Monday, March 3, 2008

Lent -- week 5

There are only a few more weeks left in the Lent season. What better time to seek God's wisdom and direction. As you reflect on the following passages, consider how God has been faithful to lead you this far and pray that His direction would continue to be clear.

Week 5 - teach me your way, Lord

[SUNDAY]
Psalms 76, 100, 117, 131

[MONDAY]
Psalms 12, 27, 74, 97

[TUESDAY]
Psalms 29, 79, 90, 102

[WEDNESDAY]
Psalms 29, 79, 90, 102

[THURSDAY]
Psalms 58, 80, 126

[FRIDAY]
Psalms 31, 92, 127

[SATURDAY]
Psalms 32, 81, 128

Monday, February 25, 2008

Lent -- week 4

This week's selection is focused on God's strength in our time of need. As Easter draws near, reflect on the ways in which you need to rely on God's strength instead of your own.


Week 4 - come quickly, God, to help me

[SUNDAY]
Psalms 19, 67, 119:1-32

[MONDAY]
Psalms 23, 73, 119:33-64

[TUESDAY]
Psalms 21, 71, 119:65-96

[WEDNESDAY]
Psalms 72, 119:97-120, 140

[THURSDAY]
Psalms 20, 70, 119:121-144

[FRIDAY]
Psalms 28, 77, 119:145-176

[SATURDAY]
Psalms 6, 25, 120

Monday, February 18, 2008

Lent week 3

This week's reading focuses on the clarity of God. Clarity throughout scripture is represented by light. Light is also used to represent hope and purity. As you go through the scriptures provided below, think through areas of your life in which you need Christ's light to shine through.

Week 3 - give light to my eyes

[SUNDAY]
Psalms 62, 112, 123

[MONDAY]
Psalms 63, 64, 113, 149

[TUESDAY]
Psalms 13, 14, 114

[WEDNESDAY]
Psalms 15, 65 98, 115

[THURSDAY]
Psalms 16, 47, 66, 116

[FRIDAY]
Psalms 17, 26, 69, 122

[SATURDAY]
Psalms 8, 68, 118, 150

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Lent -- week 2

Below you will find this week's reading guide adapted from Mars Hill Bible Church's website. At the end of this section are some reflection questions to incorporate into your prayer time.


Week 2 - Lord, be my help

[SUNDAY]
Psalms 1, 84, 105, 148

[MONDAY]
Psalms 38, 56, 106

[TUESDAY]
Psalms 57, 107, 110

[WEDNESDAY]
Psalms 8, 30, 49, 108

[THURSDAY]
Psalms 9, 54, 109

[FRIDAY]
Psalms 7, 10, 60, 143

[SATURDAY]
Psalms 11, 50, 61, 111


What are some names of God, found in the Psalms that affirm He is our help?

How have you seen God come to your help throughout your life?

What are some areas of your life where you need God's help?

Take a few minutes and:

thank Him for His help

pray for continued help as you go throughout this week

pray for friends and family who are in need of God's help

pray for ways to model God's help to others in a practical way.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Lent

Today marks the beginning of Lent. Part of giving up something is to fill ourselves with more of God. These readings have been adapted from Mars Hill Bible Church and serve to fill you up during this time of sacrifice.

Week 1 - have mercy on me, O God

[WEDNESDAY]
Psalms 5, 51, 86

[THURSDAY]
Psalms 2, 52, 144

[FRIDAY]
Psalms 3, 53, 59


[SATURDAY]
Psalms 4, 48, 103, 104


Points to consider:

-How have you seen God's mercy in your life this week?

-What are some ways you have overlooked God's mercy? (Ask Him to make these times apparent to you)

-Who in your life needs to experience the mercy of God? Take some time to pray for them.

-In what areas of your life do you need God's mercy? Take some time and pray about these areas and then find someone with whom you can share these areas.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Size Matters

Size is relative, right? Think back to when you were five years old: the desks at school were just right, the chalkboard was enormous, and your parents were among the tallest individuals in your life. Fast forward about fifteen years and you find that the desks in your kindergarten classroom are in fact made for five year olds. The chalkboard actually appears to shrink throughout your scholastic career and your parents may not actually be in the category we often refer to as 'tall'.

In Prince Caspian by CS Lewis there is an intriguing exchange between Aslan, the Lion Christ-like figure and Lucy, a young girl:
"'Welcome child,' he said. 'Aslan,' said Lucy, 'you're bigger.
'That is because you are older, little one,' answered he.
'Not because you are?'
'I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.'"

No matter where we are in life, we frequently find that God's size is in inverse relationship to our problems, our circumstances, or even our own abilities. It's a new year and a time of growth, so it's worth asking: how big is the God you serve? Maybe it's time to let him shift your perspective or even let Him break the mold you have created. "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:3
May God increase in your life and may you allow Him to be great.

John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."