Category: Daily Readings

02.23.12 “The force of God’s love”

By Admin on Feb 23, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:14-19

14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

II Corinthians 5:17 is a verse worth memorizing. It reminds us that by the work of God’s spirit, we are all being made new. “The old has gone, the new is here,” Paul says. All that we have confessed this week is now behind us. A new life awaits.

Webster’s defines the word “compel” as “to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly.” Paul uses this verb to describe the “irresistibility” of
God’s love which invites us into relationship with God. Have you ever thought of God’s love in this way as an active and moving force at work in your life and the world?
Paul writes that as we receive reconciliation with God, we are also enlisted in what he calls “the ministry of reconciliation.” What do you think he means? What part might God be calling you to play in that work?

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

02.22.12 “Ash Wednesday”

By Admin on Feb 22, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:1-12

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

Today is Ash Wednesday. We mark this sacred moment with our Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary. In this service, we will place ashes on our foreheads in the sign of the cross to symbolize our repentance of our sins and our belief that we all stand in need of a Savior. For those unable to attend this evening, pastors will be available from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in our Chapel for those who would like to receive ashes.

On this holy day we pause and we pray. Genesis 3:19 says, “For dust you are and
to dust you will return.” Today we remember our frailty. We confess our sins, and we entrust our lives to God’s grace. Close out your time today by reading Psalm 51 again, remembering that Jesus has come to save us from our sin and to share the gift of everlasting life.

Weekly Prayer

02.21.12 “Rend your heart and not your garments”

By Admin on Feb 21, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Joel 2:12-13

12 “Even now,” declares the LORD,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

In Genesis 37, Isaac’s oldest son Reuben “tore his clothes” when he realized that his brother Joseph had been sold into slavery. In Numbers 14, Joshua tore his clothes when the Israelites fearfully refused to enter the promised land. When Job heard of the death of his children, he “tore his robe.” In each of these circumstances, the act of tearing one’s clothes was a sign of suffering and grief.

Joel encourages the people to move beyond the tangible symbol of mourning over their sins to a heartfelt experience of grief for their sins against God. How might the act of “mourning” our sin fuel our desire to return to God?
In what way can you “rend your heart” today before the Lord? In what areas of your life is God calling you to “return to him with all your heart”?

Weekly Prayer

02.20.12 “A downward movement”

By Admin on Feb 20, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:23-25

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

Our GPS readings for this week are designed as a focus on the important season of Lent which begins this Wednesday. Lent originated as a season of preparation for new converts to Christianity. This 40-day period [excluding Sundays] of prayer and fasting culminated on Easter Sunday with new believers being baptized into the Christian faith. For us today, Lent points us to the cross, reminding us of our need for a Savior and the call we have received to follow our crucified Savior.

In Matthew 7, Jesus says, “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.” In Luke 9, Jesus reminds us that the Christian journey is not an upward climb but a downward movement of sacrifice.
Begin this week with a moment of prayer and reflection. How might God be calling you to “take up your cross” today?

Weekly Prayer

02.18.12 GPS for Families

By Admin on Feb 18, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

In Galatians 5:22, we read about the fruits of the Spirit that God wants to grow in our lives. These fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are characteristics we would all like to have, but it’s hard to always love or be good or self-controlled when things aren’t going our way or when we are tired or someone is giving us a hard time.

The good news is God doesn’t expect you to try to be these things all by yourself, in your own strength. He wants to grow these characteristics in you. He gave us the Holy Spirit to stay with us always. As we connect with the Spirit and draw closer to God, we allow the Spirit to work in us.

If you spend time around certain friends, you may begin to act, dress and talk like them. The same happens when you spend time with God. You will begin to be more like God as you get closer to him. You can spend time with God by reading the Bible, praying and journaling about your faith. You can also get closer to God when you go to classes at church with your friends or worship with your family. The more time you spend with God, the more fruit the Holy Spirit produces in your life.

Weekly Prayer

02.17.12 “Where is your treasure?”

By Admin on Feb 17, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Psalm 42:1-5

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, my God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food

day and night,

while people say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember

as I pour out my soul:

how I used to go to the house of God

under the protection of the Mighty One

with shouts of joy and praise

among the festive throng.

5 Why, 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.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

In Matthew 6, Jesus encourages us to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” He finishes that section by saying, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” The Psalmist strikes a similar tone in describing his soul “thirsting and panting for God.” Faith invites us to treasure “the living God” above all else.

At the core of this series is the simple idea that “control issues are a spiritual problem with a spiritual cure.” Faith reorients our lives away from what is temporary and towards that which is eternal.
The invitation of Psalm 42 is to “put your hope in God.” As we prepare for the final message in this series, in what way might God be inviting you to put your hope in him?

Weekly Prayer

02.16.12 “Wrestling for control”

By Admin on Feb 16, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:36-42

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

This scene is one of the most striking images of Jesus “emptying himself” and “taking the very nature of a servant.” Following the last supper, Jesus shared with his disciples, he retired to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. In these final moments of preparation, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Has God ever asked or required something of you that you did not want to do? Did you do it? How would you approach an experience like that in your life right now? Do you think you would have the courage to “surrender” control as Jesus did? Why or why not?
Is there an area of your life right now where you are wrestling with God for control? Who is winning?

Weekly Prayer

02.15.12 “This is how you should pray”

By Admin on Feb 15, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-15

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.’

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

Today’s reading comes from a larger section of Matthew’s Gospel often referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount.” In its entirety, it represents one of the most comprehensive teachings of Jesus found in all the gospels in which Jesus addresses a variety of topics including “how we should pray.”

These words form the core of what we now refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer,” which we share together in all our weekend services. What parts of this prayer challenge you as you think about “how” you should pray? Which part do you find the most difficult to put into practice?
In verse 10, Jesus reminds us that the kingdom we are meant to build is not our own but the kingdom God is seeking to establish in this world. How did Jesus live that out in his life? How might you live that out today?

Weekly Prayer

02.14.12 “Jesus passes the first test”

By Admin on Feb 14, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;

11 they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

In the first week of our reading for this series, we looked at how Paul describes “the attitude of Christ Jesus” in Philippians 2. Paul writes that Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” Over the next several days we will look at several examples of Jesus releasing control.

Today we look at Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness that took place after his baptism but prior to the beginning of his public ministry. In what ways does the devil try to tempt Jesus? How does the devil appeal to any desire Jesus might have had to control circumstances or outcomes?
The response that Jesus offers in each temptation is a quote from the Old Testament scriptures. What role does the Bible play in enabling you to release control?

Weekly Prayer

02.13.12 “Where we went wrong”

By Admin on Feb 13, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:1-6

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

The first two chapters of Genesis narrate for us the story of the world’s creation. They not only provide a detail of “how” God created, but more importantly, they also reveal the “why” of creation. In this story, we see God developing a sacred relationship with the world that he brings into being and the human beings created in God’s image who were designed to partner with God in the management of this new world. Genesis 3 is the point where humanity takes a wrong turn.

In this series, we have said that our goal should be to live according to the idea that “God is in control. I am not, and I am happy about that.” How do the actions of Adam and Eve in today’s text conflict with this way of understanding life?
How are their actions a reflection of their desire to control?

Weekly Prayer

02.11.12 GPS for Families

By Admin on Feb 11, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

Research links the lack of self-control to addiction, bad health, debt, procrastination, eating disorders, and more. The lack of self-control breaks down walls of protection, prevents the spirit from working in you, and exposes you to things that can destroy your future.

But don’t buy into the myth that you can’t teach self-control because it’s a part of how a child’s personality is wired. Most experts agree that anyone can learn self-control. It’s not easy…it has to be intentionally and continually developed. But just like you would use your skill to build a wall back in places that are broken, you can build more self-control into your home. You can help your kids learn self control by:

Implementing a consistent structure and schedule
Pursuing moderation in eating, playing video games, TV, and computer usage
Establishing a system for homework and chores
Instilling financial habits of giving and saving
Practicing delayed gratification when it comes to purchasing or acquiring items for your kids, and teaching them to actually “shop” instead of buy

It’s like mental gymnastics; practice helps. Ultimately though, a strong role model is key. Maybe you need to sit down as a family to develop new patterns for all of you. If you do not practice the habits above, you will have a tough time enforcing them with your kids. Then pray specifically for the fruit of the spirit to become evident in your life.

Weekly Prayer

02.10.12 “Jesus prayed for you”

By Admin on Feb 10, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: John 17:13-19

13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

In our final reading for this week we move into the seventeenth chapter of John’s Gospel which contains the prayer that Jesus offers in preparation for his arrest. The verses that we are reading today represent a portion of that prayer that Jesus offers on behalf of his first century disciples as well as all those who would eventually decide to become his followers. In these final moments, Jesus prayed for you.

These words remind us of our challenge to follow Christ in the midst of an “out of control” world. “The world has hated them, for they are not of the world,” Jesus says. Instead of expecting the world to submit to God, Jesus asks for God to protect us from the world. How does this prayer and the hope that Jesus offers help us to engage and live in an “out of control” world?

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at
a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

02.09.12 “Ups and Downs”

By Admin on Feb 09, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: John 16:29-33

29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

31 “You believe at last!” Jesus answered. 32 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

We have already highlighted several portions, but if you have the time this week, read through the entirety of John chapters 13 − 17. Jesus goes to great length to offer words of instruction, hope and affirmation for his disciples. In these verses, we find the disciples finally “getting it” and yet Jesus seems aware of the fact that “a time is coming” when they will regress in their understanding and belief in him.

The life of faith is filled with ups and downs. For every moment we experience a breakthrough it seems we can also point to another moment where we stumbled. We release control. We take it back. Yet, we never give up. Jesus has overcome. He can do the same in us as well.
Is there a person, a situation, or circumstance that you need to again release your desire to control?

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at
a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

02.08.12 “The peace of the Spirit”

By Admin on Feb 08, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: John 14:25-27

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

The chaos, confusion and fear that the disciples would face in the days ahead would be elevated by the absence of Jesus. The one who they had given their lives to following would soon be gone, but the promise Jesus offers in these words is significant. The absence of Jesus would lead to the presence of God’s spirit. Their isolation would be temporary. The “Counselor” would come.

After sharing the promise of the spirit being sent to the disciples by the Father, Jesus reminds the disciples of the gift he would leave behind with them. What connection do you see between God’s spirit working in your life and Jesus’ words, “Peace, I leave with you.”
We often turn to control when our circumstances or relationships seem “unsettled.” What part does peace play in helping us surrender control? How does the spirit bring peace in your life?

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at
a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

02.07.12 “Love cultivates trust”

By Admin on Feb 07, 2012 in Daily Readings

Scripture Reading: John 14:1-7

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

Last week in our reflection from Paul’s words in Romans 8, we made this observation, “There is a limited amount of space in our hearts. The amount that is inhabited by fear limits the amount that can be occupied by love. Our need for control is a by- product of that fear.” In today’s reading, Jesus addresses that which love brings to fruition in our lives. While fear produces a need for control, love cultivates trust.

In verses 2-4, Jesus provides a concrete example of something we can trust Jesus to do. What is it? What significance and meaning should this have for us? How is the act Jesus refers to in these verses an expression of God’s love?
How does Jesus respond when Thomas asks Jesus to clarify “the way” the disciples must go to get to “the place where [Jesus] is going?”

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at
a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Category: Daily Readings

02.23.12 “The force of God’s love”

02.22.12 “Ash Wednesday”

02.21.12 “Rend your heart and not your garments”

02.20.12 “A downward movement”

02.18.12 GPS for Families

02.17.12 “Where is your treasure?”

02.16.12 “Wrestling for control”

02.15.12 “This is how you should pray”

02.14.12 “Jesus passes the first test”

02.13.12 “Where we went wrong”

02.11.12 GPS for Families

02.10.12 “Jesus prayed for you”

02.09.12 “Ups and Downs”

02.08.12 “The peace of the Spirit”

02.07.12 “Love cultivates trust”

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