He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Day 43: March 31^st Resurrection Sunday!

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”

The Tomb Is Sealed

Day 42: March 30^th Holy Saturday

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away.

It Is Finished

Day 41: March 29^th Good Friday

Scripture: John 18:1-19:42

After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?”

Last Supper

Day 40: March 28^th Maundy Thursday

Scripture: Luke 22:1-23

Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

Set Aside Every Weight and Sin

Day 39: March 27^th Wednesday

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

The TV show Biggest Loser is about folks who are extremely overweight, who have come to The Biggest Loser Ranch to change their lives. They learn to exercise and lose weight.  During an episode one of the trainers is talking with a man who is carrying around 200 extra pounds of body weight.  The trainer puts on a special vest that weighs 200 pounds and tries to walk around and do every day things.  It is incredibly difficult for him.  The trainer now knows what it is like to carry around that extra weight.

Imagine putting on that vest, but instead of weights that vest is our sin.  It is hard to live full, abundant lives while carrying around 200 extra pounds of sin! 

In this section from Hebrews the author tells us to set aside our sin that we cling to so closely.

What does setting aside your sin look like to you?  Ask God to show you a sin you need to set aside.  Ask God to show you what your life will look like once you decide to set that aside.

Ask God for the gift of the Holy Spirit to sustain you in your efforts to set aside your sin.

 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Holy Week Activity:  Bible Study "What Does Easter Mean? Part II" at Chalybeate Springs UMC at 6:30pm.  Join us!  

You Are My Strong Refuge

Day 38: March 26^th Tuesday

Scripture: Psalm 71

In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together. They say, “Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver.” O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace. But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.

Today is the Tuesday of Holy Week. In two days Jesus will celebrate his Last Supper with the disciples.  In three days Jesus will die. 

How does that knowledge affect your reading to today’s scripture? Read Psalm 71.

What parts of this Psalm do you know to be true?

Ask God one thing God wants you to pray for yourself.  Don’t ask what you can pray for others.  Ask God what God wants you to pray about for yourself.

Tell a trusted friend.  Pray about it with him or her.  Close by praying this Psalm.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Holy Week Activity:  Bible Study "What Does Easter Mean? Part I" at Lebanon UMC at 6:30pm.  Join us!  

New Things I Now Declare

Day 37: March 25^th Monday

Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-9

Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Sit quietly.  Read the scripture. Read it again.  Read it a third time. 

What do you hear?  What has God done for you?  What has God given us to do?

Ask God what he has given you to do.  Ask God where he is calling you, where he is leading you.   Throughout the day keep asking God. 

Say “God, where are you leading?  I will follow.  God, where are you leading? Show me the way to go.  What are you calling me to do?”

Throughout the day keep asking God.

At the end of the day do you see more clearly where God is calling you? Do you have a better sense of where God wants you to go? What God wants you to do?  What new thing is God going to do in your life? In the life of our church? Write about it.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Shouting Stones

Day 36: March 24^th Sunday

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

Today in worship we read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Re-read this scripture again, slowly.

What did you hear in worship this morning about this passage?  Did you have a new insight into it through a prayer we prayed or the sermon or a hymn?  Write about it. 

Ask God to show you even more about this story. 

What do you make of the last verses: “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”  Ask God to show you what this means.  Do these verses make a difference for your daily life? How so? 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Free Day Saturday!

Day 35: March 23^rd Saturday

Choose a favorite scripture, one you have never understood, one you are curious about, one you’ve heard recently and read it.  Ask God to show you a new insight into the words.  Read each sentence slowly.  Let the words sink in. 

Ask God to reveal the meaning throughout your day. 

Pick a sentence and repeat it over and over again as you do the dishes or go on a walk or work on a project.  Have you noticed anything new? 

At the end of the day thank God for all he has shown you today.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Turn Around

Day 34: March 22^nd Friday

Scripture: Matthew 4:17-22

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Next week is Holy Week.  This is the week we follow the last moments of Jesus’ life.  On Tuesday and Wednesday we’ll have Bible Study as a Valley Parish, Tuesday at Lebanon and Wednesday at Chalybeate Springs. Thursday we will celebrate Maundy Thursday with a Passover Seder Meal and Holy Communion at Okolona.  Friday we will have Good Friday Worship at Okolona and Grange Hall.  We follow Holy Week to remember the greatest thing Jesus did for us.  We delve down deep into the emotions of Jesus’ last hours so that on Easter morning we can fully experience the joy of the Resurrection.

Read our scripture passage from Matthew for today. This is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.  How does he start? Jesus asks people to repent (a word that means “turn around”) and he calls his disciples.

The disciples leave everything and follow Jesus. Is there anything you need to leave behind to better follow Jesus?  As we go into Holy Week, what is keeping you back from totally and completely following Jesus?

Close your eyes. Ask Jesus if he’d like you to follow him to the cross. Does he want you to leave something behind? Ask Jesus what he wants you to leave.

Hold your hands out and mentally put the thing that is holding you back in your hands.

Now, with a prayer, give it over to God. Feel the arms of God wrap around you in a loving embrace. 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Holy Week Events

Holy Week is such a special time for Christians.  This week we follow Jesus as he lives his last week on earth, before his resurrection.

To observe this Holy Week we have a variety of Bible Studies and Worship Services designed to learn more about Jesus' last week and to deepen our walks with God.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Nights we will have a Bible Study that focuses on the events of Jesus' last week.

Rev. Richard McKee from Okolona & Chalybeate Springs, Rev. Mike Ladd from Ross Campground and Cameron, and our own Rev. Nancy Martin will teach the classes together.

We'll cover topics like Jesus' anointing by Mary at Bethany, when Jesus washed his disciples' feet, the Institution of the Last Supper, when Jesus Curses the Fig Tree, and Jesus' death.

Tuesday Night's Study will be held at Lebanon in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm March 26^th 4208 Carters Valley Road Church Hill, TN--by the Tiny Giant

Wednesday Night's Study will be held at Chalybeate Springs in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm March 27^th 592 Upper Possum Creek Road Gate City, VA

Our normal Wednesday Night Fellowship Supper will be cancelled and we'll meet in the Grange Hall parking lot at 6:00 pm to carpool/caravan to Chalybeate Springs.

If you'll be finding your way to the church on your own, follow these directions from Grange Hall:

·         Turn R out of the parking lot of the church onto Carters Valley Road
·         Turn R onto Mt. Pleasant Road
·         Turn L onto Stanley Valley Road---travel for a while, you'll pass Okolona UMC on your right
·         At the old Down Home General Store turn R onto Caney Valley Loop
·         When you get to a fork in the Road turn R onto Plum Grove Road
·         After a while you'll get to Chalybeate Springs UMC which will be on the Left

Thursday is Maundy Thursday which will be held at Okolona in their outbuilding "The Flame" at 7:00 pm

Maundy Thursday is the day we remember the Passover Meal Jesus shared with his disciples; the last meal Jesus ate before his death and resurrection.

Last year for Maundy Thursday we gathered together at Okolona and had a Seder Meal tasting.  We will do that again this year.  If you didn't make it last time, you won't want to miss it this year, and if you went last year, you'll know how powerful and edifying it was! Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to attend.  You really won't want to miss it!

We'll taste the tradition food of a Passover Seder Meal, the same foods that Jesus and his disciples were eating on the night in which he was betrayed.

We'll also celebrate Holy Communion, the sacrament that Jesus instituted during that Last Supper.

Join us!

Follow these directions from Grange Hall:

·         Turn R out of the parking lot of the church onto Carters Valley Road
·         Turn R onto Mt. Pleasant Road
·         Turn L onto Stanley Valley Road---travel for a while, you'll see Okolona UMC on your right            

Friday is Good Friday.  There are two opportunities to worship on this day. 

Good Friday is the day Jesus dies.  We read the story of his suffering and death and leave the sanctuary in silence.

Noon at Okolona 

This worship service will focus on the time Jesus spent on the cross and what it means for us today. Led by Rev. Richard McKee.

7:00 pm at Grange Hall

This will be a Tenebrae service, or service of Darkness.  As we read the story of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion we will extinguish candles.  A powerful worship service.  Led by Rev. Mike Ladd and Rev. Nancy Martin.

Please make time to attend these services.  You won't be sorry you did!

Wait for the Lord

Day 33: March 21^st Thursday

Scripture: Isaiah 40: 27-31

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Read our verses for today as a love letter.

What does Isaiah teach us about the character of God? List these characteristics.

What does this scripture tell you to do? 

Ask God to show you.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

That Your Joy May Be Complete

Day 32: March 20^th Wednesday

Scripture: John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

Two weeks ago, on March 6^th, we read the same scripture.  Do you remember?  Go back to Day 18 and re-read the exercise. 

Today we will do the same thing. There are many parts of this scripture we could focus on. 

Right now, ask God to show you what part God wants you to concentrate on.

Re-read the scripture.  Which part is popping out at you?

Silently repeat this line or word or sentence. 

Is it the same part from two weeks ago? Is it different?

Today, whenever you walk through a door way, remember that part of scripture.

At the end of the day, consider what you learned from this scripture.  Why did God focus your mind on that particular part of scripture? 

If it was the same as last time, why? If it was different, why?  What new insight do you have into Jesus’ farewell words to his disciples?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Clothe Yourselves with Love

Day 31: March 19^th Tuesday

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Our scripture for today is one that is often read at weddings.

Sit quietly for a moment.  Close your eyes. Breathe in and out.

Now read our scripture, slowly.

Think through every word. 

Paul says, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love.”

Ask God what that means for your life.  Consider ways you might clothe yourself with love. Is the Holy Spirit motivating you to do anything?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

With Thanksgiving

Day 30: March 18^th Monday

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In Paul’s letter to the Philippian Christians we hear again not to worry.  This seems to be a theme throughout scripture!  

Read our verses for today.  Pay special attention to verse 7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What does peace which passes understanding look like to you? Can you imagine that kind of peace?

Today in your prayer, tell God everything you are thinking and feeling with thanksgiving.  Ask God to give you the gift of peace that passes all understanding.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Are you the older brother or the younger?

Day 29: March 17^th Sunday

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3; 11-32

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

Today in worship we read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke when Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son.

Re-read this scripture again, slowly.

What did you hear in worship this morning about this passage?  Did you have a new insight into it through a prayer we prayed or the sermon or a hymn?  Write about it. 

Ask God to show you even more about this story. 

Often when we hear Bible stories that we know so well we skim the text and skip over the parts we know well.  Don’t do that now.  Read each word.  There are new discoveries to be made here.

Ask God to give you a new insight into this familiar story.  When the artist Rembrandt painted this story he painted himself as the older brother.  Where do you see yourself in the story?  Why? Write it down.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Free Day Saturday!

Day 28: March 16^th Saturday

Choose a favorite scripture, one you have never understood, one you are curious about, one you’ve heard recently and read it.  Ask God to show you a new insight into the words.  Read each sentence slowly.  Let the words sink in. 

Ask God to reveal the meaning throughout your day. 

Pick a sentence and repeat it over and over again as you do the dishes or go on a walk or work on a project.  Have you noticed anything new? 

At the end of the day thank God for all he has shown you today.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Bless the Lord

Day 27: March 15^th Friday

Scripture: Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—

who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.

For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.

As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field;

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,

to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, obedient to his spoken word.

Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will.

Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

In this Psalm we pray that our soul will bless the Lord.  What does that look like?  Does the Psalm give any clues? 

Ask God how we can bless God. 

Use today to listen for God’s answer.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Rejoice and Weep

Day 26: March 14^th Thursday

Scripture: Romans 12:9-15

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

This section of scripture is often titled “Marks of the True Christian.” 

Read the scripture.  Ask the Holy Spirit to open you up to hear the Word beyond the words.  Read the scripture again.  What do you notice?  If you had to summarize this scripture to someone what would you say? 

Ask God to show you how to you put this scripture into action.  Is the Holy Spirit motivating you to do anything?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Eyes of Jesus

Day 25: March 13^th Wednesday

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Read the scripture slowly.  Notice words or phrases that jump out at you.  Ask God to show you what you need to see.

Remember back a couple weeks ago on February 20^th when we read this same scripture?  You read a news story and looked at the people and situation through the eyes of Jesus.  You were asked, “Is the Holy Spirit motivating you to do anything?” 

Did the Holy Spirit motivate you to do anything?  What was it? Did you do it?  Did you tell anyone what the Holy Spirit led you to do? 

Share with someone today the news story you read three weeks ago.  Tell them what the Holy Spirit showed you to do.  Ask them how they might help you fulfill the calling the Spirit has placed on your heart. 

Go back to the page for February 20^th.  If you did not find a news story that spoke to you, try the exercise again today.  Ask the Holy Spirit to move you to action.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

I Have No Good Apart from You

Day 24: March 12^th Tuesday

Scripture: Psalm 16

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

The Psalms are often called the hymn book of the Bible.  Contained in the Psalms are every human emotion possible: anger, joy, love, frustration, fear, wonder.

Read Psalm 16.  What emotions are being expressed? Write them down. Is this how you are feeling today?  What phrases and words pop out at you? How can these words of God help you today?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Day 23: March 11^th Monday

Scripture: Galatians 6:2-10

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads. Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”

In the Gospel according to Matthew a lawyer asks Jesus, “What is the greatest commandment?”  He responds, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37–39).

In his letter to the Galatian Christians Paul spells out how to fulfill this law of Christ: by bearing one another’s burdens.

How do you fulfill this law of Christ in your life?  How does our Church help us fulfill this law? 

Stop for a while and listen.  Is the Spirit motivating you to do anything? 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

A Wee Little Man Was He

Day 22: March 10^th Sunday

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

Today in worship we read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke when Jesus has a conversation with Zacchaeus.  

Re-read this scripture again, slowly.

What did you hear in worship this morning about this passage?  Did you have a new insight into it through a prayer we prayed or the sermon or a hymn?  Write about it. 

Ask God to show you even more about this story. 

Who is a bystander in the story? Who is a believer?

Which are you? A bystander or a believer?  Ask God to make you a believer.  Ask God to show you how you can better follow Jesus.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Free Day Saturday

Day 21: March 9^th Saturday

Choose a favorite scripture, one you have never understood, one you are curious about, one you’ve heard recently and read it.  Ask God to show you a new insight into the words.  Read each sentence slowly.  Let the words sink in. 

Ask God to reveal the meaning throughout your day. 

Pick a sentence and repeat it over and over again as you do the dishes or go on a walk or work on a project.  Have you noticed anything new? 

At the end of the day thank God for all he has shown you today.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Kingdom of God

Day 20: March 8^th Friday

Scripture: Matthew 20: 1-16

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Read the scripture for today. Ask God to open your heart and mind to receive the words.  Read it again. Notice that Jesus says, “The Kingdom of heaven is like…” and then tells the story.

Is this how you imagine the Kingdom of God?

How does this story make you feel?

Tell God how you feel.  Ask God to give you insight into this parable.

Read the story again.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

When We Search, We Will Find God

Day 19: March 7^th Thursday

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-14

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”

These verses from the Prophet Jeremiah are well known.  Go into any Christian book store and you’ll see them printed on coffee mugs and picture frames and t-shirts.

When Jeremiah originally said these words they were to the Israelites in exile.  Jeremiah spoke them to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Knowing this, read our scripture passage for today.

What words or phrases pop out at you?

What does Jeremiah teach you about God? About yourself?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.