Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent

 O Lord my God, I cried out to You,

And You healed me.

(Psalms 30: 2)

Message - The Gift of Reconciliation

 

The Gift of Reconciliation

Lent is a season of repentance, renewal, and reconciliation with God. Each of today's readings speaks about a new beginning, a turning point where God's people move from a place of brokenness to restoration and reconciliation.

1. Joshua 5:9-12 – Israel transitions from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 – Paul calls us to be reconciled with God through Christ.
3. Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 – The Prodigal Son shows us God’s mercy and love.
4. Psalm 32 – The joy of forgiveness and restored fellowship with God.

Each passage highlights God’s amazing grace, urging us to accept His love and forgiveness and to extend the same to others.

 

I. The Reproach of the Past is Removed (Joshua 5:9-12)

A. A New Beginning for Israel

• God tells Joshua:

"Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." (Joshua 5:9)

• Israel had been in slavery for centuries and then wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
• Now, they have entered the Promised Land, and their past shame is erased.

B. No More Manna – A New Provision

• For 40 years, God provided manna in the wilderness.
• Now, they eat from the fruit of the land, signaling a new season of self-sufficiency under God’s blessings.

• Are there sins or burdens from the past that we still carry?
• Lent is a time to allow God to remove our reproach and give us a fresh start.

 

II. Becoming a New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

A. Seeing People Through Christ’s Eyes

• Paul writes:

“From now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” (2 Cor. 5:16)

• When we come to Christ, we no longer see people based on their past but with the eyes of grace.

B. Reconciliation Through Christ

• Paul declares:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17)

• Sin separates us from God, but through Christ, we are reconciled and called to bring others to Him.

• Have we truly accepted God’s gift of reconciliation?
• Do we extend this forgiveness and reconciliation to others?

 

III. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)

This parable illustrates God’s extravagant love through three main characters:

A. The Prodigal Son – A Story of Sin and Repentance

• The younger son rebels, wastes his inheritance, and falls into despair.
• When he realizes his mistake, he says:

“I will arise and go to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.’” (Luke 15:18)

• His return symbolizes true repentance—turning away from sin and returning to God.

B. The Loving Father – A Picture of God’s Mercy

• The father runs to meet his son—an act of deep love and grace.
• Instead of punishment, he gives him a robe, a ring, and a feast!
• This reflects how God rejoices when we return to Him.

C. The Older Brother – Struggling with Grace

• The elder brother is angry and refuses to join the celebration.
• He represents those who struggle to forgive and accept God’s mercy for others.
• The father gently reminds him:

“Everything I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31)

• Do we see ourselves in the Prodigal Son, needing to return to God?
• Or are we like the elder brother, struggling to forgive?

 

IV. The Joy of Forgiveness (Psalm 32)

A. The Burden of Sin

• David describes the weight of unconfessed sin:

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” (Psalm 32:3)

B. The Freedom of Forgiveness

• But when he confesses, he experiences joy:

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven.” (Psalm 32:1)

• Are we holding onto guilt or unforgiveness?
• True peace comes when we confess our sins and accept God’s mercy.

 

Returning to the Father’s Love

The theme of restoration and reconciliation runs through all these passages:

1. God removes our reproach (Joshua 5:9-12).
2. We are made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
3. The Father welcomes us back (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32).
4. Forgiveness brings joy (Psalm 32).

Lent is a season to return to God, to be reconciled through Christ, and to extend that same love and mercy to others.

 

Challenge:

• Are we willing to leave our past behind and embrace the new life God offers?
• Have we fully accepted God's forgiveness, or are we still carrying guilt?
• How can we extend God’s mercy to others, even those who have wronged us?

 

Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Help us to return to You with repentant hearts, to receive Your forgiveness, and to share that love with others. May we live as new creations in Christ, always seeking reconciliation and unity. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

 

 

 

 

Fourth Sunday in Lent

 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered.

(Psalms 32: 1)

Saturday in the Third Week of Lent

 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

The God of my salvation,

And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

(Psalms 51: 14)

Friday in the Third Week of Lent

 I am the Lord your God,

Who brought you out of the land of Egypt;

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it

(Psalms 81: 10)

Thursday in the Third Week of Lent

 

Wednesday in the Third Week of Lent

 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. 

He cares for those who trust in Him.

(Nahum 1:7)

Bible Study - Obeying God's Law and Teaching the Next Generation

 Obeying God's Law and Teaching the Next Generation

Scripture Readings:

• Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-9 – The importance of keeping God's commandments
• Matthew 5:17-19 – Jesus fulfills the Law
• Psalm 78:1-6 – Passing God's teachings to the next generation

The Gift and Responsibility of God’s Law

Many people see God's commandments as rules that restrict them, but in reality, they are a gift that leads to life and wisdom.

Today's readings teach us:

1. God's commandments lead to life and wisdom (Deuteronomy 4).
2. Jesus came to fulfill, not abolish, the Law (Matthew 5).
3. We must pass down God’s truth to the next generation (Psalm 78).

Lent is a time for us to recommit to God's teachings, reflect on our obedience, and ensure that we are sharing His truth with others.

 

I. Keeping God’s Commandments (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-9)

A. The Law is a Path to Life

• Moses reminds Israel:

"Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live." (Deut. 4:1)

• Obedience to God’s law is not just about rules but about life, wisdom, and righteousness.

B. Do Not Add or Take Away from God's Word

• Moses warns:

"Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it." (Deut. 4:2)

• God's Word is perfect—we are called to obey it faithfully rather than change it to fit our desires.

• Are we truly obeying God’s commands, or are we compromising His truth?
• Do we treat God’s Word as a treasure that gives life, or just as a set of religious duties?

II. Jesus Fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17-19)

A. Jesus Did Not Abolish the Law, He Fulfilled It

• Jesus says:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matt. 5:17)

• Jesus perfectly obeyed the Law and showed its true meaning.
• Through His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law and established the new covenant.

B. Keeping the Law with the Right Heart

• Jesus warns:

“Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:19)

• True obedience is not just external actions but a heart devoted to God.

• Are we following Christ's example of obedience?
• Do we see God's laws as a burden or a guide to holiness?

 

III. Teaching the Next Generation (Psalm 78:1-6)

A. Telling Future Generations About God

• The psalmist declares:

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.” (Psalm 78:4)

• We are called to pass down God's truth so that future generations will remain faithful.

B. Our Responsibility to Teach

• Parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders must instruct children in the ways of the Lord.
• If we do not teach them, they may turn away from God.

• Are we actively sharing God’s truth with the next generation?
• How can we be better examples of faith to others?

 

Living as Faithful Witnesses

1. Obey God’s Word Completely

• God’s commandments lead to wisdom and life (Deuteronomy 4).

2. Follow Jesus, Who Fulfilled the Law

• Jesus showed us how to live out God’s law with a heart of love (Matthew 5).

3. Teach the Next Generation

• We are called to share our faith with others (Psalm 78).

 

Challenge:

• Are we faithfully following God's Word, or do we pick and choose what suits us?
• Are we living as Christ’s disciples, obeying with love rather than obligation?
• Are we teaching and mentoring others in faith?

Let this Lenten season be a time to renew our commitment to God’s truth and pass it on to future generations.

 

 

 

 

Feast of The Annunciation

 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works

Which You have done;

And Your thoughts toward us

Cannot be recounted to You in order

(Psalms 40: 5)

Monday in the Third Week of Lent

 As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

(Psalms 42: 1)

Message - The Urgency of Repentance and God's Call

 

The Urgency of Repentance and God's Call

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded that this season is a time of self-examination, repentance, and renewal. Today's readings call us to:

1. Recognize God's presence (Exodus 3)

2. Learn from the past and stand firm in faith (1 Corinthians 10)

3. Repent and bear fruit (Luke 13)

4. Seek God earnestly (Psalm 63)

Each passage today directs us to turn away from sin and turn toward God, trusting in His grace and faithfulness.

I. Moses and the Call of God (Exodus 3:1-15)

A. The Burning Bush – A Call to Holiness

• Moses was tending sheep when he saw a bush that was burning but not consumed.

• God called him by name: "Moses, Moses!"

• Moses responded, "Here I am", showing openness to God's call.

• Are we attentive to God's call in our daily lives?

• Are we standing on holy ground, recognizing God's presence in our lives?

B. God's Revelation – "I AM WHO I AM"

• God revealed His name: Yahweh ("I AM"), showing that He is eternal, unchanging, and self-sufficient.

• He promised to deliver His people from bondage in Egypt.

• Just as God called Moses to lead His people, He calls each of us to serve Him in our own unique way.

• Lent is a time to listen to God's voice and ask, "Lord, where are You calling me?"

II. Learning from the Past (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

A. Israel’s Mistakes as a Warning

• Paul reminds the Corinthians of Israel’s journey in the wilderness:

• They were led by God (pillar of cloud, parting of the Red Sea).

• They ate manna and drank from the spiritual rock (Christ).

• But they fell into sin—idolatry, immorality, and grumbling—leading to judgment.

• We are not immune to temptation.

• Do we take God’s grace for granted?

• Paul warns: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Cor. 10:12)

B. God's Faithfulness in Temptation

• Paul reassures us:

“God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

• God provides a way out so we can endure trials.

• Are we relying on God's strength in times of temptation?

• This Lent, let us examine our hearts and turn away from anything that hinders our walk with Christ.

III. The Urgency of Repentance (Luke 13:1-9)

A. Jesus Confronts the Question of Suffering

• People told Jesus about Galileans killed by Pilate.

• Jesus responds: "Do you think they were worse sinners?"

• Then He mentions eighteen people killed when a tower collapsed.

• His message: Tragedies should remind us of the urgency of repentance.

• We should not judge others' suffering but instead examine our own lives.

• Are we living in a way that honors God?

B. The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

• A fig tree had not borne fruit for three years.

• The owner wanted to cut it down, but the gardener pleaded for more time to care for it.

• God is patient with us, giving us time to repent.

• But time is not unlimited—we must bear fruit before it is too late.

• What spiritual fruit are we producing?

IV. Seeking God with a Hungry Heart (Psalm 63:1-8)

A. A Thirst for God

• David expresses a deep longing for God, saying:

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you.” (Psalm 63:1)

• He describes God’s steadfast love as better than life.

• Are we thirsting for God, or have we become spiritually dry?

• Lent is a time to rekindle our hunger for God.

B. Finding Strength in God’s Presence

• Even in the wilderness, David clings to God.

• True satisfaction comes from God alone, not worldly things.

• In this Lenten season, are we drawing closer to God?

• Are we seeking Him daily in prayer and Scripture?

Responding to God's Call in Lent

1. Listen to God's Call

• Like Moses, we must pay attention to God’s voice and be ready to respond.

2. Learn from the Past

• Paul reminds us to avoid the mistakes of Israel and rely on God’s strength.

3. Repent and Bear Fruit

• Jesus warns us: Repentance is urgent. We must bear fruit before it’s too late.

4. Seek God with All Your Heart

• Like David in Psalm 63, let us thirst for God and find true satisfaction in Him.

Challenge:

• Are there sins in our lives that we need to confess and turn away from?

• Are we bearing spiritual fruit, or are we like the barren fig tree?

• Are we seeking God earnestly, or have we allowed worldly distractions to take over?

This Lent, let us renew our commitment to Christ, knowing that God is always faithful, always patient, and always calling us to a deeper relationship with Him.