Doris Calian, McMillan Society Member, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

John 1:29-34

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

Devotional

In this season of Lent, we renew our baptismal vows and begin afresh our journey with Jesus. We read and listen to Christ’s teachings; we are inspired by His actions of kindness, healing, putting the needs of others before His own needs. We notice and respect His continually praying and seeking strength to know and follow God’s will. We tend to be students of the wondrous biblical stories. But can we be more than students? Can we reach out to use and act on what we have learned and witnessed from the example of Christ? Our actions do not earn God’s love and forgiveness, but our actions are evidence of our joy and appreciation of God’s gift to us. Let us step out by sharing our food, our comfort, our hospitality, and especially our love.

Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your Son and His sacrifice for us. Give us the guidance and the courage to follow His teachings and His example by giving ourselves to others. Amen.

Doris Calian, McMillan Society Member, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

John 1:29-34

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

Devotional

In this season of Lent, we renew our baptismal vows and begin afresh our journey with Jesus. We read and listen to Christ’s teachings; we are inspired by His actions of kindness, healing, putting the needs of others before His own needs. We notice and respect His continually praying and seeking strength to know and follow God’s will. We tend to be students of the wondrous biblical stories. But can we be more than students? Can we reach out to use and act on what we have learned and witnessed from the example of Christ? Our actions do not earn God’s love and forgiveness, but our actions are evidence of our joy and appreciation of God’s gift to us. Let us step out by sharing our food, our comfort, our hospitality, and especially our love.

Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your Son and His sacrifice for us. Give us the guidance and the courage to follow His teachings and His example by giving ourselves to others. Amen.