Thursday, March 31 by Melissia Mason

Read Mark 5:21-34.

I’ve often wondered what this woman was feeling when she tentatively reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She was so sure that even the lightest touch would heal her. Can you imagine her relief when her faith paid off?  Her desperation led to her healing.

When was the last time you reached out to God in desperation? It can be difficult to maintain the level of hopeful faith that the healed woman displayed. It’s not often that we see a miracle like the one she experienced.  Very often we are left wondering… where is my miracle?

I heard a story once about a child who was watching her mother cross-stitch. The child was sitting at the mother’s feet looking at the back of the handiwork. From that perspective, it looked like a jumbled mess. But from the mother’s perspective, the cross-stitched image was becoming increasingly beautiful and detailed.

From our perspective, life may look like a picture of chaos. But God has a different perspective. He’s looking at the masterpiece he’s creating and only he knows what the finished product will be.

God, give us patience as you work your miracles in our lives. Give us eyes to see the subtle brush strokes that go into creating your masterpiece. Amen.

Wednesday, March 30 by Rev. Rick Mang

Read Mark 5:1-20.

After such a wonderful miracle of saving a man’s life, the people asked Jesus to leave.  Why?  Were they afraid of his supernatural power?  Did they fear that Jesus would continue to cast demons into other herds of animals in the area?

Obviously, for any type of farmer or rancher, their personal security was tied directly to the number of animals they owned.  The Gerasenes chose their income and sense of security over their having the privilege of Jesus staying with them and teaching them.

Have you made similar choices in your life, choosing your sense of security over Jesus?

Dear God, forgive me when I do not put my full trust in you to take care of me. You, O God, are my security!   Amen.

Tuesday, March 29 by Dr. Cindy Ryan

Read Mark 4:35-41.

In today’s passage the disciples and Jesus are in a boat; Jesus is asleep and a huge storm comes up.  The disciples wake Jesus up and say, “Teacher is it nothing to you that we are perishing?”

I’ve felt like that before, haven’t you?  I’ve had a time or two when the wind in my life has been blowing, the waves crashing and the water rising up around me.  There have been times when I believed all was lost and I was going down.  Certainly, there have been times when God seemed fast asleep or at least very, very far away.  I can identify with the disciples saying to Jesus, “Do you see that we are in trouble here, don’t you care?”

I can relate but what I find very compelling is that Jesus says to the disciples, “Why are you so timid?  How is it that you have no faith?”

When we panic, when we believe all is lost, it has a powerful effect on our faith and our ability to trust or to even see the bigger picture.  Jesus reminds us here that God is in control.  Is the boat going down?  Don’t panic.  Just look up.

God when my boat encounters the storms of life, give me courage. Give me faith.  Help me to look up.  Amen.  

Monday, March 28 by Chris Abram

Read Mark 4:30-34.

The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds there is (1 - 2 mm), yet it grows to a 10-15 ft. tall tree - almost 5,000 times its original size.  In the scripture, it tells us that the tree grows so large that it gives shade for the birds. Though this parable is trying to give a representation of what the Kingdom of God is like, ultimately it is about faith.

In the heat of summer, shade provides us with comfort, relief and gives us a chance to regain our strength.  God's kingdom is no different.  When we rest in him, through faith, he gives us strength to persevere,  relief in knowing that He will always be there for us and comfort as we heal.  And it all starts with the smallest belief that He is our God.

God, help us to start each day like the blooms on a tree, opening up to receive your reign in our lives. Give us growth and make us fruitful in the spirit. Amen.

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Sunday, March 27 by Dr. Ken Diehm

Read Mark 14:53-72.

I wonder how Peter remembers this night?  How did he feel years later when he heard this story of his denial of Jesus retold?  Jesus had foretold that Peter would deny him.  Peter had vigorously responded that he would never betray Jesus in such a manner.  Yet after his betrayal the passage tells us Peter suddenly remembered Jesus telling him, “Before a cock crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”  Peter’s response was to weep.  His betrayal is part of the gospel story.  How do you think he felt about that?

Fortunately for Peter his story does not end with the denial.  He encounters Jesus in John 21.  There forgiveness is not only offered but Jesus gives Peter the task of “feeding the sheep.”  Peter was able to experience forgiveness and become a great leader in the early church.  How about you?  When you really fall short, are you able to receive the forgiveness God has to offer?  Or do you somehow feel unworthy of the forgiveness? 

Forgiveness is nothing that we deserve; it is a gift God offers to each of us. God, help us to receive your free gift of forgiveness. Amen.

Saturday, March 26 by Rev. Louis Carr

Read Mark 4:26-29.

In a culture where Christian conversation is faux pas, sowing seeds can be difficult, uninviting and unsettling.  As we operate in a world that calls us to go along and get along, we find ourselves as a people of faith suppressing our call to spread the good news.

Be encouraged to know that in this passage we are called to simply throw the seed.  After we throw the seed our job is done.  We are to do the very basic act of seed sowing and nothing more until the harvest comes. 
Whether it is the act of saying, “God loves you,” to a stranger or helping someone in need, we must understand that a random act of kindness is an act of sowing a seed.  From that point we simply let go of the situation and let God do the rest.

God, show us where and when to sow seeds. Give us the courage to show our faith, with or without words. Amen.

Friday, March 25 by Dr. Cindy Ryan

Read Mark 4:21-25.

“No one brings a lamp home and hides it.” - Jesus

Following Jesus is a light journey.  Saying yes to Jesus means we accept his light in us, not to hide it or bury it, but to let it shine.  God likes radiant, shiny Christians.  Shiny Christians are different than obnoxious, pushy, over-the-top, in-your-face Christians.  Radiant Christians exhibit the light of Christ in natural, authentic, joyful ways. 

Author Elisa Morgan says it well, “When we shine, we hold out the Word of life to a world in deep need.  When we shine, we draw others to the source of our hope.  Even a single speck of light alters the very nature of darkness.”  (from Twinkle:  Sharing Your Faith One Light at a Time)

God, in the whole scheme of things, I’m just a speck of light. Allow me to twinkle for you.  Amen.

Thursday, March 24 by Melissia Mason

Read Mark 4:13-20.

“The cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word.” Isn’t that the truth? Sometimes it just feels like the circumstances of life are actively choking us, trying to cut us off from the life-giving breath of God.

To be honest, I have trouble making Bible study a priority. But what if I practiced hearing the word and accepting it when times are easy? Then maybe when “life happens” it will come naturally to be grounded in God’s word. Maybe my roots would be strong. Maybe the cares of the world would just pass through my branches like wind through the trees. What once was a devastating gale might now become a mere whisper.
Let’s try it. Not just during Lent, but every day beyond this day. Let’s just experiment… start with continuing to spend ten minutes in prayer and ten minutes in scripture each day (remember Ken’s 10 & 10 Challenge?). Who knows how our world might change if we become strong and bear fruit “thirty and sixty and a hundredfold”!

God, sometimes we forget about you in the good times. Help us to be vigilant, growing closer to you each day. When the cares of the world press heavily upon us, give us the strength that can only come from knowing you. Amen.

Wednesday, March 23 by Rev. Melburn Sibley

Read Mark 4:1-12.

We are asked to spread the truth of Christ.  Let’s think of that as spreading the seeds.  How are we to spread these seeds?

By our daily living we should demonstrate that following Christ has made us different.  Living for Him changes our whole way of thinking and acting. It leads us to care for others.

We spread the seeds by sharing a genuine care for others and meeting their needs as best as we can.  In the context of our church, we can help Feed Our Kids, give Blankets of Hope, Meet and Greet the Troops, give through the Thrift Shop, provide Weekend Food and on and on goes the list of caring opportunities.

Share the story of Jesus Christ and His work of atonement through our witness.  In becoming a member of the church, we committed ourselves to give prayer, presence, gifts, service and witness. This may be difficult but how are they to know if we do not tell?

We are not responsible for how the seeds we sow are received.  We are just responsible, as God’s children, to sow the seeds.

Dear God, we commit ourselves to you today to share your love and spread your truth. Amen.

Tuesday, March 22 by Cheri Rutledge

Read Mark 3:31-35.

At first glance, this passage caused me a bit of concern. It’s as if Jesus is denying His mother and brothers. But when we think about the nature of Jesus, the true meaning of His words become clear. Jesus lived His life teaching, healing, helping the poor and hungry and loving all of mankind. His love did not discriminate. He loved everyone equally. When we understand Jesus in this way, it’s easy to see why, when told that His mother and brothers were outside looking for Him, He replied “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And as He looked at those seated around Him, He said “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Heavenly Father, we have so much trouble “loving our neighbor” as You tell us to do. Help us to remember that we are all Your children. Help us find a way to open our hearts, using Jesus’ example, and learn to love others as our brothers and sisters. Thank you for loving us so completely Lord. Amen.

Monday, March 21 by Jenny Davidson

Read Mark 3:13-30.

Every where that Jesus walked, crowds pressed in to see what was happening.  He had been teaching and performing miracles.  His incredible claims and unusual acts had even Jesus’ closest friends and family question his actions.  In this passage we see Jesus taking everything in stride once again.  When confronted about who he really is, he speaks in parables.  I find it interesting how Jesus speaks in a way for everyone to understand.  The parables weren’t some wild riddle that he was trying to use to confuse.  Instead, Jesus speaks in a way that he knows will make sense.  He tells the people around him to be careful to avoid speaking wrongly about what God may be doing and not to resist the Holy Spirit.

Is there something today that you know God is wanting to do in your life but you are hesitant, fearful or pushing aside?  

Merciful God, please give me the courage to choose faith over fear today.  Thank you for your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sunday, March 20 by Rev. Nathan Firmin

Read Mark 14:26-52.

When I read this passage, I see one of the most personal passages in all of Scripture.  It is like walking with Jesus and his disciples.  The situation is like a slow motion train wreck - one collapse after another until Jesus is in the hands of those who wish him dead.

The first inkling of disaster comes in verse 29, when Jesus tells Peter that he will deny him that night.  Peter blusters that he will never deny Jesus.  The rest of the disciples chime in that they will never deny Jesus either.  The train is on a collision course.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples cannot stay awake and pray with Jesus.  He is left alone to wrestle with the pain of loneliness on top of the vision of a painful death.  The pileup begins. 

The crowd approaches to arrest Jesus.  With a kiss that would at any other time show respect and admiration for a beloved teacher, Judas betrays his Rabbi.  The pileup grinds ever higher. 

Someone pulls a sword to fight off the crowd, but loses heart against overwhelming force and flees.  The crowd takes Jesus away to face his accusers, who take no chances.  They have false witnesses ready to seal his fate.  The crowd is now ready to have their way.  The entire train is off the tracks.

I hate failing.  I really hate failing in a public, personally humiliating way.  So did the disciples.  But, in this passage, I see a Christ who knows humiliation, who understands the weaknesses in my soul, but still won’t let me go to the dark places alone. 

Lord, help me forgive those who despise me.  Help me forgive myself when I give up on Your Grace.  Amen.

Saturday, March 19 by Linda McClure

Read Mark 3:1-12.

In Mark 3, we are told that Jesus had entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and healed a man who had a withered hand. In these verses, we are told that Jesus is being watched by the Pharisees. He must have known what they were thinking because he turned the tables on them asking, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill”. The Pharisees knew Jesus could heal, but they were more interested in seeing if he would, because if he did, he would be going against the Jewish tradition that said aid could be given to the sick on the Sabbath only when the person’s life was threatened. The Pharisees were certainly aware that a withered hand would not have qualified as being life threatening. If he healed the man, the Pharisees would have a reason to accuse him. However, their plan backfired. They remained silent and either could not or would not answer the questions that Jesus asked them. Jesus healed the man’s withered hand even knowing that doing so would give the Pharisees a reason to plot to destroy him. Not only did he heal this man, but when he and his disciples withdrew to the sea he healed even more people there.

If we were faced with a decision to do what is right even if it goes against our laws and could put us in prison or even worse…would we still do the right thing? Recently the people of Egypt faced such a decision. They had been silent too long, and because of it had endured years of injustices and oppression from the laws imposed by their leaders. They too knew the risks they were taking but still chose to rise up and demand changes be made to create a democracy for their country. The courage it takes to step out and correct an injustice is what God often calls us to do regardless of the risks.

Lord, Please help us to have the courage do what is right even when the risks seem high. Amen.

Friday, March 18 by Rev. Louis Carr

Read Mark 2:23-28.

During the season of Lent, some of us are giving up a variety of things that range from foods, drinks, our favorite daytime soap or maybe even our favorite shopping boutique.  During this time of deep sacrifice we can find strength in knowing that determination is crucial to the success of our sacrifice.

In this passage we clearly see the determination of the people who were carrying the paralyzed man.  They demonstrate for us that their grit and willpower caused them to hunker down when the crowd was in the way.  They dug in so hard that they even lifted the man and lowered him down through the roof. 

Communal determination is a powerful tool.  Maybe there is power in the company we keep, in both the good and the bad times of life.  Are we communing with people who give us strength when we are weak?  Are we with people who are loving each other to our better self?  And are we willing to lift up the community that is living a paralyzed life in need of Jesus?

God, guide us in our communal life. Guide us to choose our relationships wisely and lift up those around us. Amen.

Thursday, March 17 by Dr. Cindy Ryan

Read Mark 2:18-22.

Jesus had a way of confusing people.  In this passage, people came to Jesus perplexed because he and his followers didn’t seem too engaged in the discipline of fasting like other religious leaders.

And, as usual, Jesus answers questions with stories.  “When you are at a wedding, do you skimp on the cake and wine?  No, you feast while the bride and bridegroom are with you.”  “No one cuts up a fine silk scarf to patch old work clothes.”  “Do you put your new wine in cracked bottles?”

What is he saying?  I think he was pointing out the tendency that some of us have to get so caught up in rituals or disciplines or rules that we miss the fresh, new presence of God in our midst.

Can you imagine engaging in some tired old religious ritual to the point where you miss Jesus standing there?
Can you imagine being so focused on doing the same old things that you don’t hear God whispering some new truth to you?

Jesus seems to want us to know that discipline and ritual have their place in faith…but not if they cause us to miss the new, exciting, breathtaking things God is doing in our midst.

God, in fasting and prayer and ritual, let our eyes always be open to you.  Amen

Wednesday, March 16 by Cheri Rutledge

Read Mark 2:14-17.

It was difficult for most people to understand why Jesus was willing to associate with those that were considered sinners. Even the Pharisees (religious leaders of the time) were suspicious of Jesus’ actions and had questions about Him sharing dinner with sinners. When Jesus heard the Pharisees ask the disciples why He was doing this, Jesus replied “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus was always a friend to the less fortunate. He knew that “the sick” needed Him most. The lost, the infirm, the hungry, the sinful…Jesus saw them all as His own and invited them into His presence so that they might open their hearts and through Him, have eternal life.

Our precious Lord, help us to reflect Christ in our response to those less fortunate than us. Direct us each day to notice those in need and give us the strength to step out of our “comfort zone” and make a difference in the lives of others. Amen.

Tuesday, March 15 by Rev. Louis Carr

Read Mark 2:1-13.

In this world of busyness we have found ourselves as Dr. Kirk Byron Jones puts it to so eloquently “addicted to hurry.”  As we rush to drive from one place to another, going from appointment to appointment, taking kids to practice and eating on the run, Sabbath rest is easily over looked.  In a society that demands multitasking and chronic overdrive, rest is often seen as a flaw or sign of weakness.

In the text we see Jesus in conversation with the Pharisees once again.  What we take from the text is placed at the end.  Jesus simply says, “…the Sabbath was made for humankind….” From this straightforward passage we understand that rest is a gift from God to us.  We also see that God models this idea for us in the creation narrative in Genesis 2:2: “…and he rested on the seventh day from all the work….”

The question still remains… are we practicing rest?  Do we model rest for our families? Or do we follow the beat of a culture that is restless, relentless and exhausted? 

God, in a world that no longer gives pause for the Holy day of rest, help us to demonstrate what you have taught us. Give us the wisdom to open your gift of rest.   Amen.

Monday, March 14 by Dr. Cindy Ryan

Read Mark 1:40-45.

“A leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees, ‘If you want to, you can cleanse me.’  Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him and said, ‘I want to.  Be clean.’”  Mark 14:40-41

In this passage, the words of the leper and of Jesus just seem to leap off the page.  “Jesus, if you want to, you can cleanse me.”  And Jesus replies, “I want to.”

Can you picture yourself before Jesus on your knees begging to be healed?  Of disease or an addiction?  Of a deep grief?  A broken relationship?  Of your tendency to drift away from God?  Can you imagine Jesus saying to you, “I want to heal you.  I want to.”

God, maybe it is time for us to fall on our knees before Jesus, to name our brokenness, to ask for healing.  Your word is telling us that Jesus wants to heal even us, even us.  May it be so.  Amen.     

Sunday, March 13 by Rev. Rick Mang

Read Mark 14:12-16.

Many homes in interior Jerusalem had large upstairs rooms, sometimes with stairways both inside and outside the house.  The preparations for the Passover would have included setting the table and buying and preparing the Passover lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs and sauces, and drink.

Where and how will you prepare for the Lenten journey we all will travel together?  What will you need to pay special attention to?  Where is your personal Upper Room?

Dear God, we offer our thanks for this Lenten journey, especially in the preparations we make in advance. Amen.

Saturday, March 12 by Rev. Armando Alvarado

Read Mark 1:29-39.

One morning, I was driving to church, drinking my coffee and listening to some Spanish Cumbia music. Traffic was moving at a great pace. The sun was shining, the trees looked healthy, and people were happy. I believe I heard and saw birds singing and dancing to the Spanish rhythms on the radio. Then suddenly, my Blackberry started to vibrate, phone calls, text messages, and emails were bombarding me. Messages! Messages! Messages! Now, don’t get me wrong, I love technology, but this was too much! I began to panic… like a roller coaster ride…you begin to climb and climb and climb, then gravity kicks in…you start to fall at 80 MPH…hair and skin blown back! At the end of your ride, you’re left with an unwanted permanent grin on your face.

Has this ever happened to you? Life keeps throwing you to one side then to the other as if you’re riding on that roller coaster. You ask yourself, “When will all of this stop?” Does it ever stop? I believe Jesus was in a groove, healing people, casting out demons and proclaiming the Good News! But if you stop and look at what Jesus does, he’s intentional about stopping. In the midst of healing others, he takes time to restore and regain the energy God gives him. Jesus prays. Have you taken that time to pray? Don’t let the messages and concerns of the world overwhelm you! As we prepare our hearts for the celebration and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, take the time to break away and get re-energized. PRAY! 

Almighty God, you know my heart and you know my purpose. Guide me in the midst of my life. Inspire me to rest and regain the energy you provide for me. Bring me to a deserted place where I may be intentional about finding healing and comfort in your presence. Amen. 

Friday, March 11 by Linda McClure

Read Mark 1:14-28.

It’s interesting to note that when Jesus announces in verse 15, “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news,”  the Bible doesn’t say to whom he was talking.  We could get the impression he was just walking through the streets of Galilee shouting his message to anyone within hearing.  Nor does the Bible tell us if anyone “repented” or “believed.”  They probably had the same reaction that we might have today.  They might have simply ignored him, thinking he was some kind of weirdo. Or maybe they were just too busy to stop long enough to understand the importance of what he was saying.

In the next sentence the reaction is in stark contrast.  Simon, Andrew, James and John, who also were busy “preparing and casting their nets,” didn’t seem to have any hesitation in responding to Jesus’ calling.  Scripture tells us, “At once they left,” and “without delay.”   What made the difference in their response?  Were they already aware of who he was and wanted to be a part of his ministry to spread the “good news”?  Were their hearts simply ready to respond to his call  to “follow him”?

Jesus seeks us. In Revelation it says that Jesus stands at the door and knocks… it is up to us to decide to open the door to him.

Father, help us respond without delay, to your call, just as the disciples did. Amen.

Thursday, March 10 by Bev Campisi

Read Mark 1:9-13.

AT ONCE.  John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River.  Jesus sees heaven torn open and the Spirit descends.  He receives his Father’s affirmation in a voice from heaven, “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.”  And AT ONCE, again!  Out to the desert he is sent by the Spirit – for forty days – to be tempted by Satan and attended by angels. No fanfare.  No relishing in his title.  No time to get used to his new “position” or his “role” in the organization.  No orientation class.  Or was there?

There is a story in Jewish tradition that a father will pray that his son’s first business will fail so that the son can learn humility and struggle to value hard work and persistence through the difficult times.

Perhaps that sudden 40 days in the desert was God the Father’s loving allowance for Jesus his Son to be disoriented and then re-oriented, ready then for his public ministry. Jesus was affirmed and then re-affirmed through the attending of the angels that God provided.

Father, I thank you that you have affirmed us as your sons and daughters. Help us to feel your promised presence with us each day, even in the struggle. When we are led by the Spirit AT ONCE, it can feel wild and scary sometimes.  Thank you for attending us with angels in the form of your other children who we are sharing the journey with.  Amen.

Ash Wednesday, March 9 by Rev. Melburn Sibley

Read Mark 1:1-8.

The prophets prepared the way for the Son of God. His fulfillment of their prophecies confirmed that He was the awaited Messiah.

Someone is always needed to lead the way and give new insights and a path to follow.  John the baptizer was such a person.  He prepared the way by preaching a gospel of repentance.  Repentance was evidenced as people were baptized by John. He was the forerunner.

A familiar phrase is “what you see is what you get.”  John would not impress anyone with his dress or his diet.  But there was much inside him to appreciate, value, and model.  John prepared the way and Jesus Christ followed with a gospel of grace.

Each of us has a role in Christian service.  Our church provides so many avenues of service.  It is up to us to see where we can best count for God.  An old motto says “I will do the best I can, with what I have, where I am, today, for Jesus’ sake.”  We can do no more and it is important that we do no less.

Loving Father, thank you for your son.  We are amazed at your love for us.  May our lives be pleasing to you.  Amen.

Psalm 92:1-5

This is a beautiful psalm of praise.  The psalmist is praising the Lord through song and music.  He raises his voice to Heaven in praise and thanksgiving.  How do you offer your praise to the Lord?  As we enter into Lent, that might be something to think about.  In the morning and night the psalmist offered his song of praise.  This time of the year gets very busy as we are preparing for Easter, but don't let the reason for this celebration pass you by.  In your own way, praise the Lord and offer thanks that He sent Jesus to wash our sins.

Psalm 91

This psalm is a great reminder of how powerful and strong God is!  He can hold us up when we are heavy with grief and hurt.  He lets us hold on to him, He says "hold on to me with dear life," He will bring us through.  I am reminded of Cindy's sermon the Sunday after Ken's passing, where she encouraged us to hold on to one another, to hold onto our faith, to worship.  I think that God gives us the strength we need so we can share it with others.  Sometimes it seems like everything is too much, and it's so easy to let go.  God wants us to cling on to Him, He knows that we can't do this alone.  We have to remember that we can't do this alone.  He is there for us always.

Psalm 119:49-50

"When I am hurting, I find comfort in your promise that leads to life."

God will lead us out of our sorrow and darkness. It is part of his promise from us. He will deliver us. When you are sad and hurting, don't forget God's promise to us.

Psalm 34:17-18

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them"
The Lord hears us!  Our cries for help to ease our pain and sadness, he hears them!  This passage is again a reminder that God will not leave us in the dark, he is with us and he will see us through.  He is with us during this time as we are hurting and mourning--we must always remember that!

Psalm 31:1-5

I think this Psalm is a good description of how God can be our refuge. If we turn to him and ask him, he will come to comfort us.  The Message version of the text says this, "Don't let me down! Take me seriously this time!" (vv. 1-2)  I was struck by the part that said, "take me seriously."  I've run to God many times, only to become impatient and try to do it on my own.  I think if I want God to take me seriously, I have to take him seriously and trust that he will lead me through.

Psalm 30:4-5

The end of the passage say this, "at night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate" (The Message).  Does it ever feel like the morning will never come?  That the crying seems to go on and on?  Many have felt like that and may feel that way now.  I don't think that God makes bad things happen, but it's easy to blame him.  I don't believe that tragic event occur out of God's malice--he is a loving God, with kindness that lasts a lifetime.  In Kenya they say, "God is good and that is his nature."  I believe that.  So what do we do when we feel like the morning will never come?  I think that we can give praise to God, remembering his true nature.  The morning might not come on our schedule, but we have to remember that it WILL come!

Psalm 25: 16-21

"I obey you with all my heart, and I trust you, knowing that you will save me." (vv. 21, ESV)    

Do I trust that God will save me?  I do. Do I always go to him for guidance?  Not always.  Why not?

God has promised to save us from darkness, our enemies, and our sin--IF we let him.  Knowing and trusting that God will save us is easy, allowing him to do so is the hard part.