A Safe Harbor
for All People

Harbor United Methodist Church

21 hours ago

Lenten Devotion - February 28

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:8-17
“First, I thank my God….” In these early days of Lent, it is good to read the opening words of Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians. And if we are looking for a spiritual practice to begin during Lent, Paul gives us a good model: first, give thanks. Perhaps it is the way you want to begin your day. Perhaps you want to offer a prayer of thanks as you power up your computer or wake your children or start your work or enter the classroom or review your “to do” list. Perhaps thanking God becomes a way of beginning your daily devotions or sitting down to a meal or even starting your car. That attitude of gratitude—a thankful heart—can permeate everything you do.

The late Swiss diplomat Dag Hammarskjold is quoted as offering this prayer: “For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.” Notice the word “all.” Things have happened in my life that were difficult, disheartening, frustrating…times when I wish there was a “delete” button for certain events or encounters. (…you, too?) And I’m sure there will be times to come that will deplete me, break my heart, test my patience and my self-control. But Hammarskjold is right, give thanks for ALL and say yes to ALL that is to come. And trust that God’s grace sustains us through it ALL.

At the early service on Sunday mornings we sing this doxology:
Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son. And now let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us.” Give thanks!

May those words refresh our hearts every day!

Breath prayer: For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.

Prayer emphasis: For those who struggle to see God’s grace in their lives.

Daily challenge: Thank God for being with you in a particular challenge.

Submitted by Suzanna Helms ... See MoreSee Less

Harbor United Methodist Church

2 days ago

Lenten Devotion - February 27

Scripture Reading: Psalm 51
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23. It’s not just the ones we look down on, which can be people from any (or many) number of categories. My category may not look like yours in judging who is righteous and who is sinful (drug addicts, murderers, prideful, non-churchgoers, etc). I fit into a lot of different categories myself. All have sinned and fallen short.

Despite our struggle to stay sinless, we continue sinning. Paul wrote, the things I don’t want to do I continue doing and the things I want to do never happen – Romans 7:15. I resolve so often to stay in the Word, to pray more, to live my faith outside the walls of Harbor and my home, missing the mark many times!

We have this hope: God can wash us whiter than snow. Wash me with hyssop and I will be clean – Psalm 51:7. In Genesis 12, hyssop was used to paint blood on the door frames of the Israelites so the angel of death would pass over them. In the crucifixion stories, hyssop was dipped in vinegar and offered to Jesus on the cross.

God can take anything (ANYTHING) to clean us up: circumstances, enemies, job change, death of a loved one, test results, or a move, to draw us to Him and “clean” us up. His arm is not too short to reach down into our very hearts and seek out the things that should not reside there.

When I am fully aware of the grace and mercy afforded to me, how can I stop from singing His praise, from telling anyone who will listen (no matter which categories they fall in), how much my God has done?

Breath prayer: Clean me, Lord…as white as snow.

Prayer emphasis: Pray for those who see categories instead of people. Help them see a brother or sister in Christ.

Daily challenge: Step out of your comfort zone today and see who God leads you to talk to. Remember, He’s still working on each one of us.

Submitted by Mollie Philbin ... See MoreSee Less