The Second Day of Lent

 Thursday, February 18, 2021

Hallelujah!  He is risen!
A Lenten Devotional Guide

Author: Marsha Bader

 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears by voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
The Revelation 3:20 MSG

"Here I am Lord, it is I Lord, I heard you calling in the night." How glorious is that refrain, knowing that Jesus wants to have a relationship with ME! From earliest childhood, one of my favorite pictures is of Jesus knocking on the door of my heart. I answered that knock and opened wide the door so He could enter. For a long time it was a "parlor" relationship with me the hostess and Jesus the guest. But gradually through the years I found that I wanted much more than this. Little by little, I opened up all the rooms in my heart and made Jesus a part of the family.

There is a wonderful book that is a lot like my relationship with Christ. The title is, “My Heart—Christ’s Home,” by Robert Boyd Munger. "The text speaks of the unbelievable good news, that the crucified and risen Lord will be at home in the heart through believing and will be available as Savior and Friend in all situations and conditions." As in most books, the final chapter is the best part. For years I was trying to keep this heart clean and available for Christ, and it was hard work. It wasn't until I let Him take over the deed and ownership of my heart and have the full responsibility of keeping this heart right that the atmosphere changed. From then on I have been His forever. He is the head of the household and I am His servant.

Dearest Lord, to think that you truly desire a relationship with me is almost too much to take in! You want to make my heart your dwelling place. Help me to keep it clean, full of love, and to share it with all who will listen and want to know you. I know that I can’t manage this Christian life without your strength. Thank you for being ever present in my life and making me your own. Amen

Hallelujah! He is Risen!
prepared for First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, Florida
Spring 2011
compiled by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator
reproduced and edited by Patience Fort