Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Mark 15:15-23

Humans have always struggled with the need to make other people happy. In doing so, we sometimes make decisions that, although popular, may not be right.
Pontius Pilate was guilty of this very act. Pilate had neither courage nor conviction, so he gave in to a crowd that would rather release Barabbas, a murderer, than the Son of God. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior suffered excruciating torture and humiliation because Pilate wanted to please the crowd instead of doing what was right.
When I read this scripture, I wonder how many times in my life, I have caused someone else pain or humiliation because I didn't have the courage to speak up, do what was right or I was just trying to please the majority.
Dear God,
I pray that I will always have the courage to do what is right and not what is popular. Help me to always see that majority should not always rule. I pray that I will have the strength not to compromise my character just to be a crowd pleaser. In your name I pray. Amen
Penny Clower

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

John 18:28-38
After Jesus had been betrayed, the religious leaders led Jesus to the palace of Pilate. They wanted Jesus convicted of charges of blasphemy. In order to get a death sentence for Him, they took Him to the local Roman governor- Pontius Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor from around A.D. 26 to 36 and was unpopular with the Jewish people.
When Jesus was brought to Pilate, the nature of the chief priests’ hearts quickly came apparent. Their hearts had been hardened to Christ’s message. The Jewish leaders did not want to enter the palace. They feared if they entered the house of a Gentile, they would become defiled and not be able to eat the Passover feast or worship at the temple. Therefore, Pilate went out to them and wanted to know what charges they had against Jesus.
Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world-His kingdom was from another place. Jesus explained that He was born into this world to be a king. His authority as king wasn’t of physical force but of spiritual truth. Jesus said, “You are right in saying I am king. In fact, for this very reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate did not want to judge the case and initially refused to sentence Jesus. Pilate heard enough to know that Jesus was not a threat. Pilate wanted to avoid making the Jewish leaders angry, and yet he didn’t want to give in to crucifying an innocent man.
For him to condemn Jesus was for him to condemn the truth. Pilate wanted the leaders to take responsibility and give Him a lesser sentence or let Him go. The Jews objected to Pilate’s decision and were determined to have Jesus killed.
In today’s reading, John reminds us that everything he described took place in accordance with the divine plan. The prophecy that Jesus would be lifted up was fulfilled. Jesus never deserved any cruel treatment. Jesus’ goal was to bring heaven’s glory to us. He lived to honor His Father in heaven and fulfill His will on earth. His death was a sacrifice that gives us hope for eternal life.
Prayer:

Dear God,
Please speak to us through your scriptures.
Thank you that your word is true. We put our trust in you.
In Jesus’ name~ Amen.

Amy Baker

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Luke 23: 13-19

If you were told to jump off a bridge, and everyone around you jumped, would you jump too? Many of us are people pleasers, and are afraid to stand out and to stray from the crowd or popular belief. Many times we are so eager to “jump on the bandwagon” that we often forget to stop and think about whether or not what we are doing is right. In this story about Pilate, Jesus, and Barabbas, Pilate is declaring to the crowd that he has found Jesus to be innocent and will have him flogged and then released. Immediately the crowd began uproar and chanted to kill him and to set Barabbas free. Later on in the passage, Pilate is persuaded and turns to favor the crowd by agreeing to free Barabbas and crucify Jesus. Pilate did not stand up for what he believed and knew was right and was easily convinced by the crowd. As Christians we are called to be bold in our everyday lives and stand up for what is right and for our faith that we believe in. Jesus was radical and stood out in his every motion to expose all to the Truth of the Lord. The Lent season, take an extra second to think about the decisions you are making in your life, are you being bold about your faith or are you just following the crowd?
-Becca Ash

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Mark 15:1-15

In our scripture for today we find Pilate questioning Jesus to determine whether the charges against him were true. Pilate realizes Jesus is innocent, but as is stated in verse 15, “Wanting to satisfy the crowd,” he releases Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate goes against what he knows is right because he did not want to upset the crowd.
How often in our daily lives are we Pilate? How frequently do we go along with something we know we shouldn’t just to please the crowd? We are the face of Christianity today. Everything we do and say is a direct reflection of Christ.
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.” (DC Talk)
Let’s examine our actions and attitudes every day to be sure that our words and deeds are supporting Christ not crucifying Him.
David Boatright

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Mark 15:1-5
I have heard this scripture many times before, but I think this is the first time I have read it and realized that Pilate totally caved under peer pressure. Pilate knows what the right thing to do is and is almost begging Jesus to stand up to the priests so that Pilate himself won't have to do it. When that doesn't work, Pilate turns to the crowd thinking that they will want their "king of jews" released. He again prompts them to reconsider by asking them what crime he has committed.

In the end, it is Pilate's wanting to go along and satisfy the crowd that leads to Jesus' death. Even though he knew the decision was wrong, he was unwilling to stand up for what he believed. How many times are we Pilate? How many times do we go along with friends, co-workers and crowds because it is easier than standing out and being one voice in the madness. How many times do we, like Pilate, sacrifice what is right for what is easy or comfortable.
Kali Boatright

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Hebrews 5:7-9

While author of Hebrews remains unknown, the writings in Hebrews allow us to understand something about him, namely his devotion to God through Jesus. This particular passage also tells of another type of devotion: Jesus’ undying devotion to his Father. This devotion was so great, Jesus allowed himself to be wrongly accused, tortured, and crucified because his Father had commanded it for the salvation of the world. This degree of willful obedience and unquestioning loyalty is something we should strive to match every day, no matter how dismally we may fail sometimes.
While we as humans cannot even hope to attain this type of devotion, we can, through reading the Bible, prayer, and fellowship, devote our lives to someone much greater than ourselves, who gave his life and bore the pain of thousands of years of human sin so that we may enter the gates of heaven. We can show our loyalty to God through our loyalty to each other, our love for God through our treatment of each other, and our obedience to God through our obedience to His Word.
Elizabeth Mathis

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Psalm 110:1-4

Many people have a vague belief in God but refuse to accept Jesus as anything more than a great human teacher. But the Bible does not allow that option. Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim the deity of the one who came to save and to reign. Jesus explained that this Psalm spoke of the Messiah as greater the David, Israel's greatest king. Peter used this Psalm to show that Jesus, the Messiah, sits at God's right hand and is Lord over all. You can't straddle the fence, calling Jesus "just a good teacher," because the Bible clearly calls him Lord.
As a priest like Melchizedek, Christ will never abuse his divine position, and his reign will be forever. Jesus is more fully described as our High Priest in Hebrews 5.
Faith is knowing without seeing,
believing without fully understanding,
trusting without touching
the One who is ever faithful.
JoAnn Damewood

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Exodus 3:1-14
God met Moses in the burning bush. He gave Moses the work of leading His chosen people out of bondage. When Moses asked who shall I say sent me, God answered, "tell them 'I Am Who I Am'. I Am has sent you". God, self contained, needing nothing to exist, proclaimed to Moses the He is the only true God. Now look in John. John stated that the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was, in the beginning, with Him. Further, John states, "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." Jesus, our Savior, our redeemer, is clearly revealed as the very God, the I am.
Caiaphas, the high priest, when Jesus made his way to Jerusalem held power within the nation. Earthly power. He reasoned that Jesus was a threat to his power, and the power of the establishment of his day. He didn't realize that he was merely an instrument of God's to accomplish His will.
Jesus, on the night before his death, met and was questioned by Caiaphas. Caiaphas asked Jesus if he was the son of God. Jesus answered, "Yes, I am".
Blind to the truth. Blind to our Savior. Blind to their own peril. Caiaphas and the rulers condemned our Savoir.
But, the plan of God was not stopped. Indeed. It was completed! Our Savoir died on the cross. Bled for us. Suffered unimaginable pain. The pain of our sins born in his body. The perfect sacrifice. His love held him there. His love for us.
Now, today, do we play the same role as Caiaphas? Are we the righteous? Do we, through our own "rules" condemn our Savoir? Do we condemn those who don't measure up to our standards of righteousness? Of being a Christian?
But the end is beautiful. Jesus, our lord. Rose from the grave. He breathed again. He lives! Today and forever. He stands before God this very moment interceding for us. We are forgiven. We are free from the curse of death through his blood. We are redeemed by his love. We are forgiven of our sins. We, through no works, actions, gifts, or anything that we have done, are his. Praise Jesus! Our Savoir, our redeemer, our brother, our one true love.
David and Maryann Thompson

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Mark 14:53, 55, 61-68, 70-72

Peter—not only one of the twelve, but one of the two or three along with John and James with whom Jesus was especially close. Peter—not only one of the twelve, but the one whom Jesus called the rock. Peter—not only one of the twelve but the one upon whom Jesus built his church. Peter, surely Peter, could be counted on to support and proclaim Jesus as Lord. Yet, just as Jesus foretold, Peter denied the Master, not once, but two distinct times.
As we journey through this Lenten season, church members all, do we, like Peter, deny the Master? Do we forget to bring cans for the Good Samaritan Center? Do we hurry through our devotions, leaving prayers for our neighbors for another day? Do we rush past the visitor in our Worship Service, too intent on cups of coffee to offer a welcoming word? Do we, like Peter, refuse to acknowledge by thought, word, or deed that we know this man?
Heavenly Father, forgive us. We fall so far short of even our own expectations. Forgive us. We fail to love others as we love ourselves. Forgive us. We will try again. Direct our hearts and hands. Lead us. Amen.
Susan Dodson

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Hebrews 5:7-9
I see two large parking lots crowded each Monday evening as I return home from the church. There are many people at L A Fitness and Gold’s following the weekend. Daily, as I travel back and forth on Chapel Hill road I have observed that the Monday crowd at the fitness centers is the largest of the week. Why?
My guess is because of the weekend. People are off work and off exercise. We may let go and loose discipline. For example, a Martin’s sausage biscuit and may be gravy, a visit to Taco Mac and a few wings for the game or a little treat at Starbucks may get us off course. We take a break from daily discipline.
Lent is a time to return to the Lord’s fitness center. Today’s scripture says that “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears.” His prayers came from the experiences of his life: dealing with followers who fussed about being the greatest among themselves, religious persons focusing on what they looked like on the outside rather than what was in their heart. This is fitness work.
Our inspired scripture writer tells us that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered” or we might say what he experienced. Our example is that no matter the situation Jesus’ focus was not on the “problem” but God. There was No moaning and groaning or whining or blaming for Jesus but just a prayer for guidance his heavenly Father. Scripture says “he was heard because of his reverent submission. Do you do more complaining than praying?
Lent is a special spiritual fitness time which reminds us we are human and may get off track like a trip to Martins. But, we are called to seek the one “who gives eternal salvation” being Jesus. Tom Long writes, “to be truly human is to shape our lives into an offering to God.” So, lets exercise our prayers, do some lifting of good deeds and do a few push ups of faith.
Prayer: Gracious God, as you strengthened Jesus to deal with his daily life, give me your wisdom, patience and guidance to overcome my human. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Max

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Luke 4:1-13
When you flip to the middle of this months’ Bon Appétit magazine, you are greeted by an image of a large slice of Irish brown soda bread slathered in yellow butter. I had the magazine open for about two days before I drove to Kroger, purchased the ingredients that I needed and began kneading dough in my own kitchen. I was tempted by more than the image, as the memories of eating such bread in my visits to Northern Ireland and the thought of a warm loaf of bread emerging from my oven on a cold March day rushed through my mind. As I continually went back to the fresh loaf for my last piece of bread, I realized that I had to get the temptation out of sight – and quick!

We each face temptation – the consequences differ, but we know the feeling of being pulled in a direction in which we should not be going. Jesus knows this feeling as well. In our text today, we see Jesus resist temptation, resting in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the garden of Gethsemane, we can only imagine that Jesus was tempted to walk away, or to call on the powers of heaven to amend the situation at hand – however, we know that Jesus faced temptation, relied on the power of the Holy Spirit and made a choice which would change the world forever. During this Lenten journey, may you also be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit knowing that you do not travel alone. May you continue to rely on God to fulfill you as you use these weeks before Easter to prepare your heart, mind and spirit for the resurrection of our Savior.
Elizabeth Lobello

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

John 15:12-17
And so the disciples have followed in faith their Lord and their leader, Jesus Christ. They have been privileged to see and hear the most awe-inspiring teachings that this world may ever know. They have been witnesses to incomprehensible and wondrous miracles. They have shown bravery in the face of obstinacy and disbelief. Now a command is given from the Holy One: “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends.”
If you knew you only had a few final moments to speak with those whom you love, what would you say? Just as you would choose to share the most important of your beliefs, wisdom, and expectations, so Jesus did with his disciples. Can we truly embrace Christianity without a willingness to love one another? Jesus clearly informs his disciples, and through them, us- “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”
He chose and appointed you. There is no greater honor, and no greater privilege than to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to “bear fruit” - to lead others toward Christ and to show the world his nature through our actions and encouragement. One small action or word can be a life- changing event to another, positive or negative. Let it be good; let it be love!
Jeff Aybar

We recently asked you to "rethink" church by going to your neighbors to fill up bags of food that we could share with the Good Samaritan Center here in Douglasville. We filled Max's truck up two times with food you collected! Thank you for the many ways in which you help make church a verb!

grace & peace,

elizabeth

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Psalm 116
Almost everyone can remember a time when, as a child, they found themselves in a dangerous situation from which they could not deliver themselves. Our immediate reaction is to begin looking for someone to help us. We usually will call out for help and look for a familiar face that can rescue us.
As adults, when we are delivered from a crisis, do we reflect and consider that there may be a greater purpose behind our deliverance? These crises and, ultimately, death serve to point us to a higher power and purpose for our lives. It helps us focus our attention on spirit.
Psalm 116 records the thanks that King David of Israel felt and expressed to God for delivering him from danger that could have resulted in his death. He acknowledged that God is real and that there is only one true, living God. King David knew that if he called on God, he would be heard. Do we have that same assurance today? The God of King David is full of grace, mercy and compassion toward those who call on His name. In this Psalm, David drinks from the cup of salvation (the cup of blessing) and calls upon the name of the Lord.
During this Lenten season, as lead up to the dark days of the sacrifice and deliverance of Jesus Christ, are we paying attention to the Spirit of God? Jesus Christ, through the sacrifice of His body and voluntarily giving up his life, drinks the cup and becomes the salvation of God to everyone who believes.
Though we face tough and challenging times today and have many questions about the future, the salvation of God, in Jesus Christ, is our ever present help in time of trouble.
We have been helped, we have been delivered. Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Danny Underwood

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Joel 2:28 – 3:12

Our OT passage speaks of victory and judgment. What does this have to do with the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus arrives at Gethsemane in a state of utter agony. He senses the time of His death is near. Jesus appeals for perhaps another way forward. God is silent and the procession to the cross must continue. The victory over sin must be won once and for all. Still the judgment has to be rendered. All have sinned against our Lord and the wages of sin is death. For all sin: past, present and future, Jesus must die. Two things have most stirred me on my Christian journey. First is the suffering and agony that Jesus must have felt being cut off from God when He was not deserving of this fate. And second, the love that God had for us in giving up His perfect Son for our transgressions that we might be seen as righteous before the Lord. Englebert wrote in a biography that St Francis had ‘two desires before he died: the first was to experience the pain of Christ’s agony, and the second was to feel the same love for Christ that He had when He sacrificed Himself on the cross.’ During this Lent, let us pray that our desires be changed.
John Ash

Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
Several weeks ago I was forced into total submission on the downtown connector. Snow was coming down sideways as I sat in my car not moving for hours. I couldn’t believe I had to make a trip for work across town at such an inopportune time…..Friday afternoon, blinding snow, I-75/85………..Really? While digging in my purse for gum, I came across my camera. Funny thing cameras, they often see what the naked eye does not. Within minutes I had the window down shooting pictures of everything and everyone, I was having a blast! It occurred to me that even the biggest eyesores became amazingly beautiful when covered with snow. Are we that different? If the world saw only our sin & shortcomings, how ugly would we be? During this time of Lent, we need to remember that through God’s sacrifice of his son Jesus on the cross, our sins are totally forgiven and we are made beautiful. I think this song says it best: Jesus paid it all, All to him I owe. Sin had left a Crimson stain; he washed them white as snow.
Sheryl Cobb