LEAN INTO LENT DAY 22 Photo credit: Desmond Almarales, used with permission
(Isaiah 61:7) Isaiah is prophesying about the year of the Lord’s favor. “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor, they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in the land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.”
There are several Biblical stories where God restores what was broken and makes it better. There are many stories of Christians who have turned their lives around after mistakes had been made and forgiveness is provided. This is one of the reason Christian churches and organizations sponsor recovery programs and send relief and resources after disasters. God is the God of second chances.
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You that You forgive our past as if it never existed. I thank You that You remove our sins and memory of them as far as the East is from the West. Your forgiveness is complete.
Help me to forgive others who have wronged me. Help me to believe that change, even a complete turnaround, is possible and that I qualify because of the blood of Jesus shed for me on the cross. I have a “clean slate,” and give all the glory for transformation to You. Thank You that in times of disaster, the church is first to respond to calls for help. Thank You that hospitals, shelters, food banks, rescue missions, and Christian counselors are aspects of Your caring for others. Help us to support them in their ministry. Amen.
From my book Restore My Soul Psalms: a Lenten Journey, My Psalm Reflection
MY PSALM 344 REFLECTION
Almighty Father, Everlasting God, Creator and Sustainer,
This day I come in humble thanksgiving
For Your gift of Jesus to the world.
Where would we be without His Presence
To admonish, to guide, to cleanse, to promise?
Lord Jesus, I bow to You this day
Remembering Your pure life lived for Your Father,
Transforming life on earth as we know it
By Your Presence and Your example.
You taught us to love;
We do it so imperfectly.
You gave us perspective
So we can know the Father,
In all His patience, love, mercy, forgiveness
And power to save.
You suffered deprivation, scorn, betrayal
And cruel death
So we can know life in abundance and fulness
Under the Father’s care.
I thank You that I live on this side of the cross.
I thank You that You now dwell
With Your Father In heaven
So that the Holy Spirit can continue Your work
In our hearts, minds, and souls,
Bringing us peace that passes all understanding.
Thank You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
For purchasing my salvation
And guiding my life through days of trouble
And nights of unrest.
Thank You for Your provision, Your direction,
Your covenant promise
And the gift of life everlasting
In Your Eternal Presence. Amen.
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