Starting today, the blog will offer a daily Bible reading for the 40 Days of Community.  The readings will come directly from that week's message.  As you noticed from Pastor's Brad's message yesterday, if you were at New Life, the messages for the 40 Days of Community (starting with his introductory message "Setting the Table for a God Visit!) include a written outline for us to complete and take home.  (Some folks appreciate these outlines, while others never use them.)  The outlines include many individual Scriptures on which the messages are based.  It will be those individual Scriptures from which the daily Bible readings will come.  The format will be simple:  Introductory paragraph with the Scripture.  Paragraph including brief comments and/or questions about the Scripture.  Paragraph with challenges for reflection and/or action.  Closing prayer. 

As with everything we do at New Life the goal is to give as many opportunities as possible to share the new life of Jesus Christ with the world--one person at a time.  These daily Scriptures in the blog will help us to continue to reflect on and live out the Scriptures for the week, and the basis for growth as followers of Jesus, as well as reaching out to others in His name, is always His written word.  Here's today's Scripture:  “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, you know how I brought you to myself and carried you on eagle's wings.”  Exodus 19:4 

I have always loved this verse for two reasons:  1)  It reminds us of how personally involved God was in Israel's deliverance.  God sent ten plagues on the Egyptians in order to demonstrate His power, and to convince Pharaoh (the King of Egypt) to let the people of Israel go.  God interacted with Pharaoh through Moses and His brother Aaron--AND through great physical miracles.  2)  The image of God bringing the Israelites to Himself as an eagle carries her young on her wings.  When I first heard or read (I don't know which it was) that mother eagles have the practice of soaring under their young when teaching them to fly, always being there to prevent anything from going wrong, and saw that image as how God cares for the Israelites--and us, it provided amazing comfort to me.  Life comes at us fast--as the commercial puts it--so it's good to know God is always there ready to catch us and prevent harm in our lives.   That doesn't mean we'll never get hurt when we intentionally go against His will--or when someone else does and we receive the consequence of that.  It DOES mean that ultimately for those who are following Jesus our destination is secure and we can live this life with confidence and blessing!

Take a moment to reflect on today's Scripture, then consider:  Where do you need God to "show up" in your life today?  How has God "carried you...." in the past?  Be specific.  Take some time to ask God to work in those areas where you have particular need.

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for always being there in our lives!  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may glorify You and show others Your grace and glory.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.