Lenten Devotional

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About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!

Lent Devotional February 27, 2018

Scripture

Psalm 91

1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
         who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress;
         my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
         and from the deadly pestilence;
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
         and under his wings you will find refuge;
         his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
         or the arrow that flies by day,
6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
         or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
         ten thousand at your right hand,
         but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
         and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge,
         the Most High your dwelling place,
10 no evil shall befall you,
         no scourge come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
         to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
         so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,
         the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

14 Those who love me, I will deliver;
         I will protect those who know my name.
15 When they call to me, I will answer them;
         I will be with them in trouble,
         I will rescue them and honor them.

16 With long life I will satisfy them,
         and show them my salvation.

Devotional

Written by the Rev. Buena Smith Dudley, Founder, Transformative Justice, Equity and Empowerment Initiative and AALC Communications Coordinator, Monroeville, Pa. / Doctor of Ministry Urban Change Focus

All humankind cries out for help in our most desperate situations. When we face circumstances that render us helpless, our reflex response is to reach beyond our inadequacy, beyond our helplessness, and beyond the ineffectual power of humankind. Whether destitute, ill, or in need of emotional support, we recognize that God and God alone rotates the universe and remains in full control. Hence, we who love God choose to trust in the faithfulness of our Lord.

Psalm 91 reminds us of God’s unfailing promises to all who live by faith. When we trust the Most High from day to day, from moment to moment, God shelters and protects us from human and natural attack. The psalmist tells us God’s infinite compassion and care are solely activated by our consistent walk with the Lord.

In this reciprocal relationship we experience God’s faithfulness in the details and the dilemmas of our lives. As we abide in the Lord, we have no need to fear the unknown or to faint under threat. Not only will God’s faithful receive deliverance and protection, but also God’s faithfulness will ensure an answer from on High, divine companionship despite the challenge, rescue from the threat of peril, and honor from the Lord. Ultimately, we find satisfaction and salvation as we rest in God’s love.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being our dwelling place. Though we face an onslaught of trials and terror, remind us of your safety and sustenance that lifts our hearts above our circumstances. Increase our faith as we delight in your presence and trust in your promise.

Lent Devotional February 27, 2018

Scripture

Psalm 91

1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
         who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress;
         my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
         and from the deadly pestilence;
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
         and under his wings you will find refuge;
         his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
         or the arrow that flies by day,
6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
         or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
         ten thousand at your right hand,
         but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
         and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge,
         the Most High your dwelling place,
10 no evil shall befall you,
         no scourge come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
         to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
         so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,
         the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

14 Those who love me, I will deliver;
         I will protect those who know my name.
15 When they call to me, I will answer them;
         I will be with them in trouble,
         I will rescue them and honor them.

16 With long life I will satisfy them,
         and show them my salvation.

Devotional

Written by the Rev. Buena Smith Dudley, Founder, Transformative Justice, Equity and Empowerment Initiative and AALC Communications Coordinator, Monroeville, Pa. / Doctor of Ministry Urban Change Focus

All humankind cries out for help in our most desperate situations. When we face circumstances that render us helpless, our reflex response is to reach beyond our inadequacy, beyond our helplessness, and beyond the ineffectual power of humankind. Whether destitute, ill, or in need of emotional support, we recognize that God and God alone rotates the universe and remains in full control. Hence, we who love God choose to trust in the faithfulness of our Lord.

Psalm 91 reminds us of God’s unfailing promises to all who live by faith. When we trust the Most High from day to day, from moment to moment, God shelters and protects us from human and natural attack. The psalmist tells us God’s infinite compassion and care are solely activated by our consistent walk with the Lord.

In this reciprocal relationship we experience God’s faithfulness in the details and the dilemmas of our lives. As we abide in the Lord, we have no need to fear the unknown or to faint under threat. Not only will God’s faithful receive deliverance and protection, but also God’s faithfulness will ensure an answer from on High, divine companionship despite the challenge, rescue from the threat of peril, and honor from the Lord. Ultimately, we find satisfaction and salvation as we rest in God’s love.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being our dwelling place. Though we face an onslaught of trials and terror, remind us of your safety and sustenance that lifts our hearts above our circumstances. Increase our faith as we delight in your presence and trust in your promise.

About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!