The Blessing

The Apostle Paul, paused in his letter to the Ephesians to pray for them and to bless them. Through these words, he does the same for us who read this. Take a few minutes to read it several times reflectively.

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Here are a few questions to assist your reflection:

• How do you respond to Paul’s prayer and blessing?
• What thoughts are going through your mind as you reflect on this passage?
• How do Paul’s words affect your heart?
• Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and heart with the Lord.

Maranatha (Come Lord!),

Benefits of Wisdom

One of the sections of the Scriptures that I am reading these days is Proverbs. Over the course of my life, I have regularly gone to Proverbs to glean wisdom and understanding. This passage stood out to me as I was reading and reflecting and thought this would be good for others as well. If you want to get a sense of the purpose and value of Proverbs, read the first seven verses of chapter 1. For today, we pick it up in chapter 3.

“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew. My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.” (Proverbs 3:19-26)

Here are a few questions to assist in your reflection:

• What do you learn about the Lord?
• When you think of things you might be afraid of, how does this passage counsel you?
• What are some benefits of wisdom? How do these benefits motivate you?
• Take a few minutes to share your thoughts with the Lord and thank Him for wisdom

Maranatha (Come Lord!),

Be Alert

This morning I spent a time of reflection in the Gospel of Matthew. The Disciples asked when the Lord Jesus would return (Matthew 24:3). He answered in chapters 24 and 25. Here’s part of what stood out to me today.

“”Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.” (Matthew 24:32-41)

“”Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (Matthew 24:42-44)

“Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

Here are a few questions that might assist your time of reflection.

• As you read these verses what thoughts or feelings came to you?
• How do these passages inform your perspective on life and priorities?
• Based on this passage, what changes in your life might the Lord be asking of you?
• Take some time to share what’s on your mind and heart with the Lord

Maranatha (Come Lord!),

Have Mercy on Us

Two blind men were helpless. They heard that Jesus was passing by. Twice they cried out even when the crowd attempted to shame them into silence. Their cry was from their heart based on a lifelong handicap. Read the text and ponder this from the point of view of the blind men.

“As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.” (Matthew 20:29-34)

Here are a few questions to assist your reflection:

• If you were one of the blind men, what would you be thinking and feeling when you heard Jesus was coming by? What would you do?
• In what ways in your life do you have a severe limitation?
• What do you want Jesus to do for you?
• Jesus, moved with compassion, touched their eyes. Imagine Jesus touching you. What is your response?
• Share with Jesus what’s on your heart

Maranatha (Come Lord!)