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.
Lenten Devotional "Little Easter"
Lenten Devotional for Sunday, March 7, 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 Easter hymns or songs. 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. Today's song is newer than some of the others but one of my very favorite praise songs. Reflect on the powerful words.
What a Beautiful Name
By Hillsong Worship
You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ
What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is, the Name of Jesus
You didn't want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now?
What a wonderful Name it is
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a wonderful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a wonderful Name it is, the Name of Jesus
Death could not hold You
The veil tore before You
You silenced the boast of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring
The praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again.
You have no rival
You have no equal
Now and forever, God You reign
Yours is the kingdom
Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name above all names
What a powerful Name it is
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a powerful Name it is
Nothing can stand against.
What a powerful Name it is, the Name of Jesus
What a powerful Name it is, the Name of Jesus
What a powerful Name it is, the Name of Jesus.
Lenten Devotional Day 16 "Prayer to the Holy Spirit"
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, March 6, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
Spend some time praying the following prayer.
What images or feelings are brought forth as you say these words?
What Scripture verses come to mind?
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lenten Devotional Day 15 - "Plans"
Lenten Devotional for Friday, March 5, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Carole Valdespino
Scripture:
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My Story:
Twenty years ago, as a one-year-old, my grandson was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Although it was intended for the exiles in Babylon, this is the Scripture we prayed for him as an individual. Surgery was performed and the doctors hoped that the tumor would not return, but it did return a year later. As we continued to pray fervently he was treated with chemo, but he developed a severe allergy and it was necessary to discontinue therapy altogether. Imaging was ordered to provide more information for continued treatment. Options were limited, and we continued our prayers, trusting in God. The images showed absolutely no trace of the tumor! We ascribe that miracle to God’s work in his life. Today he is a bright, healthy young man with a heart for God, and I am a grandmother with a heart overflowing with gratitude to our Lord for this blessing and so many others. I thank God for his Word which provided this scripture.
Prayer:
Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings You shower on us—the ones we realize at the time, the ones we realize later and the ones we never even notice. We acknowledge that we are not worthy of this bounty and accept it with gratitude and awareness of our need for You. We love You for all that You are and all that You do. In the precious name of Jesus we pray that You will continue to guide us in becoming the sons and daughters you want us to be. Amen.
New Hope Early Learning Yard Sale Fundraiser
Support New Hope Early Learning!
Support New Hope Early Learning at our Spring Yard Sale!
All proceeds benefit our preschool, students and teachers during this difficult year.
Spring Cleaning? Donate your treasures to New Hope Early Learning! Items can be dropped off at the school Monday - Friday from 9am - 3pm.
Lenten Devotional Day 14 - "Tune-In Our Expectations"
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, March 4, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Roberto Chaple
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Reflection:
Lent is a season of preparation that seems to be more relevant than ever this year. The domino effect generated by the pandemic feels like a true desert as many mourn the loss of dear ones or walk on top of their chattered dreams. But perhaps we tend to put too much blame in this current crisis and forget that our materialistic lifestyle has given us false hope in a control that we actually never had. It is in the midst of these tensions that Lent is great time to tune-in our expectations, because our responsibility before God will never go beyond preparing the way for Him and walk ourselves in it. Even though we know this biblical truth, we always tend to celebrate achievements and get frustrated when things don’t happen as “we” planned. In times of pain and uncertainty, may this season be a loud and clear reminder that faithfulness is our greatest achievement.
Prayer:
Dear God, as we prepare to celebrate your amazing Love and Power, help us abandon ourselves for the sake of others as you did. Help us prepare the way for you so others can know and follow You. It is in your Holy and Mighty Name we pray, Amen.
UNSCRIPTED
Join us for the conversation March 3, 2021 at Noon.
UNSCRIPTED launches TODAY at Noon.
Chris Temple and Cheryl Hickman, Executive Director of Hope for Her, sit down together and YOU'RE invited to join in on the conversation.
Watch at New Hope Online or on our Facebook page.
#WhatsNextGod #findnewhopefl
Lenten Devotional Day 13 - "Alone with God"
Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, March 3, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 14:23
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Reflection:
Have you ever met someone at an event or while out someplace, and then sought out a chance to be alone with them? When you get away from others, activities, noise, etc., you can talk and get to know each other better. Alone time together helps build relationship. Even when you’re not new to each other, alone time together helps sustain relationship. One way couples work at this is through “date nights.”
Jesus went off alone to pray. But it’s not that He was completely alone. He was alone with God!
I am never alone. God is always with me. Going off “alone” to pray is just getting to a time and place that’s quiet and away from distractions where I can talk with and focus on the Lord to build and sustain my relationship with Him. Take advantage of the moments where you just happen to have some time alone with the Lord, but also be intentional about scheduling “date night” kind of moments with Him too. While corporate prayer and worship are important, so is alone time together with God!
Prayer:
Lord, Thank You that I am never truly alone! Thank You that when I get a chance to “get away” from others, that I can be alone with You. Help my relationship with You grow stronger with continuous prayer.
Lenten Devotional Day 12 - Night Prayer
Lenten Devotional for Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
Night Prayer
by Rev. John Williamson, from A New Zealand Prayer Book
Lord, it is night.
The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.
It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.
The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives
rest in you.
The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.
The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.
In your name we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
· Is there a word or a phrase that stood out to you? Why was it meaningful?
· What do you need to release that has been left undone?
· What fears do you need to lay down and lay at the foot of the cross?
Lenten Devotional Day 11
Lenten Devotional for Monday, March 1, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Hamilton
Why Should I Worry?
Scripture Reading:
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Reflection:
Each year as Lent approaches I begin considering what I might “give up” for this season. As Christians we accept this time of reflection and preparation for Easter as a period of sacrifice, a symbol of the great love Jesus demonstrated as he went to the cross and bore the weight of our sins. We look for areas in our lives where we can lessen or omit something that isn’t good for us, like sweets, coffee, fast food, watching too much tv, and so on. Even in this modern world where we can quickly search the internet for lots of ideas for how to tackle the sacrifice of Lent, I had never considered giving up something less tangible, like worry. I mean if you think about it, it fits the bill, right? It isn’t good for me, it keeps me from the things of Christ, it is a useless waste of valuable time I could devote to kingdom work, and it is down right exhausting. But giving up worry doesn’t feel sacrificial, in fact the idea of not worrying sounds liberating.
As I have thoughtfully considered the idea of “giving up” worry, I have come to a simple conclusion; though the outcome may be liberating, the journey of Lent may be one of the hardest ever. It’s not like the cup of caffeine charged coffee I can watch swirl as I pour it down the drain; it is inside me, ingrained in my imperfect human brain. It’s a part of how I plan, how I interact with the world, how I handle stress, even how I define the control I have over the everyday. I’m powerless against it, yet I somehow feel completely out of control with just the thought of it being absent. It’s mine. It’s part of who I am, right?
The Bible tells us over and over again (300 plus times) that God doesn’t want us to worry. He didn’t design us that way and he doesn’t want that for us. But the Bible doesn’t just say, “don’t worry”, it also tells us what to do when worry tries to take hold. Pray with gratitude to a loving Father who will gladly remind us He is in control of every detail of our lives. It is all in His hands.
Prayer:
Father God, lead me. Show me those things that prevent me from being all you have designed me for. Love me Father, when I press you away with my fears and worry and forget YOU ARE IN CONTROL. In this time of remembrance may I be washed with the knowing that your sacrifice was made so that I might live fully and abundantly for your kingdom. Amen
Lenten Devotional "Little Easter" Sunday
Lenten Devotional for Sunday, February 28, 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.
He Lives
By Albert Ackley
1. I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He's always near.
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart,
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
2. In all the world around me I see His loving care
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair
I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing will come at last
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
3. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
Easter Around Town Scavenger Hunt
Support our mission partners, New Hope family owned businesses and other local businesses this Easter while having a little “socially distanced” fun for all ages!
March 14 through April 3, 2021 stop by participating locations and snap a photo with the New Hope egg. Upload your photos to our Facebook Easter Scavenger Hunt post with #HopeIsHere or submit them via email to easter@findnewhope.com.
Collect your final egg on Easter Sunday in the sanctuary or online during our worship experiences!
Support our mission partners, New Hope family owned businesses and other local businesses this Easter while having a little “socially distanced” fun for all ages!
More info at findnewhope.com
Lenten Devotional Day 10
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Luke 18:1-8
And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Vindicate me against my adversary.’ For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.’’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily.
Reflection:
I highly dislike “push notifications” on my devices because they are, well, pushy! I love to create checklists, but allowing my device to essentially do this for me and continually nag me about what it (or the various app creators) deems most important, creates a lot of stress for me. I feel tied to my phone with a list that never seems to get completely checked off and somehow missing what is important. There doesn’t ever seem to be a rewarding sense of accomplishment, but more of a burden of never feeling good enough. Fortunately, I can select which apps and features “allow” push notifications, so I choose to limit them a great deal.
God, on the other hand, allows all the “notifications” I throw at Him come through and be marked as important. Whether I put in one or one hundred requests (prayers), He gets the notification. He hears me and sees me every time. He doesn’t get stressed out or irritated by them, because He’s already known and completed them every time.
Prayer:
Lord, Thank You that no worry is too insignificant to turn over to You in prayer and that Your perfect love dispels all need for fear and anxiety.
Bold Vision: What's Next, God...
We encourage everyone to join us as we begin to understand the Bold Vision being revealed from asking the question “What’s Next, God?”
Sunday, March 7 - 4:30 PM
We encourage everyone to join us as we begin to understand the Bold Vision being revealed from asking the question “What’s Next, God?”
This interactive experience is designed to allow those in-person and online the opportunity to worship, share their experiences from our season of prayer and to provide us, as the body of Christ, a starting point for what’s next right here at New Hope.
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.