Scotty Williams

Passage

“That I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ “ (Genesis 14:23)

Reflection

Though the Lenten season calls us away from earthly riches, it also calls for gratitude for the riches we have in Christ. Through Him we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, which are more than things invisible like spiritual gifts. As believers we are rich in blessings we can see, and these are things that matter and are often overlooked. May the Lenten season make us think upon this wealth, and may it bring us closer to source of all our good. That source is Christ Who is the Fount of every blessing and wants us to enjoy His gifts bestowed on us in love.

Prayer

O Precious Savior and the Fount of all our blessings, we praise You for the riches that we have in knowing You. Thank You for the daily gifts, both seen and unseen, and help us not to treat them with a careless attitude. And help us use them and enjoy them for Your glory that those who see our lives might find Your goodness and Your love. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Old-Fashioned. First called “fry cakes”, this American classic first appeared in 1829 and is now enjoyed around the world.

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Passage

“For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.“ (Psalm 27:5)

Reflection

At present many things feel unstable in the world, from economies and politics to society and culture. Some feel, as Edward Mote’s hymn puts it, like they are standing on sinking sand and brace themselves for a moment when things begin to fall. Yet, in the words of Solomon, there is nothing new under the sun, and the world has seen its share of times with instability. And through these times there is a rock that has stood firm. The presence of God Whose tender care and love will never change. During Lent He calls us to turn our eyes from the sinking sand, and to build upon the comfort of His Spirit, grace, and Word.

Prayer

O Rock of Ages, Who stood firm within the past, we thank You that You still stand firm through troubles of the present. Help us to turn our eyes from all that brings us worry, and to rest in the stability of Your presence, care, and love. And give us comfort as we worry for the future, reminding us that You will be there no matter what it holds. In Your gracious name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Danish. This pastry from Denmark is topped with chocolate, frosting, or fruit, and can be stuffed  with custard, marzipan, and a variety of other fillings.

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Passage

“And the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.“ (Luke 22:2)

Reflection

Like the practice of Spring Cleaning Lent is a time to declutter and rid ourselves of things that no longer serve us in life and faith. This giving up is more than a break from different indulgements (e.g., chocolate). It is a throwing off and throwing out to thrive with gladness and freedom. And the reason we declutter is not to get “closer” to God, Who is always with us even when we feel that He is gone. We do this so that we might get more of the Way of Christ, and in keeping it become more like Him with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Gracious God, Whom David asked for a clean heart in the Psalms, we ask that You would do the same by the work of Your Spirit and grace. Help us to let go of unwholesome things that bind us and things once wholesome that no longer fit or serve us for our good. And as we let these things go help us to take up Jesus’ way, and find ourselves more like Him for Your glory and the good of this world. We pray these things in His name. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Oliebol. This beignet from the Netherlands is often covered with powdered sugar and can be mixed with fruits like raisons and apples or filled with jam and custard.

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Passage

“The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?’“ (Zechariah 3:2)

Reflection

One thing that hinders our observances of Lent, is thinking that the season is a time to “fight” with devils. From our personal fault to spiritual forces not in our favour, we believe that is our job to rebuke and drive them off. But throughout the Scriptures when the devils are rebuked, they are often not beaten by the people they attack. Instead, they hear the words, “The Lord rebuke you”; the Lord is called to take fight and all foes begin to flee. Therefore, in this Lenten season let us leave the battles to God, and let our fasting, prayer, and repentance not be weapons of defence. They are different ways of saying, “The Lord rebuke you”, and making Him our sure defense which nothing can withstand.

Prayer

Almighty Defender, Who makes the devils flee, we thank You for Your matchless strength which drives away our foes. Forgive for the times we seek to fight in our own strength and forget that every battle is not ours but Yours. And may our fasting, prayers, and repentance be stepping aside that You might step in and rebuke what is against us. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Churro. This Southern European fritter, which might have come ancient Greece or Rome, is often sprinkled with sugar and pair with a cup of melted chocolate.

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Passage

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.“ (1 John 2:1)

Reflection

One reason we can rest during Lent is the righteousness of Jesus, or the good standing that He has in the eyes of God the Father. His righteousness is perfect and far better than our own, and He freely shares it with us by His grace and steadfast love. In short, we are warmly welcomed to stand beside the Saviour, and to be seen the way that God the Father sees Him. This is our rightful place as followers of Jesus, and during Lent we are called to boldly take it up with joy. Furthermore, we are called to take it up in every season, for the welcome does not expire when Lent comes to an end. The Righteous One, Who is with us at all times, invites us each and every day to stand and be seen with Him.

Prayer

To the Righteous One Who has atoned for every sin, we thank You for the good standing that You share with all Your people. Beside You we are clothed in honours undeserving, and bring a joy to Heaven’s eye that our works could never obtain. This our rightful place, so help us Lord to take it. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Columbian Buñuelo. Buñuelos are a type of donut that is found in Southern Europe and Latin America, and the Columbian version is cheese based with a hint of sweetness.

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Passage

“Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.“ (Deuteronomy 26:11)

Reflection

Though Lent is once a year, its practices are not. In fact, they are year-round and a normal part of Christian life. Every day we are called to repentance or turning away from sin, and prayer and fasting are aspects of our walk with Christ in faith. These good things must be known and deeply cherished by all believers, so that when Lent comes it does not feel irregular and strange. Lent should have a sense of home where we feel that we belong and reside in peace surrounded by precious gifts that are familiar. And along with gifts there is the presence of the Lord. The Savior that we know and love, Who is with us at all times.

Prayer

Our Lord Jesus, Who is with us in every season, may the Lenten season not be a foreign landscape to our eyes. May it be a be place within Your Kingdom, where we belong, and may we find a joyful sense of home in all of its blessed days. Help us see this time as more than something once a year. It is something meant for everyday as we serve and follow You. In Your gracious name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Zeppole. This Italian pastry, which originated in ancient Rome, is eaten to celebrate the Christian feast called St. Joseph’s Day.

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Passage

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.” (Psalm 91:14)

Reflection

Just as God’s protection does not depend upon our faith, His response to our distress does not depend upon our love. He will not be more or less inclined to rescue because of our affection, which is always changing as we face the joys and cares of life. God will hasten to rescue when we love Him with deep gratitude, and He will do the same when our love for Him seems almost gone. Yet, God still sees and honours our ever-changing affection, and responds with a greater affection that does not wax or wane. Whether fond of Him or not, the Lord will give us aid. Therefore, when we feel distressed let us run to Him as He runs to us.

Prayer

Loving Lord, Who sees and hears each moment of our lives, we thank You that You see and hear the moments of distress. And we thank You that even when we struggle in seeking to love You, the affection that You have for us is steadfast and secure. May this affection make us run to You with haste, and not just in the troubles when we call to You for rescue. May we run to You when there is peace and little cares, for You are always running to us in every time and season. In Your gracious name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Gulab Jamun. This Indian confection is made from dried or thickened milk, and is topped with dried nuts or edible gold and silver leaf.

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Passage

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. (Psalm 91:9-10)

Reflection

In addition to finding rest Lent is a time of refuge, and the safety that it brings is not in fasting and our prayers. Rather it is found in the One we fast for and pray to, Who draws us close and calms us with a promise of protection. God vows to keep us safe if we claim He as our Refuge and seek to make a home in Him or trust within His power. And the beauty of this promise is that our faith need not be great. Even with the smallest bit of trust He will offer His protection. Yet, what if troubles come and harm us in some way? We are also promised that when they rise they shall not overtake us.

Prayer

O Wondrous Refuge and Strength to all who serve You, we thank You for Your faithfulness in keeping us each day. Even in the midst of trials we are not overtaken, and behind us are a host of harms that You have overcome. May Your protection in the past ring out Your promises in the present, and echo into days ahead with griefs and cares unknown. Just as You have kept us You will keep us in this season, and shelter us by grace into the joyful light of Easter. O blessed be Your name. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Medu Vada. Unlike its sweet counterparts, this savoury fritter is made from black lentils and is eaten with sambar (a vegetable stew), yogurt, or coconut chutney.

Dilla of the Day

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Passage

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:1-2)

Reflection

With Mardi Gras merriment and Ash Wednesday solemness behind us, we are tempted to see the Lenten season as a time to “start working”. After all, there are things to give up and temptations to resist. And there are spiritual practices we have resolved to do and disciplines to undertake. Before us are a mountain of tasks that shadow us until Easter, but the goal of Lent is resting in the shadow of God. Of course, the Lord delights in good works as we fast, but such works should come from the peace of relaxing in His presence. When we rest our practices and disciplines become less daunting, and are filled with joy and gratitude for the good things God has done.

Prayer

Almighty God, Whose presence is a solace, help us to find rest in You while we do good works this season. May our fasting, repentance, and prayer not be burdens that are daunting, but joyful gifts we offer You for Your goodness and Your love. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Berliner. This German classic, which was first eaten during holidays, is now enjoyed daily in many countries around the world.

Dilla of the Day

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Passage

But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:17-18)

Reflection

For many people Lent is a time to earn something they want, and they do so by giving up something they enjoy. They believe that for their devotion heaven will reward them, but this is not the purpose or the point of this season. Many things that we desire are rooted in selfishness, and one goal of Lent is putting selfishness to death. We are called to give up looking out for number one, and to take up the selfless way of Christ. And when we keep His way then life is our reward.

Prayer

O Gracious God, Who made us from the dust and receives our souls when we return to it, as we enter another Lenten season put to death our selfishness. Take away all desires that keep us from the selfless way of Christ, and strengthen us to follow it that we might have life. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Donut of the Day

Today’s donut is the Beignet. Originally from France, it is now the official pastry of my home state Louisiana.

Dilla of the Day

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