Received: 2024-09-05 21:00:22

I am asking for prayer for my health. I've been struggling with some medical issues that have interfered with attending church as well as working from home. Asking for God to provide for my needs, including groceries, and that God would bring some comfort.

Monday

Take a moment to ponder - what set of desires rule your heart?

This is important because the desires of your heart determine how you respond to large and small decisions and most importantly how you think about the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Take a moment to pray and for further encouragement read through Luke 12:13-21.

Tuesday

Read Hebrews 3:12-13.

Are you listening for the Holy Spirit as you go through your day? What would it look like for you to be more intentional and focused on the Holy Spirit's presence in your life? As you go through your day today keep notice of the ways that you can begin to center yourself in the reality that the Holy Spirit is all around you.

For further study and encouragement read through John 16:1-15

Wednesday

Take some time this morning to listen along to “Have Mercy” by Paper Horses. Is there a line that speaks to your current situation? What can be revealed to you through this song? After you listen, take some time to listen for God and pray.

Thursday

God's care is sure, but will you run to him in your time of need or look elsewhere for hope and comfort? Reflect on your instincts in moments of struggle and great joy. Where do you run?

Take a moment to pray and for further encouragement read through Romans 3:9-20

Friday

Today, take some time to read through the encouragements below. Remind yourself what it means to be a child of God. The reality of being loved by Jesus and held in new mercy is something that should not easily be forgotten.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” Ps. 23:4

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Ps.27:1

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied” Prov.19:23

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isa. 41:10

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” Ps. 34:4

Week of Sept 10, 2023

Ready for what's next?

Bible Study
Journaling the Bible - Psalm 23

Because of that, interacting with Scripture is like a ‘superfood’ of spiritual growth. And yet as we build the habit of reading scripture into our rhythms – which is excellent – we can start to speed over parts of the story that we’ve heard over and over again. And so sometimes what’s right in front of us can become invisible, because we’re so used to it. 

Reflection
Three Lies of Identity

In his book entitled, “Who Are We?” late author and priest Henri Nouwen describes three key lies of identity that can mess with our heads and create barriers to us experiencing the love of both God and community. He names these lies as: • I am what I have • I am what I do • I am what other people say or think of me 

Contemplations
Imaginative Prayer | Wounded Healer

I want to invite you to close your eyes and picture your hurt – the ways you’ve experienced pain and hurt in the church, maybe generally or maybe very specifically or even recently – picture it as an actual wound on your body.