Friends University Lent Devotional

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY

LENTEN Devotional Guide 2017

Lent 2017 I am pleased to present the inaugural Lenten Devotional Guide for the Friends University community. Building off the success and momentum of the Advent Guide, I pray that this collection of devotional reflections will prove to be a meaningful part of your Lenten season.

In the Christian tradition, Lent is the period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and selfdenial—for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. This season culminates with the Passion of Christ and climaxes in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Each day I invite you to read the scripture and the accompanying brief devotion. Then take a few moments to be still and present before the Lord as you consider the significance of this Christ’s life, death and resurrection.

This Lenten Devotional Guide is a great collection of contributions from various faculty, staff and students who have read, prayed, reflected and put their thoughts onto paper – for all of us. I am thankful for their kind and thoughtful participation. I am grateful to all who have worked to help make this project a reality, especially Thes Kascsak, Chapel intern, who has taken this on as yet another “special project.”

May these reflections on Scripture help you walk each step of the Lenten journey until you find yourself standing at the mouth of the empty tomb— proclaiming, “He has risen, indeed!”

Grace and Peace,

Guy Chmieleski Campus Pastor & Dean of Campus Ministries

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Guide to Daily Prayer Opening Prayer Comfort, comfort your people, O God! Speak peace to your people.

Comfort those who sit in darkness and mourn, Forgive us our sins and end the conflict in our lives.

Confession of Sin Reflect quietly before God asking for forgiveness for all those things done and left undone that are unpleasing to God. Remember, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 Scripture Lessons Read the Psalm for the day.

Read the Old Testament Passage for the day.

Read the New Testament Passage for the day.

Read the Gospel Passage for the day. (when applicable) Prayers The following is a suggested guide for prayer during Advent: • Pray for all Christians around the world and especially for those who endure persecution for their faith.

• Pray for our nation and all those in leadership.

• Pray that Christ’s peace may cover the world. Pray for the end of conflict and war and the triumph of truth and justice.

• Pray for those who suffer and grieve.

• Pray for all those who engage in the educational ministry of the church and especially for Friends University.

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Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalms 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 The beginning of the Lenten season is an appropriate time for reflection, regardless of whether one does or does not observe the forty days of Lent.

Many celebrations of Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten period leading up to the Holy Week of Easter, focus on two elements: our mortality and our penance. Many observe Ash Wednesday through special worship services and a day of fasting.

The Scripture readings for today focus on fasting, a seemingly innocuous activity that always seems to grow in length. As a college student I began a practice of fasting a single day per month and then expanded my fasting to a three day period. I readily admit that my desire to lengthen the fast was a matter of selfachievement rather than anything necessarily spiritual. Expanding the practice of a fast in order to gain the attention of God is common. While fasting is often associated with the language of self-affliction in Leviticus 16:29 and 31, the Old Testament does not directly record that anyone “fasted” until Judges 20:26.

At this point in time, in obedience to God’s instruction, the other tribes of Israel sought to destroy the city of Gibeah within the tribe of Benjamin for the gross evil it had committed. After two days of fighting and suffering losses amounting to 10 percent of their fighting men, the tribes of Israel returned to God’s Tabernacle at Bethel and fasted for the remainder of the day as they sought God’s counsel. Over the next four hundred years fasting became a common, yet mostly symbolic, activity as described by the prophet Isaiah.

Why should we pause to consider our motives as we begin the season of Lent?

The prophet Isaiah clearly identifies that fasting, in and of itself, does not gain God’s attention or benefit us before God. Instead, fasting as desired by God, results in justice. In verses six and seven, the prophet describes the activities of God’s “fast” and summarizes them in verses nine and ten with two categories: doing away with oppression and meeting the needs of the hungry.

Fasting should call us to repentance, not so much for our sins of commission before God, but for our sins of omission toward our brothers and sisters within our own community who are oppressed or hungry. Lent prepares us for Easter.

Easter declares God’s love in that Christ died for the ungodly, a description that includes all of humanity. (Rom 5:8) When we imitate Christ in pursuing God’s definition of justice, Isaiah declares, “Then shall your light burst through like the dawn.” (Is 58:8, JPS) Our Father in Heaven,

Let your name be sanctified

Let your kingdom and its justice reign Let your desires be implemented within this campus community, this city, this country just as fully as they are in heaven where you are seated on the throne.

AMEN! Stan Harstine Professor of Religion

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Thursday, March 2, 2017 Psalms 51 Jonah 3:1-10 Romans 1:1-7

Lent is a word derived from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means “spring.” What a fitting word for a season in which we prepare our hearts for resurrection, and celebrate life springing up from that which was, for a time, dead!

Death is a part of the world in which we live. When Autumn comes, trees release their hold on the leaves that cling to their branches. Green grass slowly fades to a dull yellow. The days grow shorter, the sun’s warmth is often hidden from us behind the overcast skies, and it is not long before the snow falls upon the landscape, burying all that was once lush and vibrant.

These are the rhythms of the world we live in…But even creation itself seems to somehow stand as a testament of life springing up in the place of that which seemed dead, where beauty comes from seeming brokenness.

In Psalm 51:10, the Psalmist writes “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” During this time, King David had just been confronted by the prophet Nathan, after committing adultery with Bathsheba. How incredible is it that God heard this prayer? Even after his infidelity, David cried out to God, and ends up being known as a man after God’s own heart; he paves the way for his son, Solomon, to build the temple, and is even recognized in the genealogy of Jesus. His descendant, Joseph, has the high honor of being husband to the Virgin Mary, and raising Jesus himself.

Even out of the seeming brokenness, God created something beautiful.

He develops a wonderful story between man and himself. Life springing up from that which seems dead; this is the good news of the Gospel. That there is life, and life abundantly, thanks to God’s grace and love. So as Lent has now come to us this year, we take the time to reflect on the life of Christ and ask ourselves Where can God bring beauty from the broken?

Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing life from death; for seeing us in our brokenness, and for loving us anyway. Help us to live in constant response to the redeeming work that you have done in our lives, and to surrender to your will which gives us life, and life more abundantly. Amen.

Sam Dupuis Sophomore, Zoo Science and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Friday, March 3, 2017 Psalms 51 Jonah 4:1-11 Romans 1:8-17

Begin this time you have set aside for this devotional by reading Psalm 51 and/or listening to White as Snow by Jon Foreman.

David wrote this Psalm after committing adultery with Bathsheba and sending Uriah to his death by sending him to the front lines of battle.

David had dug himself deeper and deeper into a hole of sin in an attempt to cover up his actions. Lust led to adultery. Adultery to dishonesty and manipulation. Dishonesty and manipulation to murder. David could have been honest and turned to God to confess countless times throughout the progression of these heartbreaking events, but instead he used his power to manipulate the situation to cover for his sin. David took Bathsheba for his wife since Uriah was out of the picture.

I wonder what David was feeling now that he had a new, recently widowed, impregnated wife. Fear, relief for momentarily covering his mistakes, disgusted with himself, depressed, anxious, paranoid, in control? I don’t know, but his sin did not stay covered. Nathan, the prophet, confronted David and shed light on his sin. In response, David, overwhelmed with conviction and grief, confessed his rebellion and sin to God as we read in Psalm 51. David cried out for mercy, purification, restoration of joy, a willingness to obey, a clean heart, and entry into God’s presence.

What this Psalm reveals to me about the character of God is that He is compassionate, merciful, loving, just, our teacher, restorer, and forgiving.

“But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.” Psalm 51:6 NLT “What you’re after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.” Psalm 51:6 MSG Because of who God is, we can be honest. His desire for us to be honest is what is best for us and others. God invites us to abandon our habits of control and dishonesty.

Father, rather than concealing our sin, shame and shortcomings, may the truth of who You are draw us deeper into honesty and confession. Examine our hearts and bring to our attention that which is not of Your Kingdom.

Forgive and purify us of our sin, restore our joy, create clean hearts in us, renew loyal spirits in us, make us more aware of your presence, wash us white as snow, and draw us deeper into life with You in Your Kingdom.

Carissa Reynolds Apprentice Institute Recruiting Coordinator

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Saturday, March 4, 2017 Psalms 32 Genesis 4:1-6 Hebrews 4:14-5:10

We are now approaching the first full week of Lent. How are you doing?

I used to use this time for self-denial – usually the denial of something that wasn’t good for me anyway. Ice cream. Dessert. Bread. Well, actually – I could never give up bread…. In recent years, I’ve been working much more on my prayer life and since I’m a Catholic Christian, on more regular visits to the confessional. I LOVE spending more time with our Lord in prayer and in reading great spiritual books and I make sure to read at least ½ hour each day during the Lenten season. Not sure why I don’t do this all year long. Perhaps someday I will…. I can take some comfort in Hebrews 5:3, where it says: And because he is himself weak, he must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for his own sins. This certainly applies to me.

Which brings me back to offering sacrifices and confessing my sins.

My sacrifice during Lent is the extra time I give to our Lord each day.

Nowhere near His sacrifice for us - but my sacrifice all the same. As a Christian, I take comfort in the sacrament of reconciliation. I realize this sacrament may not be for everyone but for me, it’s a wonderful time to really stop and think about my sins. Carrying sins around can “zap” the strength right out of you as the Psalmist says (32:4)! And when you confess your sins and are truly sorry for them, you DO feel Christ’s constant love. It’s like a huge weight being lifted from your heart and all is “right” once again with the world. It is by Jesus death and resurrection that we are cleansed of our sins and have the opportunity to join him one day in heaven.

You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice because of what the Lord has done. You that obey him, shout for Joy! (Psalm 32:11) Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your son to this earth to die on a cross for our sins. Please help us use this Lenten season to learn more about you, and to come ever closer to you through prayer, repentance and self-denial. The glory and power shall always be Yours, Almighty Father. Amen.

Deb Stockman Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications

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FIRST WEEK OF LENT On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.

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Sunday, March 5, 2017 Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Psalms 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Romans 5:18-19 18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Sin and death came into the world through one man, Adam, and because we are descendants of Adam, we are all sinners. Then one man, Jesus, was sent to bring us righteousness to take away sin and death. That is why none is righteous without Christ: “Death through Adam and life through Christ”. Do we receive Christ in our hearts? If we do, how are our lives affecting the community around us? Do we strive to be that positive figure or are our actions the reverse?

As we reflect this Lent season, may it fall on our hearts to reflect on these things; and strive to become our brother’s keeper. When we do, we lead each other to the fruit of righteousness so we all have life. May we consider the proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child” as it gives clear meaning to being our brother’s keeper.

If we continue to think of the person walking on the pavement; imagining why they are here; if we understand that everyone around us is fighting something; if we think of the other person’s situation instead of ours; if everyone does that, we become our brother’s keeper at heart and that beam of righteousness may get to the heart of every man. As we aspire to live by these standards, may we resist the temptation to look back just as Jesus did (Matthew 4:1-11) when he was tempted.

In this time of Lent, may we be reminded that death came through man and life through Christ. Our might is not enough to lead our brothers to the fruit of righteousness or from trespasses but when we open our hearts and ask for His guidance, He will speak through us. May we also be reminded that in this season of giving up something, we may be tempted with the same thing we are giving up but His grace will see us through. In our quest to be our brother’s keeper, may His grace be upon our hearts so we are not distracted by anything whatsoever. Amen!

Prince Nii Agbedanu Assistant Professor of Biology and Director of Health Sciences

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Monday, March 6, 2017 Psalms 32 1 Kings 19:1-8 Hebrews 2:10-18

As we celebrate the first week of Lent, we begin our preparation for Easter. Use this time to meditate, pray and listen to God just as Jesus did in the desert for forty days. Lent is a time to examine our hearts and lives, focus on our spiritual needs and recognize our sins.

The Lenten season is time of renewal, a cleansing of the mind, body and soul. Through prayer, repentance and abstinence we become closer to God. God loves us unconditionally and when we confess our wrong doings, asking His forgiveness, we receive His forgiveness and are made right before Him. God sent His son Jesus to die for us so that our sins can be forgiven.

So we must ask God for forgiveness, to cover our sin and not hold it against us.

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalm 32: 1-2 Like David, many of us who have disobeyed God are often afraid to ask for forgiveness because we are full of shame. Holding on to our sins only makes us sad and weak. God will always forgive us if we ask him.

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Psalm 32: 3-5 A sorrowful heart pleases God, and only He can restore and clean our hearts. Repentance restores our relationship with God so trust in Him; love surrounds those who do.

“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 Sanya Wiles Director of Career Services

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Scripture Focus for the day: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017 Psalms 128 Isaiah 65:17-25 Romans 4:6-13

Consider this, the starter to the race calls the runners to their starting blocks, and they prepare for the race. She calls out, “to your mark” then fires the gun to start the race. The sprinters are frozen in their blocks. No one goes. The value is not worth the pain.

Another day and another type of race where there is a greater distance to run. There are a lot of runners. In fact, they are all bunched up at the starting line several rows deep. Again, the starter calls out the commands and with the gun firing, they begin. Some are off to a quick start and others are not. After a distance, the determination to finish is clearly waning in some. It is unclear why some who appeared so capable at the start of the race are winded and pained after just a few miles of running.

They are questioning themselves about finishing. Others finish the race.

What undermines the determination? They were all determined to complete the race at the start. Commitment and determination are hard to come by when there is pain, inconvenience or something else to do.

We can see a parallel to commitment in Matthew 16:21 when Jesus tells his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and in subsequent verses he outlines what will happen to him there. Five chapters later, Matthew 21:10, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. Not many days later, Jesus questions his endurance and calls on his Father to see him through. He finishes. His divine purpose is fulfilled. During the season of Lent, we are called to fast, pray and reflect on our commitment to God. Which runner reflects your commitment? One stuck in the blocks, one who starts and cannot finish, or one who finishes the race?

In Philippians 3 we are guided by the apostle Paul, “…and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” NIV Philippians 3: 9-12 David Hofmeister Dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies and the Graduate School

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Thursday March 9, 2017 Psalms 121 Isaiah 51:1-3 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Through the sacrifice of His son, God fulfilled an eternal promise that His people would never be alone. With Jesus paying the ultimate price on Calvary, the individual is now given immediate and complete access to the throne room of grace, where we are encouraged to bring our troubles, our sorrows, our fears, our doubts and give them to the Savior of the world.

God has promised to be our mediator, our very present help in time of need. He has promised to be ever present, ever loving. He sent His son that he might dwell among us not just then, not just now, but forever.

This Lenten season, let’s bring to remembrance the sanctity of the life of Jesus, His death and resurrection and the benefits now afforded to us, through what Jesus accomplished on Calvary.

Let us remember what the cross signifies. Eternal oneness with Jesus.

Life and life everlasting, covenant, undying love.

Let us remember to “look to the cross and live�.

Keila Garcia Senior, Communications

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Friday, March 10, 2017 Psalms 121 Micah 7:18-20 Romans 3:21-31

Hills are inspiring. In September, a friend and I climbed up to a ridge above Red River, New Mexico. It was a beautiful sight to see the town nestled below. Looking another direction we could see a forested valley extending to taller mountains beyond. Hills and mountains are peaceful and uplifting, and looking to the hills can lead us to think of our Creator.

The hills themselves, however, are not our source of help.

What did the psalmist see as he lifted his eyes to the hills (in Psalm 121)? Did he think of the holy mountain of God? Or was he inspired by the natural beauty created by God? Or did he see to his great dismay (as a few commentators suggest) signs of idol worship up in the high places?

However you choose to interpret verse one, the psalmist makes it crystal clear in verse two that no: his help does not come from the hills themselves, or from any other place on earth he might choose to look. The psalmist declares, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Many people look in the wrong places for help. Naturally we think we can work everything out on our own. We look to our own intellect, talents and abilities; we look to family, friends and other connections; we look to education, jobs, the attainment and management of money.

All of these are helpful things. They really are helpful. Necessary, in fact. People also look in detrimental places for help. But how secure or reliable in the long run are any of these earthly sources that we rely on?

I think the psalmist’s realization was that the ultimate source—in fact the only source—was God alone. “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Jesus Christ was a powerful person—but He knew the Source of His strength. Christ exemplifies for us a person of great ability who attributes everything to, and relies totally upon His Father.

To what extend do you and I recognize God as our Source? During this season of reflection, think about what you rely on. Let go of some things. And come to realize with the psalmist: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Cliff Loesch Head Pastor of University Friends Church

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Saturday, March 11, 2017 Psalms 121 Isaiah 51:4-8 Luke 7:1-10

For many members of the Christian faith, this time of Lent and Holy Week is an opportunity to solemnly reflect upon the ministry and death of Christ by exercising self-discipline through spiritual exercises and to abstain from the consumption of things that are greatly desired.

As I have reflected upon His suffering upon the cross and temptation in the desert, I have found myself considering the torment, suffering and temptations of our brothers and sisters in Christ that find themselves living in areas of the globe that are openly hostile to the message of the Gospel and those who bear testimony to it. For those of us in the church who live quite comfortably in the Western region of the world, exercising our faith with few societal ramifications, Lent takes on a certain meaning of a time when we choose not to eat our favorite foods or to engage in spiritual exercises. But I do believe that this period of time takes on an entirely different meaning for our brothers and sisters abroad who will spend this time languishing in a dark cell or confined to house arrest or living in constant awareness of the very real possibility of their government or neighbors attacking, abusing, or even killing them for their faith in our Lord. I am convinced that the suffering of our Lord upon Golgotha is more deeply comprehended by those who have felt the same suffering.

During this time of Lent, I will be continuously lifting up our persecuted brothers and sisters in prayer, asking that they be given peace, strength, perseverance and the capability to show the same kind of love that Christ demonstrated so powerfully on the cross during His suffering to His persecutors and to all of mankind. I would ask that you do the same.

Yet, I am encouraged on their behalf by the victory of our Lord over death on Easter, the day that marks the end of the Lenten season, and by the passage in Isaiah 51:7-8, which declares, “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults.

For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; But My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation.�

Caleb Angell Senior, Political Science and Christian Spiritual Formation 

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SECOND WEEK OF LENT So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged Cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.

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Sunday, March 12, 2017 Genesis 12:1-4 Psalms 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17 The Gospel of Mark speaks of John the Baptist appearing in the wilderness “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mark 1:4) So the crowds came out to be baptized by him “confessing their sins” (1:5). Mark cites John as the fulfillment of Isaiah, the one who is to “prepare the way of the Lord” (1:3). So Christians have often cited the John texts as inspiration for the Lenten season, a preparation for Holy Week.

But there is a problem.

There is a problem if we see John’s baptism, confession of sin, or even Lent itself as a condition for God’s grace. This is not infrequent in the history of the church. This year we are celebrating the five-hundredth anniversary of the Reformation: We are saved not by works, but justified by grace through faith, the tortured monk Luther found after reading Paul’s epistle to the Romans. And the Christian world in the West has been changed ever since.

Martin Luther was a monk who had a profound sense that he had violated God’s law, that he was a sinner condemned to hell. Reading Romans, Luther discovered that human beings are justified by the empty hand of faith because the righteousness of God is a gift, the gift of Jesus Christ, not a righteousness that we can achieve through the law (Rom 1:17; 3:21-22).

This experience of grace by Luther started the Reformation. But a theology built upon it goes back at least to the second century AD. It’s a theology that begins with human beings violating God’s law because of sin, and the only condition for knowing God’s grace is Jesus Christ.

Sounds like much of our evangelistic preaching, doesn’t it? What is wrong?

John’s message of forgiveness of sins proclaimed through baptism was never meant to be a condition for accepting grace. Grace is always meant in the Bible to come first, whether it be the grace of creation or the grace of redemption. Mark 1:1 reads: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Lent is not meant to anticipate grace.

We already know the grace of God in Jesus Christ. That is why we seek confession of our sins. John’s preaching included the message that there is “one who is more powerful than I” (1:7). He is not unknown to us. His name is Jesus.

Chris Kettler Professor of Theology

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Monday, March 13, 2017 Psalms 128 Numbers 21:4-9 Hebrews 3:1-6

When I think of Lent, I think back to my childhood and how every year I would try to not play my Xbox for 40 days, or if I was really crazy that year, not eat ice cream! As I grew older I began to understand that this practice of giving things up reflects the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, and that there’s really a more spiritual side of Lent than just not playing video games. Lent gives us a time every year to set aside whatever is distracting us from God and focus more on our life in his Kingdom. This can often be taken or observed as a time to get right with God and get our spiritual life back on track. We suffer through not checking Facebook or drinking our favorite soda for 40 days and hope we will somehow feel God in our lives more.

I think Jesus was after something deeper during his 40 days of suffering in the wilderness.

During this time, Jesus eliminated distractions from his life and sought God very intentionally and intensely. What Jesus knew is that life with God in his Kingdom is what was best for him, and is best for us. In Psalm 128, the Psalmist declares that those who fear the Lord and walk in his way are blessed. This fear doesn’t mean afraid, but rather a reverence and great respect for God. Whoever loves God, walks in his ways and lives in his Kingdom will be blessed! This is the blessing I was after when I would give up something for Lent as a child. My thought was that by doing this religious thing, I would be blessed by God. After all, he probably doesn’t want me playing video games all the time, right? What I’ve come to find is that walking in the way of the Lord brings blessings, not because of some cosmic obligation for God to reward his children because of works, but instead because that’s how life is designed to be lived.

Part of God’s love for us includes Him wanting what’s best for us. In all cases, walking in the way of the Lord, as the Psalmist puts it, is what is best for us. It’s how life was designed by God. My encouragement to you in this time is to seek first God’s Kingdom and His ways, to “fear the Lord,” and see how God’s way is so much better than our own.

Ike Hedquist Junior, Business and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Scripture Focus: Isaiah 65:17-25

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.

But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.

I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress.

No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.

They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them.

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.

The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food.

They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,� says the Lord.

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Psalms 81 Genesis 29:1-14 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

Any good soccer parent knows it’s their duty to attend weekend games. If you have a child who has played soccer in the past, you know what these games can be like. Soccer parents can be a little intense, at times. While their kids incessantly chase that colorful ball around the field, the parents are positioned on the sidelines yelling words of encouragement and instruction.

“You can do it, honey!” “Run, run, run!” “Get the ball!”

When attending my son’s soccer games, I’ve made a couple observations.

First, he never listened to the other parents. They told him how to defend a player or take the shot, but he never did. The parents shrugged their shoulders as if to say, “If he would only listen to me.” Afterwards, I asked my son why he didn’t take the advice from other parents. He said he couldn’t hear them through the noise of the yelling and cheering.

However, I noticed that when I yelled instructions, my son heard me.

Somehow he was able to filter out the sideline cacophony and focus on what I was saying. I think it’s because he knows my voice by heart. In Psalm 81, we see that people are having a hard time listening to God’s instructions. Three times (Psalms 81:8, 11 and 13), God says, “…listen to me.”

Scripture tells us God is always speaking instructions to us. There are things God wants us to know, things that will help us in the game of life. However, life is noisy. TVs, social media, cell phones…the competition for our attention in this digital age is staggering. We get distracted and overwhelmed, and miss out on who we’re truly called to be.

God wants us to tune our ears to the soul-satisfying Kingdom invitation. One way to do this is to create a time of silence. For 15, 30 or 60 minutes, simply sit and listen for God’s instructions.

What do you think God is saying? Why is it important? How are you supposed to respond? We are created and called to experience the with-God life.

Often times, this life starts with listening. This Lent, let us listen for the voice we know by heart.

Gracious God, You speak to us in the midst of our noisy lives. Move us to create space in our schedules to listen to Your words of love, truth and wisdom. Shape us into the people you’re calling us to be – Kingdom builders and dwellers – so we can help others enter into a transforming relationship with You. John Carroll

Assistant Director of Adult Learning

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Thursday, March 16, 2016 Psalms 95 Exodus 16:1-8 Colossians 1:15-23

There are some periods in our lives that really feel like deserts. Void of meaningful interaction with others, with our insides and seemingly with God. Times like these can leave us feeling abandoned or looked over, like we have been left behind to fend for ourselves with whatever was given to us in the previous season of life.

But we have a promise of something better, extending beyond these legitimate feelings of rejection. As Moses led Israel into a literal desert, the moans of wariness grew heavy in the Israelites. They wondered how their God could lead them from a place of abundance to a place void of all things needed to sustain physical life. Why would a God who heals, a God who directs, drop them in a wasteland to grow frail? Wasn’t His promise better than this?

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.”

Had He heard their cries? Yes. Did He have a plan? Yes. What about Him has changed today? Yet, how often do we scramble to satisfy our longings and needs ourselves? “Just in case” they aren’t met by the One we claim to place our trust in. What if instead of trying to solve our dayto-day problems on our own and fix our messes with our own two hands, we prayed “give us this day our daily bread” and actually meant it?

What if we actually believed with our beings that our God is a healer and sustainer, great enough to satisfy the thirsts within us and keep us whole?

Just as He provided bread from heaven for the Israelites, He provided Bread from Heaven, food for our hearts, in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the one who takes our burdens. Jesus, the one who hears us when we call. Jesus, the one who advocates for us. Jesus, the one who sees us and feeds us with bread from heaven. Not a surplus for an entire season, just enough bread for today. Enough to remind us each new moment that we are taken care of, kept together, even in famine.

Laura Peck Sophomore, Sociology and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Friday, March 17, 2017 Psalms 95 Exodus 16:9-21 Ephesians 2:11-22

What kind of an attitude do we as Christians display in our day-to-day lives? Romans 5:3 tells us we can rejoice “ when we run into problems and trials.” Philippians 4:4 says, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

Psalm 95 opens with praise and thanksgiving. “Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.” Through verse 6, the psalmist proclaims the greatness of God. But verse 7 contrasts that to the attitudes of the Israelites. “If only you would listen to his voice today!” What was their attitude?

God had just delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. While they should have been relishing in their new freedom, Exodus 16 opens with the grumbles and complaints of the Israelites. “’If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,’ they moaned. ‘There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.’”

These people had just witnessed the awesome power of God through 10 plagues including the deaths of Egyptian children while their children were spared. They were now free. It is here that we see God provide them with what they need in the wilderness. Specifically, what they need at that very moment in time. God instructs them to only take the food He has provided for that day.

If the Israelites struggled finding joy in Exodus 16 when their needs were being met in a tangible way and after receiving freedom from slavery, it’s no wonder that many Christ followers can find themselves in a state of grumbling and complaining today.

Too often we fail to realize that we have a God who knows exactly what we need and when we need it. And while Exodus specifically talks about providing food for the Israelites, God can provide you with comfort, joy, peace and contentment that you need at this very moment. But you have to let go of the extra “manna” that’s weighing you down and trust in the God who knows what you need.

Rejoice. Rejoice today, tomorrow and forever. God is constant and unchanging and is providing for you in a tangible and spiritual way.

Roman Rodriguez Brand Manager and Sr. Graphic Designer

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Saturday, March 18, 2017 Psalms 95 Exodus 16:27-35 John 4:1-6

As we approach Easter the feeling of life and light becomes more prevalent throughout our daily routines. Our focus begins to be intentionally shifted from the worlds inevitable dissatisfaction to God’s abundant provisions and glory. For a moment, it may almost seem that the reality of the world has faded.

But time progresses and our focus on the season can begin to fade. The brokenness can re-establish itself as a prime focal point in our lives. As we continue to get closer to the celebration of Easter, I believe it will become increasingly important to take note of how our frame of mind shifts towards the beauty of new life and how we can implement this throughout all of our days.

As we reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we see hope and beauty prevail through acts of cruelty. We see love as it is ultimately intended to be. We see Jesus, our Lord, as a humble man sacrificing himself on a cross for all people, and then rising back to life to restore our lives. Through this, He beautifully provides us the opportunity to endlessly live in light.

Because of our life giving, light bringing, ultimate loving, abundantly providing God, we boldly sing praises to Him for what we have–our homes, friends, families, working pens, Kleenex, co-workers, pot handles and more (Psalms 95).

We take comfort knowing that He will provide (Exodus 16:27-35) and that we are continually heard. We find true peace that no task we face or burden we carry is too big or too small (John 4).

Allow every day to be a celebration of the life of Jesus and the life you are now able to live. Let the illuminating life of Jesus seep through the cracks of the inevitable dissatisfaction that thrives in this world. Sing praises, take comfort, and find peace as we approach the celebration of Easter, and then let the story continue.

Anna Lindholm Junior, Psychology and Christian Spiritual Formation

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THIRD WEEK OF LENT Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His Glory above To bear it to dark Calvary.

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Sunday, March 19, 2017 Psalms 95 Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 Have you ever received a gift that was completely undeserved? Maybe it was a gift beyond your expectation. I have been given the gift of amazing parents that have loved and supported me beyond what I ever deserved, in fact I probably brought some challenge and frustration to their lives.

Why have I been so blessed with such an amazing family? Romans 5:1-11 which is a part of our reading today, describes the amazing gift of Jesus our Savior. It is a beautiful passage of God’s grace and mercy that leads us to peace. Verses 6 through 10 state, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

God shows his love for us through his son Jesus, who was fully human (like us) yet fully God (holy and all-powerful), so we can be saved. So how do we come to the place where we are reconciled with God, or made right with God? How do we become justified so that we are saved from the wrath of God? It is simple - yet not always easy. We come to Christ by faith. Earlier in the Roman passage we read that we obtain access to God by faith and when we do that we can rejoice in the hope of God. God’s great gift to us is a hope and a future. It’s life-changing to experience this freedom and love.

I praise the Lord for His sacrifice that has given me the promise of peace, life, purpose and love. What an undeserved gift! That gift is what we acknowledge and celebrate during Lent. We recognize the sacrifice of our God sending his son to die the most horrible death on the cross. And we rejoice that that is not the end of the story, that the all-powerful Lord rose again to pave the way for our reconciliation to the Father.

Amy Carey President

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Monday, March 20, 2017 Psalms 81 Genesis 24:1-27 2 John 1:1-13

Today’s readings focus on listening to God and walking in his ways.

Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love (2 John 1:3).

Do you ever look back on past events that maybe didn’t go as you planned and ponder what you could have done different? What would the outcome be? What would you do different? Psalm 81 is God’s reflection on past events. He reflects on the people of Israel and what He could have done for them if they just would have obeyed Him. It’s painful for Him when we stray away and follow false gods. He will provide everything we need, remove our burdens, subdue our enemies and the only payment He requires from us is to follow Him. Why do we do that?

Why do we not listen to God and do things our own way? It doesn’t make sense.

Nothing is better than God’s grace! “God is good” something I heard over and over growing up and something I’m proud to repeat over and over as a follower of Christ! Some may ask, what does it mean? It means God is everything! I am nothing without God. I’m blessed to have been raised in a Christian family. But even as a Christian, I’ve been known to put my faith on cruise control. As Christians, we try to rationalize our behavior. But truth be told, when we are not following God, we are hurting Him and hurting ourselves.

We need help from time-to-time getting out of our own way. God can help us! We know that God is the only one who provides us salvation and so much joy. Don’t get wrapped up in material things or relationships that put a strain on our relationship with God. Be thankful for everything He does for us. Be thankful He’s always there for us even with our shortcomings. God is an amazing Father of unconditional love who just wants us to love Him back–a small task for such a huge reward. God is good! Let everyone know it!

Ryan Archer Director of Business Operations

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Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Scripture Focus: John 7:53-8:11

They each went to their own house but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.

The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him.

Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Psalms 81 Jeremiah 2:4-13 John 7:14-31, 37-39

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38) Through this scripture, John created the perfect imagery of a disciple’s relationship with Christ. Disciples of Christ are to be like a fountain, and the Holy Spirit is the living water and without the water there would be no purpose for us as disciples.

A fountain’s original function was to provide drinking water to the townspeople. Jesus being used as a tool, like the fountain, brought the living water to the human race by being a physical example for God’s goodwill towards mankind.

Have you ever thought it would be possible to want for nothing? In putting your all in to Christ, let Him fill your every desire. Let His word pour out of you, so that you may do His will.

When you have finally let God into your life, is that where it stops? Faith is a very complex thing, and it is ever changing. With the living water flowing through you, I hope that you will allow it to quench others who thirst for Him just as it has filled you.

Let His word heal your heart so that you may go and speak the truth of his grace, just as Jesus said to the Jews. “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seek the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him” (John 7:16-17).

The hardest lesson to learn is that your faith is not just about what God can do for you, but how you can help others through Him. You are a tool, just as Christ was, used to show God’s truth.

During this season, I challenge you to think about how your faith should reflect the honesty of God’s word, and how the living water can flow out of you and could change someone else’s world.

Michaela Tubbs-Blakley Senior, Bachelor of Arts in Music

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Thursday, March 23, 2017 Psalms 23 1 Samuel 15:10-21 Ephesians 4:25-32

According to Christian tradition, Lent is the time from Ash Wednesday until Easter when Christians prepare to remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins and to celebrate His resurrection. Preparation for Lent involves focusing on personal repentance, spiritual renewal, prayer, giving and self-denial.

A common question that is often asked during this time is, “What are you going to give up for Lent?” Some Christians “give up” eating a specific food item like meat while others may give up watching television as an act of self-denial. The goal of self-denial is to free up time and/ or resources to focus on the other aspects of preparation: repentance, spiritual renewal, prayer and giving. Focusing on our relationship with Christ during this special time of remembrance renews us. As Christians we can prepare to celebrate Easter and our new life in Christ by giving up: falsehood for speaking truth; anger for mercy; taking from others for sharing with those in need; idleness for labor; words that tear down for words filled with grace that build up others; and bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander, and malice for kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness toward others as God in Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4: 25-32). By giving up these things and then replacing them with thoughts, attitudes, actions and words that please God and bless others instead of just “giving up” eating meat or watching television, we can be better prepared to experience the true meaning of Easter.

For the Christian, renewal should occur daily. When we become Christians “old things pass away and all things become new” (2 Corinthians: 5:17) daily, and we can fully experience “Christ in us, the hope of glory.”

(Colossians 1:27). Once Christ is in us we are no longer blinded by the world, and we can see and experience “God’s goodness and mercy all the days of our lives and dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23). Every day is a good day to prepare to celebrate Easter.

Dick Teter Professor of Computer Science and Information Systems

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Friday, March 24, 2017 Psalms 23 1 Samuel 15:22-31 Ephesians 5:1-9

Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray, pardon my sin, and return with me, so that I may worship the Lord.” 1 Samuel 15:24-25 In this passage, King Saul finds himself confronted with the reality of his wrongdoing. He confesses to Samuel that he listened to what the people wanted and allowed them to keep sheep and cattle to sacrifice rather than destroying everything as commanded by God. Saul let the thoughts and desires of others dictate his actions rather than listening to what God had commanded him.

This season of Lent leads us into a time of self-reflection and repentance.

The realization that you have been wrong can be painful. The exposure of the false self must happen in order to better understand the true self.

According to Richard Rohr, priest of the Roman Catholic Church, “Your false self is how you define yourself outside of love, relationship, or divine union.” For Saul, he let the people define his actions and the type of leader he was to become. Our false self is what we live in when we don’t really believe God loves us or that He is out for our good. Part of our work in becoming more Christ-like is recognizing our tendency to forget the truth that we are loved. When I recognize myself living into my false self my prayer becomes, “I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

In stark contrast to Saul’s experience of the false self, Psalm 23 gives us a picture of what the true self looks like. It is a picture of life in the Kingdom of God. Understanding our identity in Christ begins with the recognition that God gives us all that we need. He is the Good Shepherd who protects us. He leads us to a place of peace and rest and brings healing to our souls. The Holy Spirit is our guide and gives us wisdom and discernment. When we find ourselves surrounded by death and darkness and evil, God is present with us. We are safe and secure in the Kingdom of God. His presence is our deepest comfort and He bestows goodness and mercy upon us. He dwells within us and we in Him for eternity.

Haley Alloway Associate Campus Pastor and Outreach Coordinator

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Saturday, March 25, 2017 Psalms 45 Isaiah 7:10-14 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 In this Lenten season, we prepare our hearts to remember what our Savior did for us on the cross so long ago. As magnificent and gracious as Jesus’ sacrifice was on the cross, his mother Mary also made a sacrifice. The angel of the Lord appeared to her in glory and asked her to do the Lord’s will, which Mary did not hesitate to do. Mary not only had to have the boldness to say yes, but to step out in faith and say, “Behold I am a servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

The faith that Mary has is found throughout the Bible. She had the sacrificial faith to go beyond cognitive comprehension and into the will of the Father. Such faith is talked about in Abraham sacrificing Isaac, Moses sacrificing comfort in Egypt to lead his people into the Promised Land, Rahab sacrificing her safety to hide Israelite spies, Paul sacrificing his Jewish heritage, safety, and ultimately life to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many others also showed this faith, like the first martyr Stephen being stoned to death.

In this time of remembrance, we can’t help but think of the ultimate sacrifice, our Holy God coming down in human form to dwell among us to be killed at His creations hands. We also can’t help but think of the attitude He had doing it - a humble obedience, even to the point of death. Christians celebrate this by giving up their own things for the Lenten season, but Christ not only calls to give up, but to pick up our cross daily and follow him.

This Lenten season, just as the people of Jerusalem waited for their Lord to come in and conquer the Romans laying robes and palm leaves in hopeful expectancy, let us lay down our things, our time, our pride, our comfort, and if called, our lives, in hopeful expectancy that God will deliver us. Let us have the same hopeful expectancy, the same humble obedience, and the same faith that is seen throughout the people God called in the Bible.

Thes Kascsak Senior, Religion and Philosophy and Christian Spiritual Formation

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FOURTH WEEK OF LENT So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged Cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.

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Sunday, March 26, 2017 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalms 23 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Vision is an amazing power that we often take for granted. Yet, It is the longest-range sense that humans possess. Due to the curvature of the earth, we typically can only see up to about three miles on the horizon. If we were on a mountaintop, then we could potentially see up to about 30 miles. And, if you were looking at the night sky, then we’re talking about close to 2.5 million light years. That is an impressive feat. But, it is no comparison for God’s sight and vision.

From 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” God can certainly see our outward appearance and condition as He did with David in today’s passage. But He can also see deeper into us because He, as Christ, is light.

Note that vision and sight require light. We are urged to “walk as children of light” by Paul in Ephesians 5:8-9. Light is the only way we can discern what pleasing to God, which is the only way we can make our own hearts as God’s heart.

Paul exhorts us to “arise from the dead,” sin and darkness. Paul may likely be referring to what all the apostles knew of Christ, that He is the “light of world.” As the “light of world,” Christ does two things. One, He combats the darkness of death in the world. Two, He shows us the virtues we are to exhibit to be like Him. During Lent, we are reminded that our world is one of darkness and that we tend to follow whatever bit of light we can find. For those who give up something as part of a Lenten fast, we are demonstrating what it is like to give up the man made light and look for the true light. We fear our own blindness and seek security but we have looked to the wrong sources of light. If we acknowledge our own blindness, then our sight can be restored.

Lord, as we claim that we can see on our own, our “guilt remains.” Let the Light of the World show us our error and remind us that we are forgiven.

Help us to “walk as children.”

Jeremy Gallegos Professor of Philosophy

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Monday, March 27, 2017 Psalms 146 Isaiah 59:9-19 Acts 9:1-20

While the apostle Paul reflects upon his own conversation experience in various New Testament epistles letters, the Acts 9:1-20 passage reflects a pivotal historical account of his conversion from a rabid persecutor of the emerging Christian church to his call to be an apostle to the Gentile world. As we pivot our hearts toward the meaning of the cross in this Lenten season, the narrative of Paul’s conversion is instructive.

Close to a third of the New Testament cannon is attributed to the writing of Paul. It is a remarkable paradox to consider that one of the chief antagonists and most zealous persecutors of the early Christians experienced a radical paradigm shift on the road to Damascus to become a central voice in the articulation and advancement of Christian faith and practice. Paradox, however, is a central element of the Christian narrative. The events of Christmas, for example, reflect the paradoxical advent of divine royalty entering the earthly realm through the most humble of means. Jesus routinely confounded friends and foes alike with actions contrary to expectation. The cross itself is a paradoxical means for eternal freedom and salvation. Even the process of Paul’s conversion is paradoxical in the blindness of Paul serving as a precursor to his new vision.

There is a strange comfort in the paradoxical selection of a person so driven to persecute the very church he will soon champion. As a marriage and family therapist, I routinely find stories of shame and self-doubt lurking behind the problems presented in my office. If God can transform a person such a Saul into the person of Paul who changed the course of Christian history, then there is hope for my own personal transformation.

There is an inherent message in Paul’s conversion. It is as if God is suggesting, “there is nothing you can do nor any place that you can go where you can escape my love for you”. Whatever missteps we may have taken in the journey of our life path, our value is without diminishment.

The observance of Christ’s crucifixion for which we are preparing in this Lenten season is testament to this reality.

Christopher M Habben Professor of MFT and Program Director of MSFT Program in KC

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Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:9-14

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

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Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Psalms 146 Isaiah 60:17-22 Matthew 9:27-34

There’s so much out there that says that as students, we should find a job and a career we love.

I’d rather say that you’ll find your joy when you figure out what the world needs from you. There’s a hole out there, a need you were meant to fill.

In Psalms 146, it says the Lord will set the prisoner free and uphold the cause of the oppressed. He’s going to do that through someone. Why not you?

What training do you need to uphold the cause of the oppressed in a really amazing way? Political science? Could your marriage and family therapy training set the prisoner of their mind free? Could your business degree help feed the hungry by providing jobs and businesses where they can support themselves? Could your health science expertise give the mute a voice?

You want to find success? You want to ensure you’ll have a job when you’re done? Find the work God has called you to do and do it. Get the training. Make the connections. And see if God doesn’t meet you with unimaginable success! I’m not preaching Prosperity Gospel, but I do know God will bless your work if you look to work for Him. Psalms 146 also says that God lifts up those who are bowed down and that He remains faithful forever. Now that’s a pretty cool boss to work for!

In the meantime, while you’re studying, lets just shine His light! We can praise Him in song and lift His name above all. What if every day we praised Him and brought that light into our classrooms and offices? Too often we focus on having the best jobs so we can get the things this world tells us we need. What if instead we focused on bringing Jesus with us everywhere we learn, work and live? How much change could we bring into this world?

What gifts did God give you? Where is HE asking you to use those gifts?

What kind of career would that be?

Marsha Bewersdorf Vice President of Finance

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Thursday, March 30, 2017 Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalms 71:1-14 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 John 12:20-36 The experience of the Children of Israel up to this point in Isaiah has been struggle, defeat and discouragement. They have been enslaved, and their temple destroyed. They have been taken in chains to Babylon, altogether alienated from their land and their God. This exile is a crisis of identity and faith. Naturally, they wonder if they are still God’s people?

Although their tribulations are far beyond most of our everyday concerns, all of us have wondered if God still remembers us and our struggles, big and small.

Today’s scripture from Isaiah is a declaration of hope: “Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught, and in vain; And he said, I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

If this passage were only about restoring Israel, that thought alone would bring hope to that discouraged people. But there is more.

This passage describes the particular and powerful deliverance of Israel to an even larger mission. In verse 6, God announces that this restoration of Israel is “too light a thing” in and of itself. God’s people do not exist for themselves alone, nor is their restoration an end in itself. God gathers His people for one purpose: the salvation of the world.

So often we request that God provide instant and tidy resolutions to our crises. We often believe that if things turn out okay, God intervened on our behalf. If we get through a health scare, we are grateful. If we find a parking place in a crowded parking lot, God personally intervened.

But the picture is always bigger than that. The ending of difficulty is a beginning. Each challenge a new horizon of possibility. Not for ourselves alone, but for the world God loves.

Our dear Father, at this time of preparation and anticipation of your Son’s sacrifice on our behalf, give us new perspective each day of Your constant presence and love. Remind us that every moment of each day is an opportunity for worship and witness of Your direction in our lives. Amen.

Dona Gibson Professor of Education & Psychology Program Director of Master of Arts in Teaching

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Friday, March 31, 2017 Psalms 130 Ezekiel 33:10-16 Revelation 11:15-19

We do not like pain. Plain and simple.

Yet the world seems to be full of pain and struggle and strife. No, it’s not all there is. But there is definitely more of it than we would ever care to admit.

Pain, we learn along the journey of life, is something we cannot avoid. Try as we may, pain is a part of living in a fallen world. And yet, if we’re willing to pay attention, there is much that can be learned from the pain we endure, and our suffering is proven to be redeemable. However, learning how to associate with, understand, and live in the midst of someone else’s pain is a wholly (and holy) other thing altogether.

And this, I believe, is at the core of the Lenten season. But how do you do that? How do you learn to associate with someone else’s pain? The spiritual practice of fasting can serve as an entry point into this world for us. When choosing what we will fast from, many suggest that we choose something that will be “painful,” so to speak, so that whenever we feel the “pain,” we will be reminded to think of Christ, pray, and associate more closely with the suffering of Jesus.

As a pastor, I have had the opportunity on several occasions to sit with others who were in the midst of suffering through some kind of pain. It could be the death of a loved one, the bad medical news from back home, the heartache of a break up, the turbulence of a wayward relationship, the disappointment of grades that did not match a student’s hopes or efforts, and so on. Time and again, I hear from these individuals how lonely these seasons of suffering can be. Why? Because, with rare exception, we do not know how to associate with other people’s pain.

We do not like pain ourselves, after all, so the thought of entering in to someone else’s painful place is beyond what most of us would ever consider. However, consider we must.

The Lenten season represents an extended invitation to more closely associate with the suffering of Jesus. I believe we must become more acquainted with His suffering if we are to more fully comprehend and appreciate the gift of the Cross—and the majesty of the Resurrection. As we do, we will begin to understand pain differently—both our own and others.

Guy Chmieleski Campus Pastor & Dean of Campus Ministries

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Saturday, April 1, 2017 Psalms 130 Ezekiel 36:8-15 Luke 24:44-53

Darkness encompasses, it’s only 2 a.m., watching the wind whip my tent around, back and forth. The night is chilly, the ground hard, and the wind makes sure it’s not silent. There are still hours before the warmth of sunrise. I wait, I try to sleep and hope the hours will pass quickly.

Psalm 130:6 states, “I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning…”. If you’ve ever been camping, waiting for morning can sometimes be an enduring process. But, morning always comes and with it the start of a new day. We have confidence because morning ALWAYS comes.

Do we wait on the Lord, like watchmen waiting for morning? Knowing He will ALWAYS come? The night may linger, but morning always comes. There’s a process and waiting time but all the promises of God are Yes and Amen! A wise person waits and travels the road God has set before them. When Jesus says “Follow me,” they leave all else behind and walk the dusty road with Him, at His pace. The road with God, the process of waiting on God, is laden with gifts and opportunities and people God intends to use to keep transforming us and others!

A wise person knows and waits on God’s promises.

A wise person waits on God to bestow His Spirit.

A wise person waits on God to restore His land and people.

A wise person waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Though the days may linger and be long. Though the things we wait for may linger and be long. Though God may seem long in coming. The Lord is attentive to our cries and is coming! Look up and WATCH! Do you see Him? He’s coming!

As we watch and wait, there are glorious moments that keep transforming our hearts. And, as we keep traveling the road ahead, watching and waiting, we’ll see Him! Realizing, all along, He’s actually been waiting for us. Waiting for us to trust and know Him more. Waiting for us to step out in faith with Him. Waiting for us to look around and see all the gifts He’s been waiting to give us!

Lord, answer the deepest needs of our hearts. Help us be expectant and confident, as watchmen who wait for morning, to see Your goodness and all Your promises fulfilled.

Lacey Landenberger Green Residence Hall & Falcon Flats Coordinator

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FIFTH WEEK OF LENT In the old rugged Cross, stain’d with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see, For the dear Lamb of God, left His Glory above To pardon and sanctify me.

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Sunday, April 2, 2017 Psalms 130 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Recently, one of my professors posed the question, “Is it possible to go through life sleepwalking?” That question has been like a pebble in my shoe. Like a ghost that haunts me. Is it possible for us to go through life seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and yet never paying enough attention to actually see, hear, smell, taste or touch anything in an influential way? Is it possible that we could be alive and yet never pay enough attention to know “life to the fullest?” (John 10:10) The story of Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 37:1-14 speaks to the question at hand profoundly. In this narrative the prophet immediately notices the scene around him, and is questioned by God, “I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones…They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, ‘Son of man, can these bones become living people again?’”

(Ez. 37:1-3, NLT) This vision and prophecy is specifically about God bringing the Israelites out of exile, but I think it applies to our question as well. We have hope that the dry bones, the zombie-like sleepwalkers, can become living people again! They have a fresh opportunity to be fully awake to the goodness and beauty of the Kingdom of God. Reflect on the story of Lazarus. He too was sleepwalking, with a body full of “dry bones” in death, until Jesus called him from the grave. Lazarus was given life by being called up out the grave into the sunlight of a new day. His body had been wrapped in “grave clothes,” which limited his ability to see, hear, smell, taste and touch. I like to think that after our Teacher gave Lazarus new life, he embraced it in an entirely new way. No longer would he be apt to sleepwalk, but rather he would see, hear, smell, taste and touch life in a way that was fully awakened to the goodness and beauty of the Kingdom of God in our midst.

Don’t sleepwalk through this day. Know that “the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Romans 8:11, NLT). The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, that empowered Jesus to raise Lazarus from the grave, and that gave Ezekiel the vision of new life for old dry bones is in you. Pay attention today to the reality of new life in God, to the beauty and goodness that surrounds you, and to the dry bones of our communities that need a little “breath of life.”

Josiah Brown Senior, Finance and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Monday, April 3, 2017 Psalms 143 1 Kings 17:17-24 Acts 20:7-12

“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.” Psalm 143:7 Day after day, most of us live selfishly putting emphasis on things that ultimately do not matter; material possessions, vanity, wealth, technology, just to name a few. The utter chaos of our lives today has caused us to expect instant gratification in all aspects of our life, including answers to our prayers. Even when, at times, we have turned our back on the Lord, he has never turned His back on us. He is there at our beckon call “anywhere, anytime, anyplace” only asking for love in return. God lives up to our tall order of instant gratification and is always there to meet us with His undying love. Nothing else in our lives can ever compete.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Psalm 143:8 Our only expectation from the Lord, is to put our faith in Him. By doing so, He promises to guide us in the right direction and show us the way to redemption. Trusting the Lord with our life does not always feel comfortable and safe, but we can rest easy knowing that every morning His mercies are made new and His love greets us when we wake to meet the challenges of the day. We can simply trust Him with our life, not based on what we feel but based on who we know He is.

“Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.” Psalm 143:9 There is no safer place than to be hidden in God. His promises to guard us are all throughout scripture. His faithfulness is proven throughout history and even in the difficulties of our own lives. We can trust that He will act on our behalf and turn the ashes of our life into beauty.

Brie Boulanger Director of Alumni Relations

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Tuesday, April 4, 2017 Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Psalms 143 Jeremiah 32:1-9, 36-41 Matthew 22:23-33

Who do you turn to in a time of crisis?

In this Psalm, also known as A Psalm of David, David finds himself in another crisis. It is unclear which specific crisis, he had so many! Sound familiar? While the circumstances I face may not be as worldly as David’s, I certainly have my fair share. David immediately turns to God. He knows God is real and that God hears, answers and helps.

I admit that my first inclination is not always to turn to God to expect answers and help, at least not according to my timeline. I am impatient. I want answers now. I don’t like uncertainty if I can help it. I am a problem solver. So I start with my dad who listens, offers advice and comfort, and then points me to the right person. He says one of two things: 1) it’s in God’s hands, or 2) the Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise! What does that even mean?

As I have pondered Psalm 143 some things have become clearer to me.

David knows God is faithful. David is not manipulating God by appealing to his faithfulness because David whole heartedly believes that God is faithful and will answer his prayers. David admits he is a sinner among sinners. Yet in his brokenness he knows God is righteous and will offer help. That’s some great news. David didn’t have to be perfect to seek God’s mercy and grace and neither do we.

Verse eight reads, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Let’s all pray for our ears to hear the word of God and for God to show us the way we should go inside of what we think we need or what we think we want. In this season as we prepare for Easter, renew your trust in God with all your heart, your mind and your soul.

Kelley Williams Vice President of Administration

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Thursday, April 6, 2017 Psalms 31:9-16 Job 13:13-19 Philippians 1:1-11

Amidst a number of other descriptors, the Lent season is comprised of trust, joy and hope. These attributes are shown throughout scripture and are especially evident in today’s passages.

In Psalm 31, David recognizes that God sees every part of him. The Lord can see David’s heart and mind, and He sees ours too. He notices the anger, lies, lust, worry, distress, doubt and fear that are often harbored in the hearts of man. Through Jesus, not only is our broken condition observed, it’s even known! For Christ experienced each of our unique troubles, pains and miseries; He knows every part of us even better than we know ourselves.

Due to the fact that Jesus took on flesh and went through what we go through, He was able to put these experiences to death. This is the story of the gospel: our brokenness has died through Jesus’ death so that healing and true life may come to us personally! Christ has shown us that whenever we find ourselves in challenging times the gospel has opened up a doorway to a new way of thinking and living.

If Job, amidst horrible circumstances, can say, “I will hope in him,” and if David was delivered from his life’s sorrows to tell God, “I trust in you, O Lord,” and considering Paul lived with joy from within prison walls, how can we not shout to Jesus, “I will rejoice and be glad in Your steadfast love!”? Won’t we put all of our trust and hope in the love Jesus poured out over us? In times of trial, won’t we trust Him to be our rock, refuge and fortress? What else would we dare to put the whole of our confidence in? For His goodness is abundant; it’s immeasurable! Even a taste of his goodness is overwhelming to us, and it’s more than enough to bring boundless change in our lives.

Jesus, I am a broken vessel for you. You have delivered me from the hand of the enemy. Lord, just as you committed your spirit to the Father, so I also choose to give my spirit to you. Today I choose joy because of you.

Today I choose to trust the life of Christ. Today, and all the days of my life, I place my hope in the life of the Lamb that was slain.

Austin Schmidt Junior, Health Science and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Friday, April 7, 2017 Psalms 31:9-16 Job 13:13-19 Philippians 1:21-30

Night is upon us. Clouds settle in, stifling in the dark.

The path no longer lit; the way no longer clear.

We blindly stumble forward; Seeking what? We are not sure.

Rocks lie underfoot; turning ankles, slicing skin.

Yet onward we must go, for it is all we know.

There are some who move against us, their path leading other ways.

People pushing past us, we are bumped, spun, lost.

We are lost.

Where do we turn? How do we find our path again?

What is that?

It’s a whisper.

No. It is THUNDER. It’s a soft breeze.

It is a RAGING STORM. It is a voice.

A voice.

A voice rings out, cries out, whispers, weeps, calls…

Follow me.

I am the way.

I am the way? Who would say such a thing?

We look around us, crying out, “Who is there? Where are you?”

It is I. Be still.

I am here. Follow me.

We hear this and we know. We know that this is why we are here.

This is why we blindly stumble; because we do not know this voice.

“We are here,” we cry. “We will follow you; show us the way!”

All at once it’s like our eyes are opened; we feel warmth spreading through our chests.

The clouds are still there, it’s true, but now they no longer stifle us.

They no longer block the light. We see. The moon! The stars! The sun!

And there! Lit brightly like a beacon before us, our path!

Our bodies tingle. What is this warmth? Love? Is this Love?

It is I. We hear it again; and suddenly, we know.

We know. We feel. We see. And we love.

This.

This is God. Kerrick van Asselt Junior, Visual Communications and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Saturday, April 8, 2017 Psalms 31:9-16 Lamentations 3:55-66 Mark 10:32-34

How many times have you been betrayed by a friend? In our most recent times, negativity, name calling, and verbal and physical assaults are breaking apart long time friendships, families and neighborhoods.

“I am forgotten as though I were dead; I’ve become like broken pottery” Psalms 31:12.

We continue to be surprised by the depth of destruction we are capable of as human beings. We crucified Jesus. Calling Him names, spitting on Him and decrying His name.

Earthly relationships change. We are destined to change. People enter our lives staying for a season. Some for only a moment. We anguish over these changes as if we are in control. Have we so quickly forgotten there is one enduring relationship? One that never fails to hear our pleas, never betrays our trust, never fails to love us unconditionally? This enduring relationship is available to all who call out to God through prayer.

What then is prayer? How do we pray? Therese of Lisieux wrote, “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart: it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”

What would happen if we spent as much time in prayer as we do on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, email and texting? What if we spent a moment in prayer prior to replying to social media? What if we loved each other as unconditionally as God loves us? What if we challenged ourselves to dedicate forty days to the discipline of prayer calling out to God? As followers of Jesus, we are not promised a life without strife, but we have the assurance of an unending relationship with God through prayer.

As we grow in character and virtue listening to whatever God calls us to do we have the assurance of a never ending relationship.

Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy into prayerful, continuous relationship with you who have given us life and immortality, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Kathy Slemp Professor, Human Resource Management

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SIXTH WEEK OF LENT So I’ll cherish the old rugged Cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged Cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.

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Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalms 118:1-2, 19-29 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 21:1-11 Hosanna!–an expression of joy, praise and adoration As Jesus entered into Jerusalem during the Jewish Passover festival, Matthew tells us that large crowds laid their cloaks and palm branches on the ground and sang part of Psalm 118: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (v. 26). Palm branches were a symbol of victory and were laid on the ground because the crowds in the city thought Jesus was a “prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” who had come to deliver them from the Roman Empire. Yet, God’s plan was greater.

Jesus did not come to exalt himself and overthrow the Roman Empire, but rather take on the very nature of a servant and humbly become obedient to death–even death on a cross (Phil. 2:5-8). Because of this obedient act, at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (v. 10-11). Christ is the stone that was rejected and put to death on a cross, but becomes the cornerstone on which we build our lives (Psalm 118:22).

One key point that could easily be missed in the verses in Matthew is in verse 6, which reads, “The Disciples WENT and DID as Jesus had instructed them.” In this statement, we see obedience, purpose, and action. The disciples were obedient to the leading of Jesus, purposeful in their going, and took action by doing. Similarly, Isaiah calls people walking in the light to, “GO, WALK in the light of your fires and the torches you have set ablaze” (Isaiah 50:14).

As children of the light we are to be obedient and purposeful in our action just as the disciple were before the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. So, as we enter Holy Week, let us choose to be full of Hosanna, and as a result let us GO and DO as God has called us and do it all to the glory of His name.

Christa Follette Sophomore, Health Science and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Monday, April 10, 2017 Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalms 36:5-11 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11 I think we can all agree that we as humans are living in the midst of fear, anger and destruction. Whether you are fearful of others, angry with yourself, or witnessing another person’s destruction of some sort, we all come into direct contact with these things on a daily basis.

“I have put my spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the gentiles.”

Isaiah 42:1 The cornerstone of our Christian faith is trust. In order to receive His justice and comfort in the middle of fear and chaos, we must first trust that He will deliver. Let’s dive into a moment of self reflection. Who currently has control over your heart? Do you trust yourself, or do you trust Jesus? If you struggle with the need for control, chances are, you have a firm grasp on your heart. It’s contained by the need to be in charge, the pressure to be perfect, the fear of trust.

“Thus says God the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it. ‘I the LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand.” Isaiah 42:5-6 He gifted us with life, the least we can do is surrender our trust to Him. He will walk alongside us as we strive to be a direct reflection of what Jesus’ life and death stood for. We are the salt and light of the earth; we are literally present-day “little Christs” who have been called to bring the justice and peace of The Kingdom to life here on earth.

As we enter into the next six days of Holy Week, I challenge you to deny yourself of all anger, fear and destruction. Seek refuge and comfort in the Lord. He will hold your hand. He will walk alongside you. He will never fail you. During this time of self reflection and repentance, I encourage you to look at this passage as a whole (Isaiah 42:1-9) and ask yourself the following questions.

What am I doing that is unjust?

How do I move towards wholehearted trust in the LORD? What is one way in specific that I can honor the LORD by bringing hope and light to an unjust situation?

Ashlee May Freshman, Psychology and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017 Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017 Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalms 70 Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32 Without Purpose we have nothing.

Every year around this time we tend to go without something for a little while. We call this Lent. It is not easy to throw off everything that hinders and entangles us. It probably never will be. We live in a world that puts its value in things that draw us further and further from God. It is easy to go with the current of your surroundings.

Although it is very easy to become entangled in sin and to lose heart and become weary, it is almost impossible to get out of the tangled mess, gain back heart and become strong. However, it is not impossible.

Every year around this time parts of our society participates in Lent. We view Lent as a time to give up one thing that entangles us. Whether that be social media, a certain food or a way of thinking, we do our best to turn from it. We often, however, forget why we are participating in Lent. Lent has almost lost its meaning among society, and when you lose meaning, you lose heart. When the meaning is lost, we become entangled, we become weary, for the meaning behind something is our purpose for doing it. When we lose purpose, we lose everything.

You see, it is not what you give up, it is why. It is not fasting but feasting.

We give up something but we aren’t really giving up anything, we are gaining. We are no longer entangled, we are set free. For Christ knew the joy that was set before Him, and He endured the cross, losing His life for our sin, but becoming the cornerstone for true joy-an opportunity for relationship.

We will not grow weary or lose heart because we know there is meaning behind our actions. We will become untangled because we know that we are not the untangler. We will fix our eyes on Jesus, for we know that where our eyes are, our feet follow. He has pioneered our path, made perfect the faith, seen us and all that we are, and still endured the cross.

For His joy is being with us and our joy results from being with Him. During this season of Lent, do not just blindly surrender something to the Lord, for actions without purpose entangle us. Purposefully surrender.

Know why you need to go without to truly go with.

Miranda Tenove Freshman, Religion/Philosophy and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017 Exodus 12:1-14 Psalms 116:1-2, 12-19, 31-35 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31-35 We read in the story of Exodus God’s plan to bring the angel of death in Egypt, but spare the Israelite people by warning them to put blood on the door. The Israelites celebrate this time as the time of Passover.

We fast forward to the time of Jesus, who is God in the flesh. In His final days He sits with His disciples as they celebrate the Passover meal. It is no coincidence that God again would deliver His people from slavery almost 1500 years later, but this time from the slavery of sin.

Many times we can’t imagine a loving and just God who would command the death of children, so we give Him a wrathful personality in the Old Testament, and a loving one in the New Testament. But if we truly believe that God is never changing, than these two cannot mix. This story from Exodus has us believe that God is only wrathful and angry.

Except that we see Jesus breaking bread with His disciples. We also see Him wash their feet as He full well knows about His death at the hands of His creation on Golgotha, and also the pain of being separated from His Father. Our God then dies at our hands, and on our behalf as well. This is not a wrathful God who can’t wait to send judgment and kill people who disobey Him, but a God who doesn’t let His creation experience anything He wouldn’t experience Himself. Just as He called Abraham to sacrifice his son, He did the same. Just as He sent the angel of death over the nation of Egypt, our God tasted death as well. There is no amount of suffering that we experience that God doesn’t experience as well.

There is nothing God won’t do for us to bring us back to Him. That is the God we serve, not a wrathful God who changes to a nice loving one, but one who gives meaning and restoration to His creation. One that stands with us, suffers with us, and will stop at nothing to remind us of His covenant that He made with His people. As this Lenten season draws to a close, let us be reminded that the God we serve has done this for us, and with Jesus’ death on the cross, God can finally look back on creation and say, “It is finished.”

Thes Kascsak Senior, Religion and Philosophy and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Good Friday, April 14, 2017 Isaiah 52:13–53:12 Psalms 22 Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, 10:16-25 John 18:1–19:42 For many years I approached Good Friday with an expectation that I should be shocked and dismayed at what my own sin had done to Jesus.

My belief was that if I felt more guilt and personal responsibility for Jesus’ suffering, I would stop sinning.

I had a voice in my head proclaiming, “Look what you did to Jesus! You made him suffer like this! Don’t you feel terrible? Aren’t you ashamed?

Maybe if you just gaze on the broken body of Christ long enough, you’ll finally realize how bad you are and stop your sinning.” And so, I approached Good Friday with dread and solemnity, but it didn’t work. I continued to sin.

With time, I have come to see more in the story of Good Friday than just my sin.

On this day, we stop to hear the heart-breaking story of a God who suffers. And yes, it is the result of our sin and rebellion. We see sin on a very personal level in Peter’s denial of Jesus as well as Judas’ betrayal. We witness sin on a mob level, as crowds chant for Jesus’ death and Roman guards mock him with a crown of thorns and a purple robe. And we see sin on a systemic level as the religious leaders and the government officials banter back and forth about their power and process for execution, while an innocent man’s life hangs in the balance.

Jesus’ suffering and death invites us to stand face-to-face with the ugliness we carry within our hearts and therefore create in our world. It is a difficult place to stand, but that isn’t all this story does. It also invites us to see God’s response to our sin, as Jesus speaks with outstretched arms, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Here is a God who offers love to the deniers, the betrayers, the mobs, the soldiers, the powerless, the powerful, and to you and me.

May you be immersed in this love again and again.

Lord Jesus Christ, your suffering and death reveal both our brokenness and your immense love. As we reflect on this day of darkness, may we be overwhelmed, not by our sin, but by your love for us.

Amen.

Matt Johnson Adjunct Professor Christian Spiritual Formation

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Holy Saturday, April 15, 2017 Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 Psalms 31:1-4, 15-16 1 Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 This day seems to get lost in the Lenten season and with the celebration of Easter. In reality, this day is just as important as any other, as it pertains to the whole miracle of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This was perhaps the hardest day for the disciples to bear those 2000 years ago.

We can think back to the time period–their friend, teacher and messiah was crucified in front of them, and they were forced into hiding so as to not suffer the same fate. They were dealing with the reality that He was really gone and wondering if all that He said was a lie. They saw Jesus’ body put into the tomb, and they had to have questioned whether the fate of the earliest followers of Jesus had been sealed within it as well.

Sad, alone and broken they hid from the governing officials who were ready to put down the opposition Jesus had created.

It was a dark day that had to have prompted so many soul-searching, gutwrenching questions. Questions about the One they had pledged their allegiance to. Questions about their own judgment and, as it appeared, their misplaced hope for the future. Questions about their own strength and will to move on and move forward.

Yes, that quiet Saturday between the crucifixion and resurrection had to have felt like it lasted 24 hours, ten times over. Each moment possessing its own flares of sorrow and fear, mixed up with memories of Jesus’ miraculous signs and wonders, and wave upon wave of great sadness, hopelessness and despair.

On this painful day, less than 24 hours before the miracle of all miracles– the resurrection–there was no reason to believe it possible. Even though Jesus himself had alluded to that very detail, the painful reality of that dark Saturday had to have been one of the most painful days.

Thes Kascsak Senior, Religion and Philosophy and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 Jeremiah 31:1-6 Psalms 118:1-2, 14, 24 Acts 10:34-43 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-18 “Can you know the truth about the world, and still love it?” Or put differently, “What will you do with what you know?”

These questions are woven throughout a book entitled Visions of Vocation by Steve Garber. These are big questions – important questions.

Why? Because what we believe in our heart of hearts shapes the choices we make and the ways we live. And our choices have implications. The actions we take, or do not take, carry with them the weight to impact the world in which we live.

The collection of scripture passages that make up our reading for this Easter Sunday, in their own way, ask these very same questions. Can I know the truth about the world (and about God and Jesus), and still love it? What will we do with what we know?

The passages in the Psalms and Jeremiah speak of the promise of a coming Messiah. No, the world was not (and indeed, is not) as it should be, but a Savior was promised to come one day and set things right.

The passage from John speaks to a moment in time that changed everything. The hopes of many had been put in Jesus, and the belief that He was the promised Messiah. But His death just three days earlier had shaken even His biggest believers to their core, and caused them to question if their hopes had been misplaced. The empty tomb, followed by Jesus’ appearance to Mary, provided renewed hope and the proximate proof that Jesus was, indeed, who He said He was – and that changed everything.

And so the passages in the book of Acts and Paul’s letter to the Colossians become the earliest attempts of Christ’s followers to ask and answer these same questions: What will we do with what we know? Can we know the truth about the world (and all its pains and struggles and injustices) – and God (and His hopes and promises and peace) – and still love it?

Yes! Jesus has risen, indeed! And this gives us every reason to have hope in the faith that we profess in Christ! But that same hope and faith should move us – in fact, must move us – into the kind of life that reflects the love and grace and compassion and peace of Jesus.

So… what will we do with what we know? Can we know the world and still love it?

Guy Chmieleski Campus Pastor and Dean of Campus Ministries

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Campus Ministries at Friends University Chapel Join the Friends University community as we gather for worship, prayer and to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. | Alumni Auditorium Cornerstone What’s the best way to end your weekend and start your week? Join other members of the Friends community for a casual time of worship and teaching. Come early for coffee and conversation!

Sundays at 8 p.m. | Casado Dining Hall Bible studies Connect with other students, staff and faculty to explore, discuss and practice ways to grow as followers of Jesus.

Local Service Projects Impact the community by volunteering! Have an idea? Come tell us about it. Looking for a place to serve? We can help you find a great place to get plugged in!

Mission Trips Work with a team over fall break, spring break or both to explore important issues in our world and serve alongside churches and organizations that are making a difference.

Retreats Recharge away from campus with a fun time of learning and resting while growing in your faith.

Prayer Have a prayer request? Our Campus Ministries staff is committed to praying for the needs of the campus, and invite you to share your requests with us by emailing prayerrequest@friends.edu.

Individual Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction Our full-time Campus Ministries staff members provide a safe and supportive environment to help you navigate life’s challenges. Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, our doors are open to meet with you to explore and expand your understanding of who God is, who you are, and what you and God are doing together in the world.

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