"HAVE THIS MIND AMONG YOURSELVES, WHICH IS YOURS IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO, THOUGH HE WAS IN THE FORM OF GOD, DID NOT COUNT EQUALITY WITH GOD A THING TO BE GRASPED, BUT EMPTIED HIMSELF, BY TAKING THE FORM OF A SERVANT, BEING BORN IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN. AND BEING FOUND IN HUMAN FORM, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF BY BECOMING OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS." (PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 ESV)

I have been to many funerals since arriving here in Winnebago in 1993. My first public event was for the funeral of nationally known American Indian Movement leader, as well as a Native American Church Roadman, Reuben Snake.

Over the years I have observed, listened, and learned much of the Ho-Chunk/Winnebago world view. I have heard on more than one occasion, by more than one Native American Church Roadman, the following teaching. I also understand that this worldview is not unique to the tribe that I serve in northeast Nebraska.

The Roadman tells those gathered that the person who has died had come into this world willingly. He goes on to say that each individual prior to his/her birth has seen all that would happen in his/her lifetime. In spite of the suffering that had been revealed beforehand, the person still chose to come.

As a called under-shepherd of Jesus, I have pledged to preach and to teach the Sacred Word of God. I am not to add to or take away from God's Word (see The Revelation of Jesus Christ 22:18-19). I find no such teaching regarding what a person knows or doesn't know prior to his/her birth. But I do know that Jesus, who has no beginning and no end, knew what He was getting Himself into prior to His birth and yet He came anyway.

God's Sacred Word reveals this fact and the Apostle Paul notes it in our above reading. Jesus knew what was coming when He asked if there was any way that he would not have to drink from the cup of God's wrath. And yet He went on to do the will of His Heavenly Father. Jesus knew all too well that He would suffer hell on earth, literally, as He cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

And yet, He did not call down His angels to deliver Him, like the angel who had stopped Abraham from offering up Isaac on Mount Moriah. (By the way, Mount Moriah is where Jesus died). It was the love of Jesus for you that He came, He suffered, He died, and He rose again.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you know all things, you knew us for what we are despicable, self-centered, rebellious sinners, and you knew what it would take to redeem us and yet moved by your love for us, you came anyway. Fill us with your Spirit so that with faith in You, we can be ready for your return. Amen.

Pastor Ricky Jacob
Winnebago, Nebraska

[JESUS SAID]: "TRULY, TRULY, I SAY TO YOU, WHOEVER HEARS MY WORD AND BELIEVES HIM WHO SENT ME HAS ETERNAL LIFE. HE DOES NOT COME INTO JUDGMENT, BUT HAS PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE.” (JOHN 5:24 ESV)

Jesus came into this world to offer peace. Satan the accuser, on the other hand, offers despair. Sadly, too many people allow despair to lead them to end their own lives. This is an all too often reality here in northeast Nebraska and beyond.

Two of Jesus' disciples battled with the despair of their sins. The first allowed greed and Satan to lead him to betray the Son of Man. Jesus warned him but he did not heed the warning. When Judas realized that he had betrayed innocent blood, he was seized with remorse. He went to the chief priests and the elders and admitted his sin.

These spiritual leaders did not offer him forgiveness but responded to him, "That's your responsibility." Judas threw the thirty pieces of silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

The second disciple also battled with the despair of his sin -the sin of swearing to God that he never knew the man Jesus. When Simon Peter realized what he had done, he wept bitterly.

Both of these men were in despair. Jesus did not come to judge them but to rescue them. Jesus offers mercy to each and every person who ever lived. Jesus knew the outcome for each one. He died for both of them but He did not force them to trust in Him.

Jesus said of Judas, 'But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." This was not because Judas ended up taking his life, that is not the unforgivable sin, no - it was his refusal to place his faith in Jesus.

Jesus spoke these words to Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). By the grace of God and the gift of faith of the Holy Spirit, Simon Peter turned back and was forgiven. Jesus offers life, everlasting life!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you know all things, you knew the utter despair we are in through no fault of you or your heavenly Father. Thank you for coming the first time and offering to remove every thought of hopelessness. Fill us with your Spirit so that with faith in You we have peace. Amen.

Pastor Ricky Jacob
Winnebago, Nebraska

“I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.” (2 TIMOTHY 4:7)

Standing there watching Jade, a strong, young, handsome Cree man say “I do,” was a thrill I will never forget. It was during the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. They had already postponed the wedding on his First Nations Community of Muskrat Dam, Ontario where he grew up. But they decided, even though the numbers of allowed guests would be low, they would go ahead with the wedding any way.

Jade had been through a lot in his life on the “Rez,” but his mother raised him with love and great wisdom, teaching him Godly principles. He also happens to be the nephew of my Cree wife, Linda. We have also spoken into his life and have walked with him since he was born. He even stayed with us for his first year of high school.

The Bible teaches that when we train up children in a good way, they will not depart from it, even when they are old (Proverbs 22:6). The Scriptures teach that when we follow God, our lives will have a huge impact on others. Jade’s mother had an impact on Jade, as did others like my wife Linda. Jade's mother’s impact on Jade has been so profound and it has influenced the legacy Jade is now creating for himself. We believe that some day he may be an important Chief! He is already a great leader and is highly respected by his peers.

What does this have to do with Lent? For me, Lent is a time of deep reflection. Sometimes we may feel that our lives are not making an impact on others. But as I grow older, I realize more and more that everything we do has an impact on others. Everything!

As you meditate during this Lenten season, I challenge you to think of what Jesus did for us in His life, what He did for us on the Cross, and how it has absolute eternal consequences. It gives us our eternal salvation, a reason to live and also a guide for how to live. As Jesus laid His life down for us, Jesus is also calling us to lay down our lives for Him daily and for others too.

The legacy of our Lord Jesus Christ is amazing and clear. What is your legacy going to be, both now and when your journey is over? Jade's mother gave everything she had to influence him. Others did too. To see Jade, a Young Cree Native North American man, following Jesus, standing for Biblical principles, and committing himself in marriage was beautiful.

In a world where so many live uncommitted to following Jesus and to biblical truth, what a joy to see Jade stand tall for real life and real truth. In Jade's words, “I want my wedding and life to be an example to my people.” Many were watching through social media. And a community leader was heard speaking on Wawatay Radio, a First Nations radio station that covers a large part of the north, on how unique this was in our day and how special it was. God is already blessing Jade as he walks in truth!

During these very uncertain times, I challenge you to keep walking and to keep following Jesus. Let that be your legacy. Just like Jade's mom, your impact on others will be far-reaching and eternal! You too are impacting others more than you may ever know.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you so much for all you did for me on the cross. Please help me, no matter what I am going through in these extremely uncertain times, to lay down my life for you and others. Help me to run my race well and to finish strong, leaving a legacy that inspires others and truly glorifies you! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Rick Martin
Manitoba, Canada

“THE FAMILY IS AT THE HEART OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES. THERE IS NO OTHER WORK MORE IMPORTANT THAN FATHERHOOD AND MOTHERHOOD. IT IS SACRED. WE MUST REMEMBER OUR FOREFATHERS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO RAISING THEIR CHILDREN AND PUTTING THEIR CHILDREN FIRST. FAMILY WAS THE CENTER OF THEIR LIVES.” AL POOLEY, FATHERHOOD IS SACRED MOTHERHOOD IS SACRED

Traditionally, Native American parents understood and carried out their responsibility to love, serve, and be devoted to their family. But today, many of the people we serve come from broken families. Whether they were raised with alcoholism, drug addiction, or sexual abuse, they became accustomed to the brokenness of the family unit.

It doesn’t matter what your culture, race or age is, satan is attacking our families. He wants to destroy the togetherness family brings and that is exactly what he is doing.

Matthew 19:6 says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let

no one separate.” God brought my husband and I through addiction and brokenness. We surrendered to Him and joined as one flesh, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. God restored what was taken from us and He gave us three children and a ministry to Native people. Even with these wonderful blessings, we see our marriage under attack, day after day.

We have a story, a story of restoration through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. This is a big story and we give God all the glory, honor and praise for ransoming us from eternity in hell. We openly share this story with the students at Haskell and all the families that walk through our doors. We sing our praises to God and truthfully share.

We have been under attack for years and the most recent attack almost separated our family. I almost walked away from my husband, until God stepped in and reminded me of this verse. Nehemiah 4:14 says, "Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." Satan wanted to ruin the miraculous things that the Lord has done for my family, for my children, and their children, and their children. Satan wanted to ruin the validity of our testimony to all those we have shared it with by separating our family.

Psalm 78:5-7 says: “For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keeping His commandments.” I was reminded of this commitment that I made to God, my husband, my children, and their children, for generations to come, to the ministry God gave us, to the people we serve and to their families.

God put my husband and I together and it was for no man to separate. We bring the Good News to our Native brothers and sisters through our family and commitment to God.

How do we expect to share Jesus and the ability He ONLY has to mend broken families if we are willing to turn our backs on God and the commitment, we made to him?

Our family is our testimony to be shared with our children and future generations. We speak of a Heavenly Father that never gives up on us. We fight for our brothers, sons, daughters, wives and houses. We will remind them that family is the heart of Native American culture.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for family. Thank you for your grace and mercy. We ask that you renew the purpose of family in the heart of Native people. Help each of us to fight for our brothers, sons, daughter, wives and our houses.

Deon Prue
Lawrence, Kansas

“AND I WILL ASK THE FATHER, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER COUNSELOR TO BE WITH YOU FOREVER – THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH." (JOHN 14:16-18)

It was very hard for the disciples to know that Jesus was leaving them. They were “filled with grief," the writer of John says. For 3 years they had been with him constantly and experienced his ministry. I imagine a complete sense of “being safe” in the presence of Jesus as they rubbed shoulders together in the demands of the ministry.

Reassuring them, Jesus said he was going to send a Counselor to help them. I will not leave you as orphans He said. But He had to go first. “Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you” (John 16:7). He meant that He must die, rise from the dead and then ascend into Heaven. There were lingering questions and confusion in what this all meant. It was such a completely new thought to the disciples. But, they hung onto the words and this promise from Jesus in the days after his crucifixion.

Sure enough, a few days after his resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples who were in hiding. He stood among them, showed them his hands and side (John 20:20) and said, “Peace be upon you." Then again, “Peace be upon you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ " (John 20: 21-22).

Today, it is this same Spirit who can help us in our time of need. When fear and anxiety overwhelms us and we don’t know how we can begin to pray, He will help us. “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26). When we need guidance and wisdom in our confusion, “the Spirit will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

I got a frantic message the other day from a woman, “What is the correct way of praying when I need help?” I was able to encourage her to just pray from her heart and reassure her that Jesus knows. And yes, this is also true for you and me. We have the assurance that Jesus hears our prayers because we have the Spirit who helps us.

Let us be reminded, in a new way during this Lenten Season, we have not been abandoned by Jesus. He, in His great love for you and me, sent the Spirit to be our helper in this life’s journey.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you so much for coming into our world to live and die for us. It is in your dying that made it possible for the Spirit to live within us and among us. Help us to remember that we have a helper when life gets too hard. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Linda Martin (Cree)
Manitoba, Canada

Perhaps, just perhaps, God is using this pandemic to get us out of our comfort zone! Or, from being complacent!

We, the Church, have been so content and complacent in our walk with Him that we stopped going and making disciples. We have grown to expect the pastor, in the church sanctuary, to fulfill our spiritual growth. We have gotten to the point where we complain if the sermon was too long or if the music is not what “we” want it to be. Or sometimes, we complain because they are playing their instruments to loud! It seems there is always something we will find to complain about.

We take our focus off of God and focus on various other areas, which lead us to more complaining. We are looking outward and blaming everything else instead of looking inward at our own hearts. Have you ever wondered why we are reacting the way we are?

During this time of the pandemic, God wants us to get out of our “comfort zone” and be silent with Him! We must be with Jesus every waking hour because Jesus said, “I must leave so the Spirit of Truth will come and be in you."

We act like the Spirit of Truth is only in the Pastor, the church building, the sacraments, or the Word. We forget that the Spirit of Truth is inside of us! Jesus calls us, His people, the Church! He is dwelling with us!

The Spirit of Truth wants us to utilize Him in every thought, every action, and every interaction.

Everywhere we go!

We look to Jesus, our model, our mento, our teacher.

Jesus always made time to be with the Father, so we need to do the same. We need to make time to be with the Father.

God created us for relationship, chosen us for Eternity, and wants to spend quality time with us every day…not just on Sundays!

Rev. Rick McCafferty (Inupiaq)
Vancouver, Washington

"THEN THE LORD GOD FORMED A MAN FROM THE DUST OF THE GROUND AND BREATHED INTO HIS NOSTRILS THE BREATH OF LIFE, AND THE MAN BECAME A LIVING BEING." (GENESIS 2:7)

If you are anything like I am, you have made mistakes. You have made bad decisions and chances are good you have failed at something.

Maybe you’ve made the excuse: “I am just human!” We toss this phrase around like it is a bad thing. We use it as though it is bad to be human or to make mistakes. But, we all make mistakes. Not because we are human, but because we act without asking direction or being obedient to the One who created us. We think we have all the answers. We act without communicating with the One who made us human.

When God, our Father, created us on the sixth day, He saw all He had made and said, “This is very good!” This is the only time God said this statement! All the other times, it was just "good." When He created everything else, He spoke it all into existence. But when our Father created us, He formed us with His hands out of the dust of the ground and breathed life into us. He took His time to create us like a potter creating a jar out of clay. God, lovingly and gently, created us and put us together and gave us His breath.

What pure love God showed us in the steps he took to create us - humans. Make no mistake about it, humans are beautiful and glorious creations of God Himself.

Satan whispers to us that we are bad, but even when we make mistakes, always remember that God still said we are "very good!"

Prayer: God, Great Creator, you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. You created me to be in a relationship with you. You created me from the ground, and to the ground I will one day return, but I rest in the assurance that while I am here on earth, you will help me to stay focused on You and the great love you show me. During this Lenten season, help me to redirect my thoughts and actions to reflect the goodness you created in me and the righteousness I have through my Savior, your Son, Jesus. In His name, I pray. Amen.

Rev. Rick McCafferty (Inupiaq)
Vancouver, Washington

“JESUS SAID TO HIM. “AWAY FROM ME SATAN!FOR IT IS WRITTEN; ‘WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.” THEN THE DEVIL LEFT HIM AND ANGELS CAME AND ATTENDED HIM.” (MATTHEW 4:10-11)

Jesus is victorious over temptation! Jesus is victorious over the devil! Jesus is victorious over death! In remembering our sin this Lenten season, we will have no doubt remembered times when we were not victorious over temptation. It is distressing to realize that even after our baptism and even after many times of hearing the Gospel, we still fail. It is easy for us to harp on others who do the same. We would like to see immediate progress in the lives of people who formerly lived without God and now believe. But, it does not work that way. There are too many instances in our ministry on the Navajo Nation where people return to their old habits.

To take stock of the many times we have not resisted temptation can be a gloomy exercise. However, God is inviting us to see that Jesus’ victory over temptation accomplishes things in our lives in (at least) two ways. Firstly, that Jesus knew no sin, and thus was able to be the perfect final offering in our place (2 Cor. 5:21).

Secondly, that when we do resist temptation, it is because of the power of God in us, and not our own strength (Phil. 2:13). The Gospel is so powerful that it works in spite of us.

Lent’s 40 days do not include the Sundays. The reason why is that Sundays are always a celebration of Jesus’ victory. Praise God for His victory and for what it means for me and you.

Prayer: Jesus lives! For me He died, Hence will I, to Jesus living, Pure in heart and act abide. Praise to Him and glory giving. All I need God will dispense; This shall be my confidence. (LSB 490 stanza 3)

Rev. Tim Norton
Navajo, New Mexico

“ . . . I WILL TAKE REFUGE IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS UNTIL THE DISASTER HAS PASSED. I CRY OUT TO GOD MOST HIGH, TO GOD, WHO FULFILLS HIS PURPOSE FOR ME. HE SENDS FROM HEAVEN AND SAVES ME . . .” (PSALM 57:1- 3)

As Todd looked up into that incredible night sky, dark yet brilliant with stars, he was amazed and couldn’t stop thinking about the glory of God. Suddenly, a big Cree man named Ivan, who he was with but barely knew, started shouting and praising God magnificently. He was standing on the shores of Caribou Lake, far into the forest of northern Ontario, Canada. Todd was a long way from his home in Tennessee. He was on his way to do mission work, or so he thought, in another country across the Atlantic and was only visiting the Canadian north temporarily. Strangely, as this big Cree man was praising God, he had this overwhelming feeling that God wanted him in Canada and no where else. He answered that call.

Two years later Todd is up to his neck in ice water! In northern Canada! After breaking through the ice while trapping, Todd was beginning to freeze! Todd was literally struggling for his life as he hung on to a branch to keep from going under. By the grace of God, his new Cree friend and guide Terry was able to pull him from the icy water. To this day, neither man remembers how they actually got out! With the help of snowmobiles, they were able to get back to safety and from freezing to death. God did rescue Todd that day, from freezing and even death. But to this day, he still seems to be up to his neck with so many other challenges and uncertainty. They just keep coming.

Many times, it seems that life is uncertain. With the recent “Covid -19 Pandemic,” uncertainty lingers even more so. Although we may not be in freezing water, we all seem to be up to our neck with challenges. Some are calling this time a time of “malignant uncertainty.” Even when we know we are in God's will and we are following God's call on our lives- like Todd did - things can still seem to be out of control. But, they are not!

God is sovereign and He is in control! Even when we are going through our darkest hours, God is in control. Jesus experienced the darkest hours while facing crucifixion and then felt completely abandoned by God, His Father, in death. But, God did not leave Him there! With His mighty power, God raised Him from the dead. The incredible truth here is that God knows where you are and who you are. He knows your name by heart and He will not abandon you. Jesus died but rose again so we too can know this hope and power in our own lives. And just like God reached out his hand to Todd in that deathly cold water, God is reaching out to you too, and no one can snatch you out of His hand (John 10:28).

At this very moment, I am up to my neck with calls from people who are full of anxiety, worry, and depression. Yet, as David shouts, “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me" (Psalm 57: 1-3).

Right now, you too may be reaching out your hand in desperation. Always remember, God is there and He does care. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings. And as you look back, like Todd, you may not quite know how God pulled you “out” and “through” but He did and He will!

Prayer: Dear Lord, the times are hard and there seems to be so much uncertainty in my life. Lord, I declare that you are there and that you are my true help and that you are pulling me out and through. Lord, please give me the faith and courage to go on so that Your name will be glorified. And thank you for answering my prayer! In Jesus name, Amen.

Rick Martin
Manitoba, Canada

WHEN THEY CAME TO THE PLACE CALLED THE SKULL, THERE THEY CRUCIFIED HIM, ALONG WITH THE CRIMINALS--ONE ON HIS RIGHT, THE OTHER ON HIS LEFT. JESUS SAID, "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING." (LUKE 23:33-34)

Seriously?! How could Jesus utter these words to those soldiers who nailed him to the cross; to the Roman governor Pontus Pilate who gave the order; to his tribal relatives who cried that Jesus be crucified, as well as the elders of the temple - surely they knew full well what they were doing! What did Jesus mean by these words?

You might excuse the soldiers who were merely following orders. A defense attorney might claim that Pilate had passed the responsibility onto the people.

'[Pilate] took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children”' (Matthew 27:24–25)!

Jesus' first words from the cross were those of compassion and mercy. The reason that Jesus hung on a tree was in order to pay with His innocent suffering, precious blood and death for you and me who also do not know the full extent that our sins do to others, to our ourselves and did to Jesus. The sole reason for Jesus' suffering was in order to offer his Father's gift of forgiveness and salvation to us who don't fully understand our depravity.

By the power of God's Spirit we too can be as gracious and forgiving as Jesus is - to those who should know better, but are presently helpless to change their ways, as we pray with Jesus: "Father, forgive them."

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, your love and mercy moved you to send your Son to take our place and shed His innocent blood to pay for our sin, send your Spirit upon us so that we can be merciful to those who are yet to realize what their sin is doing, in the Name of Jesus our Savior. Amen.

Pastor Ricky Jacob
Winnebago, Nebraska

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE." (JOHN 3:16)

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2) was the prophecy declaring the coming of a Savior to the people of Israel. At the time, the people were living in turmoil and unrest from the growing threat of other nations. In addition, people were lacking a strong spiritual dedication to their God. Oppression then was the normal experience of life. During this time, the prophecy came, and it carried and directed the people right to the time of Jesus in the New Testament, some four thousand years later.

Matthew, one of the disciples of Jesus, repeats this prophecy when he writes about Jesus moving from Nazareth to Capernaum. While in Capernaum, Jesus began His ministry to save people from “the darkness” and from “the shadows of death”. At this time, the Israelites were living under the oppression of the Roman Empire. Many thought that Jesus came to save and free them from the Roman oppression. There was great confusion and disillusionment in the people when Jesus was crucified and died on the cross! How could this be?

Jesus had to die so that He could rescue the people not only from the Roman Government but to also save them from their sins. Jesus prayed in the last hours of his life, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). It is in His dying that He paid the price of our sins, and is able to rescue us from the darkness and from the shadow of death.

This is the hope that enables me to sit with people who struggle with many life issues such as grief, depression, anxiety and fear. Such struggles can often leave one feeling that life is dark and hopeless. The message of this Great Light is the hope I bring to the people.

During this Lent Season, let us be reminded that the

“Great Light” has come and is here! Let us be encouraged that in Jesus Christ, you and I are living in this “Great Light!"

Prayer: Dear God, I ask that You would help me to live this great message and “truth” in my life today. Thank you for rescuing us from the darkness and eternal death. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Linda Martin (Cree)
Manitoba, Canada

WHEN JESUS HAD WASHED THEIR FEET AND PUT ON HIS OUTER GARMENTS, HE RECLINED WITH THEM AGAIN AND ASKED, “DO YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR YOU? YOU CALL ME TEACHER AND LORD, AND RIGHTLY SO, BECAUSE I AM. SO IF I, YOUR LORD AND TEACHER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET, YOU ALSO SHOULD WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET. I HAVE SET YOU AN EXAMPLE SO THAT YOU SHOULD DO AS I HAVE DONE FOR YOU. TRULY, TRULY, I TELL YOU, NO SERVANT IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER, NOR IS A MESSENGER GREATER THAN THE ONE WHO SENT HIM. IF YOU KNOW THESE THINGS, YOU WILL BE BLESSED IF YOU DO THEM." (JOHN 13: 12-16)

I take my job as Ministry Leader very seriously and seek out resources for becoming the best leader I possibly can be. I read leadership books and listen to podcasts, but these resources always leave me feeling as though I am missing something. I had an “Ah ha” moment: why was I seeking leadership from the world when I could learn about the best leader in history, Jesus? Jesus led through serving.

My real conviction about leadership came from John 13. I read and learned that the Savior of the World exhibited that he was the greatest Servant of all time. During the Passover feast, the disciples had forgotten to find a servant to wash feet at the door and none of them volunteered to do the job. This began the boastful argument. When Jesus saw this, He used this argument as a lesson for all of us. He began to wash his disciples’ feet.

The source of good leadership is love. We are to love those we serve with a Christlike, unconditional and unselfish love. This can be hard to do, because those you serve will inevitably let you down, betray you, or even reject you. In ministry, those we serve often have their hands constantly out. If we say “no” or “we can’t help this time,” it often results in people feeling offended. It is hard to stay positive when relationships seem to be so one sided. But again, our example comes from Jesus. He even washed the feet of a man that betrayed him.

Ministry can be messy, tiring and unfruitful at times, and I often find myself questioning my calling as a leader. I find it important to remind myself that even when my service to others feels messy, my true leadership is washing feet. It is getting down, dirty, and below those that we serve. It is showing up before anyone else arrives, cleaning the toilets, preparing the food, washing the dishes, and staying late. It is selflessly giving up my timetable to align with God's. Washing feet will never be popular, but it was done by a Man who was willing to pioneer an act of humility and sacrifice, so it will always be worth it.

Deon Prue
Lawrence, Kansas

“THERE IS NOTHING CONCEALED THAT WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED OR HIDDEN THAT WILL NOT BE KNOWN. WHAT YOU HAVE SAID IN THE DARK WILL BE HEARD IN THE DAYLIGHT, AND WHAT YOU HAVE WHISPERED IN THE EAR IN THE INNER ROOMS WILL BE PROCLAIMED FROM THE ROOFS. I TELL YOU MY FRIENDS, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THOSE WHO KILL THE BODY AND AFTER CAN DO NO MORE. BUT I WILL SHOW YOU WHOM YOU SHOULD FEAR; FEAR HIM WHO AFTER KILLING THE BODY, HAS POWER TO THROW YOU INTO HELL. YES, I TELL YOU, FEAR HIM.” (LUKE 12:2-5)

“The truth will out." So says a popular proverbial statement. Sometimes it does not appear this way to our human perceptions, but Jesus, tells us it will be so. What men think they can hide, God will reveal sooner or later. In counseling and pastoral care situations on the Reservation, many times people have been ashamed to admit their sin to me. Situations of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and domestic violence have been concealed from me in order to present a good appearance. Although, I have encouraged everyone I encounter that honesty is the best policy, and that ultimately, I am not their judge, these words do not always resonate. But, Jesus’ words are what happens. Sooner or later what was hidden is known.

In this Lenten season, we are reminded of our need to repent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes, and the words that from dust we began, and to dust we shall return. The words and the ashes are stark prompts to show us that God can send both body and soul to hell.

Although these words of Christ from the gospel of Luke are nothing but condemnation to the sinner who would like to hide his sin from God and others, they are Good News (Gospel) to us who wait on God’s justice. Along with the Prophet Isaiah we will say

(even if it seems unlikely now) “Surely, this our God, we trusted in him and he saved us” (Is. 25:9). We who love God have nothing to fear when hidden things are revealed, because of our Savior, and His redemption of us.

Prayer: I thank you God that you are a just God, punishing the evil that men do, but I thank you even more that you are merciful to me, a sinner. Amen.

Rev. Tim Norton
Navajo, New Mexico

JESUS, FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, LEFT THE JORDAN AND WAS LED BY THE SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS, WHERE FOR FORTY DAYS HE WAS TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL. HE ATE NOTHING DURING THOSE DAYS, AND AT THE END OF THEM HE WAS HUNGRY." (LUKE 4:1-2)

Right now we are in a time of uncertainty. With this pandemic going on, we are secluded in our communities and in our homes. We feel isolated. We feel alone. We wonder when this all will end!

Our minds are racing with ideas of how to entertain ourselves, how to communicate better with our spouse, or maybe we are trying to help our children with their homework. We are trying so much that we are getting exhausted and irritated. Even though we are together, we feel all alone!

We tend to look at ourselves as the one who can make ourselves feel better or the one that can allow us to handle life better. With this thought process, we have come to frustration because nothing works!

We have forgotten our baptism! Let’s look at the example that Jesus gives us in Luke 4. After Jesus’ baptism, He was full of the Holy Spirit! As Christians, we believe that when we are baptized, we are also filled with the Holy Spirit! Not only are we filled with the Holy Spirit, we are FULL of the Holy Spirit! However, as this pandemic has reminded us, we tend to push the Holy Spirit aside and stray away from having Him lead us through each step of our life. After His Baptism, Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and was “LED” by the Spirit into the wilderness!

We need to realize that we are not alone, we are full of the Holy Spirit. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us through this time in our lives! We need the Holy Spirit's guidance, not just through this pandemic, but through life, period! While we are forced to be isolated from “normal” life, one of the most precious times to be with GOD is when we are alone. Let us remember that the Holy Spirit is in us, with us, and is waiting to be our guide through this pandemic or whatever wilderness you may be facing. The Holy Spirit knows what we need, how to comfort us, how to bring peace to our hearts, and ultimately, how to defeat the loneliness!

Let us find comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of Truth - is leading us!

How do you let the Holy Spirit led? As we pray to Jesus, may we rest in His strength through the Holy Spirit.

Rev. Rick McCafferty (Inupiaq)
Vancouver, Washington