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.
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