Wednesday September 22, 2021

Today is Wednesday, September 22 and this week we are exploring life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ in the gospels.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

I am here listening for your voice, Father God. Speak to my heart the message you have for me today. Come Holy Spirit, lead me into a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Today I join in the praise of Almighty God with the beautiful words of Psalm 84.

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Psalm 84:1-3

Pause and Pray

We continue our journey with Jesus through the gospels and reflect on his encounters with various people he meets along the way. Each encounter is life-changing for the person. Today we are in Capernaum, the hometown of Simon (Peter) and Andrew. On the Sabbath day Jesus teaches in the synagogue and people are amazed at his authority. He encounters a man possessed by an impure spirit whom Jesus casts out. The small group leaves the synagogue and goes to Simon Peter’s nearby dwelling.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. Mark 1:27-31

Simon Peter’s mother-in-law wants to welcome Jesus into her home and serve him, but she suffers an ailment that prevents her from doing so. She is in bed with a fever. She is unable to get up, she is unable to do what she would like to do, she is unable to serve. Her infirmity prevents her from utilizing her gifts and serving to the fullest.

What is preventing me from serving Jesus? What obstacle or barrier in my life is hindering me from giving all that I have to the service of my Lord? What challenge do I face that is blocking me from the path God has designed for me? What emotional, physical, spiritual, mental, relational, or financial ailment is standing between me and my God-given purpose in life? Perhaps it is an attitude, an emotion or a fear. I am born to serve God, serve my family and serve the church. This gives my life fulfillment and meaning. God has gifted me to do so, what stands in my way?

Ask: What is preventing me from fully engaging in a life of love – serving God and others?

Pause and pray

Holy God, thank you for the stories of Jesus in the gospels. Thank you for the teachings of Jesus that come with authority. I love you with all my heart, soul, strength and mind; I want to love and serve you and others. Whatever obstacle stands in the way from me fully serving you, I ask you to remove that barrier in the name of Jesus Christ. I read the passage from Mark again slowly, paying attention to what you are saying to me today.

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. Mark 1:27-31

Pause and pray

What is God trying to say to me through the words and images found in this passage of scripture? How do these words, phrases or images inform my journey of faith? What is preventing me from rising up and serving Jesus? When the disciples learned Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever they immediately told Jesus about her. Jesus is already aware of my infirmity. Jesus knows. As Jesus went to the bedside of Simon Peter’s incapacitated mother-in-law, I imagine he comes alongside me. I imagine Jesus standing over me and taking my hand as he took hers. I receive the help I need to stand up and stand firm. Whatever prevents me from fully serving my purpose in life, because of Jesus it leaves as quickly as a fever breaks.

Pause and pray

Holy and Loving God, I need the help of Jesus. The things of this world weigh me down and prevent me from fulfilling your good purposes for me. God, you have ordained my path, prepared and equipped me for your service, yet something holds me back from taking my next step. Whatever it is Lord Jesus, come to me, take my hand, help me up, heal me so that I may fully serve you. Amen.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I seek a fresh encounter with Jesus and the freedom to take my next steps. Show me how to serve you and serve those around me in the name of Jesus. Amen.