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 1 Peter 2:1-10. The apostle Peter is the author of 1 Peter, identified in 1:1. Peter is writing to the early church, with an audience believed to be primarily Gentile, as indicated by references to their past engagement in idolatry, along with activities commonly associated with pagan temples (4:3-4), but also Jews who believed in Jesus and had experienced being dispersed into the Greek culture. This letter would’ve been taken to the churches in the provinces listed in the beginning of the letter and read aloud. These provinces were growing, thriving cities within the Roman empire.
The context for our passage is that the early Christians were experiencing persecution. As they committed to Jesus they no longer participated in the social and religious activities of the pagan world. In this letter, the pagan Roman world is referred to as “Babylon,” pointing to the Old Testament and how the Israelites were exiles in a foreign land. This exilic imagery begins with v.1 when Peter refers to the congregations as “exiles scattered.” Some translations say “strangers in the world, scattered.” Turning away from what was considered socially acceptable and expected behaviors would’ve been perceived as undermining civic life. Peter is writing to encourage the new believers and give hope, while also reminding them of the expectation of living an exemplary life in Christ, a theme that runs from 1:13-5:11. Ultimately, the message for us all is today is determining how we live a faithful and new life in a world that is not turned toward God. It is good to remember Peter’s words in 5:12, that these words were written to “encourage you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”
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: 1 Peter 2:1-10 (NIV)
1Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”

7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Other Scriptures referenced:
Romans 12:2- DO not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to know what God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will

Ephesians 4:22-24- You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off you old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:
Monday: v.1 “Therefore, rid yourself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” The word “therefore” compels us to understand what this passage is “there for”- what is the context that this is responding to? Here, Peter had just described the glory and eternal character of God’s Word. At this time, the New Testament had not yet been formed, but this letter among many will be in time bundled into what is now considered the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, God’s Word. Peter goes into an encouragement to receive God’s Word with an open and desiring heart, seeking God’s will and instructions for how God would have us live. It acknowledges that the people receiving the letter, the early church, were believers in Jesus Christ and therefore are “born again,” meaning new life, fresh start, and how vital the Word of God is in that transformation. Part of being a believer is cooperating with the Holy Spirit as we study, search, and internalize the Scriptures, so that sanctification, being made more and more like Christ, may occur. Consider for a moment your own experience with God’s Word. How have you approached it over the years? How do you view it now? In light of the continuous acknowledgement of how vital Scripture is in the life of a believer, and your own response to it, take a moment with God and pray. If you have been immersing yourself in Scripture and experiencing revelation, guidance, and more, then thank God and ask that you continue to be filled. If you have been wary, confused, have not made knowing God’s Word a priority, or anything else, then ask God to reeal to you what the barriers are. Once you understand the barriers, ask God to remove them- from your heart, mind, circumstances- whatever it may be. Determine to move forward, growing in God’s Word!
The rest of that sentence, “rid yourself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” is a sampling of the change that God desires for us, which will ultimately have a positive impact on others as well. It’s a shifting not only of behavior, but thoughts and desires. Behavior stems from our beliefs, that are supported by the state of our heart. It’s why one of my favorite Scriptures is Romans 12:2a, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When we fill our minds with the truth of God’s Word, our mind begins to be renewed, which will give strength and ability to change behavior. Take a moment in prayer and reflection and go through every one of the words that Peter listed that we are to rid ourselves of, and consider what the opposite response would be. With each one ask God, “Do I have this in my life anywhere?” As God perhaps reveals areas of your life that he would want to cleanse and heal, receive that, reflect upon it. Ask God why you think, feel, or do the things that God brought to mind. What is the root? Pray for wisdom and guidance on moving forward. Pray for a filling of the Holy Spirit to enable the change. Pray for anything that God brings to mind that you may need. Give thanks, and continue to search the Word and seek God’s will for your life.
Tuesday: v.2 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation”- we all are like newborn babies spiritually when we first begin our journey with Christ in regards to spiritual immaturity and need for growth. Along with that is this imagery of how a newborn baby craves, desires what will feed and satisfy them. For believers, we are to crave spiritual milk- craving the spiritual things of God that will feed and satisfy. The word “crave” is sometimes translated as “desire,” and it is a very strong term describing a deep longing for God. As with a baby, we are to yearn for God as an instinctive response. Too often Christians can find themselves complacent, too comfortable, and not experiencing a deep yearning for God. It’s a trap of the enemy to convince people that they have “arrived,” that no more growth is needed. In the process, hearts grow cold, relationship with God grows distant, and there is less and less sanctification, and positive impact on a person and the world. Take a moment and consider the word “crave” (desire, yearn for, deep longing). Does that describe your current state of faith? Reflect upon how you have felt over the years, the times when you craved, and the times that you did not. What was going on, or what were you responding to or believing, that led to either direction? Take some time with God and listen. What is God revealing to you?
Peter describes the spiritual milk we are to crave as “pure”- not tainted or spoiled. Without knowing the Word of God it is easy to slip into a tainted, spoiled version of spirituality that has little to do with God. We listen to what the culture says, or what we want to believe, often making God into our own image instead of seeking to be transformed into God’s image. Consider when you determine your beliefs and actions, what are you basing that on? Think about the past few days, the past few times of action, the past few times of having to make a decision. How much was God involved in that process? How willing would you have been to change based upon what God said and willed? I encourage you to being the process of beginning each day with prayer, inviting God into your day with an openness for God’s will to be done. Add in a bit of time reading and reflecting on God’s Word so you can meditate upon it throughout the day. I believe you will find that over time, God will reveal his will, and particular Scriptures will come to mind when you are seeking. Trust in God for your day and your life.
“So that you may grow up in your salvation”- when we accept Christ as Lord and Savior we receive Justifying Grace, salvation, where we are forgiven our sins, washed clean by the blood of Jesus, have the promise of eternal life, and receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As a believer this happened in the past. Scripture refers to salvation in two other senses, present and future. Being saved in the present is what this passage is referring to, and examples of this can be found in 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12-13, as well as others. It refers to the process of sanctification- that God began a new work in us when we were justified, and now we are receiving Sanctifying Grace. It’s the process of transformation that God desires for us so can become fully what he created us to be. The final tense is future, such as in Romans 5:9-10 and 1 Thess. 5:8, which refers to our future Glorifying Grace in eternity. In this passage, with salvation being referred to in the present and in reference to growing up in our salvation, it is regarding sanctification- growing in “holiness of heart and life,” “moving on to perfection,” as John Wesley referred to it. How does the term “grow up” sit with you? Be honest. Does it inspire because you recognize there is growing to do and so much more to be received through Christ? Or do you receive it as perhaps a bit insulting? Does knowing that the original Greek is auxanó, which not only means to grow, but also to “increase” and “become greater” change anything? We all, every single one of us, need to continually “grow up” in our salvation, living into the fullness that Christ offers. This is a journey that will take our entire life, but is so worth it! Why do you think Peter used this terminology? How do you think it was received? What does humility have to do with it? Pray about your own journey in “growing up” in your salvation. Ask God to reveal to you not only where you need to go, but how far you’ve come. Listen, and give thanks!
Wednesday: v.3 “Now that you have tasted that the Lord is good”- continues the sentence from yesterday. It’s pointing out that craving for God and seeking to grow is a response, a byproduct, of personally experiencing the Lord’s goodness. Consider that the people that Peter was writing to were experiencing persecution and trials. As Americans especially, we can have a tendency to relate our outer circumstances to determining whether or not God is good. Have you ever done that- regarded your circumstances as not being good and deciding that therefore God is not good? It’s something we have to guard against, because God is ALWAYS good! But it is definitely one of the traps of the enemy. The congregations that Peter is writing to knew and experienced God’s goodness, regardless of their current situation and circumstances. What does that say to you? Describe what the “goodness” of God is that Peter would be referring to, and how it can be “tasted,” or experienced. Reflect on Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” As you consider God’s goodness in your own life, take the time to give thanks for it all.
V.4-5a “As you come to him, the living Stone- rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood”- Jesus as the “living Stone” reminds that Jesus is alive, that he not only died on the cross but rose again. Peter points out Jesus’ circumstance as being “rejected by humans,” which now many in the early Church would be. But Jesus was “chosen by God and precious to him,” just as they were and just as we are. It doesn’t matter what anyone in the world thinks of you, any rejection you have endured, always remember that you too are chosen by God and are precious to him! Take a moment and reflect on the great love that God has for you. God chose you, Jesus died on a cross for you, and he rose again to new life so that you may have new life in him. Jesus is living and life-giving!
Our response to Christ, the “living Stone,” is to become like him, “like living stones” which points to the “narrow way” (Matt. 7:14). This verse is a statement of causation, that since we have come to Christ we are being built up into a spiritual house. We come to Jesus, because Jesus first came to us- it’s a response. This is not only individual but corporate, as we are built as a “spiritual house,” the body of Christ, the temple of God, together. How would you describe being a “spiritual house,” a place where the Spirit of God dwells? What do you think being a “spiritual house” looks like and feels like? Imagine all believers together as a spiritual house, the Church. What does that image say to you? Part of being a follower of Jesus is being part of a faith community, the Church, where people are worshiping and craving more and more of God and growing in sanctification together. Consider how we are being “built”- how God does that and our part in it. “Being built” is in the present tense, so it’s not something that’s finished yet. How does that make you feel? Excited, frustrated, depressed, anxious, etc.- define it and sit with that for a while, reflecting on it. Ask God what that means for you, and listen.
“a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood”- have you ever considered yourself to be a “holy priesthood”? It could sound heavy and daunting, but it’s a priviledge. “Holy” means set apart, that we are set apart for God. Holy also means to be sinless, sanctified, consecrated. It means that God has determined something much better for you than the world offers because you are his child in Christ. You are set apart for his glory, cleansed and redeemed, and called to become sanctified. “Priesthood”- in the Old Testament the priests were believed to have special access to God. As Jesus is the living Stone and we are living stones, Jesus is also the “great high priest” (Heb. 4:14-16) and we are a priesthood of believers. We no longer need a mediator to commune with God! We can have a personal relationship with the Almighty!
“Offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”- the imagery of stones, building, and sacrifices point to the Temple, which was the heart of Judaism as the place of sacrificial worship and where God was believed to dwell. Now, through Christ, we are the temple of God. I remember the words of our Communion liturgy, “In remembrance of Your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us.” What do you think are “spiritual sacrifices”? Some Scriptures to dwell on which describe various “spiritual sacrifices” are Romans 12:1; 1 Cor. 3:14-15, 6:19-20; Hebrews 13:15-16 (there are many more). Take some time to imagine yourself as the temple of God, as a holy place. Ask God what spiritual sacrifices he would have you offer. Is it praise, thanksgiving, giving, serving, repenting, etc. As you work through it, pay attention to what God brings to mind and any bodily reactions. What is God saying to you? Respond in faith, knowing that you are chosen, precious, and dearly loved.
Thursday: v.6 “For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame”- this comes from Isaiah 28:16, and the “stone in Zion” is Jesus Christ. The words “chosen and precious” are used again, emphasizing the importance, significance, and value Jesus is to God and to us. Any time there are repeats of words in Scripture it means pay attention! In the original Greek “precious” is entimos, which can also be translated as honored, in a state of personal respect, valued highly. Consider, is Jesus precious to you? What does that mean to you, and how is that lived out? It is more than knowing Jesus as precious, we must remember that we actually share in his preciousness. How does that make you feel?
“The one who trusts in him” describe what it means to “trust in” Jesus. What are we trusting Jesus for, and how do we do that? What does trusting in Jesus look like and feel like? What are some of the things or people that you trust in within your personal life? What does it look like to trust God above it all? V.7a “Now to you who believe, this stone is precious.”- Taking note that the people who value Jesus Christ are those who believe in him, putting their whole trust in him. Our relationship with Christ is the most valuable of all!
V.7b-8 “but to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” (quoting Psalm 118:22) and “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall” (quoting Isaiah 8:14). They stumble because they disobey the message- which is also what they were destined for.”
Peter quoted this same passage from Psalm 118:22 when he preached to the crowds in Acts 4:11. Jesus also quoted Psalm 118:22-23 in Matt. 21:42, referring to himself. As Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah and the Psalm, he is indicating that Jesus is the chief cornerstone to our spiritual house- to us individually and corporately as the Church. The cornerstone is the part of building the makes everything square and level, just as Jesus does with the lives of his followers. The second part about the “stone that causes people to to stumble and a rock causing them to fall. They stumble because the disobey the message- which is what they were destined for” has been interpreted various ways. As a Methodist following Wesleyan theology, I do not ascribe to the belief that God has predetermined that some would not believe and will therefore have eternal judgement. It just not fit with the character of our loving God! Rather, we teach the understanding of this verse, and others like it, that Jesus and the message of grace causes people to stumble and fall- they choose not to believe. They were destined for the message of grace, the good news of Jesus Christ, but because they “disobey,” which can also be translated as “refuse to be persuaded (by the Lord), rebel, refuse conformity” (biblehub.com) they stumble and do not believe. God does not want anyone to stumble or fall! God desires all to be saved and grace is offered to all! Think about it though- has there ever been a time when you have not wanted to believe? The cross itself and the love of God can be a stumbling block for many. Perhaps the Word of God said things you didn’t like, or were too difficult to understand, or you realized the lifestyle expectations with following Jesus, and you said, “no way!” Many of us have, for different reasons. If this happened to you, what were your reasons for not immediately accepting Christ when you heard the “good news”? What and how did the change to acceptance occur? Maybe you are still struggling with some of it. That’s why we learn and grow together. I would like to really encourage you to join one of the small groups when they launch soon! Take some time now to reflect on your faith journey- the times you ran away, the times you stumbled, the times you fell, the times when you were close to God, and the times when you felt distant. Pray, asking God to reveal where he was and how he was interacting with you in all of those moments. Draw closer to your heavenly Father, and together work through any stumbling blocks you may still have. Recognize that God has always loved you and always been there with you, always offering grace. Pray thanks and praise!
Friday: v.9a “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession”- this all continues the same theme that Peter has been discussing. Believers are now the “chosen people” where once only the Israelites were regarded as “chosen.” “People” is genos in the original Greek, which has to do with family heritage- the lineage from where we come. The point is that we are now part of God’s family through Jesus.
“a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession”- Peter is referencing Exodus 19:5-6a which says, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” “royal priesthood”- authority in God’s kingdom, not only able to commune with God directly, but also, consider that one of the responsibilities and purposes of Israelite priests was to point to God and help others maintain relationship with him. We too have a responsibility to point to God, and help others maintain their relationship with him, through the way we live, practice our faith, and support others in love and community. “Holy nation” holy= set apart, and nation is a group of people that share a common identity- we are set apart as the people of God. “God’s special possession”- special because we belong to God! Scripture tells us that believers are children of God and co-heirs with Christ! (see Romans 8:14-17 and Galatians 4:6-7) Peter uses the same terms as before, describing how special and valuable we are repeatedly- a way of saying this is important- pay attention! Believers can get so focused on the humility and repentance part of faith, which is important, but not completely understand, embrace, or live into the fullness of our faith- God’s blessing of who we have become by choosing to follow Christ! This is not about arrogance, but about living victoriously! Not pride in ourselves, but pride through Christ! In your daily walk, do you feel as if you are as special and important as God says you are? If so, how would you describe this feeling, and how this assurance is lived out, with someone else? If not, pray about it, asking God to remove any barriers and to fill you with assurance of his love and your identity in Christ. If the enemy begins to speak lies, such as you are not worthy, valuable, loved, etc.- recognize the attack and shut the enemy’s voice with the truth of God’s Word! Consider all that God says about who you really are and give thanks, committing to live into that even more. If you continue to struggle with accepting who God says you are, talk to him about it. Allow God to speak his words of truth into your heart and mind and fill you with his grace. Ask for protection from the enemy that seeks to tear down and destroy, blocking believers from fully accepting their role as a beloved child of God, co-heir with Christ.
V.9b “that you may declare the praises of him”- “that” indicates it is a response to our identity in Christ- we praise God by declaring how wonderful God is! Consider all God has done for us! Take some time today, and every day, to declare the praises of God!
Saturday: v.9c “who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”- light and darkness are used throughout Scripture as metaphors for good and evil, danger and security, chaos and order, joy and sorrow, truth and lies, life and death, salvation and condemnation. (see Psalm 18:28; 119:105; Proverbs 13:9; Isaiah 5:20; 60:19-20; Matthew 5:14-16; John 3:19-21; 8:12; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 4:17-181 Thessalonians 5:5-6; Revelation 21:23b-24) In fact, God’s first creative act was to separate light from darkness by saying “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1:3-4). Before we accepted Christ we were living in the darkness of not knowing God, and therefore all that the darkness represents. But God called- what Methodists refer to as Prevenient Grace- God going before and calling us, drawing us, leading us into a saving faith. God is calling everyone out of darkness into his wonderful light- those who respond and enter God’s light are the believers in Christ. Using the term “out of” indicates being separated from, so we were called to be separated from the darkness, from those listed: evil, danger, chaos, sorrowm lies, death, condemnation. With each word, describe what that separation means for daily life, and what the differences look like within, and in with outward behavior. Reflect upon it all, and through prayer ask for discernment about the areas of your life that may need to be separated, called out from the darkness, in your life. What are your hopes? What are God’s hopes for you?
V.10a “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God”- Peter is using more Old Testament imagery. Throughout the OT was God’s calling and formation of his people. The Israelites became the people of the covenant, God’s people, who were to be set apart from other nations. The intent was for them to be set apart in holiness and righteousness as God called the people out of a life that was darkened by not knowing him. The Israelites were to be the model for the other nations, the light on the lampstand. Instead, throughout the OT and the Gospels this calling and separation was internalized to mean exclusive, and those who were Gentiles were then not considered to be part of, or even welcomed into, this closed group. But NOW…!
V.10b “once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy”- mercy is when we do not receive the punishment we deserve. In darkness, without God, lives are filled with choices, sin, that carry a horrible fate, receiving the punishment deserved. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God is merciful! As people choose to respond and accept Christ, God gives mercy- sins washed away, new beginning, fresh start. It means that all the darkness of their lives, and ours, is forgiven. All of it! Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Hallelujah! Once you had NOT, But NOW…!
Imagine the joy of the people of the early church that received this letter- the Gentiles that had been excluded for so long! Who had received Christ and all that means. Describe the message the Gentiles would have heard. How do you think that message would have been reflected in their life? What is the message you have received? How will that message be lived in your life? Take some time to reflect upon it all, praying, asking, discerning as you go. What is God saying to you?
But NOW… it is time to REJOICE!! Sing God’s Praises!

Other items:

Responsive Reading
Leader: Loving God, call us forward as chosen people,
People: Forgiven and loved by You.
Leader: Call us onward as a royal priesthood,
People: Saved by grace.
Leader: Call us outward as a holy nation,
People: Growing in sanctification through You.
Leader: Cover us with Your mercy and grace,
People: Fill us with Your Holy Spirit
Leader: For You are the one who called us
People: Out of darkness and into Your light
All: We praise Your Holy Name!

Unison Prayer
Holy Lord, we thank You that we can come boldly into Your presence,
for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
None of us deserve Your grace and yet You reach down from heaven and lift us up,
as we become one in Christ. Help us to continually seek You in our hurt and in our healing,
in our darkness and in Your light, in times of doubt and in times of great faith.
Fill us with Your truth. You are our cornerstone and the Rock upon which we stand.
We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Song Lyrics:

Beautiful Things by Michael Gungor CCLI#5665521

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change
At all

All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground
At all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found
In You

You make me new You are making me new
You make me new You are making me new
(REPEAT)

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

This is a Day of New Beginnings UMH #383 v.1-4
This is a day of new beginnings,
Time to remember and move on,
Time to believe what love is bringing,
Laying to rest the pain that’s gone

For by the life and death of Jesus,
God’s mighty Spirit, now as then,
Can make for us a world of difference,
As faith and hope are born again

Then let us, with Spirit’s daring,
Step from the past and leave behind
Our disappointment, guilt, and grieving,
Seeking new paths, and sure to find

Christ is alive, and goes before us
To show and share what love can do
This is a day of new beginnings;
Our God is making all things new

Mighty to Save by Laura Story CCLI#4591782

Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Ev’rything I believe in
Now I surrender

Savior He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King
Jesus
Shine your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King

Savior He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

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.