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 Acts 16:11-15, 40. Verse 40 takes place after Paul and Silas are released from prison, a time that will be dealt with next week. The book of Acts focuses on the growth and development of the church. The church expanded geographically, and also expanded to include Gentiles, as we read about with the traveling evangelists. Many, many people come to know Christ as their Savior and churches are planted. There is also much persecution of believers, especially for those willing to share their faith, such as the Apostle Paul. Acts is the longest book of the New Testament and covers a wide range of ideas, themes, and cultures. However, all of it is focused on how God moved to take the message of God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ to the (then-known) world. The book of Acts needs to be seen as “part two” of Luke’s work, following the Gospel that bears his name. Luke is not only an author, but a researcher, historian, and doctor. This story is part of Paul’s second missionary journey.

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 to 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: Acts 16:11-15, 40 (NIV)

11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. (then Paul and Silas are imprisoned)

40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

Other Scriptures referenced:

Acts 16:6-10 6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Ephesians 2:18-22 18 For through him we both [Gentiles and Jews] have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:

Monday: v.11- “From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis”- notice that it says “we.” Right before this passage, in Acts 16:10, is the first time that the word “we” is used. The Gospel writer Luke wrote the book of Acts, and it is believed that he accompanied some of the missionary journeys and is giving his first-hand account. Looking back to Acts 16:6-10, which sets the stage for our passage, it is clear that it is God that is directing and guiding the journey. Such phrases as “having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (v.6- Asia here is not the Far East but Asia Minor, a Roman province which is now Turkey). It continues, “but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (v.7), and that Paul had a vision which led them to conclude “that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (to the people of Macedonia, now northern Greece, vv.9-10). We will take this into account when examining our passage about Lydia. It’s also important to note for ourselves. God has a design and purpose for our lives. God has a plan, and we are a part of it. The more aware we become of the Spirit in our lives, the more we can live into God’s plan. Take a moment and pray, asking God for a greater awareness of God’s Spirit moving within you and around you. Pay attention through your days, and start noticing when you believe God is moving you in some direction. When that happens, pray for discernment to confirm, making sure it’s God and not spiritual warfare. If it’s God, and it often is, ask for clarity, strength, and will to follow wherever God leads. 

V.12 “From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days”- this was going across the Agean Sea, from the continent of Asia to Europe. Philippi was ten miles inland and they would’ve had to travel over some hills to get there. Paul described Philippi as a “Roman colony” and a “leading city,” pointing out the importance of the city as a commercial center and also its distinctive cultural, political, and judicial characteristics. As a Roman colony, the core of its population was Roman, and Latin was the primary language. The visit to Macedonia was the introduction of Christianity to Europe. God’s “Great Commission,” found in Matthew 28:19-20, to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” is being lived out through Paul and his traveling companions. This passage is describing the lengths the apostles would take to share the Gospel and live into the Great Commission. Consider the time, risk, struggles, even persecution. What do you believe motivated them to do this? How about you? Do you have that same desire to share the Good News about Jesus Christ? Why, or why not? Have you ever shared your faith, or stood up for your faith, when it was difficult? What happened? Sometimes God asks us to go out to others to share, and sometimes God brings people to us. Have you had an experience when you determined either of those scenarios occurred in your life? How did you recognize what God was asking/doing? How did you respond? What happened as a result? Take a moment and pray, based upon your own discernment from today’s discussion. What is God calling you to do? How is God speaking to your heart? Pray and listen. Then watch throughout your days this week to see how God is answering. If possible, journal your prayers and God’s responses, along with any “God moments” that you encounter. Give thanks to God for leading and guiding you- for God loving you so much that he moves in your life!

Tuesday: v.13a- “On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer”- a synagogue was not permitted unless there were at least ten Jewish men in the city. The people praying by the river indicates that there was no synagogue, and therefore fewer than ten Jewish men in the colony. The river was outside the city gate, away from the Roman syncretistic practices; emperor worship, worship of Egyptian gods and other pagan gods. The river also provided a place with abundant water, as water is a necessary component of Jewish ceremonial washing for religious purification. What would you say are the syncretistic practices of today? What would be the impact of being set apart, away from the syncretistic practices of today? In what ways are we called to do that? Since we must live and interact in the world, what can you do to live “set apart,” as God calls us to? 

At this time, Paul was still focused primarily on reaching the Jews (13:5, 14; 14:1). Later in his ministry we would shift his focus to the Gentiles. On the Sabbath, the day set apart for honoring God, Paul expected that if there were any Jews or “God-fearers” (those who believe in and follow God, but are not Jewish) in the colony that they would be gathering for prayer. The call upon us as believers is the same- that we make sure to set aside a day for the Lord. Though the Sabbath in Jewish culture is from Friday evening to Saturday evening, early Christians shifted to gatherings on Sunday- the “Lord’s Day,” the day when Jesus rose again. The day itself is not as important, but having a day definitely is. It’s a day with God, a day of rest, renewal, and recreation. Although we are to be in relationship and communication with God always, and participate in spiritual disciplines throughout the week, having one day a week, every week, set apart as a “Sabbath” is part of God’s plan. It originated with the seventh day of Creation (Genesis 2:2-3), and is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). What are some reasons why God commanded us to take a day of rest and focus on God? What are some of the ways it impacts you- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc? In what ways does it impact your relationship with God? Your relationship with others? The way you relate to the world’s expectations?  Have you ever gone a time when you did not take the weekly “Sabbath time of rest”? If so, how did missing that time affect you? What does this tell you about God and yourself? How does that make you feel? 

V.13b “We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there”- notice “we went,” and “we sat down,” so the four men- Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke joined the women at the river. In an area where there were fewer than ten Jewish men, I wonder if the arrival of the men was in any way startling. I suspect their presence commanded attention, since they were newcomers and male Jews. Though sitting was the typical posture of a teacher, imagine how it also allowed the message to more easily be received, rather than if they had come in standing and preaching at the women. Some things to consider- Paul and the others entered into this community of worship as a stranger, yet they received him as a guest, and even extended the courtesy of teaching and preaching to them. Paul and his companions also went to a place where they believed people would be receptive. They were seeking unity and community for their message. They joined the gathering, and sat and shared, instead of being bullish. Have you ever had someone get bullish with you about faith, or any other topic? How did that make you feel? How did you respond? What does that tell you about how you might share your faith with others if you want them to receive the message? Pray about sharing the message of the Good News with others- about any challenges you face externally or internally. Work with God through the barriers, fears, obstacles, etc. Praise God for the message, and for being with you in the receiving and sharing.

Wednesday: v.14a “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth”- in a culture of patriarchy, Luke – in the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts- features women frequently and prominently. He was also intentional about expanding descriptions to include women by mentioning- “men and women” (2:18; 5:14; 8:3, 12; 22:4). Though Paul is often portrayed today as being misogynistic, closer examination reveals that he was actually open, receptive, inclusive, and encouraging of women in faith and in ministry (17:4, 12, 34; 18:2- plus other examples, such as Phoebe and Priscilla). Here, Paul and the others share with a strong woman named Lydia. Lydia was a foreigner at Philippi, coming from Thyatira. Thyatira is a city in Asia Minor, in province of Lydia. Though Lydia could simply be her name, many scholars believe she was called Lydia as an ethnicon, because of where she was from, possibly as a freed slave. For instance, if you live in Rome and travel to another country, and they would call you “Rome.” Could very well be.

v.14 “She was a worshiper of God”- Lydia was a Gentile, who was also a “God-fearer.” As a Gentile God-fearer, that means that although she would not have been born and raised Jewish, she recognized truth and power in Judaism- the worship of YHWH, the One true God. The Greek describes Lydia as sebomene ton theon, meaning that she more than feared God, she revered and worshiped God. She was devout. She had come to the river, along with the others, to engage in deliberate, purposeful worship in community. What does this tell you about the draw of God, Lydia’s seeking for God, and the openness of community, that she was able to worship at the river with the other Jews? What does it tell you that Luke gave her story prominence, including her name (versus the centurion, who was wealthy and powerful, and yet was not named in Scripture- Luke 7:1-10). What could be a further message that Luke is trying to convey? 

v.14a “a dealer in purple cloth”- Thyatira is known for purple dyes, which was extracted from sea snails. The process was tedious and there was a limited supply of the snails, making purple dye very expensive. Purple was regarded, therefore, as something for wealthy people and royalty, so purple became associated with royalty. That is why the liturgical color for Advent and Lent is purple, as a symbol of Jesus’ royalty. This means that Lydia sold luxury items to wealthy people, indicating that she herself may have been prosperous. She would be in constant contact with people who were at the higher levels of society by wealth and status. It is also assumed that her own prosperity gave her a home large enough to host Paul and the others, which we will read about later in the week. Consider though, that in spite of any wealth she may have had, she was living in a foreign land as a migrant worker, which would have had implications for her socially and politically. The Gospel message would be shared with all nations, races, genders, varying economic status and prestige. This is something we are called to do today as well!

Thyatira was in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey)- remember in v.6 it said, “having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia”- it seems as if God had in store for the message to go to Asia Minor after all, just not in the way that Paul and the others had imagined! Lydia was from the province of Lydia in Asia Minor- and to her the word would be preached, and she would hear the message, receive it, and respond! Did you ever believe that something should happen, and you imagined a certain way it would occur, and it ended up happening, but with God doing it in a completely different way than what you had ever thought or imagined? If so, consider it, all the different components- when and how did you recognize God was moving? Ask God to open your eyes to see what God has done and is doing. As you face different decisions and other things on your life journey, ask God to direct. Then trust that God’s ways may be very different than yours, and that God wants good for you. Ask to be open to the Holy Spirit to notice what God is doing, for release and patience for when things don’t go as you have dreamed or planned, for an increase in trust and faith, and for the courage and willingness to walk into whatever new thing God is leading you to. Praise God for the many ways that God is present in your life!

Thursday: v.14b “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message”- this is in alignment with what Jesus taught in John 6:44a, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” In the Wesleyan tradition, the theology of salvation begins with “Prevenient Grace”- the grace that “comes before.” It is the grace that God gives that precedes human decision. John Wesley described prevenient grace as the porch, where people prepare to enter the house. It is by grace that we are drawn to God, and through grace we are enabled to make a decision to respond to God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ. God opened Lydia’s heart, but the choice was still hers to make. Based upon how Lydia, as a foreign God-fearer, was at the river on the Sabbath to pray, I believe we see God’s prevenient grace leading up to this moment as well. Her experience in seeking out the Jewish faith and participating in it indicates that she was responsive to God already. Her heart was opened, her heart was softened, and her heart was receptive. Think back to before you became a Christian. You may have been born into a family of Christians and perhaps consider yourself to have always been a Christian. If this is the case, consider when you claimed Christ as your own, beyond your family. What was it that caused you to make the choice to become saved through Jesus Christ? What were the thoughts and feelings leading up to it? What was your awareness of God? Looking back, can you recognize God in your life before you came to Christ? How does that make you feel? 

Lydia responded to Paul’s message. Consider what exactly was the message you think he shared? Which parts of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ do you believe would be the most important to share, and why? Do you believe he shared his own faith story, his own story of encountering Jesus on the Damascus Road? What message did you hear that led you to become a believer in Jesus Christ? In what way was it shared, and by whom? When you heard it, what did it make you realize or understand that you hadn’t before? How did it make you feel? What does this tell you about those who are currently far from God? What does God call us to do and when? Why? Take a moment and pray about and for those who are far from God. Pray for those you have perceived have had their heart opened by God, and are responsive. Pray for God to reveal your next steps- that the Holy Spirit would direct, just as the Holy Spirit had done on this journey. Be watchful, becoming aware of who and how God is moving. Be prepared to share God’s message when the time comes. Give thanks for God’s prevenient grace that goes before, and for justifying/saving grace! Thank God for all that God has done in your life to reach you- and know that God did it because he loves you!

Friday: v.15a “When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home”- Lydia’s heart was opened by God, and she responded and believed. But believing is not just having a new thought. Believing in Jesus Christ means salvation and sanctification. It means a new life, with a new focus, with new priorities. Belief is an action. Baptism is a “sacrament”- a sign-act that is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. It represents new life, cleansing from sin. In the case of immersion, the image speaks to death to self and rising anew in Christ. The water is prayed over and the many ways that water was used in God’s saving acts are shared (Noah, Red Sea). In the Methodist Church, baptism is the initiation and incorporation into the Body of Christ, the Church. As adults, it serves as a profession of faith. If it is a baby being baptized, it is upon the vow of their parents, and later they would go through a process of confirmation, where they would confirm the vows made at their baptism. When and how were you baptized? If you were baptized as an adult, what led up to it? Describe your experience. If you were baptized as an infant, how was the vow made on your behalf lived out? Did you go through confirmation? If so, what was your experience with it? 

Lydia received Paul’s message, accepted Christ, and was baptized. This verse says that “the members of her household” were also baptized! Although a short and simple statement, it’s powerful! Imagine how this could’ve occurred. Perhaps Lydia went home and shared with her household, or maybe Paul did, or maybe her household was at the river already and heard Paul at the same time Lydia did. How do you believe it happened, and why? Imagine that the impact of Lydia’s testimony, of her excitement of having accepted Jesus Christ and the immediate indwelling of the Holy Spirit, played a role in Lydia’s entire household- whether it be the different generations with her children and other family, or with servants, or fellow workers that stay with her, or all of the above. What does that say to you about the relationships you are in- at home, at work, etc. Pray about what God is placing on your heart, about seeds that were planted in you, and seeds that you are planting. Pray that people will see God within you- your excitement about Jesus, your trust in the Holy Spirit. Thank God for his saving power, his presence, and his light shining within you! 

Saturday: v.15b “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” [Lydia] said, “come and stay at my house”- there was an immediate response in action within Lydia, and becoming a believer led her to reach out in compassion and hospitality to Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke, who were foreigners and travelers. I see a bit of vulnerability in the beginning of Lydia’s response, “if you consider me a believer,” almost testing the waters. When I read it, it implies the undercurrent that so often accompanies what people often feel when coming to Christ- can it really be? Could I actually be accepted? Will I be included? Have you ever felt like that- that you weren’t sure if you would be accepted or included? It could’ve been in school, or at work, or at a party, or joining a team. Quite often it also happens with faith and the church. People can find it difficult to accept and believe that God would welcome them and love them just as they are. People can also be very unsure about the church community- will I be welcomed, accepted into community. Will I be received as a part of the family of believers? From your own experiences, whether from entering into the relationship with God, or entering into a faith community, or from other times when you have experienced this, describe what that feels like. What are the undergirding thoughts and beliefs about God, yourself, and others that you felt this way? Pray about that, lifting that awareness to God. What does God say to you? Dwell on that. Receive it. Is God calling you to understand or do something differently? How does this inform how we need to respond to others? Do you perceive any changes that need to be made at our church? 

V.15b “And she persuaded us”- what do you believe is the reason they needed to be persuaded, instead of accepting willingly? Could it be that this was pushing their boundaries farther than they were accustomed, farther than they thought were ready for? If they accepted, they would be staying a foreign woman’s house- which may not mean much today, but think back to their culture. Were they concerned about outward perceptions? Maybe. Could it also be that accepting hospitality, accepting the giving from others, was awkward and uncomfortable- “I don’t want to impose,” etc.? Have you ever felt that way when people graciously offer something to you or give of themselves for you, and you struggle with it? If so, take a moment to reflect on that. What is the undergirding belief that leads to that hesitancy? Is it that you are embarrassed, or feel as if you will owe them back in return, or that you don’t deserve their generosity, or? Spend some time with God about it. God gave himself for us, we are to give to others, which then leads to us being able to also receive, and receive well- with appreciation, gratitude, and humility, with a response of “thank you.” Many people, women especially, have difficulty even receiving a compliment. The tendency can be to diminish it, instead receiving it. Was there ever a time when you felt hesitant about accepting what someone is offering to give- whether in words or deeds? Think about the times when you have given to others, whether it be radical hospitality, or generous giving, or lifting someone up, or offering yourself in some way. Why did you do it? How did your giving make you feel? Now turn that around and reflect on the idea of giving people the opportunity to give to you in some way. What are your thoughts on that? God may lead you to give back at some point, reciprocal generosity. But God may also want you to just receive. Think about the various times when someone gave to you. Reflect on it, and on the heart of the one who gave, and give thanks.

V.40 “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house”- Paul and Silas were released from jail, and after that painful and upsetting experience, Paul and Silas decided to return to Lydia’s house. What do you think they experienced there before, that they now chose to return? What was being offered at Lydia’s house that we may need to offer in our own homes and in our church home? “Where they met with the brothers and sisters”- they gathered together, as brothers and sisters- through Christ they were now family! “And encouraged them”- Paul and Silas, in spite of the ordeal they just went through in prison, is offering encouragement to the new faith community. They are preparing them for their departure. What types of things do you believe were said in ways of encouragement? Hear those things for yourself as well! Be encouraged in all ways! Consider how Paul and Silas modeled concern for others, as Jesus taught, “love one another.” Consider how much encouragement can make in impact on someone. Pray about how you can share encouragement with others. Who is God leading you to? Pray for opportunity, and freely give encouragement. Lift someone up- it may be just what someone needed to hear. 

The rest of the story: it is believed that the church in Philippi was a house church that was founded by Lydia. The book of Philippians was written to this church. Both the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Orthodox traditions regard her as Saint Lydia. The Orthodox community lifts her up even higher, regarding her as “Equal to the Apostles.” There are “Feast Days” for St. Lydia, and the date for the feast is dependent upon denomination. 

Lydia was a woman church leader in the church planted by Paul. She offered radical hospitality- not only to Paul and the others, but she opened her doors to begin a new faith community. We learn from the book of Philippians, the letter written to the house church at Philippi, that the Philippian church became generous in their support of Paul’s ministry (Phil. 1:5; 4:10, 14-18).

What are some takeaways you’ve had this week from the story of Lydia? What surprised you? Encouraged you? Moved you? Convicted you? Led you? Take some time in prayer and reflection. As always, give thanks to the Lord our God!

Other items:

Responsive Reading– 

Leader: Heavenly Father,
We bring ourselves to You
People: as Your family of believers.
L: You know us all so well
P: and love us completely.
L: Cover us with hope,
P: That helps us to celebrate together and care for one another.
L: Infuse us with strength,
P: That overcomes adversity and unites us in faith.
L: Fill us with love,
P: That breathes peace and guides our future.
All: May we, as Your faith family, boldly live in You.

Unison Prayer:

Holy One, we gather together as Your family of believers to praise and worship You for all the ways You touch and fill our lives. Help us to love one another, showing mercy, forgiveness, and understanding. Illuminate the areas within us where we can be more welcoming and gracious to others. As we draw closer to You, continue to transform us so that we may live into who You call us to be. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

Song Lyrics:

#549 Where Charity and Love Prevail v.1,5,6

Where charity and love prevail

There God is ever found;

Brought here together by Christ’s love,

By love are we thus bound.

Let us recall that in our midst 

Dwells God’s begotten Son;

As members of his body joined,

We are in him made one.

Love can exclude no race or creed

If honored be God’s name;

Our common life embraces all

Whose Maker is the same.

Come Share the Lord #2269 TFWS

We gather here in Jesus’ name

His love is burning in our hearts like living flame

For through His loving Son the Father makes us one

Come take the bread come drink the wine

Come share the Lord

No one is a stranger here, everyone belongs;

finding our forgiveness here,

we in turn forgive all wrongs.

He joins us here He breaks the bread

The Lord who pours the cup is risen from the dead

The One we love the most is now our gracious host

Come take the bread come drink the wine

Come share the Lord

We are now a family, of which the Lord is head;

though unseen he meets us here

in the breaking of the bread.

We’ll gather soon where angels sing

We’ll see the glory of our Lord and coming King

Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait

Come take the bread come drink the wine

Come share the Lord

Made to Worship by Chris Tomlin

Before the day, before the light
Before the world revolved around the sun
God on high stepped down into time
And wrote the story of His love for everyone

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

You and I are made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender, when you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be

All we are and all we have
Is all a gift from God that we receive
Brought to life we open up our eyes
To see the majesty and glory of the King

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

You and I are made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender, when you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be

And even the rocks cry out and even the Heavens shout
At the sound of His holy name
So let every voice sing out, and let every knee bow down
He’s worthy of all our praise

You and I are made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free,
When you and I embrace surrender, when you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see…

You and I are made to worship, you and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free,
When you and I embrace surrender, when you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to 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.