Lent Day 39: The Blessings of the Week

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PREPARE

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 34, Day 35, Day 36, Day 37, Day 38). 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) As Jesus approaches the time of his death, he and his disciples face increasing hardship and persecution. As you look back on hard times in your own experience, how has Jesus been there for you? How has that shaped the way you face trials in your present and future?

2) Jesus wants us to be joyfully united with other Christians all over the world, our church community, and with Him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Have you ever experienced such a feeling of joyful unity? Where were you, and what was that experience like? Are there ways you are seeking increased unity?

3) Jesus models leadership that exudes both peace and strength. Where has God given you opportunities to lead? What do you need from Jesus in order to follow his example?

OBEY

As we approach Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, ask Jesus to help you walk with him in both joy and sorrow. Pray that you as an individual and the church as a body will grow in strength, peace, and unity.

 

“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).

 

Lent Day 34: The Holy Spirit, Our Helper

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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 15:18-16:15

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

 

“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).