Today is the beginning of the 5th week of Lent. As we approach Holy Week, I wanted to remind you of a few of the wonderful truths about the heritage we share because we are part of God’s family:
- God has set YOU apart as holy
- God has chosen YOU
- YOU are His treasured possession
- Christ lives in YOU
From Jesus Calling:
“Be transformed by the truth that I live within you. Holiness is letting me live through you. Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy. I want to inhabit all your moments – gracing your thoughts, words, and behavior.”
Colossians 1:27
For it has pleased God to tell his people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.
Deuteronomy 14:2
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
Daily Scriptures:
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
John 8:12-19
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” 19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”
Lenten Prayers:
God of love, source of all blessings,
please forgive our sins and
fill our lives with your grace.
Help us to also show grace to others.
May the powerful light of your unfailing love
shine into the deepest, darkest corners of our soul,
revealing the most un-loving parts of our hearts.
Please heal and restore the broken places in our hearts,
and fill us more deeply with the sense of your love for us.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Psalm 23
Intercessions:
Praise to Jesus, our Savior; by His death on the cross
He has given us the gift of salvation.
Let us ask Him:
Lord, guide us to walk in your ways.
God of mercy, you gave have given us new life, – help us to grow day by day in your likeness.
May our generosity today bring joy to those in need,
– in helping them may we find you.
Help us to do what is good, right and true in your sight,
– and to seek you always with undivided hearts.
Closing Prayer:
God of love,
Amen.
I know that you are the sourceof grace and all that is good in my life.
Help me to resist the temptation of sin to which I so often succumb,
Thank you for the forgiveness you offer me.
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