Spiritual Direction nyc

March 22, 2018

Lent Day 37: “The Cup of Suffering”

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PREPARE

Begin with a time of silence.

READ

REFLECT AND PRAY

Peter reacts to the possibility of capture with violence. But Jesus chooses another way: to “drink the cup of suffering” at the same time he repeatedly insists that he is the Lord (“I Am”). Jesus shows us a new model of power: one that asserts its strength not through conquest and violence, but through peace and suffering.

1) Look around you at our systems and institutions of power (governmental, educational, religious, etc.) or at individuals who hold power. Where do they come close to or fall short of the model Jesus gave us?

2) Where in your life has God given you influence, privilege, or power? On the other hand, where are you experiencing powerlessness, subjection, or opposition? In either case, how might Jesus be inviting you to experience and offer his peace?

OBEY

As you move closer and closer to the time of Jesus’ Passion, ask for the grace to walk with Jesus closely through his time of sorrow. Allow Jesus to awaken both surrender to his will and compassion for all those who suffer from injustice or pain.

“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).

March 21, 2018

Lent Day 36: United in Joy

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PREPARE

Start with a time of quiet praise. If you feel led to do so, listen to a worship song (like “Wonder” by Amanda Cook) that will help you enter into your time of reflection and prayer.

READ

John 17

REFLECT AND PRAY

Jesus says of his disciples: “I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy . . . I have revealed you [the Father] to them, and I will continue to do so.”

1) Name one thing that Jesus has revealed to you that gives you joy. It can be something about you or another person, something about God, or something about creation. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?

2) What words, images, or phrases stand out to you when you think of God the Father? Who are the people in your life who have revealed different aspects of God to you?

OBEY

Jesus’ prayer here is for his disciples throughout all time and for the unity of the church. Pray along with the Jesus that we all will be one, joined in his grace, the Father’s love, and the Holy Spirit’s communion (2 Corinthians 3:14).

March 20, 2018

Lent Day 35: “I Have Overcome the World”

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Begin this time with gratitude. Thank God for how he has already been with you today, and ask him to be with you during this time of prayer.

READ

John 16:16-33

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) In verses 19-28, Jesus explains that the disciples were going to suffer in his absence but then rejoice in his return. Have you experienced a season of great sorrow that made way for a season of joy? How did Jesus prepare, grow, and walk with you through this time?

OBEY

In verse 33, Jesus offers his disciples the knowledge that he has overcome the world – sin, death, and the powers and principalities – to bolster and comfort them in their coming time of pain.

If you know someone who is going through a season of sorrow, take some time to pray verse 33 over them. Keep this verse in mind for whomever God puts on your heart as you go through your day.

Guest writer: Aaron Perez

March 19, 2018

Lent Day 34: The Holy Spirit, Our Helper

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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 15:18-16:15

REFLECT AND PRAY

The priorities and mindsets of the world are radically against the essence and status of Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus, we risk the possibility of being persecuted by the world for being loved by and associated with Jesus.

1) How has does this passage challenge the faith of Jesus Christ’s disciples? Do any of Jesus’ words present a challenge to you personally?

Jesus promises us a helper – an Advocate – who will empower us when we do encounter hatred and persecution and motivate us to endure life’s hardships.

2) How is Holy Spirit described in this passage? Do any of these descriptions resonate with you? How might they apply to your own life?

OBEY

How has the Holy Spirit been your helper in the past? How do you need the Spirit’s help right now? If you sense a need to do so, invite the Spirit to come and show you specific actions or mindsets that will enable you to stay connected to Christ even in the face of persecution, opposition, or other kinds of difficulty.

Guest writer: Marcus Samerson

March 18, 2018

Lent Day 33: Jesus Heals the Blind Man

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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 9:1-41

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) Jesus tells his disciples that no one is to blame for the man’s blindness. Instead of casting blame, he points everyone – the disciples, the religious leaders, the blind man, and us – towards God and the work God is doing in the world. Are there any situations where you are (or have been) tempted to find someone to blame? Consider whether Jesus might be pointing you in a different direction, towards God’s presence. Where might you be able to see God at work?

2) In this passage, the formerly blind man gradually gets closer and closer to an understanding who Jesus is. How has your understanding of Jesus evolved over the years? What questions do you still have about Jesus?

OBEY

Jesus came to heal both physical and spiritual blindness, as well as other forms of illness and suffering. Pray for someone today, that Jesus might bring them healing and open their eyes to his love.

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.)

March 17, 2018

Lent Day 32: 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. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, emotions, and memories.

OPTION 1

Look over the week’s devotionals and/or your journal entries (Day 27, Day 28, Day 29, Day 30, Day 31). 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) How have you lived in Jesus’ light this week? In what areas of your life have you been able to love as Jesus loved, to remain in his love, and to obey his commandments?

2) In what situations has Jesus been inviting you to give up control or the struggle for understanding and simply trust him? How has Jesus proved himself trustworthy in this past week?

3) How has Jesus helped you in your times of failure?

OBEY

Give Jesus thanks for how he has journeyed with you this week. Then, take him up on his promise to “do whatever you ask in my name.” Step out in faith and bring the “desire of your heart” (Psalm 37:4) to him.

March 16, 2018

Lent Day 31: “Remain in My Love”

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PREPARE

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

March 15, 2018

Lent Day 30: “Whatever You Ask in My Name”

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Find a place and time to be alone with God. Ask the Holy Spirit for the assurance that Jesus is with you and in you.

READ

John 14

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) Place yourself alongside the disciples and listen to Jesus speak to you. In verses 1-4, Jesus speaks about what he is preparing for you. What comfort or reassurance do his words offer to you? How do they speak to you at this particular time and place in your life?

2) In verse 12, Jesus tells us that “whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing.” In what ways do you see this happening in your own life?

3) In verses 13-14, Jesus clearly states, “I will do whatever you ask in my name” and “You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Do you believe him? Why or why not? If you knew with all assurance that you would receive what you prayed for, what would you ask of Him?

OBEY

Jesus speaks to the disciples about His own identity in the Father and His identity in them (vs. 15-31). Take time to meditate on your identity in the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you His nearness and guidance in your life.

Guest writer: Erin Brehm

March 14, 2018

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

March 13, 2018

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