Lenten Devotional

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About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!

Lent Devotional February 24, 2018

Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:1-7

1 Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. 4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God. 6 I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, “Nothing beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?

Devotional

Written by Lisa Bunting, PTS Event Coordinator and Receptionist

In this scripture, we are reminded that everything we have, do, and accomplish is not achieved solely by our own doing but is, in fact, a precious gift bestowed on us by the grace of God. Paul says, “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” God’s gifts are all-encompassing in our lives and give us the strength to achieve all things. We should keep a humble spirit and not boast; we should also keep a gracious heart to acknowledge the gifts God has graciously bestowed on us. In the same way, we would not receive a present from a friend or family member and behave as though we bought it for ourselves; rather, we would be grateful, thankful, and appreciative that our friend or family member generously provided us with a gift. We should follow this example in our everyday lives, since it is God’s grace that sustains us. God is the source of strength in our lives and intervenes in our behalf—God always shows up strong and mighty. During this Lenten season, we should examine ourselves to see whether we have a gracious heart and a humble spirit. We should also give thanks to God for all the strength we have been provided and all the gifts we have been given.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, first, we thank you for all the gifts you have lovingly and graciously bestowed on us. Help us not to take them for granted, but instead, to continuously acknowledge your love. We also ask that you humble us, so that we do not become consumed with our own ego and pride but, rather, maintain a modest heart and spirit. We ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lent Devotional February 24, 2018

Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:1-7

1 Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. 4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God. 6 I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, “Nothing beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?

Devotional

Written by Lisa Bunting, PTS Event Coordinator and Receptionist

In this scripture, we are reminded that everything we have, do, and accomplish is not achieved solely by our own doing but is, in fact, a precious gift bestowed on us by the grace of God. Paul says, “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” God’s gifts are all-encompassing in our lives and give us the strength to achieve all things. We should keep a humble spirit and not boast; we should also keep a gracious heart to acknowledge the gifts God has graciously bestowed on us. In the same way, we would not receive a present from a friend or family member and behave as though we bought it for ourselves; rather, we would be grateful, thankful, and appreciative that our friend or family member generously provided us with a gift. We should follow this example in our everyday lives, since it is God’s grace that sustains us. God is the source of strength in our lives and intervenes in our behalf—God always shows up strong and mighty. During this Lenten season, we should examine ourselves to see whether we have a gracious heart and a humble spirit. We should also give thanks to God for all the strength we have been provided and all the gifts we have been given.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, first, we thank you for all the gifts you have lovingly and graciously bestowed on us. Help us not to take them for granted, but instead, to continuously acknowledge your love. We also ask that you humble us, so that we do not become consumed with our own ego and pride but, rather, maintain a modest heart and spirit. We ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!