As we journey together through Lent, Christians throughout Columbia will be sharing their own beautifully written personal meditations. Each will be accompanied by a corresponding scripture reading, and be linked to that passage in the Holy Bible. If you would like to join us on Columbia’s Lenten journey, please submit your personal meditation by email. Especially meaningful submissions will be printed. Let us continue our Lenten journey, day by day, to its glorious culmination on Easter Sunday.
Scripture reading: John 1:35-42
Jesus’ public ministry starts with two actions. The first action is by John the Baptist to be a witness and testify to ‘the Word in flesh’ which is Jesus Christ. John was sent by God to ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’ and the beginning of Christ’s ministry is marked when John directs his own disciples to the truth of Jesus as the Lamb of God. It was not enough for him to tell others, he showed them.
The second action was that of John’s disciples to follow Christ. They did more than acknowledge Christ; they made a decision to engage Christ, become His disciples, and immediately tell others.
Each day we have the same decision to make and each day I struggle to follow Christ with my whole heart. I struggle to start my day in prayer and in the Bible instead of in email. I struggle to center my thoughts on serving Christ instead of serving the world and my selfish desires. I struggle to end my day in thanksgiving to God for the blessings of today instead of anxiety about the days ahead. Fortunately for me, I am forgiven through God’s grace, and no matter how many times I fail, it is never too late to make the decision to follow Christ today.
Jonathan Vipperman
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia Prayer Chain: Friday, February 15
In our prayers: Mary Reames, Richard Smith, Claudia Strattman, Jennifer Williams, Betty Jo Carson, Gary Davis, Eddie Bolton, Myrna, Esther, Pam James, Doug and Sharon, John Kelchner, Elizabeth Matthews, Nedrick Griffin, Jennifer Handy, Nancy Stuckey, Annemarie Sullivan, Rachel and Randy Wurtzbaugh, Patty Peckham, Denise Byrd, Greg and Lisa Steele, Dean Timothy Jones, Linda Langford, Marty Fritz, Harriet Hancock, Tommy and Robby Palmer, Patty and Ted Mac Laughlin, Janet Long, Bobby Wilson, Debbie and Pat Barry, Betty Jo Sullivan, Patrick and Patricia Barry, Jordan Hill, Doris Clevenger, Charles Sigel, Bob Davis, John Whatley, Nancy Zuckerman, Charles Davis Sr., Bill Carter, Betty Peavy Frick, Joye Cantrell, Fred and Gail, Dale and Norma Sessions, Padge Arrington, Jerry Callahan, Norman Masters
Special prayers for Mary Ellen’s four-year-old grandson, Joseph Patrick, who is fighting cancer
In memoriam: Margaret “Peggy” Caudill, John Thomas Bullock, Grettie Ravenell Glover, Sarah O. Boykin Harris, Aaron McClerklin Jr., Franz D. Wessell Jr., Marjorie Jean Akers Mazur, John Kramer, Delbert T. Lucas, Mark Houston Senter Jr., Glenn Barry Skinner, Frank McDuffie, WW II Vet. Hazel P. Caldwell
Our prayers are with: the elderly, the homeless, all currently fighting illness, all beloved pets, our president and congress, our police officers and firefighters, all who serve in the armed forces
Columbia Prayer Chain is open to all residents of greater Columbia who would like to share prayers and receive the prayers of others. Please leave your name in the comment box or email me.
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