Friday, March 11THE CALLING OF PETER by Dave DietrichLuke 5:1-11One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus...  Read More

Thursday, March 10INVITATION by Suzanne BasslerJohn 1:35-50The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus walking along he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus.When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, “What are you looking for?”They said, “Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying...  Read More

Wednesday, March 9THE SCRIPTURE IS FULFILLED by Samantha YoderLuke 4:14-22Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read. The synagogue assistant...  Read More

Tuesday, March 8JESUS IN THE DESERT by Jeff AllenMatthew 4:1-11Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.”Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word s...  Read More

Monday, March 7JESUS’ BAPTISM by Dennis TraskMatthew 3:13-17At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. John tried to stop him and said, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me?”Jesus answered, “Allow me to be baptized now. This is necessary to fulfill all righteousness.”So John agreed to baptize Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, he immediately ...  Read More

Sunday, March 6THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER by Sabra EngelbrechtReflectionPrayerful fasting, repentance, and confession are traditional ways to mark the beginning of Lent. These practices can seem daunting and, frankly, not fun. But they can be helpful as we seek to hold a spirit of reflection and devotion throughout the 40 days of Lent. This week you reflected on these practices. What did your reflecti...  Read More