Simply Jesus

Simply Jesus Lent is a 40-day period of preparation culminating in the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is based on the 40-day fast Jesus observed in the wilderness as He began His earthly ministry. Lent is a time of reflection and sacrifice.

The Lenten season is a time to consider quiet, solitude and meditation to encourage spiritual renewal and growth in your relationship with Christ.

This devotional is a compilation of timeless truths and practical wisdom to encourage, inspire and challenge us each day as we grow deeper in our relationship with Christ. Each week focuses on spiritual challenges/exercises to encourage us to refocus and simplify our lives. Without some effort on our part, little transformation will take place. Blank pages for notes, insights and prayers are included as you journey through each week.

We encourage everyone to participate with your small group or family for this journey. This will provide you with an opportunity to connect with others in an authentic community, discussing how you are being encouraged and challenged.

Fasting and giving are essential parts of Lent. A fast, in some form, can make more space in our lives for intentional time with God. Traditionally, a Lenten fast is Monday through Saturday.

Sundays are reserved for worship and feasting in community with family and friends.

Some fasting and giving ideas can be found on the next page of this booklet.

May our lives be so tremendously full of the crucified, resurrected and ascended Christ that they overflow into the lives of others. Together, let’s rediscover Jesus, who is and always will be... Simply Jesus.

Fasting Ideas: •

Food – Abstain from a meal(s) or omit certain foods from your diet.

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Activity - Abstain from TV/Netflix/Movies/Gaming/Talk Radio.

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Behavior/Habits – Abstain from gossip, judgement, complaining.

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Phone – Abstain from sunset to sunrise

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Social Media/Internet – Abstain from unnecessary communication.

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Sleep – Set your alarm an hour earlier each day to wake up to spend time with God.

(Traditionally, a Lenten fast is practiced Monday through Saturday.

Sundays are reserved for worship and feasting with friends and family)

Giving Ideas: •

Correspondence – Send an encouraging note/text to a different person every day.

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Simplify – Thoughtfully give away a favorite personal possession each day or week.

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Presence – Spend time with someone who is lonely, grieving or in crisis.

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Charity – Give financially to an individual in need or an organizational need God has placed on your heart.

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Service – Babysit for free for a family. Buy or cook someone a meal. Change someone’s flat tire. Volunteer at a shelter. Repair someone’s appliance. Clean someone’s house.

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The possibilities are endless!

WEEK

1:

Simply Christ

Reaching for Jesus Monday (Mark 5:21-43) This passage in Mark records Jesus’ powerful response to physical needs, ailments, displays of emotion, acts of desperation and responses of faith. We can all think of times when everything around us seemed to be working against us. Whether it was mourning a loss, sickness or depression, it became too difficult to go to the God who promises hope, peace and joy.

We have inspiring examples in this story of two people who, despite the realities of their own wounds, physically humbled themselves before Jesus Christ. Jairus fell at the feet of Jesus asking healing for his daughter. After she had died, the Lord answered his prayer raising her back to beautiful life. The sick woman physically reached out to Jesus and in her faith-filled touch, she was healed through His power. Imagine the power we would witness in and through our lives if we followed her example. Can we reach out to God and humble ourselves before Him? “Who have I in heaven but you? There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.

But for me it is good to be near God...” Psalm 73:25-28 Reflection: •

How is God calling you to humble yourself before Him?

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What are the obstacles in your way that would keep you from doing this?

Prayer: Lord, today I stretch out my hands as an act of surrender and to demonstrate my need for you. Lord I choose to humble myself before you today and cast all my cares on you.

Humility equals Courage Tuesday (Mark 5:25-43) While Jesus traveled, taught and performed miracles, crowds of people followed just to get a glimpse of Him. Some pursued Him out of curiosity, while others were leery. Others challenged the authority He claimed, in fact some hated Him and began to plot ways to have Him eliminated.

What a mixed crowd! Imagine the variety of emotions on display. Had I been there I probably would’ve been more than content to hang near the back, just taking it all in. Where in the crowd would you have been?

Would you have been in the back with me or out in front in the midst of all the action?

Mark 5 provides a different perspective. The grief-stricken father and bleeding woman would not fall into the category of “self-assured” or “attention lovers.” These two were broken, frail and hopeless. But their confidence was no longer in themselves. In stepping forward and speaking up, two very humble and lowly people were bold in their faith.

They didn’t care who would ridicule, they didn’t care who would pass judgment. They were in desperate need and they wanted help.

Reflection: •

Are you aware of your constant need for Jesus?

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How do you express your need for Jesus with others?

Prayer: Lord, I pray for humility so I can become more aware of my need for you. Help me to be humble, and yet bold enough to approach you, no matter what others may think.

Identity in Jesus Wednesday Read the following verses regarding our identity in the person of Jesus Christ. Contemplate each verse slowly and spend a few minutes reflecting on their power.

I am God’s child: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 I am free from condemnation: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 I am alive together with Jesus: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” Colossians 2:13 Reflection: •

Take your thoughts about your identity to a deeper level by sharing what you discovered with a trusted friend this week.

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Ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable in this area.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask you to search me (Psalm 139:23-24) and to reveal any place where my heart may be hard about humbly approaching you, Lord, for help. I lay down those areas before you right now.

Uniqueness in Jesus Thursday Consider the following verses. As you ponder their meaning, reflect on how these characteristics are unique to us as believers.

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm: “But God...raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4, 6 I am in the Spirit, not the flesh: “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit.” Romans 8:9a Jesus is my life: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:4 I am being transformed into the image of Christ: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 Reflection: •

How do you take full advantage of your uniqueness in Jesus?

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Make a list of the privileges these verses afford us?

Use the song “Break Through” by Tommy Walker as a prayer:

Break through all my doubts, Break through that I may worship You. Break through all my pain, break through all my guilt and my shame, Break through like only You can do. You are brighter than my darkest night, Stronger than my toughest fight. Just one touch from You my King, my friend, And I’ll never be the same again.”

Peace through Jesus Friday (Psalm 23) Sweet Heavenly Peace (by Katie Kapteyn DeGraff) There’s a peace here where You dwell A peace that sinks in deep.

It passes understanding and it brings the sweetest sleep.

Then I will go where You are, and that is never too far.

You hold the whole world in Your hand You give hope to every land. Peace, is You You lead me by the still clean water. You restore my soul And bring me to the greenest grass. Its here You make me whole Reflection: •

Name the circumstances in your life where you need to put your trust in Jesus.

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Are there areas in your life where fear and worry are controlling you?

Prayer: Lord, when I am tempted to be afraid, may I remember your words, “Do not be afraid; only keep on believing [in Me and my power].” Mark 5:36 (AMP)

Ref lecting on Jesus Saturday In the last six days, we’ve come face to face with some AMAZING truths from Scripture. Where has the Spirit of God “tugged” most at your heart to see yourself in these passages? Where have you felt God desiring to “break through” in your walk only to reveal Himself even more in your life? When God reveals an area He is working on in your life, don’t get mad or feel ashamed. Rather remember the “knee work of prayer” and turn it over to God. Through this Lenten journey, remember your daily need to take off “self” and “put on” a touch of your Savior; the Lord Jesus Christ who offers His hand and hope to anyone who seeks it!

Reflection: • •

Can you think of a time in your life where you have experienced a “breakthrough” with God? Where have you felt God desiring to “break through” in order to reveal Himself even more in your life?

Prayer: Lord, may I put my trust in you with all my heart and choose not to lean on my own understanding. In all my ways help me to choose to acknowledge you, and believe you will make all my paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5,6

WEEK

2:

Simply Rest

Physical Rest Monday “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:1-2 When we are at rest we have the ability to live from a peaceful heart with a deep awareness of the presence of God. The rest Jesus offers is received by faith not by our works (Hebrews 4:1). We are going to look at some different types of rest this week: Physical Rest, Spiritual Rest and Sabbath Rest.

Physical rest is important and it is good to maintain a healthy balance of work, rest and sleep in our lives. Physical rest includes leisure time, good sleep and taking a Sabbath (day of rest) each week. One of the ways to maintain physical health is to get enough sleep. The average American gets less than seven hours of sleep. Doctors recommend that we get at least eight hours of sleep daily.

Reflection: •

How have you been maintaining healthy physical rest?

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What are your sleeping patterns lately?

Spiritual Challenge for the week: One thing we can do is to try to sleep for a night without waking up to an alarm. Allow yourself to sleep in.

Prayer: Lord, your Word promises to give us sleep because you love us.

Lord as I pray, speak to me and see if there be any sinful way in me that is keeping me from experiencing Your rest. Amen

Soul Rest Tuesday “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.” Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus is calling us into a life that is peaceful and full of His loving presence. The world around us draws us into hurry and constant activity. He is calling us into His world that is focused and unhurried. His life is one of fulfillment and purpose, leading us into peace and rest!

This world and its priorities will leave you burdened and burnt out.

Jesus says come to me and take on my yoke and “learn the rhythms of grace” that flow out of my life. Take two minutes to focus quietly on the verses above. Read through them slowly a few times. When you are finished then prayerfully go through the questions below.

Reflection: •

What burdens are you carrying that make you feel hurried and weary?

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What “rhythm of grace” do you need to learn from Jesus today?

Prayer: Jesus I come to you and I lay my weariness and burdens at your feet. Lord I confess these burdens have been a distraction and have kept me weary and distant from you. Please quiet my heart so I can learn from you and find rest for my soul. Thank you for your grace that is working in my life today.

Emotional Rest Wednesday “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (ESV) Psalm 23:1 “God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.” (MSG) Psalm 23:1 We want a lot of things. We want recognition for a job well done. We want family security and financial stability. We want to feel like we’ve done something worthwhile with the life God has blessed us with. All of this contributes to our emotional well being. At times, we may feel like we can’t keep up with the stress and demands of our lives. We can even give our stress and hurry spiritual reasoning. Some of us struggle with anxiety, depression, fear and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

Truthfully, our busyness has hammered the rest right out of us. How do we cultivate a life which models rest in the LORD where our actions and emotions say, “God is my shepherd, I don’t need a thing?” We start with spending time with the LORD, our Shepherd. He promises to lead the way to rest. He will tell us and show us what we’ve been chasing after, and what we need to leave behind. But you need to be willing to spend some quiet time with Him. Then, our Shepherd will give us rest from our busyness and chaos. No one else has the source of true rest, but the LORD, our Shepherd. “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

Reflection: Read Psalm 23 a few times.

Look at the activities of your day or the past week. What activities are causing emotional imbalance and need some Shepherd intervention?

Prayer: Heavenly Father I confess I need to connect with you, heart to heart. Come, fill me with your Holy Spirit, and give me a fresh hunger for your Word. Lord speak to me and help me follow your direction.

Sabbath Rest Thursday “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly, then you shall take delight in the Lord.” Isaiah 58:13-14a Are you suffering from “hurry sickness” – constantly speeding up daily activities, multi-tasking? After God created the heavens and the earth in six days, He took a day of rest. Imagine, the God of the universe who is all powerful and needs nothing, took a Sabbath day!

God calls us to stop working and to remember His creative and redemptive work. We need to remember our time belongs to God. The Sabbath reminds us we’re made for something bigger than working ourselves to death, worrying or running ourselves ragged for fear we might miss something.

Sabbath reminds us to let go of our sense of control and remember God is in control. Keeping the Sabbath is not to earn God’s grace or pleasure, but it is a way of deepening one’s awareness of God’s ongoing grace in our lives and in this world. May we pay attention to our souls daily and rest remembering God’s faithfulness to us!

Reflection: •

How have you been keeping a Sabbath lately?

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In what ways have you been living like you are in control?

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What delights you about the Lord?

Prayer: Lord I come into your presence and acknowledge you are in control. Lord, help me to remember your work precedes my work, grounds my work and goes on after my work. Help me today to reflect and remember the work you have done in my life and continue to do each day.Thank you Lord for helping me find my rest in you.

Spiritual Rest Friday (Psalm 23) “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we instructed you.” I Thessalonians 4:11 (NAS) “True to Your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Psalm 23:3 (Message) Have you ever tried to rest in a noisy environment? Most of us don’t look for lots of noise to find a resting place. We think of someplace quiet and calm when we think about rest. Is it any wonder when it comes to spiritual rest for our souls, we often have a difficult time? Our lives are too noisy to find the rest God promises us. There are several Scripture passages directly challenging our hectic lifestyles. Psalm 46:10 says plainly, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Have you made it your ambition to lead a quiet life? Or are you bombarded with trying to live up to unrealistic expectations? Jesus had many expectations placed on Him during His lifetime. People needed to be healed, the Pharisees wanted to debate and the disciples wanted the best seats in His kingdom. Yet, Jesus savored quiet moments with His Father. He made it His ambition to be still and get His spiritual rest.

It was from that place of rest God was able to send His Son in the right direction. Jesus turned off the noise of the busyness on earth to rest in the arms of His Father. Will you take off the noise of busyness and rest in the arms of our heavenly Father?

Reflection: •

When was the last time you set aside time to be still and rest in the Lord? If this is challenging for you, ask someone to hold you accountable.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, by your Holy Spirit, please help me practice the spiritual discipline of rest. May I learn to rest in you all day, every day.

Abiding Rest Saturday “The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me.

Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.” Psalm 116:6-8 We were created to be dependent and to rest in God because our salvation comes from Him. God has promised to give us our daily bread and take care of our daily needs. Do you believe these truths?

Don’t confuse relaxation with rest. There are many forms of relaxation: reading, watching television, sports, playing video games, gardening or enjoying crafts. True rest comes from Jesus and goes much deeper.

True rest allows us to lay our concerns and burdens at Jesus’ feet.

Have you learned the secret of true rest? Have you learned to listen to Jesus and let Him speak words of truth, comfort and love into your life? This kind of rest is known as abiding in Jesus. It is only in abiding that we find true rest; then the Holy Spirit will produce His fruit in our lives.

Reflection: •

As you spend time in prayer, what are the burdens weighing you down?

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Sit quietly for 15-30 minutes in the presence of the Lord and surrender to Him those things weighing you down.

Prayer: Lord, my heart is filled with thankfulness and joy as I spend precious time with you. I feel your peace and presence surrounding me as I relinquish every care and concern I have to your capable hands.

Let praise and thanksgiving be on my lips and in my heart as I go about my day.

WEEK

3:

Simply Confess

Freedom in Confession Monday Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes: “He who is alone with his sin is utterly alone.”

Scripture says it this way: “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 Loneliness is painful. It separates us from God and from other people.

When we are in sin, when no one knows and we are unrepentant, the best we can do is hide, cover and deceive. God has more for us! God has freedom for those who follow Him. The path He gives us to get there is a painful, yet beautiful one. Confession is the road to freedom and a clean conscience. One must choose between being honest about the sin within or to remain hidden.

Reflection: •

Will you take some time and confess your sin to God?

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How does confessing your sin impact your ability to live in freedom?

Prayer: Lord, if you kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness so we can worship and serve you. Thank you for cleansing me with the blood of Jesus!

Confession through Worship Tuesday We often feel that in order to appear before God we need to clean ourselves up. For too many of us worship in confession seems contradictory. We get confused into thinking our appearance matters - somehow by “looking like a Christian” God accepts us. David faced the same issue.

He worked hard to cover up his sin with Bathsheba. But when Nathan confronted him, David realized his foolishness. David then did what God wants each of us to do – to come before Him with our sin-stained souls laid bare.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” Psalm 51:1-3 David found himself worshipping God and declaring His praise because God accepts the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart, not the show of a burnt offering. When we are in a place of humility before the Lord, we often experience closeness to Him in worship seldom found elsewhere.

Reflection: •

What does God want to release from your heart to allow you to worship in confessing?

Prayer: Use Psalm 51:14-17 as a prayer today.

“Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 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.”

Freedom in Confession Wednesday “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah 53:6 Here is the truth about the church: it is full of sinners. Dietrich Bonheoffer writes, “Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous.” If we desire to be the church that Christ will be pleased with, we must get past the fear of being a sinner at church.

It is in the confession of being a sinner that we find Christ. Bonheoffer writes, “… It is the grace of the Gospel, which is so hard for the pious to understand, that confronts us with the truth and says: You are a sinner, a great, desperate sinner; now come, as the sinner you are, to God who loves you.” You see, confession becomes the ground of encountering Christ. I pray that we would be bold enough to acknowledge our sin so we might find the sweet mercy of Christ.

Reflection: •

Can you think of a time when you confessed a sin to someone?

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What was the response of the other person?

Prayer: Lord as I take some time to confess, I thank you Lord for forgiving me from the guilt of my sin. Your mercy is such a blessing in my life and now I can walk in freedom. Guide me Lord as I choose to live for you today.

Confession in Friendship Thursday God does not need our confession, He already knows about our sins.

And if we have received Christ as Savior, He has already forgiven us.

Confession to other people is for our benefit. When God tells us to confess our sins to each other it is for reasons we should not ignore.

We can be forgiven for our sins, but if we hide them or cover them up, we can still be overcome with guilt. Psalm 32:3-5 reads, “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

This is a picture of what happens when we try to live our lives giving the appearance that everything is good, while hiding our sin. It tears us apart. Sometimes confessing our sins to God alone is not enough. We are not individuals acting alone, but are members of the body of Christ and are accountable to each other. Confessing to each other helps us to truly feel the forgiveness of God. Reflection: •

What are sins you need to confess to someone?

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When you confess your sin to someone, how does that impact your relationship with that person?

Prayer: Lord, if you have forgiven me, then I don’t need to fear what other people think of me. Help me Lord to live in your freedom and make confession to you and others part of my life.

Confession through Mercy Friday If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:23 Jesus’ cross is the objective witness that a Christian’s sins are forgiven. But we are broken, fallen creatures. At times, we are unable to hear the freeing and healing word of mercy. This is where confession to another human being is instrumental in receiving God’s grace.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “Now our brother stands in Christ’s stead.

Before him I need no longer to pretend. Before him alone in the world I dare to be the sinner that I am; here the truth of Jesus Christ and His mercy rules…” Our brother or sister in Christ reminds us that Christ has forgiven us.

He or she testifies to the mercy found in Him. Through him or her, the cross becomes real. Do you need to know you are forgiven? Confess and you will experience Christ’s mercy.

Reflection: •

It is important to confess to other believers in Christ who understand they too are sinners who have been forgiven by grace.

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Can you think of someone you need to forgive? Go to them and let them know you forgive them.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember I have been forgiven through your grace and mercy. May your Spirit speak to my heart so I may forgive others.

Confession in Community Saturday “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 12 Clearly, we are created to walk the road of life in authentic community with one another. The Scriptures give countless examples of the dangers of “going it alone.” Maybe you are already in a small group. Good for you. We pray you are sensing the benefit. But what if your small group isn’t small enough? Maybe you’ve met faithfully with your group but you just can’t seem to make a real connection. It can be daunting to reveal our true self to a large number of people. If this describes how you’ve felt, don’t lose heart. If your desire is to develop life-transforming relationships, consider asking two people from your group to form a “triad”- or a D3 group - within your group. Three people can be a small enough group to focus on real community and true life-change.

Our comfort levels rise in a smaller group and the inward journey toward real transformation can begin.

Trust, intimacy and unity will build as you allow room for prayer and confession. Unequaled power of the Holy Spirit is released when we confess and pray for each other in community. “A threefold cord is not easily broken.”

Reflection: •

Who are the one or two people with whom you could form an honest friendship with, one where you are willing to hold each other accountable?

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How is confession changing your relationship with God?

Prayer: Lord your word teaches me to confess my sins to another; give me the strength to live this out in obedience.

WEEK

4:

Simply Encounter

Encounter Blessing Monday In Chapter 1 of Ephesians, Paul begins with an outburst of praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The ground for giving praise is expressed in the phrase; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (v.3). Blessings include: election, adoption, God’s will, His grace, redemption, wisdom, mystery and the consummation of all things. This week we will delve deeper into some of these blessings. For today, take time as Paul did to give an outburst of praise to God for all the blessings in your life.

Reflection: •

What are some blessings in your life that lead you into an outburst of praise?

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How do you feel after you have spent some time in praise and thanksgiving with God?

Prayer: Use this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer, “A General Thanksgiving” Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and de-light us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of His Word and the example of His life; for His steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for His dying, through which He overcame death; and for His rising to life again, in which we are raised to life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Him and make Him known; and through Him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

Pathways to Encounter Tuesday We were blessed with an intrinsic need to encounter God. We are created beings, gloriously designed with the desire to experientially meet, commune and engage with our Creator. Ephesians 1:3-14 gives Five Pathways whereby we can encounter the living God. •

Through Christ: Everything begins with Jesus Christ. No encounter is possible apart from Him. He is your gateway to true life and hope. In what new ways are you getting to know Him?

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Purposed in Christ: What fills up your life? Has God placed “purposeful emptiness” in your week in order for you to encounter Christ?

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Under He is which spent

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Hope in Christ: The prerequisite to hope is revelation. By reading the revealed Word of God and spending time in prayer, we cultivate a hope which will endure. What has God revealed to you lately?

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Inclusion in Christ: You are called son, daughter and co-heir with Christ because of the Cross. Now no barrier need stand between you and an encounter with God.

Christ: the greater, we the lesser. Worship puts us under Christ, happens to be the very place we encounter Him. Have you time today acknowledging God’s goodness and majesty?

Spiritual Challenge: During the remainder of this week spend time meditating on each pathway. Spend time answering the questions in each pathway. Pray through the pathways and share with someone you trust so they can encourage you in walking it out.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to you as my source of strength, hope and inspiration. Give me the grace to encounter you this week through the Five Pathways. Speak to my heart about any way I can encounter you. Amen

Encounter Election Wednesday “...he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Ephesians 1:4 If you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and entered into a relationship with Him, it’s because He chose you. It was His initiative to save you from sin and death. This was not by happen-stance or chance. God had your relationship with Him planned all along, or as Paul puts it, “before the foundation of the world.” We can’t take credit for it. We can only receive it and praise Him for it as we seek to live our lives under His grace and for His glory.

Reflection: •

How is God being glorified by your life?

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How will your answer to the first question impact the way you live today?

Prayer: Today, meditate and pray through the Pathway, Under Christ: He is the greater, we the lesser. Worship puts us under Christ, which happens to be the very place we encounter Him. Have you spent time today acknowledging God’s goodness and majesty?

Encounter Adoption Thursday “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT) We hear stories of couples who are in the adoption process. They travel a great distance, spend lots of money, have to make a selection, go through endless paperwork and sometimes years of waiting in order to adopt a child. But when that special day comes, there is much joy and celebration. Did you know Jesus went through an adoption process for you and me? He left His home, which was paradise, to come here.

He spent all He had, which was His life. He went through a selection process and picked you!

What a celebration it was when you became His! Reflection: •

Have you ever wondered why God chose you?

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What is one way being adopted by God has impacted your life?

Prayer: Pray and meditate on the pathway, Inclusion In Christ: You are called son, daughter, co-heir with Christ because of the Cross.

Now no barrier need stand between you and an encounter with God.

Encounter Inheritance Friday “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” Ephesians 1:11 Paul lists the blessing of an inheritance in verse 11. An inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, rights and obligations upon the death of an individual. In Ephesians, Paul teaches identity formation for the Christians in Ephesus. He is changing their paradigm. They may have viewed inheritance as we do-material things we will eventually possess. Paul says your real inheritance is found in Jesus Christ.

Because of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, those who put their faith and trust in Him receive the inheritance of Him with all its rights and benefits. We are given the titles of sons and daughters, reconciled to God the Father, given the gift of eternal life, given the right to approach His throne and given a holy obligation to share this Good News with others.

Reflection: •

Are you living and hoping for an earthly inheritance, or for your heavenly inheritance?

•

What comfort does the knowledge of your inheritance bring you?

•

How are you using your inheritance?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a grateful heart for all you have done for me and all you are doing in me. Give me the grace and strength to be faithful to all you want to do through me.

Ref lecting on Jesus Saturday “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to His purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1: 3-14 God’s purpose through all of this is to receive our praise. Verse 6 says, “to the praise of his glorious grace.” Verse 12 says, “so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.” Verse 14 says, “...to the praise of his glory.” Let’s revisit the beginning of our week and how Paul starts this letter to the Ephesians - with an outburst of praise!

Reflection: •

How has this Lenten journey helped you move forward in your relationship with God?

•

Have you noticed any changes in your prayer life? To God be the glory!

Prayer: Spend a few minutes reflecting on this week and praise God for what you have experienced in your week of Encounter. Thank and praise Him for who He is.

WEEK5:

Simply Embrace

Embrace Humility Monday “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” I Peter 5:6 Every day we wake up and get dressed as part of our daily routine. Peter calls us to dress ourselves in another way, “to wear humility.” Humility is a necessity for those who love and follow Jesus. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “...learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”

Jesus was the ultimate example of humility, by submitting in obedience all the way to His death. In our difficult times, we are asked to submit to Him, and allow Jesus to work in us. When we put on humility, we allow the Spirit to reform us into who God would have us be.

Jesus’ death was followed by His resurrection! He was exalted. He was given the name that is above every other name! (Phil 2:9) We, too, can look forward to being lifted up at the right time. Our days of suffering won’t last forever. When we humbly submit our struggles and earthly pain to Him, we will bring Him glory and be lifted up! Trust Him to do what He says He will do!

Reflection: •

How can you put on humility as you prepare for a new day?

Prayer: God, today I humble myself under your mighty hand that you may be glorified and that in your time you will lift me up.

Embrace Fasting Tuesday “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10,11 When we feel like we are running on empty, we can be filled with the hope of the Lord. A practice of fasting is a preparation for God to give us guidance and renewal. We can posture ourselves to be restored by Him. In these verses we are instructed to lean on His power for strength.

Reflection: •

In what part of your life do you need a fresh filling with the hope of the Lord?

•

Have you spent time fasting from food, television or other things? What has that fast taught you?

Spiritual Challenge: Fasting from food or certain activities in order to spend more time in prayer and meditation is an excellent spiritual exercise. It can remind you of how much your flesh cries out to be satisfied. It can also teach you to cry out for God’s grace, help and strength. Try some type of fast this week for a day or two. Let someone know who can encourage you during this time.

Embracing Freedom Wednesday “...casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 We worry about all kinds of things. How much of your time do you spend worrying? How much does that accomplish? Jesus addressed the issue of worry in Luke 12:25. He asks them, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

Take a moment and review these statistics on what people tend to worry about: • • • • •

40% - situations that will never happen 30% - issues from the past that can’t be changed 12% - criticism from others, mostly untrue 10% - our health (which actually gets worse with stress) 8% - real problems that will be faced

This verse tells us to cast our anxieties on the Lord. The tense used in “cast” implies a ‘once and for all’ cast, throwing all of the cares and not holding on to any part of it! We are to cast ALL our anxieties on to Him! Reflection: •

What worries or anxieties have you allowed to creep back into your heart – issues you need to cast before the throne?

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my worries to you one by one. Give me the grace and strength to never return to them.

Embracing Jesus Thursday “...the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

1 Peter 5:10 I recently viewed a YouTube video that showed several surprise homecomings of American soldiers. It was quite moving to see small children drop what they were doing and sprint into the arms of their fathers whom they had not seen for months. The tears flowed. The joy was palpable. The distractions of weeping and laughing people, cameras flashing, crowds cheering and dogs barking were completely oblivious to the reunited families. They cared about one thing - the re-connection to those they loved.

These images remind us of the embrace that we long to have with Jesus.

The difference is that He has been there all along. We are so distracted with the people, stuff and circumstances of life that we often ignore Him. Let’s remove and lessen those things control us. Let’s ask “the God of all grace” to restore us to Himself. He is standing with arms wide open.

Reflection: •

What is keeping you from running to Jesus and receiving His perfect, loving embrace?

•

Is there something you need to fast from in order to see Jesus more clearly?

Prayer: Lord Jesus I choose to walk closely with You today and always.

Give me the grace to surrender any distractions in my life in order to live in full joy with you.

Embrace the Armor Friday (Psalm 23) “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 We clearly have an enemy who would love to destroy us. He would love to drive a wedge between us and Jesus. He attacks in both obvious and subtle ways with the goal of driving us further and further from a healthy relationship with Jesus. In our everyday lives, an “obvious” attack could be an affair, loss of a job or a tragic loss. These can cause much doubt and drive us away from a healthy relationship with Christ. A “subtle” attack can be just as devastating. Our adversary uses pride, anxiousness and addiction to gradually destroy us. They eat away at us slowly and drive a wedge between us and Jesus. Through the grace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can “be sober-minded and watchful” for those things that our adversary seeks to attack us with.

Throw them off and embrace the love and mercy of Christ!

Reflection: •

What are the obvious or subtle attacks the enemy is trying to use in your life?

•

Read Ephesians 6:10 – 18 and commit to memory

Prayer: Lord I know You are for me and nothing can separate me from your love through Christ Jesus. Give me the spiritual weapons I need today to fight off the attacks of the enemy. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Embrace Suffering Saturday “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) In this first passage, Peter tells us to stand firm and know the suffering we experience is also being dealt with across the globe by other believers. The word for “know” used in this passage means to ‘know beyond a shadow of a doubt.’ Peter wants his readers to understand suffering is to be expected as a result of living in a world which hates Christ. To know and expect suffering or trials equips us to better deal with adversity when it comes along. Satan’s plan is “divide and conquer,” to leave us feeling alone in our struggles and easily defeated. But we are called to stand firm in our faith, with the strong confidence that we are joined arm in arm with Christians across the world, and throughout time, standing against the evil one in the power of Christ.

Reflection: •

How are you standing with other believers or are you being isolated by the enemy?

Prayer: “Lord, I rejoice that nothing can come between me and Your love. When I feel alone or in difficulty, when I am in sickness or am troubled; even if attacked or afraid, no abyss of mine is so deep that your love is not deeper still. Lord, you have experienced many hells of this world but descended so that you can lift us up. Be always near.”

Corrie Ten Boom

WEEK

6:

Simply Passion

Triumphal Entry Monday (Luke 19:28-44, Phil 2:5-11) The Triumphal Entry of Jesus marks the beginning of Holy Week. On the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the city streets were packed with people due to the Passover celebration. Some scholars estimate the crowd was well over two million people! As the people waved palm branches and praised Him, the most powerful part of this story is the magnificent display of courage and service we see in Jesus. He knew what the week ahead held for Him. In just a few days, He would be arrested, tortured and brutally killed. His closest friends would betray Him. The very same people shouting “Hosanna” would soon be shouting “Crucify.”

He could have retreated or gone into hiding. Instead, He followed the plans of His Father and chose obedience. He chose to save us. We have entered Holy Week. In this story, and many others to come, we clearly see the passion that Jesus has for us.

Reflection: •

Are you willing to take on a lesser role in life to serve others?

Prayer: Lord, give me the grace to imitate Christ’s humility and courage. May I live a life of obedience through you and love Jesus passionately in return.

Passion in Action Tuesday All too often anger wells up inside a person producing disorder and unrighteousness. However, in Luke 19:45-46, Jesus revealed a place and a time to passionately rise and speak sharply with righteous anger. The moneychangers misused this place of worship and were driven from the temple courts, both physically and verbally by Jesus Christ Himself!

Reflection: •

Have you allowed the Spirit to show you the world’s injustice through His eyes?

•

What have you done about it? Is “righteous anger” ever called for?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me with an increasing passion and courage as Jesus exemplified on that day. Break my heart for what breaks yours.

Passion in Giving Wednesday (Luke 21:1-4) In this passage, we read about the widow who put two small copper coins in the offering basket. How much of an impact would two small copper coins have? Her giving could be viewed as inconsequential - of little impact - until you learn she gave all she had to live on. Her small gift was a sacrifice she gave willingly, in complete obedience and trust.

She may have felt as if she had little to give and her gift would have no impact. But she gave as an act of worship and obedience to God and Jesus pointed her out as an extravagant giver! When we trust completely in Jesus, our perspective shifts from that which our eyes can see to that which God tells us is true.

Reflection: •

What is God stirring in you to do? Is it to increase your giving, to use your unique story, gifts and talents in service to Him?

•

Are you ready and willing to step out of your comfort zone, trusting Jesus will be the supplier for all of your needs?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I hold on too tightly. Open my hands and my heart.

Passion for Serving Thursday (John 13:1-13) I am always struck by Jesus’ action in the upper room. During dinner, He arose from the table to wash the disciples’ feet! Imagine their surprise! In our western culture we often feel we are entitled to service. However we as Christians are called to serve and obey. In this Passage, we are given the example of Jesus’ passion to serve. As it says in Philippians 2:7, “but (Jesus) made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.” How can you take the form of a servant today and simply serve? Our goal is to move from a posture of entitlement to the title of servant!

Reflection: •

Whom do you need to serve today?

•

Pray for an opportunity to bless someone with unexpected service.

Prayer: “Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in my service to friend and stranger.” Adapted from St. Patrick’s prayer.

Passionate Sacrifice Friday (Luke 23:33-49) The ultimate sacrifice a person could ever give is to surrender their life for someone else. Through the anguish of today’s Scripture, we read the account of Jesus crucified. Two criminals spoke with Him as they hung on either side. One was repentant and Jesus promised him eternal life. The other man insulted Jesus through his last breaths.

Jesus passionately committed His spirit to the Father for both men.

As Philippians 2:8 states, “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross!” Humility was a main ingredient to Jesus’ service, always pointing to God the Father as His complete source.

Both Jew and Gentile, doubting and hopeful criminal, repentant and non-repentant sinner made the Crucifixion necessary to open the pathway to the holy presence of God. This Good Friday, realize Jesus is inviting you to be with Him in paradise, Heaven Eternal.

Reflection: •

Will you accept Jesus’ gracious invitation of eternal life?

•

If you’ve already accepted the invitation, will you serve and share this ultimate gift with others?

Prayer: “Thank you Lord for saving my soul, thank you Lord for making me whole. Thank you Lord for giving to me, Your great salvation that is so awesome and free!” Song by Jimmy Swaggart

Passionate Rest Saturday “Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” Luke 23:56 For your devotional time today, spend 10 minutes in silence.

Reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Ask God to break your heart over your sin and then confess it back to Him. Remember how Jesus took on Himself all of your sin.

Thank Him for His love and forgiveness and spend time in worship.

Simply Jesus Writing Team Various staff members of Faith Church Written in 2012. Revised in 2022.

All Scripture references are quotes from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.

Works Cited: Hunter, Todd. Christianity Beyond Belief. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, January 2009 Book of Common Prayer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book _of_Common_ Prayer St. Patrick’s Prayer. http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/st-patricks_prayer.html Ten Boom, Corrie. www.corrietenboom.com Bonhoefer, Dietrich. Life Together.

New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1954 Walker, Tommy. Break Through. Live at Saddleback, 2005 “Fasting and Giving Ideas” from Grace Community Church, Detroit, Michigan

Good Friday & Easter Services 2022 Good Friday Services: All Faith Church locations together and held at Faith Dyer •

Friday, April 15: 3, 5 & 7 PM

Easter Services: Beecher - Sunday, April 17, 9 & 11 AM Cedar Lake - Saturday, April 16, 6 PM | Sunday, April 17, 9 & 11 AM Dyer - Saturday, April 16, 5 PM | Sunday, April 17, 9 & 11 AM Highland - Saturday, April 16, 5 PM | Sunday, April 17, 9 & 11 AM Munster - Sunday, April 17, 9 & 11 AM Online Ministry - Sunday, April 17, 9 & 11 AM

Notes:

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