From Pastor Nate - Once again, I'm sharing something my dad put together for these daily devotionals. Rev David W. Preisinger has been an ordained Lutheran pastor since 1978. He's served congregations in Syracuse, Utica, and Albany, NY and spent 25+ years as an Assistant to the Bishop in the Upstate NY Synod. He currently lives in Clifton Park, NY.
Hidden but Still There
I spent my teenage years living in Seattle. The city that is awesome to behold when Mount Rainer is visible. A huge mountain seeming to float in the sky some 100 miles from the city. If you have ever been to Seattle, you know that the Mountain is not always visible. In fact, much of the time you can’t see it. You might think it doesn’t exist. But it is always there even when you can’t see it.
We are in the season of Lent. A contemplative time, a time to recognize who we are, and a time to remember that Jesus walks with us in the quiet times of struggle.
Despite the times that it may seem like Jesus is hidden, Lent helps us remember that Jesus always comes through with light and hope. Because after Lent is Easter where we are affirmed in the knowledge that the mountain has been there all along. It can be hard to believe that a good and gracious God is really out there when we are in the seasons of grief or suffering, but when the Light of Christ shines in our life again, it is wondrous to behold; beautiful beyond belief.
As you journey through Lent remember God is here, and the beauty and power of God will come out through the darkness to the light because Easter is coming.
Hidden but Still There
I spent my teenage years living in Seattle. The city that is awesome to behold when Mount Rainer is visible. A huge mountain seeming to float in the sky some 100 miles from the city. If you have ever been to Seattle, you know that the Mountain is not always visible. In fact, much of the time you can’t see it. You might think it doesn’t exist. But it is always there even when you can’t see it.
We are in the season of Lent. A contemplative time, a time to recognize who we are, and a time to remember that Jesus walks with us in the quiet times of struggle.
Despite the times that it may seem like Jesus is hidden, Lent helps us remember that Jesus always comes through with light and hope. Because after Lent is Easter where we are affirmed in the knowledge that the mountain has been there all along. It can be hard to believe that a good and gracious God is really out there when we are in the seasons of grief or suffering, but when the Light of Christ shines in our life again, it is wondrous to behold; beautiful beyond belief.
As you journey through Lent remember God is here, and the beauty and power of God will come out through the darkness to the light because Easter is coming.
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2026
January
365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - St. Ignatius ExamenHymn Reflection - God of Love, O King of PeaceThe Book of Deuteronomy - Establishing CommunityThe Epiphany of Our LordRated PG: Thoughts on Isaiah 58The Unexpected Ways of God: Mistakes Epiphany Rising Stars - Guidance365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Lectio DivinaEpiphany Rising Stars - InspirationThe Book of Joshua - God Keeps the PromiseThe Baptism of Our LordRated PG: Thoughts on Jeremiah 29:7The Unexpected Ways of God: Prayer365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Centering PrayerThe Book of Judges - Abundant MercyRated PG: Thoughts on Matthew 5New BeginningsEpiphany Rising Stars - Seasons365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Prayer JournalingEpiphany Rising Stars - ChangesEpiphany Rising Stars - Knowledge of LoveEpiphany Rising Stars - AweThe Book of Ruth - Challenging our AssumptionsStewardship SermonUnconditional LoveThe Unexpected Ways of God: FeastEpiphany Rising Stars - God Hold's the Future365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - The Jesus PrayerEpiphany Rising Stars - Beautiful SaviorThe Book of Ecclesiastes – Finding Meaning in God
February
Fourth Sunday after EpiphanyEpiphanies For Epiphany - GraceThe Unexpected Ways of God: SuprisesEpiphanies For Epiphany - Sanctification365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - GratitudeEpiphanies For Epiphany - Law & GospelThe Book of Philippians - Hope in Times of TroubleThe Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Epiphanies For Epiphany - CreationThe Unexpected Ways of God: Sports MoviesEpiphanies For Epiphany - Trinity365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Seasons, Rituals, and TraditionsEpiphanies For Epiphany - FaithThe Book of Song of Solomon – Love as a Reflection of God’s FaithfulnessThe Sixth Sunday after EpiphanyEpiphanies For Epiphany - SilenceThe Unexpected Ways of God: Niagara FallsThe Season of Lent365: Spiritual Practices You Can Do - Daily Life CuesUnlearning for Lent - I am what I accomplishThe Book of Isaiah - Hope in the Midst of JudgementThe First Sunday in LentHymn Devo - Lord of All HopefulnessYou Are SpecialUnlearning for Lent - I am what I accomplish CopyRated PG: Thoughts on Luke 4Unlearning for Lent - Performative Faith
2025
January
February
Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
The Life was The Light of All PeopleWaiting PatientlyUnseenCreator God, I pray for the earth...God, I want to be better at...Holy Spirit, Help me UnderstandGod, Grant Me Patience WithThe Gospel of John - Guidance for LifeJesus Christ, Forgive Me ForThe Book of 1st Samuel - Trust During the BattlesGod of the Oppressed, protect those who are vulnerableEnduring Lord, I hope forPrince of Peace, Calm my Mind When...God, I wonder aboutThe Book of Hebrews - The Grand Story of SalvationBlessed Jesus, help me to let go ofHoly Jesus, we pray for your church
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