Dear One ... Breathe deeply and take a few moments to center yourself on the presence of God in Christ. With each breath, remember that you are being invited to live an abundant life.
Pray ... Living God, reveal yourself to me and fill me your Presence as I read your Word.
Read the passage slowly with a sense of openness to God's Spirit ...
Philippians 1:21-30 If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more. I don't know what to choose. I could keep on living and doing something useful. It is a hard choice to make. I want to die and be with Christ, because that would be much better. But I know that all of you still need me. That's why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith. Then, when I visit you again, you will have good reason to take great pride in Christ Jesus because of me. Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news. Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all of this happen, and God has blessed you. Not only do you have faith in Christ, but you suffer for him. You saw me suffer, and you still hear about my troubles. Now you must suffer in the same way. (CEV)
Read the passage again slowly and Reflect. What word or phrase are your drawn to linger over? Repeat that word or phrase and ponder how your word/phrase comments on the life you are living in Christ. Let any feelings you have about struggles or sufferings rise up within you. Welcome your feelings ... whatever they may be ... know you are loved by God in the midst of any struggles and sufferings.
Read the passage again slowly and Respond. Talk to God about your life. How do you respond to this God who carries you through every moment of suffering and trials? How might you move closer to living your life in a way that brings "honor to the good news about Christ. ?" Is there a commitment you need to make as you build and live your life with Jesus as your guide and your companion?
Read the passage again and Rest. Allow your mind to come to a place of silence and visualize yourself sitting with Jesus in a safe place. Continue in gentle companionship allowing your visualizations to fade into interior silence for as long as it is restful to you ...
Pray ... Loving God, help me create a life which honors the good news of Christ!
Cindy's Journal Reflection ... life, living my life, living my life well ... what does that look like right now, in this present moment. God loves me ... good news ... God will always be with me ... good news. There is such joy in this good news. When I suffer and the tears flow freely, Spirit is there to comfort me and heal me through my tears. How do I live my life well, full of God's love and presence? How do I talk about it with others?
O God, with each tear I shed ... shower me with healing grace!
Amen ...
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