Lenten Devotional - Day 23
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
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.
Pastor Tom Bridges
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, and may we walk and not faint. Amen.
Lenten Devotional - 4th Sunday
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
Sunday "Little Easter"
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
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
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.
Debby Cumbie
Reflection:
Nothing Can Silence The Song
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.
lam 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
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
John 10:11-21, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep.
"am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold.
I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.
Pastor Vicki Harrison
Reflection: What image comes to mind when you think of a sheep? Maybe you imagine a cute, cuddly, fluffy animal roaming around eating green grass. Maybe you think about nursery rhymes, like Mary Had a Little Lamb, which makes sheep sound more like dogs, kind of like fluffy Golden Retrievers.
But real-life sheep aren't as cute. In reality, we are very disconnected from sheep and shepherding living in Brandon, Florida, in 2023. Sheep are dirty animals. I remember the last time we went to Colonial Williamsburg and the ladies there said their least favorite job was shearing the sheep because they are so filthy. Sheep tend to also be unintelligent animals and won't survive if they don't have someone to guide them, to protect them, to make sure they don't walk off a cliff or away from the group. In fact, a sheep who wanders away from the group will starve to death because it will not go where the food is. It can hurt itself by rubbing itself to death on a tree or falling down and breaking a leg. Sheep need constant care and attention; a sheep that skips out on this kind of care will in fact die.
Hence, the need for a shepherd. Keep in mind, the people that Jesus is speaking to would have understood this. Sheep were plentiful in Palestine in the first century. The people would have known about shepherds.
They would have known that shepherding was dangerous, tedious, and hard work. There was nothing cute and cuddly about the sheep the shepherds took care of and really, there was nothing cute and cuddly about the shepherds either. These would have been the kind of guys that were considered a little rough around the edges. They were low, low, low on the totem pole - a necessary job but certainly not one held in high esteem.
But what does Jesus say? He says, "I AM the Good Shepherd." This is one of those statements I love because it is another time that Jesus is turning convention on its head. The religious elite would never have compared themselves to a lowly shepherd. But Jesus is saying, "I AM the Good Shepherd." Just like the story of the Good Samaritan when Jesus makes the hated Samaritan the hero of the story, here Jesus is bringing attention to a shepherd of all people. In fact, he says, "I AM the Good Shepherd." I love this because it shows that God's Kingdom comes in surprising ways through surprising people and tends to turn our prejudices upside down.
But Jesus is saying not only am I a shepherd, but I am a good shepherd. I am good at what I do. I'm not like the hired hands, the ones who are only watching the sheep because they couldn't get a job doing anything else. You see, the hired hand is not going to risk his life to care for his sheep. He knows it's dangerous work and he knows the sheep are stupid and sometimes he is going to have to get into messy and difficult situations to save them, but in no way is he going to risk his own life to save the sheep.
But Jesus, you see Jesus is different. He is willing to give up his own life for the sheep. He is the good and perfect shepherd. He loves his sheep. He is the one who cares for them, feeds them, protects them, promises to never leave them, and who will go to any length to save them. Jesus is our good shepherd. The truth is that we are very similar to sheep - we wander, we make bad choices, we need care, and we don't even realize it! But Jesus loves us anyway. Jesus loves YOU and he gave his life up for you. No matter what you've done, no matter how far you have wandered, the good shepherd is willing to search you out, to find you, clean you up, and tell you how much you are loved!
Luke 15:3-7, Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Lenten Devotional - Day 20
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
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.
Pastor Vicki Harrison
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.
Lenten Devotional - Day 19
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Pastor Guy Weatherly
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
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, 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.
Pastor Vicki Harrison
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 praved 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
Daily Devotional
Luke 18:1
And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Julie Burroughs
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 deer 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!
Praver:
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 - 3rd Sunday
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Daily Devotional
Sunday "Little Easter"
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
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
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
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 Jesu
Lenten Devotional - Day 16
Lenten Devotional
Daily 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 vou have taught the hearts of vour 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
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Daily Devotional
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 that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Carole Valdespino
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.
Lenten Devotional - Day 14
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Daily Devotional
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.
Pastor Roberto Chaple
Reflection:
Lent is a season of preparation that seems to be more relevant than ever this ear. 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.
Praver:
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.
Lenten Devotional - Day 13
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Daily Devotional
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.
Julie Burroughs
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 relationships.
Even when you're not new to each other, alone time together helps sustain a 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!
lam 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. Amen.
Lenten Devotional - Day 12
Lenten Devotional
Daily 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
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Daily Devotional
Philippians 4:6
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
Julie Hamilton
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 - 2nd Sunday
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Daily Devotional
Sunday "Little Easter"
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.
Lenten Devotional - Day 10
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Daily Devotional
Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' "For some time he refused. But finally, he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice so that she won't eventually come and attack me!'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Julie Burroughs
Reflection:
1 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. Amen.
Lenten Devotional - Day 9
Lenten Devotional
Daily Devotional
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.
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.
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 guarantine 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. was confident that I was in the Lord's hands. The Lord sustains me!
Praver:
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
Daily 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,
Prav 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
Daily Devotional
1 Thess. 5:17
Never stop praying.
Also take a moment to read some of Jesus' teachings on prayer:
Matthew 6:5-15, 7:7-17, Mark 17:23-26, Luke 17:7-13, Luke 18:7-14, John 15:7.
Pastor Vicki Harrison
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.