John 4
Tiffany
Learning the Practice of Lectio Divina: John ...

I shared some reflections a few weeks ago. Although I've been a Bible learner and disciple of Christ for many years, I do not yet have this walk figured out. It's filled with missteps and mistakes, and even when I re-read some of my prior posts, I can see how I could have represented the truth more fully and adequately. It is humbling to know that God still brings truth even in our tiny bit of understanding. 


Learning the Practice of Lectio Divina: John 4:11-12
John 4
Tiffany
Intro to John 4: I Am He

Today, we start a Bible study I've refused to write for months. It is a chapter out of my dark soul and a testament to the bright communion God showed me over a long, swarthy night. I know I need to sit still and get some of the messy, messy work God has graciously done down on paper. I dread it and welcome it all in one. 

Intro to John 4: I Am He
Esther
Tiffany
For Such A Time As This: So It Begins!

Let the theatrics begin!

For Such A Time As This: So It Begins!
Old Soul Thoughts
Tiffany
Limitless Service

Anything, God. 

Limitless Service
Romans
Tiffany
Intro to Romans 6, 7, & 8: Facts of Freedom

If I could only choose a few chapters to keep in my Bible, it would include Romans 6-8. They have been the most frustrating chapters (I lacked understanding) and the most liberating (I finally grasped the truth).

Intro to Romans 6, 7, & 8: Facts of Freedom

dream

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 18

No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!

Read: Matthew 2:11—12

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 

Reflect: The magi brought a sacrifice to the child, Jesus. Gold represents Christ’s divinity; frankincense aligns with His priestly role; myrrh speaks of His death and embalming. When worshipping the Lord, consider meditating on His deity, His righteousness, and the death sentence He paid for you.

Respond: God, in Hebrews 13:15, it says for us to continually bring the sacrifice of praise through Jesus. Help the fruit of my lips to openly profess Your name. I want you to receive the treasures of my heart.

Tot Time: Explain to the children that one of the reasons we give gifts at Christmas is because that is what the magi did for Jesus. It is better for us to give a gift, than it is for us to get a gift. Ask them, “What gifts can you make or give to others this year?”

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 12

No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!

Read: Matthew 1:20—21

20 But after he [Joseph] had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

Reflect: God informs when the time is right (which isn’t typically our timing). Joseph was going to follow-through with the divorce, but God intervened and instructed him otherwise. I love how the Lord reassures us when we’re fearful–just like He did with Joseph in saying, “…do not be afraid.” Joseph was scared, but God brought Him reassurance and peace and He’ll do the same for you.

Respond: Lord, thank you for what Your Word says in Philippians 4:6—7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I give you all my scared and anxious thoughts today and ask for Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

Tot Time: Ask the munchkins what it feels like to be afraid and about a time when they were scared. What did they do? Talk with them about Philippians 4:6—7 and how we can tell God anything and He is ready to listen and respond to us.