A Safe Harbor
for All People
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Traditional Worship – 9:00 AM
Our Traditional Service features hymns accompanied by choir and piano led by Jennifer Roden. Pastors deliver Bible-based sermons each week.
Contemporary Worship – 11:00 AM
Our Contemporary Service incorporates multi-media messages and praise worship led by Jenn Roden.
Discipleship Groups for all ages from 10:10 – 10:50 a.m.
Nursery care provided for all ages 6 weeks – 3 years old from 8:30 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Location – Harbor UMC
4853 Masonboro Loop Road Wilmington, NC 28409
910-452-7202
claire@harboronline.org
Mid Week Morsel - January 26, 2022
Scripture: Luke 4:14-21 (Read it here: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A14-21&version=NRSV)
Reflection: On biblegateway.com the heading for this passage is “Jesus Announces Good News to the Poor.” As we look at the Scripture that He reads in this passage Jesus proclaims that He has come to bring relief to the poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. Most of us cannot really say that we fit in any of these categories. We are not in prison and we can physically see. We may feel like we are poor or oppressed at times, at least by the standards of the world around us, but are we really (some may be, I don’t want to take away from that fact)? So where is the good news for us? Well…
After thinking about this for a bit I realized that I was being closed-minded and only looking at the surface meaning of these words, especially “the prisoners, (and) the oppressed.” I am not in jail, and I am not oppressed but in many ways I am a prisoner to the world around me. I often put too much worry in the way I dress to please others or at least not have them make comments. Sometimes I am afraid to speak the truth or stand up for others who are being oppressed because of possible repercussions or displeasing those I would need to stand up to. I often worry about my money and budgets when making a purchase instead of being concerned if those who make and sell the goods are making a living wage and being treated fairly. So yes, I am a prisoner to the world, money, and to an extent those around me, but it does not have to be this way. In fact, it is not supposed to be this way. Christ has set us free to lead the life we were created for. To strive to live as He did when he walked the earth.
Breath prayer: Lord, free me from the bondages of the world and my mind so I can live freely in you.
Prayer Emphasis: The poor, prisoners, blind, and oppressed
Daily challenge: What is holding me prisoner and keeping me from fully living into my relationship with Christ?
Submitted by Matthew Lawing
As you’re waking up and enjoying your coffee, we invite you to watch this short worship service Harbor recorded for this morning. “Cursing in Church,” Luke 6:20-26.
I enjoyed hearing your sermon!