Remembering God’s Passion
Week Starting Sunday, February 27, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Luke 4:18-19; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 2 Peter 2:9
Jesus said, 18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, 19and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” (Luke 4:18-19)
8I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. 9In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. 10And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us. 11He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people’s prayers for our safety have been answered. (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)
9So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while punishing the wicked right up until the day of judgment. (2 Peter 2:9)
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, I thank you for a new Lord’s day, when I may gather with brothers and sisters through Your Son, Jesus, to worship and adore You. Fill us all with Your Holy Spirit that we may worship and live in You today and always. Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, I know that Your deliverance is real. I pray that You will deliver me from the bonds of sin that still seek to ensnare me. Free me by the power of Your Spirit’s presence that I may live only for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, I pray today for believers around the world who face terrible struggles, because the trust in You. Deliver them from torture, imprisonment, from false accusations, and grant them favor to share the Gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, I pray for those today who need physical deliverance. Heal me and heal each person who bears the pain of illness, disease or injury. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and deliver us in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the peace that comes from knowing that whatever I face today, You will never leave me nor forsake me. I pray that I will have the courage and confidence of Your Holy Spirit each moment. Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the growth taking place in my life. Fill me right now with Your Holy Spirit that I may continue to grow, and that I may live in Your joy and power. This I pray in Jesus’ name and for the sake of his coming Kingdom. Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, Tank You for the blessings of living in Your watchful care. Thank You for delivering me through another week, to a time of rest and reflection. Glorify Yourself in my today and always that others may know You. Amen. |
Background on the Text
This week we have three readings, each emphasizing God’s passion to deliver us from even the greatest of life’s difficulties. In our Scripture from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells us His vision for ministry. He came for the specific purpose of bringing good news to the poor—in spirit and in life, and to deliver us from captivity, blindness and oppression of all kinds! The Apostle Paul reminds us that when we feel that there is no possible means of deliverance in our lives, that God WILL deliver us, even as He delivered Paul and his companions from seemingly impossible situations. Paul makes it clear that he was not strong enough to get through those situations, and that at times he thought for sure that he would die, but God delivered him. When Paul ultimately faced a martyr’s death for his faith in Jesus, he was sure that even then, God would deliver him in ultimate terms to eternal life with Jesus. Finally, The Apostle Peter makes it clear that God is in the business of delivering “godly people” from their trials, and that the wicked will be punished—both in this life and for eternity. Peter knew from personal experience that God is in the business of giving second chances, and of forming “godly people,” out of folks such as you and me. It is good news, indeed, to know that God has a passion to deliver us!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts