faithrunner

Our reading for Ash Wednesday, February 22, is Luke 5:1-11 . Read the passage of Jesus' calling of the first disciples. Morning Meditation Jesus , a carpenter, told Simon Peter , a fisherman, where and how to fish! (v. 4) Peter's response was one of trust. (v. 5) What has Jesus asked you through his Word and/or Spirit that could make you answer, "I'm the expert here, how could what you tell me be true?" What has Jesus asked you to do that did not make sense to you, but like Peter you were willing to be obedient to what he called you to do?   Meditate on the events of the passage and fast completely or partially from your morning meal.   Noon Meditation The carpenter's advice to the seasoned fisherman worked! They amount of fish caught almost sank two boats. (v. 6-7) Peter confessed after the huge catch, “ Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man! ” (v. 8) He realized Jesus was more than a carpenter, more than a man he had met before and ...

Below is a simple plan of reading and meditation to prepare you for the Celebration of the Resurrection in the morning. Morning: Read Exodus 12:1-13 This is the institution of the Passover meal that commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt. The Jewish people observe this meal in the form of the Seder meal once a year according to the instructions in Scripture. As you read this passage notice the purpose of the lamb, its shed blood, and the importance of the unleavened bread. Noon: Read Matthew 26:17-30 Jesus gathered his twelve closest disciples to observe the Passover meal which was part of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:17-20) Jesus identified the unleavened bread, which represented the absence of sin, with his body. He also identified himself with a cup of blessing as the blood sacrifice of the Passover lamb. As you read the Bible, find your place in the story as you recline with the disciples at the table. Afternoon: Read Matthew 27:11-66 Re...

We continued our investigation of the spiritual practice s last Sunday by actually reflecting on a passage of Scripture during our worship time. If you want to hear how we did that, you can listen here . I used the common rubric of asking these three questions: What? So What? Now What? ( Google those questions and you can see other applications of the questions.) The passage we reflected upon was John 14:22-27 . Why don't you give it a try? Read the passage, then ask, What? about what you read. Who's speaking? What's going on around the conversation? Where are they? This involves the spiritual discipline of study . Read the passage again, and then ask, So What? This is the spiritual discipline of meditation . This is listening to the Word of God through the Holy Spirit as God speaks to you about God, the world around you, and you. Again, read the passage, and ask, Now What? This is the spiritual practice of simple obedience. What did you hear God say for you to do in the...