GPS for the week of February 23, 2020

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“Transformed!”

 

The week between the church seasons of Pentecost and Lent is known as “Transfiguration Sunday”.  It is the day we remember Christ going up the mountain, being in God’s presence, and being transformed (transfigured).  The story sets the stage for us to be transformed in powerful ways in our own lives.

 

Prayer:  Lord, change us.  On the inside where no one can see but you, change us.  Help us to listen for your voice in our daily living.  On the outside where everyone can see our actions, change us.  We seek to be your people, always doing your will.  Amen. 

 

Monday 2.24              “Moses on the Mountain”

Exodus 24: 12-18

Moses went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of the Ten Commandments.  Notice how long he was up there.  This time changed his life and the lives of all who followed him in the wilderness.  It wasn’t the tablets that changed him; it was being in the presence of the living God.  Have there ever been times in your life when you have felt that you were in God’s living, tangible presence?  When was this?  What was going on?  How did this affect you?

 

Tuesday 2.25 “God’s Holy Mountain”                   Psalm 99

We talk about our “mountaintop” experiences.  In the Bible there are multiple stories where God literally was on the mountaintop.  In our own lives, the “mountaintop” may be nowhere near a mountain.  These experiences can happen anywhere.  Where are the most sacred, powerful places in your life?  When was the last time you were there?  What is it like, and what makes that place special?

 

Wednesday 2.26        “The Transfiguration”         Matthew 17: 1-9

There was something amazing about Jesus.  He had a direct connection with God and experienced God in very tangible ways.  Peter, James, and John on this day experienced that living presence with him.  These are extremely rare moments in our own lives.  Most often, we experience the quietness…even the silence…of God.  We wait for God in stillness.  Today, find a place to be quiet.  Turn off all the noise around you.  Just sit in silence for five minutes.  Don’t expect to hear God’s voice.  Recognize that you are sitting in God’s loving presence and in the silence be filled.

 

Thursday 2.27           “God’s Voice”                     2 Peter 1: 16-21

When Jesus went up on the mountaintop, there were only three people with him:  Peter, James, and John.  Today we hear the voice of Peter in this passage.  He speaks to us of that moment as he experienced it.  The voice of God comes to us in many different ways: as a shout, as a whisper, not as a voice at all but rather a nudge or a strong inner feeling.  Sometimes the voice of God is the voice of a person speaking directly to us.  How is it that you “hear” God?

 

Friday 2.28                 “Mercy Transforms Us”                 Psalm 51

We now enter Lent.  Psalm 51 is the response of King David in deep repentance after it being revealed that he had committed deceit, adultery, lying, and even murder.  And God taught him mercy.  Mercy transforms us when it is shown to us and when we share it with others.  How have you experienced mercy given to you in your life?  How have you chosen to share it with others?

 

Saturday 2.29 “Action Transforms Us”   Matt. 6:1-6,16-21

Jesus came into his full ministry telling us to “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near.”  We do this when our faith becomes actions.  What in this passage strikes you?  What is it that really catches your attention today?