Friday, March 12th

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NRSV)

The young man in youth who was often loud, easily upset, and sometimes volatile had an unexpected faith. When I began to wonder why he was coming to our Wednesday program, someone told me a little of his story. His father was agnostic, his mother was a wiccan, and his brother was a dedicated atheist. Yet Jim was one of the most consistent youth we had.

During a food drive, we took the youth around town in the church van and picked up cans of food for our food bank. At the end of the day, our youth director asked, “Who would like to close out our day with a prayer?” To my surprise, I saw Jim raise his hand in excitement while saying “I want to pray, let me say it.” I was a little surprised, but happy to hear Jim’s response. With all sincerity, Jim prayed “Lord, thank you for the miracle of me being a Christian, thank you for my church, Amen.” I am still humbled by the sincerity and power of this young man’s faith. In one short prayer, I was reminded of God’s power to break through any circumstance as well as why I have given my life to the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit to work miracles in all of our lives. Amen.

Pastor Rick Davis
FUMC Bridgeport

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Saturday, March 13th

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5 (NRSV)

Lent is a time of reflection. We remember the miracles and the teachings of Jesus even as we know what comes next. I am amazed when I read about His compassion and His care for others. How can it be that we are the recipients of this wondrous love? As we walk through Lent, I pray we try to be more like Him. ‘I Stand Amazed in the Presence’ (page 371 in The United Methodist Hymnal) is one of my favorite hymns.

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how he could love me,
A sinner condemned, unclean.
Oh how marvelous! Oh how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
Oh how marvelous!
Oh how wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me!

May this time of Lent give us appreciation and joy in our salvation.

Prayer: God, I stand amazed in the presence, a sinner condemned and unclean. And I thank you for your marvelous love for me. Amen.

Verna Maning