Glory, Unity, and Submission
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- Song for this week Behold Our God
- But our ongoing sin and brokenness still alienates us from your presence. Forgive us for keeping you at a distance.
- The awe we were made for, we regularly seek a cheap and temporary version of it, turning good things into idols that can only fail, frustrate, and diminish us.
- Free us into confession that, being restored to you, we might taste a little of heaven here on earth. Absolution
- Scripture Readings Reflection
- TUESDAY : Review our definition of awe above and pray that God would meet you in his word and that you would worship him in awe
- WEDNESDAY : Review our definition of awe above and pray that God would meet you in his word and that you would worship him in awe
- THURSDAY : Forgiveness –God has forgiven us for all our past, present, and future sins. In its simplest and literal Greek form, “forgive”
- Review our definition of awe above and pray that God would meet you in his word and that you would worship him in awe
- Song of Commitment
- List of Deep Desires Distorted/Deceptive Desires
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Update: This week’s text is normally considered only from the perspective of Jesus’ claims of divinity, e.g., here’s how John 5:16-47 proves that Jesus believed he was divine. While this is a valid understanding of this text, if we limit our reading and meditations only to that perspective, we miss valuable insights into the character and nature of God. On Sunday, we considered the glory of God, how unity is as/more important than “equality” in the Trinity, and the submission of God. As these things are central to the nature of God, they are also central to our lives of those who are made in his image. Where do we seek our glory, is unity as/more important to us than equality, and how does submission operate in our lives. May you know the awe of true worship as you seek God in his word this week: Awe is what we experience when God comes close: when the veil between us is lifted, when we see reality more clearly, and we are drawn into a more accurate experience of who God is, who we are, and what reality unaffected by the fall was meant to be like. Awe is not just a moment of worship, it is a taste of heaven. As our Daily Worship Devotions do not recap the sermon from Sunday, I’d encourage you to download/listen here. Here’s a link to the Family Devotions for this week. If you are new to these Daily Worship guides, there is a Song of Commitment and Closing Prayer after the list of daily reflection questions. Song for this week Behold Our God (http://1drv.ms/1icUA0x) Where possible we will use songs that are live recordings of our worship singing at Church of the Redeemer. You should be able to access them by clicking the link. You can also download them to your computer, phone, etc. (Please copy & paste rather than drag & drop). Some Recommendations The goal of the study/reflection questions is to help you get into the text and meet Christ in it, i.e., to worship and meet with God. Avoid engaging with these questions as if it’s a “quiz” where the goal is to get the “correct answer” and then move onto the next question. My prayer, goal, and hope is that the questions will help open up the Word of God – what it means and what it is saying – in order that you might meet God, experience Christ, and hear from the Holy Spirit. 1) I do recommend the full liturgy for each day. 2) The questions for each day may seem a little open or vague. The space they create is intended to allow space for the Holy Spirit to meet with you. Don’t be afraid of using a Study Bible (like the ESV Study Bible) or Commentary. Work hard to not rush through the reflections and questions. The goal is to experience/hear from God. 3) Sing the songs! (Really) Each week we focus on one songs. Download it to your phone so you can listen repeatedly during the day. Singing is a vital spiritual discipline because, when we sing, our mind, body, heart, emotions, and will are all engaged in worship at the same time! That is rare. If this week’s song does not appeal to you, substitute one of your personal favorites.
O God, Eternal King and Father of all mercies, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: To know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that we may do your will with cheerfulness during the day, and when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ, our risen and reigning Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. Confession (John 5:39-40) 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life Father, we were made to live and walk with you, to experience awe in the glorious presence of our Creator, Father, and God. But our ongoing sin and brokenness still alienates us from your presence. Forgive us for keeping you at a distance. Sometimes we search the Scriptures thinking they will give us life, but we do not often come to You to receive eternal life. Sometimes we want you to do things for us more than we want you. The awe we were made for, we regularly seek a cheap and temporary version of it, turning good things into idols that can only fail, frustrate, and diminish us. Father God, come close, lift the veil, draw us into a more accurate experience of who you are! Father God, come close, remove our shame, draw us into a deeper experience of what it means to live in union with you. Feed us your grace that we might freely repent. Free us into confession that, being restored to you, we might taste a little of heaven here on earth. Absolution (John 5:20-24) 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Intercession Pray this week for your own self, your community, church, city, and this world to know the resurrection of Jesus in accepting the good news of the gospel. Pray by name those you want God to bring into his kingdom. Scripture Readings & Reflection This week’s text is normally considered only from the perspective of Jesus’ claims of divinity, e.g., here’s how John 5:16-47 proves that Jesus believed he was divine. While this is a valid understanding of this text, if we limit our reading and meditations only to that perspective, we miss valuable insights into the character and nature of God. On Sunday, we considered the glory of God, how unity is as/more important than “equality” in the Trinity, and the submission of God. As these things are central to the nature of God, they are also central to our lives of those who are made in his image. Where do we seek our glory, is unity as/more important to us than equality, and how does submission operate in our lives. May you know the awe of true worship as you seek God in his word this week: Awe is what we experience when God comes close: when the veil between us is lifted, when we see reality more clearly, and we are drawn into a more accurate experience of who God is, who we are, and what reality unaffected by the fall was meant to be like. Awe is not just a moment of worship, it is a taste of heaven. MONDAY:
TUESDAY: Review our definition of awe above and pray that God would meet you in his word and that you would worship him in awe
WEDNESDAY: Review our definition of awe above and pray that God would meet you in his word and that you would worship him in awe Today we use the Examen which is a spiritual discipline relate to “anticipating.” It is a form of journaling where one examines their day and recalls, briefly, the events throughout the day where God has been evident or surprising. Today, reflect especially on how you have done in allowing the empowering love of God to flow through you, i.e., his love more than your efforts. After making note of where God was present and what he was doing, offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for his presence throughout your day.
THURSDAY: Forgiveness –God has forgiven us for all our past, present, and future sins. In its simplest and literal Greek form, “forgive” means to send away, release, or let go. God has gone to great lengths to restore his people to him so that he might walk with them and be their God! But often we struggle to accept his forgiveness. One of the keys to discern how much we have actually accepted and received God’s forgiveness is to ask “How forgiving am I?” Review our definition of awe above and pray that God would meet you in his word and that you would worship him in awe
FRIDAY: Today’s focus is on “Repentance.” The simplest and most literal translation of the Greek word for “repentance” is “to change direction, to turn around.” It’s not just a mental activity, but includes an act of the will. Read John 5:16-47 and the consider the necessity of entering into repentance and experiencing God’s forgiveness. Consider: Are there any relationships or areas of your life where you need to repent? NB: Do not limit your consideration of sin/repentance to just “acts or deeds,” but let God’s Word guide you as you consider your thinking, relationships, attitude towards God and others (especially those you have a tendency to look down on, be disgusted by, or consider “deplorable” etc.) What is the cost in your relationships with God or your relationships with others of your lack of repentance?
Song of Commitment Behold Our God (http://1drv.ms/1icUA0x) Who has held the oceans in His hands? Who has numbered every grain of sand? Kings and nations tremble at His voice All creation rises to rejoice Behold our God seated on His throne Come, let us adore Him Behold our King—nothing can compare Come, let us adore Him Who has given counsel to the Lord? Who can question any of His words? Who can teach the One who knows all things? Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds? Who has felt the nails upon His hands? Bearing all the guilt of sinful man God eternal, humbled to the grave Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign You will reign forever Let Your glory fill the earth Closing Prayer O God, Eternal King and Father of all mercies, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the new morning: Show me this day what sin and shame looks like in my life: that I might be freed from its ugliness, lies, and loneliness, that I might grow in appreciation for the Cross of Christ. Guide my feet in the way of humility so that: forgetting about myself I may serve others, owning your grace, I might be more gracious, entering into the resurrected life you secured for me, I might more fully alive. Create in me a new and contrite hearts so that, I may receive from you full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. List of Deep Desires Distorted/Deceptive Desires
Godly Deep Desires
To be transformed by God's mercy and grace into a community of priests engaged in his redeeming work in Atlanta and the world. Directory: wp-upload -> devotions devotions -> Conditional Belief & Awe-Inspired Faith devotions -> Leviticus 17: Blood, Life, & Gratitude Church? devotions -> Lent Week 1: Pride devotions -> Leviticus 12: The Blood & The Curse wp-upload -> The Forward Prizes for Poetry 2012 Download 42.08 Kb. Share with your friends:
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