2017 Belmont University Lenten Devotional GuideSample

We are nearly one quarter of the way through Lent. The daily rhythm of evaluating our lives and cleaning out spiritual debris is helping prepare us for Easter. There is a long way to go, though. Saturdays have always been errand days for me. Monday through Friday are workdays filled with the insane to-do list items of responsibility. Sunday is worship and hopefully set aside for rest and reflection. Saturday, though, is about cleaning things up, taking care of odd jobs around the house and catching up on overdue tasks. This makes Saturday a particularly good Lenten day and our scripture texts specifically encourage us for a Saturday kind of day. Our Psalm 121 reminds us to “lift our eyes toward the mountains” because our “help comes from the LORD” (vs. 1–2). “The LORD protects us” and is “right by our side” to “protect us from all harm” wherever we go in life (vs. 5, 7–8). Isaiah 51:4-8 calls the reader to pay attention to God because instruction will come from God since God’s righteousness and salvation are near (vs. 4–5). The scripture reminds us not to fear disgrace by others because God’s “righteousness will last forever and God’s salvation is for all generations” (v. 8). Then our Gospel text sets before us the story about a powerful centurion unable to help his dying slave. He turned to Jesus and said, “Say the word, and my servant will be cured” (Luke 7.7). What is on your list of things to clean up today? What to do items are on your spiritual needs list? What have you been carrying for a long time that needs addressing? This is the season and this is a day for lifting our eyes toward the source of our help and calling to the one who stands beside us. This is the time for us to reach out to the salvation of God at our side. This is the time to call out to God and say, “Lord, just say the word and heal me.” This Lenten season, today, continue the good work of cleaning up the spiritual debris scattered among your life. Easter is waiting for you. DARRELL GWALTNEY Dean College of Theology & Christian Ministry`