A Word (or two) from Mark

Worship takes practice.  From Exodus 32 we learn how easy it is to revert to patterns from our past.  So here are a list of 6 minute meditations to get you started on refocusing your attention on Jesus. They are offered just as a model.  Use them in anyway that is helpful.  You might want to do them in the morning and bring your mind back to the passage during the day.  Another way is to do them at night so that you go to sleep thinking about them.  You can then follow up the next day with your additional thoughts about the passage.

#1 - Jesus’ invitation:  Read Matthew 4: 18 - 22.  Imagine Jesus walking by you at work and inviting you to follow Him.  What feelings would you have about that?  Why would you follow him?  Why wouldn’t you?  What does he promise those early disciples?  Write down your thoughts about this in a journal.

#2 - Jesus’ Message:  Read Matthew 5: 1 - 12  Imagine hearing Jesus speak these words for the first time?  Who are the people he identifies as receiving blessing?  Are they the high and mighty of the world, or are they something else?  Who does Jesus welcome?  Do you fit in one of these categories?  Thank Jesus for His open arms of blessing.

#3 - Jesus’ Compassion: Read Matthew 9: 1 - 8  How does Jesus respond to this poor paralytic man?  Imagine yourself in his place.  What would you expect Jesus to say?  What does He say?  How does that make you feel?  Do you believe that there is something in your life that keeps Jesus from being able to work in your life?  Does this passage suggest something different to you?  Thank Jesus for his love and forgiveness.

#4 - Jesus’ Kingdom: Read Matthew 13: 31 - 33.  What is the picture given for the Kingdom of Heaven?  How does it grow?  What do you think this means in your life?  How has the reality of God’s kingdom affected you?

#5 - Jesus’ Table: Read Matthew 26: 26 - 29.  In Jesus’ culture, eating a meal with someone was a very serious thing.  You would never eat with just anyone, but only those who you desired to have a real relationship with.  Jesus is willing to have us sit at his table.  Reflect on His words at this table.  How do you feel sitting at the same table with Jesus?

After you do these, please e-mail me about what Jesus taught you.  I would love to know how He is speaking to you.

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Moses was on the mountain for six days before God spoke to him about all his plans for the nation. (Exodus 24)  What do you think Moses did for six whole days?  Sometimes I have a problem being still for 6 minutes, let alone waiting for 6 days.  If we want to learn how to walk with God, it seems that waiting is a requirement.  We have to learn how to be still and quiet in His presence.  It won’t always be easy.  It may take us time to learn how to do this.  But most things worth doing often take time to learn.  Are you learning how to wait?  A great place to start is by reading a psalm and just quietly dwelling on a few of the words about God. When your mind wanders, bring it back to the Lord by repeating the word or phrase.  After being still for a while, write your various thoughts down.  See what kind of thoughts come back to you over time.  You don’t have to start by trying to match Moses with a stretch of 6 days.  Try 6 minutes!

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The last word in the book of Acts is the word unhindered.   In its context, the word describes Paul’s ability to minister even though he was under some type of house arrest.  But as noted on Sunday a few weeks ago,  it may well have been meant as a word picture for more than Paul.  It may have been about the Spirit working through the church.  What does the word unhindered evoke in your mind as you reflect on it?  What hinders you in your life?  What can be done about those hindrances? Do you believe that life with God could free you from those hindrances?

As believers it is important to realize that God calls us into freedom… freedom with a purpose to live life with Him and for Him.  There is an abundant richness God is calling us to, if we will be willing to take the steps toward him.

I want to live Unhindered……

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