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 16:22-36. It’s a story that happens as a response to the previous story. Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy are now staying at Lydia’s house, as she and her household had become believers in Jesus Christ. The area is still a very pagan Roman colony. While staying in that Roman colony, Paul and Silas had been followed by a slave girl who was oppressed by a demon that had enabled her to have occult gifting that made her owners money. Paul cast the demon out of her and she was delivered. In her healing, she also lost her demonic abilities. These abilities, as a medium, were often sought out (something forbidden by God), and it made her owners a lot of money. Enraged that their source of income had dissolved, they drag Paul and Silas to the middle of the street. The attack we read about begins there.

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 16:22-36 (NIV)  22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

Other Scriptures referenced:

Acts 16:16-21 16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

19 When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.

Psalm 28:1a, 6-8

1To you, Lord, I call;
    you are my Rock,

Praise be to the Lord,
    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people,
    a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Psalm 18:1-3, 6-7a

1 I love you, Lord, my strength.

2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and I have been saved from my enemies.

6 In my distress I called to the Lord;
    I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
    my cry came before him, into his ears.
7 The earth trembled and quaked,
    and the foundations of the mountains shook;

Psalm 103:1-4

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,

Philippians 4:4-9, 13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (note that v.13 is NKJV- it’s how I learned it as a memory verse years ago)

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:

Monday: v.22 “The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas”- some background- this story continues after Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke agreed to stay in Lydia’s home, the new convert to the faith read about in 16:1-15. In vv. 23-21, Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl, who was enslaved physically and spiritually, having a demonic spirit, a spirit of divination (Greek: pneuma pythona—a python spirit). This demon gave her the ability to predict the future. On the one hand, she was following Paul and Silas around, drawn to the message of our Savior, Jesus Christ. At the same time, the demon within her was manifesting. She was shouting out continually, in a very pagan place and perhaps in a way that was offensive, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” Although very true, Paul and Silas recognized the demonic influence within her, and in the name of Jesus Christ commanded the demon to come out of her- and it did. Her abilities, which were making money for her owners, went with the demon. When the owners realized what happened, that they had lost their source of income, they went after Paul and Silas. Consider that the owners did not seem to care that the girl had been demonized, only that they could no longer exploit her for their own gain. It’s an attitude and belief system that explains why they so easily and brutally attack Paul and Silas. How would you describe what the attitude and belief system was that allowed them to do that? That atmosphere, of violence, frenzy, and a mob mentality, can unfortunately rise quickly if the Holy Spirit is not indwelling. The owners made up accusations to fuel the fire, stating first that “these men are Jews”- derogatory, condemning, feeding into anti-Semitic hatred in an unholy place. Philippi was a Roman colony and the accusation created an “us vs. them” contrast to fellow Romans. This is followed by untrue, trumped up charges that they were “advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack- based on untruths, hysteria of a crowd, pent up anger and hatred, and probably fear. This type of thing unfortunately still happens today. We read about it, and perhaps we even witness it. We may even get dragged into it. Though certainly less destructive physically than the beating we will read about, we can even find ourselves dragged into a mob mentality in the form of gossip and slander, which also causes great harm and is often fueled by the same things. Consider times when you have experienced an attack from others, and pay attention to your body. If you find yourself getting tense, angry, upset, etc., pray about it. Ask God for healing, and forgive those who harmed you. Not forgiving and carrying around the pain will harm you, and it usually leaks out toward others when stress arises. It also maintains distance in your relationship with God, who desires for you to be healed and well. Pray and release. Now consider when you have participated in something harmful toward another in some way. What do you believe was the underlying belief or feeling that prompted that? Looking back, what was the effect of those negative actions on you? Especially if these moments are easily recalled, take a moment in prayer. Dig deep and ask the hard question- why? Ask God for forgiveness, and for cleansing of whatever led you to lash out against another. V.22b “and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods”- we find out in v.37 that Paul and Silas are actually Roman citizens, which means that this is not only harmful and wrong, but also very illegal. As Roman citizens they were entitled to a fair trial according to Roman law. Stripping was for added humiliation and was a common practice. Being Jewish, with a culture of modesty, nakedness would be especially humiliating. 

The magistrates gave the order for the beating before giving Paul and Silas any opportunity to speak and offer a defense. They jumped to conclusions, and chose to do the thing that would satisfy the mob. They issued undue violence, and in doing so they broke the law. What does this say about the attitude and belief system of the magistrates? Why do you believe they would make these choices? This happened in a location where slave owners profited greatly from a medium consulting demons (the slave girl), so the occult practices were very strong. It was also a place with very few people who followed God (Lydia and other women praying at the river). What is the impact and why? What does this say about what we need to do as believers in the world today? Take a moment and pray, asking God for direction and guidance. Ask God for empowerment to make a change in the world. God’s light overcomes the darkness. Take a moment in God’s presence and be filled with the light of Christ. Reflect on what that means for you, and for others. Thank God for Christ’s abiding presence!

(For more about taming the tongue see James 3)

Tuesday: v.23 “After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison”- so Paul and Silas were “dragged” to the marketplace (v.19), “stripped” (v.22), “beaten with rods” (v.22), “severely flogged” and “thrown in prison”! They weren’t “just” flogged, they were “severely” flogged. Humiliating, excruciatingly painful, and bloody. The wounds were left open, untreated. In this story, Paul and Silas had done the right thing by freeing the slave girl from spiritual bondage. The intense, violent, reactions are prompted by greed and power, and so much more. Paul and Silas were persecuted for doing what God would have them do. In 2 Corinthians 11:23b-27 Paul describes the many times and forms of persecution he endured as one of God’s missionaries. Most of the apostles were martyred (John was not), and many, many within the early church were persecuted and martyred. Still today there are countries where it is very dangerous and even deadly to be a Christian. It’s difficult to even imagine. Take a moment and pray for the Christians around the world. If you are able, write down the various petitions you are making to God on their behalf. How much of what you prayed for would also apply for anyone going through a difficult time? How much applies to your life today? Pray for yourself and your own circumstances. Give thanks to God for being with you, providing for you, and loving you. 

“They were thrown into prison”- the Magistrates, not knowing that they were Roman citizens, and that therefore the beating and incarceration were illegal, ordered them to be held in prison. Paul and Silas would’ve entered the prison in anguish, with horrific wounds, and not knowing if further abuse, or worse, would come. There’s a lack of justice on many levels here- not only with the harsh abuse and lack of voice and fair trial, but also knowing that if they had been Roman citizens (which they were), then it wouldn’t be permitted. That means that for those who were not Roman citizens it was permitted! Justice is something that God speaks about throughout the Scriptures, and mandates that orphans, widows, aliens (foreigners), etc. be treated with justice, respect, and kindness. Everyone is still expected to follow the laws, but God calls out the need for justice continually. Think about justice, and how Jesus portrayed Godly justice when dealing with people. What do you notice? What does this say about what God desires for us in the way of justice, and why? Take a moment and pray for justice- for people in our communities, nation, and around the world. Ask God to open your eyes to any prejudicial assumptions you may unknowingly carry toward others, that would provoke unjust reactions. If you recognize it in yourself or others, pray for God’s light to illuminate and soften hearts and minds. Consider Jesus, and his own torment through accusations, trials, severe flogging, abuse, and crucifixion. He endured that for you (and me, and the world). How does that make you feel? Why? Pray about that, opening your heart to receive what God wants to pour out to you- love, grace, peace, and so much more. With a grateful heart, give thanks. Be specific, and if possible, pray it aloud. 

Wednesday: v.23b- 24 “the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet with stocks”- The jailer was simply told to guard them carefully. Yet he chose to take these severely beaten, wounded, and bloody men, and torture them even further. The inner cell was in the depths of the prison, the lowest level, so all the… gunk… would have flowed down to it. There would have been a sickening stench. It would have been pitch dark, with no ventilation. It was also cold and many scholars believe overcrowded. Imagine the worst kind of dungeon. “fastened their feet with stocks”- stocks were not only an instrument of confinement, but also served as an instrument of torture. They were made of wood bound by iron with holes for the feet, and were stretched apart. They could make those bound unable to walk, making it nearly impossible to rest, and cause much pain. Putting them in the stocks was a means of not only security, but additional torture. Take a moment and reflect on the jailer’s heart, based upon the choices he made- he took severely beaten and bloodied men and decided to torture them further. What words would you use to describe his heart and mind? What do you believe prompts such choices? Note from Monday, about the angry mob and the Magistrates. Consider the impact of surrounding community- that of the pagan Roman colony. What does that mean for us? For our community? When you reflect upon the state of the jailer, how easy or difficult is it to envision he would become saved, totally transformed through Christ? Why? Consider the implications, and what that awareness invites us into. How would you describe it? Are there areas of that invitation, and expectation, that you are uncomfortable with? Why, or why not?  

v.25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them”- “About midnight”- the darkest time, and yet also the transition from heading into the dark to heading into the light- dawn is coming! Have you ever experienced a time in your life when it was really “dark”? What were the circumstances? How were you feeling? Why? At that time, did you sense God’s presence with you? How difficult was it to have hope through Christ when going through the darkness? Looking back, what were the things that were helpful, and not helpful, in getting you through the darkness? Is there anything you would’ve done differently? Take a moment and reflect upon it, and notice and acknowledge God’s presence with you, God’s actions on your behalf, whether you recognized it at the time or not. See it, feel it, know it now. Take a moment and thank God! “Paul and Silas”- they were not alone, they had God and they had each other. Being connected in a community of faith is essential for believers. We need one another, to support, encourage, strengthen, and hold up one another. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus continually talks about “one another,” and if you have an opportunity, it would be a wonderful reminder to go through those. We see examples in so many other areas as well- from the disciples to the early church. Community is vital. Take a moment and reflect on your own connection in the faith community. How connected are you? Is there anyone you are connected enough with that you feel safe in even sharing some of the unpleasant, and even ugly, things that may come up in your life? Someone who will pray with you? Support you, encourage you, hold you accountable, and hold you up? If so, praise God! If not, yet, seek that kind of safe, faith-filled and grace-filled, connection with at least one other in the faith community. Build it and nourish it.

Thursday: v.25 “Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God”- in the depths of darkness, misery, and pain, they were focused on God. What do you believe they were praying for? Do you believe the prayers extended beyond release? Why? “Singing hymns to God”- God loves to hear us sing praises! Consider that songs to God are a reflection of praise, hope, and joy. How and why do you believe Paul and Silas were inspired and able, emotionally and spiritually, to sing to God when in such horrible circumstances? What does that say to you? Worship is powerful! I encourage you to worship, not just in church on Sunday, but throughout the week. Sing songs, listen to Christian music on the radio or YouTube (or make your own play list). Fill your mind, heart, and spirit with songs that sing life, love, acceptance, and grace. Songs that sing of the wonders and power of God, of God’s character, and God’s movement in the world. Songs will remind you, in lyric and melody, of who God is, who you are in Christ, and all that God promises for you. “and the other prisoners were listening to them”- imagine what the impact of Paul and Silas singing to God, bloodied, beaten, and in the dark, had on the other prisoners. How would you describe it? Have you ever experienced a time when things were difficult, and yet there was still recognition and praise of God? What impact did that have on you? Consider how our response to difficult times, with praise and worship, is a strong testimony to others. It doesn’t say that Paul and Silas sang quietly, under their breath, but that the others were listening. It makes me wonder if they were not only praising God, but doing so in a way that would shine a spiritual light, with an awareness of hope, intentionally for the others as well as themselves. What does that say to you? Take some time today and praise God, filling yourself with music! Envision God smiling upon you as you sing praises! I encourage you to sing with your body as well- lift up your hands, dance, rejoice! Open yourself to God’s presence in worship. Reflect and write about your experience with singing, and God’s response. Praise the Lord!

Friday: v.26 “Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken” Though a physical earthquake happened, imagine that God quakes and shakes our world all the time- especially in response to prayer and praise! Take a moment to reflect upon any times when you experienced God “quaking and shaking” in your life. This can be through a received revelation, a change of heart, circumstances, and more. Pray and acknowledge God, thanking and praising for God’s power, wonder, care and love for you. 

“At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose”- there are other instances when God changed circumstances and chains were loosened, giving prisoners the ability to escape (Acts 5:17-23, 12:4-11). God is powerful! V.27- “The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped”- since he unlikely slept through a tremendous earthquake, perhaps the jailer had been knocked unconscious for a time. He saw the prison doors open, realizing he had been out, and assumed the prisoners had escaped. His assumption could have been fueled by panic from great stress, and from his own self-interest, self-preservation, self-focus mindset, that informed his assumption. He may have also assumed, having possibly heard of other circumstances when prisoners escaped (see the Acts passages). “he was about to kill himself”- jailers whose prisoners escaped would be executed (Acts 12:19), and prior to execution they would be publically humiliated before his peers. There was great shame and fear. Paul would’ve been aware of this practice. V.28- “But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”- imagine that not only did Paul and Silas stay, but all of the prisoners stayed. It was suggested in the sermon a couple of possibilities of why Paul and Silas chose to stay; that perhaps the vision Paul had of a man of Macedonia begging for help (Acts 16:9) was the jailer. Or perhaps the Holy Spirit instructed them to stay for the jailer’s benefit. Perhaps with that, Paul recognized a bit of his old self in the jailer. What do you think, and why? Ultimately, the decision was based upon Godly discernment. It was a risky choice on the physical realm, but on the spiritual realm it was empowered, with a vision for God’s purposes. Note that not only did they stay, but Paul expressed concern and compassion for the jailer! Sometimes it can be difficult to show concern and compassion for people who have harmed us. But God asks us to have an open heart, of forgiveness and grace, knowing that we too have harmed others and received grace. Think about times when people have harmed you in some way. What was some of the internal dialogue that occurred because of it- about yourself and the one who harmed you? Take a moment in prayer, for whatever you need. Open yourself to God, knowing that God is the one who heals, delivers, and gives grace. Receive, and listen to what God wants you to do. How does that make you feel? V.29 “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas”- the jailer responded to God’s message and grace, experienced through Paul and Silas, the convicting of the Holy Spirit, and the awareness that what he has been is not what he should be. This cruel, hardened man, trembled as he fell in humility, in response to what he has experienced. This is the spiritual expression for anyone who truly experiences the power of God combined with grace, the unmerited love of God that gives. God is so good! Take a moment for reflection, and with that same response of humility and “trembling” in awe, offer praise to God!

Saturday: v.30 “[the jailer] then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”- the jailer brought them out?! This was not something that would be done- it was very risky! Especially after a concern that they were not in the jail, which would lead to his execution, it was a dangerous move. But it was something that perhaps he now felt confident in doing, having now been touched by the Holy Spirit, and recognizing the Spirit within Paul and Silas. “[the jailer] asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”- Imagine that the concept of being saved would even occur to him! From everything studied, and what you know about God, what prompted him? Why do you believe he wanted to be “saved”? Consider- saved from what and to what. What is the jailer longing for? V.31 “[Paul and Silas] replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved- you and your household”- “believe” is often regarded as just an understanding or mindset. However, belief is a life transformation that informs your entire life. In Romans 10:9, Paul writes, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”- to “declare,” as an outward public expression. “Jesus is Lord,” having authority over every area of life, which begins with repentance. “Believe in your heart,” a heart change- transformation, led by the Holy Spirit. “God raised him from the dead”- that God is a miracle worker, that Jesus died for our sins, and rose again- God has victory even over death! We are saved by grace! Through the testimony of your life, God will bring people to you who are also longing for salvation, though they may not even know what that means. Be ready to proclaim the Gospel with them. “be saved- you and your household”- his household would not be saved simply because he was. This was an offering of grace, that his whole household could also know and receive salvation. Hence the next verse, v.32 “Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house”- imagine the trust he now had for Paul and Silas that he would bring them to his house! Imagine the desire he had for his entire household- family, servants, everyone- to experience what he had experienced through God’s grace! v.33a “At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds”- a beautiful act of repentance! Caring, compassion, tenderness. This is a testimony of the Holy Spirit bringing transformation. V.33b “then immediately he and all his household were baptized”- none of them were going to let this opportunity pass- the seeing and hearing, of the word of the Lord, of the story of Paul and Silas, of the transformation of the jailer, and especially with such an act of repentance- led all to make a public life commitment. What does this say to you? V.34- “The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them”- open and invited into the family dwelling, with table fellowship. Welcomed into the jailer’s family, just as he had been welcomed into God’s family. Genuine hospitality, just as they had received from Lydia (v.15). V.34b “[the jailer] was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God- he and his whole household”- joy! The jailer had gone from cruel and hard, to fearful and suicidal, to JOY! God can and does do that! Trust in God at all times, sing praises when circumstances are dark, and be filled with the joy of the Lord! Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), and “the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8;10b). Celebrate God’s grace today, and be filled with the joy of the Lord!

Other items:

Responsive Reading

(adapted from Hebrews 6:19, Psalm 62: 5-6, Psalm 33:19, and Psalm 42:6a)

L: Lord, You are our hope

P: The sure and steadfast anchor for our souls.

L: Our hope is in You and we rejoice!

P: You are our rock and our salvation,

L: Our fortress!

P: We shall not be shaken!

L: Our hope is built on You

ALL: You are our help and our Redeemer,

and we will always praise You! 

Unison Prayer:

Almighty and Glorious God,

Help us to always hear You saying “I am your hope” over all the other voices. Give us true faith, and make that faith grow in us day by day. As the world shakes around us, enable us to stand firm in You, singing Your praises. Fill us with hope and love, so that we may be a testimony for others and serve our neighbors according to Your will. Give us tangible reminders that hope in You is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline. Redeeming God, You are our hope and we trust in You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

Song Lyrics:

My Hope is Built #368 v.1,2,3

1. My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

2. When Darkness veils his lovely face,

I rest on his unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

my anchor holds within the veil.

(Refrain)

3. His oath, his covenant, his blood

supports me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

he then is all my hope and stay.

(Refrain)

Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets

Sometimes I think

What will people say of me

When I’m only just a memory

When I’m home where my soul belongs

Was I love

When no one else would show up

Was I Jesus to the least of us

Was my worship more than just a song

I wanna live like that

And give it all I have

So that everything I say and do

Points to You

If love is who I am

Then this is where I’ll stand

Recklessly abandoned

Never holding back

I wanna live like that

I wanna live like that

Am I proof

That You are who You say You are

That grace can really change a heart

Do I live like Your love is true

People pass

And even if they don’t know my name

Is there evidence that I’ve been changed

When they see me do they see You

I wanna live like that

And give it all I have

So that everything I say and do

Points to You

If love is who I am

Then this is where I’ll stand

Recklessly abandoned

Never holding back

I wanna live like that

I wanna live like that

I wanna show the world the love You gave for me
I’m longing for the world to know
The glory of the King

I wanna live like that

And give it all I have

So that everything I say and do

Points to You

If love is who I am

Then this is where I’ll stand

Recklessly abandoned

Never holding back

I wanna live like that

I wanna live like that

I wanna live like that

How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin

The splendor of the King

Clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice

All the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

And trembles at His voice

How great is our God

Sing with me

How great is our God

And all will see how great

How great is our God

And age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the End
Beginning and the End
The Godhead three in one
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see how great
How great is our God

Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see how great
How great is our God

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.