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Hope Springs Forth
Throughout the year, we have continued to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Upper Room daily Read More
Heather Neal Bennett | Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
My middle school years were spent on a basketball court. I loved being on a team, and when I read this passage from Second Thessalonians it reminded me of a coach in a huddle, motivating their team.
“Huddle up, friends,” the coach says. Arms wrap tightly around the nearest shoulder...
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.” Break! Amen.
The passages for this week remind us to stay focused. Without focusing, we become distracted and disoriented like the community in Second Thessalonians. In Haggai, the remnant have to be reminded that God has, is, and will be with them. In Luke, the Sadducees are refocused to see that God does not operate as humans understand. The psalmist reminds us what it looks like to be focused on God. The passages are reminders that God is always with us. God has given scripture, one another, and creation to learn from and experience God if we focus.
• Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17. Spend a few minutes in silence, focusing on your inhalations and exhalations. Allow any distractions to enter one ear and exit the other; do not give them more awareness than that.
• Read Haggai 1:15b–2:9. Create a one-line drawing of what captures your attention. Begin at one point and do not lift your pencil until finished.
• Write down a list of questions you have for Jesus. Read Luke 20:27-38. How do you feel about your questions after reading Jesus’ response to the Sadducees?
• Read Psalm 98. Study creation this week from your window or in nature. How does creation praise God?
Respond by posting a prayer.
