Discipleship Point
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
~Luke
Pondering Point
Jesus’ words "when you fast…” clearly anticipate that His disciples will fast (see Matthew 6:16 and 9:15). We also see in Acts 13:2 that while God's people were worshipping and fasting, they got a directive from the Spirit about ministry to be done. Whether you’re in the middle of “ministry” life, near the end, or just beginning, this is a good time as we head into Lent to consider asking the Holy Spirit to give you guidance about fasting from certain foods, TV or social media. It is not so much about showing that you can give these things up – though there is great value in that. It is rather to connect with the life and sacrifice of Jesus and let the Spirit have more time to work on you as you carve out devoted time for God.
Journal Prompt:
Potential areas of fasting through the upcoming Lenten period:
Discipleship Prayer
Father God, if (or when) I choose to fast, may it be to seek Your will in my life. Help me see this kind of commitment as a privilege to give up “pleasant food” (Daniel 10:3) for Your glory. Give me strong inner and outer discipline to keep this vow to You while I seek You.
This week’s video comes from the Bible Project’s How to Read the Bible Series, and is titled: Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature.
The Bible is a book made for a lifetime of study. Explore how the style of the Bible invites readers into deeper thought and meditation on its words.
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/bible-jewish-meditation-literature-h2r/
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 130:1-8
- Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
- Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy. - If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand? - But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you. - I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope. - I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning. - Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption. - He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 42:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
The Promise
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Pondering Point
How is your gas tank level when it comes to hope? How do you fill up with hope? How can God help?