Monday, March 1^st, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
  
Friends,
 
Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love. 

Monday, MARCH 1, 2021
LUKE 15:11-24
The parable of the prodigal son – or, better, the parable of two lost sons – is likely the most familiar and beloved parable in the Gospels, and it is a moving framework for prayer. Using your imagination, enter into this story, noting where you are in this scene. Focus on each of the three main figures, noting what each evokes for you. (Feel free to mix up the genders in the story: you may wish to imagine two lost daughters or sisters, or a compassionate mother.)
Practice: Read the story slowly and prayerfully three times, each time
focusing on a different character in the story. Take a few moments after
each reading to reflect on what surfaced in your awareness.
Journal: Note in your journal what occurred in your three prayers —
be as specific as you can. Write also of any movements toward God or
away from God you discerned.
 
* * * 
 
Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
This week I have more than usual humor that has been piling up. Thanks for sending to me!
 
Will Rogers can supply an endless set of jokes: The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets. 
 
What do you get if you play a Country and Western record backwards? You get you dog back. You get your pickup truck back. You get your gal back.
 
(Thanks Bill Gamble)
 
The other day I saw a guy dragging a clam on a leash behind him. I thought it must be hard to walk with a pulled mussel. (Thanks, Judi Geistlinger).
 
Marilyn Shimkus sends this one: A courtroom artist was arrested today for an unknown reason…details are sketchy.
 
And finally these from Bill Marble:
 
Someone complimented my parking today! They left a sweet note on my windshield that said “parking fine.”
 
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. At least it does if you throw it hard enough.
 
Ever since we started quarantining, I’ve only been telling inside jokes.
 
If you’re feeling depressed, try drinking a gallon of water before you go to sleep. It’ll give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
 
* * *
 
Good Word 
 
Proverbs 12:20                      
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy. 

Let us pray 

 
Jesu, Jesu
Fill us with your Joy
Show us how to serve
Our neighbors we have
From you.
 
AMEN
  
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all. 
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church