When the Old Testament children of God were called, they responded and repented. But soon after would always return to their old ways. We often do the same thing. We start out on the right path and then, sometimes in the most subtle ways, we wander from the path of faith.

A one-time prayer is not a "fix-all" for a broken life. John 16:33 says, "In the world, you will have tribulation. But take courage, I have overcome the world!" Jesus overcame the world; we have not. What we do have now is the grace and love of our Heavenly Father and the certainty of eternal life because Jesus already did the hard work.

I encourage you, my brothers and sisters, to find the answer in Christ Jesus. Meditate on his word and find joy in knowing our Lord and Savior has all the answers for any issue you are going through in this dark world.

When we turn to the LORD in repentance, we do not find a vengeful, angry God, but one who is ready to forgive. We see this most clearly in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

Over the next 41 days, before we arrive at Easter morning, how will you spend this time with God? And what is God preparing you for?

This Week in Native American News (2/28/2020): Stay Strong, Travel, Eat Well, and Read

Let us follow the command of Jesus, rely on his promises, and, with the Holy Spirit in us, let us do the will of the Father!

There is a time for everything and a purpose for each piece of the puzzle God puts in front of us. The best we can do is keep our priorities straight and embrace the chaos. Carve out time with God. Show love to the people you care about and those in need. Love the space where God has placed you.

Our only hope in the world is in Jesus, in his work on the cross, and in his resurrection.

Lent is a magnificent time to reflect on transformational change. And in the spring, change is everywhere we look, the world is abundant with new beginnings and new growth.