Faith Focus

Greetings friends,

I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts (See below). If you were not present in worship on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. The Scripture used on Sunday was Matthew 3:1-17. Matthew was one of Jesus’ disciples, who was a tax collector for the Roman government when he was called. In the Gospels of Mark and Luke he is referred to as Levi. Though he did not put his name on the Gospel, the early church knew it to be his work. Matthew writes for a primarily Jewish audience, with a Jewish perspective, and often references the Old Testament. His writing reflects Jesus as Messiah, the King of the Jews, and so many Old Testament passages are used to support this. As King, Old Testament kingdom promises are often cited, and the term “the kingdom of heaven” is used 32 times in Matthew’s Gospel. 

This passage focuses on the baptism being done by John the Baptist, who then baptized Jesus. The baptism of Jesus is considered to be the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. John’s baptism is not the same as the sacrament of Christian baptism. Christian baptism reflects the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus- of new life in Christ. People are baptized in the name of our Trinitarian God- “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The sacrament of baptism is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, and incorporates and initiates the one being baptized into the Church universal. Those baptized as babies are supported by the vows of the parent/guardian, and later the child would confirm their baptismal vows through Confirmation. All of that to say that John’s baptism is not Christian baptism, but it does usher in Jesus’ ministry, introduce the new movement of God, and reflects the heart and desire of God, especially in light of Jesus, the Messiah, and the kingdom of Heaven being near. 

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 it to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17 (NIV)

1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Other Scriptures referenced:

The use of “baptism” as a form of ceremonial washing, often using a mikvah, is found throughout the Old Testament, especially in Leviticus. Different instances determine someone to be “unclean,” resulting in the necessity of “washing” to become ceremonially clean. Hebrews 9:10, for instance, refers back to “various ceremonial washings” (Greek- baptismos). 

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

Joshua 1, 3 – 4– The story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the “Promised Land.” 

John 10:10b  (Jesus said) “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:

Monday: v.1 “in those days” comes after the end of chapter 2, which describes how Jesus and his family had moved from Egypt to Nazareth. The final verse, 2:23, says “so was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene” followed by “in those days.” Remember- there were no chapters and verses when this was written, so it flowed. “In those days” is to be taken as historical fact, and Josephus, an ancient Jewish historian, also wrote about John baptizing people in the wilderness, inviting them to spiritual transformation. “John the Baptist,” was born of a miraculous birth to Zechariah (a priest) and Elizabeth (Mary’s cousin), both of whom came from a long lineage of priests. In Luke 1:15 it states that John will be “great in the sight of the Lord” and “filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.” John and Jesus were second cousins, and John was about 6 months older than Jesus. He was named John because the angel told them to do so (Luke 1:13), and “the Baptist” because he was baptizing people. “The Baptist” in Greek is baptistés, “a baptizer.” “To baptize” (Greek- baptismos) means to immerse, dip, wash. Water is used throughout Scripture as a symbol, as an expression, and as movement itself (think Noah, Jonah, the Red Sea, etc.) for the intervention, and grace of God. God’s message can be witnessed all around us in nature, as it says in Romans 1:20a “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen,” and here creation is used for a sacred act. As you go through your day, begin noticing, and draw analogies to God. “John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea”- “wilderness” was a term used for the uninhabited pasture land, a rugged, arid place sloping toward the Jordan Valley, and in ancient days was filled with wild animals. It was where people did not usually choose to live because of the conditions. John chose to do his ministry there, perhaps because the setting spoke to the state of people’s spirits. Take a moment and envision the setting of “the wilderness” and reflect on what that says about the state of humanity before Christ. What does that speak to your heart? Is God calling you to do anything in response? V.1b-2 “preaching… and saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”- “the kingdom of heaven” is synonymous with “the kingdom of God” (found in the other Gospels). Matthew chose to use the term “heaven” instead of “God” to avoid upsetting his Jewish audience, for whom saying God’s name was forbidden. The “Kingdom” is where God reigns as King. Consider what the “Kingdom of heaven” or the “Kingdom of God” is like. Consider the “kingdom” that John was referring to- God’s movement in history that would come through Jesus the Christ, the “kingdom” living that Jesus preached, and the “kingdom” at the end of time, when Jesus returns and there is a new creation. God has done, is doing, and will do, all of that because of his great love for humanity- for you and me! “Has come near” is engiken in the Greek, which is in perfect tense, indicating that the coming of the kingdom has already been accomplished! I often say, the cross of Christ was written on the heart of God from the beginning. What does that say to you? How does that make you feel? “Repent, for”- as in, because of the kingdom of heaven, and of who God is, and what God is doing, respond with repentance. The word “repent” (Greek- metanoeó) means to turn around, to change. It’s not about feeling sorry for sin, though that awareness is the precursor, but it is a verb- an action. The action is to not only turn away from sin, but to turn toward God- a change of heart that brings a complete change of direction with your life. Repentance is a description of what coming to God is like (not what has to be done before), and it is vital. It is the first step, and is the first word of the gospel. Not only was John’s first word “repent,” it was also Jesus’ (Matthew 4:14, Mark 1:14-15), and the disciples (Mark 6:12), and the first word in Jesus’ instructions to the disciples after his resurrection (Luke 24:46-47), was the first word Peter’s sermon- the first Christian sermon (Acts 2:38), and the first word when Paul described his ministry (Acts 26:19-20). Take a moment and pray. With a heart of repentance, ask God what you need to repent from. Take time with it. Make a decision to repent- to turn from that and toward God. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit to empower you to live into that choice. Thank God for loving you so much, that he wants the very best for you- a life that is sanctified. 

Tuesday: v.3 “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him” a quote from Isaiah 40:3. In its original context, it referred to the people of Israel returning from the Babylonian exile back to the Promised Land. It not only prophesies of the Israelites physically returning in history, but it was also a Messianic prophecy. Matthew relates that the final fulfillment of this prophecy would be a spiritual return. It’s a vision of joy and promise, that God would continue to bless, and would facilitate a way back from “the wilderness,” with the redemption of humanity. This would happen through Jesus Christ. “Spoken of through the prophet”- relating to the Old Testament prophesies, that a prophet would appear as the Messiah’s forerunner, to prepare the people for his coming. “Prepare the way”- to prepare hearts and lives for the coming Messiah. Consider how an awareness of sin and a choice of repentance prepares the way for Christ in our lives. What is the impact of sin that prevents the full kingdom reality in our lives? Repentance is not a one-time action, but a way of life that can only happen through the grace of God and the conviction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Seek it. Ask for it. Live in it. Grow in it. Take a moment and consider your own “preparedness.” In what way is God calling you to be “prepared”? “Make his paths straight”- to make a clear and level path, with no holes or stumbling blocks. Consider all that God offers- not only salvation, the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, but the kingdom of God living within us now. Presence, peace, power, and so much more. A completely transformed life is available for all who accept Christ. Sometimes one of the greatest stumbling blocks is not understanding or recognizing what more God is offering, and we sometimes settle with an incomplete gospel.  Take a moment and ask God for his “more.” Ask if there are any sins, mindsets, stumbling blocks, etc. that would block receiving all that God wants to give. If anything comes up, work with God through it, repenting in whatever way God calls you to. Use the word-picture that is painted of the path and mediate on it, clearing the way, and inviting Christ to come. Thank God for his mercy, grace, and continuous blessing!

Wednesday: v.4 “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey”- Sounds strange, itchy, and gross! Locusts are considered ritually clean food (Lev. 11:22)- yuck. John was living off the land in the wilderness. John’s appearance was patterned after the greatest prophet of the Old Testament, the one Jesus would meet with at his transfiguration, Elijah (Matt. 17:3). Elijah also wore clothing of camel’s hair and a leather belt (2 Kings 1:8). Malachi 4:5 prophesied this, “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day the Lord comes.” So, the Israelites had been expecting such a prophet to come. In Luke 1:17a, the angel told Zechariah that John “will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah.” Jesus clarified later in Matthew 11:14, “And if you will accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” Elijah was a bold prophet who also called Israel to repentance. John’s appearance, actions, and demeanor not only confirmed the prophecy, but also spoke to people’s hearts. The people understood the message revealed not only by what John was saying, but by his image, and how and where spoke. Think about all of the things, and even the idea of certain people, that speak a message to us (there’s good stuff- stained glass, steeple, Billy Graham, etc., and unfortunately there’s also bad stuff). Start looking around and listening, and identify the messages that you are receiving. How are those messages impacting your life? When you come across something you may be uncertain about, ask God- what message am I receiving, and is that a message you want for me? V. 5 “People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordon”- in spite of the message indicating that something in people’s lives needed to change, usually not a popular message, people responded and came from all over. The message of repentance does indicate that something is wrong and needs to change, but it comes with the promise of something better (“for the kingdom of heaven has come near!”). When we share the gospel message we need to always remember that God desires all people to repent, turn, change, produce “good fruit,” but the reason is because God loves us, and wants us to receive salvation and so much more, so much better. Identifying sin is the job of the Holy Spirit, who convicts and leads us to repentance. John said, “repent,” in the general terms, and he said exactly what needed to change if he was specifically asked (Luke 3:10-14). He chewed out the religious leaders who portrayed themselves as “holier than thou,” and his calling out of Herod and his specific sins ultimately led to his beheading. We are not John the Baptist, but we are called by God to reach out to people, to share God’s message. Our job is to share the salvation, love, and joy that comes when we do respond and repent- turn to God. Love people where they are- we are all on this journey together. One of the most powerful things you can do is to share your own story- how you recognized that need, made that choice, turned to God, and your experience of God in your life. Consider your story, and pray about how, when, and to whom you should share. 

Thursday: v. 6 “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordon River”- “Confessing their sins”- confession can be so difficult. Yet, before we can repent, and change direction of heart, mind, and life, we need to identify first what we are repenting from. This requires not only an awareness (received through the Holy Spirit and reading the Bible), but an “owning up to” the reality that something is wrong, sinful, ungodly, not the way God would want it. Our own pride can often get in the way, and we can begin justifying almost anything. One of people’s greatest sins, one of the greatest barriers, is pride. God calls us instead to be humble, open, accepting that we are not yet where God wants us to be. Part of John Wesley’s Band Meetings included a time when the gathered group would confess their sins to one another. This idea comes from James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” I would suggest that confessing to others requires a safe, faith-filled space. If you have that with someone, it is a gift. Pray that you may be that for others. Take a moment and consider your own feelings about confessing your sins- to God and to others. Have you had any experiences that were positive or negative? Beyond identification of sin, what are the benefits to confession? In Israel, at that time, there was a collective, national confession annually on the Day of Atonement. Through Moses, God instituted confession, “Speak to the Israelites: When a man or a woman wrongs another, breaking faith with the Lord, that person incurs guilt and shall confess the sin that has been committed” (Numbers 5:6-7a). With John the Baptist, confession was the precursor to the symbolic act of the baptism of repentance (see the difference between John’s baptism and Christian baptism on the first page). It doesn’t say that John was demanding confession in order to be baptized, but rather that it was a natural outpouring in response to the message that led to baptism. This baptism wasn’t a ceremonial cleansing due to rules, but a choice of action based on a change of heart leading to a change of life- new life. We receive new life through Jesus Christ, and we are “baptized,” immersed, with grace and with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:38). We have an opportunity at every moment to confess, repent, and grow more into the likeness of Christ. Take a moment with God. Reflect on all of who God is, what God has done for you, what God is doing in and through you. Identify it, name it, and give thanks. v.7 “But when he [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?”-  The Pharisees and Sadducees were the religious rulers (that did not agree, and did not get along with one another). They were the keepers of the rules of religion. Some translations (like the NRSV) say that they were coming for baptism, while others (like the NIV) say they were coming to where he was baptizing. Totally different! Which translation do you prefer, and why? How does the difference impact the story? “Brood of vipers” is a harsh condemnation- the imagery of a heap of snakes writhing away from flames. Eek! Why do you believe John described them this way? “Who warned you”- the Holy Spirit was the one leading people to repentance, and this saying implies that John believed that the Holy Spirit was not leading the religious rulers. “The coming wrath”- fire and brimstone, something we often don’t like to talk about today, but it’s certainly there. God does “judge” people’s hearts and lives, and to “flee from the coming wrath” is to run away from the final judgement of God that was coming. As believers, the grace of Jesus Christ atones for our sin, which is what salvation is all about. On “Judgement Day,” when we meet our Maker, we will be received as beloved children of God. V.8 “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”- a repentant/changed heart needs to be reflected in the way we live, and it should become a natural way of being. There is the “fruit of the Spirit” found in Galatians 5:22-23, and I would encourage you read the greater passage of Galatians 5:16-25. Another example of “fruit” lived out and how it relates to “Judgement Day” is found in Jesus’ parable about the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31- 46. When reading this parable, note that the goats implied that if they had known/recognized they would’ve done things differently, while the sheep didn’t know/recognize and did good things anyways. Take some time to read these supplemental passages and reflect on how that is lived out in your own life. Ask God for an open heart to receive, open eyes to see, and an open life to live into God’s glorious plan for our lives.

Friday: v.9- 10 (see full verses above) “do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our Father’”- the Jewish people were trusting in their lineage to save them- assumed born into security and eternity. We see examples of this today, as people are “Christian,” but in name only, or believe they are somehow saved because their parents were faithful, or because they were baptized as a baby, or even because they once responded to an altar call. Salvation is not assumed by birthright, nor is it a “once and done.” As Methodists, we believe people can even lose their salvation through backsliding and turning their back on God (though in those cases, God still loves, and longs for their return!). John is beginning the conversation that Jesus would continue and die for- that salvation is through faith alone, and it is personal- an individual choice must be made and sustained. Take a moment and offer prayers for people who have turned away from God, or have not yet trusted in God, that they would respond to God’s call for them to come into his presence and receive his grace through Jesus Christ. “I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham”- (a side note that in the Aramaic language, the words for “stones” (benayya) and “children” (abnayya) are similar, so John is using word play here for greater impact). The idea is that relying on lineage is meaningless, and God can easily create that out of nothing. The religious rulers are not as select as they presumed, and that is a dangerous place to be. Jesus reinforces this with the “Great Commission,”- to make disciples of all nations. The Gospel is an offering of grace for all. V.10 “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire”- God’s litmus test for faith is the fruit seen in our life (refer back to Galatians 5 and Matthew 25 from yesterday). To make sure that we do not fall into the idea of “works righteousness,” that we somehow earn our salvation by doing good things, we need to remember that “producing good fruit” is an outpouring, a response, from the grace that is received. So we do not produce good fruit to earn grace, grace is received and so we produce good fruit. If this does not make sense to you, please let me know- it is very important to understand that God’s grace is freely given to all who believe! But, there is an expectation of a response to that grace, and that is “good fruit.” What “good fruit” do you believe you are producing? Is God wanting you to produce even more, or different, fruit? Ask God about it! “Cut down and thrown into the fire” – in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about judgment often (7:22-23; 10:15; 11:22; 12:36-42; 13:30, 40-43, 49; 22:11-13; ch. 25). Again, as believers, we thankfully are covered by God’s grace! v.11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry”- John recognizing humbly that he is not the Messiah (carrying the sandals is an acts of servitude). It would’ve been easy to get prideful in response to all of the crowds coming to him, but John has the right perspective. The Messiah will be more powerful, and “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”- in Ezekiel 37:14 there is the promised outpouring of the Spirit, and in Joel 2:28 the promise that God will “pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” The Spirit works through “prevenient grace,” calling all people into a saving relationship with God. When we become a believer in Christ, we receive justifying grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit convicts (sounds harsh but that’s a good thing- it’s the awareness of where we need to change and grow), leads, guides, reveals, etc.- what a blessing! “and fire”- the fire of the Holy Spirit that brings purification was a “prophetic hope” of God’s refining fire (for example, see Zechariah 13:9). So, Jesus will bring the Holy Spirit, who will judge and refine. V.12 “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire”- The process of sorting- wheat (the good stuff we keep) and chaff (the bad stuff to get rid of). We are called to live a sifted life- one that is purified by the Refiner’s Fire. Take some time in reflection and pray about all of the imagery- fire, winnowing fork, wheat, chaff, threshing floor, etc. How does it make you feel? Let God speak to you through it. 

Saturday: v.13-14 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus had no need for a baptism of repentance, as Jesus was the Son of God and sinless, and John understood this. V.15 “Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented”- Note that it says “it is proper for us”- for both Jesus and John. Jesus would humbly submit, identifying with humanity’s need for repentance, motivated by love, to be immersed in John’s announcement of God’s day of Righteousness, to become drenched in the message that God was doing a new thing- that the Messiah was here! “Then John consented”- only after Jesus gave permission. Although John would be the one baptizing, Jesus is the one with the power and authority. “To fulfill all righteousness” are the first words in Matthew’s Gospel, heightening its importance, and the message of righteousness is carried throughout as a major theme (see Matt. 5:6, 5:20, 6:33, 21:32). Righteousness is more than the religious practices and rote observances, it involves the spirit within. Jesus humbles himself in this baptism, just like he humbled himself with the incarnation at his birth, and humbled himself on a cross for our sake. V. 16 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him”- WOW! Heaven was opened! When we humbly come before God, the heavens are opened for us too! Take a moment now and in humility- ask for God to open the heavens, ask for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Offer yourself completely to God- the imagery of baptism—dying to self, awakening to new life. Throughout, Jesus works in partnership with the Holy Spirit, and we are to partner as well. Listen and follow. “and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him”- What characteristics are brought to mind using the imagery of a dove descending to describe the way the Spirit descended upon Jesus? What does that say about the Holy Spirit? “and alighting on him”- or resting on him, anointed by the Holy Spirit. In John 1:32-34, John the Baptist gave his testimony, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.  And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’  I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” Consider if others can see the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon you. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to live into your anointing more and more fully, that it might be a witness of God for others. V.17 “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”- another WOW!! Here the Trinity is represented- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is the pubic pronouncement validating Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, loved, anointed, and pleasing. As believers, we experience the same validation of identity- child of God, loved, anointed, in whom God is “well pleased.” It’s an identity that we have to be mindful of and hold onto. Our identity in Christ gives affirmation, assurance, power, protection, authority, and so much more. Take some time to dwell upon all that your identity in Christ means. Ask God for revelation and discernment. As always, give thanks! 

Other items:

Responsive Reading 

Leader: God of grace,

People: Wash away our past and make us clean

L: God of restoration,

P: Immersed in Your love, You restore our weary souls

L: God of revival,

P: Your revival flows into our lives and makes us new

L: God of fresh starts, revived spirits, and new beginnings,

P: We live afresh with You!

All: Restored, revived, renewed in You!

Unison Prayer

Living and restoring God, pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us! Like a mighty flood flowing into our hearts, baptize us with Your Holy Spirit. Wash our lives by the water of Your Word. Purify us, soaking our spirits like rain, quenched and drenched. Revive us, O Lord! Flow like mighty waters into Your congregation! Fill our hearts and lives with Your new beginnings, that we would never be the same again. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen!

Song Lyrics:

This is the Day of New Beginnings #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 the 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.

I Will Never Be by Geoff Bullock

I will never be the same again
I can never return
I’ve closed the door
I will walk the path
I will run the race
And I will never be the same again 

Fall like fire soak like rain
Flow like mighty waters
Again and again
Sweep away the darkness
Burn away the chaff
And let a flame burn
To glorify Your name

There are higher heights
There are deeper seas
Whatever You need to do
Lord do it in me
The glory of God fills my life
And I will never be the same again

Fall like fire soak like rain
Flow like mighty waters
Again and again
Sweep away the darkness
Burn away the chaff
And let a flame burn
To glorify Your name

I will never be the same again
I can never return
I’ve closed the door
I will walk the path
I will run the race
And I will never be the same again

And I will never be the same again

Wash O God Our Sons and Daughters #605  (lyrics adjusted by permission)

Wash, O God, your sons and daughters

Where your cleansing waters flow

Number us among your people

Bless as Christ blessed long ago

God, renew us, guide our footsteps

Free from sin and all its snares

One with Christ in living, dying

By your Spirit, children, heirs

Oh, how deep your holy wisdom

Unimagined, all your ways

To your name be glory, honor

With our lives we worship, praise

We your people stand before you

Water-washed and Spirit born

By your grace, our lives we offer

Recreate us; God, transform!

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.