Lent Day 38, Friday, March 31, 2023

“24-Hour Fast”

Argh!  It’s here.  The 24-hour fast has arrived.  No food consumption for twenty-four hours is the Challenge.  All drinks are okay, but given that we won’t have any food on our stomachs, it would be wise to be careful with the drinks we allow.

One good thing about this Challenge is that it’s only 24 hours.  Even if we’ve already blown it today, we can start at any time.  The author’s suggestion is to begin at the final meal of the day, allowing one to be asleep for at least 1/3 of the time.  (Assuming, of course, that we’re getting 8 hours of sleep per night.  Haha.  That’s a joke.  Few of us are getting the proper amount of sleep.)

The purpose of the Fast Challenges, like all of our Lenten Challenges, is to demonstrate that we can do something special for God.  Thus far during our Lenten Challenges, we’ve intentionally prayed for a variety of people.  We’ve given up some free time to read Scriptures, tried to mend a fence or two with someone with whom we’re estranged, and we’ve tried to give out a “Thank You” to some of God’s special people.

Today, you and I are Challenged to withhold something that our bodies need.  We’re not engaging in a fast to punish ourselves.  Instead, it’s just the opposite.  Too many people in this world don’t get enough to eat while we’ve almost always got more than enough to eat.  If I wanted to press this Challenge even further, I might consider giving the money I’m going to save to a local food bank or to a local church for that purpose.  Surely, I can make it twenty-four hours without something to eat, so that I may honor both God and someone else.

Is that plain enough?  Let’s get it done!  Take the 24-hour food fast (but all drinks are okay!).

“When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  (Matthew 6:17-18, NRSV)

Lent Day 37, Thursday, March 30, 2023

“Read Psalm 100”

Ah!  Finally!  For the past week, Lenten enthusiasts have been hanging on the edge of anticipation wondering about Psalm 100, a cinderella story in the making.    A week ago (Thursday, March 23, 2023, “Read Psalm 23”), we were alarmed to discover that Psalm 23 didn’t make it into the final sweet sixteen of Lenten Challenges.  Like every other favorite in this year’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, the perennial Final Four contender Psalm 23 lost to a relatively unknown Psalm 100.  Now that game day is almost here, it’s time to learn a little more about this underdog story.

Most people can’t quote Psalm 100 from memory, but folks will recognize it immediately as soon as they begin reading.  Psalm 100 contains lots of familiar tones and phrases.  If readers are paying attention, they might begin to recognize the words of Psalm 100 in music.  If so, they’re on the right track.  They’ve heard plenty of hymns and songs that quote directly from this beloved Psalm.  They’ve also heard plenty of church liturgies and holiday readings from it, so this isn’t exactly a complete unknown.  It’s always been there.

Why is Psalm 100 so popular in music and why would the Church choose to use it in worship liturgies, calls to worship, blessings, and prayers?  Maybe it’s because it’s difficult to read the Psalm without a smile. Perhaps it’s because the Psalm acknowledges God’s intentional creation of each of us, or the joyful invitation to serve the LORD as best we can.  Or, maybe folks like it because it doesn’t say anything scary and it gives a big “Thank You” to God.

Whatever the reason for the popularity of Psalm 100, today represents the perfect opportunity to focus on something bigger, and frankly, better than us:  God.  Yes, Psalm 100 focuses on God while acknowledging our importance and value as part of God’s created world. 

Pick up a copy of the Scriptures today and read Psalm 100!  Say a prayer with it and give God a big thumbs up for loving us despite our busted brackets! 

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!  Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into his presence with singing!”  (Psalm 100:1, ESV)

 Lent Day 36, Wednesday, March 29, 2023

“Thank a Soldier”

Today’s Lenten Challenge is another one that serves as an important reminder of the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy.  Today, thank a current member or veteran of the Armed Forces or Coast Guard. 

This simple and important Challenge can help make the day special for those that we often forget or take for granted.  The majority of us are able to enjoy countless freedoms, including the freedom to worship, attend school, and choose where we want to live, because of the sacrifices made by others.

Those who serve (and have served) in the Armed Forces have a different view of the world than ours.  It is one that is unique to their experience, which they received by putting their own lives on the line on behalf of the rest of us.  That takes a different kind of courage and belief system than what we normally encounter, and they do it so that we can have choices, options, and liberties.

Do you know a current or veteran member of our Armed Forces or Coast Guard?  If so, give them a big “Thank You” today.  After that, give God some thanks for providing such a special person in your life.  This will take little effort but it can also make all the difference in the world to someone very special.

Thank a soldier today!

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  (John 15:13, NIV)

 Lent Day 35, Tuesday, March 28, 2023

“Stretch and Breathe”

Why not?  Stretching and breathing are good for the body and soul, so it seems only right that we take some time to engage in both.

Stretching accomplishes many benefits.  It increases our performance in physical activities.  It also decreases our risk of injury and helps us increase muscle blood flow.  Through stretching, we improve our ability to accomplish normal, daily activities and we help our joints move through their full range of motion. 

In other words, when we stretch, we help to overcome that old saying, “Use it or lose it.”  Especially as we age, stretching becomes even more important.  The American College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching at least 2 -3 times per week, but daily stretching is the most effective. 

Breathing is a necessary activity, but there’s a reason that medical professionals suggest controlled breathing exercises.  Intentional breathing exercises lower blood pressure and heart rate, balance oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, improve immune system functioning, lowers stress hormones in the blood, and improve our physical energy levels.

With a list that long, we shouldn’t need much more incentive to focus on our breathing.  However, when we also reduce our anxiety levels, improve our quality of sleep, and enhance our brain functions, it sure seems like we need to be more intentional about taking some good, deep breaths of fresh air.

So, how about that today?  Breathe and Stretch!  Stretch and Breathe!  Let’s get our hearts, mind, and body in balance with what God provides today!

“The Lord God proclaims to these bones: ‘I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again.’ “ (Ezekiel 37:5, CEB)

 Lent Day 34, Monday, March 27, 2023

“Pray for a (Recent) Widow or Widower”

As we land on the fifth Monday of Lent, our task will be to honor someone who has recently lost their beloved by praying for the recently widowed or widowed.  The word “recent” is relative and limiting: time can stand still when you lose your beloved. We don’t need to define how recently someone lost their loved one.  Anyone that comes to mind will be fine, no matter how long it’s been since they lost their special person.  Unfortunately, we have many choices of people who qualify.

We can be a blessing to someone today.  Often, when we think of our friends and family who have lost their loved ones, we wonder what we can do for them.  We love them and hurt for them because we know that there are plenty of times when they are still grieving. Instead of just wondering what we can do, let’s be intentional and pray for a recent widow or widower.  

Give God some time today on behalf of those missing their beloved.  Ask God for their peace; Seek God for their comfort.  Request that they receive the assurance of the LORD the Holy Spirit.  God knows and recognizes their pain.  God hurts, too, and God wants the best for them.  God wants them to have friends and loved ones who still think of them and help care for their needs.

Today’s Challenge is an easy one.  Today’s Challenge is a very important one.  Pray for a recent widow or widower and let God know how special they are to you.

“Father of orphans, champion of widows, is God in his holy house.”  (Psalm 68:5, The Message)

 Lent Day 33, Sunday, March 26, 2023

“Church:  Go and Tell”

How often do you talk about church?  Most of us would probably hide in embarrassment if we had to answer the question honestly.  Church often falls into those categories of discussion that aren’t always easy in social situations. 

Believe it or not, the church used to be the primary discussion in most communities in America.  As we’ve discussed before, our local churches served as schools, courthouses, hospitals, meeting places, community gatherings, party locations, and just about every other social function one can imagine.  Local churches were vital in our local communities. 

Local churches are still vital in our local communities.  Serving as God’s hands to reach out, churches provide food, clothing, finances, and many other resources for the neediest people around us.  Churches are still the “hub” of service and giving in our neighborhoods, connected with people in their joys, celebrations, sorrows, and tragedies.

If you’re taking the time to read this devotion, then you are probably already connected with a local church, chapel, or synagogue.  You already know how valuable this place is to you.  You’re already well aware of the good-hearted people within your special place and you’ve probably already witnessed God’s movement in some incredible ways.

Today, let’s focus on the ways we can share our church, chapel, or synagogue with other people.  Let’s find a way to issue an invitation to someone else, telling them about the great things God is doing through this very special place.  Often, your invitation becomes the greatest gift that you can give to someone else. 

Let’s Go and Tell about Church today!

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ ” (Psalm 122:1, NIV)

 Lent Day 32, Saturday, March 25, 2023

“Plant Something”

Today’s Challenge for Lent is to plant something.  What qualifies?  A seed or seedling will suffice, dropped into the earth or in fresh water.  Trees are great to plant, and so are fruit and vegetable bushes.  Yes, anything you want to plant will qualify, but the question remains, “What is the theological significance of this?”

The theological significance is the same as one would expect:  that we care for the world God created.  God provided us with an abundance of plants and trees as a source of food.  God certainly would have expected humankind to also use wood as building materials for shelter and tools to improve life.

The LORD gives specific instructions to humankind to care for the world in which we live.  We are charged with being good stewards of all the world’s natural resources, and unless we continue to plant seeds and nurture plants into life-giving materials, we will not be able to sustain our current way of life. 

Trees and plants are valuable for lots of reasons.  These valuable resources provide us with food, oxygen, and medicine, in addition to shelter, tools, and a variety of other needs.  One doesn’t need a green thumb to grow something, but we need to pay attention in order to accomplish today’s Lenten Challenge.

Do something good for our environment and plant something today!

“They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.  They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.  Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”  (Psalm 1:2-3, NLT)

 Lent Day 30, Thursday, March 23, 2023

“Read Psalm 23”

Here’s a Challenge for Lent that almost anyone can accomplish:  Read Psalm 23.

Believe it or not, this Challenge didn’t make it into the Sweet 16.  This Challenge missed the cut by just one (17 days remaining in Lent).  We fans would think that it would receive an automatic bye into the next round, but alas, it didn’t.

Why?  It’s not because we don’t like the 23rd Psalm.  In fact, we love it.  It’s the most requested Scripture passage at funerals, by far.  It brings us comfort when we need it the most.  This cherished passage reminds us that we’re not alone in our battles and that life is far from over.  We need to know that and we need to be reminded of it. 

The Psalm is something that I’ll always love and is endearing to lots of folks, but that still didn’t give it a free pass into the Sweet 16 this year.  It still must compete with other things.  For instance, one upcoming Challenge that made it into the Sweet 16 is to plant something.  Another Challenge that made the cut is to read Psalm 100, while still another is to do something nice for another person.  Now, I can understand that last one:  Doing something nice for someone ought to be a Final 4 competitor.  But, really?  Planting something and Psalm 100 has no business beating out the 23rd Psalm!

Every year is different from the one previously, and just because Psalm 23 isn’t in the Sweet 16 this year doesn’t mean that it’s not worth our best effort.  So, in honor of this perennial powerhouse, we honor a Scripture passage that has brought comfort to the world for over 2,500 years.  Let’s take a few moments today and read the 23rd Psalm.  While we’re at it, let’s also give God some quiet moments of thankful gratitude for giving us words of comfort that have helped us through some tough times.  It’s a good passage to read.  It’s a great Word to know, anytime and all the time.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”  (Psalm 23:6, NKJV)

 Lent Day 29, Wednesday, March 22, 2023

“Pray for Victims of Natural Disasters”

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to pray for those who have suffered (and continue to suffer) from natural disasters.  The list of recent disasters is longer than most of us can name, but even those that occurred many years ago still create problems for people that will continue far into the future. 

As one who has lived among tornadoes, winter storms, and hurricanes, I’ve had the unfortunate opportunity to experience the damage and aftermath caused by natural disasters.  I am very blessed to have not been personally harmed by these occurrences, but I have been close enough to witness the impact on many individuals and communities.  You may be one who has been personally impacted.  If not, you probably have witnessed plenty of it yourself.

Today’s Challenge is to be intentional about praying for those who have been impacted by natural disasters.  Storms, earthquakes, wildfires, and drought occur frequently enough to have plenty of prayer opportunities, as do the uncontrollable losses from fire and floods in homes and businesses.  

The technological innovation of the last hundred years has connected us more than ever to disasters all over the world.  We are more informed than ever.  Although this information overload can often be difficult, it connects us to prayer opportunities that we may not have otherwise had available to us.

Today, let’s pray for those personally impacted by natural disasters, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes, property, and identity.  The list is long.  Let’s give it to God!

“The LORD is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.”  (Psalm 34:18, CEV)

 Lent Day 28, Tuesday, March 21, 2023

“Take a Walk Outside”

Today’s Lenten Challenge, to take a walk outside, might seem silly.  Lots of us get out every day and those of us who work indoors get outside once we stop pushing pencils and keyboards.  But today, let’s be intentional in how we spend time outside.

Spending time outside is more than just taking a fresh breath of air.  It’s also about recognizing the magnificence, beauty, and size of the world God created.  It’s experiencing life that can’t be recreated in any other way.  Whether falling leaves, rolling waves, the warmth of the sun, the freshness of the wind, or the coolness of the rain, each moment outside provides a unique moment that God has provided for us. 

Our world, and everything in it, is a great blessing!  Take a walk outside, today.  Give God another “Thank You” for the trees, the air we breathe, or another gift of creation you notice!  It’s good and proper to occasionally thank the God who continues to provide more than we can ever imagine!

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.  The skies display the LORD’s craftsmanship.”  (Psalm 19:1, NLT)

 Lent Day 27, Monday, March 20, 2023

“Complete a Procrastinated Task”

What an excellent way to begin the week:  Complete a Procrastinated Task!

Yes, this could be anything:  A delayed trip into town, a phone call to a friend or family member, or even completing tax returns will suffice.  Other lagging culprits for procrastination might include committing to God, praying and/or reading the Bible every day, and attending worship regularly.

For some of us, procrastinating is one of our biggest weaknesses.  It’s not that we don’t intend to do something.  Usually, our procrastinated tasks are things we either don’t enjoy or seem difficult.  Often, we fear that our tasks might create conflict or pain in other people, if not in our own hearts and minds.  The reasons for our excuses are many.  We have the best intentions, and our hearts and minds are in the right place.  We just can’t clear that hump.

Today is everyone’s least favorite day of the week.  This Challenge is not intended to make the day worse.  In fact, if we complete this procrastinated item, we might find that this day was the best day of our week.  In some cases, this might be the best day of the year!

What is your procrastinated task?  One of mine was this devotion.  I put it off for several days before sitting down to write it.  But by the end of today, I’ll have one less thing hanging over my head.

Let’s get it done!  Complete that procrastinated task and give God a big, “Thank You”, for helping us to start the week on the right (or left) foot!

“Don’t put it off; do it now!  Don’t rest until you do.”  (Proverbs 6:4, NLT)

 Lent Day 26, Sunday, March 19, 2023

“Pray for Healing of Self.”

Today’s Lenten Challenge, to pray for healing of our “self”, will be easy for some and difficult for others.  For the folks who don’t have a problem asking God to heal them, this Challenge is so easy that you’ve probably already accomplished it today. For others, though, asking God for our own healing from physical injury, illness, or handicap, is outside of our box.  

Crying to the LORD to help us overcome anxiety, depression, or other mental and emotional illness, doesn’t always seem to portray love and humility.  However, we often forget that we, ourselves, are walking temples of God’s creation.  Though we might not feel perfect, God has given us exactly what we need.  God wants us to be healthy.  God wants us to be as complete as we were created to be.  When we are less than whole, whether it be because of illness, injury, tragic circumstances, or emotional trauma, it is only right that we should take our concerns to God. 

When we pray for healing of our “self,” it is not selfish.  Nor does God consider the prayer as one of pride or irrelevance.  God wants us to feel good.  God wants us to be the best we can be and a prayer for our own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health is actually a prayer for God’s temple.  The better we feel, the more effective we can be as witnesses to God’s love and work in the world.  A quick fix bandaid doesn’t always turn out to fix anything … only the One that created us can know how to perfectly mend us from the inside.

Today, give yourself permission to cry to God for whatever physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual pain is hindering you.  Trust that God not only receives your heart’s cry, He longs to draw you to His own heart!

“They cried out to the LORD in their distress; he delivered them from their troubles.  He sent them an assuring word and healed them; he rescued them from the pits where they were trapped.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for people.”  (Psalm 107:19-21, NET)

 Lent Day 25, Saturday, March 18, 2023

“Send a Hand-written Letter or Note”

Over the years, I’ve probably received more positive comments about this Challenge than any of the others during the Lenten Season.  So just like last year and many years previously, sending a handwritten letter has returned to our tasks for the Season.

The letter, card, or note that we send to someone doesn’t need to be grammatically correct.  Our recipient is not going to grade it with a red pen and send it back. Even our most stern grammar teacher will smile with delight upon receiving something this intentional!

Writing a letter takes time.  Writing a note card to someone requires concentration to choose our words carefully.  Writing a greeting card requires the forethought of making a trip to a local store and choosing something specific to send.  When our person receives our handwritten note next week, they’ll be surprised and thankful.  They’ll be comforted and valued.  We might even be able to help them crack a smile on a rough day.

Today is Saturday and lots of us are going to be seeking something fun to explore.  Writing a letter isn’t exactly “fun” for most of us, but the result of our effort could help create some fun for someone else that really needs it.

Write your note today.  Address it, stamp it, and drop it in a mailbox.  Do something intentional for someone else and allow them the opportunity to be valued, encouraged, and loved.  

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”  (Romans 15:1-2, The Message)

 Lent Day 24, Friday, March 17, 2023

“Eat Something Green!”

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we get a slight breather this Friday during Lent.  Rather than withhold necessities such as meat, caffeine, or sugar from our diets, today we are challenged to eat something Green and Healthy!

Yes, the only real Challenge for some of us is that we can’t consume Green beer, margaritas, or various candies and expect them to count.  Today, we are Challenged with finding something Green that is Healthy and adding it to our diets.  Lettuce, Spinach, Green Apples, and Avocadoes (from Mexico!) are all legal today.  Also permitted are Green protein drinks (Mountain Dew is not healthy), pistachios, green peppers, and whatever else we can justify during this 24-hour period.

Everything doesn’t have to be Green and Healthy today.  Instead, this Challenge is designed to help us be more intentional about our consumption choices.  We should be conscious about what we put into our bodies for the simple reason that “We are what we eat”.

Sure, this Challenge will be easy to complete.  Throwing some bell peppers on our pizza tonight will work.  Spinach dip can be justified.  Even lettuce on our bacon cheeseburger would work.  But all that kinda defeats the purpose.  We are beyond blessed because we are able to choose our next meal when many people don’t have anything to eat.  If, for no other reason, we can begin to be more conscious about our food and beverage consumption, then maybe we can take one more step forward in a life that serves both God and God’s world.

Find something Green and Healthy to eat today!

“Then God said, “I now give to you all the plants on the earth that yield seeds and all the trees whose fruit produces its seeds within it. These will be your food.”  (Genesis 1:29, CEB)

 Lent Day 23, Thursday, March 16, 2023

“Journal or Write a Prayer”

Have you ever written a prayer?  Have you ever tried journalling as a part of your Faith and life journey?  These two things are a bit similar but also very different.  Prayer is focused communication with God, whereas journalling can be writing about anything.  When we consider what it means to “Journal” or write a prayer, it changes things a little.

In a typical prayer, it can be difficult to keep up with all the things flying in and out of our heads.  When we write or journal a prayer, our focus improves, and specifying what we’re praying for seems to make a difference.  In addition, something special occurs when we write someone’s name.  It’s difficult to explain so I’ll just let you explore it for yourself.

In my own experience, it seems that when I write my prayers, they are much more intentional, directed, and specific.  My thoughts are more collected and organized.  I’ve also discovered that I’m much less likely to forget things when I journal my prayers.

I wish I could say that I witness more of my prayers answered by writing them, but I’m not sure I can prove it scientifically.  It’s difficult to fully explain the benefits of writing and journalling prayers.  I just know that when I write my prayers, I feel much better about what I’m seeking from God and I’m more confident about what I receive.  

Pray today, but write it down!  If you’re feeling bold, start a Prayer Journal.  Do it today, and tomorrow, and keep going.  God will take it from there!

“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.’ “ (Jeremiah 30:2, NIV)

 Lent Day 22, Wednesday, March 15, 2023

“Tell Your Story”

What’s your story?  How did you get to this moment in life? 

If someone were to ask me this question today, I know what my answer would be (but I’m not going to reveal it)!  Of course, the easy answer is “God made it happen”.  The complicated answer includes those experiences that were truly life-changing:  terrible, near-miss experiences, as well as the direct hits that came in both good and bad ways.

When we consider our life stories, we reflect upon lots of lessons learned.  We’ve learned what to say and what not to say.  We’ve learned what to do and not do, and we learned how to respond, interact, and relate to people.  We learned lots of good (and bad) lessons and would like to share them.  But sometimes, our fears of embarrassment, self-worth, and pride can get in the way.

Our stories are important.  This moment is important.  What has God done in our lives?  What is God doing right now?  No matter how simple or complicated, our stories are our witnesses to God’s work in our lives.  It is important that we learn how to share them, not to boast about ourselves, but to help encourage others in their journeys of Faith.

Is someone in our circle of family and friends hurting?  Does someone need an encouraging story?  Do we know someone that needs help with a decision?  

Our stories of God’s work in our own lives can make a difference for someone.  Let’s discover a place to tell our story!  Let’s share God’s work in our lives!

“I will tell of your goodness; all day long I will speak of your salvation, though it is more than I can understand.” (Psalm 71:15, Good News Bible)

 Lent Day 21, Tuesday, March 14, 2023

“Thank a Civil Servant or First Responder”

Today’s Lenten Challenge, to thank a Civil Servant or First Responder, should be something that everyone understands.  Our Civil Servants include everyone from our garbage collectors to our city commissioners.  Our First Responders include everyone who responds to 911 when we are in panic mode:  the members of the Police and Fire departments and emergency medical personnel, including the ones who transport us to the Emergency Room and the ones who take care of us when we arrive.

It’s easy to forget about the sacrifices that these people make every day.  Often overworked and underpaid, they are awake and on the clock while we are asleep at night.  They are repairing sewer lines in the heat of the day and trying to keep thousands of vehicles safe during rush-hour traffic.  They wait anxiously in Emergency Rooms for the next tragedy that they hope never occurs.

Our Civil Servants and First Responders provide us with care, protection, and health as their vocation in life.  They aren’t just serving a city government or municipal building; They are serving each of us so that we may continue our haphazard and chaotic lives.  They are caring for each of us while we rest comfortably in our easy chairs.

Today is the day to show some love to people who don’t hear the words, “Thank You” enough.  If possible, locate one of these people.  Thank them for what they do on our behalf.

“We appealed to you, encouraged you, and pleaded with you to live lives worthy of the God who is calling you into his own kingdom and glory.”  (1 Thessalonians 2:12, CEB).

 Lent Day 20, Monday, March 13, 2023

“Pray for the Person You Are Reconciling With”

Happy Monday, right?  Consider today’s Challenge to be both a reminder and an encouragement.  Last Thursday (March 9), our Challenge was to reconcile with someone.  That one wasn’t easy.  For many, if not all of us, it’s still not simple. 

Today’s Challenge is to pray for the person with whom we are reconciling.  This challenge stresses the importance of God’s work in the difficult parts of our lives.  For those of us who did not complete last Thursday’s task, consider today as further emphasis that we need to get this one done.  Pray for the person.  Pray for God to give us the strength to forgive, reach out, and mend the fence.  We can do it.  We need it, they need it, and God will bless the effort.

Regardless of the outcomes of our reconciliation attempt, we can pray for that person. Pray that they will receive your olive branch as an extension of God’s love pouring through your heart.  Pray that they will receive your effort as genuine and permanent.

This is not intended to make Monday more difficult than it already is.  Instead, this is a step to start our week on a positive note by giving our most difficult tasks to God.  Whatever it is today and this week, we can overcome it because God is there.

Begin the week by praying for one who needs our reconciliation!

“Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.”  (Ephesians 4:32,CEB)