The First 15

Friday January 6, 2023

by Jan Davis

Today is Friday, January 6 and we are exploring what the Bible says about new beginnings.

Opening Prayer

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 in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Scripture Reading

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. Psalm 98:1-2

Pause and Pray

On January sixth, the Christmas Season comes to a close and a new season, the Season of Epiphany, begins. This is a time to celebrate God’s gift of Christian community. In the early church, 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.

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

Reflection

This scripture reminds me how I can be present with God and with others. I approach a holy and mighty God with confidence because of Jesus who opened the way for me through the shedding of his blood. I draw near to God with full assurance because I have been washed and cleansed through the blood of Christ. I trust God’s faithfulness and love for me because of Jesus, my savior. He is my redemption and my hope. These words remind 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 in 2023.

Ask: What steps can I take in 2023 to form new habits of Christian community? What relationship will help me grow in faith, encouragement, love and good deeds?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for Jesus 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

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 soul 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 Father, 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 faithful community of Christian friends 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

Closing Prayer

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

The First 15

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