Arise and Abide

Reading Psalms 13 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. When we are in the lows of life if can feel like forever. When we are in our low points, we have a response, it can be hard to sing to God “He is good” when you are in a low point in life, but it is the response that turns our focus off our circumstance and back to God. Sometimes we must reach our lowest points before we die to our self.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 3:11-17 (NLT) ~John the Baptist Prepares the Way Cont., The Baptism of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. John continues to proclaim the greatness of Jesus. The display of God’s endorsement of Jesus. The power of God with them but no one is fully grasping yet. Jesus being endorsed as God’s son declares he is the example we should follow and not our own choice of what is right or wrong, good or evil following the example of Adam and Eve.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 3:1-10 (NLT) ~John the Baptist Prepares the Way~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. John’s call for repentance, for people to change their hearts towards God. John really shaking things up, being apart from the culture. Messages of truth can break through the background noise through the Holy Spirit. Jesus is coming and we can look forward to His return. Take the time to share the good news with those living without peace.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 2:13-23 (NLT) ~The Escape to Egypt, The Return to Nazareth~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The story of Jesus early years shows God’s hand of protection over Jesus and His family. His whole life was fulfillment of prophecy even as a child being led around by his parents. The example of Humanity trying to force their own way. The contrasting examples of living in fear or by faith.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT) ~Visitors from the East~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The visitor’s direct question of “where is the newborn king?”. Possible mixed feelings of the coming of the Messiah. Forced to give information about their hope when their hope is vulnerable. The encouragement and resources this visit provided Mary and Joseph. Everything lined up with what scripture said but was also so different from what the people expected.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT) ~The Birth of Jesus the Messiah~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Patriarchal Society, the angel calling Joseph “Son of David”. The visit from the angel help Joseph reinstate trust with Mary. Joseph’s character. Believe God’s messenger.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 1:1-17 (NLT) ~The Ancestors of Jesus the Messiah~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The list of names, their high and lows, and God’s desire and ability to use people in His purposes. The plan for the Messiah was in the works though every generation. The foreshadowing of Abraham and Isaac. Our propensity to sin and how easily we get distracted form what God called us. Rahab’s inclusion showing God’s grace. The perfection in the order, sequence, and pur

Reading Psalms 12 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. We’ve all had moments when it seems as though everything has gone horribly wrong, and we may find ourselves distracted by our circumstance. Words and the impact words have on others. The trap of thinking our words do not matter. Building a relationship on flattery is like building a house on sand. Flattery vs Encouragement is a heart matter. The heart that gives, and the heart that receives. God’s discernment and guidance in relationshi

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 16:9-20 (NLT) ~The Longer Ending of Mark~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Natural skepticism and stubborn unbelief going back to Adam and Eve. Bad experiences and trauma have cause us to grow in skepticism and stubborn unbelief. We are called to die to that and once again become like children.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 16:1-8 (NLT) ~The Resurrection~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The women preparing to go to Jesus body, thinking over what obstacles and barriers they will encounter. We make plans but we never know what we will experience. Their willingness to go even though they knew the stone was in their way. When we fail, or miss the mark, the good news is still for us.