Jesus predicts His resurrection

17 ApriL                          

Read Matthew 16:21-28 and reflect on the passage.

I’ve heard the story of Jesus many times. In the songs of VBS and the drama of Tetélestai, I came to understand His trial, execution, and resurrection on a deeper level. Through personal study, I made more connections and found more answers. Over and over, I’ve been led to this story of hope, adventure, and the encouragement to seek more. Although I’ve read, heard, and sung this story dozens of times, I can’t possibly become immune to the deeply moving and intense selflessness, love, and pleading of Jesus in the last days of His life.

Jesus explains to the disciples—who have been by His side through the best and worst—the most pivotal event in history, and the worst torture and death a person could endure. He willingly gives Himself over because, regardless of the pain He will suffer, He has “in mind the things of God.” What’s more, His concern for each and every one of us is a plea to live the fullest, most intentional, most beautiful lives we can. Jesus asks me to deny myself and follow Him; what better story could I be a part of?

Questions

1. Do you want to be a part of the greater story?

2. Are you ready to deny yourself, give up the things of this world, and experience the “more” that is following Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, there’s no greater adventure, no greater journey, no greater life than the one lived with You. Thank You for Your selflessness and invitation. Amen.

—Abby Fullen

The fruit of the Spirit

13 January 

Scripture Reading

Read Galatians 5:16-26 and reflect on the passage.

I’m in a wide expanse of darkness. A light shines down. With every step, the light moves with me and provides sustenance necessary for the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to bloom as flowers around me. Brilliant colors rise up from thistles threatening to ensnare, but too weak to overcome the power I possess in this light. 

Sometimes I peek at shadows lurking in the darkness, and take a step out of the light to get a better look. It’s there that I’m burdened by the conflict of what the Spirit and my sinful nature desire. Afraid and lonely, I panic at what I might run into in the dark. By grace, I step back into the light’s embrace. The longer I spend here, the harder it is to see the shadows in the darkness, and the less I want to.

I used to view the fruits of the Spirit as a source of striving—I’m not worthy if I don’t possess and reflect them by my own efforts. Now I realize that they aren’t markers by which my faith is being graded, but gifts, stemming from the surrender of letting the Holy Spirit guide my life.

The expanse of darkness that once surrounded me dissipates into a distant memory, and the promise of light-sustained paradise is all I can see.

Questions

1.      Do you see the fruits of the Spirit as requirements, or gifts?

2.      How do you picture the Holy Spirit guiding you?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for joy that comes from walking in Your light, and the allowance to “carry out [our] good intentions,” freely and ungoverned. Amen.

—Abby Fullen