Lent 2015 Devotion Guide and Sermon Series Companion
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Table of Contents Introduction 5 Preface 6 Confession 8 Fasting 16 Silence & Solitude
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Study 36 Prayer 46 Service 56 Surrender & Submission
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Celebration 76 Resources 79
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or months you have been prayed for. Not only by us, but also many others. We sat with God on your behalf, praying, pleading, listening and smiling as we anticipated the beautiful work of God in you. We also prayed this for the sake of others in your life and in this world – ultimately for the glory of God. This Lenten Journey will ask a few things of you: Courage – The courage to “go there” with God even when you are afraid. God asks of you vulnerability and great trust. Surrender – the willingness to let go and trust God, allowing God to put to death whatever he chooses. Strength – Some days you will not feel like talking to God or know how to start. Don’t be tempted to beat yourself up. Rather than treating yourself like a punching bag, talk to God and ask for his strength. All of these things will be possible because of the great grace and love of God. Jesus began the good work in you and will continue it. God will do his part, and you will strive to do yours. What will come out of the journey: Freedom – From sin, from habits, from things beyond your “control.” Joy – Great joy and a deep sense of satisfaction in your abiding relationship with God. Life – From death comes the opportunity for new life, resurrection. New life will spring as you are transformed and God brings beauty from ashes. Let’s take the journey together. Invite another to go on this journey with you. May you find freedom, joy and life in the days to come as we walk together. In anticipation,
Laura Murray Pastoral Resident
Bryan Dunagan Senior Pastor
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preface
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he spiritual practices have long been a part of the Christian faith. They are simply this: exercises of the spiritual life that open us up to transformation by the Holy Spirit.
There is nothing magical in the spiritual practices themselves. These exercises do not guarantee a certain outcome; they cannot be manipulated or controlled. They can merely be practiced. Much like an athlete will strengthen their physical life with weights, cardio, sprints and calisthenics, a follower of Jesus will strengthen their spiritual life with exercises such as confession, fasting, solitude and silence, study, prayer, service, surrender, simplicity and celebration. Christians commit to their spiritual training knowing there is a race to run, a part to play on a team and a mission greater than themselves. And in time, the spiritual strength of the Christian grows much like an athlete is strengthened through exercises. There is greater patience where there once was impatience or there is a response of gratitude and joy where
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there might have been criticism or envy. Through these exercises, the life of the Christian increasingly reflects the life of Christ. Our commitment to spiritual formation and our willingness to practice these exercises provides space for the Holy Spirit to do amazing transformative work – a work we could never do on our own. We merely open ourselves through these exercises to receive power from God to be free from sin and to grow in love. As a follower of Jesus you have been filled with a power that is not your own, so that you might run the race God has set before you. This Lenten season, would you consider the call of Christ to deepen your faith through these spiritual practices? Some might be quite new to you. Some might be challenging. Remember that the spiritual practices are about training, not trying. As you practice, continually fix your eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith and who was willing to go the furthest distance – all the way to the cross. As you follow his path, transformation will come by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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1
February 18–21
confession “Sin wants to remain unknown. It shuns the light. In the darkness of the unexpressed it poisons the whole being of a person.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
February
18 Day 1
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
ASH WEDNESDAY Services at 12 pm (Wynne Chapel) and 6:30 pm (Sanctuary)
Confession Between the Dust
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rom dust we come and dust we will return. Today we are reminded of the frailty of human life and of our great dependence in life on the grace of God. We consider the reality of our humanity, that we are but dust and to dust we will return. Between the dusts we are called to live a life for God. This life is one of surrender and begins with being honest with ourselves – in particular, about our sin. In Christ we are forgiven, yet we confess and recall our sin in honesty, humility and vulnerability. Confession heals us of the damaging effects of sin and the death and resurrection of Christ assures our forgiveness. So today, as you receive the ashes and recognize your limited time on earth, consider God’s call for you. What roles are you to take on this earth for the sake of God’s kingdom? As you do this, take time to consider and ask God which sins are entangling you. What keeps tripping you up? Which sin is on repeat? NOTE: At the end of each week’s section, there is a place for you to take notes. You are encouraged to write down your thoughts and discoveries.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Exercise Take some time in quiet today to ask the Celebration p. 76–78
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above questions of God and allow him to bring forth these habitual sins that hinder you from running the race he has called you to. Record them in the notes section (p. 14).
February
Confession Thriving Alone
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Sin loves the dark and isolation. Sin actually thrives alone and in the dark, therefore there is great power when sin is brought to light.” (based on 1 John 1:7) ecognizing our own sin takes supernatural sight. We need God’s help to show us our sin. Confessing our sin takes great courage.
In his book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation. Sin wants to remain unknown. It shuns the light. In the darkness of the unexpressed it poisons the whole being of a person.” Let’s not leave our sin in the dark, but with courage, bring it out into the light.
Exercise Take some time today and reflect
over your list from Wednesday. As you do, pray this prayer: God in heaven, continue to give me insight into my sin, into myself. Give me the sight to see my sin, the heart to have sorrow for it and the desire to turn from it. Give me the strength to confess it to you and confess it to a fellow follower of Christ. As I confess, I trust you will meet me, heal me and free me. God, thank you for your faithfulness and your great grace. Amen.
19 Day 2
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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February
20 Day 3
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25
Confession
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Ripple Effect ur wounds can wound others. When we sin not only are we wounded, but there is a ripple effect that impacts the people around us, the people they know and so on. As a result, God calls us to confess specific sins to others. There is no doubt that confessing our sins to others is a difficult task and often incredibly humbling. In doing so, we have to admit we were wrong, we harmed another, we were selfish. This requires God’s help and strength.
Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
As you remember specific sins against others, remember it is God against whom you have primarily sinned. Confession begins in relationship with God and it is healed there.
Study p. 36–45
Confession continues as you are honest with the ones you wounded. This honesty and vulnerability paves the way to reconciled relationships. It is tough, it takes courage and it is worth it.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Today is an opportunity to confess a sin
to another. As you take this on, ask God to grant you strength and humility. Ask him to give you the boldness and grace to accept the reality that you did sin and the courage to tell the person(s) your sin against them. Take courage today, friend.
Confession A Confidant
21 Day 4
As long as I am by myself in the confession of my sins everything remains in the dark, but in the presence of a brother the sin has to be brought to light…mutual, brotherly confession is given to us by God in order that we may be sure of divine forgiveness.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together.
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February
hat if you had a friend you could share anything with? A confidante you knew you could count on? Have you thought about being that for another?
As you are assured of your forgiveness through Christ Jesus, you also have the opportunity to allow others to confess their sin to you and assure them of their forgiveness in Christ Jesus.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
It takes courage to be honest with God about our sin and it takes courage to confess our sin to someone else. It is humbling to acknowledge that we mess up and we need forgiveness.
Study p. 36–45
You also have the opportunity to listen to a fellow Christian. By hearing their confession, you give them the same assurance of forgiveness that you also seek.
Prayer p. 46–55
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – James 5:16
Exercise Today, look for opportunities to be the
reminder to another of the healing power of forgiveness through Christ Jesus. This is not an opportunity to excuse their sin, but to meet it with the truth of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Notes
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February 22–28
fasting “The issue is not food per se. The issue is anything and everything that is, or can be, a substitute for God.” – John Piper, A Hunger for God
February
22 Day 5
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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fasting
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The Practice We Would Rather Skip confession – fasting is the discipline we are least familiar with and least desire to practice. We either want to control it or avoid it, refuse to engage it. We might even want to just skip it.
Why? We are afraid. We are afraid of what others have said will happen – that we will be awakened to the fact that we hunger for other things more than God. We will actually see what is within us, and realize our many substitutes for God. So is it any wonder that when people fast, they mourn and grieve? Fasting shows us our sin in ways we would rather not see. We would prefer to remain ignorant. Yet God, in his grace, does not want us to remain ignorant. This is not so he can reprimand us, but so he can lavish us with deep love and grace. The heart of our Father is to give us good gifts and the practice of fasting opens us up to these deeper gifts and realities. Let’s start with a prayer – a courageous prayer that invites God to grow within us the desire to fast. This is a prayer that increases our desire for him more than our own preferences. A prayer asking for his strength, his desire and his help as we enter into the practice of fasting. Our prayer for today: God in heaven, we admit that we might not want to do this. Some of us may be ready and many of us are not. Guide us this week. Give us the desire to want you more than the comfort of whatever it is you ask us to give up and refrain from. Increase our heart’s desire for relationship with you and give us the strength to enter into this practice of fasting. Amen.
Exercise Consider what God might ask you to fast from this week: chocolate, wine, social media, television, coffee, gossip and so on. Begin this fast today. Write down your commitment (p. 25).
fasting Deeper Appetites In fasting we “let go of an appetite in order to seek God on matters of deep concern for another, myself and the world.” Adele Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
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etting go of an appetite – can you hear in Calhoun’s words her deep desire for fasting? Fasting should not be thought of as an opportunity to lose weight, to cleanse our systems, to deny ourselves something we love for the sake of checking it off a religious checklist. Rather, fasting calls us to let go of what can be seen so that God can reveal those things that are unseen. There are deeper things that have hold of our hearts and giving up something that we can see (i.e. chocolate, wine, social media) is merely an exercise that will show the deeper things that grip our hearts. As God shows us these deeper things – the desire to selfcomfort and self-medicate, to numb ourselves, to take control, to run away, to ignore his voice – whatever they might be, he wants to meet us and nourish us with his truth and love. This is another reason why we feast on Scripture while we fast. When we start letting go of these deeper attachments, we attach ourselves to something else – God’s truth.
February
23 Day 6
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Continue your fast today and read Philippians 4:8-9. What is God revealing about your deeper appetite? What truths have you been able to see and with what will you replace them?
Celebration p. 76–78
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February
24
fasting Turning Gifts into Gods
Day 7
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45
The human heart is an idol factory that takes good things like a successful career, love, material possessions, even family, and turns them into ultimate things. Our hearts deify them as the center of our lives, because, we think, they can give us significance and security, safety and fulfillment, if we attain them.” Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods
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ome of God’s most precious gifts are the greatest competitors for our devotion and love for God. Our children, ministry to the poor, giving of money, workplaces that provide labor for others, coffee, wine, chocolate, ski trips, vacations, etc. These gifts and so much more sometimes get traded for the gift giver. The problem is that we often have no idea we have traded the gift giver for these gifts until they are taken away or we choose to fast from them. So, let’s not wait.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Read Psalm 139 and continue your
fast today. Using an exercise from Tim Keller, imagine your worst nightmare – something you fear happening in your life. For some it might be the loss of a child, for another it might be a position at work, yet another the ability to walk or read or write, maybe the nightmare of never getting married. The nightmares that fill your imagination – they are the things you are giving permission to take a stranglehold on your heart. God wants all of your heart. In imagining it, consider how you have taken one of the gifts from God and turned it into your god.
fasting Homesick
February
25 Day 8
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Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God.” John Piper, Hunger for God
etween Jesus’ resurrection and his coming again, we wait. God is already redeeming things on this earth and that taste of redemption sometimes makes the wait for full redemption even harder. We long to be fully reunited with Christ. We are homesick. We are homesick because we know that nothing will satisfy us until we are united with Christ, sin is destroyed, evil is abolished and all things are made new. Sometimes we try to satisfy this homesickness by making the feelings go away; we eat, we drink, we indulge too much in other things rather than in God himself. We self-comfort because deep down we know that this world is not how it should be, and as followers of Christ, we know something incredibly awesome is coming. Yet we have to wait … so what do we do in the meantime? We make space for God to meet us in our homesickness. Rather than feeding ourselves with empty fillers, we feed it with a relationship with God. We nourish our relationship with God in many ways and one way is reading the Bible. As you consider something to abstain from, to discipline yourself to refrain from, consider feasting on the words about Jesus written in the Bible.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Read Psalm 27 and continue your fast today. As you read, talk to God and ask him to bring forth the things he wants you to see about him so that you might grow in knowing him.
Celebration p. 76–78
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February
26 Day 9
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45
fasting Fight for your Heart
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Fasting is “the passionate resolve to resist anything that lures the heart away from an all-controlling satisfaction in God.” John Piper, Hunger for God n Christian fasting, there is a fight for your heart. We all worship something, and fasting brings to light those things we worship.
Fasting is not necessarily about what is fasted or for how long or how much; instead, it is about the resolve, the perseverance of commitment to God as our God over anything else. What does it take for this passionate resolve? It takes big dependence on Jesus. Our hearts are so easily lured away and Jesus is on the front lines fighting for the transformation of our hearts, yet they are so easily lured away. Depending on Jesus means trusting him for the big things, the little things and everything in between.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Continue in your fast today. Read Philippians 4:10–13. Pray through any needs you have, strength you might need, struggles you are facing. Ask God to deepen your trust in him and his power to work in and through you. Jot your notes on p. 25.
fasting The Gift of Presence
February
27 Day 10
Fasting is not a ‘no’ to the goodness of food or the generosity of God in providing it. Rather, it is a way of saying, from time to time, that having more of the Giver surpasses having the gift.” John Piper, Hunger for God
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e are so busy. We are busy with good things; we are busy with the ones we love. We are busy providing, preparing and producing.
We are also greatly distracted. Text messages, sports updates, social media, the stock market, television and much more. In the midst of all these things, we lose something – the gift of presence. When was the last time you were just with someone? No agenda, no productivity, no checking off a todo list – just being with them. Presence is a gift that is decreasing in value in our culture yet it is a gift that is invaluable. God thought so much of presence that, in Jesus, he became one of us. And not only did he come to earth, he stuck around for a while and when he left he did not leave us alone.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Read Psalm 62:5–8 andContinue your
fast today. Ask God to help you simply enjoy being with him today.
Celebration p. 76–78
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February
28
fasting Who are You Hungry For?
Day 11
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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In this age there is an ache inside every Christian that Jesus is not here as fully and intimately and as powerfully and as gloriously as we want him to be. We hunger for so much more. That is why we fast.” John Piper, Hunger for God
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s we wait for all things to be made new, we hunger. We hunger for justice, for mercy, for the poor to be nourished, for the broken to be healed, for all things to be made new. We ache and long for these things that have yet to come. We fast because we grieve that things are not as they should be. And at the very same time we want to see how we can be part of bringing Christ to others – however and wherever that may be. As we fast, we ask, what is it that God wants us to do in the meantime? How are we to fight for justice? How are we to provide for the poor, to nourish those who need physical, emotional and spiritual sustenance?
Exercise As you continue your fast today,
consider extending it. Extend it for the purpose of hearing from God for others. Maybe God wants you to provide a tangible need for a neighbor such as a meal, or maybe a coworker needs a listening ear for a few moments, or maybe an old friend needs to be reminded that someone notices and your actions communicate this. After you hear for them, do that which you have opportunity to do and offer Christ’s presence to another through practical love, care and action.
Notes
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March 1–7
silence & solitude “In solitude we become aware that our worth is not the same as our usefulness.” – Henri Nouwen, Show Me the Way
March
1
Day 12
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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silence & Solitude Withdrawal But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” Luke 5:15–16
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esus regularly practiced solitude and silence. He needed time away from crowds and noise to hear the voice of his Father. Solitude and silence gives us the opportunity for our minds to be cleared of the clutter and unnecessary noise and for our hearts to hear God’s heart. In solitude and silence we have the opportunity to pay attention and to hear from God. This requires us to slow down or even stop all of the things we are doing. Will you take five minutes today to set down the to-do list, give up the pursuit of productivity and ultimate effectiveness so that you can sit with God in quiet and solitude? As you practice this week, remember this: “Solitude will do its good work whether we know what we are doing or not … we need to be careful of ourselves and our expectations. Most of what happens in solitude is happening under the surface and God is doing it.” Ruth Barton, Strengthening the Soul of your Leadership.
Exercise Sit down and set a timer for five minutes. When you get distracted re-focus by picturing God sitting with you. Enjoy his presence.
silence & Solitude Avoiding God
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If you want to avoid God, avoid silence and solitude, live in a crowd and keep the radio on.” C.S. Lewis
enned in the days of radio being the major communication medium, these wise words of Lewis still ring true and possibly more deeply today. Noise is constant and pervasive. It’s everywhere, and we are constantly taking in words, emotions, ideas, art and images. We have all done it and we all do it – we avoid God. We fill our calendars, nights and days with activity. We fill our minds with social media relationships and movies. We use anything to avoid God, even good things. If we dig deeper into our tendency to avoid God, we find doubt. We doubt God loves us, that he is good and that he knows what he is doing. And the soil that nourishes doubt is fear. We are afraid. We are afraid of what he might say, what he might do or what he might ask of us. We are afraid he will ask us to do something we don’t want to do or take away something we love. So, let’s choose to engage God today. Sit with him, spend time with him and trust him.
Exercise Sit down and set a timer for five
minutes. As you sit with God today in solitude and silence, have courage. Have the courage to ask God, “What am I so afraid of?” Ask him to show you why you avoid him. As he shows you, dig deeper – don’t run, stay with him. He is so faithful, he is so good and he loves you.
March
2 Day 13
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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March
3 Day 14
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25
silence & Solitude Off Track
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ow do I know when God is speaking?” Many of us have asked this question in the midst of making the decision of what school to attend, which person to date or marry, what career to choose, whether to change jobs or buy a house. We often ask this question when there is a big decision to make. We do not want to get it wrong.
Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
We do not want to get it wrong because we are afraid to get “off track.” We are afraid that if we make one wrong decision then we will be off the “God track” for the rest of our lives.
Study p. 36–45
So, we want to know that God is speaking because we want to do the right thing in order to stay on the “God track”. Well, this does not leave a lot of room for grace or the fact that in Jesus all of our failures are covered.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise In your time of solitude and silence
today, reflect on our interactions with God. What are your conversations like? Are you afraid of getting off track? Do you believe there is something you’ve done that God can’t forgive? As you bring these things to him also ask for the wisdom to see him as he truly is – the God of love, grace and compassion.
silence & Solitude
4 Day 15
Never Alone
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March
Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline.
oneliness is a reality and a driving force behind noise. We are afraid of being left alone so we fill our lives. The call to practice solitude and silence is not an opportunity for loneliness but an opportunity to be fulfilled by Christ alone – the one who can truly meet our needs and loneliness. When we learn to be alone with God in solitude and silence, we can then be in crowds and not fear being alone because we have experienced and deepened the reality of the presence of God with us at all times. There is a sense of contentment and steadiness as we walk with the bombarding noises, constant messages and disruptions of life all around us. Solitude and silence gives opportunity for God to meet us, to sustain us when we are by ourselves, yet reminding us that we are not alone.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Continue to spend time in solitude and
silence today with God. Allow him to fill you with the truth of his love, presence and grace.
Celebration p. 76–78
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March
5
Day 16
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
silence & Solitude On the Rise The discipline of silence invites us to leave behind the competing demands of our outer world for time alone with Jesus. Silence offers a way of paying attention to the Spirit of God and what he brings to the surface of our souls. In quietness we often notice things we would rather not notice or feel.” Adele Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.
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riorities rise when we practice regular solitude and silence. Deeper, more significant matters surface.
When we practice solitude and silence, we begin to notice things. We notice that our grasp loosens on control, on the drive to produce. The things we cling to for significance, worth and security start to lose their power. Practicing solitude and silence forces us to let go of management and control of our spiritual, physical and material lives and to therefore trust God.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Exercise Practice another five minutes of solitude Celebration p. 76–78
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and silence today with the awareness of your desire for control. Allow God to meet you, lead the time of solitude and bring whatever he needs to the surface of your soul.
silence & Solitude The Container
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ilence and solitude are “container” disciplines. It is within these disciplines that others are practiced. Learning and practicing regular silence and solitude makes way for practicing the other disciplines.
March
6 Day 17
Confession p. 8–15
These practices can be challenging as it seems we are not “doing” anything. We cannot “show” anything for them. Yet they do their good work even if we cannot see.
Fasting p. 16–25
And this is worth repeating:
Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
“Solitude will do its good work whether we know what we are doing or not…we need to be careful of ourselves and our expectations. Most of what happens in solitude is happening under the surface and God is doing it.” Ruth Barton, Strengthening the Soul of your Leadership.
Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Try an extended time of silence today.
Set your timer for 15 minutes. This might be a stretch. But try it.
Celebration p. 76–78
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March
7
silence & Solitude
Day 18
Listening for Others
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25
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ver said the exact wrong thing at the exact wrong time? We all have!
Practicing solitude and silence is not only for the sake of our relationship with God. It is also for the sake of relationship with others. In Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Ruth Haley Barton says,
Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
“I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can literally feel – deep in my bones – that if I do not shut my mouth for a while I will get myself in trouble, because my words will be completely disconnected from the reality of God in my life.”
Study p. 36–45
The practice of solitude and silence helps us to be patient, to learn to listen, to hear and to speak when it is necessary for the encouragement of others. May we be people whose words are few, rich and spoken with great love and care.
Prayer p. 46–55
The more comfortable we become in silence and solitude, the more we are able to listen to God for ourselves and for others.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Practice solitude and silence today. Also, be intentional about listening to others rather than interrupting or even formulating your response for when it is your turn to speak.
Notes
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March 8–14
study Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the instruction of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. – Psalm 1:1–3
March
8 Day 19
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
study In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
Forever Communicating
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od chose words. He chose words to create the world and he uses words to communicate with us. Not only do we have the words in Scripture, recorded from credible sources, these words are inspired by God for us to know him. And this Word also became flesh, in Jesus, and lived with us. What does it mean for Jesus to be God’s Word to us?
Study p. 36–45
Imagine having letters from grandparents, great-grandparents and even beyond. You may not have been alive when they were, but these letters would tell you something about them. We have the gift of these words, written and passed down to us, so that we may know God and grow in relationship with him.
Prayer p. 46–55
God not only communicates through the words on a page but through the life of a person – Jesus. So, we get to know the God of the universe through the words and the Word he gave us.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Read John 1:1–14 today. Write down
any observations or questions (p. 45). Notice any repetition, contrasts or comparisons? Ask God to help you to hear what he is speaking to you through this passage. This week, we will read this portion of Scripture daily as we study.
study The mind will always take on an order conforming to the order upon which it concentrates.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline.
March
9
Day 20
Mental Playlists
Confession p. 8–15
hat background music plays in your mind? What is on repeat on your mental playlist? Is it the things you need to get done, your work, relationships, negative self-talk, pep talks, what you wish you didn’t say or do?
Fasting p. 16–25
What if that playlist was filled with truth, reminders of the realities of God’s love, his grace, his call to serve in this world?
Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
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Our transformation to become more like Christ happens with the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It happens when our playlist is God’s playlist. Our transformation then leads to doing what God calls us to do – living with his truths constantly feeding us and freely, humbly and courageously living out our lives according to his desires.
Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Read John 1:1–14 again today. What words are on repeat in this section, what truth needs to be added to your playlist? Write them in your notes.
Celebration p. 76–78
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March
10 Day 21
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
study A Process Our task, then, is two-sided. First, we must get into the Word of God for ourselves. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct.” Howard and William Hendricks, Living By the Book
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o allow the Word to get into us, Richard Foster says it requires repetition, concentration, comprehension and reflection. Sometimes a lot of repetition, along with intense concentration is necessary. Sometimes it takes days to comprehend and that can be frustrating, and then it all of a sudden “clicks.” Reflection involves coming to understand not only the subject matter but ourselves as well. As we read Scripture, as we repeat these truths and concentrate on the words of God, we wait for the comprehension. The Holy Spirit will help us when we ask Him. (James 1:5) To the extent we comprehend, we can then reflect on the truths. We can ask how the truths apply to us, which new truths need to shape us and how must we now live differently.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise If you have come to a place of comprehension, reflect on these past couple of days on how you have been shaped by this passage of Scripture. Which truths have stirred or convicted you? How you might start to live differently? As God shows you, ask him to help you live out these truths.
study Always Learning We are not seeking spiritual ecstasy in study. When we study a book of the Bible we are seeking to be controlled by the intent of the author. We are determined to hear what he is saying, not what we want him to say. We want life-transforming truth, not just good feelings.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline.
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tudy requires humility. It requires that we come to the Scripture with a mind and heart that is willing to be shaped and transformed. This requires a posture of teachability, of recognizing we do not know it all and that we are life-long learners. So we ask the questions of context, of intent and of purpose. We ask questions of the book in order to learn. We are the students, the Word is our teacher. We ask questions as they come and we listen. We listen to the author, God, speaking.
March
11 Day 22
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
Exercise Read John 1:1–14 again today. How
open was your mind and heart been to hearing from God through the Scripture this past week? Which preconceived notions did you bring? What were some hindrances to your study? Take time to listen to the author’s intent today. What does God want to tell you?
To answer questions of context, intent and purpose, find a commentary at a Christian or seminary bookstore. For the gospel of John, you can also find study resources at lumina.bible.org/bible.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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March
12
study Forming Habits
Day 23
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
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What we study determines the kind of habits that are formed.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
he books we read, articles we scan, the music we listen to, the people we look up to, all these things take residence in our minds. We are bombarded by words and images constantly – some that we voluntarily invite and others that we had never welcomed. So, what can we do? How can we influence our minds, the place from which habits come? Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to think on whatever is just, pure, lovely, commendable, anything worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). This is a great challenge. What we study and what we think about shapes our habits and our habits shape our lives. So we have Scripture, God’s Word, to fill our minds and shape our lives. We can influence our habits and in turn, our lives by studying words of truth found in the words of Scripture.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Exercise Read John 1:1–14 again today. Choose a Celebration p. 76–78
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truth from this passage and meditate on this truth throughout the day. At the end of the day, reflect on how it shaped the way you lived today.
study The End of the Chapter
March
13 Day 24
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The key to the discipline of study is not reading many books, but experiencing what we do read.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
n college or graduate school, you may recall the enormous amounts of reading usually required. Did you ever find yourself just striving to reach the end of the chapter? It took a lot of effort to read deeply and slowly and then chew on what was being said. The goal of the study of the Bible is not book knowledge, but knowing a person – knowing God. It is not a “look for the end of the chapter” kind of thing when we study the Scriptures. Rather it is a “see God on every page of the book” kind of thing. Slowing down, getting to know, learning to listen and soaking deeply in the Scriptures. This deepening happens as we personally dig deep through prayer and also learn from others who have read and gotten to know God. We share in the deep relationship that grows out of experiencing God together through the Scriptures.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
Exercise Repeat what you did on Friday. Read
John 1:1–14 again today. Choose a truth from this passage and think, reflect and remind yourself of that truth throughout the day. At the end of your day, reflect on how it shaped the way you lived today. Share this with another person.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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March
14 Day 25
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
study Intersection When you look in the mirror and see that your face is dirty, your hair needs to be combed, and your teeth need to be brushed, yet you walk away and do nothing – that’s exactly what you do every time you study the Word of God but are not changed by it.” Howard and William Hendricks, Living By the Book
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tudy must intersect life. The study of Scripture is not merely for the sake of more information and greater knowledge but the application of it in everyday life.
James, the brother of Jesus, says to be hearers and doers of the Scriptures. Believing and doing go hand in hand and often it is easier to hear than to do. Sometimes what God asks us to do is far bigger than what we think we can do. Sometimes it involves an unknown factor and we are not sure how things will turn out. Often those things we are asked to do take faith, courage and great dependence on God. Again, trust comes up. Will we trust that he is with us, giving us the strength, courage and ability to do that which he has called us to do?
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise What have you heard from God so far
this Lent? What has he called you to do? What has hindered your heeding of that call? Spend some time talking to him about it. Allow him to meet you and also give you the courage to do whatever he has asked you to do.
Notes
45
5
March 15–21
prayer “Jesus taught us to come like children to a father. Openness, honesty, and trust mark the communication of children with their father. Further, there is an intimacy between parents and children that has room for both seriousness and laughter.” – Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
March
15
prayer Be Free
Day 26
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
Prayer is the way to experience a powerful confidence that God is handling our lives well, that our bad things will turn out for good, our good things cannot be taken from us, and the best things are yet to come.” Tim Keller, Prayer.
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rayer is powerful. It is an opportunity to talk with God, to hear from God, to be transformed by the Spirit. The life of Christ was filled with prayer and our lives can be as well.
Prayer can be intimidating and so often we are afraid we will “mess it up.” What if I say the wrong thing to God? What if I ask for something that I shouldn’t be asking for? I have failed so many times in my life, what right do I have to talk to God? Why would he want to hear from me? As you have walked this journey, have you begun to feel free? God so desires for you to know him, to trust him and live a life close to him. He wants to hear from you. He wants you to have the freedom to speak your heart. He also desires to speak his heart into yours. So, take time today to listen. Do not be afraid – rather be courageous and trust the God of the universe in prayer.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Talk to God today. Be honest and share with him your thoughts and feelings. Today is a day to intentionally engage in conversation with God – however and whenever it comes.
prayer A Learning Process
March
16 Day 27
Real prayer is something we learn. The disciples asked Jesus, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’ (Luke 11:1).” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline.
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e can all be better communicators – both speakers and listeners. Prayer is communication and therefore something we can always improve. It is a learning process!
Often we are so hard on ourselves and assume we should be experts and perfect in prayer, and if we’re not, we just stop. Don’t stop praying, learning and growing! Prayer is the opportunity to communicate with the God of the universe – how incredible is that?! So talk with God today. Be honest, be real, maybe even laugh with him! Expect to grow in communication and be prepared to hear from him.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
Exercise Spend time today talking to God about
the reality that prayer is a learning process. If you’ve had fears or shame about it, share that with him. If you want to grow more in prayer, share that with him too. Ask him to meet you, wherever you are, in the learning process of prayer.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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March
17
prayer Fifteen Minutes
Day 28
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
Prayer catapults us onto the frontier of the spiritual life. Of all the Spiritual Disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father…it is the Discipline of Prayer that brings us into the deepest and the highest work of the human spirit.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
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eing a culture of productivity, movement and busyness, prayer is often moved to the bottom of our to-do list for the day. Praying requires that we slow down. It requires that we make space, decrease the inner monologue and focus amongst a deluge of distractions. Prayer is sometimes seen as the thing we do only when we can’t do something ourselves. We pray when we need God. In reality, we always need God so maybe we should always be praying! Today we are going to prioritize and put God on the calendar.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Today, I want you to slow down and
take 15 minutes to talk to God. Mark the time out on your calendar if you need to – make an appointment with God. Spend 15 focused, intentional minutes with God today. Tell him about your frustrations and your fears, your hopes and your dreams. Fifteen minutes of conversing with God.
prayer Praying without Words
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oday you are being introduced to a different way of praying and it does not involve you talking. Let me repeat that – it does not involve you talking. Contemplative prayer involves listening to the words in Scripture, listening for the prompting of the Holy Spirit and focusing on a word that God raises in the Scripture. Contemplative prayer requires patience and is a response to God’s invitation to abide in Christ (John 15). This might be incredibly counter-intuitive. Just try it. Rest in him and listen for what he wants to say. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4–5
March
18 Day 29
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
Exercise Set aside 15 minutes for prayer again
today. Read the Scripture above and ask God to meet you. As you read, what word(s) stand out to you? Focus on the word that stood out to you and ask God what he wants to tell you through that specific word. Spend the majority of time in silence. When distractions come, refocus on the word that God gave you through the Scripture. End your prayer time today with a word of gratitude.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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March
19 Day 30
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
prayer
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Something Changes s we grow patient in a life of prayer, something changes in us. Something happens when we choose to consistently take time to talk with God, to listen and to be with him. Often, we ourselves become more patient in life, our grip is loosened on the nonessentials and we come to enjoy God more. We also come to enjoy others more as well! As we let go of our agenda and our time and offer it to God in prayer, our trust in God grows, our peace increases and we can see more beauty around us and appreciate the gifts in life. In prayer, we learn to love more deeply, rest more fully and trust increasingly in the love and sovereignty of God.
Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Set aside 15 minutes for prayer today. Focus on the same word(s) God gave you yesterday in your Scripture reading and ask God to reveal his desires for you through that specific word. Spend the majority of time in silence. When distractions come, refocus on the word that God gave you through the Scripture. End your prayer time with a word of gratitude to God for your time with him.
prayer
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Impact and Influence
ur discipline to meet with God in prayer influences and impacts those immediately around us. As we learn to better communicate with God, we learn to better communicate with others – both speaking and listening.
March
20 Day 31
Confession p. 8–15
Prayer is not only for our sake, but for the sake of others. As we increasingly make space to listen to God, our ability to listen to others also increases.
Fasting p. 16–25
Again we come back to this idea of listening. We often think of impact and influence through power and force, yet God says it is through service. Prayer leads us into this way of life by teaching us to listen.
Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
Exercise In light of the needs of the community
and the world around us this week, talk to God. As you pray, ask him for big things, bold things. Pray for healing, for peace, for protection of the vulnerable, for good to triumph over evil, even now. Talk to God on behalf of others today. Write down for whom you felt called to pray.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
53
March
21 Day 32
Confession p. 8–15
prayer Breathe Deep
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his week has been full. It has been busy, it has been noisy and the world around us is shouting its brokenness. There is never a shortage of people and situations to pray for.
Today, we’ll take a breather and pray a simple prayer.
Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Spend 15 minutes in the silence and solitude of prayer today. As you are praying, use few words, take deep breaths and focus on one truth that God has been repeating to you this week. What has he been speaking? If you cannot recall something on repeat, consider one thing he has said to you. Write it down.
Notes
55
6
March 22–28
Service “Humility, as we all know, is one of those virtues that is never gained by seeking it. Of all the classical Spiritual Disciplines, service is the most conducive to the growth of humility.” – Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
March
22 Day 33
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45
service Choosing Service
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ou shall love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. – Mark 12:30. And here we have the first greatest command. It’s first for a reason – it is needed in order to do the second.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but the application of it is truly quite challenging. Because we love God, he often calls us to serve in ways we would not prefer, in ways that stretch us and in ways that show us how we really feel about service. We love to serve when we get to choose the when, where, how and why. It gets a bit more challenging to serve when it is not our preference. In a conversation with Peter, Jesus says this, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” – John 21:18.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Today, spend some time writing in this
booklet (pg. 65) about some times and acts of service you have offered to God. For example, maybe you sat and cried with a friend, folded loads of laundry, took care of a baby, provided food for a co-worker, encouraged a client or business partner, listened to a child’s story, cooked dinner for your family, provided income for your family. After you list these, talk to God about each of them. Were some easier and some harder than the others? Why?
service The Command
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March
23 Day 34
ove your neighbor as yourself. – Mark 12:31. The second greatest commandment says to love others just as you love yourself – and this comes through the discipline of service. Many of us have received love, great care and sacrifice from others. They have loved us as they love themselves.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Spend time today reflecting on those who have loved you and how they have served you. Offer thanks to God for the people that have loved you well.
Celebration p. 76–78
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March
24 Day 35
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45
service
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Do You Love Me? n John 21, Jesus asks Peter if he loved him. Peter responded, “Lord, you know that I love you,” and Jesus told Peter to “feed his sheep.” Jesus then went on to ask Peter the same question two more times and Peter seems frustrated as he has to answer a third time, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Even if Jesus frustrated Peter, it is interesting that he repeatedly came back to the question of love. Jesus sometimes stops us and asks us the same question, “Do you love me?” Serving is an expression of our love for Jesus, yet when we get wrapped up in serving and forget him, Jesus will often call us back. He’ll ask us, “Do you love me?” This question is an invitation to remain in relationship with him and remember that it is about love before it is about serving him.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Exercise Spend time with Jesus today. In solitude, Celebration p. 76–78
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spend some time talking to him and meditating on John 21:15–19. Capture your thoughts in this booklet (p. 65).
service Good Distractions
March
25 Day 36
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17–18
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ome of us are natural servants. We are happy to help, we love to meet specific needs and prefer staying in the background. Sometimes we use service as a shield. We will do things for God rather than be with God. We exchange serving God with knowing God; using service to God as replacement for a relationship with God. God wants both our hearts and our hands, but he wants our hands to be led by our hearts for him. How have you been distancing yourself from God through doing good things? How have you used good things to distract you from deeper relationship with him?
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
Exercise During your time of prayer today, ask
God if you have been using good things to distract you from the most important thing – a relationship with Jesus. If you have been, confess these things to God and ask him to help you prioritize your relationship with him.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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March
26
service The Pecking Order
Day 37
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
Whenever there is trouble over who is the greatest, there is trouble over who is the least. That is the crux of the matter for us, isn’t it? Most of us know we will never be the greatest; just don’t let us be the least.” Richard Foster, The Celebration of Discipline.
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he call to service means a call to give up the pecking order, to give up the competition and comparison, to give up basing our worth on productivity, recognition, education, money and abilities. The call to service is the call of a slave – the one who gives up his or her rights in order to serve another. Ouch. In Luke 9, Jesus is speaking of his upcoming death one moment, and the next moment the disciples are debating who among them is the greatest (Luke 9:46). Our tendencies are not so different than the followers of Jesus who saw him in the flesh and lived life on earth with him. Let’s consider dropping the pecking order and living the life of service to which Jesus calls us – one he modeled himself.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise How often are you ranking yourself against others? What would happen if you chose to give up the pecking order, the competition, the comparison? Spend time in prayer today, talking with God.
service Done
March
27 Day 38
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Large tasks require great sacrifice for the moment; small things require constant sacrifice.” Richard Foster, The Celebration of Discipline.
ome of you walking through this journey are exhausted. Your small sacrifices have been never-ending and you are gasping for air. You have not had any rest as you have been battered emotionally, mentally and physically by the realities of everyday life. You are done. Today you are invited to rest. Rest and be refreshed in the presence of Jesus.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75
Exercise Today, the invitation is for rest. Today, sit with Jesus and talk to him. Tell him how tired you are, talk to him about how you feel. Allow him to meet you in your weariness and let him restore your soul.
Celebration p. 76–78
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March
28 Day 39
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35
service
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Blessing Another f anyone in this world had the right not to die, it was Jesus, yet he chose death. He died to himself each day as he served others. He chose literal death on the cross. Turn now to the inside cover and read Hebrews 12:1–2.
Jesus’ daily call to die is also his call to us: Give up our demands, even our preferences, and allow Jesus to put them to death. When these things are put to death, there is opportunity for new life. Resurrection comes because something has died. This is not easy, yet this is our call and the way we follow Jesus.
Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Reflect on the truth that Jesus had the
power to live yet chose death. What happens when you choose to give up something you want? When you let go of a desire, goal or ambition? How can another be blessed today when you choose to die to something you want?
Notes
65
7
March 29–April 4
surrender & Submission “The gift we receive on the inner journey is the knowledge that death finally comes to everything – and yet death does not have the final word. By allowing something to die when its time is due, we create the conditions under which new life can emerge.” – Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak
March
29 Day 40
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55
PALM SUNDAY
surrender & submission The Downward Path
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oday is the day. The day that we take the ultimate journey with Jesus. The day he moves more deeply in the downward path towards the cross. What he begins this day is what he calls us to everyday – the downward path to die to self. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his Father if this was the only way to accomplish his mission or if there was another way (Matthew 26:36–46). There was no other way. Choosing to take this journey, to surrender and submit to God’s will is not easy. It was not easy for Jesus. It is not easy for us. The surrender and submission we will practice this week as we head to the cross, is the surrender and submission we practice in all of life as we follow Jesus. Take heart, it is worth it.
Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Exercise Spend time today reflecting on the Celebration p. 76–78
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journey that Jesus is about to take. Consider what it must have been like to choose to die. What do you think was going through his mind and in his heart?
surrender & submission
30 Day 41
Don’t Say It Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:38–39
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March
ubmission. We cringe at the mention of the word. It evokes weakness, being a doormat, being controlled or even being trapped. The word reverberates in the fibers of our independent selves. We have to submit.
Yet in the Bible, the act of submission is a choice. That’s right – a choice. We choose to submit and it is not a result of any position we have or a station in life, but it is a choice, therefore a matter of the heart. We can obey someone without submitting to him or her. We can follow instructions and still have a rebellious heart. Our actions do not always accurately reflect our hearts. So why would we choose it? Why would we voluntarily put ourselves in a place of submission and vulnerability? This is so counter-intuitive! This goes directly against our desire to protect ourselves, praise ourselves and avoid pain. We choose it because God gives us the desire and strength to submit. It is not something we can do on our own. We choose it because the one who transforms our hearts, Jesus, is the one who took on the greatest surrender – the surrender of his own life.
Exercise In prayer today, consider the picture you have of submission. What is your gut reaction to the word? Ask God to transform the image of submission you have in your mind and heart.
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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March
31 Day 42
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45
surrender & submission Our Crosses If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
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enying ourselves comes in many forms and is required daily. It can mean giving up something we love to someone else, giving up an opportunity, giving up status or privileges.
Our crosses also take different forms. Some carry the cross of mental illness, others carry the cross of physical disease. Some carry the cross of deep emotional wounds and others carry the cross of learning differences. Some carry the cross of estranged relationships and others carry the cross of those who are daily dependent on them. Our crosses are the things we take up daily and follow Jesus. We do not deny these crosses, we bring them with us and follow Jesus.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise What crosses has God asked you to carry in this life? Have you ignored or embraced his call to carry these crosses as you follow Jesus? If you have ignored his call, what steps can you take to pick up your daily cross? If you have embraced your cross(es), reflect on how God has strengthened you as you follow Jesus and offer him thanks for his faithfulness.
surrender & submission A Matter of Heart We are commanded to live a life of submission because Jesus lived a life of submission, not because we are in a particular place or station in life. Self-denial is a posture fitting for all those who follow the crucified Lord.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
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esus did it, so should we. If the God of the universe denied himself, then so should we.
That should be compelling enough, yet it falls short. If we are honest, what drives us is our own strength, our smarts, our gifts and our abilities. Many of us have earned respect, have earned position and have worked hard for accomplishments. This leads us to believe we deserve something. We have worked hard, have earned it, therefore we deserve it. These “stations” we achieve in life make it more difficult to submit. We believe we deserve what we have rather than see it for what it is – a gift. So we need a transformation of our hearts and God promises to do just that.
April
1
Day 43
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
Exercise Today, practice submission. Do not push
your agenda. Do not try to get your way. You can still lead, but be intentional about listening. Allow someone else to lead instead of insisting on getting your way. How you have looked at the good in your life as something you deserve rather than the gift it is? Jot some notes in this booklet.
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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April
2
Day 44
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45
MAUNDY THURSDAY Service 7 pm, Sanctuary
surrender & submission
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Nourishment for the Journey n his last meal with his disciples, Jesus talks about nourishment (Luke 22). He talks about the nourishment his disciples will need for the journey to which he is calling them. This nourishment involves himself – his body – given, sacrificed, submitted for the sake of the disciples and what he would soon call them to do. His blood was poured out as the New Covenant. Jesus himself restored people to God through his sacrifice. Jesus’ nourishment of his disciples came through sacrifice. His body and blood – these things nourish us for the call of following him and serving him. Jesus did not nor will not leave us without help and the greatest help is found in himself.
Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise Read Luke 22:7–23. Spend some
time reflecting on the evening the disciples had with Jesus. Consider what he was saying to his disciples. What is God speaking to you today? Take notes (p. 75).
GOOD FRIDAY Requiem 12 pm, Sanctuary
surrender & submission Vision of Joy Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1–2
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hat was the joy set before Jesus? His joy was our salvation, ultimate reconciliation between God and man, triumph over evil and death. Jesus could see past the cross to joy, but he still had to endure it. Choosing self-denial and submission is not easy. Having a vision of what is ahead gives a picture of purpose, a picture of what is worth it. For Jesus, we were worth it.
Exercise Spend time in prayer today, asking God to give you a vision bigger than yourself. What are you living for? What is worth sacrificing for? Maybe the vision he is giving you is helping broken families be reconciled, maybe it is giving hope to those who have suffered injustices, maybe it is giving your children unconditional love so that they understand the love God has for them. Ask God to give you a vision of joy that will compel you pick up your cross daily and follow him.
April
3
Day 45
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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April
4
Day 46
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65 Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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HOLY SATURDAY
surrender & submission
W W We Wait
atching hope die can be devastating. The women and disciples who followed Jesus watched that happen on the cross. The one who would save them from their pain, their suffering and the turmoil of the world around them, died. The men and women who watched Jesus die had been told of a “Sunday” but had no idea when it would come. In the inbetween they had to wait – Holy Saturday – which happened to fall on the Jewish Sabbath day. In between death and resurrection, they were required to rest and wait (Luke 23:56). They did not have the luxury we have of knowing Sunday was coming. Even having this luxury, some of us are in the middle of a long “Holy Saturday.” A relationship is estranged and we hope for its reconciliation and resurrection. A loved one has died and we have to wait until heaven to be reunited. We have lost a job and are waiting for a new job. Our “Holy Saturdays” are often longer than one day, seemingly eternal. So we wait and we trust. We wait, resting in the love and goodness of God. Knowing Christ gives us a glimpse of what is to come. It is a future with full peace, full joy, full healing and full restoration. We live in the in-between, but Sunday is coming when he will make all things new.
Exercise Spend some time sitting with God
today in quiet. Set the timer one more time for 15 minutes (or more). Reflect on the journey we have taken together so far. What does God bring forth? Where does he want to meet you today?
Notes
75
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April 5
celebration Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. – Matthew 28:3
April
5
Day 47
Confession p. 8–15 Fasting p. 16–25 Silence & Solitude p. 26–35 Study p. 36–45 Prayer p. 46–55 Service p. 56–65
EASTER SUNDAY Services at 6:30, 8, 9:30, 11, and 11:05 am
Celebration Joy
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oday we celebrate the beauty of resurrection, redemption and hope! Today Christ is risen and through his resurrection, death has been put to death. We celebrate this now in part and will one day celebrate in full the redemption of all things! Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. –Matthew 28:1–9
Surrender & Submission p. 66–75 Celebration p. 76–78
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Exercise
Spend the day celebrating with others!
Notes
resources A Hunger for Go: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer by John Piper Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland Jr. Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun Strengthening the Soul of your Leadership by Ruth Barton The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
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piritual practices have long been a part of the Christian faith, but what are they exactly? They are exercises in our spiritual life that open us up to transformation by the Holy Spirit. Much like an athlete will strengthen their physical life with weights, cardio, sprints and calisthenics, a follower of Jesus will strengthen their spiritual life with exercises such as confession, fasting, solitude and silence, study, prayer, service, surrender, submission and celebration. We invite you to walk with us on this Lenten journey of discovery, strengthening and transformation. May you find freedom, joy and new life in the days to come!
hppc.org/lent