Tag: Formation

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The weekend approaches, which means it’s an excellent time to reflect on the week.

Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:

What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ? 

What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him? 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.

Oftentimes, Jesus’ temptation is taught to occur in the wilderness or the dessert. Interestingly, the Greek Word used that is translated as wilderness is a derivative of the word for solitude. As such, we ought not read Matthew 4 and picture in our minds that Jesus wanders out into the middle of nowhere where he suddenly confronts the devil. Instead, we can read this confrontation with the understanding that Jesus goes somewhere he can experience silence and solitude. And it is there He is able to confront the schemes of His greatest enemy. 

Sadly, many in the West today loathe the idea of embracing silence and solitude. Stand in an elevator – there’s light jazz music playing. Go to the dentist – there’s music playing. Sit in the waiting room for a doctor’s appointment – there’s a tv on. Go out to a restaurant – there may be six to eight tv’s! 

As followers of Jesus, we must value and practice silence and solitude regularly. The more we practice it, the more prepared we will be when difficult temptations come our way. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 4:1-11 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Consider that God speaks to you in silence. What would it look like for you to listen for His voice in silence today?

DIGGING DEEPER: Many people struggle to embrace silence because our culture always is on the go. It may take several days or weeks of practicing silence before your mind doesn’t automatically drift off to thinking about your to-do list or other things. Continue to practice it, even if only for a few minutes a few times a day. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Embrace at least 5 mins of silence and listen for God to share these reminders. “Remember. Remember who you are—you are precious in my sight and I love you. Remember who I am and that you belong to me—I have redeemed you for my purposes; I have called you by name. You are mine. Remember what I have done for you in liberating you from your bondage and remember that I have the power do it again. I can and I will; and, in fact, I am already doing it.”

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(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

In his book titled The Common Rule, author Justin Earley provides a framework for how to live a slowed-down, growing in Christ, relationally connected with others lifestyle in a world that moves non-stop. The way of life that works for him includes four daily practices and four weekly practices. These practices include intentional times to embrace silence in order to simply be with Jesus. 

Just as interesting, however, are other practices Earley includes to limit the amount of digital distractions in his life. For example, one of his weekly rhythms is to curate the amount of media he consumes to a total of four hours weekly. Think about that for a moment: he consumes only four hours of media each week, and he plans out what that media will be in advance. This means — online news, social media, television, and movies — only four hours every week. 

Consider your own media consumption; how many hours every week do you spend reading or watching news + social media + television + movies? What steps might you want to take to begin limiting how much media you’re consuming? Not just this week, but consistently? 

READING & PRAYERS:

     PSALM 119:1-48 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Psalm 119 is all about the wonders of God’s Word, teachings, instructions, and love for His people. What are the three greatest distractions getting in the way of you benefiting from time with Him? How can you limit these distractions today? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Consider how much media you consume throughout the week (all news, social media, television, movies, etc.). Consider what it would look like to lessen this by 10%, 25%, or even 50% the rest of the week. As you do, pay close attention to the results on your body and soul. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that when I calculate just how much time I spend watching news, social media, tv, and movies, the number is much higher than I would like it to be. Yet disconnected from it seems so challenging! Help me to see the many benefits that limiting these distractions brings. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

“If you aren’t resting, you are a slave to something.” 

~ Adele Calhoun

In the book of Exodus, we read that the people of God were enslaved in Egypt for over 400 years. As an enslaved people, their entire meaning and purpose was based on what they were able to produce. They were required to make bricks (likely for pyramids and other structures throughout Egypt). As slaves, they didn’t get a day off. They did what the Egyptians told them they had to do when the Egyptians told them they had to do it. Again, their entire meaning and purpose was based on what they could produce. 

So after being led out of Egypt, when providing His people laws to live by, what does God say? He begins by reminding them they had been slaves (Exodus 20:1). 

It’s interesting that God begins by reminding His people that they had been rescued from slavery. Surely they would remember that! But within the commandments, God provides one about Sabbath rest. In fact, more is written about Sabbath within the ten commandments than any other commandment. Clearly, God desires His people to know that they are no longer slaves, and they can instead rest in Him. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     EXODUS 20:1-17, LEVITICUS 25:1-4 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: When is the last time you took an entire day to practice Sabbath rest? Consider: what other activities are you prioritizing more than enjoying the gift of Sabbath rest? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Begin plan for a day of Sabbath rest. A full day with no errands or chores. Only restful and life-giving activities. Make a plan, so you can receive this gift and enjoy it for all it’s worth. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that when I think of Sabbath what I mostly consider is a day off. Yet deep down I know that Sabbath is much more than a day off. Some would say that the Sabbath is like having 52 snow days a year! 52 days to rest, enjoy, and delight in You and Your creation. Continue to help me see that Sabbath is not “on more thing” to have to do, but is instead a gift to be received and enjoyed. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

The technological age is surely upon us. Over the previous 50 years, advancements in technology have skyrocketed. Today, people rely on their cell phones for nearly every aspect of their lives. Need to contact somebody? Use your phone. Want to watch something? Use your phone? Want to read a book? You can do that through the kindle app on your phone. Need to deposit a check into the bank? Take a picture of it and deposit it just by using your phone. 

One recent study has found that the average person taps or swipes the screen of their cell phone 2,617 times a day. That’s right. Over 2,500. Another has found that in 2023, the average person checked their phone 144 times a day. 

Yes, our cell phones are a tool to be used and they have a number of purposes which are beneficial. However, we must acknowledge that several large media companies are also profiting because of our cell phones. Every tap, click, swipe leads to another advertisement, another micro-transaction, and another bit of information about you, your location, your shopping habits, your music preferences, and more. Many say they don’t have time for Sabbath rest, silence, or solitude. But we all have time…if only we would turn off our phones. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     ROMANS 12:9-21 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: How much do you allow digital distractions to prevent you from resting and enjoying time with your Creator?

DIGGING DEEPER: Consider turning off your phone for at least one hour every day this week. (You can leave the television off for the same period of time.) Begin to embrace at least one hour a day completely unplugged. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, there’s a part of me which recognizes there are a lot of digital distractions which impact me every day, but at the same time I’m not sure I recognize just how many there or how much they impact my mind, body, and soul. Reveal to me the kinds of ungodly messages I see and hear through digital media today. Lead me to compare and contrast these messages to Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

The weekend approaches, which means it’s an excellent time to reflect on the week.

Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:

What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ? 

What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him? 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Some of the brightest minds of the 17th and 18th Centuries led to a period in time which is now referred to as the Enlightenment. This era in history led to an increase in education, thought, and human reason. The impact from this period of time on Western Civilization cannot be underestimated. While it’s difficult to summarize the overall impact of the Enlightenment, it seems clear that much of current Western society believes that humanity now has enough intellect and reason, that we and we alone can create systems, governments, and policies to make the lives of all people better. 

This belief has permeated politics and policies of every Westernized nation. Both the Left and the Right strongly believe that if just the right policies and systems are in place, all of society will benefit. It is a deeply rooted belief that whatever is wrong with the world, humanity can fix it. 

This is, of course, an impossibility. While updating laws and policies is an essential need for all of society, those laws and policies cannot bring people back into right relationship with God. The problems of this world cannot all be fixed by human reason. We desperately need the love of God.

READING & PRAYERS:

     2 CORINTHIANS 5:11-21 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What are some subtle ways you see the impact of the Enlightenment impacting our society today? 

DIGGING DEEPER: What may be one area of your own life in which you focus more on your own intellect and reason than prayerfully discerning God’s will in your life? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that throughout the Scriptures there are three institutions which You have created — the family, the church, and the state. While each of these are essential for governing our society, I know that all people desperately need You in order to live a life of true flourishing. May I put all of my hope and trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Consider that today is just a normal day. You don’t have any major deadlines. For the most part, everything happening is among the status quo. You wake up. Maybe drink some coffee. Exercise.  Shower. And then begin your day. 

But at what point in time to do you pray? And not just a quick prayer, but at what point do you go to God in contemplative prayer, experience His presence, and ask Him to reveal to you specific ways in which you can reflect His love and grace upon a hurting and fractured world around you?

Sadly, many followers of Jesus neglect this crucial step. We wake up. We live a normal day and at the end of the day we’ll turn on the TV and watch a movie or favorite tv show. Go to bed. And then get up the next day and do it all over again. 

There isn’t anything morally bad about this lifestyle. In some regards, there are a number of good things you may experience every day. But consider how your life may be different if you began saying no to some good things, and committed to something even better. Consider how your life may be different if you started saying no to good things in order to say yes to more time discerning God’s will in your life. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     MARK 1:29-38 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Today, spend 5-10 minute in prayer asking God to reveal at least one good thing you can give up today in order to do something even better.

DIGGING DEEPER: Begin to make a habit of prayerfully discerning God’s will for your life. Pray daily, asking God to reveal to you His will and purpose for your life. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, if somebody were to ask me if I had a specific purpose I would quickly say yes. But if I had to answer exactly what that purpose is with clarity, I’m not sure I would be able to do so. May I continue to come to You in prayer to discern the purpose You have for me. Help me to not seek my purpose outside of You, but to find it solely within You and Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Would you like to read an interesting statistic? Of course you would, so here it is: In the New Testament, the word Christian is used a grand total of three times. That’s right. Three times. However, the word Disciple (or Apprentice) is used 269 times. Yes, you read that correctly – 269 times. That’s a lot. 

In Early Christianity, those who professed faith in Christ weren’t signing up for a “Get out of hell free” card, nor were they committing to a cultural religion. They didn’t see Christianity as a fad or part of the in crowd. Not at all. Instead, those who professed faith in Jesus were committing to being a Disciple or an Apprentice of Jesus. They were committing to following His ways, His teachings, His lifestyle, and an overall way of living was, in a word, different. 

Sadly, many Christians today have been taught that to follow Jesus is to not do certain things. As long as you’re not watching the wrong movies, or listening to the wrong music, or looking at the wrong things on your computer, you’re OK. But following Jesus is so much more. It may include watching fewer good movies or listening to less good music in order to be part of something even greater. It is committing to being a Disciple. It’s committing to a way of living that is…different. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     LUKE 9:23-24 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Culturally speaking, what may be some differences between being a Christian and being a Disciple or an Apprentice of Jesus? Which category would you place yourself in, and why? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that I often see myself more as a Christian than as a Disciple. Continue to reveal to me that You’re not looking for people to adhere to a cultural form of religion, but are instead seeking those who are willing to follow You, Your teachings, Your lifestyle, and Your ways. Continue to reveal to me the things I can leave behind in order to more closely follow You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

In Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer provides the following illustration: 

“Imagine you’re a high school dropout who always dreamed of becoming a professor. You wanted desperately to go to college, but you couldn’t get accepted. Now imagine you’re working a dead-end job in food service: low hourly wage and long, monotonous days. One day as you’re watching the clock from behind the cash register, a world-famous professor from a prestigious university walks through the door on a pit stop from his worldwide book tour. He takes an instant liking to you and says, “If you come with me right now, you can become my student. I’ll give you a full-ride scholarship. You can live in my home and study under me. And I’ll teach you everything I know and give you access to all my resources. I believe that you have the capacity to one day do what I do. It will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but it will pay dividends you cannot possibly imagine. But you have to come with me now.”

Now consider this: Like the professor in the above illustration, Jesus has already invited you to apprentice under Him. To follow Him. To have full access to Him. He believes you can become like Him. How are you responding to His invitation? 

READING & PRAYERS:

     MARK 1:16-20 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Simon, Andrew, James, and John left part of their lives behind in order to accept Jesus’ invitation. What may be something you struggle to leave behind in order to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Consider: What are some ways in which following Jesus has been the hardest thing you’ve ever done? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I think about how I spend my time, energy, and finances, it seems clear that there are things I struggle to give up in order to more fully follow You. On the one hand, I recognize I don’t need to give up everything I enjoy and the many activities that are life-giving, but I also recognize that to follow You is to be willing to give up everything. Reveal to me anything I may be holding onto more than my relationship with You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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