Cedar Ridge Community Church: Lenten Devotions: 02/28/09

John 3: 1-21 (New International Version)

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Saturday, February 28, 2009

4th Day of Lent

Psalm 103 (New International Version)
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.

We have reflected upon this Psalm over the first few days of Lent. We began by being honest about how we felt in our “inmost being” and perhaps this meant acknowledging that we don’t always feel like praising God. And yet we have also experienced the beauty and power of God’s great love and compassion towards us. As we set out on this Lenten journey we are deeply loved and accepted. We can have great hope no matter where we are right now. Today is Saturday. You might have the day off. Even if you don’t, try to get outside to walk for just a few minutes. Look at the sky, the clouds, the birds and trees. Feel the wind (and perhaps the cold), breathe the air. Consider the enormity of the universe and God’s great love for us. Spend one minute thanking God for this love. Praise God as the King of the universe and the Giver of Life. Allow you soul, your “inmost being” to awaken to this love and power. Express what is truly in your heart.

Take a moment to pray this prayer:

Oh Lord! You are the giver of life. Renew me and fill me with your love. May your love melt the hard areas of my heart and cast out my fear. I surrender to you and wherever you may lead me on this journey. Amen.

Please add an entry to this blog to share any thoughts or reflections about today’s Lenten devotion.

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