Scotty Williams

Passage

“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.” (Psalm 32:6) 

Reflection

During the second half of Lent many feel their resolve weakening, and find temptations rising up like high tide at the sea. Some even fear that all these things might start to drown them, so out of this they abandon ship before reaching the Easter shore. When such moments come it is crucial to not forget the Lord, Who rises higher than the tide that seems to be advancing. Our temptations can never outgrow His changeless grace and mercy. And they can never put out the lighthouse of His steadfast love and joy. God will always stand above what makes us fear and worry, and make us rise to sit with Him in comfort, peace, and safety.

Prayer

Gracious Father, Who sits on high and reigns on low, we praise You that nothing is more powerful than Your grace, mercy, love, and joy. Forgive us for the times where we forget Your constant presence and overlook Your mighty hand which moves to raise us up. And bring us to sit with You above all things that tempt us. You Who live and reign with the Son and the Spirit as one God, both now and forever. Amen.

Donut of the Day

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Today’s donut is the classic Pink Glaze. Since its creations in the United States it has become the universal symbol for donuts, and is often featured on signs and in logos for donut shops and bakeries.

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Passage

“Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.” Exodus 32:12

Reflection

In addition to 40 days of preparation for Easter, Lent is a time of imitating God’s good work for us. One our behalf He has relented a host of negative things, and cleared the way that we might run to Him and know His love. The Lord has abandoned anger to show us endless mercy, and He has let go of judgement that are might be set free. Like we in the Lenten season He has given up fearful ways and invited us to boldly come before His throne of grace. Indeed our Maker has relented many negative things; therefore, let us follow His example for our good and for His glory.

Prayer

Merciful Father, Who has given up that we might gain, we praise You that You looked beyond our fault and saw our need. And with letting go of things adverse which we deserved, You let go of Your greatest gift which we did not deserve. Out of love You gave Your Son who let go of His life, and through this we have been set free from death to truly live. Blessed be Your name. Amen.

Donut of the Day

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Today’s donut is the Thai Berliner. This pastry, which was inspired by the original Berliner from Germany, has a variety of fillings like fruit and coconut jam.

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Passage

“And tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing,” (Joshua 4:3)

Reflection

At the midpoint of the Lenten season many people begin to struggle, and the resolve they had when it began starts to wax and wane. Suddenly, they deeply crave what they are fasting from or they find temptations pull them more and are harder to resist. At this point they begin to ask, “Am I doing this Lent thing right?”, and the answer to this question is a resounding yes and no. The fact that we are keeping the fast to begin with is the yes, and our observances are not all wrong and bumbling mistakes. Yet, as imperfect people relying on God’s grace, our observes are not all right or void of any flaws. We are getting it and not getting, and that is OK. And the same is true for our daily walk with Christ in life and faith.

Prayer

Our Lord Jesus, just as Your Kingdom is already and not yet here, our fasting, prayer, and repentance are already and not yet right. Thank you for the many things that we are doing well, and help us with the many things where we have missed the mark. And as face our imperfections by Your grace, help us to be gracious with ourselves and rest within Your love. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Mandazi. This East African fried bread is similar to the Puff puff and Bofrot of West Africa.

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Passage

“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Reflection

As we give up sins and leave unfitting ways behind, the Lenten season offers us a chance to be renewed. It takes great strength to let go of things that hinder us, but we can gain it back through the disciplines of fasting, prayer, and repentance. While they seem like works they are really places to meet the Lord Who fills us with His Spirit and uplifts us with His Word. Let us not take these precious disciplines for granted, and find in them a solace for the weary heart and soul.

Prayer

O Christ we look to You and hold fast to the promise that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. We wait in the solaces of fasting, prayer, and repentance and ask that You would replenish us by Your Spirit and Your Word. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Mochi. This chewy pastry, which was first made in Hawaii, is a fusion of the traditional American donut and Japanese mochi.

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Passage

“At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land.” (Numbers 13:25)

Reflection

In a few weeks the Lenten season will end, and with the coming of Easter we will go back to normality. When the fast is finished we will return to usual rhythms, but we should not back to certain things we have left behind. Along with the things like chocolate we have given up certain sins and ways that no longer serve us and are now a stumbling block. In these forty days we are changing and growing in a host of ways, and hope to emerge as people more conformed to blessed image of Christ.

Prayer

Loving Lord, Who appoints all times and seasons, we thank You for these forty days which You have purposed for our good. In them is a blessed change through exchanging things unfitting for a growth into the people You are making us to people. People conformed to image of the Son You sent for us. Jesus Christ Whose death and resurrection we approach. In His name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is Frybread. This dish came about through the displacement of Indigenous Americans who were given meagre supplies by those who displaced them.

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Passage

“And He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His Kingdom will never end.”” (Luke 1:33)

Reflection

During Lent the Church celebrates a special Feast Day. It is called the Annunciation of the Lord where we remember the visit of Gabriel. After appearing to Mary the angel says she will have a Son. A Son named Jesus Who will be a King and reign for all eternity. And for us today these words are fulfilled and a reality, for the Son of Mary rules over us as King of kings forever.

Prayer

O Christ, Who rules and reigns above, we acknowledge You as King. Enthrone Yourself upon our hearts and reign within us always. To You be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Chocolate Glazed. Despite its humble American origins, it is now enjoyed around the world.

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Passage

“They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to listen to my words.“ (Jeremiah 11:10)

Reflection

One commitment that Christians make as the Lenten season begins is to heed what God might say to them no matter how uneasy. We commit to not refuse the counsel of our loving Lord be it in through the pages of Scripture or the voice of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word is always good even when it does not feel so, and its contains truths that conform us more and more to the image of Jesus. May we in this Lenten season welcome all that He has to say and never deem it a liability, but an asset of endless worth.

Prayer

Almighty God, Who spoke through the Spirit and Scriptures in ages past, we thank You that You speak through them in the present time today. Help us to have open ears for the messages You give and open hearts that they might take root and change us from within. And may this change reveal the image of Your Son. Jesus Christ, the Living Word, sent down from You with love. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Beaver Tail. This Canadian fritter, which came about in the 19th century, is eaten at gatherings such as carnivals and fairs.

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Passage

“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.“ (Luke 13:3)

Reflection

While many know that Lent is a season of repentance, they often do not know the full meaning of the word. Firstly, repentance means to turn away from something, and the thing we turn away from is unrighteousness and sin. Secondly, it means to go or walk in a different direction, and the direction is righteousness and holy ways of living. And when we turn we also walk away from death and move in freedom to life and peace with happiness and joy.

Prayer

O Blessed Savior, Whose Word call for repentance, may we be more than hearers who listen without change. May we be doers of Your Word who turn from sin, and walk away from it by grace to life, peace, and joy. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the French Cruller. This light and airy glazed classic is made of choux dough.

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Passage

“Each tree is recognised by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.“ (Luke 6:44)

Reflection

In the Gospels Jesus tells believers to not seek recognition, but we should have “fruit” that helps us to be recognised as His followers. This fruit is love which is more than a warm sentiment or feeling. It is, as Dr. Cornel West writes, a steadfast commitment to the well-being of others. During Lent our fasting, prayers, and repentance are like a tree, and its branches should not be bare as we observe the season. They should also not produce any fruit other than love, and reveal that we belong to Christ Who cares for the well-being of all.

Prayer

Our Lord Jesus, Who has uprooted us from the realm of darkness and planted us redeemed within Your Kingdom of light, help us to bear good fruit which shows that we are Yours. Help us to be abundant in love for the sake and well-being of all. In Your gracious name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Puff-puff. Similar to the Dutch Oliebol, this Nigerian snack is made of deep-fried dough that is sometimes rolled in sugar.

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Passage

“Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.“ (Revelation 3:3)

Reflection

While there are many blessings to receive during Lent, there are blessings that we have received as followers of Jesus. The Apostle John once wrote that all believers are given two things. We are blessed with the Gospel of Jesus and the promised Holy Spirit. May we, in this Lenten season, acknowledge these beautiful blessings. Blessings that remain in every season and give us hope and strength.

Prayer

O Blessed One Who has given us Good News and the Spirit, we thank You for these blessings that are ours now and forever. Forgive us for the moments where we have taken and are taking them for granted, and should we see the days ahead let us not take them for granted. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Vaniljmunk. Similar to a Berliner, this Swedish donut is filled with vanilla custard.

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