As we enter into the period of Lent, our members are sharing readings from Henri Nouwen each day.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Easter Sunday: He is Risen
Entering into the passion of Jesus is not easy. Seeing and experiencing suffering, our perspective changes to hope and the comfort of Jesus' presence no matter what. How can you share that with someone in need today?
Holy Thursday: The Divine Gesture
As we dine together at home, how do remember that Jesus is there with us?
Wednesday of Holy Week: Distinguishing between Wheat and Weeds
God gives us wisdom through our experience. How does sharing my experience sustain others?
Monday of Holy Week: Overcoming Fear
Fear can make us feel powerless. Compare your fears with the fears of the people of Syria. Pray for their comfort and peace as you pray for your own.
Palm Sunday: Knowledge of Things to Come
Jesus found peace to accept his destiny even as he rode the donkey into Jerusalem. We are all "destined" to face hard times in our lives. How can we peacefully accept them?
Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent: A Love Stronger than Death
Jesus' death on the cross freed him to live IN us forever. Love triumphed even in tragedy. How can you allow that love to triumph over your tragedies?
Wednesday, Fifth Week of Lent: The Core of Spiritual LIfe
How does God's unconditional love empower you?
Tuesday, Fifth Week of Lent: Jesus, Enter Our Hearts
Today, repeat "Come Lord Jesus Come" each time you feel anxious or overwhelmed. How does Jesus come to you?
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Sunday, Fifth Week of Lent: Make Me A Servant
Whatever insights we have gained over this period of Lent, God is speaking to us. How do you feel called to serve God over your own interests?
Friday, Fourth Week of Lent: Risking Rejection
We know what we think is right, but often we don't act on it or even express it out of fear for ourselves. When have you regretted not taking your stand?
Thursday, Fourth Week of Lent: True Acceptance
Jesus wants to live in the home of your life. What will you allow him to see that you prefer to hide?
Wednesday, Fourth Week of Lent: A Place of Surrender, Mercy
Mercy is understood when we experience God walking with us on the darkest road. Where have you discovered God's mercy?
Tuesday, Fourth Week of Lent: The Water of Eternal Life
Water is a sign of life. What springs in your life have given you hope and assurance?
Monday, Fourth Week of Lent: Joy and Sorrow as One
Think about a time of deep sorrow. How did God bless your spirit with joy?
Sunday, Fourth Week of Lent: The Power of the Spirit
The Spirit transforms us with power and love. When have you experienced that power?
Saturday, Third Week of Lent: Seasonal Spiritual Fruits
To bear spiritual fruit, the false fruit of my life must die. How do I recognize them?
Friday, Third Week of Lent: God and Neighbor
Who is your neighbor? How can you show God's love and compassion to your neighbor and yourself?
Thursday, Third Week of Lent: A Joyful Noise
How can you make every prayer an expression of hope and trust in God?
Wednesday, Third Week of Lent: Knowing the Incarnate God
What are you doing to live more fully, to love with Jesus' heart, to know Jesus' heart?
Tuesday, Third Week of Lent: A Forgiven Person Forgives
What does it take to deeply know you have been forgiven?
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Monday, Third week of Lent: Do You Love Me?
What does this verse from Psalm 23 mean to you?
"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Sunday, Third week of Lent: From Sin to Salvation
What new land of living is God calling you to explore?
Saturday, Second week of Lent: Waiting with Open Arms
What is keeping you from returning home to God's unconditional love?
Friday, Second week of Lent: When Love Disappoints
Knowing that our human love is not always perfect, how and when have you loved with God's perfect love?
Thursday, Second week of Lent: Trust in the God of Life
Some of our best "flying" happens when we let go of our need to look good and simply float in the arms of the God of life. When have you done that? What was the outcome?
Wednesday, Second week of Lent: Are We Getting Anywhere?
Our compulsive anxiety runs us around in circles. We want to scream, "Stop the world! I want to get off!" How do you stop the merry-go-'round?
Tuesday, Second week of Lent: The Gift of Compassion
Compassionate loving calls for empathy and presence. When have you shown God's presence to someone who truly needed it?
Monday, Second week of Lent: Do Not Judge
How has your judgment on others limited their possibilities for growth and life? Your self-judgment?
Sunday, Second week of Lent: A Total Self-Giving Love
What visible marks on your life convince you that God's love is stronger than death?
Saturday, First Week of Lent: The Challenge of Jesus' Message
What do you fear about loving your enemies?
How does God's love for you change that?
How does God's love for you change that?
Friday, First week of Lent: The Rewards of Persistent Prayer
How do you listen to God?
Is it always sitting and waiting, or is it active listening, too?
Is it always sitting and waiting, or is it active listening, too?
Thursday, First week of Lent: Letting Go of Fears, Doubts
When you don't feel worthy or loveable, how has God cleansed your spirit?
Wednesday, First week of Lent: What is Really Real?
What keeps your soul joyful in the face of sadness and disaster?
Tuesday, First week of Lent: Listening amid the Din
When have you "heard" the voice of God?
How did you know it was of God?
How did you know it was of God?
Monday, 1st week of Lent: Living Our Christian Calling
God calls each of us uniquely to serve where we are.
How does your life reflect your unique, God-given vocation?
If you don't know how to serve, how can you discover it?
How does your life reflect your unique, God-given vocation?
If you don't know how to serve, how can you discover it?
Sunday, First Week of Lent: Searching for God
Why is it so hard for me to know how much God loves me?
Saturday after Ash Wednesday: The Paradox of Hospitality
How does my hospitality liberate fearful hearts?
Friday after Ash Wednesday: Reach Out and Save Me
What is the abyss in your life?
How are you lifted up on eagles' wings to fly over it?
Thursday after Ash Wednesday: Saying "Yes" to Life
What signs of new growth do you see in your life today?
Ash Wednesday: Believing in God's Mercy
To make a community discussion board, we will use this SHUMC Lenten Devotion Blog site, where you can make comments. The first day was Ash Wednesday, and here is your question:
How do I let go of my guilt and welcome God's mercy into my life?
Please comment as you feel led!
How do I let go of my guilt and welcome God's mercy into my life?
Please comment as you feel led!
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