sacrifice

Reflect Put yourself in Abraham’s place. God has just asked you to sacrifice the most precious thing in the world—your child, your marriage, your health, your home. You name it—God wants it. What would you do? Could you follow God’s commands to sacrifice your child as unquestioningly as Abraham did. But wait, you say. “I […]

Reflect John 12 records Jesus’ effort to explain that death will soon claim him. In an attempt to describe the meaning of his death, Jesus utilized the image of the grain of wheat. He reminded them that the grain of wheat that falls into the earth will die, but spring forth again to bear much […]

In the time that Hebrews was written animal sacrifices were the norm. They were done to remind people of their sins but did not take the sin away. So, the people had to return periodically with more animals to sacrifice. It was a never-ending cycle. As long as one lived, one had to continue sacrificing […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.   Read 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (NRSV) On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.   Read Psalm 51 (NRSV) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash […]

Focus Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you. Read Matthew 8:18-22 (NRSV) Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, “Teacher, I […]

Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NRSV) “My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. “There is no Holy […]

Focus Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today. Read Isaiah 52:13–53:12 (NRSV) See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very […]

Focus Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you. Read Ruth 1:6-18 (NRSV) Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had […]

Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word. Read Genesis 22:9-14 (NRSV) When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in […]