Theme: The Foundational Fruit of PEACE
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Pondering Point
While there are multiple Bible verses describing the benefits of a life with God’s peace, this one is ideal because it repeats the Hebrew word for peace used back-to-back, shalom shalom: שָׁלוֹ ם שָׁלוֹם
As you can see above, it is often translated as perfect peace. Many have turned to John 10:10 to connect this idea to the abundant life Jesus describes as found in Him. This promise of perfect peace is offered to those who keep their focus on God – a mental eyesight stayed on Him or gazing steadfastly upon God. It is not a stretch to realize that when we, as Hebrews 12:2 describes,
Hebrews 12:2
... keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, (NIV) part of the perfecting going on is the experience of peace.
In fact, that peace has staying power even when understanding of our situation is lacking:
Philip. 4:7
... and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father God, let my mental eyesight stay trained on You, trusting in Your loving Presence. Perfect my faith and grant me perfect peace even when situations are beyond comprehension. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Micro-Group Connections
in the Discipleship Lifestyle
Matthew 18:19-20
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Micro-Group Moment (MGM)
Re-read read the above teaching from Matthew 18:19-20, but this time through the context of a MG (Micro-Group) life for Jesus' followers.
Micro-Relationship:
A connection you have
with one, two, three, or
four other people.
Spiritual Micro-Group:
A connection with one
to four others that
acknowledges God.
During Lent, we will be looking into various micro-groups in the life
of Jesus. For now, here are two things to appreciate about His MG
lifestyle drawn from repetitive encounters with people:
- Jesus finds value in both Small Groups and Micro Groups and participated in both. So can you.
- Jesus lived more deeply connected with some families and individuals than others. So can you.
Matthew 18 shows that MGs (any group) can be built around God and yet be unhealthy. Personal offenses or festering issues can pull groups away from a God-centered focus. So can whining, personal agendas, or gossip. Jesus offers a recipe for returning such groups to powerful, Christ-centered gatherings. Let’s finish today by praying for God’s insight over the place of MGs in your life.
Prayer for the Day
Heavenly Father, open our souls to the possibilities of participating in spiritual micro groups. Let us see in Jesus the benefits of micro-group life and see You replicate that in our worlds. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.