Tag: faith

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Lent Day 31: “Remain in My Love”

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Find a place and time to be alone with God. Ask Jesus to help you love as he does and to keep you connected to him, your source of life.

READ

John 15:1-17

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) Think of what a grapevine looks like. Obviously, if a branch is detached from the trunk, it will die and not bear fruit. It’s just the same with us and Jesus. In order to be truly alive and bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), we need to remain in him and his love by keeping his commandments. (What are his commandments? Read verses 12 and 17 to be reminded.) However, just like with branches, sometimes He needs to clean us and take away what is not good. Ask God to remove whatever is not allowing you to bear fruit.

2) To remain in Jesus we must learn to love like he does; his love is the kind described in 1st Corinthians 13:4-8. The only way to bear fruit is to love. Without love, we are nothing, even if we apparently do good deeds and have amazing ministries (1st Corinthians 13:13). Today, as you pray, ask God to increase your love for others.

OBEY

Ask God how you can truly love someone this week. How can you love the way that Jesus loves us, in a sacrificial manner? Maybe it looks like buying lunch for a homeless person; maybe it looks like taking out someone you don’t really like at work for coffee; maybe it looks like helping your spouse or roommate with their chores when you are already exhausted; maybe it looks like spending time with a friend who is going through a hard time. In sum, do unto others what you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12).

– Abraham Aldama

 

“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 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 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 21: The Sheep of His Pasture

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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 10:1-21

REFLECT AND PRAY

The Confidence and Assurance of Jesus Christ

Jesus claims to be a good shepherd that stands to protect and provide for his sheep. In this passage, the sheep represent his people (his Church).  The relationship between Jesus and his church is represented by the dependence of the sheep on the good shepherd.

1) According to the passage, why is it so important for the sheep to be able to recognize the good shepherd in the field?

2) Why is so important for God’s people be able to recognize Jesus (the Word of God) every day in the world? How has this been important in your own life?

OBEY

In what ways might you strengthen your comprehension and reception of God’s voice every day? Ask God to reveal to you one or two ways you can position yourself to obey God’s voice daily.

Guest Writer: Marcus Samerson

“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 20: Blind But Now I See

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Begin by asking God to show you the blessings he’s given you today, whether big or small. Ask him to open your eyes to his presence and work in your life.

READ

John 9

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) In verses 1-5, Jesus gives us an important lesson. He can use adverse situations to bring glory to God and increase our faith. I am not saying that everything happens for a reason; but rather that in any situation God can work something good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Are you facing a difficult situation? In your prayer time today, give that situation to God. Seek out someone in your faith community who can support you, even if it’s just to give you a hug.

2) Imagine witnessing this scene. Would you not believe that Jesus is the Messiah after seeing Him giving sight to a man that was born blind? The Pharisees knew that this man had always been blind and had been healed, yet they refused to believe. They questioned Jesus for healing the man on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were blinder than the blind man. They had made idols of the law and their own understanding. But just like idols, they could not see (Psalm 135:15-18). Ask Jesus to show you in what areas of your life you have been blind. Invite him to bring healing.

OBEY

Believe in Jesus. Believe that He is mighty to give sight to the blind and that He is stronger than any circumstance that you might be facing: physical or mental health problems, financial struggles, heartbrokenness, a loved one going through a painful situation, or maybe even battles with particular sins. Ask Him to allow you to see Him in that situation. Ask that he might increase your surrender to Him through this difficulty and thus be glorified.

Guest writer: Abraham Aldama

 

“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 19: Jesus Heals

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

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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 5:1-29

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) The religious leaders’ response to Jesus healing on the Sabbath is an example of getting so caught up in doing things “right” or having things exactly as we envision them that we miss what is good. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you an example of this in your own life. If needed, ask for forgiveness and the ability to see God’s gifts for what they are. Give Jesus thanks for the goodness he has brought you.

2) Jesus asks the lame man, “Would you like to get well?” Imagine Jesus asking this of you. To what area of your life would you like Jesus to bring healing? Ask Jesus to break through any resistance you might feel to his healing touch.

OBEY

God gave the Sabbath as a gift, to allow us to rest and to remember our dependence on him to provide us with the things that we need. How can you honor the Sabbath today  – or if not today, then sometime this week? Set aside time to be with God, to enjoy the beauty of his presence, and find rest for your body, mind, and spirit.

 

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 18: Review

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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 13, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16, Day 17). 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) Jesus gives abundantly to those he loves. What has been your greatest need or desire this week? How has your conversation with Jesus about this gone?

2) Jesus asks only for our belief. In what ways, big or small, have you given him your belief this week? Is there anything holding you back from offering Jesus the gift of yourself?

3) When Jesus brings his truth, we are set free. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to light some of the lies you have believed about yourself or about God. Ask Jesus to replace those lies with his truth and freedom.

OBEY
Take a moment to bask in the incredible love that Jesus has for you.  Ask him to give you the ability to choose him freely and completely in response to his love.

 

“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 17: “The Truth Will Set You Free”

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Find a place where you can be still and sense God’s presence. Ask Jesus to come to you in his love and truth.

READ
John 8:31-59

REFLECT AND PRAY
1) Jesus told his disciples (vs. 31-32 ), “If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” In what areas of your life are you holding to Jesus’ teaching and searching for truth and greater freedom?

2) Jesus was secure in his identity. He spoke boldly about who his Father was and what purpose He was sent for. How do you feel in knowing that God is your true Father? In what ways does this empower you to speak truthfully about Him and to pursue whatever purposes you may feel called to?

OBEY
In verse 54, Jesus says, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” Spend some time reflecting on what it means to you to glorify God. Ask God to reveal to you the ways in which He is glorifying himself through you.

Guest writer: Erin Brehm

 

“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).