Lenten Devotional Day 9
Lenten Devotional for Friday, February 26, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Paul Brooks
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 3:3-5
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake up again, because the Lord sustains me.
My experience:
In the morning, I had tested positive for COVID-19. As a chronic asthmatic, I had reason to be concerned. Barbara’s negative test had not come back yet, and she was worried for us both, but we knew we must quarantine in the house. She was most worried that I would sleep alone and she wouldn’t know if I slipped into a crisis. I put on a brave face with her: “I’ll be fine. I have my phone; I’ll call you if I need you.” But alone in my bed that first night, I was scared. I didn’t want to fall asleep. And so I prayed. And prayed. And prayed. And God answered me.
As I prayed, I felt a blanket of comfort wrap around me. It brings tears to my eyes to remember it. I felt a peace that I cannot put into words, settling my soul. I knew that no matter what happened, I was going to be fine. My eyes grew heavy, my heart quieted down and I mercifully drifted off to sleep. When I awoke the next morning, I was refreshed and thankful. I was confident that I was in the Lord’s hands. The Lord sustains me!
Prayer:
Almighty and most merciful Father, your love and compassion for us surpasses anything we could ever hope for. Though we have erred and strayed like lost sheep, you never leave our side. Through Jesus, you restore us in your sight. Through the Holy Spirit, you comfort and guide us in your ways. Pour down on us the continual dew of your blessing, that we may truly please you. Let us give thanks to you in all circumstances, and always keep our trust in you. Through our mediator and advocate, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 8
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, February 25, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
Today, read the Lord's Prayer through slowly, with your eyes following the words but your heart directing them to God. Praying it aloud will help.
Next, read the prayer through again, this time making it very personal. “My Father in heaven . . Give me today the food I need . . . forgive me my sins . . . ” While we can never forget the prayer is corporate and concerned with others too, it’s fine to speak personally to God through it. Again, don’t rush. Pray slowly and deliberately.
Finally, now take one more reading of the prayer, but this time linger on each line, inviting God to bring specific people, situations and responses to mind as you pray.
Matthew 6:9-13,
Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
Lenten Devotional Day 7
Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison
Scripture Reading:
I Thess. 5:17, Never stop praying.
Also take a moment to read some of Jesus’ teachings on prayer: Matthew 6:5-15, 7:7-11, Mark 11:23-26, Luke 11:1-13, Luke 18:1-14, John 15:7.
Reflection:
In Acts 4, when Peter and John were arrested and released, they prayed for boldness. When Peter was arrested again the church offered “constant prayer” for him (Acts 12:5). In fact, they prayed all night long (we stay up worrying all night long, they prayed all night long). When the seven were appointed in Jerusalem to care for the widows, they prayed about it (Acts 6:6). When the church in Antioch first sent out Paul and Barnabas to preach, they prayed about it (Acts 13:3). Peter was in prayer when the vision concerning Cornelius was revealed to him (Acts 10:9; 11:5). Paul and Silas were praying while in the middle of a Philippian jail (Acts 16:25). When Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches they planted, they prayed about it (Acts 14:23). Not, please Lord, bless our decision which we already made, but truly guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. The early believers prayed often and they prayed persistently. Paul writes in I Thess. 5:17, “Never stop praying.”
What’s interesting to me is that they prayed persistently even when they didn’t get the “results” they wanted. Stephen and James were martyred but that didn’t stop the early Christians; they still prayed persistently for Peter. They must have been frustrated and grief-stricken, but they kept praying boldly nonetheless.
Prayer is not simply about getting the results we desire. There is no special prayer formula. We tend to think prayer + faith = results (love, healing, relationships, peace). But that just isn’t how it works. God answers prayers. We can trust in that. But he doesn’t always answer the prayers the way we want him to. And probably a more important point --- a BIG part of prayer is about what God is doing in us when we pray. Prayer is essentially an act of submission. When we pray, we are saying, “God, we need you. You are Lord of this world and we are not. You are in control. We are not. We yield to you.” And there is something that happens within us when we do that.
Sometimes, our prayers are answered swiftly, just the way we want. Other times, the answer we receive isn’t exactly the way we imagined. Sometimes, we don’t get to see the answer on this side of eternity. But Jesus tells us to pray boldly, persistently, and with determination. Paul says to pray continually. Why? Because persistent prayer changes our heart. We draw closer to God. Through the process of regular, persistent prayer, we begin to look more like Jesus. And isn’t that the point?
Prayer:
Dear God, Thank you for always listening to my prayers. Give me the strength and courage to pray boldly and continuously, and change my heart in the process. Lord, I submit to you. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 6
Lenten Devotional for Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:6-7,
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection:
A lot of parenting involves learning patience. When my son was an infant and toddler, he instructed me in patience through battling sleep. I held him, rocked him and sang to him, but if I were not completely relaxed, he sensed it, would not relax and postpone sleep. I had to not only take time to hold, rock and sing, but I had to have patience with him through the process. This patience could not be faked. He could always tell when it was not genuine. Impatience crawls under the skin and seeps out somehow, revealing a missing inner peace no matter what the face attempts to show.
Parenthood is one of the most anxiety-ridden roles in life that comes to my mind. The worry related to it can be so oppressive. My child can be quite accident prone. He has had a concussion from a mere slip on wet pavement in our driveway, and he once shut his thumb in a door jam, resulting in losing his thumbnail, bleeding that was difficult to stop, and a chipped bone.
So, what did I do for personal peace and genuine patience in such challenging parenting moments? I pray. I breathe deeply and clear my mind as best I can. When singing, I sing Christian music, focusing in on the words. I move my mind from other distractions and busyness and instead count my blessings. All of these are forms of prayer. Whatever forms you use, pouring out in conversation with God releases anxiety and realizes peace.
“Have no anxiety about anything” sounds like the perfect “get out of jail free” card when it comes to worry. Of course, just like you have to draw that card in a game of Monopoly, you have to take action to have no anxiety. Think about how thankful you are in a game of Monopoly to pull that “get out of jail free” card out of the deck. That is when to be thankful, at the moment of prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, Please grant me self-control to practice techniques for patience in those situations where impatience likes to creep in and steal my peace. Remind me of the blessings I have. Thank You for always hearing and answering!
Lenten Devotional Day 5
Lenten Devotional for Monday, February 22, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
Read and pray over the Scripture from John 17. Then, spend some time in prayer, using the prayer from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as your guide. How do we need to seek unity as the people of New Hope? How might we become more unified with our Christian brothers and sisters from other cultures, races, and denominations? Ask God to show you those places deep within you that are resisting unity, peace, justice, and wholeness.
John 17:20-21, I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
A Prayer from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind;
in whom to dwell is to find peace and security;
toward whom to turn is to find life and life eternal,
we humbly beseech Thee for all sorts and conditions of men;
that thou wouldst be pleased to make thy ways known unto them,
Thy saving health unto all nations.
We also pray for Thy holy Church universal;
that it may be so guided and governed by Thy Spirit,
that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth,
and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
Finally, we commend to Thy Fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed in mind or body.
Give them patience under the suffering and power of endurance.
This we ask in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Lenten Devotional "Little Easter"
Lenten Devotional for Sunday, February 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.
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 4
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, February 20, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:6,
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Reflection:
My Facebook timeline popped up a memory this morning describing a list of what I called “trials” that occurred all in one day at the time. Those trials seem trivial now in the light of what the world is facing with COVID-19 and all the actions being taken to battle the pandemic. We have a lot to worry about, but let’s turn that worry into prayer!
An important element to prayer is to fill it with trust in and praise for our Lord. The ability to fill our words and actions with trust and praise, especially in times of adversity, sets us apart as Christians and, by doing so, serves as witness to the world.
Prayer:
Lord, Let us never forget we are Yours and You deeply care for us. Grant me Your peace as a sign to others that You are in control no matter what.
Lenten Devotional Day 3
Lenten Devotional for Friday, February 19, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
Psalm 96:1-2
Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
I Will Sing a New Song
by Howard Thurman
The old song of my spirit has wearied itself out.
It has long ago been learned by my heart;
It repeats itself over and over,
bringing no added joy to my days or lift to my spirit.
I will sing a new song.
I must learn the new song for the new needs.
I must fashion new words born of all the new growth
of my life - of my mind - of my spirit.
I must prepare for new melodies that have never been mine before,
that all that is within me may lift my voice unto God.
Therefore, I shall rejoice with each new day
and delight my spirit in each fresh unfolding.
I will sing, this day, a new song unto the Lord.
Lenten Devotional Day 2
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, February 18, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Becky Jordan: Pray Like a Juggernaut
Scripture Readings: Take a moment and look up these Scriptures today.
Exodus 32:11-14
Joshua 10:12-14
1 Kings 18:42-46
Acts 4:30-31
Reflection:
According to the Oxford Dictionary, juggernaut means, " a huge, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution." Moses prayed like a juggernaut in Exodus 32, as an intercessor when the Israelites worshipped a golden calf and God’s anger burned against them, wanting to destroy His chosen people. Years later, his successor Joshua, leader of Israel, mighty military and prayer warrior, prayed in chapter 10, petitioning God to make the sun stand still over Gibeon and the moon to remain over the Valley of Aijalon in a battle the Lord had promised victory to Israel. Elijah earnestly prayed to God high upon a mountain top for rain which would end the three-year drought and display His power. In Acts 4, Peter and John ardently prayed for the Lord to work mightily through them with signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. Old Testament leaders and prophets and apostles of the New Testament had access to the same God who still sits upon His throne desiring to hear and answer the prayers and petitions of his children.
During this time of Lent, let us lift our prayers and petitions as the biblical juggernauts who preceded us. In Isaiah 43:19, we read, "Look; I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."(HCSB) God has given this verse to various members of New Hope over the past three years. Let us fervently seek God's will for New Hope and align our direction with his master plan in our lives, in New Hope’s mission and ministry which we undertake in our community, our country, and the world – the master plan evidenced in His Word time and time again.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I cry out to you for only Your Voice and Your Direction. You have told me You are doing a new thing. You brought me to Mt. Precipice and reminded me again of Your Word. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, wisdom to discern, and boldness to step out in Your Strength.
In the Name Above All Names I humbly offer my prayer, Amen.
Second Sunday Worship on the Lawn Kickoff
Second Sunday Worship on the Lawn -RESCHEDULED for February 21, 2021 6pm
Due to the success of our Worship Road Trip we're excited to announce that we will offer Worship on the Lawn starting in February! Every second Sunday everyone is invited to grab a blanket or lawn chair and join us for worship outside. This is the perfect opportunity to extend that invite to your neighbor or co-worker to join you for worship.
RESCHEDULED
for
February 21, 2021
6:00pm
Main Campus Courtyard
Questions? Email Chris or Pastor Vicki anytime!
Comment below and let us know if you’re planning on joining us.
Ash Wednesday - February 17, 2021
Ash Wednesday at New Hope offers a courtyard worship experience and a drive-thru option for everyone.
Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 6:30pm.
We are excited to offer both a courtyard worship experience and a drive-through option.
All are invited to join us as we prepare for Lent and receive the imposition of ashes.
Lenten Devotional Day 1 - Ash Wednesday
Lenten Devotional for Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:6,
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Reflection:
My Facebook timeline popped up a memory this morning describing a list of what I called “trials” that occurred all in one day at the time. Those trials seem trivial now in the light of what the world is facing with COVID-19 and all the actions being taken to battle the pandemic. We have a lot to worry about, but let’s turn that worry into prayer!
An important element to prayer is to fill it with trust in and praise for our Lord. The ability to fill our words and actions with trust and praise, especially in times of adversity, sets us apart as Christians and, by doing so, serves as witness to the world.
Prayer:
Lord, Let us never forget we are Yours and You deeply care for us. Grant me Your peace as a sign to others that You are in control no matter what.
Click Here to Register for March 2, 2021
The Food Co-Op will meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:30am in the New Hope Life Center. One food unit will consist of a hefty amount of produce and a dozen eggs. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together around food and faith.
Cost is $5/unit, each family can have up to 2 units.
*Orders must be submitted by 11pm the Sunday prior to the Food Co-Op date.
Click Here to Register for March 16, 2021
The Food Co-Op will meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:30am in the New Hope Life Center. One food unit will consist of a hefty amount of produce and a dozen eggs. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together around food and faith.
Cost is $5/unit, each family can have up to 2 units.
*Orders must be submitted by 11pm the Sunday prior to the Food Co-Op date.
2021 UMW Female Youth Scholarship
Application window is now open for the 2021 UMW $1000 scholarship.
Members of United Methodist Women of New Hope are proud to announce the application period for the 2021 Academic Scholarship. The scholarship is $1,000 to support a female New Hope church member who is a graduating senior and has been accepted and will enter as a full-time student at an accredited higher education school.
Deadline to apply is April 16, 2021
Trike-A-Thon at New Hope Early Learning
Support New Hope Early Learning students for years to come!
New Hope Early Learning is excited to announce our annual Trike-A-Thon will be held on February 25, 2021.
In previous years, this fundraiser has provided funds to purchase playground equipment and fencing, child-sized furniture, supplies for the school and so much more! Your generosity and support allows us to provide much needed supplies to provide the best learning environment for our current and future students.
Donations are tax-deductible.
Learn more about New Hope Early Learning HERE
Friday Courtyard Concert - February 12 - 6pm
FREE EVENT! February 12, 2021 at 6pm.
We are excited to host a Courtyard Concert with local band Swipe Right featuring our Assistant Music Director Zach Alexander.
This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to a socially distanced evening of great music.
Friday, February 12 6:00pm
Calling ALL Musicians
Would you like to be part of the New Hope Music Ministry?
The Music Ministry at New Hope, would like to extend an invitation, to those who might be interested in Volunteering in our Ministry through Music, in some capacity.
We currently hope to restart our Worship Leading Choir, at the 9am service, and that opportunity is open to anyone, at any level, who wishes to Sing Praises to Our Great God, from a Heart of Joy ! There are no auditions for that Choir, just a willingness to serve, and sing Praises of Gratitude and Thanks, during our 9am service on Sunday mornings.
Rehearsals for that group are Wednesday nights at 7 – 8pm. Other more skilled opportunities are also available for singers and musicians who read music, and have had some experience, and are of a certain skill level. I would be happy to talk to anyone interested in serving by using their gifts and talents on any level.
Right now, we have a current need for Bass guitar players. You do need to read music at some level, but I’m always willing to work with you, help teach you, and allow you to progress in ability as time goes by.
Currently, we like to have our Team folks serve every other week, if possible.
Please feel free to contact me via email , text or call on 813-843-4314, and I’ll be happy to talk details with anyone who is interested. This invitation includes singers, guitarists, keyboardists, drummers, brass or woodwind players, or strings.
I always look forward to speaking with anyone interested in serving in any capacity, in Music Ministry. Thank you !
Sincerely, Jeff Brant
Dir. Of Music Ministries
Season of Prayer - 24/7 Prayer Opportunity
Join us as we start a season of prayer at New Hope.
Dear New Hope Friends,
We are beginning a new season of prayer at New Hope! This past year has been difficult – we have been isolated from one another, church connection has been hard, and mission and ministry has been complicated to say the least. Regardless, we know that God is calling us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to more people in our community and beyond. With all the challenges we currently face, it seems now is the most critical time to tell others about the love and hope that only comes from Jesus Christ. But how do we do this in the middle of a global pandemic? I may not have answers, but I know the one who does!
Thus, we pray. Starting Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17), we will embark on a 24/7 Prayer Room at New Hope. This means we will have individuals praying for the mission and ministry of New Hope 24 hours a day, for 7 days in a row. We will be asking God for direction and wisdom. In fact, our main question for this prayer week is, “What’s next, God?”
We need your help! A 24/7 Prayer Room means we have 168 slots to fill. To sign-up, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/newhopeprayer OR contact AmyJo Rodriguez at 813-909-6865 or via email.. The daytime prayer slots will mainly be in the New Hope Sanctuary and the nighttime slots are in your home.
We are so excited about what God is going to do in and through the people of New Hope!
Blessings,
Pastor Vicki
P.S. If you have any specific needs or questions for me, don't hesitate to reach out to me at any time via email..