Springtime in this area can be both beautiful and hazardous, but always brings that sense of “newness.” Nature seems to awaken quickly as the colors of spring abound – trees bud out and leaves appear, flowers pop up from what seemed to be a completely dormant state. Birds, animals and even insects show renewed activity.

There is a certain excitement and energy that comes with all of this... Certainly, celebrating the Resurrection of our LORD in the middle of the month (April 17) seems to provide an “exclamation point”!

In our readings, we will hear from the prophet Isaiah as he gives us God’s Word,

“For behold, I create new heavens
and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered
or come into mind.”

We are reminded during our Lenten journey to repent, and bring all our sins to the foot of the cross of Christ, where he bears them in his body as it is crucified, taking the punishment we deserve. As he took our sins to the grave, he left them there, rising to New Life on the third day. Our creation story now becomes New – an eighth day of Re-Creation – and our life in Christ is a New Life.

As we rejoice in His Resurrection, we hear the promise of our own resurrection to come, on the Last Day. So, as we hear in Isaiah 65:18, “be glad an rejoice forever in that which [He]” Re-Creates… in Christ,

Pastor Jim Kirschenmann

​As we embark on this year’s Lenten Season, it is time, once again, to hear and obey the call that God places on our hearts... While February seems to be all about Love, Lent is a time to reflect on how we are acting in response to God’s love.
On Ash Wednesday we will here God speak through the prophet Joel:
“ …  and rend your hearts …
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love…”
Joel 2:13 (ESV)
 
So, what does it mean to “rend” our hearts? Those experiencing a heavy loss or extreme grief in the Old Testament would “rend” their garments – tear them apart, usually at the center of the chest – revealing their heart. To “rend” your heart, then, is to expose the inner most part of your being – to open up – and thus allow God to do His work in your life.

This is how we are to RETURN to the LORD – with a heart open to receive his steadfast love.

Psalm 51:7 (ESV) states it this way…
“ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
 
During this period of Lent in March, bring your broken and contrite heart. RETURN to the LORD, and receive the blessings of His grace and mercy, share in His abounding and steadfast love, those gifts given in the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for your sins.

Let the Cross of Christ “mend the rend” of your heart! And be blessed to share such blessings with others.

Pastor Jim Kirschenmann