Easter Sunday at New Hope - You're Invited!
Easter Invite from New Hope
We want to personally invite you and your family to New Hope. We’re gonna have great worship, an awesome message, and whether you here on-campus or online, your kids are gonna have a blast!
Lenten Devotional - Day 40
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, April 3, 2021.
Lenten Devotional
By Augustine Nobles
Scripture Reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:18, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
Colossians 1:9, For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.
Reflection:
Prayer was obviously a high priority for the apostle Paul, who wrote the letter to the Colossians. Some of the most beautiful prayers ever written are found in his letters. Paul's prayers are magnificent, not only because of their content but also because he was so diligent in prayer. He prayed “continually” for others and always thanked God for them.
It's true that some people are simply more interested in prayer than others. But God wants prayer to be a top priority in everyone's life. God wants us to experience prayer as a delight, and not a duty. Let us ask God to help us develop a passion for prayer and make it a cherished habit.
Prayer:
Lord, I know that prayer is always a blessing, but it's easy for me to neglect it. Help me to make it a top priority. Please increase my desire and my opportunities to spend time with you. Dear God help me to be devoted to prayer. Help me to connect with you in whatever way I can. Use me to help others grow in prayer as well. In Jesus name. Amen
Lenten Devotional - Day 39 - Good Friday
Lenten Devotional for Friday, April 2, 2021. Good Friday
Lenten Devotional
John 17, A Prayer of Jesus
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
“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.
“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” [Amen.]
Lenten Devotional - Day 38
Lenten Devotional for Thursday, April 1, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:12, In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God.
Reflection:
No matter when or where we are, mountains stand remote, somehow removed from congestion and busyness characteristic of valleys below. They are majestic in height, drawing our attention and encouraging the expenditure of effort required to climb.
Once on a mountain, you experience a different environment than below. You breathe different air and respond to exertion differently. You have a different perspective not just of the ground below looking down from above, but also of things above and the mountain itself.
While prayer can and should happen anywhere and everywhere, it is good to sometimes get away from everyday tasks, take in a new perspective and quietly spend time talking to God alone.
“And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people…” Luke 6:17
Following mountaintop experiences, it’s also good to come back down to share with others the hope and joy you found there.
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 - Day 37
Lenten Devotional for Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Carina Lopez-Ramos
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 6,
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
My soul also is struck with terror,
while you, O Lord—how long?
Turn, O Lord, save my life;
deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
Reflection
At times, I have a hard time saying, “I’m sorry.” Actually, I do say “I’m sorry, but …” My acknowledgment of how I have hurt someone or disappointed someone is often followed by my excuse as to why it happened. However, I don’t think I’m unique in this. Perhaps you may too, have a hard time saying it. The psalmist expresses deep sorrow for his sin, asking God for help and forgiveness. Both his body and his soul feel overwhelmed with terror. David realizes he is experiencing the consequence of his own sin. He cries out in physical and spiritual pain, knowing that God’s discipline is justified for the ways he has disobeyed God.
David’s confession before God is anchored in his confidence that God will forgive. He calls out for God’s deliverance, convinced that God will hear and answer because of God’s steadfast love. Despite the situation in which David finds himself, he knows that he will not permanently abide in terror and distress because of God’s unfailing love. “Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer” (v. 8–9).
As we enter this Lenten season, we can say, “I’m sorry” before God. When we confess before our merciful Lord, we are assured of God’s forgiveness. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry, but” we can say, “I’m sorry because of your steadfast love and forgiveness!” What a wonderful God we serve! What a wonderful God who still accepts us with all our flaws, with arms wide open.
Prayer:
Father God, we confess before you our sins, our brokenness, our mess, and our lives. We all need to experience your abundant mercy. We are not perfect Lord but please help us each and every day to come before you to say, “I’m sorry” with a sincere heart and no explanation. Thank you for your grace. We pray this in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Lenten Devotional - Day 36
Lenten Devotional for Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Julie Burroughs
Scripture Reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:17, Pray constantly.
Reflection:
Have you ever thrown coins in a fountain, raised your feet off the floorboard of the car when crossing a railroad track, held your breath while traveling through a tunnel, and kissed the clock when all the digits were the same number (for example, 4:44)? All of these were fun games I played as a kid to occupy otherwise idle moments. All were accompanied by making a wish, which was thought to come true if the given procedure had been followed.
There were plenty of wishes to not come about, but that didn’t keep me from the fun of playing the game.
Nowadays, I take such opportunities as a reminder to pray. I offer up a prayer request for whatever is my greatest wish or concern at the moment. Whether prompted to by reflexes from a childhood practice or just because something important is on your mind, turn every wish into a prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, please help me instill practices in myself to constantly remember to pray and “have a word” with You. May it be as fun as childhood games, a long-lasting impression and bring joy!
Lenten Devotional - Day 35
Lenten Devotional for Monday, March 29, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Jeff Brant - Hope and Praise in Psalms
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 33:20-21, We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help, and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.
Psalm 150:6, Let everything that has breath, Praise the Lord!
Reflection:
From my earliest memories of reading the Bible, I remember other believers of the faith telling me that if I read anything in the Bible, read the book of Psalms. It seems to speak to you. I found that to be very true. I can relate and find great comfort, hope, and encouragement, in all the books of Psalms.
The mega themes of the books speak about praise, God’s power, forgiveness, thankfulness, and trust. These are all the things I need to hear on a daily basis, to give me hope for the new day, as each morning begins. The scriptures above are some of my favorites. I enjoy and live for singing His praises, as in Psalm 150. I trust in His help in all I am about to face in a new day, as in Psalm 33.
And Psalm 23, I was advised many years ago, to recite over and over again whenever I was fearful, anxious or scared about what I was about to face. Throughout my life, I have found that it really works. As I recite that Psalm, over and over again, saying it out loud, a great calm, or peace, floods over me, and I am able to deal with the challenge at that moment. I encourage you to do the same. I have found it something I will always do, throughout the rest of my life, to help me get through whatever it is I need to, with the confidence that the Lord is with me!
Prayer:
Dear Lord God, continue this day to be the Good Shepherd you have promised to be for us, each and every day, and through each and every circumstance. Protect us, guide us, deliver us, and give us the confidence to show others, the joy, peace and comfort we receive by trusting in you! Amen.
Lenten Devotional -“Little Easter”
Lenten Devotional for Sunday, March 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.
Because He Lives
By Bill and Gloria Gaither
1. God sent his son, they called him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives.
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living
Just because he lives.
2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain day because he lives.
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living
Just because he lives.
3. And then one day I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know he reigns.
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living
Just because he lives.
Lenten Devotional - Day 34
Lenten Devotional for Saturday, March 27, 2021
Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison: Made New
Scripture Reading:
2 Cor. 5: 14-17, Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Reflection:
The Apostle Paul, who wrote this Scripture, is saying, “I know personally that God’s love can change people!” Because of Christ’s death on the cross, his old way of life – his angry, Christian-hating, law-obsessed way of life – it died up on that cross with Jesus. Now, he has an intimate relationship with a life-giving Savior. He became a different person when he received new life in Jesus. In fact, Paul went from a man who persecuted and stoned Christ-followers to one of the strongest, most amazing Christian missionaries of all time. He was made new. This was great news.
Even better news is that Paul is saying and we can be made new too. We also can experience transformation in Jesus Christ. No matter who we are or what we’ve done, when we say yes to Jesus, our old life dies and a new life begins. Remember, when we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God, comes and makes a home within us, transforming us from the inside out. This doesn’t mean we just try a little harder and we become a better person. No, we become new people!
And yet, as we walk further on our faith journey, life gets messy and difficult. Sometimes, it feels like our “newness” has worn off. We don’t feel new anymore. In my own life, as the pandemic has worn on, I simply felt tired and heavy burdened, not new! What God has taught me is that I have to be very intentional about staying connected, walking hand in hand with Jesus through prayer, reading Scripture, and daily worship. Being made new is not a one-time experience. I need God’s renewing power every, single day! I need to constantly, continuously be reminded of who and whose I am. I am made new and transformed, a new creation, and a child of the one true King!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your amazing love and sacrifice. Thank you for salvation and the newness and transformation that can only come from you. Jesus, I need you. Fill me anew today so that I can be renewed and refreshed by your grace and power. I want to live like a new person, one who is totally and fully focused on you. In Your Name, Amen.
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.