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Reading: “And we
know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may
know him who is true and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He
is the true God and eternal life.” I John 5:20
Throughout this study Listen, of Romans chapter eight, we have
paused to hear the Spirit’s powerful words that too often get buried under
daily stress and noise. And consider seeing through a new perspective the
challenges and gifts that enter our lives, so that we are trusting in His
foundation. His ongoing word.
No Condemnation!
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,
says the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
So how then do we move forward and continue to Listen? Where
might we start?
Richard Foster says that God is calling us into His heart,
His home, and the key to this home—the heart of God—is prayer.
Foster introduces intercessory prayer as priestly ministry,
and as one of the most challenging teachings in the New Testament. He says this
is not optional; it is a sacred obligation—and a precious privilege—of all who
take up the yoke of Christ. He says, “we are his ambassadors, commissioned by him. We have been given his name to use with
his full authority. Therefore, the content and the character of our praying
must be, of necessity, in unity with his nature.”
So, maybe our first steps are to continue to listen with
expectation and intent. As Jesus set an example for us—to go to His Father first—and then into
action. Trust.
Lord, we thank you for your ongoing grace and compassion and
forgiveness. Please keep us attuned to your prayers and your plans, that we
will walk in complete trust and faithfulness to your call.
Psalm of Worship: 1 John 5:14-15
“And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask
anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in
whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.”
Reflection Questions
1.
Are you ready to ask God anything? Why or why
not?
2.
Are you ready to accept His answer? Why or why
not?
3.
What are some ways that we can grow into
boldness with humility and obedience?
4.
How can we let condemnation go towards
ourselves, and others?
5.
Are we ready to be convinced that nothing is
able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord?
Share: What word
has the Lord given you from this overall study that you can step into boldness
in your relationship with Him?
Thank you for sharing in our journey to Listen together.
Trust
To kneel before the
journey is to accept
all consequences;
trust
the heartbeat to
walk the road
itself a healing
hand
laid upon
shoulder like
a knight’s
ordination.
Excerpt from Pilgrimage
Purify
The shadows we
wear determines
journey.
Fly or trudge?
When weighted by
sin’s appeal each
step a cycle
fall—rise—try
again
bonded to
earth’s grave.
Release the
outer
chains, rise
higher
above the ground
float free into
possibilities.
Hebrews 12:1,“let us also lay aside every weight and the sin
that clings so closely,”
Just as last week’s witnesses before and present, visible
and invisible, encourage us toward a path of promise, so we need to examine what
exactly we carry with us as we walk.
Have you ever stood in a line at an airport and wondered how
anyone could be traveling with so much baggage? Have you ever been the person
that every one stares at as you try to maneuver an overflowing cart of luggage?
Yet perhaps the person with the lightest visible carry-on is
actually the one weighted down the most within. Heart and mind and soul heavy.
Even when we want to or try to unload the sin we carry, we
often keep it. We hold on for many reasons: it is familiar, we think we can
handle it, we consider it a constant reminder of our weaknesses to avoid, or
hide, or pay penance for.
Yet they are in reality invisible chains that strangle fresh
hope. They weary our bodies and our souls and our minds with a fatigue and
sluggishness that we often don’t even recognize.
They slow down the journey, cause resentment from those
around us, and steal our joy. But somehow we can’t quite let go. The grip is
too strong. Unless we are willing to receive help, or to share the burden with
another, or help someone else with theirs. Then we can lift our vision to see
our journey with expectancy and new energy.
Jesus says, “Come to
me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you
rest.” We are on this journey by His invitation and by His provision. We
can travel light within and without because He walks alongside. Only He can
remove our sin weight. His promise to us.
Lord, please help us to each see the sin we continue to hold
onto and relinquish it into Your hands, so that we may travel our days fully
released in life.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 63:8
“My soul clings to Thee;
Thy right hand upholds me.”
The City
Fairy tales contain
castles in the sky
beauty so magnificent
hearts become seized
with longing and quest
to belong. A
dream
that continues when
pages are closed. Yet
reality builds today a
city beyond comprehension,
kingdom of forgiveness.
Begin journey.
Hebrews 11:10, “For he looked forward to the city that has
foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
A fresh calendar, a new slate is often how we anticipate a
new year or month, week or sometimes even a free day, and yet there also lingers
the undone from yesterday and conflicting emotions.
Are we running ahead with anticipation or running away? Standing on tiptoe to seek God’s
vision, or burying our heads under staggering concerns.
Abraham dwelt in a tent and dreamed of God’s city. Some
might think it only as a myth, a fairy tale, or an exaggerated sense of
imagination, yet he knew the architect personally and already had been the
recipient of God’s grace. So the disconnect between daily life on desert plains,
sandstorms, and unfamiliar routes and his long-term destination were not
incompatible, not an emotional escape.
Every day he stood on that farseeing hope for guidance,
choices and purpose. Was it easier then to see his horizon without the time
clock frenzy that interrupts our ability to pause and dream and wonder with
awe?
Lord, please set each of us firmly on the path You choose
for us to journey and give us hearts to live into Your vision. No matter how
difficult a day may become, keep our faith fixed on Your foundations as we
build our lives with Your words.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble,
And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee;
For Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.”
Hebrews 11:8, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to
set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out,
not knowing where he was going.”
I live in a city where the statistics say that 50% of the
population leaves after two years. Daily driving around parked moving vans is a
given. If a person stays four, then he is considered a real resident. I came
for a year and am now into my seventh, but feel like a visitor. There are many
days that I still don’t have a clue where I’m going—literally. I have become
somewhat of an expert on wrong turns though and what streets to avoid.
New journeys often start with excitement and anticipation,
just like beginning faith steps. But then the map is backwards, a road doesn’t
exist, the cart’s wheels fall off and suddenly it’s all overwhelming. That
faith walk is as uncertain as the changing weather patterns. Instead of
answering a nudge to become kinder, we find ourselves crabbier than ever. We
start looking back to what was instead of ahead to new possibilities.
Spiritually and emotionally some days are a challenge to
face, either because we have no idea what to expect, or we know exactly what
the day will bring and do not want to participate at all. Like a stubborn toddler
the word ‘no’ rushes up within, even if we keep silent.
At least that’s what I often contemplate when I forget whose
hand is holding onto me and who knows every step on the route He has prepared,
no matter how many hours, months or years the process will take. The final
destination is His chosen place. What I do need to do is walk a little closer.
Lord, I pray to obey with faith and go forward as you lead
that today I may live in Your inheritance, in accord with Your purposes, and
trust whatever steps You choose for me to take.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 131:2
“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child
with its mother;
my soul is like a weaned child that is with me.”
Scripture: Exodus 40: 38, For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel. In sight of all the house of Israel. All of the house of Israel. God’s Presence to all His people. Throughout all their journeys. At the place of worship. At the tabernacle. “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;” Jesus said. The Spirit of truth whom the world cannot know but He abides in Jesus’ disciples to teach and comfort and guide. Forever. For all. For the journey. Lord, You did not leave or forsake Israel through the long, delayed journey despite their disobedience, their ignorance, the obstacles, the setbacks. You offer Yourself again to this stubborn generation as a constant companion. Visible to Israel, invisible to us; yet real, tangible, trustworthy to both. May I walk in faithfulness, in honesty, in worship, with a grateful heart, throughout all the journeys ahead. Secure in Your promises. Safe in Your Presence. Thank you Lord. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 89:15 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Thy countenance.
Scripture: Exodus 17:1, Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin according to the command of the Lord,… A journey in stages with time set aside to adapt to the new terrain, to explore the sights and sounds of plants and animals, to investigate the local history. To drink in atmosphere. Sounds like a great vacation. Opportunities to assimilate new freedom, new relationships with God. Anticipation draws us forward though. We become anxious to reach our destination, begin our new life. Delays, slow meanderings, meadow stops can also serve as irritants. Spiritual growth develops in stages. Except we desire instant maturity in ourselves and in others. On our life journey we luxuriate in sun warmed sandy beaches and grouse under pounding rain. God brought Israel forward in stages. He brings us forward as we are able, step by step by step. Lord, may I see all my days: sunny or dreary, fast-paced or snail driven, joyous praise or sorrowful petition, as all a part of Your plan for me to reach maturity, to reach my destination in You. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fulness of joy;
Scripture: Exodus 4:1, Then Moses answered and said, ‘What if…’ Moses brought the Lord a question many prophets have echoed throughout time. What if they don’t believe me or listen to me? What then? Moses struggled to comprehend God’s message, he also questioned his ability to succeed. And God answered. Patiently, one detail at a time, God spoke to Moses’ queries, doubts, and fears, confirming His supply. God knows our frame, knows we are dust and knows that sometimes we need tangible answers to take the next step. He know our minds whirl with ‘will I be competent’ and what if I can’t do this’. Jesus told His disciples their faith was too little to heal the demonic boy in Matthew and with faith the size of a mustard seed they could move mountains. In Mark, Jesus amplifies His answer. They need to pray. God acknowledged Moses’ struggle of faith without anger and with concrete promises. Still Moses continued to question until there were no excuses left. God had provided for all of Moses’ initial confusion and stumblings. Now God’s anger burned. Despite God’s sufficiency, Moses trembled. He hid behind smoke screens. He attempted to talk himself out of serving by shielding himself with arguments. Lord, I can work up excellent reasons and debate why I should not serve when the truth is I’m afraid and unwilling. Please expand my faith to mustard seed size so I will respond in obedience and trust when You tell me all my ‘what ifs’ are provided for by You. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 121:2-3 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Scripture: Exodus 3:6, He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” God did not speak to Moses until Moses turned to look. Why? Did Moses’ curiosity indicate an open mind and heart to hear God? God already knows our thoughts. He knew Moses was ready to listen. But Moses needed to know now he was ready to be God’s servant, to serve God. “I am the God of your father. I have seen the affliction.” Moses’ earlier attempts to deal with the Hebrew’s sufferings resulted in his run to the desert from criminal charges, and Israel continuing in anguish. Moses knew that his methods had failed, his concepts of how God could use him, perhaps even his perception of God’s character was mistaken. Now that God had Moses’ attention He gives Moses His name. I AM. God wanted to tell Moses who He was. Not the gods of Egypt, not the God of Moses’ imagination; the Lord, God of Moses’ ancestors, God of the promises. Moses had to be willing to listen. Am I willing Lord, to ask to know You as You are? Can I move beyond stereotypes, myths, and wishful thinking? Your name is still “I AM”. And to-day You still call Your people to freedom, to salvation. Open my ears, Lord, that I may listen to Your call. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
Scripture: Exodus 3:3, So Moses said, “I must turn aside now, and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” Agendas drive our days. Either by choice or by demand work fills our time. Our clocks pulse to the routine daily rhythms. Moses pastured his father-in-law’s flock, a familiar everyday duty. On this day he came to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. Was this the first time? Did Moses often bring his flock on this route of wilderness? Scripture only tells us of this day when God met Moses in the midst of his common responsibilities. The bush burned but was not consumed, and Moses turned aside to investigate. Would I be so flexible, so curious? Do I even expect to see God in the ‘thick of things’ or have I a time and a place reserved for church or prayer, hoping to hear God’s voice there when I am ready to listen? Would He, I wonder, arrest my concentration? Moses, attuned to his surroundings, his curiosity peaked, chose to seek an answer. And when God saw Moses taking the time to see, then He spoke. Lord, am I willing to take the time to investigate the unusual interruptions, to see if You are present in them, or do I ignore them, in an attempt to control my day? Keep me flexible and open to You. May I not be so bound in routine that You cannot catch my attention. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress; So our eyes look to the Lord our God, Until He shall be gracious to us.
Scripture: Exodus 2:23, Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died..; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. Pleasant times pass too quickly. The day spent with a friend, a week-end getaway, a quiet solitary retreat all end before we’re ready. Our sigh is ‘so soon’. As the rush of mainstream living catches us up, our memories may just be a fleeting sense of well-being, or a feeling of connectedness. But time spent living with pain and affliction slows to a crawl. We can feel abandoned, lost, and uncared for. How do we reconcile these days with scripture’s word, “I will not fail you or forsake you.” Our sigh is ‘where are You, when will this end?’ While Moses shepherded in Midian, the king of Egypt died but Israel’s plight did not lift. They continued in bondage. Their anguish ascended to God’s ear. He heard them, He noticed them, He remembered His covenant with them. Not that He had forgotten them, His plan was going forward; “it came about in the course of those many days.” Sometimes I forget that God has a course for me far above my plans. His course is one I cannot fathom and when that course is difficult I forget His promises that resolution will come in His time. Continually throughout His ministry Jesus stated, “My hour has not yet come.” With His face set toward Jerusalem, Jesus kept to God’s course. Lord, remind me in these long days to hold onto Your Presence. Let me stick fast to Your side as I wait upon the completion of Your course. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
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