Podcasts about reflection questions what

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is all about helping followers of Jesus have a gospel perspective on life. In a world full of many different perspective we need proper God perspective more than ever. Our circumstances might not change, but with Jesus our perspective can. Reflection Questions: What problems are you currently facing that could actually serve your purpose? What things are you apathetic or have a so-what attitude towards? What are you passionate about and how do your passions shape your perspective? What steps will you take to cultivate your passion for Jesus this week? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is all about helping followers of Jesus have a gospel perspective on life. In a world full of many different perspective we need proper God perspective more than ever. Our circumstances might not change, but with Jesus our perspective can. Reflection Questions: What is your general perspective on life? Positive or negative or meh? What do you typically turn to to experience joy? Do you usually see yourself as a sinner or as a saint? Why do you think that is? Can you identify any perspective changes that need to happen in your life? What are they? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

In our Let There Be Light series we are exploring the importance of light in our natural and spiritual lives. And Jesus' assertion that he is The Way, The Truth, and The Life only has power and authority because he was first The Light. Reflection Questions: What barriers do you often encounter in sharing God’s truth, whether internal or external? How does it make you feel that you don’t have to defend truth and truth will defend itself? How has God’s truth changed you? Who in your life needs the saving power of God’s truth? Pray for them and ask God to help you be an agent of truth in their life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

In our Let There Be Light series we are exploring the importance of light in our natural and spiritual lives. And Jesus' assertion that he is The Way, The Truth, and The Life only has power and authority because he was first The Light. Reflection Questions: What steps can you take to incorporate physical light into your health routine? And what truths about God do you think might be revealed to you in doing so? What areas of your life feel dark or maybe even dead? What would it look like for you to put your trust in Jesus to bring those areas back to life? What will you do this week to be more connected to God as your source of light and life? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Thank you for listening to our Fresh Start Fast 2021 Devotional. Follow the link for more information on fasting: https://centralcityonline.org/freshstartfast/ Reflection Questions: What are some areas in my life where I need to turn the light on? What steps can you take to start building habits of “turning on the light” in your daily routines? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Thank you for listening to our Fresh Start Fast 2021 Devotional. Follow the link for more information on fasting: https://centralcityonline.org/freshstartfast/ Reflection Questions: What is the health status of your spiritual eyes? What things are occupying your focus and how are they making you spiritually healthy or unhealthy? What things of heaven can you spend more time focusing on today? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Every time a new year comes around we are bombarded with products or programs that promise to change our lives and transform us into our ideal selves with our ideal lives. We are often tempted to pursue perfection, setting ourselves up for failure and cycles of guilt and shame. In this episode, Allie Marie Smith invites you to pursue wholeness over perfection this new year as you find true rest for your soul. Experience a time of guided reflection and be encouraged to surrender perfection for wholeness this new year. Truth Declarations: I am complete in Christ I am choosing wholeness over perfection I don’t need to perform for my worth Reflection Questions: What are some unrealistic expectations you have placed on yourself or might be putting on yourself this new year? In what ways are you living at war with yourself or living an undivided life? What are some areas of your life you want to experience change or breakthrough this coming year that reflect the abundant life God desires for you? What would it look like to invite God into this area of your life? What would it look like to pursue Jesus and wholeness over perfection this year? How can you hold yourself to a standard of grace, not perfection?

Thank you for listening to our Fresh Start Fast 2021 Devotional. Follow the link for more information on fasting: https://centralcityonline.org/freshstartfast/ Reflection Questions: What are some of your favorite scripture verses that you like to think about to help you through difficult times? What is it about the immutability or unchangingness of God that brings you comfort? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Thank you for listening to our Fresh Start Fast 2021 Devotional. Follow the link for more information on fasting: https://centralcityonline.org/freshstartfast/ Reflection Questions: What brings you greater joy, physical light or physical darkness? Why do you think that is? Do you want more of God’s goodness in your life? Then what are some things you can do today to live more in his light (prayer, reading his word, serving someone)? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

As we wind down 2020, I wanted to share with you a process that I started using that allows me to reflect on the past year, and then prepare for the months ahead. In previous years, my 'goal setting' process was one that resembles following the 'S.M.A.R.T.' route, and tying strategies and tactics to those goals in order to help me get 'there' (to achievement) as fast as humanly possible. Now, since realizing the journey is the part of life we should savor the most, I've decided to shift things up a bit and instead of focusing on the doing, I am giving my attention to who I am being.In this episode, I dive into the process that I use to set me up for success, while still enjoying the pathway there. Enjoy!Reflection Questions:What am I proud of myself for?What challenges or opportunities did I face?What am I most grateful for?Being Setup:Write down all the results (tangible) that you're hoping to achieve in 2021Map out the exact feelings that you would have once achieving all of those goals. Who do you become?Tie to those emotions mantra's that evoke that same sense of feeling. What would that version of you believe?Use those mantra's as the energy force behind every action you take. I am the type of person that "X".The value is this is who you truly are. Coming from this place will not only bring your goals to you faster, but you will enjoy the process along the way.Example: Knowing that you are 1000% worthy just as you are. How would you conduct a conversation with a client? Not coming from a place of lack or unworthiness, it would be more productive and this action would take you to where you want to go not only quicker, but while enjoying the process.

2020 is arguably not what any of us expected. We’ve spent most of the year in a global pandemic, experienced one of the most notable elections in U.S. history, and we’ve seen a broad range of the good, bad, and the ugly in world events. What have we learned through it all? We won’t give away our top 10 reflections here (listen to the episode to hear our personal reflections), but we will share some questions to consider as you reflect on your 2020.   2020 Reflection Questions: What am I most grateful for this year? What are my greatest lessons learned from this year? What relationships have strengthened and how will I sustain growth? What did I let go of and how has that brought me clarity and peace? What am I looking forward to and how can I stay energized about my journey ahead? What support do I need to make my 2021 goals and dreams a reality?   Ways to connect with us: Website: https://blissfulfortitude.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blissfulfortitude/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/blissfulfortitude Email: hello@blissfulfortitude.com Phone: 1-833-MYBLISS (1-833-692-5477)   Please subscribe to our podcast and rate and review this episode!        

Join us for quick meditation on how God is our hope.That word hope means to be patient, to wait, and to trust.God is our hope. God helps us be patient and wait on Him.Sometimes He is working in our lives, but it doesn’t happen instantly. It takes time, and He helps us wait while He is working. God is trustworthy, and he always keeps His promises. Sometimes it takes time though. and sometimes it is hard to wait. Just like our baby does not like to wait for food when we are hungry, we struggle to wait for God. Nick knows that I’m going to feed him, so he trusts me.In that some way we know God is going to help, because He’s trustworthy. Knowing that helps us wait for Him.Verses:Psalm 42:5Why, my soul, are you downcast?Why so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God,for I will yet praise him,my Savior and my God.Reflection Questions:What are you waiting on God to do?Ask Him to help you wait.Activity Ideas:Have your kids role play waiting on something that they really want.Maybe it is food, their birthdays, a turn with a toy, or a visit from family.Create a simple scenario, and have your kids act it out.Follow-up with questions: What did you notice about waiting? How did it feel? What could you do to make it easier?Follow-up with some suggestions: God helps us wait by helping us be patient. All we have to do is ask Him to help us be patient and trust Him. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, which means that God gives us patience when we have the Holy Spirit inside us. We love to sing this song to help us remember the fruit of the Spirit.Resources:Visit my website for lots more prayer resources for your family. Visit Blue Letter Bible to learn more about that word “hope.”

In a short story in Luke we see that Jesus calls us to trust him with our nets, the things we cling to and trust in for our provision, our hope, our future, etc.. But when we let down and lay down our nets we can trust that God can do more with our nets than we can do on our own. Reflection Questions What makes trusting God difficult for you? Have you ever obeyed God even though you didn’t understand what he was doing? What was that like? What did you learn? What is something you need to let go of so you can cling to God and his promises? How can you obey God and surrender what you can’t control this week? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

We are sheep with a purpose! Engage your kids with God's word and His special plan in creating them in His image. God made us. We are His! We are His people. The sheep of His pasture.God made humans special. Out of all the things that He created, we are the only things made in the image of God. We have a special job: to be in charge of the other things God created. We get to work for God and create things - like families, and we get to know God is a very special way through His son, Jesus.Verses:Psalm 100:3 NIVKnow that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Genesis 1:27 NIVSo God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Reflection Questions:What are some special jobs that you have? How do you help your parents with chores at your house?Each thing that you do to help your family is a special way to work with God. Resources:Visit my website for lots more prayer resources for your family. To read more about how we are made in God’s image, check out these links:Focus on the FamilyDesiring GodThe Bible Project

The book of James seems to be most concerned about people who profess faith in God and his Son Jesus, but they don’t have genuine, real faith. They talk-the-talk, but they don’t walk-the-walk. And so, James’ goal in his writing is to help believers achieve genuine, whole, perfect, unwavering faith in God. His goal is to equip the family of God with wisdom for their walks with Jesus. Reflection Questions What are some ways you become a judge of God’s Royal Law by choosing to not obey the Royal Law? Think about your dreams and plans for you life. Are you pursuing earthly plans that are yours or eternal plans that are God’s for you life? What has God asked you to do that you haven’t done yet? What steps do you need to take to pursue God’s plans for you? What areas of your life do you need to surrender your free will to God and let him be sovereign? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Fr. Adam gives us an inside look at what it's like to live in the seminary. Reflection Questions: *What experiences have helped to form you into the person you are today? *What are the times that you've heard the Lord's voice, and how do you stay attuned to Him? Welcome to SMM Youth Ministry's newest project! On this podcast, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter the heart of young people in our community through authentic, personal stories. As you listen, consider your own experiences and how God wants to encounter your heart in the midst of them

The book of James seems to be most concerned about people who profess faith in God and his Son Jesus, but they don’t have genuine, real faith. They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. And so, James’ goal in his writing is to help believers achieve genuine, whole, perfect, unwavering faith in God. His goal is to equip the family of God with wisdom for their walks with Jesus. Reflection Questions: ● What knowledge of Jesus do you have that needs to turn into wisdom, or applied knowledge to your walk with Jesus? ● Can you think of a time when jealousy, selfish ambition, or boasting led you away from Jesus? Reflect on that moment. ● What fruit are you currently experiencing in your life and what does that say about the kind of wisdom you are living by (true or false wisdom)? ● Reread James 3:17-18. When in your life or what parts of your life make it difficult to live in this way? Spend some time praying for strength and wisdom to hold firm to true wisdom this week. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Kaitlyn shares her experience of discerning (and re-discerning)God's plan for college in the middle of COVID-19. Reflection Questions: *What are the plans that you have? Is there room for God in them? Welcome to SMM Youth Ministry's newest project! On this podcast, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter the heart of young people in our community through authentic, personal stories. As you listen, consider your own experiences and how God wants to encounter your heart in the midst of them.

Connor shares his experience of going on a mission trip for the first time, and the three of us experience a bit of social awkwardness.... Merry Christmas! Reflection Questions: *What are the words that have been spoken over your life? How have they influenced you, and how can you speak the right words over others? Welcome to SMM Youth Ministry's newest project! On this podcast, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter the heart of young people in our community through authentic, personal stories. As you listen, consider your own experiences and how God wants to encounter your heart in the midst of them.

The book of James seems to be most concerned about people who profess faith in God and his Son Jesus, but they don’t have genuine, real faith. They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. And so, James’ goal in his writing is to help believers achieve genuine, whole, perfect, unwavering faith in God. His goal is to equip the family of God with wisdom for their walks with Jesus. Reflection Questions: What are you carrying on your walk with Jesus that should be left behind? How has carrying those things hindered your walk with Jesus? What parts of your walk to perfection with Jesus have been done in your own strength and will rather than receiving or submitting to the will of God? How do you know that the word of God is at work in you? Think of some examples. What are some things you can practically do this week to help you remember the words of God that we read in the first chapter of James? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

The book of James seems to be most concerned about people who profess faith in God and his Son Jesus, but they don’t have genuine, real faith. They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. And so, James’ goal in his writing is to help believers achieve genuine, whole, perfect, unwavering faith in God. His goal is to equip the family of God with wisdom for their walks with Jesus. Reflection Questions: What trials are you facing right now? What do you think God wants to do in you through the trials? How have you resisted trials instead of endured them? Think about a recent temptation you faced. Which of your desires was that temptation attempting to satisfy (love, security, acceptance)? As you read James 1:9-18 this week, what more do you learn about God’s quality and character? How does that comfort you? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

The book of James seems to be most concerned about people who profess faith in God and his Son Jesus, but they don’t have genuine, real faith. They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. And so, James’ goal in his writing is to help believers achieve genuine, whole, perfect, unwavering faith in God. His goal is to equip the family of God with wisdom for their walks with Jesus. Reflection Questions What trials are you currently facing in life and what might God be trying to take away or add so that you can become more like Jesus? What character traits or virtues of being a child of God do you think you are lacking or need more of (i.e. wisdom, mercy, grace, forgiveness)? What causes you to doubt that God will actually give you those? As you read James 1:1-8 this week, what comforts do you get about God’s character? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/central-city-assembly/support

Reflection Questions: What is the belief or fear that is coming up for me in this moment? Is this fear an illusion or is it truth? Have I experienced this distrust in my past? (Be with that experience) Where can i collect evidence that it DID work out, or that I took action in another area of my life? What energetically can i take action behind and create and establish trust within myself today? Encourage action step. Encourage celebration and recognition for the subconscious.

Kicking the Confidence Killers to the Curb You were created on purpose for a purpose and that was for an intimate relationship with your Creator God. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God prepared good works in advance for us to do. It takes courage and confidence to do those good works. John 10:10 tells us that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. He doesn’t want you walking confidently in life or your calling. He much prefers you to be hesitant, doubting and paralyzed from fear. Was Jesus confident? Yes, and we can be, too! Merriam-Webster defines confidence as “great faith in one’s self or abilities.” I don’t really like that particular definition. I know my strengths and weaknesses, but I only have great faith in God accomplishing His purposes in and through me. He gives me the grace, strength, skill and ability to do His good work. I much prefer the second definition: a state of mind in which one is free from doubt.” God wants us to walk in confidence WITH Him.  You can be humble and confident at the same time! It’s walking WITH Him that allows us to be both humble and confident. Galatians 6:4-5 says, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (The Message) Make a careful exploration of who you are. Make a careful exploration of the work you have been given. Sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my skills and talents? What is my spiritual gift? What has God placed on my heart to do? Do I know what my calling is? Where am I not walking confidently in my life and in my calling? What blinders do I need to put on in order to not be distracted with comparison (eliminate social media, etc.)? What is one thing I can do this week to kick the 6 Confidence Killers to the Curb?

In this episode Ashley discusses how important it is to overcome the things of the past so can walk boldly into your future. She uses analogies to symbolize what is happening spiritually when we carry around too much weight. A few reflection questions are written out below that would be helpful in self evaluating the things you are carrying. Somethings are necessary for us to take form season to season and others just weigh us down. As you embark on a journey of spiritual evaluation make sure you ask God which wounds are self inflicted due to me not letting go of things you never intended for me to carry? Be honest with yourself. It wont be easy but it will be worth. Reflection Questions What things do I carry around with me from season to season? What bad habits do I still need to break? Do I let the right people in to help me? If not why? What are some things that God has pointed out to me that I need to change? Are there things in my past that still bother me? If so why? Am I doing everything I need to do to become who God created me to be? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Eternal Life: We can live forever in the presence of God.Revelation 21:1-8 22:1-5I am sharing the word of God in hopes of revealing great treasures to encourage believers of all eras in their faith. In the last capture of the Book of Isaiah God promised to create new heavens and a new earth that would endure forever. Isaiah 66:22In the final 2 chapters of Revelation, John begins to describe the fulfillment of that promise while focusing on God’s sovereignty. In Revelation 21:1-8, John gives a basic vision. While in 22:1-5, he describes the new Jerusalem as the ultimate Garden of Eden that, Adam and Eve could have experienced had they not sinned. Read 21:1-2With nothing to compare a new heaven and a new earth, other than the present heaven and earth, John’s visions involves God’s creation of the new heaven and earth and the old creation has disappeared because it was subjected to decay. Romans 8:19-21Vs 1 says that the sea was also gone. The. Sea was associated with chaos or the abyss and was sometimes portrayed as a roaring monster. The sea represented the source from where the beast arose to bring chaos and destruction in Revelation 13:1. The new creation will be free from all such evil. In vs 2 John is explaining that the new creation is a gift from God. In the beginning God created every thing good, and in the end God will create a new unbroken world. He explains the redemptive work of Christ through the marriage of the Lamb of God and His bride, which is the church, all those who respond to Christ message of salvation.Read vs 3-5The new heaven and the new earth is the dwelling of God’s people with the Lord God in the midst. Ever since humanity sinned, separation from God has been our greatest problem. God has repeatedly called his people to himself through the prophets, through Jesus Christ, and through the presences of the Holy Spirit. In vs 4 nothing that grieves or pains the mind can exist in the fullness of God’s dwelling among his people, therefore, no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. Read 6-8In verse 6 God restates Jesus final words on from the cross “it is finished” connecting Christ death with the assurance of eternal life. Also with the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, John portrays God as encompassing total reality and truth. He is from the beginning and the end. Revelation 7:16-17In verse 7 it says all who are victorious, meaning God’s children who preserve in life, will inherit His blessings. Our adoption is a convent relationship which certifies our privileges and responsibilities in the family of God. While verse 8 is the list of those who chose not to live in the power and authority of a saving relationship in Jesus Christ. These sins characterize people who have not experienced adoption by God. Their fate is the fiery lake.Reflection Questions:What choice have you made? Have you chose ultimate paradise with God or the fiery lake?

Yesterday,  Jacob went before Pharaoh and blessed him, and Joseph made a promise to bury Jacob in Canaan.  Let’s continue the story in Genesis chapter 48. Reflection Questions What stood out to you today? Where do you see God at work? Is there a situation in your life where you need to remember God’s faithfulness?  …

Do you expect too much of other people? What about yourself ? Did you know that expectations are tied into limitations? In case you missed our last episode, you can catch it here: “The Gift of Limitations”. Click down below to listen to this week’s episode to see how you fit in. Reflection Questions: What … Continue reading Episode 57: Are We Expecting Too Much? →

In this episode, I chat all things FAITH! 1. The difference between relationship & religion 2. My salvation story & how my faith has changed my life 3. What I believe to be true 4. Why I think certain things are considered sin 5. What my interpretation of God is &&& SO MUCH MORE!! Reflection Questions: What do you believe? What do you value? What is your purpose for being on this planet? What is your definition of God/universe/spirit?

Sermon Text: Luke 8: 19-25 Sermon Outline:  A Brother, So Close (19-21) A Master, So Commanding (22-25a) Who Then Is This? (25b) Reflection Questions: What current situational “thrashing waves” are you waiting for Jesus to calm? What moments tend to bring out the “Does it work?” skepticism about entrusting life’s details to Jesus? When reflecting […] The post Who Then Is This, So Close and Commanding? appeared first on East Charlotte Pres.

Sermon preached on 2019-12-01 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen. Worship series, "Heaven and Nature Sing!" Sermon, "Prepare Him Room: Hopeful Joy." Isaiah 2:1-5 and Romans 13:11-14. Reflection Questions: What, or who, needs to be lifted up in hope this day? Where have we fallen down in celebrating the beauty of each being? How can we find a unity where all are included, like the circle of the wreath? What keeps us from “making room” in our lives for God? What perspective needs to be shifted in order to embrace hope? Are we contributing a voice of hope or a voice of negativity? Support the show (http://tinyurl.com/donatecumc)

This is a bonus episode from a teaching on Mother's Day at LifePointe Church. I'm sharing my heart as a mother to mothers yet if you aren't one, you will still greatly benefit from hearing how to encourage moms! For Further Study Bible Verses Referenced: And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness... that the power of Christ may rest upon me...for when I am weak, then I am made strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 Reflection Questions: What would happen to your family dynamic if you embraced yourself for who you are? What if you stepped out the race everyone else is running and ran your own? What if you focused on the good work and the results that are evident in the people you are raising? What if we encouraged the moms? What if we celebrated the moms? What if we told moms over and over again what an amazing job they're doing?

DAY 20 | MESSIAH REJECTEDScripture Reading: Luke 20:17-18; Psalms 118:22-24 “But he looked at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of this Scripture:The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it falls, it will shatter him.”” — Luke 20:17-18 “The stone that the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.23 This came from the Lord;it is wondrous in our sight.24 This is the day the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:22-24 What a tragedy it is that so many rejected this sweet and glorious Christ—the Exalted Cornerstone of the universe! As He walked the way to Golgotha, “the builders” were those who rejoiced in his execution and sought to end his life. They were those who refused to acknowledge his claims to be Messiah, the Bread of Life, and the all-satisfying Savior from sin.Today’s “builders” reject this cornerstone—God incarnate—by declaring with their words and with their deeds that Christ is not who He claims to be. They reject Him every time they find the things of this world more marvelous than Christ. They reject Him by not rejoicing in the day of the Lord, and by not finding His triumph over sin and death to be the greatest, most glorious occasion in all of history. And they reject him when they refuse to acknowledge that salvation is “The Lord’s doing” and not the work of man’s efforts to be righteous before God.Indeed, everyone who rejects this cornerstone—the Preeminent One, Christ Jesus Himself—will endure the furious wrath of Almighty God. On their day of reckoning, they will be crushed and broken to pieces by Lion of the Tribe of Judah, because they did not accept his sacrifice as the Lamb that was slain. That may not be a warm and fuzzy thought for the Christmas season, but it is biblical truth undergirding the incarnation of Christ. Trust in Jesus and let us rejoice and be glad in the day of His birth. Reflection Questions:What do I find to be more “marvelous” than Christ, and causes my eyes to drift from him?What “builder” do I know that refuses to acknowledge the worth of Christ?“All Glory be to Christ”—Sovereign Grace Music Pray:Let this Savior be my Savior, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which His kingdom brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart.

DAY 14 | BORN TO HEALScripture Reading: Luke 4:17-21; Isaiah 35: 5-6; Isaiah 61 “The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written: 18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. 20 He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”” — Luke 4:17-21 “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,and the ears of the deaf unstopped.6 Then the lame will leap like a deer,and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy,for water will gush in the wilderness,and streams in the desert;” — Isaiah 35:5-6 “The Spirit of the Lord God is on me,because the Lord has anointed meto bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the captivesand freedom to the prisoners;2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,and the day of our God’s vengeance;to comfort all who mourn,3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion;to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning,and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees,planted by the Lord to glorify him.4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins;they will restore the former devastations;they will renew the ruined cities,the devastations of many generations.5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks,and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. 6 But you will be called the Lord’s priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their riches. 7 In place of your shame, you will have a double portion; in place of disgrace, they will rejoice over their share. So they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. 8 For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and injustice; I will faithfully reward my peopleand make a permanent covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their posterity among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people the Lord has blessed. 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord,I exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a groom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth produces its growth, and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.” — Isaiah 61 Part of the reality of Christmas is that underneath all the lights, laughs, and gifts galore, for many people there is pain. Life hurts but God heals.In Luke 4, Jesus stood before a crowd of Jewish worshipers and publicly read sections from the book of Isaiah. What hope was Jesus giving them? These were familiar and hopeful Scriptures for people under the thumb of ancient Rome or enslaved Jews in exile, as in the time of Isaiah. Also, if you were blind, deaf or paralyzed there is hope of future healing; which was a big deal in a culture without hospitals and modern medicine. There was even hope of healing for the brokenhearted, financially struggling and enslaved. However, if these Jews were honest, maybe a future hope seems a little too distant? Don’t we want healing now? Maybe you can relate?They longed for God to send His messiah to bring healing and rescue asap, but they conditioned themselves to trust God in his timing. We can learn from that; as today we still live in the now and not yet of the Kingdom of God. In other words, Jesus has already come, raised from the dead, is building His Kingdom through His church but he has not yet come back. We’re stuck in the middle. That is important for us to remember, however that is not the point of the passage. Look at what Jesus does next; something jaw-dropping to everyone in ear shot.20 He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”Essentially, Jesus declared that He is the Christ; the long awaited answer to their prayers. The hope of heaven was sitting right in the room with them! They all knew Jesus as Mary’s son, or the carpenter’s boy who became a Rabbi, but not as the Savior of the world. Jesus took those old prophetic words, which were a distant dream and turned them into a present, living, breathing reality. Everyone in the room had to make a decision that day, ‘Do I believe Jesus is the Christ or not?”How about you? If not, then humble yourself before God and admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior. If are a Christian though, do you realize that Jesus is with you right now in your pain; literally in the room with you as you read this? His Spirit indwells His people (Rom. 8:11)! Your Savior is close, comforting you, able to heal and has already taken care of your greatest need; the forgiveness of sins. You have real hope that no matter what pain you are now facing, it is temporary and pails in comparison to the eternal salvation secured by Jesus through his life, death and resurrection. This is Christmas hope! Reflection Questions:What pain or struggle are you facing right now that you can present to God for healing?What are some ways you would think or feel differently if you realized Jesus is not only in the room with you, but inside you through His Spirit? What hope does this give you in the midst of sadness, pain or anxiety? Listen To:

Reflection Questions: What “proof” do I need to believe in and follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?  What is holding me back from taking that step of faith? Where do I see God in creation? In the ways that God has made humanity? In my own life? Prayer: Lord, help me to take a step of faith in you. Help me to see, experience, and follow you so that my life and the lives of others may be transformed in you on the inside and out.

Reflection Questions: What parts of the Bible are the most disturbing for me?  Why?  What do I most need to remember in relation to those passages?  That God’s ways are greater than my ways?  That God used human hands in the writing of scripture?  That the original Bible passages were written in a different culture than our current one?  That this God gets into our messiness with us? Prayer:  Lord, help me to remember that YOUR Word is YOUR word.  It is holy, God-breathed, and authoritative for my life.  Help me to submit to it, even when I do not fully understand it.  Amen.