Day 16 | John 13:1-17 

Day 16 | John 13 

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.  Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;  so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”  For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13: 1-17 (NIV)

For Reflection:

Of all the things these disciples had previously learned from Jesus, did this one take them by surprise?

The meal was set, and the nibbling on the food had begun. The disciples, likely famished from the long day, were satisfying their hunger, perhaps content to ignore the fact that their feet remained unclean. Or maybe they were shooting looks around the table, subtle nods suggesting someone else should attend to the lowly task of foot washing. Then, unexpectedly, Jesus arises, removes his formal clothing, wraps a towel around himself, and readies the basin. Did the looks continue?

Jesus, who demonstrates his love through miracles, now embodies the humble role of a house servant and prepares to wash his friends' feet. We read that Peter was uncomfortable with this situation, and true to Peter’s character, he did not hold his tongue. Jesus sets him straight, revealing that the deeper issue isn’t clean feet so much as the need to be washed clean by Jesus, both to begin and maintain a relationship with Him. Still, Jesus presses on, showing what it truly looks like to serve. I wonder if he prayed over each of them as he cleaned their dirty feet, knowing their next season of life would be filled with both deep joy and intense hardship.

This picture of Jesus with the towel helps frame the way we think about our service today. In the early days of North Harbor, small groups were built around the concept of T3 = text, table, and towel. The text represents God’s Word, the table invites community, and the towel symbolizes service. Together, these three aspects help us live in step with God and these components remain ingrained in our North Harbor community to this day.

As I ponder service and why God so clearly models it for us, I’m drawn to its duality. At times, we are the ones serving others; bringing food to a neighbor or friend in need, buying extra Christmas gifts for those who could use the help, volunteering to clean a space not our own, or plowing or shoveling another's driveway. At other times, we find ourselves in need of service; receiving a warm meal, a ride to an appointment, or prayer for a specific request. Both when we are serving and being served, we reflect the image of the triune God. This rhythm of giving and receiving helps us resist the illusion of self-sufficiency, reminding us that humility and trust are essential as we serve and are served.

Let us Pray:

Thank you God, that you are a triune God, three in one, living interdependently.  Thank you for letting part of you, in the form of Jesus, come and show us the way to live.  Search us God and know our hearts, help us see where you are leading us to trust as we both serve others and receive your provision.  May we be people who lean into you for wisdom and strength to serve well as we live out of our days in a broken world in desperate need of your love and mercy.  Amen.

Questions:

Jesus often had compassion on people, where are you feeling compassion for people? Maybe there is a need you keep encountering?  Ask God to show you how to respond. 

If you are able to take a few quiet moments, picture Jesus washing your feet. Feel the water being poured over your feet and allow yourself to be present to Jesus in this moment.


Day 17 | Matthew 25:34-40 

Day 17 | Matthew 25:34-40 

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV)

 

For Reflection:

Jesus came to teach a message of love for all; a message of compassion and mercy. He spent His days on Earth rewriting the narrative of who salvation was meant for. Jesus came to remove our preconceptions that certain ones of us deserved salvation because of the family we were born into or some deed we had done; He came to refocus our lens in order to realize that His coming for all meant ALL… the rich, poor, healthy, and sick… the greatest and the least of these.

Recently, I’ve found myself in a season of experiencing being “one of the least of these” as I’ve been in need of rides to appointments, help with cooking meals, help finishing processing my garden and even needs as simple as my hair getting done. It’s been a season of having to choose daily to humble myself and move past my pride and independence which like to interfere with my first asking for and then thereafter accepting help from those around me. And the experience, while painful and counter to the core of my being, has also been beautiful. Recognizing that “the least of these” have to exist in order for God’s people to come around them with support, compassion and love, I realize that right now it’s my turn to be “the least of these”, and down the road, it will be another person’s turn and I’ll have the opportunity to be Jesus to them.

What a God we follow! A God, not who commands and sets himself apart, but instead who lives in each and every one of us so that when we as a community feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the sick… we are in fact feeding and clothing and visiting Him. Can we reframe our thinking to see God in all people around us? Can we come together, recognizing each of our needs through the changing seasons, and confidently know that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

 Let us Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming and setting the example of what it means to love others while at the same time recognizing our own need for love and compassion from others. Allow me to be humble when I truly need something… not seeing being “the least of these” as a negative thing… but instead as an opportunity to experience YOUR kingdom at work in those around me. Thank you for your love. Amen.

Questions:

When have I experienced being “one of the least of these”?

What is one way I might extend His love through service to someone around me today?


Day 18 | Matthew 5:1-7

Day 18 | Matthew 5:1-7

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

 God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble,

    for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

    for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

 Matthew 5:1-7 NLT


For Reflection:

These past few days, we have explored how Jesus guides us to recognize and respond to needs around us, to serve others, and receive service, in humility, peace, and love as Jesus modeled and taught. How do we serve out of a place of gratitude, generosity and love, rather than obligation? Why does it matter to recognize our own need for Him, for compassion and mercy from Him and others?

This passage from the Sermon on the Mount invites us to look at our attitudes, posture, and heart toward God and others, to consider our relationship with God and the impact of how we relate to and with others.

Jesus’ teaching counters what many in his time believed and leaders taught: that we are blessed through our own goodness and efforts following the law. Our culture today conveys a blessed life is one of abundance. Jesus teaches a Kingdom that seems upside down to many: belonging to those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are merciful, who hunger and thirst for what is just and righteous; where those considered great are not by worldly definitions. He is showing that to be blessed in the Kingdom of Heaven, looks different than one might expect – and that our attitudes, posture and heart toward God and others as we engage with them matter. In God’s kingdom, a person who is “blessed” experiences hope and joy, independent of his or her outward circumstances.

The word translated “humble” in verse 5 (“meek” in some translations) is the same word used by Jesus to describe His own heart in Matthew 11:29 (“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”) What would it look like for me to have a humble heart like Jesus?

There exists a fragile line between humility and judgement, between compassion and pity. I’ve seen it serving in communities, distributing food, providing shelter, and serving on mission. I’ve unwittingly crossed it myself. Have you?  This fragile line between a heart that is humble and one that (however well-intended) is not can be easily broken and result in coming across as condescending or superior toward another. As we serve others and with others in our communities, our church, our schools, let’s reflect on our attitude, posture, and heart. Do we look to Jesus for His example to see the needs around us and respond in humility, peace, and love? 

How might I draw from His perspective, from the mercy that God generously has given to me; from His attitude, heart, and actions in order to serve with loving kindness, humility, and mercy, recognizing our mutual need for Jesus? 

Let Us Pray:

Gracious God, thank you for your humble, gentle heart; for your mercy so freely given; for the comfort you provide and contentment you cultivate as we live out your hope, love, peace, and light in our world. Lord, would you help humble my heart and mind to be more like yours. Show us what you see. Help us recognize that we all need your mercy, grace, comfort, forgiveness and love. Help us to see the needs around us and to move with compassion and intention to serve in our communities, our church, and to do so in humility, love and peace, knowing that it is your love, your light, your mercy guiding and providing. 

Help keep us aware of our own poverty within – that it may not be eclipsed by the poverty we see before us. Please continue to guide our attitudes posture toward you and others, and would you continue healing and forming our hearts to be humble, gentle, meek like yours. Thank you for loving us first, for calling us to your heart. In the holy name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Questions: 

Where is there poverty within my own spirit?

What is my posture when helping another? Am I elevating or humbling myself?

I reflect on God’s mercy toward me. How do I readily share the mercy God has shown me in serving others? 

Do I find myself quietly judging or questioning the motives of the people I am serving or serving with, being critical of their circumstances? I talk with Jesus about this.



Day 19 | 1 Peter 4:10

Day 19 | 1 Peter 4:10

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

For Reflection: 

God has given me a particular set of skills, with which to love and serve others. Yet I find myself often thumbing my nose at those abilities. Instead I desire other giftings, often those I see in others around me. (What’s that, you say? “Coveting?” Perhaps you are right.)

Why do I find it so difficult to embrace the gifts I have been given? Perhaps it is a point of pride: imagining that some gifts are better than others. That people will be more impressed with me if I can do such-and-such. To say, “Look at me!” Perhaps it is a point of envy: desiring that which others have, on the sole basis that I do not have it. Perhaps it is a point of self-esteem: insisting that I’m not qualified, that surely someone else is better suited. Perhaps it is a point of (dis-)obedience: Of the things I can do, some of them I do not want to do. 

Notice the pattern yet? All the ways I shun my gifts are focused on ME and what I think. These are some of the lies that Satan uses to blunt our effectiveness for God’s kingdom. The world would tell us that the best kind of gifts are those we give ourselves, but the Bible tells us that the best kind of gifts are those given freely to others, out of love. When we turn our focus toward loving and serving others, meaningful change is brought to bear in the lives of those around us. 

Let us Pray: 

God, I confess that many times I do not embrace the gifts you have given to me. Instead I chart my own course, imagining that I know better than you how to build your Kingdom. Help me to lean into your strength, to trust your provision and wisdom, that I would be a conduit for your blessing to others. Amen.

Questions:

I wonder what opportunities there are to use my gifts that God has already placed in my path?

I wonder what it looks like to come alongside others and enable their giftings?

Day 20 | Colossians 3:23

Day 20 | Colossians 3:23

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 (NLT)


For Reflection: 

How do we do our work?  Whatever we might consider work in our lives, maybe our jobs, maybe our household chores, maybe raising our families, maybe our cause of choice, maybe some combination of these or more, what is our posture towards doing this work?  Do we do it begrudgingly, resenting it or whining about it?  Do we try to skirt by on as little as possible, leaving it for someone else to do?  Do we try to escape from it, detach from it, searching for the next fun thing?  Do we obsess over it, gaining our self-worth only from its successful completion?  Do we demand its perfection, to the detriment of ourselves or those around us?  Do we do it for accolades, for achievement or acceptance?  Do we do it with purpose, with joy, for the greater good, for beauty, in love?  Maybe all of the above, and then some, depending on the day.

What does it mean to do this work as for the Lord?  We only have to look earlier in this same chapter (v.12-14) to hear about the attributes of this Lord.  A Lord of perfect love, compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness.  The perfect love that was shown in Jesus.  Shown through entering into downtrodden lives without shame or admonition, but with a presence who saw and loved and invited to be a part of the love.  A perfect love who worked to give love to others.  The perfect love that gives us purpose, yet didn’t send us into a life of striving more and working harder, but who commanded us to rest and modeled retreats for prayer and quiet.

Earlier, this chapter (v.18-22) also shares about how we should treat each other.  Then, comes our verse, “Whatever you are doing…”, whatever work we are doing…no matter the work, it matters, how we show up for it and how we treat others in it.  May our goal be to do all of our work, no matter the task, with our hearts wide open, with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness and love for ourselves and others, as if doing it for the Lord.

Let us Pray:

Dear God, work is such a tricky word.  I can simultaneously hate it and depend on it for my self-worth.  I can resent those in authority over me, lose patience with those working under me and forget who the work is for.  I take a moment to ask your forgiveness for any posture towards my work that is not of you.  I pray that you would be with me in my work today.  Give me a renewed awareness of bringing your compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness and love to all that I do in this day.  Thank you for the work you have given me to do, may I do it for you. Amen.

Question:

What does it look like to work as though I was working for the Lord in what I have to do today?


Day 21 | Philippians 4:8-9

Day 21 | Philippians 4:8-9 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

–Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)


For Reflection:

Our thoughts matter. Our thinking matters. What we immerse ourselves in has direct influence over/on the way we experience conversations, upon the things we walk through and do; how we perceive our experiences; our interactions with others; our posture toward others and how we engage in the tasks and events in our everyday lives. Paul, sitting in prison while writing this letter, knows this fact well. 

He is living it. 

In our passage, Paul begins making a turn to close this heartfelt letter to his beloved brothers and sisters in Philippi, as he remembers and reframes. He prefaces this guidance by asking them to lean in to hear this “one final thing” that calls attention to what is consuming their thoughts. Are thoughts fixed on what is wrong, frustrating, worrisome, even unjust? Or on what is right, good, lovely; things worthy of praise that warm our hearts?

Knowing that thoughts drive our actions, he makes the connection for us. For Paul, if he is focusing on being sidelined (in prison), unable to travel and build and mentor church communities of disciples, he would not be writing letters. Instead, he refocuses on what is good, looks for where the opportunities lie, and pours himself into letters to encourage, correct, teach, connect, and express gratitude and love. He challenges and reminds them to consider: What are they putting into practice and how does that compare to what they learned together from and with Paul when he was with them? And what they see and receive from him now?


Why? Paul knows that sometimes our plans are interrupted – by big or small things, that unexpected events can flip a day or even life upside down, bringing discouragement and questions and cause us to worry, fear, even retreat. 


Has this happened to you?  


Earlier today, I went to have blood drawn for an upcoming check-up. The waiting room was unusually full, and I found a seat in one of the last of 15 chairs lining the walls of this small room. I had work to do, and this delay was not only inconvenient, I had not brought my work along, which added to my angst. After a period of silence, a sense of camaraderie, peace, and even joy emerged among us. A few elderly women who bussed over from a local assisted living place leaned in, spoke into the room, and before long, laughter erupted amid the lengthy, unexpected waiting that was stealing a chunk out of our day. Over the next hour, one-liners about life, aging, our human condition broke the silence as they bantered among themselves and with us all and laughter emerged; others joined in. As they left, they suggested to the very quiet young woman seated next to me that she’s likely relieved to see them go… Instead, she exclaimed: “You’re the reason I stayed!” More laughter! And joy!

The office was understaffed. While none of us were happy to be delayed, each one showed compassion for the staff and one another; not a single complaint was voiced in the 120 minutes I shared this space with them. While waiting, I noticed the weariness of a young worker as she had come in and out, calling names to take people back. The heaviness of her job and the added responsibilities were weighing on her. As she looked at the sheet to call my name, she saw a hurtful note that someone (who came in, then left) had written on the sign-in sheet. She repeated the message to her colleague, and sat to draw my blood. She recounted her week to me, and the weight of criticism and impatient judgment of others welled up as tears in her eyes. It was such a stark contrast to the other side of the shared wall. 

As we finish these 21 Days together and continue our journey to draw near to God in His word and prayer, may we pay attention. Keep watch. Realize where our thoughts are going and what is consuming and guiding us. Will we catch ourselves as headlines, conflicts, polarization, tragedies begin to consume our thoughts – and redirect them toward God’s presence with us; His promises; the goodness in the world around us? Will we look up and let Him remind us of things that are lovely and excellent and admirable? While we don’t ignore what is wrong and unjust; can we look first to our beautiful Savior and Friend who loves us; shows us how to live, and renews our minds, transforming us into His likeness, that we might live as His loving light in this world, wherever we go, come what may? May we look to Jesus, fix our thoughts and eyes on what is good and lovely, let His excellence be the foundation for our actions, interactions, thoughts, words and conversations. 

Let Us Pray:

Oh Lord, how lovely is your dwelling place. Together we make Paul’s encouragement our prayer: Gracious God, would you help us fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Help us to think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Strengthen and guide us to keep putting into practice all we have learned and received from You through your Word—everything we hear from You and see You do in your Word. Holy and loving God, would you fill us and surround us with your peace, true peace that only You can give. That we may know You, Our God, the God of peace, are truly with us. And Lord, as we go, following you, allowing you to transform and empower us to think and do as you do, may the world see your light and come to know you. And may your peace reign in us and in this world. In your holy and precious name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Questions:

How am I experiencing God’s peace in this season of life? Where are my thoughts focused? Are my thoughts consuming and sidelining me in any way?

I ask Jesus to increase my awareness as my thoughts anchor into places that draw me away from His goodness and to help redirect my thoughts, words, and actions. 


Day One | Anchored in Hope | Hebrews 6:17-20a (NLT)

God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.  Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.  Hebrews 6:17-20a (NLT)

For Reflection:

A tense situation. An awkward conversation. A conflict with someone you care about. Others arguing with one another. The moment you discover you made a mistake. Where to turn? How to steady yourself again? 

Any of these unexpected situations can throw us. When this happens, do we remain steady as we continue along? Or do we tend to be thrown off—swept into the current and chaos…sideswiped? Maybe sometimes even take ourselves out of action (for a time)? Or do we continue forward, focused. Not unaffected—but at peace, unswerving yet still bendable – like a tree that moves in the wind without snapping and returns upright. I think of Jesus in the boat amid the storm… winds raging, disciples panicking… He simply wakes up (on demand!), rebukes the storm, and continues the journey, teaching as they go (Luke 8:22-25; Mark 4:35-40).

As you consider these or other circumstances that bring angst to your days, life… reflect on this: What is the first thing you think of… or instinctively do when things press in? A place to go… looking to something that brings comfort, helps us feel better in the moment (or look forward to…) or to avoid or escape? 

The Bible calls these things or places “strongholds:” where we go for refuge, to feel secure. 

As you read our passage, did you notice these words: “we who have fled to him for refuge"?! Do you see the invitation? If we skip over these words to land on to the wonderful promise of great confidence holding to hope… we end up focusing on our holding (or efforts) and fly past the picture of Jesus lovingly holding us (His mercy and grace, freely given)! We don’t want to miss the invitation to first reflect and recognize where we instinctively turn for refuge… and ponder Him as our strong and trustworthy, sure and steadfast (ESV) anchor for our souls… His promise that will not, cannot change.

Where is my hope? Where is yours? As we strive in our strength to hold on to hope, we risk missing the better part… Jesus holds us! We hold to Him as we are securely held. Can you picture that?

Jesus invites us to find safety and anchor in Him. To allow ourselves to be held by our strong, sovereign, loving, powerful Savior, as the winds and waves of life push against us… letting Him steady us: our hearts, minds… thoughts…words…actions, emotions.  An anchor for our soul. 

Anchoring in hope—firmly in Jesus—looks like Jesus in the storm: steady, present, at peace, bringing His calm to those around Him, and pointing toward faith as the source for peace. 

Let us pray:

Lord, you are holy, faithful, and true to your promises! You don’t change your mind! Thank you for being steadfast, that you never change—that you offer us a firm foundation, a trustworthy  anchor for our soul, our lives. Much in our world sometimes feels in constant flux, shifting to and fro. Thank you for your word, your promise, that assures us you are steady and invites us to flee to YOU for refuge – in life’s storms and in every day. Lord, help me to see other places I sometimes run or hide to feel safe and help me to turn instead to you, holding to the hope that lies before us in and through You! To anchor my hope and heart securely in You and to trust you are strong; you are present; and that you are holding me no matter what comes my way. Help increase my awareness when I begin to shift my anchor from you. You are a good, good God. My loving Savior. Help me to believe your word and to trust you who goes before us and is with us every step, every breath. I love you. In your holy, strong, steadfast name I pray. Amen. 

I wonder what it would be like to remain tethered to Jesus in such a way that my first response is to check my anchor?

If I look now, what (or who) is my hope anchored in? 

Day 2 | Anchored In Hope | Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30(ESV)

For Reflection:

We all have burdens and trials. It’s all part of being human. Sometimes they are burdens we choose to take on, and other times these trials are thrust upon us whether we choose to accept or not. “Facticity” represents the limitations and conditions that are imposed on individuals rather than chosen. Kate Bowler, in her devotional, “Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!” explains, “All of our freedoms are constrained by so many unchangeable details.” The philosopher, Martin Heideggar refers to this existential state as the “thrownness” of human life. Bowler continues, “As we awake to the suffering of this world and our existence, we find ourselves hurtling through time. We reach out for something, anything, to steady us, but we are like astronauts untethered. That is a particular kind of grief – the awareness that we are not drivers of our circumstances, not anymore. We are unwilling passengers.”

But what if we were willing to be carried? I pause and wonder in what ways I’ve been and continue to be an unwilling passenger in my life. An unexpected injury or illness? A particularly trying time in my family? As I ponder these things, I’m reminded of the community that consistently came and continues to come around me in the midst of those uncontrollable circumstances; in the midst of the “facticity”. I remember too when I was able to reciprocate and do the same for others, and I’m struck with the realization that us humans are uniquely united by the commonality of our fragility.

And when we are all fragile together, what then? Who will carry us through these times? I think of the image of a shepherd carrying his sheep and am reminded of the analogy of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, carrying us. “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” Isaiah 40:11. I picture myself relinquishing control, no longer an unwilling passenger, but instead a willing one. Jesus carrying his sheep through the rocky valleys; carrying me through the storms.

Let us pray:

God, I pray that you allow me to recognize the places in my life that I'm clinging to and being an unwilling passenger. Allow me to release hold and instead anchor myself in you, trusting you will carry me to safety as you so tenderly carried the sheep. I pray that as I navigate through trials, I would keep anchored in the hope that you have a plan and hold my tether secure. Amen.

In what ways are you an unwilling passenger in life right now?

What might it look like if you were willing to be carried?

Day 3 | Anchored In Hope | Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

For Reflection:

We live in a time of unprecedented information.  Every day we are bombarded.  Advertisements encourage us to be perpetually dissatisfied with our current state so we will be enticed to purchase that new something (that will surely make us complete!).  Our culture often seems to delight in judging everyone and everything, creating feelings of insecurity.  Our news feed can flood us with more trauma than the human mind and emotions were meant to process at one time. In this environment, it can be all too easy to grow cynical, and quickly find things to complain about. Focusing on the noise and brokenness of the world can cause worry to become a habit.

But as Christians, we have been shown a better way.  Yes, we could easily default to the negative. Or, we can choose to practice thinking as these verses remind us in Philippians. It doesn’t mean being in denial about difficulties. Jesus tells us that we will have troubles in this world, but also promises that He has overcome it.  Tim Mackie of the Bible Project says:  “Peace comes from focusing your thoughts on what is good, true, and lovely.  There’s always something that we could complain about, but as followers of Jesus, we know that all of life is a gift, and can choose to see beauty and grace in any life circumstance.”

Whether we are in a season of plenty, or not, we are reminded here that it is possible, and a gift,  to fix our thoughts on better things. As Romans 12:2 says, we can “be transformed by the renewing of our mind, allowing God's peace to fill us”.

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus, open my eyes to the gifts You place all around me everyday.  Help me to choose to feed my mind and soul with the goodness of Your Word. Thank you for true peace and hope that comes only from You. AMEN.

I wonder, what negative messages have I been absorbing from the culture around me?

How might this Bible passage help me to turn that awareness into a choice to meditate on the true, the lovely, the praiseworthy things?  

What practices might I add to or subtract from my daily habits to help me connect more with God’s goodness?

Day 4 | Anchored In Hope | Hebrew 11:1-3 (NLT)

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.  Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.  By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. Hebrew 11:1-3 (NLT)

For Reflection:

Faith is trusting in what we cannot see.  Our ancestors—the people of old—lived by this kind of faith. Their trust in God led them to experience His love, to build a boat on dry ground, and to follow His guidance into unfamiliar places. They believed in God’s never-stopping, never-giving-up, always-and-forever love.

Do I believe this? Does my faith reflect that amazing love? I take a minute to reflect on what I do by faith?                                                                                                                                       

By faith, I open my Bible and believe God will meet me there.                                                                      

By faith, I memorize scripture believing I will have access to truth when I need it.                                

By faith, I will surrender my thoughts to God, believing the wisdom of Philippians that says to take captive every thought.

By faith, I hold the heavy things of this world up to God believing that His presence will fill me with what I need to do my part to love those around me, family and neighbors alike.

By faith, I will continue to friend people who don’t look like me, believe like me or think like me.

By faith, I will pray for people who have yet to experience God‘s goodness, love, mercy and joy.

By faith, I will pray, audacious prayers like Jesus and trust that God can do anything.              

By faith, I will pray the tiniest and even selfish prayers, knowing that God cares for the smallest detail and desires connection with me most of all.    

                                                                                                                   

By faith, I will connect with a small group believing in God‘s promise that where two or three are gathered there he will be.

By faith, I’ll reach out to a friend or family member who is yet to know how DEEPLY they are loved by God and continue to build a relationship and love like God loves.

By faith, I will invite a friend tea/coffee and build a friendship.  I will enter the curiosity of God with them… What if there was a God who really loved us… Needing nothing from us, just longing for the chance to share the joy of the Holy Trinity with us?

By faith, I weep. I let sorrow in and let it flow through me.  I get honest before God and feel the feelings, knowing that Jesus is near.

By faith, as the day turns into the night, I will love my people and not retreat, I will listen and enjoy their company.

By faith, I’ll let myself rest believing I am able to connect with God, self and others best from a rested state. 

By faith, I begin to practice sabbath, resting from the relentless pursuit of purpose and letting my soul be refreshed.

Let us pray:

Abba,  Thank you for the gift of faith that you freely offer everyone.  Please help me to recognize the ways in which I am living in faith.  Will you grant me the courage to see the ways I shy away from following you/embracing this faith?  Thank you for your sweet love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I wonder what God will bring to mind if you ask Him to show you what you do by faith.

Day 5 | Anchored In Hope | Mark 2:1-5, 11-12 & John 13:34 (NLT)

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:1-5 (NLT)


“Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” Mark 2:11-12 (NLT)


So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34 (NLT)

For Reflection:

I read this passage and imagine what it was like to be one of the men that carried the paralyzed man.  I sure would like to be the friend who triumphantly lowers the paralyzed man in front of Jesus for him to be healed and see the miracle unfold before my eyes.  And then I wonder what it took to get there.  How long had the friends known the paralyzed man?  How long had this man been paralyzed?  How long had he been longing for healing?  Was he the one directing the men to bring him to Jesus or had he given up hope long ago and they were the ones who hoped Jesus could heal him?  How many seemingly unanswered prayers to God had they prayed for this man asking for healing over the years?  How many days did they care for their friend who couldn’t care for himself?  How hard was it to push through crowds, climb on a roof, cut a hole and create a lowering mechanism all while carrying a man on a mat?  I want to be the witness bearer to the miracle of Jesus.  Am I also willing to be the long-suffering friend who continues to love, continues to hope, continues to push through the crowds and insist on Jesus for the sake of another?  Mark says, “When Jesus saw their faith…”  he forgave the man and healed him.  Could he be implying that not only the faith of the paralyzed man, but the collective faith of the men that hoped and loved this man enough to carry him to Jesus is what healed him?

I think about the paralyzed man and then I think about a need, struggle or weakness of my own.  I want to be an important friend helping those in need.  I don’t want to be the needy one who is dependent on others.  But what am I missing when I pretend I have it all together?  When my own silent prayers run dry and I struggle to imagine restoration, what might I gain by revealing my paralysis to a friend?  Someone who might peek over the obstacles and say, “I know you can’t see him right now, but that’s ok because I do.  Jesus is here, he’s healing, he’s forgiving, he’s loving and performing miracles, let me share my faith, my hope and my love with you until you can experience him too.”

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus, I thank you for your holy community.  I thank you that you have not made us to live alone, but have created us for community.  I admit that I struggle with the vulnerability, the discomfort and hard work that is called for to love in the way that you love.  Give me your generosity of heart to hold hope for others when they need it.  Give me the humbleness required to allow others to hold hope for me when I need it.  I thank you for and continue to pray for relationships and community in my life that will spur one another on towards you in faith, hope and love. Amen.

I wonder if I know someone who needs a friend to hold hope for them.  Is there an action I could take to that end?

I wonder what need I have that I could allow others to hold hope for me in?

I wonder who could hold hope for me?*

*If no one comes to mind, Pastor Patti would love to be a person to talk to, to hold space for hard things and to hope with you.

Day 6 | Anchored In Hope | John 5:1-9 (NLT)

Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days.  Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches.  Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath. John 5:1-9(NLT)

 

For Reflection:

“Would you like to get well?” "What a silly question, Jesus. I’ve been sick for 38 years, you think I want to stay this way?..." I picture the man retorting back. Instead, his response is logical yet lacking all hope… “I can’t sir, for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” The simplicity of his words… and yet the emptiness… the despair… the hopelessness. And I wonder about this man. Had he been lying there waiting for healing for 38 years? His hope waning as day by day no one came to help him enter the pool? Where were his family? His friends? How had he gotten there? And again, the question from Jesus, “Would you like to get well?”

 “Would I want to get well?” We all struggle with injuries, illnesses, aches and pains… and then I realize the depth of the question behind Jesus’ words. “Would you like to get well?”. Do I want to be well? Healed? Whole? Do I want to feel peace? Find hope? Be anchored in him? It’s not that Jesus doesn’t care that we are physically hurting, but he also recognizes that healing of our spirit is what really matters. I think back to the story and what follows the man’s resigned response. Jesus heals him. He didn’t have to get into the water. He just got up and walked. I think about that healing and wonder if perhaps Jesus healed more than just the man’s physical body that day. He spoke to a man who’d been sick for 38 years and in one short command I like to think that he restored both his health and his hope.

I’m reminded of the passage in Mark when people are lined up outside the home of Simon and Andrew and Jesus is healing everyone until nightfall. “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go to the next towns, that I may preach out there also, for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:35-38. 

“For that is why I came out.” Not to heal the sick, but to bring true healing by teaching and sharing the hope found in Jesus. Jesus did heal the sick. And he can heal us too. But Jesus’ message is that our physical pain is temporary. He is seeing past the temporary brokenness and is instead asking a much deeper question when he says, “Would you like to get well?”

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus, please take away all the things that are creating barriers, causing me to not want to be well. You may not heal all our broken bodies, but you came to bring hope and life and heal our brokenness. Please help me to trust that your desire is to bring healing and wholeness and life to each and every one of us. Help me to emphatically be able to answer yes when asked if I want to be well. Thank you for healing us. Thank you for loving us. Amen.

Can you think of a time when you felt Jesus asking you if you want to be healed?

What might it look like if you decided to say yes to his wholeness and healing?

Day 7 | Anchored In Hope | Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

For Reflection:

I am the light of the world… unable to be hidden… shining for all to see. What an astounding picture this is. That each of us, as followers of Christ, are beacons of light and hope for him. Living in Maine, how can I think of any other analogy than that of a lighthouse. A beacon of light casting far and wide… shining brightly into the storm, ushering those who watch and seek into safe harbor.

It's easy for me to picture this analogy and feel pride knowing that this is our calling as Christians. And then, I enter my day. I go to work where I’m under a lens. I’m afraid to be different; to say the wrong thing… afraid to cast light where I see shadows. Because, in reality, shadows want to stay hidden, and I’m fearful of the repercussions of being light instead of joining in and entering the shadows. Or maybe I don’t even need to enter the shadows, but I keep my light inside, burning brightly in my heart, but covered, invisible to the seemingly judging eyes around me.

Have you ever covered a candle with a jar? It shines brightly for a minute, but then the fire burns up all the oxygen inside the jar and the light quickly extinguishes and leaves darkness. I wonder if the same could happen to me when I keep my light safe and hidden inside. If I hesitate or am fearful to share it with others; if I bury the light of Christ living in me under a basket, will it also eventually go out? 

Christ’s desire and message are clear. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” I sit and wonder at the enormity of that statement. I need to let my light shine before others so that others can see Christ through it. It’s not me under a lens of scrutiny... it’s Christ working through me. Just as a lighthouse is visible to troubled ships at sea, helping them to stay safe, and a city set high on a hill is visible for all to see, am I willing to let my light illuminate the message of Christ to those around me? Am I willing to allow Christ’s light to shine into the dark corners and spread light to the things lurking quietly in the shadows? Am I willing to live my life exemplifying the hope and message of the gospel song by Harry Dixon Loes, “This Little Light of Mine” and say to those around me,” This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine… Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.”

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, show me the places where I need to let YOUR light shine. Remove any fear or anxiety I feel when I think about sharing you with others. Help me to be proud and spread your light to those around me... to be a beacon of hope that others can turn to and see you. I love you. Amen.

Can you think of a time when you wanted to hide your light under a basket? What did it feel like?

What does being the light of the world mean to you?

Day 8 | Anchored In Hope | Hebrews 4:9-10 (NLT)

So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God.  For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. Hebrews 4:9-10 (NLT)

For Reflection:

Sabbath.  Rest.  Those two words evoke a feeling of calm when I hear them together.  Commentaries say that this verse is pointing us toward the future eternal rest that we will experience when Jesus returns.  But I know that scripture reminds us that there is rest and peace for us in the here and now, as a foretaste of that time to come.

It’s easy to fall into a habit of rushing through our days, wearing ourselves out needlessly.  I was in a grocery store recently.  It was one of those days when I had a lot of people visiting, and I was probably in a bit of a hurry.  I got to the deli counter and there was a long, slow line ahead of me.  I made a friendly ”oh, well” comment about the wait to the person in line behind me.  But instead of complaining, she surprised me with her response.  “I don’t mind at all,” she said.  “It‘s so nice to have a little break in my busy morning.”  Her simple comment helped me to slow down and actually enjoy the waiting. 

In his book, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”, John Mark Comer writes, “There’s more to life than an increase in speed.  Life is right under our noses, waiting to be enjoyed.”  And he continues, “Love, joy, and peace are at the heart of all Jesus is trying to grow in the soil of your life.  And all three are incompatible with hurry.”   

When we slow down and pay attention to God’s presence and gifts all around us each day, we can take part in the rest He has for us. This often goes against the pace of life all around us, but it frees us to connect with God in deeper ways. 

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus, help me to slow down, to keep my focus on You and what You have for me in the moment.  Forgive me for being too busy sometimes, so that I miss your good plans.  Thank You for Your amazing patience, always drawing me back to Your peace and presence. Amen. 

I wonder, how many times do we miss God’s presence by simply being in a hurry?  

How many times might we miss connections with people who need to see Jesus in us? 

How might God be inviting me into more rest with Him today?

Day 9 | Anchored In Hope | Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV) & 2 Corinthians 4:14-17 (NLT)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-6  (NIV)

We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:14-17 (NLT)

For Reflection:

Renewal. Hope. Glory.  

“He who began a good work in you…”  When God created us he called it good.  On good days I believe this.  I can feel God’s love despite my imperfections, see the gifts God has given me, the needs I have and hold hope that he will carry me into his goodness.  On bad days, self-pity dwells on my hard circumstances or self-deprecation points to every fault, every bad habit I can’t seem to shake, every character flaw, every sin ends in shame.  Stuck in pity and shame I feel no hope, there is no room for good or grace, no vision for the coming glory.  Can you relate?  What thoughts tend to pull you away from hope?  The truth is that these very troubles are the ones God promises to turn to glory. No matter what mess we have made or hard circumstances we have found ourselves in - God is loving us, he began a good work, and he continues renewing us. Every. Day.

These truths are hope.  When our identity is rooted in the good work God began, then there is hope for it to continue. When our troubles are promised to pale in the comparison to the coming glory, renewal seems possible.  My thoughts can be fickle and sometimes it feels as if I waffle between dwelling in God’s truth and dwelling in my own shame in equal measure.  But as I weave these truths into my thought patterns, and come back to them again and again, as I dwell on God’s love and allow him to penetrate my heart, I find myself being renewed.  I find myself more and more in my best days.  The ones where I find that this isn’t about me at all.  My actions, my flaws, my skills, my sins, my circumstances are proportionately irrelevant when I am experiencing God’s presence and power, the good work he is doing in and around me, the renewal he is bringing that I get to be a part of and the glory that is coming. Here, I am anchored in hope for renewal, for goodness, for grace, for thanksgiving, for God’s glory to come in me and the world.

What kind of day is it for you today?  Where is your focus?  Are you able to see the renewal of your spirit and God’s good work in you?  How might you anchor more and more hope into his renewal of all things?  What might this change in your life?

Let us pray:

Dear God, you created me with a whole array of thoughts and feelings.  You know that some days feel harder than others.  Regardless of my circumstances or my particular mood, I plead to stay anchored in hope for your glory.  Give me hope in the goodness that has been, is now and is yet to come; hope in your faithfulness to stick with me, to continue to direct my path, to renew me and to carry me onto completion.  Give me persistent hope in your love that has overcome the world.  Amen.

I wonder how anchoring in hope of God’s glory impacts my thoughts, feelings and actions.

Day 10 | Anchored In Hope | Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

For Reflection:

This is one of my favorite verses. It’s often spoken as a benediction, a sending out into the world, concluding church services. My favorite part of church. A truth spoken over the congregation which brings to me a reminder to stay grounded in him. But it’s more than that. It’s a verse that causes me to pause and reflect on the meaning of the words and what’s really being portrayed. I wonder what Paul’s intent was as he spoke this blessing. The word hope sticks out to me especially. As a word, it has always felt more conceptual than tangible, and rightly so, because the reality is that hope is the belief that what is desired will come to pass. Hope can refer to an object or person which inspires this feeling of expectation and can also be a source of comfort and encouragement. In short, hope is what keeps us pressing onward in life. 

As humans, hope is a standard part of our lives, keeping us moving forward day after day. Hope is often the reason we pursue the next job opportunity or introduce ourselves to a new friend. We live life hoping for something bigger, better, and more fulfilling. Thinking that the next great achievement will make us feel like we’ve finally arrived. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” What is this hope we are longing for? 

I reflect back on Paul’s words in the benediction, allowing them to wash over me. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace”… Confidence in knowing that our God is a sure foundation who will never leave us. Assurance that there will be true and lasting joy and peace found in his presence. A hope that once we meet and come to know him, this “achievement” once attained will not fall flat like that last promotion or state championship. Hoping in God and what he has for us both here on Earth and in eternity can truly be a source of comfort and encouragement as we learn to trust in him.

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus, thank you for your love and for providing us with something that we can hope in. I ask that I approach each day with the confidence to truly know that you are our source of hope. That nothing else can replace it or come close to compare. Help me to trust in you so that I may truly know and have assurance that you are God. I love you. Amen.

What is something you are hoping for? How might putting your hope in God possibly affect this hope?