Unemployment is often a stigmatized issue, however it is estimated that approximately one in five Americans will go on government assistance at some point in their life time (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/07/12/the-politics-and-demographics-of-food-stamp-recipients) . 

Many who are unemployed utilize welfare programs such as food stamps, unemployment insurance, and housing assistance in order to get themselves through these tough times.  During the pandemic the number of individuals registering for these assistant programs has sky rocketed.  

Verse for Meditation: Psalm 140:12

Action: It is estimated that a person on food stamps, receives an average of $6.30 to provide food for themselves each day. Challenge yourself to only live off of this much money today. (Source: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/how-much-could-i-receive)

Take time to really imagine that you or a child in your life works as a child laborer… Imagine that you are forced to work 14+ hour days. Imagine that your working conditions are unsanitary and you leave work feeling exhausted and weak. Imagine that your supervisors restrict bathroom use and access to clean water, and then beat you when you pass out from exhaustion, forcing you to go back to work. Now imagine that you and your family are so desperate for any money that you and your siblings are all forced to work like this for only $0.36 per hour. This scenario is the reality for many children of Bangladesh who make garments for major US companies, such as Wal-Mart, Hanes and JCPenney
(Details and information were found in the book Everyday Justice by Julie Clawson and are current as of 2006). 

Verse for Meditation: James 1:27

Action: Take time to research some of your favorite clothing stores, to see if they use child labor. (Google: the stores name and child labor). See if you can identify alternative places to purchase your clothes that have more ethical labor practices.

Reading through this devotional can feel a bit overwhelming.  There are so many needs in our world and becoming aware of all this pain and struggle can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless.  

Every Wednesday of this Lenten journey we will pause from our usual “World in Need” devotionals and instead invite you to simply rest and reflect.  

Verse for Meditation: Psalm 28:7

Action:  Take time today to remind yourself that God can be trusted, that God is in control.  That while the world is filled with need, it is also filled with the Presence and love of God.  

Another issue that exists all over the world is misconceptions and stereotypes about different religions. These misguided assumptions can create climates of religious intolerance which often lead to violence and oppression. 

Brian McLaren reflected on these dynamics in his book on Christian Identity in a Multi-faith World: 

“I think the truth is, we are very, very different. Our biggest problem though, isn’t our differences; our biggest problem is that we build identity by enforcing hostility toward the other. In other words, I learn who I am by learning who I am against… My question is: can we find a way of holding Christian identity that sends us toward the other with love and hospitality, rather than with fear and hostility?" 

Verse for Meditation: Romans 15:7

Action: Today, do a little bit of online research about a faith tradition that is not your own. As you discover new information about another religion ask yourself, "how can the traditions and practices of this other religion teach me to be a more faithful Christian?”

Addiction is an issue that affects individuals as well as their families and friends. It is estimated that 22.6 million Americans struggle have a substance abuse or dependency problem.

People often describe addiction as a type of “demon” that they cannot escape.  There is something powerful about reading the many account of Jesus casting out demons as if he were freeing that person from an addiction.  

Today, as we reflect upon those that suffer from this ugly demon, we pray for them and consider our own vices. 

Verse for Meditation: Ephesians 6:12

Action: Consider the habits and routines that you take for granted. Whether it is your morning cup of coffee or compulsively checking your phone, try going without it today

Did you know that over 30,000 people in Denver are experiencing homelessness?

Many who are homeless suffer from some form of mental illness, still many others are veterans of wars, and during the pandemic many more have become housing insecure. Winter is an especially difficult time for those who do not have a home to sleep in at night. 

This need for shelter is so basic  and long-standing.  Throughout the Bible God’s people are called to specifically care for those who are experiencing homelessness.

Verse for Meditation: Isaiah 58:7

Action: Today, we invite you to gather your extra scarves, hats, mittens and coats and donate them to Urban Peak, Denver Rescue Mission, or another local organization that cares for the homeless.

Throughout history many wars and conflicts were ignited by arguments over sacred space.  Specific cities or areas held deep religious significance to multiple groups and arguments over these sacred spaces led to conflict and bloodshed.   The ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine is the result of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim groups all seeing Jerusalem as a profoundly sacred space.  

Verse for Meditation: Genesis 28:16

Action: Reflect today upon the areas in your life that you consider to be ‘sacred space’. If possible, spend some quite time in your ‘sacred space’ praying for those whose sacred space is threatened and those who are affected by the violence in these areas.

Having faith in the tough times is never easy. Below are the wise words of Henri Nouwen as he reflects on the difficulty of working through the tough moments. 

“There is a very old piece of wisdom that comes from the 4th century monks of the Egyptian Desert: ‘Do not combat the demons directly.’ Instead of paying so much attention to the prince of darkness, they advised their disciples to focus on the Lord of Light and thus, indirectly but inevitably undo the power of the demon… 
I therefore want to say as clearly as I can that the first and foremost task of the peacemaker is not to fight death but to call forth, affirm, and nurture the signs of life wherever they become manifest.” – Henri Nouwen 

Verse for Meditation: John 1:5

Action:
Today, we invite you to take some time to reflect on the light that you see in your life. Create a list of 5 “lights” in your life that give you hope and post it in a place where you will regularly see it.

Today is Ash Wednesday. This is a day where we hear “from dust you were made and to dust you shall return”; a poignant reminder of death’s presence in our lives and the grief that accompanies it. For many, when we are faced with grief, it is a time that can challenge our faith. And yet our Christian faith speaks to Christ’s presence with us in our grief and his victory over death.

Verse for Meditation: Isaiah 25:8

Action:
Today, we invite you to reach out to someone who has recently lost a loved one, or is experiencing grief. Send them a card, invite them to coffee, give them a call. Let them know that they are not alone at this time.