A MAN'S CALLING

"Vocare, to call, of course, & a man's vocation is a man's calling. It is the work that he is called to in this world, the work that he is summoned to spend his life doing. We can speak of a man's choosing his vocation, but perhaps it is at least as accurate to speak of a vocation's choosing the man, of a call's being given & a man's hearing it, or not hearing it." Frederick Buechner, "Men's Devotional Bible"

EXERCISING YOUR MIND

"Your mind needs exercise just as your physical body does . . . Some Christians allow the world to fill their minds with ungodly thinking. Some people seem drawn to concentrate on the negative, choosing to be pessimistic about everything . . . The things you allow your mind to dwell on will be revealed by the way you live. If you focus on negative things, you will inevitably be a negative person. If you allow unholy thoughts to fill your mind, ungodliness will become common in your life. If you fill your mind with thoughts of Christ, you will become Christlike. What you fill your mind with is a matter of choice. Choose to concentrate on the magnificent truths of God, & they will create in you a noble character that brings glory to God." Henry & Richard Blakaby, "Experiencing God Day-By-Day"

WHERE'S THE HOLY SPIRIT?

"The moment you are born again * you receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the gift. God doesn't give you some thing, He gives you Himself. The Holy Spirit is God. As He lives out His life through you, you have almighty God dwelling within you, carrying out His purposes. The Spirit will manifest Himself through your life, not for your good alone, but for the benefit of those around you . . . What an exciting commission from God! Today the Holy Spirit equips believers because He has given each of His servants a task. How is the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life benefiting those around you? God has equipped you with exactly what is needed for the edification of the body in which He has placed you. If you allow the Holy Spirit to work freely within you, others will be blessed as a result." Experiencing God

* As a Lutheran, I believe that I was born again & received the Holy Spirit when I was baptized.

A PRAYER FOR LENT

"Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning, & though we have in no way deserved Your goodness, You still abundantly provide for all our wants of body & soul. Give us, we pray, Your Holy Spirit that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all Your benefits, & serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen." Lutheran Witness