Introduction:At the very core of his being, our God is a relational God. Every fiber of God’s nature is biased toward relationship. We see that in the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three Persons, woven in a profound interrelationship of love, one with the other. We also see this relational nature of our God … Continue reading Pastor Note #126: A Good Friday Devotional
Tag: Lent
Pastor Note #125: A Maundy Thursday Devotional
Introduction:Today, the Thursday before Easter is traditionally called Maundy Thursday. This is pretty much the only context in which the word “maundy” is used in English. So, what does the word mean? Well, it comes from the Latin word “mandatum” which means “command.” This Thursday is called Maundy Thursday because we are meant to remember … Continue reading Pastor Note #125: A Maundy Thursday Devotional
Blog Note
I was part of a team which created a Lenten devotional guide. The guide is built around the Apostles' Creed plus some entries for Holy Week and Easter. Please check it out. Here's the link: https://www.newcityabq.org/s/LENT-GUIDE-2024.pdf
Gary’s Blog Resources for Lent and Holy Week
Let me start this “Blog Note” by first thanking all of you who follow for continuing to check in on my posts. I’ve been going through a bit of a life transition in the last few months that has interfered with my posting. But I think I’m getting back to a place where I will … Continue reading Gary’s Blog Resources for Lent and Holy Week
Bible Note #47: Mary Magdalene–A Holy Week Meditation
Mary Magdalene—A Narrative Meditation In an earlier time, the anguish and grief that she had endured on that Friday and Saturday would have unhinged her. Yet in the midst of this agony, she discovered that the Teacher had so healed and restored her that even this crushing sorrow could not undo his work. photo by … Continue reading Bible Note #47: Mary Magdalene–A Holy Week Meditation
Bible Note #46: Simon of Cyrene–A Lenten Meditation
The old man stood among the group of worshipers, a part of the church at Rome. He had moved to the imperial city years earlier, raised his family there. He had joined others there in sharing the news of Jesus the Christ. His two grown sons stood beside him, Alexander and Rufus, both now leaders … Continue reading Bible Note #46: Simon of Cyrene–A Lenten Meditation
Bible Note #45: Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea at the Cross–A Lenten Meditation
His old bones ached under the weight of his burden. Still, he thought, his pain was nothing compared to the pain of dragging a cross through the streets especially in that appalling condition. The weight of that rough wood grinding on the shredded flesh of the man’s back must have been near unbearable. Stained Glass … Continue reading Bible Note #45: Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea at the Cross–A Lenten Meditation
Bible Note #43: Peter’s Denial & Following Jesus–A Lenten Meditation
Peter’s Denial and Following JesusDrawn from Mark 14 Peter was standing by a fire in the middle of the courtyard of the high priest’s compound. He was standing among a group of men. He was trying to be inconspicuous, trying to sort of blend in. He was chilled to the core, so that the … Continue reading Bible Note #43: Peter’s Denial & Following Jesus–A Lenten Meditation
Quotes of Note #6 — Humility, Self-Examination, and the Grace of God
"It is only our exaggerated sense of self-righteousness that prevents us from looking honestly at ourselves. As Christians we know that the Holy Spirit dwells within us, but we must also become aware of where we are tolerating sin if we will be successful in our war against the devil. Therefore, be specific when you … Continue reading Quotes of Note #6 — Humility, Self-Examination, and the Grace of God
Prayer Note #53 — A Lenten Prayer
A Lenten Prayer of a Busy Christian “Transcribed” by Pastor Gary A. Chorpenning What do you want me to do, Lord? Isn’t that what I’m supposed to ask you in this season of Lent? I don’t mean to be rude to you, God, but I have to confess that my life is already really busy. … Continue reading Prayer Note #53 — A Lenten Prayer
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 