Ash Thursday?

Good morning,

I didn't have time to read this devotion yesterday morning.  Rush, rush, rush.  But, maybe that was meant to be.  

I didn't have the space to truly reflect on its message. 
    I didn't have the remnants of the cross of ashes on my forehead. 
        I didn't have the hope and peace, as a result of attending our own Ash Wednesday service, 
             nestled in my heart.

So, instead, this is Ash Thursday.  Not unlike the Jewish Sabbath that starts Friday evening and goes to Saturday evening - my Ash Wednesday repentance and renewal started yesterday evening and will continue through this day...and through the Lenten Season...and for the rest of my life.

Amen? Amen!

Blessings and peace,

Leah

2-22-12

One of my favorite TV shows was “The Lone Ranger.”

I enjoyed it for a number of reasons.

I liked the music and what the announcer said.

“Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.”

It meant that the show was about to start.

We were going back to the old west.

We were going back to thrilling times.

We were going back to something good.

Joel reveals God’s invitation to go back to something good.

God tells us that there is still time.

I like the phrase, “Even now.”

Don’t think that it is all too late.

God wants to reassure us that it is never too late.

In Revelation he tells us much the same thing.

He says to return to the heights from which you have fallen.

In other words, go back to where you were before.

In either case something else is also necessary.

That word REPENT pops up.

Changing the way you think and act is vital.

Things can’t go on as they have before.

Admitting our wrongs is not easy or pleasant most of the time.

Instead of confession we strive to defend our actions.

God will have none of that.

How does standing alone in the world really feel?

Instead, God continually gives the invitation.

And through his Word he sends his Spirit to change our hearts.

By the power of the Spirit the Law convicts our hearts.

And when they are torn open, Christ can then enter and heal.

On this Ash Wednesday it is time to get rid of all the excuses.

And you know they are many and varied.

God invites us to return, even now.

RETURN!

Joel 2:12-13

Pastor Hintz