Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 84

Thursday after Lent 5

32 They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” 33 And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. 34 And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” 35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. 36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” 37 And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 And He came the third time, and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” ~ Mark 14:32-42 (NASB)

Jesus’ closest disciples couldn’t stay awake to watch with him one hour. They want to do what Jesus asked, but the weaknesses of their bodies overcame them. During Holy Week, beginning on Maundy Thursday, our parish holds a vigil over the Blessed Sacrament. We are asked to spend one hour in the prayer room waiting with Jesus. Through the years, those hours have been some of the spiritually blessed times of my life.

Thank You, Lord, for the spiritual blessings I get from spending time with You. Forgive me for the times I fail to watch with Jesus and help me to do this, not only during Lent, but always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.



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Wednesday after Lent 5

22 While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” 23 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.’ 28 But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29 But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31 But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also. ~ Mark 14:22-31 (NASB)

Jesus knew all of His disciples would give up in fear and despair, thinking that He arrest meant the end of His ministry and the failure of His mission. Peter was confident that he would never deny Jesus, but he was trusting in his own power. Before he and the other disciples received the Holy Ghost, they were not strong enough to stand firm for the Lord.

Lord, Peter denied that He would ever deny Christ, and, like him, I always want to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Forgive me for those times when I deny Him by my actions—when I fail to acknowledge Him as the Lord of my life. Help me to always put You—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—first in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Tuesday after Lent 5

10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. 11 They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time. 12 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 13 And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; 14 and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15 And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” 16 The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. 17 When it was evening He came with the twelve. 18 As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19 They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20 And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. 21 For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” ~ Mark 14:20-21 (NASB)

God planned for our salvation from the beginning of time. He knew Judas Iscariot would betray Jesus, yet He chose Judas as part of the inner circle, putting him in place to be Jesus’ betrayer. We don’t often think of the great sacrifice Jesus made by that action. Imagine choosing as one of your closest friends and confidants a man you knew would ultimately betray you. Yet that is exactly what Jesus did. He deliberately called Judas as one of the twelve disciples, knowing all the time what the end would be.

Lord, it’s easy for me to condemn Judas for his betrayal, but how often do I betray my Lord by sins of omission and sins of commission. Forgive me, Lord, and guide me by the Holy Spirit into Your way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Monday after Lent 5

1 Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him; 2 for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.” 3 While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. 4 But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5 For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9 Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.” ~ Mark 14:1-9 (NASB)

The woman in this story was incredibly extravagant. She poured an entire vial of perfume over Jesus, an act that shocked the others in the room. Would that people would be shocked by how extravagant we are in showing our love for the Lord! We don’t have to use expensive perfume—we can show our love for Christ by doing good for His children and by giving our time, talents, and treasure for His work.

Heavenly Father, how extravagant the woman was with the costly perfume—a token of how extensive her love for Jesus. May I lavish my love on Him in doing His work, in showing His love to others, in giving of myself and all that I have to honor and worship Him. In His name. Amen.

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The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Passion Sunday)

46 Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.” 48 The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ 53 Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. ~ John 8:46-59 (NASB)

Many people say that Jesus was a great teacher and healer but not God’s Son, the Second Person of the Trinity, the Lord of lords and King of kings. Yet, Jesus Himself told us that He and the Father are One—that before Abraham was, He is. He cannot be a great teacher and healer without being the Son of God—otherwise He would be a liar, and He said He would be a liar if He said He didn’t know His Father. Unlike His accusers, He was not a liar, but Truth itself.

Father God, I acknowledge Jesus as Your Son, my Lord and Savior. Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to save me from my sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Saturday after Lent 4

32 But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 33 “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. 34 It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. 35 Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’” ~ Mark 13:32-37 (NASB)

The Word warns us to be on the alert for the return of Jesus. Not even Jesus Himself knows the date or the time, He tells us. But we must stay alert, be prepared, so no matter when Jesus comes, we are not found sleeping but ready and waiting.

Keep me from complacency, Lord, from thinking that I have plenty of time. Guide me by the Holy Spirit to live my life as You want me to live it, knowing that at any minute Jesus may come through the clouds. Even if Jesus’ return is a long way off, Lord, I don’t have unlimited time. Tonight my soul may be demanded of me. Whenever that day comes, Lord, let me hear the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant!” In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, now and forever, world without end. Amen.

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Friday after Lent 4

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven. 28 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. ~ Mark 13:24-31 (NASB)

Jesus is coming again in power and glory. He will gather those who believe in Him from heaven and earth and take us to spend eternity with Him. We know some of the signs He is coming, but we don’t know when it will happen. It will be on God’s perfect timetable—we must be ready whenever it is.

Heavenly Father, I look for the day Jesus will return in glory. We don’t know the day or the hour, Lord, so we must be ever ready. Yet we can’t give up living our lives for Your glory, expecting the Second Coming any minute. Thank You, that no matter how long or short the time is until Jesus comes again, Your Word stands—yesterday, today, and tomorrow—eternal, unfailing truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thursday after Lent 4

21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him; 22 for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. ~ Mark 13:21-23 (NASB)

There are false Christs everywhere. Some people look to politicians for their salvation. Others worship entertainers or athletes or socially and financially prominent people. Whether these people claim to be saviors, many people look to them for salvation. Let us always remember that there is only one Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Lord, keep my eye fixed on Jesus. Let me recognize the false prophets and the false Christs and cling to the one true God—You, the Lord, the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Wednesday after Lent 4

9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. 10 The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. ~ Mark 13:9-13 (NASB)

Why do so many of us think that our lives should be easy if we are Christians? God’s Word tells us the opposite—Jesus said we would be hated because of His name. But, joy of joy, He also said that if we endure to the end, we will be saved. Many Christians around the world are being persecuted for their faith today. May we pray for them, stand with them, and give them financial support.

Lord, help me to be willing to endure hatred and persecution for Your sake. Motivate me to pray and give for the persecuted church and my fellow Christians who are suffering around the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

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Tuesday after Lent 4

1 As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.” 3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. ~ Mark 13:1-8 (NASB)

If we look at the world around us, we can see so many signs that Jesus mentioned. It seems like it should be near the end of time, and God’s Word tells us to be ready at any time, for even Jesus doesn’t know the day or hour. But the words Jesus spoke to His disciples remind us that wars and rumors of wars and earthquakes and famines are not signs that the end has come. They are only the birth pangs of the coming end.

Almighty God, Lord of all Creation, remind me that I must be ready for the Lord’s return, but that doesn’t exempt me from helping to alleviate the pain and suffering that exist in the world today. Give me a heart of compassion and love, Father, to do all I can to show Your love to Your children. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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