Lenten Devotional - Day 33
Lenten Devotional for Friday, March 26, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Jeff Sheffer
Scripture Reading:
John 11:41-43
So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”
Reflection:
Leading up to this moment in which Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the dead, things were contentious for Jesus. He had several confrontations with people, even those who had seen him do miracles, yet find other reasons to not believe he is the Messiah sent by God. Not only do they not believe, but they are plotting to kill him.
I don't know about you, but I often get in the way of God's work in my life. I get wrapped up in working on and fixing the problems I face that I tend to forget whose I am. I love the adage that says "work as if it all depends on me and pray as if it all depends on God". If you are familiar with this quote you know it is credited to St. Augustine and that I worded it wrong. Prayer comes first. But I quoted it the way that most often reflects my own actions. Honestly, sometimes not only do I work first, I omit the prayer.
I could easily fit into the crowd surrounding Jesus as he raises Lazarus. Jesus says out loud for all to hear, "Father, Thank you for always hearing me…" This verse serves as a good reminder to me to pray because Jesus is the Messiah and the Holy Spirit that dwells in me is my connection to the power, might, and glory of the Father.
This season of prayer that pastor Vicki is leading us into is so important to New Hope and I don't want to get it backwards. Would you join me in flipping the adage to start with "Pray as if it all depends on God”?
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here
Come flood this place
And fill the atmosphere
Your glory God
Is what our hearts long for
To be overcome
By Your presence, Lord
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for hearing me. Let my thoughts and prayers be acceptable to you. Lord, my prayer is not that you hear us, my prayer is that we hear you. Lord, let your Holy Spirit increase in our lives. Speak to us and guide us in the way that you would have New Hope move forward to reach and win more people for the glory of your kingdom. Amen.
Lenten Devotional - Day 32
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, March 25, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 138:3, On the day I called to you, you answered me. You made me strong and brave.
Reflection:
I do not like public speaking. One time, I was on my way by plane to where I’d be giving a business presentation. I practiced it by reading it over and over silently to myself. My anxiety and airsickness tried to take control, so I put the speech write-up down and picked up my Bible instead.
I decided to pray and give the outcome to God. I was directed to Psalm 138:3 and keep it close for similar situations. It’s a reminder that when I call to God, He answers. But I have to do the calling – or, in other words, the praying! It’s also a reminder that strength and bravery are not things I have to come up with on my own. God is the one who gives strength and courage!
Prayer:
Lord, Thank You for always lifting me up, and giving me strength and courage when I call out to You in need.
Lenten Devotional - Day 31
Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Lenten Devotional
Reflect on this Scripture from Colossians and then read the poem attributed to Mother Teresa. How do you struggle with this? What do you need to ask God for today so that you can remember it is, really, truly, only about an audience of one?
Colossians 3:23-24, Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
Do It Anyway
By Mother Teresa
(This version found written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta)
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
Lenten Devotional - Day 30
Lenten Devotional for Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison
Scripture Readings:
Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
John 15:19-20, The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.
Reflection:
On this day, let's spend time in prayer for our Christian brothers and sisters around the globe who are being persecuted for their faith. We shy away from sharing our faith, simply for fear of rejection or embarrassment. They, on the other hand, often practice and share their faith, knowing that being caught could mean severe consequences. Pray for boldness, for courage, for comfort, and for openings so that the Gospel can be shared. May their courage inspire us to be bolder in our interactions and encourage us to listen more closely to the Spirit's promptings throughout our days.
Prayer for Persecuted Christians
O God of all the nations,
the One God who is and was and always will be,
in your providence you willed that your Church be united to the suffering of your Son.
Look with mercy on your servants who are persecuted for their faith in you.
Grant them perseverance and courage to be worthy imitators of Christ.
Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations to work for peace among all peoples.
May your Spirit open conversion for those who contradict your will,
that we may live in harmony.
Give us the grace to be united in truth and freedom,
and to always seek your will in our lives.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lenten Devotional - Day 29
Lenten Devotional for Monday, March 22, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.
James 4:3, You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passion.
Reflection:
At various points in the writing of my own email devotional, I have thought that perhaps I’m doing it
“wrong” or that I’m somehow unsuccessful because I don’t have a regular timetable for publication, such as once a week.
One season of Lent, I considered a goal of sending out a devotional each day. Then it occurred to me that I was attempting to give the Spirit a goal, telling God He should inspire me daily! Instead, I made my goal to pray for my writing daily. I prayed, "God, I give it up to You whether You send inspiration and opportunity to write for You today."
Through this daily prayer, I did not produce daily devotionals, but I followed through with a discipline of praying about it daily, turning my writing over to God in prayer daily, and writing when inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness! Help me remember and keep in constant communication with You, as Your line is always open.
Lenten Devotional - Sunday, March 21, 2021 "Little Easter"
Lenten Devotional for Sunday, March 21, 2021
Every Sunday in Lent is considered a “little Easter,” a time to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection and spend time praising God. So, in keeping with this, our Sunday devotionals will be traditional Easter hymns. Take a moment to sing these with your family or by yourself. If you like, listen to the song on your computer or phone. But be sure to spend time rejoicing and praising God for our new life in Jesus Christ.
The Solid Rock
By Edward Mote, 1834
Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27
1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
o Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
3. His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Lenten Devotional Day 28
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, March 20, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Paul Lancaster
Scripture Reading
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
My Experience
As a college student majoring in American History, I was very excited about my future. I had been a volunteer coach for baseball and football throughout my college years. As a history major, the plan was to complete my degree and start a teaching and coaching career.
During this time, I worked for a local heavy construction company in Tampa. Through the years my knowledge and value to the company increased as did my compensation. By college graduation time, I was making appreciably more money in the construction industry than I could make as a beginning teacher and coach.
I felt an emptiness inside; my passion and purpose were gone. A nagging question continued to haunt me. “God, you know I wanted to teach and coach so why do you have me stuck in this position in construction?” I struggled with this question for years. Finally, I received an answer from God. The answer -- ‘Teach and Coach’.
What did this mean? As a maturing Christian with a family, I desperately prayed for God to give me an answer that I could understand. The words I received from Him were again, “teach and coach”. This time His words stirred my heart. My purpose and passion returned. I realized not only could I teach others the skills I had learned through the years in construction but more importantly, I could mentor them in the ways of Jesus through Bible studies, small groups and accountability groups.
I finished my construction career in 2018 but my work for Jesus continues.
My Prayer
Father God, thank you for using all of us to do good works in your name. Help us to be bold in our faith and humble in your service. Lord melt us, mold us, fill us and use us when and where you need us; give us a purpose and a passion for making more and better followers of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 27
Lenten Devotional for Friday, March 19, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Suzanne Mohammed
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Reflection:
Early in my walk with God, I was sitting in church service and during prayer time, I opened my eyes. A few pews ahead of me to my left, I noticed a woman close to my age silently praying with such conviction, emotion, and passion. Her face and body language made it evident she was having a deep personal conversation with God. Another time, during a casual conversation, a friend was cooking and a bowl was about to fall off the kitchen island, but she caught it and immediately praised God. I wanted what these women had - a prayerful relationship with God. So now I just keep talking to God about everything and praise Him even when I miss catching the bowl. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.
Prayer:
Thank you, God, for sending your son Jesus who made a relationship with you possible. Thank you, Heavenly Father, that you are with us through thick and thin. We praise you for who you are: a loving, faithful Father, full of grace and mercy. Please continue to put Godly people in all our paths to guide us and draw us closer to you so we can know more and more of Jesus. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 26
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, March 18, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Elaine Connor
Scripture Reading:
Ps. 91:2
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."
Reflection
How many of you were ever caught in a snow blizzard? They can be terrifying, as you cannot see even an inch around you. The snow flakes are mesmerizing too. Everything together means that a blizzard can be confusing and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction. When I was a child in the 1950's and 60's, we had terrible blizzards in upstate N.Y. The snow would pile up to the second story of our farmhouse. Daddy had to milk the cows and the cow barn was about 150 feet away from the house. When he heard a blizzard would hit us, he got out a very long and sturdy rope which he tied between the house and barn. He would hold tight to the rope and it would safely lead him back to the house during a storm.
God is like that rope. He is strong, trustworthy, protecting, an ever-present help and guide to us. We just have to hold on to him, never take our focus off of him, and to always remember to thank him.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, care, and guidance. Thank you that we can trust You in all our circumstances. It is in Your Strong Name, Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 25
Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Lenten Devotional
As you reflect on this prayer today, also read Ephesians 6:10-18.
The Prayer of St. Patrick: Morning Prayer
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and a near,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.
Lenten Devotional Day 24
Lenten Devotional for Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Luke 5:16
But he [Jesus] withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.
Reflection:
Withdrawing involves an intentional moving away from something or somewhere. In Jesus' case, He removed Himself from the hubbub of the "multitudes" gathering to listen to Him and looking for healing (verse 15). He was getting away from His daily grind. The verse indicates an intentional move not only away from one place, but also to a specific other place: the wilderness.
I don't know about you, but the word "wilderness" doesn't make me think of quiet and calm. While it might be isolated from people, there are still possibly animals and other elements of nature and place that might be, well, "wild." Sometimes a house full of children and pets with a lot going on can be thought of as its own sort of wilderness (it’s certainly wild, at any rate). Sometimes a city is described as a wilderness - the cement jungle. What is your wilderness?
To pray, remove yourself from the daily grind. Face whatever wilderness is available. Jesus didn't get on a plane to head to some beach, lake, city or jungle. He went to the desert, because that is what was right there where He was.
Don't neglect, make space. One morning I sat at the table with my Bible and prayer journal. My son asked if I would play a game with him, to which I replied, "as soon as I finish my Bible study time." He was still in the next room bouncing and playing - being the little wild thing he is, but I turned my focus on the Lord and had some quality time to get my day started right.
Prayer:
Lord, Help me realize that I don’t need to search for peace to pray, but to pray for peace. You give me the place I need to be and here it is that I will pray. Grant me Your peace that passes all understanding, no matter the wilderness I face.
Lenten Devotional Day 23
Lenten Devotional for Monday, March 15, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Tom Bridges
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 40:31
For those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint.
Reflection:
This is my favorite passage in the Old Testament for a few different reasons. One is the imagery of soaring high, on wings like eagles. I served in the 101st Airborne Division, and our nickname is the Screamin' Eagles. Since that time, I've been fascinated by the incredible power, strength, and beauty of the eagle.
The passage also holds special meaning for me, as it helped me get through a tough situation. When I was in Airborne school, I got the flu the night before a critical run had to be completed. If I did not complete the run with my class, I would have to repeat the entire week's training (trust me, I did NOT want to repeat a week of grueling training). That morning, I was sweating profusely, and didn't see any possible way I could keep pace with my class for the 3 mile run. But as I started, I began saying the words of this verse over and over. As my left foot hit the pavement, I said: "Run and not grow weary'" and as my right foot hit the pavement, I said (under my breath) "Walk and not faint."
It was only the power of God that got me through that morning. I was sick as a dog. But I leaned on the power of prayer, on the power of Scripture, and on the power of the Holy Spirit, and God was good. And God still is!
Prayer:
Lord, Help us to lean upon you for strength; may we run and not be weary, may we walk and not faint.
Lenten Devotional - Sunday, March 14, 2021 "Little Easter"
Lenten Devotional for Sunday, March 14, 2021
Every Sunday in Lent is considered a “little Easter,” a time to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection and spend time praising God. So, in keeping with this, our Sunday devotionals will be traditional Easter hymns. Take a moment to sing these with your family or by yourself. If you like, listen to the song on your computer or phone. But be sure to spend time rejoicing and praising God for our new life in Jesus Christ.
Crown Him with Many Crowns
By Matthew Bridges, 1852
1. Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul and sing
Of Him Who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.
2. Crown Him the Lord of love!
Behold His hands and side—
Rich wounds, yet visible above,
In beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky
Can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends His wond’ring eye
At mysteries so bright.
3. Crown Him the Lord of life!
Who triumphed o’er the grave,
Who rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing,
Who died, and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring,
And lives that death may die.
4. Crown Him the Lord of heav’n!
One with the Father known,
One with the Spirit through Him giv’n
From yonder glorious throne,
To Thee be endless praise,
For Thou for us hast died;
Be Thou, O Lord, through endless days
Adored and magnified.
Lenten Devotional Day 22 "Nothing Can Silence The Song"
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, March 13, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Debby Cumbie: Nothing Can Silence The Song
Scripture Reading:
Acts 16:23,25
After they had given Paul and Silas a severe flogging, they threw them into prison. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Reflection:
There is something deep and powerful about music. It can motivate. It can praise. It can spark gratitude, peace and joy in a way that few things can. It is no wonder that music is so intricately woven through the history of our faith.
As we read the passage above from Acts, we see how Paul and Silas were so convinced that they would not die, but live, that – even in prison, even in the middle of the night – they sang. Nothing can silence the song of love.
I am reminded of a song that has been so much on my heart lately that I find myself singing it over and over, silently in my head. I sing it as my prayer many times every day. If Stuart, our Tech Arts director, were recording this as a mission video, I would sing it for you; but I think that the words to the song are impactful enough to touch your hearts and minds during this season of Lent. I know that the lyrics will linger long after this singer is gone! Truly, nothing can silence the song of Love!
So I close with the words to “Looking Through His Eyes” as our prayer:
“Let me see this world, dear Lord, as though I were looking through Your eyes.
A world where people don’t want You Lord; but a world for which You died.
Let me kneel with You in the garden. Blur my eyes with tears of agony;
For if once I could see this world the way You see, I just know I’d serve You more faithfully.
Let me see this world, dear Lord, through Your eyes when men mocked Your Holy Name.
When they beat You and spat upon You, Lord, let me love them as You loved them just the same.
Let me stand high above my petty problems, and grieve for people, hell bound eternally;
For if once I could see this world the way You see, I just know I’d serve You more faithfully.”
Amen.
Words and music by Mike Otto; copyright 1979 by John T. Benson Publishing Company
Lenten Devotional Day 21 "A Gift"
Lenten Devotional for Friday, March 12, 2021
Devotion for Lent 2021
By Shari Gillis
Scripture Reading:
1 Peter: 3:18-22
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
So he went and preached to the spirits in prison—those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.
Reflection:
I am a mother of two adult children. I love them dearly, and I believe I would do anything to insure their lives are fulfilling and safe. But I do not have the power to really make that happen. They are adults, and they make their own choices.
God loves my children even more than I do. Only God can truly guide their lives.
God sent Jesus to show us the way, and then took our upcoming sins to the cross and suffered for them. That is a gift that in my motherhood, I cannot do.
Prayer:
Almighty Father, with my whole heart, I thank you for the gift of salvation, for myself and the worldwide family of Yours. May your grace and glory shower down upon this family of Yours. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 20 "Awakening"
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, March 11, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison
Scripture Reading:
Habakkuk 3:2,
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.
Matthew 7:11
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Ephesians 3:16-19,
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Reflection:
Real revival is always birthed in and sustained by prayer. That’s why passionate, continuous prayer must be more than a church program; it must become a lifestyle of seeking God. When we pray for a spiritual awakening, we want to pray that God fills us with his Holy Spirit in a new way and that we become renewed in a powerful way. But awakening is more than simply becoming a little bit closer to God, it’s truly become alive again. It’s resurrection within us, within our church, within our community.
Spiritual awakening involves looking in to our own lives (turning from sin), looking up to God (asking for his presence and power), and looking out to those around us (uniting to spread the hope of Christ). Let’s believe that God will do extraordinary things as we turn, pray, and unite with one cry for spiritual awakening here at New Hope.
Prayer:
Lord, we pray for spiritual awakening within each of us. Give us each a spirit of humility and a fervent desire to grow in our walk with you. If we are comfortable, make us uncomfortable. If we are complacent, give us passion. If we are selfish, give us an incredible love for your people. Speak to us as individuals, Lord, and help us be willing to listen and obey.
We pray for spiritual awakening here at New Hope, in this community of faith. Renew us as a church, Lord. Let your Spirit be so evident here that people notice it as soon as they walk on our campus. Where we are divided, Lord, help us be unified. Heal any wounds that are present so that as a body of believers, we can grow together, worship together, live out our faith together in ways that yield fruit for your Kingdom. Give us a fervent desire to make NEW WINE, to be willing to take risks. Speak to us as a congregation, Lord, and help us be willing to listen and obey.
We pray for spiritual awakening in our community, Lord. Help us be part of something new, something amazing, a movement of God right here in Brandon, Florida. Amen.
UNSCRIPTED: Episode 2
Join us for the conversation March 10, 2021 at 12:30pm
UNSCRIPTED: Episode 2
This week Chris Temple and Keven Jones, one of the leaders from Basketball Church, sit down together and YOU'RE invited to join in on the
Watch at New Hope Online or on our Facebook page.
#WhatsNextGod #findnewhopefl
Lenten Devotional Day 19 "Sync"
Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Lenten Devotion
By Pastor Guy Weatherly
Scripture Reading:
” My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Reflection:
A few years ago, I purchased a pre-owned car that was engineered to respond to verbal commands. After it was synced in, you were supposed to be able to tell the car to do something and it would acknowledge and do it. I was so excited when I took it out for the first time. It was on a hot Florida day when the heat was radiating from the scorching pavement.
I leaned over and said, “Turn the climate to 71 degrees.” It spoke back, “Now turning the climate to 81 degrees.” I spoke louder, “Turn the climate to 71 degrees.” It responded again, this time saying, “Now turning the climate to 84 degrees.” This time I bent over the dash board and in a loud voice shouted, “TURN THE CLIMATE TO 71 DEGREES!” Then it said, “This system is not programmed for temperatures above 84 degrees.”
It was at that moment I heard God speak, “Now you know what I feel like when I am talking to you.” Busted.
When we decide to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit “syncs” us in. We can hear His voice when we are lost, we can hear His voice when we are hurting, we can hear His voice when we say “Here am I Lord, send me.” All that He requires from us is to simply listen.
Listening is a simple thing but it is so hard to do in our noisy world when we are thinking about other things and listening to other voices. It may require us to do impossible things like turn off the tv and push back the distractions enough so we can hear Him!
This 40 day season of Lent is an opportunity to listen for His voice - not only for ourselves but for our Church.
” My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Lenten Devotional Day 18 "In the good and the bad"
Lenten Devotional for Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 23,
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Reflection:
It is hard to tell the exact occasion of the writing of the 23rd Psalm. We know that King David was older, as the text suggests he had both enemies and had experienced hardship and prosperity. Possibly, the 23rd Psalm was written while David was at Mahanaim, as he contemplated how the battle was going between his forces and those of his son, Absalom, during the civil war caused by Absalom's rebellion. David would certainly have been grief-stricken and heartbroken. And yet, in the midst of some of the darkest circumstances of his life, there is no doubt where his life finds its center. His center, his protection, his comfort, and his hope come from the Lord and the Lord alone.
When life is uncertain or difficult, I find it helpful to pray over the 23rd Psalm. I picture King David in the midst of his troubles. I think about all the people over the course of history who have prayed this powerful psalm. Then, I actually picture myself being led by still waters and lying in a pleasant, bugless green pasture. I visualize each line of the psalm, praying it over and over again. It helps me center myself in God, becoming fully immersed in his comfort and protection.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your comfort and protection. Thank you for being present with us in the good and the bad, in the mountain and the valley. Help us center ourselves in you and fill us with your amazing peace. Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 17
Lenten Devotional for Monday, March 8, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Luke 18:1
And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Reflection:
Recently, my family went to the second session of a new dog training class. We ran late, forgot Rocky’s harness and leash, and were all tired and more than a little discombobulated. Class went less than spectacular. I barely held back tears on the way home. Later that night, I couldn’t sleep. My mind kept wandering with ideas how to prepare for class the following week to avoid disaster and make up for the poor performance.
Then I realized how much I have to be thankful for: my son’s maturity in getting in the car after class and apologizing for acting so loopy, my husband’s willingness to help and attend this class, his initiative to solve the forgotten harness and leash issue by stopping at a Petsmart along the way, and that we have a happy and healthy and eager-to-please dog.
As I realized one class-night-gone-crazy did not outweigh our many blessings, it occurred to me the best preparation for the following week I could do, was pray, leaving it in God’s hands. We still practiced “homework”, laid out stuff to go beforehand, and made sure to leave home earlier, but other circumstances did not stress me out the same. Did we have a perfect performance with no issues? Certainly not! But I enjoyed the time much better.
Praying about everything, especially even the smallest thing, if it is something that may worry me, is simply treating God as a friend. Praying about my activities is showing a deep desire that I want His involvement in my life, my whole life. As much and more than any friend, God wants to listen to whatever I have to say. Nothing is the "wrong" topic!
Prayer:
Dear God, Thank You for wanting to be a part of my whole life and that no part of my life is too small or insignificant or unrelated to speak to You about.