Devotional 4-1-09

Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and uphold me with They free spirit.

It may seem strange to begin a Lenten devotional with a commercial of sorts but here goes. Stay with me and you will see the connection. On April 25th and 26th the Musical Arts Guild will present concerts on the theme "Praises Through the Ages". The music chosen is uplifting with songs from different faiths and denominations. One of the numbers to be presented is based upon the scripture quote above, "Create in me a clean heart, O God" by Carl Mueller.

Our Director for the performances, Dale Capehart, has rehearsed us vigorously on what some might consider a simple four-part anthem. Perhaps that is why the word of the psalmist resonates so strongly with me particularly during Lent.

Lent is a time for reflection, a time to beseech our Heavenly Father to give us the strength, the desire and the grace to follow His way. CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD, AND RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITHIN ME.

Lent is a time to examine our lives, a time when we realize how far short we fall and how gracious is God in His dealings with us. CAST ME NOT AWAY FROM THEY PRESENCE AND TAKE NOT THEY HOLY SPIRIT FROM ME.

Lent is when we experience the highs and the lows of Holy Week from Palm Sunday and Good Friday to the Glory of Easter, a time when we know the joy of salvation and God's infinite grace. RESTORE UNTO ME THE JOY OF THEY SALVATION AND UPHOLD ME WITH THEY FREE SPIRIT.

PRAISE THE LORD.

Jean Dean

Mission Reponse and Prayer Focus
March 31: SRSH encourages creativity in its children's development center. Agree? Then give a dime for every coloring book you have at home.