Arise and Abide

Reading Psalms 30 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Psalm speaks to how God takes us from death to life, morning to joy. God rescues, heals, and restores our hearts. No real control over how people will respond to you. The power of God to make the impossible, possible is a truth we should start our day in. Let God do His good work in you, He is able. God is good.

Reading from Genesis 2:5-25 (NLT) ~The Man and Woman in Eden~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Getting to some details the overview of chapter one left out. God breathing life into us and being made in His image. Man and Woman together make a more perfect picture of the image of God than we make on our own. We were not meant to be alone, or with just a dog or cat. God mentioning the tree of knowledge of good and evil, before making a declaration of something that is not Good. Feeling no shame.

Reading from Genesis 1:1-2:4 (NLT) ~The Account of Creation~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God preparing a place for us to live. The poetic nature of the account. The significant break in the story to tell us that we are made in His image. The constancy of God, the power of His word, goodness defined, and showing us a rhythm of life. God had the power and strength to do more in one day but took the time to stop and appreciate what He just made. The day of rest is the day God declared Holy.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 28:11-20 (NLT) ~The Report of the Guard, The Great Commission~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Pharisees, who have been calling Jesus the deceiver, plot more lies. When convinced you’re right, even though you’re wrong, it takes humility to grow and become more like Jesus. We will never be “right” by winning an intellectual debate, we are “right” when we live in right relationship and teach other to do the same.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 28:1-10 (NLT) ~The Resurrection~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not seeing his disciples in any of the accounts at the tomb. The fear of the guards, and the encouragement of the angles to the women “don’t be afraid”. Jesus’ character is not about a show or a big production. How one might have imagined it of happened. Spending time with Jesus turns your fear of God into love, and a desire to surrender more to His goodness.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 27:57-65 (NLT) ~The Burial of Jesus, The Guard at the Tomb~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The rich man and follower of Jesus, continues to give his heart to Jesus and possessions to Jesus. Some followers had to remember Jesus said he would rise from the dead as the Pharisees did. The Pharisees trying to explain away what people witnessed by saying they were deceived. The same, old, tactics of the enemy, fear and doubting questions.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 27:45-56 (NLT) ~The Death of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The significance of the tearing of the curtain and the craziness of the scene. Jesus feeling the separation from God sin creates. The power of God’s love is more than we can understand. Reminder of Psalms 29. Jesus’ death breaking the grip of the grave.

Reading Psalms 29 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. A psalm praising the glory, strength, and power. Praising the LORD on a consistent basis. Forgetting to give God glory because of life’s comforts. Connecting with God in nature. The Power of God displayed in nature. His creation is happy, skipping and leaping. Jesus triumphant entry, the rocks would cry out. God’s peace is what our hearts are desperate for. His strength and power provide the peace because He is for us, we should celebr

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 27:27-44 (NLT) ~The Soldiers Mock Jesus, The Crucifixion~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The mockery of the kingdoms of the world, and the greatness of the Kingdom of God. Jesus, at His lowest, recalls how the least will be the greatest. Human nature to mock the downfall of those we don’t like or agree with as though you are justified in your criticism. Proverbs 24:17. Jesus didn't just save others.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 27:11-10 (NLT) ~Jesus’ Trial Before Pilot~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Responding to accusations out of pride and offence in our flesh vs. when we redirect our attention to what God says about our life. Everyone knew the leaders were lying and that Jesus was innocent. Nothing else needed to be said and the people made their choices. God’s sovereignty over this and His plan being carried out.