HOPE IN GOD'S PROMISES
"After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him." (Luke 5:27-28)
Levi (Matthew) did not hesitate when Jesus called him. He readily left everything behind. His response was immediate and wholehearted, showing us what it means to follow Christ with abandon. Jesus does not call the perfect; He calls the willing. He dines with sinners and welcomes those who recognize their need for Him.
Following Christ requires a willingness to let go of anything that holds you back...your fears, attachments, or past mistakes. It is an invitation to trust that He alone can transform your life. Like Levi, you are called to rise, leave behind what is unnecessary, and follow Jesus with an open heart.
Let Us Pray:
Lord Jesus, You call me to follow You completely, without hesitation or fear. Give me the grace to leave behind anything that keeps me from You...my doubts, my distractions, my sins. Help me to trust that what You offer is far greater than anything I leave behind. May I follow You with abandon, knowing that You are my greatest love, my greatest hope. Amen.
HOPE for your Health: Laying the Foundation
Today is your last 12 hour fast! How did yesterday go? Did you choose to fast for a longer stretch of time?
Over the past four days, you have taken the first steps toward integrating spiritual intermittent fasting into your Lenten journey. Just as intermittent fasting in nutrition creates space for the body to reset and renew, fasting in the spiritual life helps you detach from what distracts you and reorient your heart toward Christ.
You began by embracing the call to deny yourself and take up your cross (Luke 9:22-25), recognizing that sacrifice leads to true life in Christ. We then reflected on the sacred rhythm of fasting and feasting (Matthew 9:14-15), learning that both have their place when done with contrite hearts. Next, we were challenged to follow Christ with abandon (Luke 5:27-32), letting go of what holds you back so you can say “yes” to Him more fully.
This week, your practice of fasting has begun with a 12-hour fasting window, a simple yet powerful way to train your body and soul in discipline. Whether fasting from food, unnecessary distractions, or habits that do not serve your spiritual growth, you are learning that fasting is not about deprivation but about making space for Christ.
As we continue this journey, let’s remain mindful that fasting is not an end in itself—it is a means of drawing closer to Jesus, increasing your reliance on Him, and strengthening your hope in His promises. Let us move forward with intention, allowing both your physical and spiritual hunger to remind you of your deep need for Him.
HOPE For Your Marriage: Foundations
In marriage, Christ calls you to a love that is free, total, faithful, and fruitful. Just as Levi left behind his old way of life to follow Jesus, you, too, are invited to surrender anything that hinders deeper intimacy with your spouse. This could be wounds from your past, habits of self-protection, or even subtle ways you withhold your heart. True healing and freedom in marriage begin when you entrust your relationship fully to Christ, allowing Him to restore what is broken and renew your love. When you respond to His call with openness and trust, your marriage becomes a reflection of His redemptive love.
Challenge: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where you might be holding back in your marriage...whether through fear, unforgiveness, or past wounds. Bring this to prayer, and then take one concrete step toward healing and deeper connection with your spouse this weekend.
Have you ever made homemade pizza? We started making our own from scratch several years ago and have found that sometimes I forget to get the crust going on time. So, one day when that happened, I looked up a recipe on how to make a quick and easy pizza crust and the first recipe that popped up is one that I adapted slightly and have been using in a pinch for years.
QUICK AND EASY PIZZA CRUST
Makes 1-12 inch crust
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water (approx 110 degrees)
2 1/2 cups organic all purpuse flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 450.
In a medium bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
Stir in flour, salt and oil. Beat until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll into a round.
Transfer crust to a lightly greased pizza pan.
Spread with desired toppings and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let baked pizza cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Be on your guard,
stand firm in the faith,
be courageous,
be strong.
~1 Corinthians 16:13
Feast well and good on Sunday and be ready to start week 2 of HOPE40 on Monday.
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