WEEK 2 REFLECTIONS

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Day 1 - Trusting God as Good

“Your Kingdom Come”

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Matthew 4:17

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” Luke 18:16

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3,10

“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.’” Luke 17:20-21

Heavenly Father, you call us to repent, to turn from pursuing our own kingdoms and instead pursue yours. In your kingdom there is healing and wholeness, there is innocence, purity of heart, and righteousness. May I draw near to you today, as you and your kingdom draw near to me.

• Remind me, Lord, of the good ways you’ve already changed my thinking about you and your kingdom.
• Father, show me anything I fight against, thinking my understanding or way is better than yours.
• What does it look like to proclaim your kingdom in the places I go?

Make me aware of the closeness of your kingdom, Father. Today, may I and those around me experience your presence in a fuller way.

Ideas for additional study/activity:

• Read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. How does Jesus describe the kingdom of heaven?
• Take note of your thoughts, words, and actions today. In what ways did they or did they not display the goodness of God’s kingdom. What would you change next time you find yourself in a similar situation?

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Day 2 - Trusting God as Good

“Your Will”

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” Isaiah 46:10

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” Colossians 1:9

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” Matthew 26:39

Heavenly Father, you and your word stand firm. Everything you do is good and has purpose to build up and grow your people. When I doubt, remind me of all you have already done and your promises yet to come.

• In what ways am I conformed to the patterns of this world?
• What does it look like for me to be fully surrendered to you in this area?
• Reveal any doubt I have that you will accomplish what you have said so that I may trust you more.

Father, give me wisdom and understanding to know your will, and the strength to carry it out. May my heart be surrendered to you today.

Ideas for additional study/activity:

• Read and reflect on Romans 12. What do you find challenging? Talk to your heavenly Father about it and ask for His help.
• As you go through your day, ask God to show you what he wants you to see. Respond as his Spirit prompts you.

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Day 3 - Trusting God as Good

“Done”

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:4-6

Heavenly Father, your Son, Jesus Christ finished the work you gave him to do. He was completely obedient with each step. You are doing a good work in me and will see it through as you grow and mature me, making me complete in Christ.

What gifts and talents have you given me to use for your good work in this world?

How do you want me to use these gifts for the building up of your church?

In the areas of my life where I’m feeling weary or want to give up, what do you want me to know and remember about the good things you are bringing about?

Father, you are steadfast and firm in bringing about your purpose. May I do my part for your kingdom, finishing the good work you’ve given me to do.

Ideas for additional study/activity:

• Read and reflect on Psalm 22. What do you notice about both the weariness and the encouragement of the psalmist?
• Write your own psalm of lament and praise pouring your heart out to God. (It doesn’t have to be perfect and only God needs to know what it says.)

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Day 4 - Trusting God as Good

“On Earth as it is in Heaven”

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:5-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Heavenly Father, you are love. You have shown us what is good. You make your will and truth known if only we would seek you and believe what you say. Help me to put into practice the ways of your kingdom.

• Father, your love never gives up. Remind me of the ways you have been good to me when I didn’t deserve it.
• Show me the ways I withhold love from others.
• What does it look like for me to serve those around me?

Give me a clean and pure heart for you and your ways. When I want to make much of myself, remind me that you made yourself nothing for me.

Ideas for additional study/activity:

• Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Reflect on what it means to be an ambassador for Christ.
• Write down and meditate on one of the verses above. As you find yourself in difficult conversation or situations, consider your response in light of this verse.

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Day 5 - Trusting God as Good

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said,  ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Revelation 21:5

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment— to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” Ephesians 1:7-10

Read through these verses a few times slowly.

• What words or phrases do you notice? What catches your attention?
• How is God speaking to you through what you notice? What comes to mind?
• As you pray through what God is saying to you and showing you, how will you respond?

Heavenly Father, you are bringing all things into unity under Jesus. Thank you for inviting us to participate in your kingdom work, even today. You are always at work for the good of those who love you, and your desire is that all would come to know your saving grace. I thank you for your presence and…

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