Category: Reflections

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Lent Day 29: Meeting Failure with Mercy

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Find a place and time to be alone with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you reflect on your relationships past and present and on Jesus’ mercy and renewal in your life.

READ

John 13:21-38

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) Think of a time when you felt you were betrayed by a friend or someone close to you. How did you feel and respond?

2) Has there been a time in your life when you were the betrayer? What events, thoughts, and feelings led you to that action?

3) Have these instances been reconciled and made right? How did you experience Jesus acting in those situations? If they have not yet been resolved, what actions do you sense Jesus inviting you to take? How would you like Jesus to act on your behalf?

OBEY

Jesus foreknew the betrayals of Judas and Peter. And yet Jesus chose them as his disciples, allowing human nature to take its course. In the case of Peter, Jesus invited him to repentance and restoration and Peter responded by becoming a leader of the early church. Like Peter, we may take some embarrassing or regrettable actions, but Jesus invites us to return to him, to “take up our cross and follow” (Matthew 16:24).

Look back at your life for times you have failed and received mercy and renewal. As the Holy Spirit for insight into how those experiences have shaped you into the person you are today. Give Jesus thanks for being with you on every step of your journey.

Guest Writer: Mimi Otani, crazy4jazz.com

 

 

 

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Lent Day 28: Our Comforter and Advocate

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Find a place and time to be alone with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a fresh understanding of how Jesus is with you in the midst of your journey.

READ

John 13:1-20

REFLECT AND PRAY

The image of Jesus that stands out in this passage is that of a protector who knows what is best for us and has our best interests at heart.

In verse 6, Simon Peter questions Jesus, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” He doesn’t understand why Jesus would do such a thing. Jesus’ response is epic: “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”

Jesus’ answer – to trust him as I wait for understanding to come – is a lesson I have had to learn and relearn. His words give me comfort, allowing me to trust whatever process he’s bringing me through and to find rest in Him. He is our comforter and advocate; his presence will carry us through our journey.

2) When in your life have you experienced situations and circumstances beyond your control? How did it feel to face those situations? In what ways were you able to see Jesus in the midst of your journey?

OBEY

How might Jesus be calling you to encourage others to believe Jesus is working on their behalf? Is there a specific person he is bringing to mind?

If you feel led to do so, pray this prayer (or substitute your own words): Lord, help me be available to lift up those I come in contact with during their time of crisis. Help me to be a part of redirecting their hearts and mind towards inviting you into their lives. 

Guest Writer: Mercy Perez

 

 

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Lent Day 27: Becoming Children of the Light

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Find a place and a time to be alone with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of Jesus’ light in your life and to help you listen to the Father’s voice.

READ

John 12:12-50

REFLECT AND PRAY

Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light” (v. 35-6).

1) Where in your life are you experiencing Jesus’ light? What or who is bringing you joy, peace, hope, faith, or love?

2) Where might you be walking in darkness – fear, confusion, sin, doubt? Where do you need Jesus to shine his light on your thoughts, emotions, words, or actions?

OBEY

“I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say” (v. 47-50).

Jesus obeyed by saying whatever the Father told him to say. Ask God if there are any words he would like you to say and to whom you should say them. Perhaps God is calling you to have a conversation with someone close to you, or perhaps he is calling you to tell someone about Jesus. Perhaps they will be easy words to say, or perhaps they will be difficult. Whatever God is asking you to say, pray that he will give you the opportunity to speak and the faith and courage to obey.

 

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Lent Day 26: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

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Each Sunday in Lent will focus on one of Jesus’ miraculous signs in the Gospel of John. 

PREPARE

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your devotional time. Before you read, meditate on John’s words about his Gospel:

But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name – John 20:31.

READ

John 6:1-14

REFLECT AND PRAY

Jesus is fully human as well as fully God. He understands what it means to be hungry and thirsty. He offers compassion and remedy for our physical needs as well as our spiritual and emotional ones.

In addition to providing for the crowd, Jesus uses this miracle as a “testing” (vs. 6) and teaching moment for Philip and the other disciples. He shows them that they are not limited by what they can see – that they can imagine and expect more. He trains them for the time when they will be doing “greater things than these” (John 14:12-14), carrying out their own ministries and miracles in Jesus’ name.

1) What are some of the ways you are called to meet the needs of those around you, as Jesus did?

2) Ask Jesus to bring to mind a specific time or times when he taught and prepared you to carry out his work in the world. What was that experience like for you? How is Jesus continuing to guide and equip you?

OBEY

Jesus made sure everyone “ate as much as they wanted” (vs. 11) and that none of the extra food would go to waste (vs. 12). What might Jesus’ miracle look like in today’s world, where both hunger and food waste are global problems? The United Nations estimates that “Even if just one-fourth of the food currently lost or wasted globally could be saved, it would be enough to feed 870 million hungry people in the world.”

If you feel led to do so, learn more about the problem of wasted food and its relation to world hunger. (It’s a particular problem in the United States.) Ask God if there is some way, big or small, you can contribute to the reduction of food waste and hunger and to the overall care of God’s creation.

If you wish, you may also read or listen to this examen led by James Martin, S.J., who invites us to reflect on the historical connection between Lent and helping the poor.

 

You are also invited to hear a sermon on this passage. It will be streamed on the Vineyard One NYC Facebook page beginning at 10:30 am Eastern Standard Time. (Previous sermon audio files are available at vineyardone.nyc.)

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Lent Day 25: The Blessings of the Week

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Today is a day to review your journey with Jesus over the past week. Ask Jesus to be with you as you do so. Let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts, emotions, and memories.

OPTION 1

Look over the week’s devotionals and/or your journal entries (Day 20, Day 21, Day 22, Day 23, Day 24). What stands out to you?  How has Jesus been present to you this week? Where do you sense Jesus inviting your attention so that you may go deeper with him?

OPTION 2

If looking over the entire week feels too overwhelming, reflect on one or more of these themes from the week’s devotionals:

1) What does it mean to you that Jesus is your Shepherd? How do you need him to guide and speak to you in this coming week?

2) How have you loved, befriended, and honored Jesus through your thoughts, words, and deeds this week? How do you sense Jesus responding to you?

3) Lazarus’ resurrection helps us look forward to Jesus’ resurrection at Easter and to the new life he gives freely to all. As you look at your own life, the lives of those you love, your faith community, nature, and the wider world, what signs of new life do you see? Spend some time rejoicing in these signs of hope and promise.

OBEY
Take a moment to bask in the gifts that God has brought you this week. Tell Jesus your hopes and dreams for the week to come.

 

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Lent Day 24: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus – Three Ways of Loving Jesus

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Breathe in God’s presence. Invite Jesus to be your shepherd. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your ears to hear his voice.

READ

John 11:45-John 12:11

REFLECT AND PRAY

At the dinner at Bethany, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus all show different ways of loving and being with Jesus. Lazarus is there as Jesus’ companion, sharing in the meal and conversation. Martha serves the food. Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her own hair.

1) Who do you most identify with, Mary, Martha, or Lazarus? Why?

2) What is your unique way of loving and being with Jesus? Are there any specific ways you wish you could deepen your relationship with him?

OBEY

Consider stepping out of your comfort zone this week. If you’re a “Martha” who typically serves by taking care of the practical details, try a “Mary” activity like simply sitting at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39) or showing him your adoration through a bodily expression like kneeling in prayer or through dance, gesture, or song. Or, if you’re comfortable with Mary’s contemplative way of being with Jesus, but you have trouble thinking of Jesus as a friend, imagine yourself sharing conversation and a meal with him, as Lazarus did. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, practice relating to Jesus in a new way.

 

 

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Lent Day 23: “Mourning to Dancing”

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Breathe in God’s presence. Invite Jesus to be your shepherd. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your ears to hear his voice.

READ

John 11:1-44

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) Jesus weeps at Lazarus’ tomb but he also experiences deep anger (v. 33, 38). Based on the passage, why do you think he feels such anger? Who or what is his anger directed at? How do the emotions Jesus shows here fit with  – or challenge – your image of who Jesus is?

2) What are some things about this world now that make you angry or sorrowful? How does Jesus feel about those things? How does he feel about your anger and sorrow?

OBEY

 

Now that you have identified something that is troubling you about the world today – something that is not as Jesus intended it to be – how are you called to change it? Ask Jesus to show you one thing you can to do help make things right in the world, to help turn someone’s mourning to dancing, sorrow to joy (Psalm 30:11-12).

 

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Lent Day 22: Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice

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Breathe in God’s presence. Invite Jesus to be your shepherd. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your ears to hear his voice.

READ

John 10:22-42

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) In verses 25-30, Jesus explains the distinction between those who are his sheep and those who are not.  He also explains the depth of the connection between him and those he calls his sheep. In what ways have you experienced Jesus as your shepherd?

2) Are there any ways in which you have trouble seeing yourself as Jesus’ sheep? Ask God to give you a deeper connection so that you can hear and know his voice.

OBEY

Pray for God to open your heart to hear his voice. Try to be aware of him speaking today – in your prayer time, through a worship song, in a conversation, through nature or art (among other ways). What do you sense him saying to you?

Guest writer: Aaron Perez

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

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Love That Goes Beyond Justice

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Summer in the Psalms is a sermon and written reflection series from the Revised Common Lectionary.

Read

Psalm 67

Genesis 45:1-15

Reflect

Psalm 67 tells us that one of God’s central concerns is justice is for the whole earth. In the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry and life demonstrate that love goes further than justice, bringing reconciliation and restoration to those are far from God or in conflict with each other.

In Genesis 45:1-15, Joseph is finally reconciled to the brothers that sold him into slavery. He spent years as a slave, then in prison, before God brought him to a position of power in Egypt and used him to prepare Egypt and the surrounding countries for many years of famine.

When Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, it’s a tense and dramatic scene. Joseph cries copiously on all his brothers. The story doesn’t tell us what his brothers did, but they probably felt a combination of shock, horror, shame, relief that Joseph was alive after all these years, and abject fear at how he might take his revenge.

How does this story illustrate God’s love that goes beyond justice? Joseph, far from punishing his brothers as they deserved, chooses to see God’s hand in what happened. He forgives them and points them towards the larger purpose: God’s plan to save the people of Israel from famine. Joseph shows his brothers love they didn’t expect and certainly didn’t earn.

God also showed love to Joseph in unexpected ways. God had told Joseph in dreams, a long time ago, that he would rule over his brothers and father. But Joseph must have been afraid that his father (who had to be extremely old at this point) had already died; earlier in the story, he asks his brothers repeatedly whether their father is still alive. Joseph also had no clue that he had a younger brother. All of his other brothers were half-brothers – sons of different mothers; Benjamin was the son of both Joseph’s mother and father. God gave Joseph the incredible gift of being able to save his father and his entire family from famine and added the bonus of a brother whose existence he had never suspected.

Respond

Have you broken faith with God or with another person? Ask Jesus to forgive you and bring reconciliation to your relationships.

Remember you are a child of God, greatly loved by Him (1 John 3:1). Ask God to make you newly aware of how much He cares for you, plans for your future, and blesses you in ways you could not have earned or imagined.

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“Our Hearts Are Completely His” (Romans 8, Psalm 119)

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A sermon and reflection series from my church, based on the weekly Psalm and linked readings from  the Revised Common Lectionary. 

Guest Writer: Mary Lynn Errigo

Read

Romans 8:1-11

Reflect

There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. This is truly “Good News.” And not only Good News, but Great News!

As followers of God, we live each day trying to walk according to His ways. But everyday trials and our own sinful natures get in our way, and we fail in spite of our best efforts.

This is where the Good News of Jesus Christ comes in. Jesus took all our sins and died on the cross for us. Because He paid a price we could never have paid on our own, we are not condemned to suffer in guilt and shame for our mistakes. When we go to Him in repentance, He holds us in His arms and forgives us. He sets us free from the power of sin and death so our hearts can belong fully to God.

Jesus breathed life into us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He will never abandon us or leave us to face our pain and trials alone.

Respond

God knows that our hearts are completely His. He has called us to be His very own. As we walk in His ways, holding each of His words close to our hearts, we know God will never abandon us. In Psalm 119, the Psalmist cries out, “I have sworn, and I will confirm it, that I will keep Thy righteous ordinances . . . O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth and teach me Thine ordinances . . . I have inherited Thy testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart.”

As you read God’s words this week, allow them to fill your heart with joy. Thank Him for His Good News. Spend time talking with God and trusting in Him. He will give you the strength you need to walk in His ways.