Day 94: Discernment

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Travel: Mozambique; Malawi

O soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion – for more than conquerors we are!

Video: “Painting Pictures of Egypt” – Sara Groves

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt, leaving out what it lacks, and the future feels so hard and I want to go back but the places that used to fit me cannot hold the things I’ve learned. Those roads were closed off to me while my back was turned.

If it comes too quick, I may not appreciate it. Is that the reason behind all this time in the sand? And if it comes too quick, I may not recognize it. Is that the reason behind all this time in the sand?

Verses about the Will of God:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thessalonians 5:18

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. -1 Peter 2:15

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. -2 Peter 3:9

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? -Micah 6:8

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:11-13

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. -Matthew 6:33

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! -1 Chronicles 16:11

“This is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” -John 6:40

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. -1 Peter 3:17

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. -1 Corinthians 10:13

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. -Psalm 37:4

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: …that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust… -1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, …but be filled with the Spirit. -Ephesians 5:15-19

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” -Luke 9:23

“Peace I lead with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” -John 14:27

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” -Matthew 28:19

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. -1 Timothy 2:3-4

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. -Philippians 4:8

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. -James 5:16

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. -Colossians 3:23

In Christian circles, people like to talk about “discerning God’s will for their lives,” as if God has a very specific itinerary mapped out for each of us and it is our job to guess correctly what we are to do next. This theology is largely based on the above passage from Jeremiah (“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord!”…) However, if you continue reading that passage, you come across the following promise, if you are calling upon Him and coming and praying to Him: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” The emphases there are mine. Note that the passage does not read as follows: “You will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek the correct path and find it, when you seek it with all your heart.” Nope, God tells us that we will find him! Read over the above verses again and look for the answers to these questions:

God’s will is for us to thank him when?
God’s will is for us to do what?
God’s will is for us to seek what?
God’s will is for us to trust what?
God’s will is for us to love what?
God’s will is for us to think what?
What is God’s will for us when we are tempted?
What is God’s will for our bodies?
What is God’s will for how we use our time?
What is God’s will for us when we are feeling fearful?
What is God’s will for us when we sin?
What is God’s will for us when we are working?
Is it God’s will for people to perish?
Is repentance always in God’s will?
Is it ever in God’s will for us to do evil?
God requires a few specific things of us. What are those things?

It is interesting to note that in nearly all of the above verses, God explains that there are good consequences attached to doing His will. Only the passage in Micah uses the word “require.” God is specific about His will but he gives us the freedom to choose our response.

Day 91: Acceptance

Daily Sheet: Day 91: Acceptance

Family Book: “Leo the Lop”

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Travel: Botswana

Video: “One Faith” – John Michael Talbot & Michael Card

He is the good Shepherd and He’s laid down his life for His sheep, so out of many nations He’s gathered one fold and one faith;

And He has built His church on the rock foundation of faith, on apostles and prophets who shepherd the people in His place.

And He gave to Simon Peter and to all the twelve the keys of the Kingdom so darkness shall never prevail

But some of the shepherds have pastured themselves on their sheep, so He has come out against them and scattered His people of faith.

In good pasture He will shepherd His people; On the mountain top He feeds His sheep. He will heal the poor and afflicted; To the prisoner He brings release.

Yet He’ll not forsake His people; He’ll claim His sheep for His own. He’ll send out His Word to the nations, regather His people back home,

For He is the good Shepherd. He’s laid down His life for His sheep, so out of many nations He’s gathered one fold and one faith.

There is one faith, one hope, and one baptism, One God and Father of all. There is one church, one body, one life in the Spirit now given so freely to all.

Questions:

What does it mean to “Accept one another… just as Christ accepted you”?
Put Leviticus 19:34 into today’s terms.
What does John Michael Talbot’s song, “One Faith,” have to do with acceptance?
Discuss the significance of John Michael Talbot’s (biography here) and Michael Card’s (biography here) collaboration on this project.

Day 90: Contentment

Daily Sheet: Day 90: Contentment

Family Book: “Last Stop on Market Street”

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Travel: Ireland

Hymn: “Amazing Grace” – Joey + Rory Feek

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me; His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.

Video: “Give Me Jesus” – Fernando Ortega (live)

In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus.

And when I am alone, give me Jesus.

And when I come to die, give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.

Day 89: Empathy

Daily Sheet: Day 89: Empathy

Family Book: “The Long March: The Chocktaw’s Gift to Irish Famine Relief”

Travel: Oklahoma; Texas

Song: “Why It Matters” – Sara Groves (with lyrics)

Sit with me and tell me once again of the story that’s been told us, of the power that will hold us, of the beauty, of the beauty, Why it matters.

Speak to me until I understand why our thinking and creating, why our efforts of narrating about the beauty, of the beauty, And why it matters.

Like the statue in the park of this war torn town, and its protest of the darkness and the chaos all around, with its beauty, how it matters, How it matters.

Show me the love that never fails, the compassion and attention midst confusion and dissension, like small ramparts for the soul, How it matters.

Like a single cup of water, How it matters.

Questions:

Compare “empathy” to “sympathy.” Which is more meaningful? Why?
Why do you think the story of Jesus raising the widow’s son was chosen for “Empathy” rather than for “Compassion?”
Think about the story of “The Long March” while you re-read the bolded lines at the end of Sara Groves’ song, “Why It Matters.” How do you think the Chocktaw’s act of kindness, inspired by empathy, might have built “small ramparts for the soul”? And what is the “single cup of water” reference?

Day 85: Community

Daily Sheet: Day 85: Community

Family Book: “A Place Called Freedom”

Travel: French Guiana; Suriname; Guyana

Video: “Peace” – Rich Mullins (Faces of 2010)

Though we’re strangers, still I love you. I love you more than your mask. And you know you have to trust this to be true, and I know that’s much to ask. But lay down your fears, come and join this feast. He has called us here, you and me.

And may peace rain down from Heaven like little pieces of the sky, Little keepers of the promise falling on these souls this drought has dried. In His Blood and in His Body, in the Bread and in this Wine,

Peace to you. Peace of Christ to you.

And though I love you, still we’re strangers, prisoners in these lonely hearts. And though our blindness separates us, still His light shines in the dark.

And His outstretched arms are still strong enough behind these prison bars to set us free.

So may peace rain down from Heaven like little pieces of the sky, Little keepers of the promise falling on these souls this drought has dried. In his Blood and in His Body, in the Bread and in this Wine,

Peace to you. Peace of Christ to you.

Video: “Call It Dreaming” – Iron & Wine

…Where we break when our hearts are strong enough, We can bow ’cause our music’s warmer than blood.

Where we see enough to follow, We can hear when we are hollow.

Where we keep the light we’re given, We can lose and call it living…

Questions:

Discuss community as it relates to two similar words: communion, and unity
What do you think is meant by the following line?

Where we keep the light we’re given, we can lose and call it living.

Day 84: Discretion

Daily Sheet: Day 84: Discretion

Family Books: “Unspoken”, “Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad”, “Follow the Drinking Gourd”

Travel: Niger

Video: “Underground Churches in China”

Video: “Down in the River to Pray” – Alison Krauss (with the Berklee Gospel Ensemble)

Day 80: Bravery

Daily Sheet: Day 80: Bravery

“Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor “

61OcTDSkP7L._SX405_BO1,204,203,200_ — “Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909”

Travel: Guinea-Bissau

Questions:

What is the time interval between Lewis Hine’s photography the shirtwaist makers’ strike?
Lewis and Clara were both interested in helping make things change. How did their methods differ?

*** Film Festival Note: Watch it ahead of time. It will require discussion.

Video: “Sing for the Wind” – Roo Panes (Dance)

Hymn: “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” – Fernando Ortega

Video: Audrey Assad speaks about the story behind her song, “Even Unto Death”

Video: “Even Unto Death” – Audrey Assad

Song: “I Won’t Be Afraid Anymore” – Nomos (I can’t find it online for listening, but here is a link for the album — which is all good!) “I Won’t Be Afraid Anymore” – Nomos