Friday January 14, 2022

Today is Friday, January 14 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about new beginnings.

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

Holy God, in the peace of these morning moments, I long to experience your presence. Come Holy Spirit, reveal the new things you want for me in this new year. Enable me to hear the message you have for me today in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

In the morning I praise the Lord with a new song citing the words from Psalm 98.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:1-3

Pause and Pray

In the book of Hebrews, some members of the Christian community withdrew from the fellowship, probably because of persecution. The early believers were subject to ridicule, arrest, imprisonment and loss of property as a result of their beliefs. Having met those trials with joy, they attempt to continue in faith and good works. They help and support one another in love. The bible encourages these Christians to persevere and hold confidently to their faith in Jesus. Hebrews encourages them not to fall away or give up meeting with other Christians. These words encourage me to continue to be a part of the church today. Our senior pastor, David Alexander, shared a vision with our congregation to be a “New Church for a New World” in the new year. Hebrews provides me inspiration to be a part of that new church in 2022.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:19-25

This scripture reminds me how I can be present with God and with others. I approach a holy and almighty God with confidence because of Jesus who opened the way for me to God through the shedding of his blood. I draw near to God with full assurance because I have been washed and cleansed through the sacrifice of Christ. I trust God’s faithfulness and love for me because of Jesus, my savior. He is my redemption and my hope. The scripture also reminds me how I can be present with others. I am to meet regularly with other Christians and not get in the habit of neglecting worship attendance, church fellowship and small group meetings. I am to encourage other Christians and “spur them on” to love and good deeds. I need them to do the same for me. I need to consistently be an active part of the church in order to grow strong in my faith.

Ask: How have I given up meeting together with other Christians in the prior year (perhaps due to the restrictions of the pandemic)? What steps can I take in 2022 to form new habits of Christian community, growth in the faith, encouragement, love and good deeds?

Pause and pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for Jesus Christ and the salvation he brings. Thank you that I am able to draw near to you, cleansed from sin and guilt, washed with the pure water of forgiveness. I hold on to your promises with hope and confidence. Encourage me to live the life you desire for me as an active part of a faithful Christian community, encouraging others in all circumstances. I read Hebrews again and listen for the message you have for me.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:19-25

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?

Pause and pray

The First 15 is designed to help me learn to pray the scriptures for myself. This daily exercise helps me hear God’s voice through the ancient texts. As I study today’s passage, I ask God to teach me how to live my life. God invites me to draw near to him. I ask God to show me when I am reluctant to draw near and reveal the reasons why I hesitate. I envision my heart sprinkled with holy water, my conscience cleansed from guilt, my body washed in purity. I am clean – body, mind and spirit because of Jesus. I consider my faithfulness in loving others and doing good deeds. Like a horse is encouraged to walk or run, I wonder what would “spur” me on to love more and do more for others. I consider my faithfulness in gathering with other Christians and how God might be asking me to improve my habits. Where does God want me to find encouragement for the Christian life and am I taking full advantage of what God offers?

Pause and pray

Come Holy Spirit, I invite you into my heart, my life and my circumstances. Loving God, I draw near to you and long to abide in your presence. Precious Lord Jesus, cleanse me of all sin and guilt. Encourage me to make positive changes for the future. Guide me to a renewed and strengthened Christian community and strengthen me to persevere in the faith living the life you have designed for me. Amen.

I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:3-5a

As I leave this time of prayer, I go into a new year ready for the new things God has for me and committing myself to live a life of encouragement, love and good deeds.

Amen