs. If you have ever attempted to run before and are not really a runner you know that you have to find some motivation to get started and at the end you will feel a great sense of accomplishment because you were able to finish. I have often thought that those moments of motivation and the feeling of a sense of accomplishment are God moments. At the beginning God gives me the strength and motivation to get started and at the end all praise and glory is given to him for granting me the ability to finish. As I have become more accustom to running I have also found God throughout my entire run. Every struggle to go farther or faster becomes more easy as I stride knowing God is with me in my run.

Gods presence in and throughout my run can and is true for all aspects and struggles of our lives. What are you struggling with in your life? Where could you use more courage, strength, or patience? God will be present at the Beginning and the End and throughout. Have you sent God the invitation?

Dear God, You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Thank you for being ever present in my life. Please help me to remember to invite you to aid in my struggles. You always respond. Amen

Natalie Crosthwaite

Mar. 16My Witness

If I should die, I beg the earth not to cover my cry for justice. Even now, God in heaven is both my witness and my protector. My friends have rejected me, but God is the one I beg to show that I am right, just as a friend should.Job 16:18-21

Job is always a difficult book to read through. In it we see a man who is upright and good who must endure incredible hardships. Not only are these hardships painful both physically and mentally, Job's friends add insult to injury with their never ending wisdom and accusations. They claim to know all that is right about God and that Job must be guilty of some hidden sin.

The one thing that we do not see in this book, however, is God accusing Job of anything. Job recognizes this and knows that God is the only witness who knows that Job's suffering is not due to a prior fault. Job even calls God friend. God is his witness and his friend.

When we are feeling low, and it seems like the world is against us, God knows us. God knows in the innermost wants and desires of our hearts. God is our witness. And God will stand by us without issuing accusations. God will stand with us, embracing us regardless of our imperfections. God will never abandon or forsake us.

Lord, I am thankful for your every watching eyes who see me and my intentions for what they truly are. Please help my actions to be seen as an expression of you love which I meditate on day and night. Amen

Heather Hicks

Mar. 17Friend

a friend of sinners. Matt. 11:19

I dearly loved and respected my grandparents. They worked hard as gardeners and as a youth I worked alongside them. On rare occasions when the family was together Nana would put down her hard work and play the piano. She had a regular repertoire which included several oldies like The Moon Has Its Eyes on You. She always ended those sessions with What a Friend We Have in Jesus. I do not remember Papa ever singing, but always sitting and smiling from ear to ear. Possibly the old German was just glad to see return on his expense for the piano, but I took it for deep appreciation of the warm multigenerational closeness the moment created.

When my Grandfather passed, at the funeral the pianist was playing a selection of hymns as family filed by for their last respects. After my last viewing, I went up to her and asked her to play What a Friend We Have in Jesus. As the timing turned out, the pianist started playing What a Friend We Have in Jesusjust as Nana, my mother, and aunt went to the casket. My mother later remarked on how perfect it was to hear that hymn as they paid their last respects. Being young and full of myself, I immediately explained how I had requested the pianist play that tune at just the right time. Years later and many times since my mother has remembered that hymn was playing as she said goodbye to her father. She has forgotten my role in requesting the hymn and I finally realized that my role was insignificant. I was simply a tool of Gods Grace to declare his love and friendship for Nana and my mother. It was a God moment, and I was blessed to be a part of it. How many more miracles might we witness if we are not concerned with who gets the credit.

Dear God, help us to be a true friend to you and our neighbors. Lead us to properly give all credit, glory and honor unto You. Amen

Kevin Crosthwaite

Mar. 18Defender of Widows

Our God, You are the one who rides on the clouds, and we praise you. Your name is the Lord, and we celebrate as we worship you.

Our God, from your sacred home you take care of orphans and protect widows. You find families for those who are lonely. You set prisoners free and let them prosper, but all who rebel will live in a scorching desert.Psalm 68:4-6

Our God is amazing and looks after those who are most in need attention. Orphans and widows struggled back when all of the Bible was written. They were unable to work or care for themselves. They were only able to live because others took compassion on them and gave them what they needed. There was no one who better understood their needs than God, who saw fit to make a point of establishing a system that would ensure that these outcasts were given what they needed in order to survive.

Today, this is a hard thing for us to do. We do not often find people who are willing to help the outcasts. They are considered lazy, abnormal, run-aways, etc. Sometimes we are those people. We feel like the outcast because we are sick, depressed, lonely, etc. We must be willing to endure and see with our own eyes that which God is telling us. First, we are not alone. There are many who see us with God's eyes and have compassion for us. Second, through our suffering we often see and uphold others who are suffering. When others show compassion for us, we must also express the needs of others who are also suffering. God has given us this amazing gift and is calling us to uphold the outcast and abandoned also.

Lord, open my eyes to see the needs of those who suffer. Open my ears to hear the cries of the lonely, lost, and depressed. Open my heart that I might be moved to acts of service, helping those most in need of your love. Open my mouth that I might proclaim at that you have done for me so that others will find hope in your everlasting arms. Amen

Heather Hicks

Mar. 19Good Teacher

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Mark 10:17

We dont have to be associated with education to have an idea about what a good teacher is. Im sure we would agree that a good teacher is someone who is a good role model, who cares about his students, who can make learning happen in fun way. As a teacher, I can tell you quite frankly that some days those things are much easier than others! Some days there just doesnt seem to be enough patience and creativity in the world to come up with one more example or analogy to drive home a concept. Some days it is just really hard to love that troublemaker who keeps disrupting class. Yet, Jesus, as our role model, did all of this perfectly. He taught his students using parables, analogies and stories to which they were able to relate in their everyday lives. Did he ever run out of patience? If he did, he never let it show no matter how dense they were regarding what he was teaching. He certainly never struggled to love his students, he just loved them unquestioningly even when he knew they were going to betray and deny him.

Good Teacher, teach us to be more like You in our daily walk. Fill us with patience and love that we might follow in Your footsteps and bring others to love You. Amen

Diane Crosthwaite

Mar. 20Palm Sunday Alleluia

Attend church and discover other names of God.

Mar. 21My Redeemer

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14

I grew up with the idea of redeeming coupons for groceries or admissions. It was cents off the price of something and just prudent to do, and yes, I still shop, go out to eat, etc. using coupons. Also when growing up I had learned how Christ had redeemed me. Same word, but I gave it not a second thought then. It wasnt until I was an adult in a Sunday School or Kerygma class where I learned that the true Biblical meaning of the word redeem was to buy back or ransom, usually from slavery. Further discussion in these classes led to the concept that sin was a form of slavery and that the wages of sin is death. What a paltry connotation we have given to the word redeem when compared to its meaning in the Biblical sense, and what a priceless gift I have been given by Jesus as He redeemed me from the slavery and certain death of sin!

Precious Redeemer, I am so unworthy of your gift of redemption, yet you gave it freely, and I accept it gladly with gratitude. Help me to live so that my gratitude and joy is expressed daily to all I meet that the honor and glory is Yours. Amen

Diane Crosthwaite

Mar. 22My Shepherd

but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:2-4

The Bible verses that I remember memorizing in Sunday school are those of Psalm 23. I remember being somewhat puzzled by the wording as a child, but I still loved the verses. As an adult, with more Bible study and more trials of life, I have come to find much comfort with the idea of the Lord being my shepherd. He is always watching over me and is there to protect me. John 10: 2 4 tells how Jesus also likened himself to a shepherd and his followers his sheep. The sheep recognize and follow the shepherds voice.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being my shepherd all these many years. Help me to continue to hear your voice and follow you. Thank you for all your love and comfort. Amen

Donna Maley

. He taught his students using parables, analogies and stories to which they were able to relate in their everyday lives.. He taught his students using parables, analogies and stories to which they were able to relate in their everyday lives.

Mar. 23My Hope

For thou, O Lord, art my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Psalms 71:5

Hope a cherished, anticipated desire. Hope is an outcome for which we long. It is not a word to be used lightly. I know that I frequently say that I hope and pray for something, but I maintain that I dont mean that lightly when I say it. If it is something for which I am praying, then it is only natural that I am hoping that God is responding to my prayers. While I trust that the Holy Spirit is interpreting my groaning prayers, I have also learned to pray the prayer that never fails Thy will be done. With that said; You, O Lord, are my hope, and I trust you to work out the perfect solution whether it is what I want or not.

Loving Father, You know my hopes and my prayers even before I bring them to You. My hope is that You already have the perfect solution and everything will be as You will it to be. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Diane Crosthwaite

Mar. 24Bread from HeavenMaunday Thursday

Jesus then said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. John 6:32

Jesus was obedient unto death to establish the new covenant, to become our true bread from heaven two millennia ago. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Everything we are, everything we have is a gift from God. Let us not grumble that we dont have everything we think we should have, but let us always be grateful for what we do have. Let us live our lives in obedience and gratitude for that priceless gift we have been given. Let our lives, well lived, be a gift back to God.

Dearest Savior, what you did for me I cannot repay. All I can do is live a humble, grateful life giving You all the praise and honor for all that You have done for me. Amen

Diane Crosthwaite

Mar. 25LoveGood Friday

He who does not love, does not know God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8

An event occurred in January that was only mentioned briefly in the media, but it caught my attention completely. Maybe youll recognize the story, but I suspect you wont have remembered the womans name. I didnt, and yet what she did was an incredible act of selfless love.

At the end of the school day in Indianapolis, students were being dismissed at an elementary school. Mrs. Susan Jordan, the principal, was outside on bus duty with lines of students as they prepared to head home. She saw a bus had gone into drive and was rolling toward a line of students. She jumped in front of the line of students, pushing them out of the way of the bus. Two students were slightly injured. Mrs. Jordan was killed.

Perhaps she acted on impulse without time to think about the consequences to herself, but I believe that she loved her students so completely that she was willing to risk and give her life to save them. Thats what a God of love did for us, and that is what He would have us do for others.

By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16

Were not all called to make the kind of life sacrifice that Susan Jordan did, but we are daily called to make little sacrifices of our time and talents. Do we put aside what we would like to do to send a card or call a friend, to work as a volunteer, to care for family members and others in some way? When the Holy Spirit nudges us to make those kinds of sacrifices, we show our love of God and His love to the world by selflessly acting.

Loving God, You love us so much that You sacrificed Your Son that we might live with You eternally. Help us to be instruments of that perfect love to those we encounter each and every day. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Diane Crosthwaite

Mar. 26Lord of Lords

and this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 1 Tim. 6:15

I love that phrase in the Messiah Hallelujah Chorus. However I have always objected to it in general use. It always seemed to imply to me, that God is above other gods, but I do not acknowledge that other gods even exist. I do not accept that God is the overseer of places like Mount Olympus or Asgard. I refuse to believe those gods or places exist- sorry all you people who like the Thor movies. I personally also do not accept any deity status for Budda, Allah, or the tooth fairy. To the extent that I connote the name Lord of lords to imply the existence of other gods, I cannot use that title for my God.

But there is another older connation. Lord used to be a common term for great men. Nobility were called lords. People who were landowners or had some absolute authority over other people were called lords. Half of the English parliament is the House of Lords. That sense of the word lord is generally out of usage today. Even people that I greatly respect and admire, I would not call by the term lord. Certainly none of our current leaders nor politicians would ever hear that term from me.

In the older timeless sense of the term however I can readily accept that Lord is truly Lord of all men great, powerful and wise. We need to remember that as we struggle through our daily lives. The circumstances and people who seem to overwhelm us are still subject to our Lord. With that meaning of Lord of lords The Hallelujah Chorus truly sings for me.

Dear God, help us to always grant you the place of honor well above all the great men of our time and every time. Help us to remember that you are Lord and grant You the appropriate place in our lives over the press of urgent and secular matters. Lead us to properly give all credit, glory and honor unto You. Amen

Kevin Crosthwaite

Mar. 27EASTER

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!!

Mediator

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 2:5

Mediator calls to mind disputes that cannot be resolved by the two parties involved, and on our own, that is exactly where we are with God. There is absolutely nothing in our power that we can do by ourselves to reconcile ourselves with God. We are just too impure. However, our loving and compassionate God knows that, and He has not set us up to fail. He has provided us with a perfect mediator to plead our case before Him. If we have that kind of mediator before God, maybe we would be wise to prayerfully ask that same mediator to intercede in all our human dealings as well!

Wise and gentle Mediator, I trust You to plead my case, to provide reconciliation between me and my God and between me and any that I may have wronged. Amen.

Diane Crosthwaite

Afterword

and he has a name inscribed which no one knows but himself. Rev. 19:12b

Here on earth, we can only know God through our relationships with Him, and so we have many names for Him based on those relationships. However, we are limited by human language because we have no words that adequately describe our God.