Hope Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan

From: Pastor John

Yesterday we celebrated Presidents' Day.  I remember when we celebrated George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's individual birthdays.  Then they lumped them together in a generic Presidents' Day.  I liked it better when we remembered Washington and Lincoln individually, because they were known for their honesty.  "Honest Abe," and "I cannot tell a lie.  I cut down the cherry tree," recall a day when politicians put a premium on trust and honesty - something we seem to miss today.

That's also why I like Ash Wednesday and Lent.  They call us to be honest with ourselves and God.  Normally we deceive ourselves into thinking that we are OK, and that others are to blame for our shortcomings.  Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of Lent call us to be honest with ourselves.  We are sinners, and corrupt from head to toe.  Why is this kind of honesty good?  It drives us into the loving arms of God - the very God who paid for our dishonest corruption with the precious and innocent blood of Jesus.

Tomorrow I invite you to do something very unusual and out of character for modern man.  Be honest.  Come and honestly receive your ashes of repentance, repent of your sins, and then begin the 40 day march to freedom - the march to the cross and open tomb!  It is worth the effort - honestly!

Ash Wednesday Schedule:

5:30-9:00am - Receive early Ashes in the Chapel.

11:00am - Early Ash Wednesday Service in the Chapel.

7:00pm - Late Ash Wednesday Service in the FLC.

Don't forget there's Homework:

+Examine your life and look for signs of honesty in the midst of deception. Can you tell one from the other? 

+Bring your family into the freedom of honesty by making Lent an observance of honesty in your home.

For your prayers today:

+Lift up the Waller family as we bury Keith's father this morning.  

+Pray for the refreshing winds of honesty to blow through our lives and church. Lord have mercy for Jesus' sake!

Jesus is our Hope!

+ Pastor John