Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024

“I Have Seen The Lord!”

Happy Easter!  If you and your loved ones are attending Church this weekend, you will almost definitely hear the following statement:  “I have seen the Lord!”  These five words, uttered by Mary Magdalene in John’s Gospel, comprise one of the most powerful quotations in the Bible.  It may not be as well known as Psalm 23 or John 3:16, but this one statement says so much without needing to say anything else.

What does it mean to Mary when she says that she has seen the Lord?  Per Scripture, she is referring to her personal encounter with Jesus following the Resurrection.  But is she only referring to his physical presence or is she referring to something more?

Recognizing the presence of God is a big thing in anyone’s life.  Seeing the physical presence of the LORD must have been an amazing moment, indeed.  But contrary to what we might think, seeing isn’t a qualification of believing.  Lots of people were about to see Jesus during the next few weeks, but billions of people throughout history will not have seen and yet they will still believe.

Why do people believe without seeing?  Is it because we are desperate to have hope?  Is it because we want to know that Someone Else is in charge?  Is it because we are weak, illiterate, naïve or uninformed?

People who don’t believe in the LORD are making a choice to not believe.  Those of us who believe are also given the same choice, except we are choosing to believe.  The difference between these two statements is so slight yet so powerful.  God gave us the option to believe.  God gave us the choice of free will.  We didn’t ask for God to make us independent thinkers; God just did it in His Own free will. 

God knew that we would be better people if we chose to believe on our own.  God knew that if He turned us into a bunch of robots or computer programs, we would never understand the love we experience with family, friends, and communities.  God knew that if He controlled our thoughts, we’d never be able to experience the feelings of loving a special someone or the complete joy associated with the birth of a child.

God chose to give us a choice.  God loves us so much that He provided life on earth with an option to experience life in Heaven.  Yes, some pain will always exist because the world is an imperfect place.  But God still loves us so much that he’s offering us an opportunity to continue with a new life that will not include sickness, pain, anxiety, or tears.  

What do you choose?  I choose to believe, not because I must, but because God gave me the choice.  I haven’t seen Jesus like Mary Magdalene did that morning at the tomb, but I can still say, “I have seen the Lord.”  I hope and pray that you can say the same.  

Have a wonderfully Blessed, Happy Easter!

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.  And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”  (John 1:14, NLT)

 Lent Day 46, Holy Saturday, March 30, 2024

“Spend at Least 30 Minutes Alone in Silence”

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to spend some time alone in silence.  This one may seem a bit strange (not like any of the others haven’t been strange?), but this one will be powerful.

When was the last time you spent time alone in silence?  Staring into the eyes of your beloved doesn’t count, although the time will surely fly by!  This Challenge requires complete solitude as well as silence from artificial noises.  Reading a book doesn’t count (unless it’s the Holy Scriptures) but sitting on the beach is great.  Relaxing in the recliner, on the couch, or in the bed is just fine, assuming the TV isn’t on and also assuming that you don’t fall asleep.  Praying is great.  Writing in your journal is fine.  Preparing dinner is a “No” because you would be distracted.  Watching the birds outside is a “Yes” because you are in God’s natural Creation.  Does this make sense?

The purpose of this Challenge is to spend some time alone with ourselves in the presence of God.  No matter where you choose to complete this Challenge, God will be with you if you aren’t distracted by something man-made.  It is when we are alone and undistracted that God often speaks.  God’s voice may not be audible to you, but you’ll be surprised at what God says in the silence.

On Holy Saturday, Jesus spent the entire day in the sealed tomb.  It was complete silence except for the birds and bugs.  Lots of Christians will practice a vow of silence today (no speaking).  We’re not asking you to go that far in our Challenge, but if you’re really wanting to be extreme, that’s the way to do it.

Today, honor the LORD by spending 30 minutes in silence.  Enjoy creation.  Take deep breaths.  Be still.  God is already there, waiting for each of us.  

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

 Lent Day 45, Good Friday, March 29, 2024

“24-Hour Fast”

We made it!  Just as I figured, the 24-Hour Fast has returned for its appearance in the Final Four.  Last Friday, we encountered this same Lenten Challenge as it bulldogged its way into our brackets, and, as expected, it’s still winning.

Today’s Challenge is to refrain from food for twenty-four hours.  When I published the schedule of Challenges at the beginning of Lent, I attempted to give participants as much notice as possible, especially regarding the Friday Fast Challenges.  On previous Fridays this Lenten Season, we gave up Meat, Caffeine, and Sugars/Sweeteners.  We also spent one Friday with Water as our only beverage for the day.  Another Friday we intentionally ate Green, Healthy stuff.

I always schedule the 24-hour Food Fasts as the last two Fridays in Lent.  I scheduled this back-to-back because I recognize that it’s very difficult for people to complete this one, and I’ve found it helpful to give us a trial run before the Big One.  I call today the “Big One” because it’s Good Friday, the day Jesus gave up his life and died on our behalf.

In honor of Good Friday, our Lenten Challenge is to refrain from eating food for 24 hours.  All drinks are fine today, including protein drinks, smoothies, and whatever else.  Because the Challenge is for 24 hours, we begin with the last food we consumed.  So, if you haven’t eaten anything since last evening, you’re already halfway to the goal!  If, however, you’ve already consumed food today, I suggest you wait and begin this Challenge tonight.  Eat an early dinner and then begin your 24 hours.  It’s a whole lot easier than you might think.

It's Good Friday.  Jesus gave his life.  We just need to give up broccoli, pizza, fish, and burgers for a day.  We can do this for one day in honor of what the LORD still does for us each day.  If, however, your medical team would not approve of you participating in the Challenge, by all means, follow the doctor’s orders.  Instead of this Challenge, read the Bible for 15 minutes AND Pray for 15 minutes.

It’s a No Food Friday for 24 hours!

“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”  (Deuteronomy 8:3b, NRSV).

 Lent Day 44, Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2024

“Enjoy a Meal with a Friend”

Here it is!  This is your excuse to enjoy a date with a friend or family member.  Don’t worry!  If you don’t think you’ll be around anyone today, you can accomplish this Lenten Challenge anytime this weekend.

The reason we chose this Challenge for Maundy Thursday is because this day is often remembered as the day that Jesus hosted the Last Supper with His disciples.  In most Christian Churches, we remember this as the last few moments of Jesus’ freedom, just before Jesus is arrested on Thursday evening.  When Friday morning arrives, Jesus will have been brought before the Roman authorities before being convicted and sentenced to immediate death on a cross.

Maundy Thursday represents Jesus’ choice to share a meal with friends as His last act of freedom.  At the moment it was occurring, the Disciples didn’t know that this would be their last supper with their friend and mentor.  We know the significance now, long after the fact.  However, I’ve wondered how differently the Disciples would have approached the Passover meal if they had known it would later be called, “The Last Supper.”  What do you think?

Today, our Challenge is to enjoy a meal with a friend, colleague, neighbor, family member, or whomever you can connect with.  This isn’t intended to be a difficult Challenge to complete.  Rather, it is intended to encourage us to connect with each other and enjoy the company God has provided.  If you can’t do it today, try to do it this Easter Weekend and you will have accomplished the Challenge!

Enjoy a meal with a friend!

“When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, “You’ve no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It’s the last one I’ll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 22:14-15, The Message)

 Lent Day 43, Wednesday, March 27, 2024

“Clean the Beach, Street, or Park”

On this Wednesday of Holy Week, let’s take some time to care for God’s creation.  Our Lenten Challenge is to take some time and clean the beach, street, park, or whatever other area you choose.

The Longboat Island Chapel, the church that originates these devotions and the church I serve, is located on a barrier island off the west coast of Florida.  This area is home to the manatees, one of the most interesting and beautiful creatures in all creation.  I’m blessed to see manatees frequently in many different places around the island as these gentle giants thrive because of the warm, clean, oxygenated waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Today is National Manatee Appreciation Day, which is one reason this Challenge was chosen.  But we know this should be an everyday Challenge, and a focus during Holy Week may put some extra emphasis on it.  I may not be able to do a lot for the manatees, but one thing I can do is keep their water clean.  Though the water in this region is already very clean, occasionally I’ll encounter a piece of garbage while I’m fishing.  I pick it up.  Occasionally, while walking the beach, I’ll find a food wrapper of some kind.  I pick it up.  Often, when I’m walking my dog on the sidewalks, I’ll encounter trash.  Sometimes (but not all the time) I pick it up. 

You may not have access to manatees, dolphins, and giant sea turtles.  You might live close to a dense forest or at the foot of a snow-covered mountain.  You might see lots of birds around your home or white-tailed deer might visit your backyard on occasion.  Or, maybe you live in a quiet community with good people.  All of this is part of God’s creation, and anytime we have the opportunity to keep God’s world clean, we are giving life to trees, mountains, animals, and people.

Today’s Challenge is easy.  Find a way to do a little cleaning around your neighborhood.  Be intentional about picking up the trash you might encounter.  When you leave your home today, take a grocery sack and put it in your purse or pocket so that you’ll be ready.

We may not be able to save the world today, but we can make a difference!  Today, clean the beach, street, park, or wherever you might be!

“Lord, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations! And then there’s the sea, wide and deep, with its countless creatures — living things both small and large. There go the ships on it, and Leviathan, which you made, plays in it! All your creations wait for you to give them their food on time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled completely full!” (Psalm 104:24-28, CEB)

Lent Day 42, Tuesday, March 26, 2024

“Read the Gospel of Luke, Chapters 19-24”

Today’s Lenten Challenge, to read Luke, chapters 19-24, is another easy one for Holy Week.  Since most people (me included) aren’t automatically familiar with the content in today’s reading assignment, I’ll clue you in a little:  It’s the whole crucifixion and resurrection story of Jesus Christ.

The story is one that many people know, but it’s my guess that folks don’t know the story as well as they think.  The Resurrection Story is packed with all kinds of information, characters, and situations that can easily be missed if the reader isn’t paying close attention.   Especially for those who were raised in a Christian church, reading this story and picking up new details is difficult.  Why?  Because when we know the storyline, we subconsciously divert our attention to the conclusion. 

Today’s Challenge, to read the Resurrection Story, is specifically chosen because all of us can benefit from some of the details of the story.  Yes, it’s a long passage, meaning that there’s plenty of details to notice.  However, the point of the Challenge is not to test our breadth of knowledge.  Instead, the reading is intended to help us notice the amount of work and detail that God put into the story.

The Resurrection Story is about God’s immense, eternal love for humankind.  The story is not about Easter Bunnies (although they’re very cute) and eggs filled with surprises (although I love them).  Our Easter story, which includes Easter Baskets, special brunches and lunches, and Easter Lilies, doesn’t end on Easter Sunday.  Our story, because of God’s love for us, begins at Easter.

Colored eggs are supposed to be symbols of hope.  Baby ducks and chicks represent the days of innocence of our youth.  Jelly beans hidden in Easter grass were a nightmare for mom’s vacuum and my special Easter clothes never really fit properly.  But all that stuff, though it’s lovable and makes me smile, represents only a tiny fraction of the smiles that God has provided me throughout my life.

I have reason to be thankful.  I have reason to have hope.  I have reason to smile and lots of reasons to be the best person God created me to be.

All of that is made possible by the Resurrection Story.  Take some time today and read it.  See for yourself what God may want to show you.

Read Luke, Chapters 19 – 24!

“Today, salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”  (Luke 19:9-10, NRSV)

Lent Day 41, Monday, March 25, 2024

“Pray for Church Staff”

We open Holy Week with an easy but very important Lenten Challenge.  Today’s Challenge is to pray for your local church or chapel staff.  Any prayer will do, but let’s be encouraged to think specifically about several different members of the staff and pray for their work and well-being.

Why is this so important?  Working in the church can be extremely difficult, especially this time of year.  Many churches have just concluded their Palm Sunday services and now congregations are looking forward to special events later this week, such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter carnivals, and multiple services on Easter Sunday.  In most situations, it’s the church staff that coordinates and implements all of these events.  But, of course, don’t forget that the church staff still needs to complete their regular work-related tasks this week.  

The staff is working overtime this week without being compensated for the extra hours.  They are working diligently to keep the Choir and Music Directors calm.  Church staff are monitoring their pastors closely, as the pressure of Holy Week arrives like a tidal wave.  The staff is also helping to coordinate lots of volunteers, without whom none of it would be possible.

Yes, these dedicated people chose to work for the church.  However, they are also called by God for their vocational service, which is much different than working for other employers.  They are working for God, first and foremost, offering their best effort because none of them want to give anything less than their best for God.  

But wait!  There’s more!  Visitors and guests who might not attend any other Sunday will be coming to church for these services and events.  Pastors and staff want to create a meaningful experience that is problem-free, welcoming, beautiful, and, above all, and as previously mentioned, the best for The LORD.  You might call this Super Bowl Week.  “But we just did that at Christmas!”, you say.  You are correct!  All the more reason your pastors and staff need your prayers.  The physical, mental, and emotional desire to perform for The LORD and His people is at a maximum this week!  

Your prayers for these dedicated people will be much appreciated and are needed.  Like most of us, they want to experience Easter weekend with their loved ones and friends, but their experience won’t be like yours.   Staff schedules are much different than everyone’s because they will often be the first to arrive and the last to leave.  Rest assured, they are enjoying this week, too.  But their fuel tanks are probably running low and could use a quick pick-me-up.  Prayers can do that.

Pray for your church folks today and remember them throughout this week!  It’s Holy Week!  It’s Easter Week!  Hosanna!  It’s time!

“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.  Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a, NIV)

Lent Day 40, Sunday, March 24, 2024

“Overcome Temptation”

As we begin Holy Week, the final week of the Lenten Season, we tackle the most difficult Challenge possible.  Today’s Challenge is to Overcome Temptation.

Before we jump to any conclusions, one point should be made.  Temptation is often viewed as only being led toward a poor thought or action.  Perhaps the greatest temptation any of us will encounter today is the temptation to avoid a good thought or action.  Yes, sometimes we are led towards something bad.  However, almost all of us will be led towards something good today and many of us will avoid it because it’s inconvenient, doesn’t make sense, or we feel like we don’t have the time or resources.

Let’s be real for a moment: Even in the best times of life, we can make bad decisions or engage in unhealthy actions.  A complete focus on being perfect is not only silly but also unhealthy.  We might be “perfect” for a few minutes, but soon we’ll lose focus and be distracted by many other things.

None of us are perfect.  All of us will make many mistakes, some of which are accidents, and others that are intentional.  Focusing on avoiding temptation for 24 hours will help because it’s an intentional, short-term focus.

Today, we aren’t trying to be perfect.  Instead, we are trying to keep our thoughts and awareness on the things of God.  Helping someone, avoiding a piece of cake, giving to God, and using positive language are just a few of the things we’ll likely encounter today. 

Encouragement goes a long way.  A smile is a powerful tool.  Acknowledging the needs of others is selfless and beautiful.

Today, or at least for the next 24 hours, let’s focus on Overcoming Temptation.  When the moment arrives, say a quick prayer.  God is already present in that moment and God will provide all the words and actions we need.  We can be better people for the LORD, each other, and ourselves.  That’s why we, as people, are blessed to receive Holy Week.  God didn’t come to condemn the world.  God came to save it.

“God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”  (John 3:17, CEB)

Lent Day 39, Saturday, March 23, 2024

“Invite Someone to Church”

Here it is!  The Lenten Challenge you’ve been eagerly anticipating is finally here!  Today’s Challenge is to invite someone to attend Church, Chapel, or Synagogue. 

No, you don’t have to pick them up.  They don’t even have to ride with you, although that would be the best way to complete this task.  Instead, all anyone is required to do is to invite someone to church.  The person we invite can be anyone, including if someone wants to invite the pastor to their own church.  Since you know the pastors will be attending, it’s a good bet that they’ll accept your invitation.

Inviting someone to church is really easy for some people and extremely difficult for others.  It’s one of those things that all of us should do on a regular basis, but especially this time of year.  Churches of all varieties will be on their best behavior for Easter, Passover, and springtime.  Some of the best sermons and music are sure to be included in worship these next few weeks as church staff and volunteers have been preparing for months.

If you are among those who have a fear of inviting someone to church, take a deep breath.  Did you know that 80% of adults respond that they would attend church if they were invited by a friend or acquaintance?  Contrary to what we might think, most adults will go if they are invited.  It does help if you offer to meet them there.  It also helps if you offer to pick them up or ride with them.  Offering a meal beforehand or afterward also helps, but most people don’t need a bribe.  Instead, most people just need an invitation.

This weekend, invite someone to your church, chapel, or synagogue.  Look at your church’s schedule of upcoming services (you will have plenty from which to choose) so that you’re familiar with the days and times. 

Looking for a reason to invite someone?  Here’s your chance!  Invite someone to your Church and let God do the rest!

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”  (Psalm 122:1, ESV)

 Lent Day 38, Friday, March 22, 2024

“24-Hour Fast”

It’s Friday.  It’s also the first of two back-to-back, food-fasting Fridays.  Gee, that has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?  But wait!  Don’t turn clear the page until you read the information below.  This may not be as difficult as it sounds.

This perennial powerhouse of Lenten Challenges makes it to the finals every year.  Today’s Challenge, to refrain from all food products for 24 hours (not drinks!), begins with the last moment you consumed food.  Since all drinks are okay today, your morning coffee is just fine.  Also allowed will be soft drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, and even your favorite after-hours drink preferences.  In other words, you can do this!

This big-leaguer of Lenten sacrifices has been around for thousands of years, and in case you didn’t know, food-fasting has been practiced by almost every major religion in history.  This recurring finalist is a sure thing to make it to the final four next week, so today’s Challenge is not to be considered a one-and-done.

If you make an effort at this Lenten Challenge and don’t succeed, you will see this one again next Friday.  In other words, all of us will receive another shot at this one next week.  However, this doesn’t mean we can’t put forth our best effort today.  In fact, the best approach is to put forth our best effort on this Challenge so that the lessons we learn can be immediately applied to next week’s effort.

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to refrain from food for 24 hours.  As mentioned above, all drinks (and vitamins) are fine, even if it’s a cheeseburger in a blender.  This isn’t as difficult as it seems.  If you haven’t eaten any food today, begin counting from the last food you consumed yesterday.  Once you hit the 24-hour mark, you’re done!

Happy Friday!  No Food for 24 hours!

“When you fast, brush your hair and wash your face.  Then you won’t look like you are fasting to people, but only to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  (Matthew 6:17-18, CEB)

Lent Day 37, Thursday, March 21, 2024

“Pray for a Widow, Widower, or Parent of a Deceased Child.”

This Lenten Challenge is one of the more difficult to discuss, while also being one of the most logical and simple to complete.  Praying for someone who has lost a spouse or child should be automatic for us.  We should always be remembering these friends in our prayers, but like so many other people we should remember in prayer, this is another that can fall through the cracks.

Oh, it’s not that anyone is trying to be selfish, or selfless for that matter.  But unless one has experienced the tragedy of losing a child or a spouse, it’s impossible to imagine the kind and magnitude of pain they experience.  The rest of us tend to forget.

Today, our Lenten Challenge is to pay attention to those we should always strive to remember in our thoughts and prayers.  We have plenty of people around us who have lost a loved one and today we need to focus on them and pray for them.

As we approach Easter, let’s remember in our prayers those who will experience an empty chair at the table on Easter.  Let’s pray for our people who have experienced the loss of a spouse or child.  Ask God to comfort and bless them in their day, week, and Lenten Season.  I’m sure they would appreciate it.  God will bless our love for them in our prayers!

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  (Matthew 5:4, NLT)

 Lent Day 36, Wednesday, March 20, 2024

“Thank a Member of the Armed Services”

Do you know someone who is serving (or did serve) in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard?  Today, our Lenten Challenge is to thank one of them.

This Challenge should be another easy one, but before you shout into the next room a big “Thank You” to the veteran who lives in your home, please allow the rest of us to think about this one.

According to one statistic, about 7% of the adult population in the United States has served in the military.  That’s about 18 million people in total, which is a lot.  However, the other 93% of us, sometimes struggle with how to show our appreciation for someone who offered their life for our liberty.  Most of us don’t know how to process that.  We intentionally chose to not get involved for lots of good reasons, but I bet that many of us wish that we would have served when we had the chance.

Veterans are reliable.  Veterans are honorable.  Veterans understand what it takes to make things work and how to work as a team.  Veterans are invaluable in the workplace and all places of leadership.  Veterans understand lots of things that the rest of us don’t get.

Today, we need to take the time to thank someone who has the courage and dedication that the rest of us wish we had.  Many of us wish we would have done it.  They actually did it. 

That’s good enough for a hug and “Thank You”, isn’t it?  Let ‘em know they are a big deal.  Let ‘em know they matter.  Let ‘em know that their service has blessed us.

“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 19, 2024

“Vote!”

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to Vote, assuming of course, that you live in a state or location that is hosting elections today.  If you’ve already voted for a public office in 2024, or if you’ve already completed an absentee ballot for this election cycle, you’re done!  You only need to read the rest of this short article.

If, however, you haven’t voted for public office yet in 2024, the Challenge is to do it today or at least make arrangements so that you are able to cast a ballot this year.  Yes, this means that if you promise yourself that you’re going to vote in the Presidential Elections in 2024, you can check this Challenge off your list as well.  If you happen to be under the age of 18 and unable to vote, you simply need to make sure the adults in your household are registered and cast their ballots sometime in the 2024 elections.

Yeah, yeah, this Challenge is simple.  This assumes that everyone is using the honor system to fulfill their promise. All jokes aside, this Challenge may be the most important act we complete this entire year.  Our right to vote is such a wonderful blessing that, sometimes, we take it for granted.  At times, we move through life without giving a second thought to the blessings we receive, especially those blessings received BECAUSE we have been given the right to vote.

If you are of legal voting age and still need to register to vote, please register soon.  If you are not planning to vote this year, please consider changing your mind.  Regardless of your personal opinion of the candidates or the election process, each vote and each opinion is valid, especially yours.  Your right to vote and your value as a human being is important to everyone, especially the LORD.

The LORD has given us life and has blessed us with the gift of free will.  We can make our own choices and we can determine for ourselves how to best serve GOD.  Our right to vote may not always seem like a gift from the LORD, but it is.  God has worked through the lives of millions of people who made incredible sacrifices to provide us with this opportunity.  Let’s make sure to exercise our rights, and in the process, say a prayer of Thanksgiving to the LORD for blessing us.   

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  (Philippians 2:4, NIV)

 Lent Day 34, Monday, March 18, 2024

“Eliminate a Bad Habit for 24-hours”

What a way to start the week!  Argh!  Instead of indulging in my favorite means of escape from Monday, I’m potentially going to be shackled to some silly devotion that says I need to give up a habit today. 

Typically, I don’t think of bad habits as things that restrict or control me.  I think about them exactly in the opposite manner, that they often help to free me from stressful days at work, difficult relationships, or tragic losses in life.  Sometimes I deserve the option to indulge a little, as long as I don’t let it control me.

But (I must sneak a butt in here), in reality, bad habits do, in fact, exercise some control over our lives.  Some of our habits are expensive, so we can’t indulge too much and remain financially afloat.  Some of our tendencies are terribly unhealthy, creating mental and physical complications that can be life-threatening.  A few of our habits monopolize our attention, removing us from relationships and activities. 

Bad habits can create all kinds of issues that we choose to ignore.  This is the opportunity that many of us need: Give up one of these habits for 24 hours.  For those who have been participating in these Lenten Challenges, you might expect that some rules about the Challenge are about to follow.  Not today.

Each of us knows what bad habit we need to kick today.  The only rule is the time requirement of 24 hours, so if you haven’t engaged in your habit since yesterday, go back to that moment and count forward until today.  For this reason, a few folks will be ahead of the rest of us.

Today is the day!  Let’s give up a bad habit for 24 hours and prove to ourselves that with God’s help, anything is possible!

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”  (Matthew 19:26, NIV)

 Lent Day 33, Sunday, March 17, 2024

“Wear Green!”

Today is St. Patrick’s Day!  Are you doing something special?  According to a recent poll conducted by the National Retail Federation, 62% of Americans plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 2024.  The poll projects that consumers plan to spend $7.2 billion this year, averaging almost $44.40 per adult.  Though I’ll be among the 62% celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, I don’t think I’ll spend $50.  However, like so many others, I will be wearing enough green to not get pinched.  What about you?

Most people are at least a little familiar with St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to the country in the 5th Century.  He used a shamrock to help explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), but the tradition of wearing green didn’t occur for many years.

After years of fighting between England and Ireland, King Henry VIII of England declared himself to be the Irish King in 1541.  He created a coat of arms for Ireland that included a golden harp on a blue background.  One hundred years later (1641), Ireland rebelled, wearing green clovers to identify themselves with Saint Patrick and separate themselves from unpopular English rule.  The Irish rebellion failed, but the tradition of wearing green shamrocks continued. 

As Irish people began to settle in the United States, they brought their green shamrock tradition with them.  In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt joined the tradition by wearing a green shamrock on his lapel on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.  In an article published at the time, FDR referenced a political opponent who was wearing blue instead of green, locking the tradition in place for the American people.

On this St. Patrick’s Day, wear something green.  The green can be in honor of our Irish ancestors, in support of a popular American holiday, or in support of St. Patrick, whose work for the LORD has inspired hundreds of millions of people around the world.  If you choose not to participate, don’t blame me if you get pinched by leprechauns!  

“For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever.”  (Psalm 37:28, ESV)