Drawn By God

Devotional Guide

August 26^th September 2^th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

Rising sun and warming air bring energy and light to this day of creation. Father of all I pray to you in my simplicity. Heal all my pain in mind, body and spirit. I seek your teaching That I may grow in greater love to you, neighbor, and self. I pray this knowledge so that I act to secure justice and peace for your people. Amen

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images

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What would you like God to erase in your life?

How is God redrawing you in love to love?

Do you feel drawn to God, to learn, pray, connect?

What has God drawn you to or has God drawn you

away from something?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Drawn by God  John 6: 41-55

      Our language is quirky. We have words that sound the same but are spelled differently with different meanings: to, two, too or there, their, or they’re. Words that sound and are spelled the same with different meanings are called homonyms. In John 6:44 (NKJV) Jesus says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;”. Draws is a homonym. Is it draws like a picture, or draws water from a well with a pitcher? Hmmm.

    God draws our attention through his grace. As God draws us forth, he continues to erase and redraw us into the vision he has for us. Part of this revision is understanding Jesus as what we need to live. He is the spiritual food, and redeeming life given through his life, sacrifice and victory through his resurrection. This revision can only come through grace and is only sustained through our humility to God and living in love with others. This response to grace is living as Christ taught us.

     So, I guess we are drawn to be drawn to God. Ann

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Virtues to Live by

Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How will you  love God, neighbor, self more each day?

LOVE GOD,                LOVE NEIGHBOR

HUMILITY                  SELF- CONTROL

GENTLENESS             GRATITUDE

Humility is understanding our need for God, grace, love, community.

It is the letting go of ego, and control and finding peace in acceptance and gratitude for the Love of God, Christ and Spirit

SENDING PRAYER

God, send me to do your will in all I say and do. Encourage my sight and understanding to see others in your compassion and mercy. Impart the words I need to share your love. Bless me in my day to be the aroma of grace. Amen

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

I rest in the thought of my love, the God of life, grace, and redemption. I relax in the peace of my knowing within his joy and liberation. I pause to remember my path in love and correct my day so that I may live in constant praise to the Lord of All. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Prayer              Scripture          Service                       Compassion

Worship           Forgiveness     Commitment   Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

The light recedes, and the crickets take up their praise to you. I too take this time to praise you for all this day contained. I praise you for life, love, grace, your presence, your power, and your generosity. I praise your forgiveness and seek to grow in my forgiveness and love through your Word and Spirit. Guide my dreams and bring only beauty and peace as my dust and spirit rest. In the vulnerability of sleep, I leave myself in your grace so that in the rising sun of tomorrow’s beginnings I may grow in my love for you and others. Amen

Listen to the Smell

Devotional Guide

August 12-29^th

Morning

PRAYER

Morning haze and rainy drips slow my awareness of the day ahead. I seek my Lord to remain in sleep and warmth beneath the blankets. Inspire my awakening into your Spirit and Word to learn and be challenged to your direction and sculpting. I seek in my love for you to please you in this day as I live in your grace. Amen

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

“Listen do you smell something?” Ephesians 4:25-5:2

    I love this quote from the movie Ghostbusters. But I ask you, do you smell something? In Ephesians, we are in our worship, commitment, kindness, and love an aroma to God. The burning of sacrificial meat upon the altar is a pleasing aroma to God. This leads me to believe our living sacrifices while not literally flayed upon a hibachi have an odor or are perceived by God as aromas and stenches. Imagine the slanderous and bitter words expelled from our mouths with the reek of waste. We certainly would know and those around us as well the destructiveness of our speech. We can’t always smell ourselves. We may need others to tell us that we need to bathe and get right with God. Our hearts have become foul and we need to brush our teeth in the Word of God. What is telling in this scripture is that our aim is to please God. It isn’t what we want to smell like. It isn’t about being pleasing to those around us. We are called instead to be a fragrance pleasing to God. So, dab Christ on your wrist and a little Jesus after you shave. Serve in love and kindness and be the aroma of love that covers the world in God’s grace. Listen to God and do what is right to smell like something beautiful.

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

http://achievingadventure.com/blogs/achieving-adventure/2018/03/06/body-odor-stinks-control-it-during-long-distance-adventures/

What do your actions smell like?

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Virtues to Live by

Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How will you love God, neighbor, self more each day?

LOVE GOD,                LOVE NEIGHBOR

HUMILITY                  SELF- CONTROL

GENTLENESS             GRATITUDE

Gratitude is an appreciation of all that we are and have in our lives. It is being thankful for the sustaining abundance given by God, and the unseen grace given in the Spirit. It is a recognition of all that God is, does, and provides. How will you approach an attitude of thankfulness?

SENDING PRAYER

God, send me to do your will in all I say and do. Encourage my sight and understanding to see others in your compassion and mercy. Impart the words I need to share your love. Bless me in my day to be the aroma of grace. Amen

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Father, I pause. I center upon you, the scripture I have read today. I breathe and remember your hand upon me, your leading, your desires for me to become full in your grace. I am thankful for Christ, and Spirit.

I center, I pause, I wait upon you, Lord. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Prayer              Scripture          Service                       Compassion

Worship           Forgiveness     Commitment   Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Father, the gift of this day has passed so quickly. Moments have lingered, and others have flashed without notice. I consider this day and my responses in it. I consider my attitudes, my actions, my words. I consider my devotion and commitment to you, others, in light of my own selfishness. I consider your love for me. My unworthiness, and my eagerness to receive it. Lord of my life, I pray in awareness, repentance, and for forgiveness. I seek to live in a brighter love and braver witness as the day begins tomorrow. I pray you seek to provide dreams of love and wonder as I sleep. Amen

Pinky Swear

Devotional Guide

August 5^th-12^th

Morning

PRAYER

Father of promise, of possibilities, of glory, I gather myself to enter your presence of peace and Spirit. Guide my understandings, my actions, my devotions to center away from myself and upon you. You are my light, my breath, my soul drenched in your grace. I seek to blossom in your Word and love. Amen

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Pinky Swear     John 6:24-35

This week I have been busy with our church’s Stay and Play lunch.

We provide lunch for the children as the school prepares for the start of classes and deep clean the cafeteria. We have been singing the song “Hymn of Promise” by Natalie Sleeth. It is a song of transformation and resurrection found through grace and Jesus Christ. With my mind on things childlike, I thought of our ideas of promises. Christ says we don’t believe because of the signs, but because he feeds us. Are our understandings of God still like this? Do we continue to make childish commitments to God in order to get what we want? Or have we grown in love to be those who in our love for God choose to provide what others need?

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

http://defendingjehovahswitnesses.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-did-thomas-say-my-lord-and-my-god.html

What is the symbolism of this image?

What emotions does the image inspire in you?

What questions, understandings arise about God through this image?

What is God through the Holy Spirit revealing for you to do, act, respond?

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

SENDING PRAYER

Father of life, my life guide my thoughts, actions, words. Lead me in grace to share your love. To accept all that comes in this day with hope, patience, and understanding. Strengthen me when I feel weak, encourage me through any fears or hesitancy. Lord let me know your presence and Spirit is always upon me that I may show others the path to your grace. Amen

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

I pause in the busyness of this day, I wait in my tiredness, I ponder the day. I think of you Lord. I remember the day’s beginning. I center again on your purpose for me today. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Prayer              Scripture          Service                       Compassion

Worship           Forgiveness     Commitment   Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

The day and all it contained is fading into memory and shadow. How am I to realize all it has contained and seek to live in its power to transform me. Lord of sight open my heart to see within that which must be changed by your grace. Open my eyes to see all that is within my power to achieve your peace and justice. Lord fill me with your glorious Spirit and confidence in your grace to live assured of your love and forgiveness. For I desire only to live and become the person you need and desire. Lay upon me the rest of sleep, gentle and deep. As I rise again into new day and fresh light take me in your grace and form me into your servant. Amen

The Dark Path

Devotional Guide

July 29^th -August 5^th

Morning

PRAYER

Morning light and chirping bird, sweetness of breath and waking mind all surround me as I come into your presence. Lord of this day and all it contains, of winsome moments, challenges, and grace lead me in your love. Guide me in leaving behind all the needless, nonsense, negative, and stumbling concerns. Fill me with all that is sweet and powerful that comes from your Spirit, Word, and life. Lead me to understand and grow that I may be more fully me in you. Amen

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Then There Was the Wind     John 6:16-21

. I remember camping at Potato Creek State Campground when the kids were little. We rented canoes and were having fun. Then the wind changed, and I found myself with two children struggling to steer and paddle the canoe. I panicked. Ron was yelling directions that were just confusing and making me panic more. Eventually Ron made it to us and we paddled to the dock together.

We find ourselves unable to navigate things in life. We may be going right along on a clear day paddling easily when things change suddenly. The wind whips up and we lose all sense of any control we had. It becomes a dark scary time. We may feel alone and not able to operate in what we know. God may even seem far away.

What we learn is that God is near. He jumps right in and before we know it we are safe. Time becomes distorted. We find suffering seems to last forever and marvel when dry land suddenly is under our feet. The winds calm, and our memories serve to bring us hope and trust in the power of God.

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

https://danscaminotravels.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/day-3-pamplona-and-on-to-zariquiegui-18-miles/

What is the symbolism of this image?

What emotions does the darkness inspire in you?

What questions, understandings arise about God through this image?

What is God through the Holy Spirit revealing to you in this image?

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Virtues to Live by

Consider what you can do to live out each virtue this week. How will you  love God, neighbor, self more each day?

LOVE GOD,                LOVE NEIGHBOR

HUMILITY                  SELF- CONTROL

GENTLENESS             GRATITUDE

Love of neighbor is an interest in others. It is a call to think and serve the needs and interests of other people before your self. What can you do this week to love your neighbor?

SENDING PRAYER

“Jesus, savior, Pilot me over life’s tempestuous sea; unknown wave before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal. Chart and compass came from thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me” (United Methodist Publishing House 1989).

 Richard Hopper 1871 Jesus Savior, Pilot Me

                                                 

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

I take in breath and exhale all the waste from my lungs. I inhale your presence Lord and lay down all the wasted thoughts and actions. I bring myself to hear your Spirit calm me and direct me into the purpose of this day. I seek the peace and beauty found only in your grace. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Prayer              Scripture          Service                       Compassion

Worship           Forgiveness     Commitment   Repentance

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Father, I consider this day and all it has contained. I consider myself within each event. Lord I confess my failures and my stumbling. I seek your guidance and grace in the wind and the stillness. May you bless this night with calm and restful sleep, drenched in peace and the beauty of your love. Amen