Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Reflection:

Paul's caution to the Philippians is also force today.
Ask yourself, what is it that holds my focus? Where
do I find my identity? What am I hungry for? What do
I believe will satisfy that hunger? Foods? Shopping?
Money? Work? Electronics?

As we reflect on Jesus-His suffering leading up to His
resurrection-we are invited into a time of lessening
extremes in our life, perhaps even eliminating or fasting
from that I used a few fasting is something I desire
being taken away from me. Sometimes it felt more like
a punishment than anything else. What this spiritual
practice actually offers us is the opportunity each create
space in which God will meet us in our weakness. God
will fill that empty space with Himself, with His love and
grace. He reminds us that our identity is as His beloved
child, not in the short-lived things that our world values.
Let us create that space. See how God you.

Prayer:

I have created space for you, Lord. Fill it with you. Amen

(The Covenant Home Alter, Daily Devotions, author
Jennifer Andersson)

Scripture:

Psalm 3

Reflection:

When I was a young girl, I discovered the
coolest hiding place underneath the role of
bushes that ran alongside my church across
the street. I would go there to be alone, to have
a place that was just my. I felt safe, secure,
protected, close to God.

The psalmist sings, "that you, old Lord, are a
shield around me" (v.3, NLT). Often, when I call
on God for protection, I picture Him putting a
force field around me, warding off danger. Other
times, I see God as my hiding place, like the
bushes around my church I am seeking the
comfort of His embrace. There I feel safe, secure,
protected, unafraid.

"I lay down and sleep, yet I woke up in safety, for
the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid"
(vv. 5-6. NLT)

Prayer:

Lord, you are my hiding place. You fill my broken
heart with songs of deliverance. You see how the
weak or strong. You never meant for me to walk
alone. Amen

(The Covenant Home Alter, Daily Devotion, author Jennifer Andersson)

Scripture:

Genesis 15:1-6

Reflection:

I admit to periodic short-term memory loss. I may
recognize God's blessing in my life, celebrated, and
thank God wholeheartedly for it. But, not too long
later, I am back to ruminating on a challenge I'm
facing, or focusing on what someone else has that
I don't.

God's word reminds me that I'm not alone. In this
passage God promises Abraham that his reward will
be great. Yet despite this reassurance, Abraham is
more focused on what he does not have been what
he has been given and promised by God. Remarkably,
God does not take offense to Abraham's challenge.
Instead, God offers him grace and another opportunity.
He calmly takes Abraham outside to look at the stars
and help them gain perspective, promising him a son
and countless descendents. This time Abraham
believes the Lord, and God declares him righteous
because of his faith. Abraham was figuring out his faith.
God offers us the same grace as we work out our faith
with him.

Prayer:

Lord, help me remember and give thanks each day for
your activity in my life. Amen

(The Covenant Home Alter, Daily Devotions, author
Jennifer Andersson)