Is 2016 worth a look back? Or should we just focus on the future? Moreso the immediate future in our 60 Day Challenge? I certainly have things to celebrate from 2016 as well as things to learn from. None of which can be changed or redirected at this point. So I commit my energy to things that are set before me.
So what is this 60 Day Challenge? It is a challenge to grow as a community of disciples of Jesus Christ! We are all in different places on the journey. Perhaps there are things we learned from in 2016. Perhaps there are things we can celebrate from 2016. Perhaps there are things we need to set our mind on in 2017 as we desire to grow in our faith in Jesus as well as our community of disciples. It is a time to come together. It is hard to say what the challenge will look like for you as we are all in different places. Yet I guarantee each person can think of one thing they would like to focus on in the next 60 + days to connect to life in Jesus!
For me . . . (yes this gives you permission to encourage and hold me accountable) . . . daily Bible reading asking God "What is it you want me to hear?" . . . personal reflection on weekly worship asking God " How do you want me to live as a forgiven and redeemed child of you?" . . . serving outside my circle asking God "Who is it I can extend your mercy and compassion?". Simple! Well not so much as if it were I would already be doing these things. Intentional! Yes. it is an intentional living plan for the next 60 + days.
Dear Jesus, I can't wait to see what you have planned and how you want to grow me in the 60 Day Challenge!
AMEN
Reflection of Mary Stafford
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Together for 60 Days?
Now is the time of year everyone starts thinking about "togetherness". It may strike a chord of joy to connect with family and friends in a meaningful way. Or it may cause a sense of dread, spending time with those we don't see eye to eye or would even choose to spend time with.
One of my favorite names for Jesus is Immanuel meaning God with us. Why would the God of the universe want to spend time with me? Us? For many of us, he doesn't see eye to eye with us when we are using our vision rather than his to see the world. How awkward? How frustrating for him. Yet . . . as Joel likes to say, he chooses to spend time with us! Everyday! Every minute! Even if we don't want to acknowledge him. Even if we don't want to spend time with him. Even . . . if our sin separates us.
Jesus is Immanuel! The one God sent to pay the price of our sin so that we are clean, righteous in God's eyes. He is the one who brings us together in unity with God. How then can we not be together and unity with one another? May God bless our celebration of Christ's birth one and all, together!
One of my favorite names for Jesus is Immanuel meaning God with us. Why would the God of the universe want to spend time with me? Us? For many of us, he doesn't see eye to eye with us when we are using our vision rather than his to see the world. How awkward? How frustrating for him. Yet . . . as Joel likes to say, he chooses to spend time with us! Everyday! Every minute! Even if we don't want to acknowledge him. Even if we don't want to spend time with him. Even . . . if our sin separates us.
Jesus is Immanuel! The one God sent to pay the price of our sin so that we are clean, righteous in God's eyes. He is the one who brings us together in unity with God. How then can we not be together and unity with one another? May God bless our celebration of Christ's birth one and all, together!
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:22-23
- Reflection of Mary Stafford
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
A Spiritual Journey - 60 Day Challenge - Starts January 8, 2017
Dear Jesus,
2017 is coming in just a few days.
How will this year be any different than the past?
Only God knows, right?! If He knows, then I want in on it! One never knows until you connect to God.
I am connected! Right? Is there more? There is always more . . . religious, spiritual things to do.
But I don't need more things to do, I just need Jesus, my Savior, Redeemer, Comforter, Guide, The Great I AM!
Now is the time to start a new journey, a renewed commitment to the journey, a deeper connection on the journey.
I hate being on a journey alone. I am going to invite others to join me. Encourage me, Spur me. Share with me . . . their journey too.
It's a challenge! A 60 day challenge. January 8 - March 8. 60 days of worship together. 60 days of Bible study together. 60 days of building faith foundations together.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.Lamentations 3:22-23
2017 is coming in just a few days.
How will this year be any different than the past?
Only God knows, right?! If He knows, then I want in on it! One never knows until you connect to God.
I am connected! Right? Is there more? There is always more . . . religious, spiritual things to do.
But I don't need more things to do, I just need Jesus, my Savior, Redeemer, Comforter, Guide, The Great I AM!
Now is the time to start a new journey, a renewed commitment to the journey, a deeper connection on the journey.
I hate being on a journey alone. I am going to invite others to join me. Encourage me, Spur me. Share with me . . . their journey too.
It's a challenge! A 60 day challenge. January 8 - March 8. 60 days of worship together. 60 days of Bible study together. 60 days of building faith foundations together.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.Lamentations 3:22-23
Amen
-reflections of Mary Stafford
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