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 thei anchor. Today, we see the anchor in the verse from Hebrews that says Jesus is ou 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 iL. 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. om elves, May your soul find rest and certainty as we take a closer look at the events that founded our faith. And may you freely enter, with bold confidence, the presence of our Father just like Jesus. Because of Jesus. THE OLIVIA WOMEN TEAMGUIDELINES NO DISTRACTIONS Switch your phone to silent mode, leave it in another room. or switch it to airplane ‘mode. You can also turn off the notifications. We encourage you to disconnect:as SOO eo eo recs me ees 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 ind a place where you can be alone while you go through the workbook. PLAN YOUR WEEK Set aside at least 20 minutes per day to complete the devotional and activities, Pea CE eee ee Meio ocr em COT De Cae no Ce eos ROL mn MeL aR ORL ON MEUTen e cr escent na oe ROE eM NaE TD nit to meeting God al that time, write it in your planner or add it to your calendar. Set an alarm to remind you if necessary. PCTs DN ere oR Cee TR Coen RENT TT OE ROTEL CONTRIBUTORS ica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Varsha Daswa Christina Cuna-Henson, Char Trinidad, Darlene Unson’ MUSIC: Sonjia Calit-Ka LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Anna Cristobal-Mendoza ON Semon eT EDITORS: Ronna Capili Bonifacio and Larissa Joson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. Iwas this hope that would enable them to hold fast to their faith and “run with endurance the race” set hefore 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 early church experienced. Suffering, pain, nil grief, however, are sUill real in the life of today’s Christian, Cancer, miscarriages, broken homes, and depression—walking through these are extremely painful 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 calamity took the life of all his children, and when sickness threatened his life, longed for this same hope when he cried out to God in Job agg, “Can the dead live again? If so, this would give me hope through all my years of isle, and I would eagerly await the release of death.” Lent. This is what the story of Lent offers and why we invite you Lo walk with us through this Lenten workbook. ‘The word Lentis derived from an English word that means “spring season.” Springtime always marks the end of the winter season and signals the start of new growth, It signifies a renewal or rebirth that, what winter had seemingly put to “death,” spring can and will give new life ‘This is the importance of the story of Lent. Jesus was betrayed, tortured, and crucified —He died but He did not remain dead—He rose from the grave! Now, ifis death and resurrection gives us hope. Hope that allows us to 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 suffering, pain, and death surrounds us today, we are assured that one day all things will be given new life and made new. Our prayer is 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 yet its message of hope is available for you today, here and now,DAY 1 - THURSDAY REJECTED HOPE But Peter said, *Man, Ido not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still spe remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows ‘aking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62 NLT 5 of Jesus’ life and ministry, almost since Day One, He'd seen it all—the feeding of the 5,000, the healing of the sick, the raising of the dead. He had been the firstamong the disciples to declare that Jesus was the Son of God, one of the few who saw Jesus’ transfiguration, the only one to walk on water to Jesus. He even rebuked Jesus for talking about His death, wanted Jesus to wash him completely (not justhis feet), and adamantly refused when Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny his Lord three times. But, perhaps, Peter's colorful journey with Jesus and the disciples did not prepare him to see Jesus—His Lord and Messiah—on trial. For reasons Scripture does not go into, Peter denied Jesus. Not once, Not twice. Three times. He denied that he was a disciple of Jesus. He denied that he had been in the olive grove with Jesus. He denied that he even knew Jesus How could a follower of Jesus~one who had seen itall quickly and resolutely deny Christ? How could Peter reject hop. Peter's realization that he had just denied Jesus caused him to go away and weep bitterly. Who ‘wouldn't be devastated. especially having claimed so much about staying loyal and true not only to one he believed to be God, buta true friend? What a fall to take after all his big claims! Sadly, he who was always by the side of Jesus took a few days to be restored to the one he denied Above all, he didn't have a front scat any longer to the full picture of history's greatest miracle: and resurrection of Christ. (That's probably why some gospel accounts record. Peter running to the tomb when he and the disciples heard about the resurrection.) a protector to Jesus, was absent when his friend might then he was being tried before Pilate, compared to a notorious prisoner, bullied by the mob, mocked by the soldiers, crushed by the weight of the ‘cross, crucified like a criminal. For whatever reason, Peter ran away from Jesus, who had been his ultimate reason for living for the last three years. AOOGAYOM LN31 ¥ “INOS 3HL JO YOHONYTHE SOUL: A LENT WORKBOOK ANCHOR OF Ibis a sad story about the Messiah and his friend, a God and his disciple or follower, but we believe that this story of denial is recorded in each of the four gospels for our benefit—we humans who so quickly forget who God is and what He has done for us, we humans who so quickly reject the good God offers, we humans who wonder if there is still hope for us and who so bitterly weep and run away from God when things don’t turn out just the way we had hoped. Maundy Thursday is the day when early believers purposed to commemorate Jesus washing the feet of His disciples and the Last Supper. For those who were at that table, it meant the last peacefti] moment with the Savior. After all, this was the night before he was hetrayed and he surely fell through agonizing hardship for the next three days. For Peter, it was the night before everything went downhill, after which, he perhaps wished to turn back time. On the otherhand, Jesus washed Peter's feet in advance. He knew his friend would fall, so Jesus must have cleaned the dirtiest part of Peter's body to symbolize how Jesus wi that Peter could not clean on his own. s now about to wash the sin and tears. Sure enough, Peter's story did not end on that Maundy Thursday. Just the same, yours does not have to end in regret, too. Because Jesus still draws you. Jesus still offers hope—even the hope you may have rejected many times, Jesus still restores broken lives and repentant hearts up until this day. Jesus still wants to wash away your sin and tears with His love, if only you would let him. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Have you also rejected Jesus’ offer of relationship and love in the past? In John 21:13-19, Jesus and Peter meet again. Instead of counting his sins against Peter, Jesus gave him a chance to profess his love for the Messi jah all over again, and also a new purpose What hope does this bring for us who want to renew our faith in Him?MORNING ACTIVITY This morning, spend a few minutes listening to these songs and meditating on the lyrics. We encourage you Lo worship Jesus for who He is—the God of infinite chances. Praise and thank Him for His forgiveness in the times that you rejected Him. Remind yourself that although we are sometimes unfaithful, God is always faithful. Our hope is that as you listen to these songs, you would allow Jesus to restore your heart. My Lord I Did Not Choose You, Written by: Josiah Conder, 1836 Hymn, Artist: Matthew Smith All Owe, 2000) NOTESGy Lord, DT eM Ag RRLR Dm OLAS gL YAO MeL ONL Chosen MAN OF SORROWS, MY LORD | DID NOT CHOOSE YOU BY MATTHEW SMITHEVENING ACTIVITY ‘The term Maundy Thursday was coined in commemoration of the time that Jesus washed the disciples feet. Take a pair of dirty footwear (the dirtiest one you can find) and attempt to wash itclean, Reflect on how much dirt the shoes have accumulated through time and how difficult it can bbe serub them clean, Our guess is that even after all the cleaning, your shoes still won't look good as new. What does this say about the sins you've accumulated over time and as you've walked through life? As you do this, be reminded that not only did Jesus wash the feet of His disciples, He washed away our sins. In Ilim, we are made new. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. PSALM 51:7 NLT NOTESDAY 2 - FRIDAY SHATTERED HOPE the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of.jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!* Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. John 19:24-27 NLT Mary's life was forever changed on the day an angel named Gabriel had visited her and told her that she would give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). Oh how clearly that day must have heen etched in her heart! She must have remembered the fear, the questions... and the faith. Her response to God's grand plan seems surprisingly plain and simple: “I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come truc.” (Luke 1:38, NUD) -e that day, she'd experienced much: the birth of jesus, her marriage to Joseph, the birth of other children, raising a family, seeing Jesus do miracle after miracle, and watching the situation between her eldest son, the religious leaders, and the Roman officials heat up. But was she prepared for the events that transpired on Good Friday? It was the day when her son—her Jesus, the man who could do no wrong, the God who had changed her life—now hung on a ross. He was about to die an innocent death, The arrest, the trial, the flogging, the pain, and now, the crucifixion... Why did this all have to happen’? Hadn't she done right by God? Hadn't she dedicated her life (o the Lord and declared for His will to be done, since that day Gabriel had visited her Hadn't she done everything she could to be the mother God wanted her to be-to His Son? Hadir'tshe been chosen, blessed, and favored, even? Then why were her hopes being dashed and shattered as she saw Jesus struggle to breathe and endure the seemingly pointless pain? This surely was not what she had expected. This was not what she had hoped. She had to give it to her son, though. He was still thinking about her while He was on the cross. Why else would He entrust her to Jolin’s care? Oh, if only she could have her Jesus back, and.not see Him take Mis ast breaths on that cross instead. But even ata time like that, Mary stood by he ‘son—near the cross, with the others who had been with them the past few years. And when Jesus finally breathed His last, there was such a commotion, There was darkness from noon to three o'clock in the afternoon, The earth shook, the rocks split apart, the tombs opened. 31 40 YOHONY YOOUXBOM 1N3I ¥ INDSTHE SOUL: A LENT WORKBOOK ANCHOR OF They even heard that the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple tore down the middle! Many finally started seeing Jesus the way Mary had known Him all her life—as the Son of God. And she must have wanted to linger in that first glimpse of hope, however He was no longer breathing and she now had to attend to preparations that had to be quickly made for His burial. They had to bury her son before the Sabbath came, which was the next dav, ‘The Bible does not say what Mary felt during thal time but could she have been confused, seeing the Son of God in merey, power, and now in death? What does one think when the lifeless body before her is supposed to be God's? Could He be truly be dead? Or will he wake up in a few minutes? However they went as far as placing him in the tomb and they were even able to seal it with no one screaming for help from inside. What was going to happen now? Or tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that? How could Jesus be dead? Could Mary be making a series of flashbacks from the time she delivered him at the manger, held his face as a newborn, let him nurse at her bosom, scolded him as a toddler for his dirty feet? Why does it have to her son? Why Butyes, why couldn't it have been another? Have you even given this a thought? Why not Peter? Why not John? Why not Thomas? Why not ourselves instead of Him? We surely deserve to die more than the perfect Jesus. So why Him? Because He didn't want itto be them, or us, oryou, So he took itupon himself to die for us all and pay for the costs of the sins of this world, This is the grace of his death, the message that sayss “Let itbe me, instead of you.” it ever occurred to you that this is what's so good about this Fr of the world? ay, the most amazing REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Has your hope ever been broken? How did God turn your situation around? Was it what you expected?E SOUL: A LENT WORKBOOK r ANCHOR OF Yet if we look at John’s gospel, itis full of the richness of Jesus’ life and power. It stands out from among the other gospels as a unique account of all Jesus did. In fact, John captured the last few days before the crucifixion in surprising detail. His gospel includes how Jesus washed Hi ples’ feet, how He challenged His di nd bear much fruit, how He prayed for His disciples (and, by extension, us), and how He promised that the disciples’ sadness will turn into joy. So perhaps John didn’t write about that bleak Saturday because he did not only write volumes about Jesus’ life and promises, but actually knew them by heart. He believed in them, and Jest so much that he chose to meditate on the hope that Jesus has hinted on all his life and even through death. And that, for John, on a day like Black Saturday, is more than enough. Inlife, we are all bound to experience God's silence whenever He sees fit. More often than not, it is when He needs us to learn how to wait. A season where He teaches us to be still and know He is on the throne. A time when He needs us to trust that all this suffering is momentary, but the joy that is about to come is everlasting. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you experiencing God's silence about something in your life? Vhait is He teaching you in this waiting period? n you continue to trust God at this time?NOTESThe moon and stars, they wept The morning sun was dead The Savior of the world was fallen Hts body on the cross Lis blood poured out for us The weight of every curse upon HIM FOREVER BY KAR| JOBEDAY 3 - SATURDAY SILENT HOPE ‘Truly, truly, 1 to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow: she no longer remembers y that a human being has heen born into the world. So also you have because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the babs the anguish, for jc sorrow now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice. and no one will take your Joy from you John 16:20-22 NASB The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke record snippets of what’s popularly known ay Black Saturday. The priests and religious leaders took preemptive measures for Pontius Pilate to assign guards to Jesus’ Lomb, lest His prophecy of resurrection come true by way of his disciples stealing his body. The women who had tended to: on the other hand, purchased and prepared burial spices to anoint His body, but that was cut short in reverence to that Saturday, Sabbath, ‘The gospel of Jol, however, is silent on the events between late Friday night (lesus’ burial) to early Sunday morning Jesus’ resurrection), John was Jesus” closest friend and confidant. Along with his brother James, John had literally lett everything to follow Jesus, three years before His death. Joln had seen Jesus heal, preach, love, pray, weep... and he didi't even leave Jesus during lis darkest hours—in Gethsemane, at the trial, and on the cross. But on that day, Jesus was dead, and the gospel John eventually wrote is silentabout that day Yes, Jesus had said that He would rise again after three days. Even the religious leaders knew that, and were fortifying security around Jesus’ tomb. Surely John knew that as well. Butwhat do you do when your Lord and best friend is dead, His mother now lives in your home, you can’t do, anything today, and you have no idea what tomorrow will really bring? Is it possible to hope in spite of the unknown? Is it possible to recount every word Jesus spoke and every promise He made since He had called John to follow Him? ts it possible to wonder where Jesus was on that Black Saturday? Is it possible to still have hope, albeit silent? When someone dies, the general atmosphere is silence. There is grief hanging low in the air. Who knows, but maybe that’s how Jolin was feeling when he lost, Jesus for the day. Maybe that is why he never recorded anything about it, as the pain of loss overwhelms him in this moment. WOOS¥¥OM 1N31 ¥ “INOS 3HL 40 BOHONYNOTES 19Far be it from me to not BELLEVE Even when my eyes can’t see IT 1S WELL BY BETHEL MUSIC FEAT. KRISTENE DIMARCONOTES aDAY 4 - SUNDAY BEYOND ALL HOPE Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, nee ea ree oe Nea NL he AERC a Cn On Ee eR Oa Mary Magdalene had a colorful past. The truth is, she had a stained past and, for which, she needed much freedom and forgiveness. Have you ever wondered how Jesus’ followers knew that seven demons had been east out of her? Perhaps all seven hud been cast out allt once, Or maybe they came out one at a time, with the crowd keeping track of the number by counting loudly. imagine Mary Magdalene’s horror and eee era eee But since that day, Mary Magdalene had never experienced any of that again, tie Sac Te Ree eee Boe Toe a eae eC a Magdalene was one of Jesus’ most faithful followers. She's mentioned in the gospels more than SRR Oe aac a eee CoM US REO Ce LS watched His burial, and she saw in which tomb He was placed. She eagerly awaited for the PURO aU La eM Ue ne ec ee Cee CLUS Teoria To Mary Magdalene, Jesus was everything, Ile had redeemed her from her past, freed her from her oppression, gifted her with acceptance, community, and life to the full. She knew that jesus Perea erent Reet MOR CMT aco rani ec nec ccre rn es rene ee seen eect She was forgiven much, and she loved Jesus much (Luke 7:47)—the first at the tomb and the first to want to be with her Lord. Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. (John 20:1) However.a problem ensues at this point, As she looks inside she sees the body is no longer there. ‘She thinks someone took Jesus away and after reporting this to Peter and another disciple, Mary Magdalene began to weep. re ECE en ene? preter WENAPonty lana Tee We RTT ieror But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she sav two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, nena ee een ee ore em ec ae eee a ean ene Te eae oe ac Re Oe where they have laid him.” John 20:11-13 ESV Jesus who so loved her, the man of God who showed her mercy, freedom, and redeemed her dignity, isnow gone and she cannoteven honor the body of the man they crushed before her very eyes. What she did not know though is that as soon as she turns around, what comes is the surprise of her life. Nee ON ec RR eee Re ‘Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him ER eee en eR a nee aa ee acre eee ee ce ea Ser renee Ea) Tira RO SN ora aTCot PTroaon See RN ee acer eT oe eR ee a excited, too, that she mighthave not been able to stop herself and hugged Jesus! Could it also be why He had to tell her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but: go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” John 20:17 ESV) In any ease, this is what she did. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples that she Peon E Sr U RS Renu SO ae OO ECU coc RCCL CO ECR ROLLOUT rollercoaster of emotions we humans have to go through when our fleshly thoughts and ways orem ee eee ce es Mary Magdalene was weeping because she thought that God was gone, and we often feel such PSUR RG LER SCR CO eons NERA RO eRe MELO USC Cc immediately see it was already the Lord Jesus standing victorious in front of her! It is the same with us who are swallowed by life's pains that we forget Jesus is still standing, mighty and victorious over all. PU ONCE eS URC RN eC err er eT TEC Cre MS OCC RAT Rea rem cu pS ao oe ecto Lord was teaching on this day was that, the battle is over. Her Lord won itall, and she was chosen Pe ene mon on OR Co coe woman who was formerly possessed by seven demons, is also the very first person in the world to see Jesus alive. 24AFTERNOON ACTIVITY JESUS IS ALIVE. HE IS RISEN! ‘his is the best news of our lives. It is the ultimate cause for celebration because it means that our faith is not dead. Today, we encourage you to POR a ee een ee Te a ee Ree eee eR ae eee NOTES 28;magine that honor? You must force yourself Lo see the beauly of this message because this is also what the Great Teacher is still teaching us today. That He still chooses people who will hear, people who will turn to follow His voice so to see Him, people who will confirm He is alive PTC C cn ace erst ‘Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts...(Hebrews 3:7-8 NIV) Dana em Roe Ue Tem an eee Rca com Know the foundational truth of our faith, the one that affects us all. IL affects us personally and spiritually, itaffects us now and forever. And every time Easter comes know that the message is this: I am no longer in that tomb and I am right in front of you, as T was right in front of the ‘woman who had seven demons, I have also defeated the enemy for you. I have won itall. Now this is something we always ought to tell the world! REFLECTION QUESTIONS: ee eM ete eRe nn ec TN How does this change your outlook and the way you live your life? DE cea Ee Pe PLL E Te ERR aT SELIM ele TngMORNING ACTIVITY Happy Resurrection Sunday! This morning, may your heart be filled with a sense of Cena ere ee Oe er RRO re or encourage you to sing aloud and allow praise to come forth from your lips. As you listen these songs, may you be reminded of the joy set before us because Jesus conquered sin and death on our behalf. We are victorious in Him, and for that He deserves all honor, glory, and praise! May you sing praises to Him with all your heart Try to catch the sunrise today and try picturing the scenario of Jesus’ resurrection. While it still dark and everyone was still asleep, Jesus had already won. He became our hope that is beyond all hope. What does the promise of a new day say to you, as you remember Jesus’ er ereaEe Blessed Assurance, Wrilten by: Frances Crosby and Phoebe Knapp, 1873 Hymn, Artist Elevation Worship, (Only King Forever, 2014) NOTES 28Blessed assurance, JESUS is mine O what a foretaste of glory divine Heir of salvation, purchase of God Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood BLESSED ASSURANCE BY ELEVATION WORSHIP.AFTERWORD REAL HOPE (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19, NASB Peter rejected hope when he denied knowing his Master, Mary's hope was shattered when death befell her son, John’s hope was silenced when he lost his dear friend, and Mary Magdalene lost hope when they took away her Lord because real hope, after all, is a person—Jesus Chirist--and His death and resurrection gives us this hope. ‘This is what the author of Hebrews was explaining to the persecuted church. Jesus’ death and resurrection has given them a new and better hope by becoming the perfect sacrifice, ultimate high priest, and lone mediator. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin, beat all disease, conquered every fear, and overcame death on our behalf! By holding fast to Him we are able Lo draw near to God and have real hope. Oh, how amazing is the story of Lent! The beauty of all this is that itis not like any other story written by just any other author, Itwas a story planned long ago, long before it ever happened, written by the best Author: Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the propliet Isaial tells us, in Isaiah 53:10 thal, “It vwas the Lord's good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants, He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's good plan will prosper in his hands.” Long before Jesus was mocked and beaten at the temple. Long before He was flogged with a lead-tipped whip and crowned with thorns. Long before He carried the eross and was erucified. Long before He rose from the grave and Jeft the tomb. Jesus knew il, God the Father planned it, and itwas accomplished to draw you near to Him, our ultimate Hope. Will you draw ne: Hes the anchor to our souls when the winds and waves of illness attempt to crush our strength, He is the assurance we have when the uncertainty of the future casts doubts on our faith, He is the steadfast hope that we can hold on to when the world’s Lroubles lempts us to give up. ‘We encourage vou, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:7-8). Jesus wants you to have this hope and He gave His life and defeated death to make sure real hope ‘was available Lo you, Will you Lake it?