ANCHOR OF THE SOUL a lent workbookPREFACE ‘The anchor was the primary symbol that encouraged first century Christians, often hiding from life-threatening persecutions, to persevere in their faith. It reminded them that Jesus, who conquered death and is alive and risen, is their anchor. Today, we see the anchor in the verse from Hebrews that says Jesus is our soul's anchor, steadfast and sure. Ships use anchors to keep from drifting due to wind and current, Without an anchor, vessels cannot be stable amid the continuously changing elements around, it. We all know this feeling well—things constantly change in our highly digital world and what we were once completely sure of can be shaky in just an instant. Where do we go? How do we remain secure? Only Christ and his finished work on the cross is unchanging. Jesus is our hope. He is the hope when there is none, when we can't see, and when we've lost hope in. ourselves. May your soul find rest and certainty as we take a closer look at the events that founded our faith. And may you [reely enter, with bold confidence, the presence of our Father just like Jesus. Because of Jesus. THE OLIVIA WOMEN TEAMGUIDELINES Ney Coal ol ‘Switch your phone to silent mode, leave itin another room, or switch it to airplane mode. You can also turn off the notifications, We encourage you to disconnect as PO ee OTe ee eee OREN Ce ete Ta eo We have curated a playlist to help you prepare your soul and spirit. You may find the suggested song for the day at the end of each Morning Activity, CHOOSE A SPOT Dev en eee Re ee SOTO oT SC PLAN YOUR WEEK Set aside at least 20 minutes per day to complete the devotional and activities. Deane Meee ee eee en PCO Oe en ce Oe mC RTT NEON UC Ua cee mca Re EE commit to meeting God at that time, write it in your planner or add it to your calendar. Set an alarm to remind you if necessary. FIND A PARTNER Sere cn ce ROR ona Re Ot Coe TUNES Porn ten a CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS: Ronna Capili Bonifacio, Ri Christina Cuna-Henson, Char Trinidad, Darlene Unson MUSIC: Sonjia Calit-Kakilala LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Anna Cri PCS ee eee EDITORS: Ronna Capili Bonifacio and Larissa Joson PSS Soe nT SOR OER} INTRODUCTION WHY HOPE? This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 NASB The book of Hebrews was written fora specific group of Christians who were experiencing much persecution and seem to have been considering giving up on their faith in Jesus Christ. It was through the writing of this letter that the author reminded them of the hope available to them because of Jesus’ finished work. It was this hope that would enable them to hold fast to their faith and “run with endurance the race” set before them even in the midst of persecution. Unless you live in a restricted nation, where the cost of professing faith in Jesus is martyrdom, you may never experience the kind of persecution the carly church experienced. Suffering, pain, and grief, however, are still real in the life of today’s Christian, Cancer, miscarriages, broken homes, and depression—walking through these are extremely ful and may cause you to doubt and lose hope in Jesus. Job, who considered death a better option when disaster wiped out all his wealth, when 'y lok the life ofall his children, and ckness threatened his life, longed for this same hope when he cried out to God in Job ? Iso, this would give me hope through all my years of struggle, and | would eagerly await the release of death.” story of Lent offers and why we invite you to walk with us through this, The word Lent is derived from an English word that means “spring season.” Springtime always the end of the winter season and signals the start of new growth. It signifies a renewal or rth that, what winter ningly put to “death,” spring can and will give new lil ‘This is the importance of the story of Lent, Jesus was betrayed, tortured, and erucified—He died but He did not remain dead—He rose from the grave! Now, ITis death and resurrection gives us hope, Hope that allows us Lo cling to our faith as we walk through the darkest moments of our lives. Hope that is firm even when everything inside and outside of us is falling apart. Hope that is beyond this life because, even if suffer n, and dleath surrounds us today, we are assured that one day all things will be given new life and made new. Our prayeris that this workbook will help you understand the weight and true significance of the Lenten season. That Jesus’ death and resurrection is a part of history vet its message of hope is available for you today, here and now.