Cha cha changes. . . . .

The Mile Marker will be on hold for the next month as we are working on a website redesign.

Four Mile is encouraging our members to take the next 40 days to pray for our church and personal walks with Jesus. If you would like to receive a weekly prayer guide, contact Judi at judi@fourmile.org

See you in November . . .

Colossians 2:6-7 (New International Version)

⁶So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, ⁷rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Do you experience giving thanks primarily as a response to positive situations, or as a discipline?

What purpose might the discipline of giving thanks play in your being rooted and built up in Christ.

Make a list of those things for which you are thankful, and then give thanks for them. (The list may even contain painful things.)

What do you have in your hand?

Scripture - Exodus 4:1-20

Meditation - What has God placed in your hand that He can transform and change to be used for His glory and your provision?

How are you limiting yourself or excluding yourself from the work God has for you?

Prayer - Ask God to reveal to you what you have in your hands that can or needs to be changed.

Day 54 - Resurrection

Objective- Intimate knowledge of Christ.

Scripture - John 20 and 21

Response - Read these passages for the next week. Prayerfully consider what insights you are are given and where you find yourself in the story.

Day 53 - Death and Burial

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with him, become like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Luke 23:44-54

Response - Pray as the spirit leads you. Be lead by the Spirit in your meditation.

Day 52 - Last Words

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with Him.

Scripture - Luke 23:33-46, John 19:25-30, Mark 15:33-35

Response - Take time considering that last words of Christ.

Day 51 - Trial

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with Him, become like Him, and live for Him.

Scripture - Luke 23:1-24

Response - Walk with Christ in his sorrow, anguish, tears and grief for the affliction that Christ endured on our behalf. Give thanks for a savior who understands these feelings and is able to save and redeem us.

Day 50 - Denial

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with him, become like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Matthew 26:69-75

Response - Look to the Spirit to guide you. Take the role of Peter. What is your motivation for denial? What does Jesus' face look like? What brings the tears?

Day 49 - The Arrest

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ to be with him, be like him, and to live for him.

Scripture - Matthew 26:47-56, John 18:12-14, 19-24, Matthew 26:57-67.

Response - Pray that God reveals to you the sorrow, gratitude, and love you have for God's sacrifice. Ask him to give you a more profound love for him.

Sojourn Music "Absent From Flesh" Live 06.05.09 from chuck heeke on Vimeo.

Day 48 - In the Garden

Objective-- Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with him, become more like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Matthew 26:31-46 , Luke 22:39-46

Response - Spend time with Christ in the Garden. Give thanks for his humanity. Give thanks for Jesus teaching us how to confront rejection and suffering. Ask for understanding and empathy for Jesus. What insights do these portions give into the person of Jesus that draws you to love him more. What insights are calling you to deny yourself? Give thank for these insights.

Day 47 - Last Supper

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ to be with him, be like him, and live for him.

Scriptures - Matthew 26:17-35 , John 13:1-17

Response - Read each passage aloud, stopping only to note a word or phrase that has given you an insight. Go back and consider what type of insight you have been given. Rest with the insight. Give thanks for it. In what what is Christ being called to live within you? How is it calling you to be more intimate with Christ.

Day 46- Sabbath

Take a rest today. Enjoy the company of friends. Try to keep the TV off. Read. Play a game. Go to the coffee shop. Give your self a sabbath from Media.

Day 45 - Review

Take this day to review the past week and month for major themes. Notice particular insights and observe possible patterns and themes. Journal about those themes. Be sure to get out in nature at some point today. Even if only for a few moments.

Day 44 - Return

Go back to yesterday's lesson and repeat the portion that grabbed your attention the most. Reread the passage twice and sit with the insights it gives you about God and yourself.

Day 43 - Four Degrees of Humility

Objective - Total surrender to Jesus

Scripture - Exodus 20:3-17

Philippians 3:7-21

Matthew 5:21-48

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Response 1 - Surrender to God's rule and authority

Response 2 - Detachment from the desire for the things of this world. Contentment over Greed.

Response 3 - Give thanks for God's love, and to pay His love forward.

Response 4 - To seek the praise of God instead of people.

Ask God to show you what true humility looks like in each portion and the desire to live it.

Day 42 - Cleaning House

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ to be with him, to become like him, and to live for him.

Scripture- Mark 11:12-25

Response - Read the passage aloud once and then silently. As you read the passage be aware of the different possible response people would have had to Jesus. What is your initial response? What insights are you being lead to make? What doe this reveal about the character of Jesus and yourself?

Day 41 - Arrival

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with him, become more like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Luke 19:28-44

Response - Spend time considering the phrase " The Lord needs it." Seek to find an Attachment insight ( What in the text moves me to love Christ more?). Journal what the Lord brings to mind.

Day 40 - Annointed

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with him, become like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Mark 14:1-11

Response - Read through the passage out loud, and then silently. Be mindful of the insights that come to you when you read it aloud. Allow the strongest insight to dwell with you. Follow the Spirit's leading.

Day 39 - Raising the Dead

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that you might be with Him, become like Him, and live for Him.

Scripture - John 11:1-45

Response - Ask God to reveal His glory to you in this story. After each paragraph, pause a moment and reflect on the portion. Express gratitude, confusion, or ask questions to the Lord. Identify the main point of the interest. What type of insight is it? ( Principle, Attachment, Interior, or Detachment). Be sensitive to any emotions you might be feeling. Be aware of your objective.

Day 38 - In His humanity

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ to be with him, to become like him, and to live for him.

Scripture - Hebrews 5:7-9

Response - What attracts you to Jesus in this passage? What lessons are there to be taught? What response is being called out of you?

Day 37 - Repeat and Review

Review this past week's devotions. Was there a link between them.

Read this article on Christianity by Dr. Paul K. Moser.

Day 36 - What is better?

Goal - Intimate knowledge of Christ that we might be with him, become like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Luke 10:38-42

Response - Consider the priorities, and relationships in this passage. Try to walk in each person's shoes. Proceed as the Spirit leads you.

Day 35 - Transfiguration

Objective- Intimate knowledge of Christ that I might be with him, become like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Matthew 17:1-9

Response - Move as the Holy Spirit leads you. Be mindful of your impressions and insights. Rest with the insight that captures your attention. Give thanks for the insight. Pray about what the insight is calling you to.

Day 34 - Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up.

Objective - To with Christ, to become like Christ, to live for Christ.

Scripture- Matthew 16:13-27

Response - Use the PAID method to find one or more insights. There are several important P's in this passage. What internal insights are there? Allow yourself time to give thanks to God for these insights. Sit with the insights and ask the Holy Spirit to confirm the one you are to surrender to or take action on.

Day 33 - On the Water

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ; to be with him, to become like him, to live for him.

Scripture - Matthew 14:22-36

Response - Read this passage aloud, giving important words and phrases emphasis. Consider why these words and phrases are important to the text and your understanding of Christ. After reading this passage twice, consider what type of insights you observe ( PAID).

Then read Romans 12:1-2 and offer yourself in service to God.

Day 32 - A Glimpse of Holiness.

Objective- Intimate knowledge of Jesus to be with him, to be like him, and to live for him.

Scripture - Matthew 14: 13-21

Response - Take time to read this passage two to three times. Then consider a time of desolation in your life; a time of darkness when there didn't seem to be any available resources.

Using imaginative contemplation, step into one of the circles of hungry people. What are the comments being made? What are people thinking and saying?

From a distance, watch Jesus as he talks with the disciples? What can you understand from watching body language and expressions?

What feeling do you have when your circled receives bread and fish? How does the mood change? Where is attention placed?

You catch the eye of Jesus. What does his expression communicate to you?

Using the PAID insights, what insights do you make?

Allow these insights to guide you in your prayer.

How are you drawn into a deeper love and service to God?

Day 30 and 31 - Prayer for Our Country

1 Timothy 2:1-4

¹I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Prayer

1. Give thanks for God's providence that you live in a country where you have the right to participate in Government, and the freedom to speak against it when you believe it is in the wrong.

2. Confess and repent of the sins of either apathy, or ingratitude.

3. Give thanks for the power of the cross to redeem all those who call upon his name. Pray that all who hear and experience the love of Christ would accept His offer of grace/

3. Pray for your local, state, and national government. Pray for their wisdom, discernment, and humility.

4. Thank God for revealing His truth to you, and offer yourself in service to His Kingdom as a citizen of Heaven, and ambassador to this world.

Day 29 - Review

Take this day to look for a unifying message in your studies. Look back over the last several weeks and look for a pattern in your journaling, prayers, or the words and phrases that have been catching your eye.

Give thanks for those unifying themes.

Day 27 - Repeat

Go back to any of the days this past week where you would like to spend more time considering the PAID insights. You may want to go back to week one and consider your growth over the past several weeks.

Day 28 - Sending

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that I might be with Him, become like Him, and live for Him.

Scripture - Matthew 10:1-42

Response - Once again, using what you have learned, meditate on this passage being aware of the insights that Holy Spirit leads you to.

Day 27 - Calming the Storm

Objective - Knowledge of Christ that i might be with him, become like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Mark 4:35-41

Response - Pray through the passage without direction from Me. Use what you have learned so far to guide you in prayer.

Day 26 - Three Types of People

Objective - To be free of attachment to anything that would hinder me from fulfilling God's will for my life.

Scriptures - Matthew 21:28-32, 6:2-4, 6:31-34

Response: Read these passages, placing yourself in the midst of each group, contemplating the attachments and how and what God is calling you to separate from. Once God has shown you what you are to detach from your life, let a friend know how and when you plan to make the step towards greater freedom in Christ.

Day 25 - Kingdom Ethics

Objective - To be with, to be like, and to live for Christ.

Scripture : Matthew 5-7

Response: Using the PAID method read the passage several times, noting the different insights that the Helper is bringing to your attention. Rest with the insight that has the greatest gravitational pull on your spirit. Allow the Helper to guide you in prayer around the insight.

Day 24 - Called

Objective - To be with Christ, to become like Christ, and to live for Christ.

Scripture - Luke 5:1-11

Response - Begin with a simple prayer " Speak now Lord, for your servant is listening." Focus on Attachment insights in this passage. What calls you to love Christ more. Give thanks for these insights. Conclude your time with the Lord's prayer.

Day 23 - Review the past 7 days.

Often the Lord has a single message for us during a week. Go back and see what theme emerged this past week and spend some time with it in prayer.

Day 22 - Wash, Rinse, Repeat

Return to any of the days in the past 3 weeks. Maybe there was one that you felt rushed through, or you missed one. The Choice is yours.

Day 21 - The Well

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that I might be with Him, become like Him, and to live for Him

Scripture - John 4:4-38

Response - Imagine yourself watching this event. What in the text make you want to attach yourself more to Christ? How does he approach the woman? Ask God to build these qualities into your own life.

Days 19 and 20 - Two Banners

Objective - Deeper knowledge of Christ's ways and a greater desire to be like him, wisdom of the evil one's deceits, and strength to guard against him.

Scripture - 1 Timothy 6:3-21, Philippians 2:1-18, Mark 10:35-45

Response - Begin with a prayer for preparation, asking for guidance by the Spirit. Read 1 Timothy and ask yourself " What in the text helps me to see myself as I really am?" Also, " How does this text call me to deny myself and take up my cross?" Then read Philippians and Mark with the same lenses. If there is a convergence of themes, stay with the one that resonates the strongest and meditate on it. End you time with prayer, giving thanks for the deeper knowledge of his ways, and for understanding the deceits of the enemy, and the strength to guard against them.

Day 18 - Water to Wine

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ that I might be with Him, become like Him, and to live for Him

Scripture - John 2:1-11

Response - Begin with prayer, asking the Spirit to reveal God's truth and glory. Pay attention to specific words or ideas. Savor the one that grabs your attention and consider if it might be a P, A, I, or D. Allow the word to impact you, and then consider why this word or phrase has caught your attention. Give thanks for this word and phrase and for the Holy Spirit revealing it to you. Offer yourself to God in service.

Day 17 - Recalculating

Dear Friends,
Comcast has been down most of the day and just got back up and running. Let me encourage you to watch the following video. We will pick back up tomorrow.

Day 16 - Temptation

Objective - To be with Christ, to become like Christ, and to live for Christ.

Scripture - Matthew 4:1-11

Response - Begin with a prayer for preparation, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you God's truth, and to help you see the nature of God and your own.

Use the PAID exercise to study the passage. what did you find?

Prayer - Order your prayers according to your observations about the texts. Let them set the agenda of your prayer time.

Day 15 - Baptism

Objective - To gain new insights into Christ so that you might be with him, become more like him, and live for him.

Scripture - Matthew 3:13-17, Read the text twice. Read the text a third time, making the following observations.

1. Is there a universal principle or truth being shared in the text? For example, " For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled. . .' (Luke 14:11). If so, mark that portion with a P.

2. What in this text inspires me to love God more? Mark that port with an A (for Attachment).

3. What in this text helps me to know myself as I really am. Mark that portion with an I ( for Insight).

4. What in the text in calling me to deny myself. Mark that portion with a D (for Deny).

The goal is not to mark every portion with a letter. PAID is not a secret code hidden within every passage. It is a simple tool to help you observe what the Lord is revealing to you in the text. You may only make one or two observations within a the text.

Response: After you have made the insights, give thanks for them and take time to consider why God has revealed these insights to you at this time. You may want to write these in a journal and come back to them throughout the day or before you go to bed. Conclude your time by offering yourself in service for Christ.

Day 14 - Rewind

Take this day to go back over previous texts that you read this week. Perhaps a distinct word or phrase drew your attention. Take time to meditate on this and ask the Lord to reveal the significance of this portion. This review is meant to be a reflection and savoring of the previous week. Over the next 7 days we will be focusing on the types of insights we're given in scripture.

Days 12 and 13 - In the Temple

Scripture - Luke 2:41-50. Read this passage using your senses. Think about all the feelings his parents are feeling. Place yourself in the Temple. Imagine listening to a 12 year old share such wisdom and asking such insightful questions.

Response- As you read the passage, ask God to connect your heart and mind to his. Take this opportunity to ask God any questions you might have for him. After each question, sit and listen quietly. Record what is laid on your heart.

Intercession- Take time to intercede for others. Take time and ask God whom He is calling you to intercede for. Make a list and keep it accessible.

Day 11 - Arrival

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ; with Him, like Him, for Him.

Scripture - Luke 2:1-10

Response - Read the portion carefully, entering into the narrative as the Spirit leads. Meditate on words and phrases the impress and disturb you. What do you notice about yourself? Give thanks for the God's arrival in your life, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live for Him today.

D.A. Caron on Biblical Prayer

Day 10 - Surprise Guests

Objective - Intimate knowledge of Christ; with Him, like Him, for Him.

Scripture - Luke 1:26-56

Response - Read the passage slowly and try to engage as many of your senses as possible. If you feel you lack a sense of creativity and imagination, imagine a time such as a reunion with an old friend, Christmas morning, or a moment of revelation like learning how to ride a bike or accomplishing a hard task.

Place yourself in Mary's shoes. Think about her reaction, and feelings ( hopes and fears). Where do you find yourself dwelling? Ask God to reveal to you why you are dwelling on this? What message or lesson does God have for you

Give thanks to God that His word is living and active. Give thanks for Mary's obedience, and ask the Lord to help you be faithful like Mary.

Watch this video by Scott McKnight about Mary. I have posted this before, but thought it was pertinent.

Day 9 - Incarnation

Objective - intimate knowledge of Jesus that I might be with him, become like him, and live for him.

Scripture - John 1:1-18

Response - Read the text out loud giving emphasis to important words and phrases. Meditate on the words you find meaningful, and ask the Lord why these words appear special. Chose the word or phrase that consumes you, and stay with it a while. What emotions, thoughts, or ideas does it stir?

How does this text cause you to love Jesus more fully?

Where in the text were you with Christ? What portion inspired you to be like him? What portion compels you to live for him?

End your time by offering yourself in service to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2)

Watch the following video.

Day 8 - Most Appealing

Objective - What episode in the life of Christ is the most appealing to you in a manner that evokes within you a strong desire to follow Him.

Scripture - Luke 17 - 19.

Response - Ask the Lord to open your mind and heart as you consider the character qualities of Jesus that you are drawn to.

Read the Gospel of Mark without stopping to interpret. Get a sense of the flow and activities. Only stop when you are captured by a quality of Jesus that impresses you. Then Ask the Holy Spirit for a greater desire to become like Jesus in that regard.

Finish your time by engaging in a few moments of silence, resting in the presence of Christ.

Day 7 - Rewind

First, Blogger was down for most of the day. I apologize for the late posting.

Today is Monday. You have finished the first week of 8 weeks! Way to go. If you are just joining us, feel free to go back to day one, and get started. The goal is to start and finish. This devotional is sequential, so it’s important to start at the beginning.

Today, go back to the exercise or scripture that was most helpful to you this week. Go to the objective or response where you felt the Holy Spirit ministered to you most deeply. Return there and ask the Holy Spirit to take you to a deeper level.

Day 6 - Comfort

Objective - Express gratitude and praise to God as you enter into a deeper knowledge of His love and forgiveness.

Scripture - Luke 15:11-32

Response - Read the passage slowly and be aware of the emotions you are feeling. Pause and linger with them before moving ahead. Place yourself in the story as either son, and imagine the dialogue you would have. Rest in the Lord's presence.

Prayer - Over the past 5 days return to the day that impacted you most. Thank God for that understanding about Him, and the revelation you had about yourself. Do not be afraid of emotions such as crying, or anger. Ask the Lord to reveal the source of those emotions. If the emotions are one of comfort, peace, and joy; give thanks for them.

Watch: Give Me Jesus

Day 5 - Self Examination

Objective - To see myself as God sees me that I might overcome my sinful tendencies through His grace.

Scriptures - 1 John 1:8-9, Romans 2:1-4

Reflection - Read the passages above carefully. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sins and then repent of them. Make restitution if appropriate. Receive God's grace and forgiveness and rest in it. Try not to rationalize it away.

Prayer - Surrender yourself fully to God. Surrender yourself to God's authority and to the power of His Spirit.

Day 4 - Freedom to . . .

Objective - We often think of being free from something, but in our relationship to God we are free to pursue God. Yes, we are free from the bondage of sin, but it's freedom to pursue relationship. The objective of our faith is to dedire freedom in relation to everything except God.

Consideration- All things are good for thier purposes, but they can be misused. Consider what a more symplified life might look like. Ask yourself, " What am I consumed by?"

Scripture - Read Phillipians 2:3-11.

Prayer - Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the attachments in your life that consume you and keep you from spiritual freedom.

Response - What do you need to do to break free from the attachment? What help do you need? Who can help you? What is your next step?

Day 3 - Blessings

Objective - Give God thanks for the blessings in your life and recognize that they have been given to help you fulfill your basic desire.



Scripture - Read Psalm 103, Romans 12:1-2, Mark 12:13-17



Response - Ask God to show you the relationship between your gifts and the ways they might be used to fulfill your basic desire. Then consider how you have used these gifts thus far? Have you been a good steward of them? Ask God to help you appropriate the promises of grace in Psalm 103. Thank God for any understanding you may have recieved.

P.S. If you are just joining us today and getting started, great. Don't feel like you have to do all the past devotions in one day to catch up. This is not a race. Go at your own pace.

Day Two - Get Movitvated

Objective Decide on a word or a phrase that best moves you toward fulfilling your basic desire. The goal is not to create your own agenda but to move you in the direction of God's will that fits who He created you to be. While this exercise is about you. Its more about who you are in God.

Question What phrase,statement, or image can you use to guide you in the direction you want your life to take? (For example: "Faith like an anchor," "All things are possible with God," "No Fear."

Scripture Read 1 John 3:16-24; 4:7-21

Response What images or statements came to mind while reading these passages? Do they move you towards your basic disire? If music helps you to pray or listen to God let me suggest that you watch either Maker of the Universe or The Reunion by Phil Keaggy.

Prayer Sit quietly, and ask the Lord if your basic desire and motivating statement reflect His character and will. Give thanks for God's clarity.

Once you define your basic desire and motivating statement, share them with someone close to you or if you feel lead, share them here. Don't worry about trying to be original. Let God guide you.

Day 1 - "Your Basic Desire"

Tools: Bible, pen, notebook or pad.

Goal - Determine what you would like to be at the center of your being ( for example: "To be a fully devoted disciple" "Holiness" "To live out the Great Commission every day"). Keep it concise.

Question: What do you consider to be the goal of your life?

Scripture: Read Psalm 139 thoughtfully, looking for ways this passage might help you determine your basic desire. Then read John 15:1-17.

Response: Ask the Lord to help you determine your basic desire and to confirm it. Ask God to help you increase your self-understanding.

Prayer Take a few moments to thank the Lord for guiding you through these passages and for helping you determine your basic desire. Ask the Lord to help you understand yourself better.

Sharing: If you feel bold enough, share with us what God has laid on your heart as your basic desire.

FYI - This devotional is inspired by the book Developing Intimacy with God by Alex Aronis, a former pastor of mine. While we will not be going as in depth as the book, we will be using it's basic structure. Thank you Alex for your influence in my life and for this book.

Returning June 1st

Come back June 1st as I will begin an 8 week devotional on developing a deeper relationship with God and yourself.

Hospitality

3 John 1:5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

Questions

1. To whom do you show partiality? Do you have favorites?

2. What does it mean to act in a manner worthy of God?

3. Whose name do we evoke with our actions?

Prayer

Pray that God would give you eyes to see the stranger in your midst, and the heart to love them in a way that declares the name of Jesus.

Coming . . June 1st

Begininig June 1st, I will be posting an 8 week devotional guide. This gudie is designed to help you understand yourself and God better. It will be simple, and allow you to go deeper.


As for Today. . . .


Matthew 5: 43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Questions

1. Life is about relationship. What does this text say about relationships?

2. What is God's relationship to his people?

3. How would you evaluate your relationships?

Pray

Thank God for his bold love. Repent for your apathy. Ask God to help you love dangerously.

Philemon

1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Paul's Plea for Onesimus 8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[a] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Questions

1. What is the conflict in this passage?

2. What is Paul asking for?

3. What is his motivation?

4. How does he seek resolution?

Prayer

Ask the Lord to give you wisdom as you seek to resolve conflict in your relationships. Ask God to give you boldness to speak truth in love and not to ignore wrongs or procrastinate in doing good.

Ezekiel 34:11-16

11 " 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

Questions

1. How intensely does God love his people?

2. What does this passage teach us about our nature and the nature of God?

3. Where is the hope in this passage?

Prayer

Give thanks for God's passion for his people. Give thanks that God is the good shepard. Ask for God's leading in your life.

Psalm 131

1 My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.

2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

Questions

1. What is the tone of this song?

2. Does it reflect the reality of your heart?

3. Where is your hope today?

Prayer

Pray for a greater sense of humility based in the character of God. Give thanks for how great God is. Give thanks that God considers us when we are not considering God.

Psalm 31

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
I trust in the LORD.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.

8 You have not handed me over to the enemy
but have set my feet in a spacious place.

9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and my body with grief.

10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction, [a]
and my bones grow weak.

11 Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors;
I am a dread to my friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me.

12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.

13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side;
they conspire against me
and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."

15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.

16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.

17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and lie silent in the grave. [b]

18 Let their lying lips be silenced,
for with pride and contempt
they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

19 How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.

20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from the intrigues of men;
in your dwelling you keep them safe
from accusing tongues.

21 Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed his wonderful love to me
when I was in a besieged city.

22 In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight!"
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Questions

1. What word pictures speak to you?

2. What portion expresses the reality of your heart right now?

3. What truth is convicting you?

4. What shift are you needing to make?


Prayer

Give thanks for God's word and ask for the power to obey it.

Encounters with Holiness

John 21:15- 19

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"


Questions

1. How does Peter respond to holiness?

3. How does Jesus respond to Peter?

4. How have your responded to holiness this week? Have you seen it in your life?

Prayer

Pray that you might respond like Peter, fullly. Pray that you might not leave anything hidden or secret. Pray that you might surrender all of yourself to God.

Encounters With Holiness

John 4:46-54 (New International Version)

46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48 "Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." 49 The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50 Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed. 54 This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.

Questions

1. How did the royal official respond to holiness? Before and After the healing?

2. Knowing who Jesus is, would you respond any differently? Why?

Prayer

Thank God that he has authority to heal, and thank God for the witness of the official who believed without seeing.

Is there an area of your life that you feel like Jesus needs to show up in person to heal or change it? Ask that God would give you the faith to trust him to heal and change it. Ask God for his peace.

Encounter with Holiness

Mark 2

1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11 "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Questions

1. How does Jesus reveal His holiness in this situation?

2. How do the different people respond to it?

3. How does worshiping a holy God affect your daily living?

Prayer

Thank God that he is willing to heal our bodies and souls. Ask God to reveal is holiness to you today. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live like Christ today, above your circumstances, and yet present in all interactions.

Encounters with Holiness - It demands a response.

Luke 5

1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a]with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down[b] the nets for a catch."

5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Questions
1. How did Jesus display his Holiness?

2. How did Peter respond to it? and How is it similar to Isaiah's response?

3. How is Jesus' response to Peter similar to that of his own in the Isaiah passage?

4. How are you being called to respond to God's holiness.

Prayer

Thanks God for being holy. Ask that his holiness be revealed in the word and through His Spirit. Ask that God prepare you to respond.

Monday, May 10th

Isaiah 6

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Questions

1. Holy simply means "set apart". How is God set apart from Isaiah? What imagery is there? What is said?

2. How does Isaiah respond to holiness?

3. How does God respond to Isaiah?

Prayer

Thank God for being holy, and ask God to set us apart for good works.

To Do

Read the article by JC Ryle linked in the previous post.

This Coming Week - Encounters with Holiness

Each day will have a portion of scripture that depicts an encounter of Holiness.

What is holiness? 1 Peter 3:15 says "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

Holiness is to be set apart. God is set apart from us because he is able to demonstrate love perfectly, justice perfectly, mercy perfectly. He is completely self sufficient, lacking in nothing.

What happens when a we encounter a holy God?

You may enjoy this article on holiness by J.C. Ryle.

Scot McKnight - Why we can embrace Mary.

No Other Name

Andrew Purves

Is Trust Beyond Hope

Dr. Dennis Magary of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
click here to Listen

Tuesday - May 4th RC Spoul - The Holiness of God

May - What's Next?

Next week I will be posting links to sites with either audio or video teachings that I think you will beneifit from. You can watch or listen to them in your spare time. They will cover some of my favorite teachers. I pray you enjoy them.
Blessings,
George

Following Jesus - Friday, April 30th

Drop Everything - Luke 5:4-11

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down[b] the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Questions

1. Why do the fisherman drop everything and follow Jesus?

2. Is there anything you are holding onto that is keeping you from following Jesus?

3. What would it take to let it go?


Prayer

Ask God to reveal to you those things you cling to that hold you back from following Jesus,and ask for the strength and fellowship to let them go.

Following Jesus - Thursday, April 29th

John 9: 23-27 - Take up your cross.


23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."

Questions

1. Is following Jesus a one time decision?

2. What might loosing our life for Jesus look like today?

3. What might God be asking you to deny yourself of in order to gain more of Him?

Prayer

Ask God to show you what you're being asked to deny so that you can have more of Him. Ask God to give you the strength to pick up your cross daily and follow Him. Thank God for his mercy and grace.

Following Jesus - I am the Good Sheperd

John 10:11-13

11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

Questions

1. List some people who have authority over you ( work, school, family)?

2. What difference does Jesus make between himself and the hired hand?

3. How is this good news?


Prayer

Thanks God that we follow a shepherd who cares for us and does not run away when things get tough.

Follow Jesus - Monday, April 26th

Matthew 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Questions

1. How does Jesus turn our expectations upside down?

2. Is there someone whom you are haveing a hard time loving? Why?

3. What step could you take towards loving this person today?

Pray

Thank God for giving us the ability to love beyond our own strength.

Who Is Jesus - Friday, April 23rd

John 10:11-13

11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

Questions

1. How do we know that Jesus is the good shepherd?

2. What is the difference between a shepherd and a hired hand?

3. A hired hand prays that the wolf will never come, but it does. What does the wolf do?

4. What images of love do you see in this passage?

5. How does this passage teach us to love?


Pray

Thank God that he doesn't leave us when the hard things come our way. Thanks God for laying down his life for us. Ask God to help us to love others like he loves us.

Who is Jesus - Thursday, April 22nd

John 14:6

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Questions

1. If truth is a person, how then can we know the truth? (Don't over think it)

2. If no one came to the Father except for knowing the truth, what does that say about Jesus?

3. How is this passage good news?

Prayer

Thank God for revealing truth in the person of Jesus. Thank God for making truth relational. Ask God to help you live truth.

Who is Jesus - Wednesday, April 21st

Hebrews 2:14-18

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Questions

1. If you could be like anybody else, who would you be and why?

2. This passage tells us that Jesus is like one of us. Why is this good news?

3. Is Jesus ever surprised by our sin? Why?

4. After these past several days, how would you answer the questions? "Who is Jesus?"

Pray

Thank God for being like one of us and that he understands how hard it is to be human. Ask for God's help to understand those in your life who might be having a hard time, and how you might come along side them.


Next Step

Pick up the phone and call that person whom you know is struggling and ask " How are you doing? How can I come along side you?"

Who is Jesus? - Tuesday, April 20th

Hebrews 1:1-4

1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Questions

1. This passage sounds alot like yesterday's passage. How is it similar,and is there anything new here?

2. How does it describe Jesus in relationship to His father? Have you every been described this way in relationship to a parent?

3. Can we trust Jesus to tell us about the Father? Why?


Pray

Give thanks that we can trust Jesus because he is the eact radiance of the Father. Ask that God would reveal this to someone in your family or a friend who has yet to see Jesus as God.

Who Is Jesus - Monday, April 19th

Colossains 1

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Questions

1. What kind of relationship does Jesus have to the Father, to creation, and to the church?

2. Look at the all the prepositions in this text ( before, over, in, through). How do they help you understand those relationships?

3. What role does Jesus play in each of those relationships?


Pray

Thank God for how intential He is about all his relationships.

Winning at Home - Friday, April 16th

God is Just - Romans 3:25-26

25 God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his patience he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Questions

1. When do you want God to be merciful, and when do you want him to be just?

2. How does God demonstrate his mercy, grace, and justice perfectly in this passage?

3. What part do we play in our own salvation?

Prayer

Give thanks for God being the prime initiator of our faith and for his justice made known in Jesus.

Winning at Home - Thursday, April 16th

God is Unchangable - James 1:16-18

16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Questions

1. Is there a food that you either liked or disliked, and then you changed your mind about it? What changed?

2. What does this passage tell us about God? Why is this good news?

3. Think of something that seems unchangable,and then use that in the sentance " God is like . . . . . ". What word pictures come to mind.

Prayer

Using your new word pictures, thank God for being unchangable.

Winning at Home - Wednesday, April 14th.

God is holy - Luke 5;1-11

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a]with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down[b] the nets for a catch."

Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Questions

1. What is your most prized possession? How do you treat it? How do others know it is important to you?

2. Holy means "set apart". How does Jesus show that he is set apart from Peter?

3. How does Peter respond to the miracle? And how does Jesus respond to Peter?

Taking the Next Step

How can you set yourself apart? By treating others as better than yourself? By sharing those things that you prize most? (Being set apart doesn't mean prideful or arrogant, but set apart in how you love.)

Winning At Home - Tuesday, April 13th

God is Patient - Nehemiah 9:29-31

29 "You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. 30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. 31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.

Questions

1. When someone hurts your feelings are you slow to anger and quick to listen? Are you quick to anger, and slow to listening? How do you respond?

2. What does this portion tell us about people and God?

3. What does patience look like in this portion? (You might be surprised.)

Taking the Next Step

Patience doens't mean you ignore a wrong done. It's the way you respond. Before you make a judgement about some one, take a breath, and then you might ask them a question like "Can you help me to understand why you did (or said) what you did?"

Being patient might mean finding something else to play with until your friend is done playing with it instead of getting upset.

Winning At Home - April 12th

If you have never done a family devotional before, now is a great time to start. These devotionals are designed to do over breakfast, dinner, or just before bed. They'll only take 15 minutes, and will get the whole family involved.

Over the next three weeks we're going to focus on God's character, who is Jesus, and living like Jesus.

All you have to do is read the passage given for that day, answer the questions, and take the next step.

Ready to get started?

MONDAY - April 12th God is faithful.

2 Timothy 2:11-13

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

Questions

1. Have you ever made a promise that you weren't able to keep? How did it make you feel? How did the other person feel?

2. What does this passage say about us, and God?

3. The fact that God is a promise keeper is good news. Why is it good news to you?

Taking the Next Step

Instead of making a promise,make it a point this week to do what you say you will do, and don't promise what you can't.

Better Late Than Never

Sorry folks. I got pink eye this week, so the devotional will be a tad bit shorter. Next week I will be posting devotionals with questions that the whole family can do together.

Thursday - 2 Corinthians 4

(Day to Fast - 1/2 day ; pray for those who visited Four Mile on Easter; pray that God moves them to return for a second visit; pray that God would show us how to minister to them.)

Friday - 1 John 3:11-24

Saturday - John 15:1-11

Sunday - 1 John 1:1 - 2:2

Every Day Read Psalm 46

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who pours your peace into our hearts. We ask that you keep us healthy, both in mind and in body, so that we may love you with all our strength, and with gracious hearts serve those whom you have called us to love through action. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, Amen.

Readings

Monday - John 12:1-11

Tuesday - Ezekiel 37:1-14

Wednesday - John 13:21-38

Thursday - Mark 14:12-26 (Day to Fast - 1/2 day ; pray for those who will be visiting Four Mile, pray that God would give you courage to invite someone to church, pray for the worship service)

Friday - John 18-19

Saturday - Colossians 3:1-4

Sunday - John 20:1-18

Every Day Read Psalm 23

Prayer

God, Most Powerful, who emptied your self of power, became like one of us, lived among us, died a criminals death, rising again for our sake; help us to experience your risen power within our lives today. Amen.

Watch this portion from the Miracle Maker

By His Wounds We Are Healed

Readings

Monday - Acts 14:19-28
Tuesday - 1 Peter 2:21-25
Wednesday - 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Thursday - Isaiah 53:1-6 (Day to Fast - Prayer for Loved Ones)
Friday - Isaiah 53:7-9
Saturday - Isaiah 53:10-12
Sunday - Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 11:1-11

Every Day read Psalm 56

Prayer

Almighty God, you are the light and life of every soul and our only source hope is you and you alone. Grant that in this time of worship I may be transformed by your power; that you take away fear and fill me with your power, love, and discernment. In the name of Jesus the Christ, our Lord, Amen.

From Death To Life

Readings

Monday - Matthew 11:2-19
Tuesday - 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
Wednesday - Romans 1:1-7 and 16-17
Thursday - Isaiah 25:1-9 (Day to Fast - Prayer for the church)
Friday - Colossians 3:1-17
Saturday - Romans 8:31-39
Sunday - Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:7-10

Every Day read Psalm 32

Prayer

Lord, God renew our spirits and draw close to us in our time of need, that our work may be a blessing to others. Help us to love you in our obedience, and to be childish in our delight of you. In the name of Jesus the Christ, or Lord, Amen.

Now, for Something Completely Different!

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

How good is your attention? How easy is it for you to get distracted? Where do you put your time and energy? Are you irritable and annoyed most of the time because life isn't going "as planned"?

I'll let you in on a secret. Life seldom goes as planned.

When Christ said " I came that you might have life and have it abundantly," he meant you would get to expereince it all.

I love this passage because it recognizes that our faces are veiled, and through Christ we are able to see more clearly.

Take time this week to thank God for the blessings in your life; for the freedom you have in Christ, and for the transformation that is happening in and through you.

Walk the Line Part 2

1 Thessalonians 2


Read this portion daily this week. It is a bit more than than you have read in the past.

For Reflection continue the discipline of observing this portion using the following indicators.

P- is there a universal truth being taught here.

A- something that helps me to love Christ more, or an attribute that I would like to see develop in me.

I- an insight about myself.

D- something I would like to detach from myself

Prayer -
O Lord,
In this time of need, strengthen me. You are my strength and my shield; You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I know, Father, that Your eyes go to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts long for You. The body grows weary, but my hope is in You to renew my strength.I do not fear, for You are with me. I am not dismayed or overwhelmed, for You are my God. I know You will strengthen me and help me; that You will uphold me with Your righteous hand. Even as the shadows of illness cover me, I feel the comfort of Your strength, Or Lord.
Amen.

Walk The Line - Part 1

1 Thesalonians 1

This week read the 1st chapter once a day.

For Reflection continue the discipline of observing portion using the following indicators.

P- is there a universal truth being taught here.

A- something that helps me to love Christ more.

I- an insight about myself.

D- something I would like to detach from myself

Pray through this passage each day for yourself, your family, your church, etc. Give thanks for the work God is doing and will do in your life.

Hey Jude!

The Letter of Jude

Read through the book of Jude each day this week.

Mark the passages with the following letters that apply.

P- is there a universal truth being taught here.

A- something that helps me to love Christ more.

I- an insight about myself.

D- something I would like to detach from myself.

Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, whose will all things
obey: pardon what I have done and grant
that I, a sinner, may sin no more. Lord,
I believe that though I do not deserve
it, you can cleanse me from all my sins.
Lord, I know that man looks upon the
face, but you see the heart. Send your
spirit into my inmost being, to take
possession of my soul and body. Without
you I cannot be saved; with you to
protect me, I long for your salvation.
And now I ask you for your salvation.
And now I ask you for wisdom, deign of
your great goodness to help and defend
me. Guide my heart, almighty God, that I
may remember your presence day and night.

Praying for the Church is praying for yourself.

Monday
John 17:13-21

Tuesday
1 Corinthians 1:4-10

Wednesday
Galatians 1:6-10

Thursday
Ephesians 1:18-23

Friday
Philipians 1:3-11

Saturday and Sunday
Colossians 1:9-11


Reading and Praying

Read these prayers for the universal and specific churches. Do you pray for the church? Why not? Why wouldn't you be praying for the body faith that is supporting and building you up in the faith. It needs prayer also. The church is more than a spiritual vending machine that provides different services based upon your needs. The church is people. It is your eternal family. Take time to pray through each of these passages for church because when you do, you are praying not only for others, but for yourself.

Challenge
Memorize one of the verses above. I'm going to memorize the Colossians passage. Ask me Sunday how it went.