Page 5 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Wednesday, February 22

Ash Wednesday

Matthew 6: 16-17
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show
others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when

you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.”

Reflection
We worship a God of promises. Throughout the gospel readings we are often reminded
by the authors that what Jesus was doing in his ministry was to fulfill the words of the
prophets. As Christians, we are called upon to be sincere in our faith and to demonstrate

integrity between what we profess and what we do. Thus, we refrain from duplicity,
manipulation of others and hypocrisy. As the body of Christ, when we welcome others

we do so in love, sincerity and respect ensuring that we receive others into our lives,
homes and places of worship just as they are - just as God received us.

Welcome Stories
In 2007, our son, Nathan passed away of complications from the flu. In 2010, Greg and I
decided to become foster parents who were willing to adopt. Our church family

supported us from the lowest of our lows, to the happiness of adopting our two amazing
boys, Dakota and Stephen. Members of our congregation even came to the adoption
ceremonies and the Couples in Christ group surprised us with a surprise shower during

the Christmas holiday.
~Kristi Fisher (51 yrs with First Lutheran)

About 12 years ago I was very depressed after a breakup of a 20-year relationship. I had
quit attending church about 30 years ago. I’m not sure why other than I was raised
Lutheran and always thought the church building at First Lutheran was interesting. I

looked up the phone number and Paster Aaron Erdley answered. I kind of stumbled
around not knowing exactly what to say, but gave him a background of my life and