Lent Photo a Day for April 21: First

April 21: First

John 20: 1-18

Easter morning, the first day of Jesus’ resurrection and our redemption. I have to mark this joyous day with a photo of a lovely spring morning. Happy Easter!

Lent Photo a Day for April 20: Tomb

April 20: Tomb

Matthew 27: 57-66

A tomb is both a place of mourning and a place for remembrance. To Mary, Mary Magdalene and the other disciples, Jesus tomb was a place to mourn and honor his memory, a place where his earthly remains would rest.

Lent Photo a Day for April 19: Crucify

April 19: Crucify

Matthew 27: 27-37

I was saddened when my neighborhood association cut down this beautiful tree out of fear the roots would damage the nearby wall. The tree’s beauty and utility—providing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the air, and providing shade in the California heat—was sacrificed through callousness and fear. Jesus was crucified due to the callousness and fear of others.

Lent Photo a Day for April 18: Serve

April 18: Serve

John 13:1-7

We speak of tea being served, and a tea set is often called a tea service. Part of the joy of serving tea is taking care of the guest—pouring the tea, offering cakes or other treats. In this passage, Jesus serves his disciples, washing their feet. He is demonstrating the humble, loving actions and attitude he wants his followers to emulate. To serve others is a reflection of our faith.

Lent Photo a Day for April 17: Cloud

April 17: Cloud

Hebrews 12:1-3

These clouds don’t impede the sunlight, they seem to accentuate it, like the cloud of faithful witnesses in this passage.

Lent Photo a Day for April 16: Light

April 16: Light

Isaiah 49: 1-7

In this passage, God promises Isaiah that he will make him a Light to the world, a beacon of hope. Light breaking through clouds is nature’s promise of hope.

Lent Photo a Day for April 15: Burial

April 15: Burial

John 12: 1-11

Burial is an ending of one state and the beginning of another. Just as this bulb will emerge as a spring flower, death will lead to resurrection.

Lent Photo a Day for April 14: Shout

April 14: Shout

Luke 19: 28-40

These young women were dancing and performing, uncaring of the passersby. Like Jesus' followers in this passage, they were unafraid and unashamed to share their joy and confidence with the world.

Lent Photo a Day for April 13: Betray

April 13: Betray

Luke 22:1-6

Betrayal comes from selfishness: placing our own needs and desires and amusements above those of other people. This graffiti is just a tiny betrayal compared to Judas’, but it stems from the same inner ugliness—“me before you.”

Lent Photo a Day for April 12: Hands

April 12: Hands

Psalm 31: 14-16

The psalmist places his “times” in God’s hands. Let us turn over our lives to God, placing our cares in his hands.

Lent Photo a Day for April 11: Trust

April 11: Trust

Psalm 31: 9-16

We may suffer hard times, but if we trust in the Lord, we will pass beyond the suffering. The love and trust this boy feels for his grandfather shines in his face—his little hands frame his grandfather’s face, sharing joy and laughter. That is how we must trust!

Lent Photo a Day for April 10: Victory

April 10: Victory

Psalm 20

Verse 4 of this psalm prays: “May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.” In this photo, my son is getting his heart’s desire, the fulfillment of years of work and sacrifice and planning: he is getting his white coat, the symbol of his entry into medical school. This psalm encourages us to celebrate the victories we achieve with God’s help and guidance, and to be grateful for that guidance.

Lent Photo a Day for April 9: Remain

April 9: Remain

1 John 2: 18-28

Although this tree was cut down years ago, the stump remains, reminding me of what used to grow there. This passage from 1John reminds us that while Jesus is gone from the earth, he remains in our hearts.

Lent Photo a Day for April 8: Confident

April 8: Confident

Hebrews 10: 19-25

My son and his friend were never afraid to have fun even if they were coloring outside the lines drawn by their peers—their confidence amazed me. They were true to their selves, and their peers seem to have accepted them because of it. These verses remind us to be true to our faith, confident in knowing that our faith has saved us.

Lent Photo a Day for April 7: When

April 7: When

Matthew 25: 30-41

This photo captures a moment in time—that moment when the dandelion seeds are being blown away. Jesus tells his followers that a moment will come when He returns to earth—a moment that will change everything.

Lent Photo a Day for April 6: Joy

April 6: Joy

Psalm 126-1-6

We need to be grateful for every moment of joy life brings us: those moments are gifts from God.

Lent Photo a Day for April 5: Witness

April 5: Witness

Isaiah 43: 8-15

Witnessing a wedding is such a joyous moment. Witnessing God’s grace can bring joy as well.

Lent Photo a Day for April 4: Laughter

April 4: Laughter

Psalm 126

This short, ebullient psalm promises that for the faithful, “those who sow tears shall reap joy.” God is with us, and even though life can bring sorrow, He will eventually lead us to joy and laughter. I try to embrace laughter as often as possible--light-hearted truly expresses the way laughter feels!

Lent Photo a Day for April 3: Jar

April 3: Jar

2 Kings 4: 1-7

This passage tells of a miracle involving a ever-refilling jar of oil that saved a family from poverty and slavery. The family had a need and God filled it. This photo is a reminder of everyday miracles:  “sunshine in a jar” is filled with golden flowers lit by a warm spring sun—a daily miracle if we take the time to notice it.

Lent Photo a Day for April 2: Restore

April 2: Restore

Psalm 53

Spring has restored this Joshua Tree, enabling it to put forth a huge bud that is nearly ready to bloom. This psalm reminds us that, like the spring’s rain restored this desert plant, God’s love can restore us and bring us back to life give us true happiness.

Lent Photo a Day for April 1: Atonement

April 1: Atonement

Leviticus 23: 26-31

We need to take time to think about our weaknesses and sins, and to try to make reparation for them, as well as try to do better. Sins leave evidence and damage, to both ourselves and to others. To atone is to repent and repair that damage, AND to seek to change our lives and be better.

Lent Photo a Day for March 31: New

March 31: New

2 Corinthians 5: 16-21

This passage reminds us that faith makes us new people inside. Let that new, better me be reflected in my actions and words, like this new bud is opening to share beauty with the world.

Lent Photo a Day for March 30: Found

March 30: Found

Luke 15: 1-10

Like this little squirrel, we spend time searching for things we’ve misplaced or that we need to acquire, and each discovery brings us joy. Let me search for the important things that will enrich my spiritual life, and spend less time searching for material things.

Lent Photo a Day for March 29: Stone

March 29: Stone

Joshua 4: 14-24

In the passage from Joshua, the people of Israel piled up twelve stones from the Jordan River to create a monument to remind them of the miracle that stopped the water of the river, enabling them to cross to safety. Stone don’t have to be piled into monuments to serve as reminders to us—their natural beauty and shape are monumental enough to help us  to focus and reflect on the blessings in our own lives.

Lent Photo a Day for March 28: Selah

March 28: Selah

Psalm 32

In the King James version of this psalm, the cryptic Hebrew word “Selah” follows three of the verses. It is believed the word was an instruction to readers and listeners to pause, listen and think—to reflect on the meaning of what was written. This photo calms my mind and lets me listen and reflect.

Lent Photo a Day for March 27: Seed

March 27: Seed

Luke 13: 18-19

Seeds are tiny miracles, transforming from nearly invisible little packages into marvelous plants of all types, appearances and uses. In these Gospel verses, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, that if planted and tended becomes a bush that provides a home for birds and other creatures. We need to tend our inner kingdom so we can love and care for others.

Lent Photo a Day for March 26: Allegory

March 26: Allegory

Ezekiel 17: 1-10

Allegories like Spenser's The Fairie Queene are powerful tools for teaching lessons, ways to point out our weaknesses and the results of those failings as well as qualities to emulate. In the passage from Ezekiel, a leader of Judah failed to trust in God and keep his word, choosing to break a carefully wrought treaty with a foe in a failed doublecross. He paid for his faithlessness. This is an allegorical reminder of the importance of keeping faith.

Lent Photo a Day for March 25: Judge

March 25: Judge

Romans 2:1-4

Judgment seems part of our lives from childhood on. We are continually comparing ourselves to others, trying to achieve more, get more, and be more than someone else. But as this passage warns us, judging others and believing we are superior gets us nowhere—our sins are just as bad as the sins of those we are sneering and passing judgment upon. We need to focus on our own failings and try to improve. We can start by being kinder to others instead of judging them.

Lent Photo a Day for March 24: Test

March 24: Test

1 Corinthians 10: 1-13

Ah, the love chapter: one of the most powerful and yet most simple of the Bible’s directives. Love is the ultimate commandment. Our accomplishments and achievements are worthless if we don’t love others. Love may be the ultimate test, but it is also the ultimate answer to that test. Lord, guide our hearts to love. Our country aches for it now.

Lent Photo a Day for March 23: Vineyard

March 23: Vineyard

Isaiah 5: 1-7

This passage is a parable, comparing man to vines tended by the vineyard’s farmer, God. To the farmer’s surprise, despite his loving care of the vines, they produce sour grapes. Let us grow as God intends, so that we bear sweeter fruit.

Lent Photo a Day for March 22: Dusted

March 22: Dusted

Daniel 12:1-4

This passage from Daniel promises resurrection for the dead at the end of times—that we will rise from the dust. Just like the surface in this photo, we are unclean, but can still be cleansed and redeemed through Jesus.

Lent Photo a Day for March 21: Affliction

March 21: Affliction

Revelation 2: 8-11

We all suffer affliction at points in our life. Like this rose, our hearts and bodies can be damaged and bruised. We need to remember that God is with us in times of trouble, and we can lean on him while we recover.

Lent Photo a Day for March 20: Signs

March 20: Signs

Psalm 105: 26-45

Sometimes God’s signs are dramatic and hard to miss, like the plagues he sent to Egypt to persuade them to free the Israelites, as described in this psalm, or like this sign. But often, his signs are quiet—we need to listen and watch for them.

Lent Photo a Day for March 19: Praise

March 19: Praise

Psalm 105:1-4

In this photo, the audience is expressing their appreciation for the performers’ gift of music. We need to thank God for the gifts he gives us daily.

Lent Photo a Day for March 18: Blessed

March 18: Blessed

Romans 4: 1-12

Paul tells the Romans that they do not have to follow every rule to be saved, they must only believe in God’s promises. God’s grace is a gift, and gifts aren’t earned through good behavior, but are given out of love. We are blessed every day with this love, if only we take the time to see those blessings.

Lent Photo a Day for March 17: Covenant

March 17: Covenant

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

In this passage from Genesis, God makes a covenant to the faithful Abram that he will have innumerable descendants who will be blessed with land. We can trust in God’s promises to us that we will be saved if we believe.

Lent Photo a Day for March 16: Endure

March 16: Endure

Psalm 118: 26-29

As this psalm tells us, God is our light, and his lovingkindness is forever. That unending love can nurture us, even in the most inhospitable places and circumstances, just as this plant survives in the light of the sun despite the encircling concrete.

Lent Photo a Day for March 15: Citizen

March 15: Citizen

Philippians 3:17-20

In my photo, local residents are attending our congressional representative’s town hall meeting. We are being responsible citizens. In the passage from Philippians, we are reminded that we are also citizens of the Christian faith, and that we must act our faith, not merely mouth it and continue doing what we know is wrong.

Lent Photo a Day for March 14: Land

March 14: Land

Genesis 13: 14-18

In the passage from Genesis, when God showed Abram the land he had been given, as far as the eye could see, Abram’s first response was to build an altar to offer thanks. When I look at the beauty of our planet, I give thanks as well.

Lent Photo a Day for March 13: Watch

March 13: Watch

Luke 21:34-22:6

So much of the time, we are paying attention to all the wrong things. The world is a distracting place, and we are easily distracted beings. We need to watch over our spiritual health with greater care than we watch what’s on our phone screen or on a stage.

Lent Photo a Day for March 12: Clean

March 12: Clean

Zechariah 3: 1-10

We are experts at superficial cleaning, whether it is washing clothes, vacuuming floors, or “cleaning up” our language. But true spiritual cleansing comes from God.

Lent Photo a Day for March 11: Decision

March 11: Decision

1 Chronicles 21:1-17

Choices are difficult at the best of times. In this passage, King David has to choose between three ugly fates for him and his people—a true lose-lose situation. All we can do is make the best choice we can, using the principles of our faith to guide us.

Lent Photo a Day March 10: Depart

March 10: Depart

Luke 4:1-13

Just as Jesus went out into the wilderness to face Satan’s temptations, we go out into the world to face our own struggles and temptations. We need to remember that we aren’t alone. God travels with us.

Lent Photo a Day for March 9: Refuge

March 9—Refuge

Psalm 91:9-13

Just as this tiny structure will provide the wrens with safety and security for their eggs and chicks, God provides us with a refuge. The world is dangerous, not only physically, but spiritually as well, and God is our shelter and safety, as this Psalm promises.

Lent Photo a Day for March 8: Redeem

March 8—Redeem

Exodus 6:1-8

In this passage, God promises to redeem the Israelites from slavery. Our faith can redeem us as well. This photo captures the moment of my son’s baptism, where he accepts God’s grace.

Lent Photo a Day for March 7: Fear

March 7—Fear

Acts 7:30-34

In this passage, God appears before Moses in a burning bush, and Moses reacts with fear, afraid to face God. It is terrifying to face our weaknesses and inadequacies, and to realize how our choices have led to our problems. In this photo, Olivia is cowering from Simon—she’s been teasing him and knows that he is going to box her ears. She fears the consequences of her actions. Sound familiar?

Lent Photo a Day for March 6: Pray

Lent Photo A Day 2019

Photo Prompt: Pray

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-17

This Psalm reminds us that we are sinners, and tells God, “You deserve honesty from the heart, yes, utter sincerity and truthfulness. Oh, give me this wisdom.” I think we all fail to be honest to God. Even though we know he sees and knows our hearts, we don’t confess the hate hiding in our hearts, the unethical acts some commit on their jobs, the casual cruelty and lack of compassion to others. The Psalm goes on to beg, “Create in me a new clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.” That should be everyone’s prayer—we all need to act out our faith and try to wash our hearts with love.