Lent Devotional 2019

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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 APRIL 2, 2019

Scripture

Psalm 146

1 Praise the LORD! 
   Praise the LORD, O my soul! 
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; 
        I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

3 Do not put your trust in princes, 
        in mortals, in whom there is no help. 
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth; 
        on that very day their plans perish.

5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, 
        whose hope is in the LORD their God, 
6 who made heaven and earth, 
        the sea, and all that is in them; 
   who keeps faith forever; 
7      who executes justice for the oppressed; 
        who gives food to the hungry.

   The LORD sets the prisoners free; 
8      the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. 
   The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; 
        the LORD loves the righteous. 
9 The LORD watches over the strangers; 
        he upholds the orphan and the widow, 
        but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever, 
        your God, O Zion, for all generations. 
    Praise the LORD!

Devotional

Frances Lin, Church Planting and Revitalization Certificate / Executive Director, Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego, Calif.

When God created this world, He intended for it to be beautiful, for all His creations to coexist in serenity, contentment, and harmony. The question is not about how we can ever be in that state of being. It is about when.

Today we may have the most advanced technology and the best quality of life in human history, thanks to God’s blessings. Nevertheless, we are also experiencing the harsh reality of becoming our own worst enemy. The technology that is supposed to make our lives stronger, healthier, and happier has become a tool we use to fight against each other. We may think we have everything under our control. But in this Psalm the poet reminds us that the One and Only Lord is the mighty One. And He is forever faithful. He not only loves justice but is also full of compassion. The Lord is the only One who is trustworthy, the Only One we can place our hope in, and the Only One that will and can help when we call. Our Lord is the One—the Only One—who is worthy of all praise, and His original intent will be fulfilled in His time.

Prayer

Merciful God, I am grateful that Your love surpasses all knowledge and understanding. It is impossible to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love You have for me. May you speak to me in my heart to influence, direct, and guide my every step so Your purpose for me will be fulfilled to the fullest. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Lent Devotional APRIL 2, 2019

Scripture

Psalm 146

1 Praise the LORD! 
   Praise the LORD, O my soul! 
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; 
        I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

3 Do not put your trust in princes, 
        in mortals, in whom there is no help. 
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth; 
        on that very day their plans perish.

5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, 
        whose hope is in the LORD their God, 
6 who made heaven and earth, 
        the sea, and all that is in them; 
   who keeps faith forever; 
7      who executes justice for the oppressed; 
        who gives food to the hungry.

   The LORD sets the prisoners free; 
8      the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. 
   The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; 
        the LORD loves the righteous. 
9 The LORD watches over the strangers; 
        he upholds the orphan and the widow, 
        but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever, 
        your God, O Zion, for all generations. 
    Praise the LORD!

Devotional

Frances Lin, Church Planting and Revitalization Certificate / Executive Director, Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego, Calif.

When God created this world, He intended for it to be beautiful, for all His creations to coexist in serenity, contentment, and harmony. The question is not about how we can ever be in that state of being. It is about when.

Today we may have the most advanced technology and the best quality of life in human history, thanks to God’s blessings. Nevertheless, we are also experiencing the harsh reality of becoming our own worst enemy. The technology that is supposed to make our lives stronger, healthier, and happier has become a tool we use to fight against each other. We may think we have everything under our control. But in this Psalm the poet reminds us that the One and Only Lord is the mighty One. And He is forever faithful. He not only loves justice but is also full of compassion. The Lord is the only One who is trustworthy, the Only One we can place our hope in, and the Only One that will and can help when we call. Our Lord is the One—the Only One—who is worthy of all praise, and His original intent will be fulfilled in His time.

Prayer

Merciful God, I am grateful that Your love surpasses all knowledge and understanding. It is impossible to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love You have for me. May you speak to me in my heart to influence, direct, and guide my every step so Your purpose for me will be fulfilled to the fullest. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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!