Written & shared by youth and adults from Zion Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL 2013 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross. -Phillipians 2:5-8 Written & shared by youth and adults from Zion Lutheran Church

2 May these words be a blessing... to you as your journey through Holy Week and towards the cross and resurrection. You can use the writings however you see fit. You can read them all at once or read them each day as we walk together toward death and the resurrection. A big thank you to the Zion writers who contributed their time and shared their faith through these writings. Thank you for joining in God s call to each of us to share our gifts! 2

3 Maundy Thursday 6:45pm Good Friday 6:45pm Easter Sunday 6:30am 8:30am 10:30am Easter Breakfast 7:30-8:30am 3

4 This word about him spread. Luke 7:17 Throughout the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the news about Jesus spreads. Initially, nobody really knows much about him. But the more he preaches and teaches and heals, the faster the word begins to spread. When people come into contact with him, they start saying things like, God has looked favorably on his people and Who is this that even forgives sin? People are amazed. Astounded. Shocked. Surprised. When folks start to share about what God is doing in their lives, amazing things begin to happen! But it starts with people being willing to share. This season of Lent is a good time to pause and consider where we have seen the work of God in our own lives. Here in this community and church, I rejoice in opportunities to see the Holy Spirit at work every day. Whenever people are inspired with new and exciting questions about the Bible, I see God at work. Whenever the Club 56 and confirmation youth come together on Wednesday nights, I see God at work. Whenever we come together on a Sunday morning and pray the Lord s Prayer together and sing songs, I see God at work. In a multitude of ways, the Spirit of God is alive and moving among us. How will we spread this word? In biblical times, people shared with their family and friends, and the circle grew wider and wider. Eventually, whole countries and communities were sharing the good news of Jesus. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire us to spread the word. When we experience the love of Jesus in our lives, let s share it! May the news of Jesus immeasurable grace and love continue to spread throughout the universe, so that all people might experience his compassion first-hand. Amen. Pastor Emily Carson 4

5 I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13 This does not mean whatever I want to do, God will give me the strength to do it. Rather, whatever challenges God brings into my life; whatever things he pulls me into, he will give me all the strength and hope I need. For example when a family member is far away Christ helps me stay close through love and faith. It is amazing that Christ can tell when I truly need his strength. He gives us a promise when we are baptized into his holy family saying I have called you by name you are mine. This states that we are his children and he will strengthen us. Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me strength when it is truly needed. I pray you watch over my family. Help me to trust you. Amen. Kaylee Smidt Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it shall be yours. -Mark 11:24 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for answering prayer. Forgive us for our hesitation to come before you in prayer. Shatter our doubts and help us to trust you completely for all that we need. He us, especially to forgive others is you have forgiven each of us. May all of this be on our hearts as we go about our days. Amen. Mel Harrington 5

6 For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. -Hebrews 6:10 This verse is speaking of follow through perhaps on a project or commitment. It s so easy to begin something, but it takes courage to finish. Frequently, at the beginning of something, we get all excited and usually have a lot of support to do it. But when our emotions wear of or something else we deem more important or that simply can t wait gets in the way. When all there is left is hard work and much patience, we then find out what it takes to truly succeed. Be that person who follows through on a commitment, who does succeed and finishes well. Lord God, help us to always do our very best to serve you by lovingly serving those who need our time and energy. Help us to show all peoples our grace and compassion just as you have shown us. Amen. Sharon Keuker The Lord is good. He protects those who trust him in times of trouble. -Nahum 1:7 Lately I ve turned to God with my brothers injuries and with helping a friend in need. Thank you God. You are good. Dear Lord, I know I ve done wrong but thank you for always forgiving me and being there in my time of need. Amen. Natalie Jaeger 6

7 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. -Luke23:34a Why couple this verse from Isaiah with this one from Luke? Why use these words of proclamation with these words from Jesus on the cross? Is this not a strange coupling of Scripture for a Lenten meditation? No. We are Easter people. We, as former radio commentator Paul Harvey used to say, know the rest of the story. Handel s Messiah repeats the words written in Isaiah. Sung gustily during the Christmas season, this moving piece calls me to rejoice that our Father God so loves us that He has given us His son to be with us and to care for us everlasting. I never fail to get goose bumps when I hear this thrilling part of the Messiah played or sung. Yet, at the same time as I am getting goose bumps I am forced to reflect upon that crucifixion up on Calvary. A crucifixion known to our Father God before the proclamation made in Isaiah. Even while on that cross, suffering over welling pain of body and spirit, Jesus asks his Father, our God, to forgive us. To forgive me. To forgive all those who came before you and me and who will come after you and me. These words from Isaiah remind me that our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are one God, without end. These words from Luke assure me that, no matter what I do, think or not do yesterday or tomorrow has been forgiven. And, that too, gives me goose bumps. Place your name in the Luke verse. Its personal impact, its meaning, will certainly deepen: Father, forgive Doug, for he does not know what he is doing. And for that deeply loving advocacy I truly rejoice. Amen. Diaconal Minister Doug Spiotta 7

8 Jesus said to them, "You are truly my disciples if you live as I tell you to, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:32 This Holy Week take time to discuss this question with your family. No matter what age we are we need to search our hearts and truthfully answer "Why make time for church?" We have all attended or are attending school to learn our ABC's. Where can we learn about Jesus and His sacrificial LOVE for us? Church is the organized institution for spreading the LOVE of Jesus to all the world. Jesus says " I am the way and the truth and the life: No one comes to the Father but through me." John 14:6 Our human nature is to be knowledgeable and we seek that knowledge where ever we can. We want to know what life is all about. What better teacher than Jesus to tell us the truth about life. What things can we learn from Jesus? He will tell us who He is and where He came from. He will show us how much He LOVES us. He will teach us how to be like Him. He will teach by example as we read about Him in the Bible which is His written LOVE letter to us. He will promise to always be with us in life as we study His Holy Word. He will do more for us than we can imagine if we ask Him believing He will hear us and answer us. He will forgive us when we tell Him we have done wrong. Only at church can we learn more than we ever dreamed about a man who loved us so much he died for us on a cross. Yes that was Jesus! Dear Jesus, Thank you for the gift of your church. May we each find the peace and joy only your love can give in your Church! Amen. Sharon Byrne 8

9 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe. -Hebrews 12:28 In everything give thanks; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18 God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~ William A. Ward It is easy to get into a mind set of what I want and what I don t have and my prayers are prayers of please give me this and please give me that. This quickly leaves me depressed and in a very bad place. I have learned that I need to have an Attitude of Gratitude instead. If I look at what I have instead of what I don t have, it puts a different perspective on life. I have my health, husband, children, and grandchildren. My family is healthy. Our home is warm in winter, cool in summer, we have food in the pantry. I enjoy quilting, knitting, and reading. My husband and I both have jobs and are blessed with many wonderful friends. As I think about all the things that I have to be grateful for, my attitude quickly changes to one of thankfulness to God for all that he has given me. Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot. ~ The Hausa of Nigeria He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~ Epictetus Jesus, Be with us this Lenten season as we remember the sacrifice that you made for us by sending your son to die for us. Help us to continue to grow in gratitude and thankfulness to you. In your name we pray. Amen. Beverly Wise 9

10 Don t be afraid; for I am with you. Don t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 41:10 When the phone rang on that day three years ago on Monday, January 11, 2010, my husband and I were sitting at our kitchen table enjoying coffee and a freshly baked banana cake with our very good friends. It was 3:20 pm. I quickly answered the phone and the caller asked me if I was sitting down. My heart began to pound fearing bad news was about to be told. The caller then advised me that our grandson Brandon, age 23 years, had passed away over the weekend. I m not sure what I said other than I asked if she was absolutely sure. The answered came back yes. I asked if our daughter had been notified. The answer was no. From that moment on, everything became a blur. I remember calling church and asking for a pastor to come. Pastor Emily arrived almost immediately and was with us throughout the day. I prayed for guidance and strength as I knew this message was going to be devastating to our daughter. We requested she come for an immediate visit. With Pastor Emily sitting there with us, we told her about Brandon. I keep silently asking God for strength; please don t let me fall apart at this moment. Please help me say the right thing. Please help me to comfort her. The next phone call was to Brandon s sister, Danielle, who was studying in France, but on holiday with friends. With the help of Danielle s friends we were able to locate her and share this heartbreaking news. I prayed as I passed this information hoping I was as gentle as possible. I was grateful she was with a good friend from home who was able to provide compassion so far away. As a parent watching a child suffer through the unimaginable despair and a granddaughter having lost a brother 2 years after the loss of her father was beyond words. To this day, I have no words to express our profound grief and despair. The loss of our only grandson brought my husband to the depths of darkness during the ensuing months. It was 10

11 through the grace of God that our family has begun to heal during these 3 years. Life does go on and we have somewhat adjusted to this loss knowing we have many wonderful memories of those 23 years. We later learned Brandon had committed suicide. We ve learned to live one day at a time. God has been with us from the moment that phone message was delivered. He continues to make us stronger day by day, and when there is a rough day, we ask for His help. We find comfort knowing Brandon has found peace with the Lord. With the awareness of Your constant presence within me, God, I listen for direction that guides me, strengthens me and makes my way sure. Amen. Sharon Kueker For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. -John 3:16 11

12 Don t be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! -Mark 16:6a 12