Ashes to Ashes: A Devotion for Ash Wednesday

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS

ASHES TO ASHES:

A DEVOTION FOR ASH WEDNESDAY

Guest writer Monte W. Holland

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6, selected verses: “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven—when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you—do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing—when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret—when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret.” (RSV)

DEVOTION: In the Western church, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and the seventh Wednesday before Easter. Its name comes from the practice of

Basic Biblical Teachings for the Godly and Moral Life: 1

CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS

BASIC BIBLICAL TEACHINGS FOR

THE GODLY AND MORAL LIFE: 1

Guest writer the Rev. Monte W. Holland

For some time, my husband, Monte, has been concerned about today’s young generation and the ethical behavior, which they are exposed to in today’s society. He sees the inconsistencies in what they experience in society and what is taught by Biblical Scripture, where lessons on “The Godly, Moral Life,” are presented.
As a step in counteracting society’s UnGodly, Immoral life lessons, he developed a series of six lessons, one for each week in Lent, beginning today, Ash Wednesday. Each lesson is divided into seven daily sections. Below is an introduction for the first week, and a link to its entire writings, hosted by the Open Hands Ministry site. Open Hands is a ministry of the United Methodist Churches in the Ligonier, PA, area, which provides layettes for WIC babies in Westmoreland County, and operates second-hand clothing and furnishings stores in Stahlstown and Jeannette.

Introduction- In this day and age, as it was in years past, many people live without an adequate knowledge of basic Godly and moral principles as taught in the Bible. Today, more than ever, individuals in public and private life are pushing the bounds of their life choices beyond traditional moral standards. On the other hand, we are not talking about going back to