My friends during this Lenten season do not succumb to the temptation of trying to do the work of Jesus without relying on the power of God. Take time to rest in God. Take time pray.

My first years of ministry were spent at Canyon Lake UMC. My first year at Canyon Lake was Kent Millard’s last. Now I could not have asked for a better place to begin ministry. Kent went on to serve as a DS, as lead pastor as Mitchell First and Sioux Falls First before being invited to serve St. Lukes UMC in Indianapolis, IN. 

I learned so much from Kent about preaching, visitation, empowering laity, and advocating for just systems. The lesson I still remember most clearly was one about the importance of the spiritual life for those of us who are disciples of Jesus Christ.

There was a point that year when the sparkle dimmed in Kent’s eyes and his step was less lively. His sermons were still good but something was missing. So Kent went away for a week with several good friends. When he returned the next Sunday, he apologized to the Canyon Lake congregation saying “This week I discovered that I’ve been trying to do the work of Jesus without the power of God.”  CLICK HERE TO READ OR PRINT THE ENTIRE MESSAGE

Relationship with God through prayer Lent 2014 from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.