This is a space where we can compile our reflections from this prayer and fasting days. What struck you—a Bible verse? a song? poem? picture? a sense? an idea? Feel free to post in the comments below so others can see.
If there are things that you found helpful or resources you’d appreciate, post those too. Let’s support one another in this practice.
7 responses to “Nov & Dec REFLECTIONS”
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At lunchtime Kevin read the first section of Phillipians 2: 1-11, a passage that’s been on my heart for a long time along with the passage in John 13:34-35 that says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”. It’s really challenging to read that we are to love one another as He loves us – unconditionally, refusing to judge or be annoyed with one another but to truly prefer one another’s needs and yet we must if we want everyone to see Jesus’s love for them.
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As I have read and reflected on our December 18th verses, John Chapter 15, ‘Abiding in Jesus’ requires a commitment, admitting that we are nothing and can do nothing in our own strength and that Jesus shapes all we are and do. We can’t ‘go it alone’ ! I have a particular rose in my garden that wants to go in a different direction to where the Castle Close gardener thinks it should go. He prunes it his way and, like we might react, it doesn’t always appreciate change of direction. The hymn ‘In Heavenly love abiding’ reads…
In heavenly love abiding,
No change my heart shall fear
And safe is such confiding
For nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me
My heart may low be laid
But God is round about me
And can I be dismayed ?Wherever He May guide me
No want can turn be back
My shepherd is beside me
And nothing can I lack
His wisdom ever waketh
His sight is never dim
He knows the way He taketh
And I will walk with Him. -
Liz T: ‘See, I am doing a new thing!’ Is 43:19 (v18-21 also)
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John: Advent can be thought of as running up to Christmas, but it’s also preparation for continuing on after Christmas as well.
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Keeva: Hymn – Turn your eyes upon Jesus (“Heavenly vision”)
The story behind this hymn was shared – concluding: we can’t control what’s going on, but we can control where we’re looking.O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell! -
Helen: As you’re preparing for a birth, you are slowing down in preparation. It’s easy to lose the meaning of Christmas without slowing down (Advent).
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“I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks.” Mother Teresa
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