Week Twenty-one of Cultivate Delight, where we are actively planning our spiritual endeavors this coming week with the goal of a consistent time spent engaging our hearts with Christ in his word, in prayer, in reflection, and in music. Below are some starting points for reflection, and I hope you find them helpful. The goal is to not just rush through these and then get on with your day. Take your time and reflect throughout the week on these items.
“Do we eagerly long for the coming of Christ? Or do we want him to wait while our love affair with the world runs its course? That is the question that tests the authenticity of faith.”
― John Piper
Bible Reading
Deut. 28 – Joshua 2
Old Testament
(Two-year plan)
Acts 12-16
New Testament
(One-year plan)
Liturgy – New City Catechism
Question 21: What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?
One who is truly human and also truly God.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Prayer
Jesus Christ… Fully God and fully man. This one truth turns the world upside down. This truth shakes the foundation of all that we understand and know in this world. It seems to our natural mind that this cannot be true. That you can’t be both God and man. Yet, Jesus is both God and man united as one. God walked among us. God tabernacled with us. God came down from heaven and humbled himself to become part of his creation. And how did his creation receive him? With shouts of joy and adoration? No. We received him with by delivering him over to death. The one perfect being humbled himself to death, even death on a cross.
Jesus, come into our hearts even now. Awaken within us a love for all things holy. Kindle a fire of faith that burns with an intensity that overtakes all of our life. Humble us Lord Jesus. Humble us and bring us into your presence. May we see the goodness and kindness of your steadfast love covering us each and every moment of each and every day. Teach us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Worship
Mary, Did You Know?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God
Mary, did you know? (Did you know?)
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the lamb!
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is Heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
(Mary, did you know?)