Weekly Faith Focus-

Greetings friends,

I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts (See below). If you were not present in worship on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. The Scripture used on Sunday was Matthew 23:25-26. Early church tradition attributes Matthew, the apostle who was also referred to as Levi in the gospels of Mark and Luke, as the author of this Gospel. 

Matthew was Jewish, but was working for the Roman government as a tax collector when Jesus called him to be one of his disciples (Matt. 9:9-13).  His working for the Romans would’ve been perceived as traitorous to the Jewish community, yet Jesus called him anyways. Because Matthew’s audience for his gospel was primarily Greek-speaking Jewish Christians, it contains many references to Jewish tradition, customs, and the Old Testament (more than any other gospel). Scholars believe that the structure of the book is modeled after the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) and that Jesus is portrayed as a new and greater Moses. Jesus’ lineage back to King David is also greatly emphasized. Matthew presents Jesus as the Jewish Messiah sent by God to bring salvation to Israel and the nations in fulfillment of the OT Scriptures- that Jesus is king! 

The context for our passage is that Jesus and the disciples were in Jerusalem during what we now refer to as “Holy Week.” Jesus had already ridden into Jerusalem to the “Hosanna’s” of people during what we now call “Palm Sunday” (21:1-11). This is Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, and he is now at the temple. The temple is ruled primarily by two factions of religious rulers- Pharisees and Saducees, as well as scribes. In Matt. 21:12-13, just following Jesus’ triumphal entry, we read that Jesus came to the temple, and witnessing the buying, selling, and money-changing, he overturned the tables and said, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers!” He then spent the night in Bethany, just two miles away. He returned to the temple in Jeruselem early the next morning. Clearly he had made a negative impression upon the religious rulers the day before, and as Jesus is teaching at the temple the chief priests and elders challenged his authority (21:23). Jesus responds by telling several parables, often pointed toward his accusers, and continues to teach. Throughout chapter 22 the Saducees and Pharisees took turns trying to trap Jesus in his words, to no avail. In chapter 23, from where our passage comes, Jesus then responds by strongly calling out the hypocrisy of the religious rulers, including the seven “Woes,” where Jesus says to them, “Woe to you…” It is in the midst of the seven “Woes” that we find our passage. The climate is tense. 

Format-this is a repeat from every week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all. It is listed at the bottom for review and for anyone who is new to this exercise. Please remember that it is a suggestion. There is no pressure to do it in the format suggested, to do everything on the days that are listed, or to even answer all the questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. If one question takes up the time because you are moved in your spirit, then stay with it. The idea of this is to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-26 (NIV) 

25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

Other Scriptures referenced:

Romans 3:23 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

1 John 1:8-9 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Galatians 5:22-23a 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

Ephesians 4:15 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:

Monday: As stated on the first page, this passage is in the middle of a scene during Holy Week where Jesus is in conflict with the religious rulers- the Pharisees and Saducees- some of whom were elders and chief priests, as well as the scribes. Scribes studied the Scriptures- the Law of Moses= Pentateuch/Torah-first five books of the Bible, and the Prophets, and Writings- Psalms, Proverbs, etc. Scribes then transcribed it and wrote commentaries about it. The Jewish religion had, over time, gone beyond reading and interpretation of Scripture, and added many man-made traditions to try to make sure everyone was practicing the religion “just right.” They focused on the letter of the law and not the Spirit behind it. But as the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:6b, “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Yet the religious rulers perpetuated and enforced the letter of the law.

Take a moment and consider all the things that you regard as parts of church, faith, and discipleship. What are the expectations behind any of it? Are those expectations coming from God as revealed through Scripture? Many are! Can you identify any that are coming from man-made ideas based upon culture? Consider expectations not so long ago when women were to wear hats and gloves to church and all the men wore suits and ties. At the time, it is likely that no one recognized that they were practicing something that wasn’t mandated by the Bible. It probably seemed sensible, considering the culture. It was regarded as wearing your “Sunday best,” and might’ve been a wonderful and honoring experience for many. Or… it could’ve digressed into a self-focused fashion show and gossip, or excluded those who could not afford to dress “right.” Check out the beginning of chapter 23- vv.5 and Jesus addresses the negative aspect of this when it has gone too far.

Think about your faith experience in today’s world. What are you doing, and why? Probably some of these ideas, traditions, and expectations are more of a man-made religious construct, while others are Scripturally based. Because we are in it, it may be difficult to identify the difference. Consider that the expectations of God (not man-made), revealed through Scripture, are designed to draw us closer to God. What are they? (think worship, prayer, tithing/generous giving, love of others, community, knowing the Scriptures, serving, etc….) Are you practicing those? If so, are you experiencing God and drawing closer to him through them? If so, great! If not, pray, and ask God to reveal to you what’s going on inside that is blocking your experience of God and the closeness and blessings being offered.  If you aren’t practicing, why not? Talk to God about that as well. Ask God… now what? If it is not, then perhaps there needs to be a change in practice, or in your own expectations, or in your own attitude. Ask God about all of it, and pay attention- what is God bringing to mind? Take some time with God about it. Thank God for loving you so much that he desires for you to draw closer!

Tuesday: 

v.23 “Woe to you”- this is the sixth of seven “Woes” in Jesus’ rebuke of the religious rulers, and I encourage you to read them all (start at the beginning of ch.23). “Woe” is an expression of grief and denunciation for not only what the religious rulers had been doing, but also the burden it had placed on others and the harm it had caused. Jesus used the term “Woe” a few other times before this- toward the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida, denouncing them for not repenting in spite of experiencing many miracles (11:21)- seeing God, experiencing God, and yet still not turning to God and away from the old life and belief. In 18:7 Jesus said, “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” because people need to be guiding one another toward truth, love, and holiness- toward God! But sometimes people guide others in the opposite direction- with falsehoods about God and life, with hatred and condemnation, and toward choices that do not honor God. It’s a common theme- do what God wants you to do, and not what the world, or culture, or anyone or anything else tells you to do. Repent- turn toward God and away from things that are not of God! Be careful that your influence is bringing people toward God and not away. 

In this instance, Jesus is on a roll, rebuking the religious rulers for doing all of that- not repenting and also leading people astray. We may want to segregate this episode as being only for the leaders, or only for that time, but the reality is that it is a message for all of us. Unfortunately people, perhaps even ourselves at times, do this even today. It’s an issue of control and pride, of believing we know more than God Almighty, and that the rules and expectations of God do not apply to us. Can you remember a time when you ever struggled with doing what God expected? If so, do you remember what you were thinking and feeling? How would you describe it? Have you repented from that, or is it still a struggle? If you have repented, take a moment and praise God! If not, take a moment and pray for conviction and strength to do God’s will. Consider it further, past the outward expression and toward the inward state. Remember the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Be still. What is God saying to you?

Wednesday: 

V.25 “teachers of the law (scribes) and Pharisees, you hypocrites!”- the scribes and Pharisees were well versed in Scripture and assumed great authority in the ways of God. Yet Jesus described them with the word “hypocrite,” hypokritḗs in Greek, that is derived from the word hypó, “under” and krínō, “judge” – properly, a judging under, like a performer acting under a mask (i.e. a theater-actor); (figuratively) a two-faced person (biblehub.com). They are wearing a mask of holiness and righteousness, but behind the mask is something much different. Their practice, their outward rituals, exuded a superiority; a higher ranking with God than others. As much as it may have looked good, it was a charade, masking their darkness within. The interesting thing is that they didn’t seem to know it- they didn’t recognize it within themselves or within the other religious rulers. As early as Matthew 12:14, “the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.” Kill him?! This happened several times, sometimes even wanting to kill Jesus for doing something wonderful like healing someone! What do you believe were some of the underlying beliefs of the religious rulers that would somehow justify in their own minds doing something so blatantly contradictory to God’s Word? Perhaps pride, arrogance, anger, jealousy, fear- can you think of any others? Their ability to wear the mask enabled them to live a false life, giving a false message- a false message that it seems they still falsely believed was true. 

Sometimes wearing a mask is something we do without realizing we are portraying a false self. Other times, we purposely don a mask for our own purposes. Have you ever felt as if you were wearing a mask? Confident on the outside but afraid within? Or showing yourself to be peaceful, yet filled with anxiety and turmoil? Or loving and caring, when you could not care less? Or maybe, like the religious rulers, you have tried to give the impression that you are more spiritual or committed than you really are. There are many other examples, and if we are honest, we would probably be able to confess to times when we have donned a mask for the world to see, covering up what’s truly inside- whether it be because of shame, embarrassment, pride, anger, or something else. Take a moment and recall a time when you have played the role of a “hypocrite”- putting on a mask for some reason. How would you describe the feelings leading up to it? Did you realize you were wearing a mask, presenting a false self? If not, when and how did you discover it? When wearing the outward mask, did it feel safe, or disingenuous, or something else? Are you still wearing a mask in some area of your life? If so, why? If not, how would you describe the reasoning behind not doing so, and your ability to be genuinely and sincerely you? Do you believe there are times when wearing a mask is justifiable, or even recommended? If so, how does that relate to what we know of God’s Word? How does any of this relate to who you are before God? Remember 1 Samuel 16:7, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God knows and loves the real you, and we are all completely unmasked before our heavenly Father. Take a moment and pray for God to reveal any areas in your life where you need to grow, and become fully you, without any mask. If God reveals a circumstance or person where you tend to put on a mask, dig deeper, and ask God what is going on within you and how to overcome it. Ask God for guidance, strength, and wisdom.  Praise God for loving you, the real you, no matter what!

Thursday: The religious rulers were described as cunning, conniving, controlling, and manipulative in trying to maintain what they thought was their responsibility to keep the Jewish faith, customs, and traditions as-is.  Jesus, the Messiah, Son of God, was sent to change things, and change can be extremely difficult sometimes. Have you ever had to face change that you did not like? How did that make you feel? How did you react? Did you experience any antagonism toward those bringing the change? How did you embrace and/or heal from experiencing unwanted change? One thing that makes it especially difficult is when we are experiencing false self- when our identity, prestige, and purpose are all somehow tied to what is being changed. As Christians, we are beloved children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and that is our true identity- no change will ever change that! In Christ we are a new creation (change) and through the power of the Holy Spirit we become sanctified (changed). Think about your life in regards to your “old life” (pre-conversion to Christ) and your “new, changed life” as a Christian. Is there much difference? Are you growing more and more like Christ? Why, or why not? Take a moment and ask God to reveal to you any area of your life where you are resisting change within yourself, or with others, or within circumstances. Explore with God what is behind your resistance and ask for a breakthrough. 

V.25 “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence”-  from all outside appearances it seemed as if the religious rulers had it all- they were perceived as super spiritual, holy, and to be admired. They had paid extra attention to their outside condition, seeking to gain praise from people, all the while not attending to their inward condition. It’s not about going through the motions, it’s about repentance! Without the inside of them being made clean, really and truly walking the walk and talking the talk because it was an outward expression of the state of their inward being and not for show, then there would be no praise from God. Jesus said “Woe” in sorrow and denunciation- a condemnation of their choice to be self-seeking instead of God-seeking, self-centered instead of God-centered.  Paul speaks of this in Romans 2:28-29, “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circucision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” This is essential for us as well! It doesn’t matter if we know the songs, recite the prayers, are busy working at church all the time… if God is not actively working in our lives to cleanse us and transform us from the inside out, then we have not only missed the point, we have also missed the blessing! Sanctification, being made holy, is an ongoing, forever process- but it must be a focus, and we must participate in the process. It’s too easy to sometimes get comfortable, complacent, not wanting to look in the mirror, not wanting to do the work of change- of cleaning up our lives. Too often Christians will say that they are just fine the way they are- but that’s not what the Scriptures say. Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”- ALL. We are justified, saved, have eternal life, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and God does love us and accept us just as we are… but, God loves us too much to want us to stay that way. There is so much more good, and blessing, and the fruit of the Spirit for us all. Take some time and praise God for loving you so much! Ask God to fill you more and more with the power of the Holy Spirit! Changing toward and for God- it’s a good thing!!

Friday: v.25 This verse lists “greed and self-indulgence” as the particular filth that soiled the inside “cup” and “dish” of the the lives of the religious rulers. These religious rulers would’ve been fastidious about observing all of the ceremonial washings and purifications prescribed by the Law. However, the intent of those rituals was to physically and visually experience what was supposed to be happening internally on a spiritual level. God desires, as John Wesley phrased, “holiness of heart and life.” This is a moral and spiritual renewal. Take a moment and consider the visual and experiential aspect of the rituals with water (full immersion and cleansing of hands) that the Jews were practicing and how that is an outward demonstration. Imagine for us, not only baptism, but what if every time you washed your hands, took a shower, or even drank water, you took a moment to remember God’s desire to cleanse within. The Holy Spirit does, and will do even more, but the visual and physical reminder may lead to more awareness of the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Our outward expression of who we are and what we believe, begins from the inside. Masks can only camouflage so much, and God sees the real us. If we do not intentionally choose to partner with the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification, then it will likely harm us and others, and definitely not be what God desires for us. 1 Peter 1:16 quotes God’s desire found in Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2, “Be holy, because I am holy.”  Peter begins this thought by saying, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” The inward change is then lived out, as Peter continues with, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Pet. 1:22). This is a theme throughout all of Scripture! Take a moment and pray. Ask God to reveal the areas in your life that need to be cleansed, renewed, sanctified. Ask God to show you what harm may have occurred, either with you or others, due to the change not yet occurring. Pay attention. God may bring forth feelings, remembrances of situations, circumstances, or people. As you recall, ask God for next steps. Pay close attention, with a willingness to respond. Perhaps beyond repentance there needs to be forgiveness, or a refocus, or more.

“Greed”- seeking more from this world than is appropriate- usually coupled with envy and possibly jealousy. Even more, the Greek is harpagḗ – to plunder (pillage), fueled by “violent greed,” the act of plundering; spoil, robbery! (biblehub.com) It means that these religious rulers were not only taking too much for themselves, but they did it through the harm of others! “Self-indulgence”- lack of restraint, want of power- akrasía in the Greek, meaning without self-control and hence mastered by personal appetites (urges)! (biblehub.com). Some Bibles translate this as “extortion and excess.” None of this is appropriate for someone purporting to be Godly, and especially those in leadership who would serve as guides and models for others! Consider now that greed and self-indulgence seem to be prevalent in our society today, and that it is very likely that, knowingly or unknowingly, we have fallen prey as well. We have a culture of excess and hedonism. Compared to most of the planet, we are spoiled rotten, even when going through difficult times. Take a moment and consider the negative consequences of our culture’s greed and self-indulgence- on ourselves, with others, and even with the planet. Perhaps, if led, ask God for forgiveness. Ask God to reveal to you, with a holy conviction, every time you begin to step over the line. Ask that you be empowered to stand strong against the temptations that surround us all.  Remember always, that God loves you and is there with you and for you!  

Saturday: v.26 “Blind Pharisee!” Jesus exclaims that the Pharisees are not seeing- blinded to what they are doing and its impact upon themselves, others, and God. What could’ve caused the spiritual blindness that plagues these Pharisees would certainly be sin. Sin comes in many forms, and ones that promote blindness could be prejudice and pride. What other sins can you think of that would lead to spiritual blindness? Blindness implies not seeing something- what do you think the Pharisees were not seeing? Why? What actions or inactions led you to that conclusion? Take a look back, right before this passage, at vv.16-19, where Jesus calls the religious rulers “blind guides”- meaning they are shepherding people in a wrong way, and “blind fools”- not comprehending the sacredness and greatness of God over and above all things, even their own rules. 

In our world today, spiritual blindness is witnessed through people who choose to not believe, and therefore do not have the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For those we pray and continue to love and share. But there is more. At first we may think that we do not struggle with spiritual blindness, but very often we do. Spiritual blindness is derived from sin, and we all have experienced this. Sometimes spiritual blindness is revealed when we do not recognize the truth in Scripture, or the manifestations of God, or determining to pick and choose, making up our own faith, our own expectations, and creating our own image of who God is. This is typically done with creating God in our own image- for “our God” to do, say, and expect, what we want- instead of accepting and abiding by who God really is as revealed in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit. Spiritual blindness is often experienced when we believe the lies of the enemy- that sin is not sin, just as it happened in the Garden with Adam and Eve. Believing lies of the enemy can lead us to question our worth, our salvation, our abilities and gifting, and more. The enemy is the master of blinding people spiritually! What other ways do you think satan spiritually blinds people? Take a moment and ask God to reveal to you any area in your life where you are spiritually blind- where you are not seeing or perceiving God’s reality. Perhaps, like the Pharisees, other people have even been led astray because of it. If God brings this to mind, ask God what you are to do about it. Ask God also to continue to show you any spiritual blindness, and pay attention throughout the week of any times the Holy Spirit points it out. You may experience this as a hyper-awareness, or a bodily feeling, or a “check in your spirit.” In humility, respond with openness and repentance, seeking God’s truth. 

V.26 “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean”- the most important thing, and the first priority, is our inward sanctification. Why does God believe this to be so important? For a few reasons. For others– our inward self is revealed in our character which determines how we respond to others, and if we are not working toward sanctification it will likely lead toward issues with people, reactivity, harm, unforgiveness, and maybe even fractured relationships. For ourselves– resisting sanctification implies an issue with pride, and will likely hinder prayer. Sanctification requires humility and willingness to submit to God’s authority, making Jesus not only our Savior but also our Lord. Also, the inward thoughts that have not been sanctified, that are still being informed by the enemy, causes harm to our mental and spiritual state and more. As it says says in 2 Corinthians 10:5, part of the sanctification process is to “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” Doing so is a conscious decision and effort. Our inward thought life is typically revealed in outward behaviors, through sin, and sin is destructive- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. For God– because choosing to not focus on and work toward sanctification by cooperating with the Holy Spirit grieves the heart of God. God loves us and cares for us, and knows how harmful sin is. Continuing in unrepentant thoughts and behaviors will keep us distant from God. God will always love us, but unrepentance could lead to blocking of the blessings and the richness of what God desires for us. Unaddressed, in time, it could lead to drifting away from the faith altogether. Sanctifying grace comes with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the moment we accept the gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. We then begin our spiritual journey, and all of us begin as spiritual infants with spiritual immaturity. God calls us all to more- to grow deeper so our witness can grow wider, that our faith would become stronger, our lives experiencing the fullness of what God desires for us. Take a moment and reflect on where you are in your spiritual journey. Ask God to reveal to you what to work on next, cooperating with the Holy Spirit who will give guidance and strength. Pay attention, and note anything that God brings to mind. Thank God for the unending and abounding love that God so freely shares with you!

Other items:

Responsive Reading:

L: Holy and Loving Lord, 

P: You are our Redeemer and Refuge 

L: You have called us to be holy, 

P: As You are holy

L: As we yield our lives to You,

P: Your Spirit cleanses us and makes us whole

L: Transforming us into Christ’s image;

P: A living witness of Your power to change lives

All: Sanctify us, Lord, as we commit ourselves to You. 

For we are Yours forever!

Unison Prayer

O God Eternal, we come before You in praise and worship, 

Exalting Your presence among us and within us. 

Speak to us Your message of truth.

Reveal to us Your way.

Guide us to know You and love You even more,

Our lives transformed, a new creation,

By the power of Your mercy and love. Amen.

Song Lyrics:

Love Divine All Loves Excelling by Charles Wesley UMH #384 

1. Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heaven, to earth come down;

fix in us thy humble dwelling;

all thy faithful mercies crown!

Jesus thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art;

visit us with thy salvation;

enter every trembling heart.

2. Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit

into every troubled breast!

Let us all in thee inherit;

let us find that second rest.

Take away our bent to sinning;

Alpha and Omega be;

end of faith, as its beginning,

set our hearts at liberty.

3. Come, Almighty to deliver,

let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return and never,

nevermore thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray and praise thee without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

4. Finish, then, thy new creation;

pure and spotless let us be.

Let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee;

changed from glory into glory,

till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Lord I Need You by Matt Maher CCLI #5925687

Lord I come I confess

Bowing here I find my rest

And without You I fall apart

You’re the one that guides my heart

Lord I need You oh I need You

Ev’ry hour I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You

Jesus You’re my hope and stay

And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You

Jesus You’re my hope and stay

Lord I need You oh I need You

Ev’ry hour I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

My one defense my righteousness

Oh God how I need You

Just a Closer Walk with Thee by Rick Founds TFWS #2158

Just a closer walk with thee

Grant it Jesus is my plea

Daily walking close to Thee

Let it be dear Lord let it be

I am weak but Thou art strong

Jesus keep me from all wrong

I’ll be satisfied as long

As I walk let me walk close to Thee

Just a closer walk with thee

Grant it Jesus is my plea

Daily walking close to Thee

Let it be dear Lord let it be

Format (this is a repeat from last week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all):

Find a quiet place and time to focus on the Word, and to hear from God through it. It doesn’t have to be long, for some it will be longer than others. I encourage you, if possible, to do this practice in the morning. You will then find that God brings it to your mind throughout your day.

For greater impact I encourage you to get some paper and a pen and journal daily what thoughts and impressions God brings to mind. Write out also your own thoughts and your own prayers, making sure to leave space within your time for God’s response. Listen intently, and notice what rises up within you- what you are thinking, feeling, memories that arise and ideas that spring up. It may be something God would want you to address within yourself and/or with others. It may be something God is inspiring you to begin or end. God’s possibilities are infinite! After time, it is often beneficial to go back and read what you have written, and notice how God has been moving in your life (and praise God for it!).

Begin with prayer, quieting yourself within and opening up to hearing what God would like to reveal to you. Praise God for who he is, for loving you, being with you, and more. Then ask God to speak to you; to open your heart and mind to hear his message. (if you are journaling, you could write out the prayer)

Read the Scripture passage over twice; once as a read through, and the second time slowly, meditatively. Notice what God illuminates for you. Notice what words or ideas are “jumping off the page at you,” impacting you from the Scripture. Ask God why that is being highlighted for you. What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to say, do, change, pray about, etc.? What is the application for my life today? **Most importantly- what am I going to do about it? (If you are journaling you could write it all out, which reinforces it in a greater way)

I have put together some daily questions based upon the Scripture. You may use those, but also feel free to deviate away from it if God is leading you there. They are simply offered to prompt contemplation with God. There is much more in this passage, feel free to delve in more!

At the end of your time pray again. I recommend praying throughout, but the ending prayer would include praise, thanking God for revelation, and asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal, bringing to mind God’s will. Ask God for the courage, empowerment, and opportunity to do what you have determined God is asking you to do.