Spiritual Direction nyc

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.)

“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 11, 2018

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.

March 5, 2018

Lent Day 20: Blind But Now I See

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PREPARE

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

March 4, 2018

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.

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 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.

February 26, 2018

Lent Day 13: Called to Greater Things

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PREPARE

Find a place where you can be still and sense God’s presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you receptive to hearing Jesus’ words for you.

READ

John 6:1-21

REFLECT AND PRAY

At the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), Jesus didn’t just turn water into wine – he turned it into the best-tasting wine at the party. When he feeds the 5,000 men (in addition to the women and children), he provides enough food for everyone to eat “as much as they want,” and there are still twelve baskets of food left over. He gives generously, beyond expectations.

1) How have you experienced God’s great generosity? How might God be calling you to show generosity to others?

OBEY

Jesus doesn’t do things halfway. Perhaps he is also inviting you to “go big” – to do or be something greater than you could ask for or imagine. Spend some time asking him what that something greater might be.

February 25, 2018

Lent Day 12: Faith

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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 4:43-54

REFLECT AND PRAY

Jesus returns to Cana to find that news of the miracle he performed there (turning water into wine) has gone before him. Yet Jesus is aware that many people aren’t able to look past his “miraculous signs and wonders” (v. 48) and seek him for who he is, not what he can do. The official seems like one of these shallow thrill-seekers at first, yet he trusts Jesus enough to believe his son has been healed without any evidence but Jesus’ own words.

1) Is there anyone you are trusting Jesus to heal – physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, etc. – even though you can’t see anything happening yet? How has Jesus shown you that he is trustworthy?

1) The official comes to Jesus in desperation. He has left his son in a different town, an 8-hour walk away, knowing that his son may be dead before he gets back if Jesus cannot or will not help. Have there been times in your life when you felt this kind of desperation? What were they? How has what happened shaped to the person you are and the relationship you have with Jesus today?

OBEY

Allow Jesus to stir up your deep need for him and pray that he will do the same for others he has brought to mind. Begin by praising Jesus for how he has worked in your life, then move to worshipping him for who he is.

February 22, 2018

Lent Day 9: “Pick Up Your Mat and Walk”

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PREPARE

Find a moment to be still and sense God’s presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you reflect on his healing work in your life and in the lives of others.

READ

John 4:46-5:15

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) In verses 4:46-5:15, Jesus encountered two men who desired healing – the official who was pleading for his son’s life and the lame man who could not see past his circumstances. Jesus gave healing in both cases. With whom do you identify more, the official or the lame man? Why?

2) In the case of the official, Jesus heals his son because of the father’s pleas. Is there anyone in your life currently that needs healing? Take this opportunity to intercede on their behalf, having faith that God will heal.

OBEY

When Jesus healed the lame man, he sent the man away with a task: “carry your mat.” By carrying the mat he once laid on, the man was living out the reality of his healing, doing work that used to be impossible for him. Ask Jesus what task he has for you today. How can you respond to Jesus’ healing in your own life? What might it mean for you to carry your mat?

Guest writer: Aaron Perez

February 18, 2018

Lent Day 5: Water to Wine

LeapofFaith_DailyReadings_Horizontal

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 2:1-11

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) By his actions, Jesus reveals himself as abundantly loving, generous, compassionate, humble, and kind. Are there any other characteristics of Jesus that stand out to you from this story? Which do you find the most meaningful and why?

2) In turning water to wine at a wedding party, Jesus foreshadows the magnificent feast that will take place when the church is united with Christ as his bride (Revelation 19:6-9). But Jesus also foreshadows the suffering he will endure on the cross in order to bring about this final, joyous union. In what ways have you experienced a taste of Jesus’ wedding feast and/or miraculous provision? In what ways have you experienced his suffering?

OBEY

As you read and reflect, how do you sense Jesus speaking to you? Are there any ways he invites you to share in his suffering this week? In his joy?

February 16, 2018

Lent Day 3: “Do What He Tells You To Do”

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PREPARE

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your devotional time. Read the assigned passage, then proceed through the “Reflect and Pray” and “Obey” sections.

READ

John 2

REFLECT AND PRAY

1) Verses 13-16 tell us that the temple is a dwelling place for God. What is the temple used for in this story? What is it supposed to be like?

2) “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days’” (v. 19).

What does “this temple” mean to Jesus and to you? Now that Jesus is risen and has left his Holy Spirit with us, the believer’s body is also a temple. Knowing this, how do you feel about your body? How should you treat it?

OBEY

Mary: They have no more wine.

Jesus: Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.

Mary (to the servants): Do whatever he tells you to do.

In this dialogue, it seems like Jesus is refusing Mary’s request. His response is not very encouraging. We all have faced circumstances where the outcome seems uncertain. Mary’s response is something to which we all can aspire: obedience and trust in Jesus to handle the situation with his wisdom.

Are you facing a discouraging situation? Ask Jesus how he wants to handle the situation. Do whatever he tells you to do.

Guest Writer: Mimi Otani, crazy4jazz

August 26, 2017

Jesus Sees Your Heart

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

Guest Writer: Mercy Perez

Read

Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Reflect

In this passage, Jesus responds to the religious leaders who criticize Jesus and his disciples for not washing their hands before eating, in violation of religious law. He tells them that it is not what goes into the mouth that’s the problem; rather “it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles a person” (11).

Through that statement and through the parable that follows, Jesus explains that what comes out of your mouth – what you say – reflects your internal attitude: “And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight. Out of the heart come evil thoughts” (v. 18-19, CEB). Jesus reads the evil intentions of the religious leaders in their words. That’s why he calls them “blind.”

Soon after Jesus travels to another region. A woman who heard about his healings found him there. She may have had some trepidation in approaching Jesus because she was a Canaanite and was not sure how she might be received. Canaanites were the people the Israelites fought against when they entered into the Promised Land; they were also known as worshipers of the Sun God. However, the woman did not let her differences or her fear stop her from seeking Jesus. Her daughter was suffering from demon possession and she desperately longed for her to be healed.

When this woman saw Jesus she called out to him. She acknowledged him as the descendant of David, the promised Messiah. Jesus at first did not answer. Perhaps he was testing her, or perhaps he was testing his disciples, who were urging him to send her away. When Jesus did answer, it was to call out her difference: “I have been sent only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel” (v. 26 CEB). Jesus’ words probably confirmed the woman’s fears of being excluded, yet she was not deterred. She knelt before Jesus and asked again for his help.

Jesus looked into the woman’s heart and saw the opposite of what he saw in the religious leaders. He saw the love, desperation, courage, and humility that motivated her words and actions. He saw that she truly believed who he was, and in his ability to heal. His differences from the woman did not stop him from meeting her need and healing her daughter.

Jesus’ purpose on earth was to bring all who believed in him close to God, regardless of their background. Psalm 67 also shows God’s inclusive love for all of us.

Let God grant us grace and bless us;

let God make his face shine on us,

Let all the people thank you and celebrate.

He judges the nations fairly

God blesses us—our God blesses us!

Respond

Ask Jesus to look into your heart to see your greatest need – perhaps one you aren’t even aware of – and to meet it as only he can.

Then, spend a few minutes in gratitude for God’s unconditional love. Ask God to make you a receptacle of his love. As it flows from your heart into your words and actions, you too will be a source of our Father’s Love.