The Shift (Day 9, Thursday)

February 21, 2021, By: Jimmy Scruggs

Starter Prayer: God of Salvation, teach us to see you and feel your presence in the shifting circumstances of our lives.

Focus Word: Shift

God was close to Jesus in moments of shift.

Rev. Denise Anderson ends her commentary on Jesus’ closeness with God writing:

Again and again, God meets us where we are, but doesn’t leave us there. We shift from sinking sand to solid ground, navel gazing to community, personal pietism to justice for all, and away from behaviors, both personal and systemic, that frustrate God’s vision for the world.

Before we leave the Mark 1:9-15 passage about Jesus’ experience, let’s take time to reflect on the moments of shift we have experienced over the years.

Psalm 40 is a favorite of mine that also talks about the ways that God is with us in moments of shift.

Be encouraged in your practice,

Katie Martinez

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE:

  • Read Psalm 40. 
  • Read the reflection on page 8 of  Again & Again. The link is in every Journey email. If you’re not getting those, register here.
  • Questions for journaling and spiritual conversation:
    • When have you felt the shift from sinking sand to solid rock? 
    • What does it feel like to have a “new song” in your heart?
  • If you feel in the wilderness or the mud pit right now, take some time to remember God’s kindness to you in other seasons of your life; and ask God for help and safety in your current hardship.
  • If you’d like to talk or prayer with a pastor or care minister, call the church office at 970.203.9201.

ENDNOTES:

  • For daily texts with the Focus Word, Starter Prayer and link to these daily posts, text the word “lent” to 970-500-0970.
  • Join Ryan on Facebook Live, every weekday morning at 10am for spiritual conversation on these Lent themes.
  • Looking for the link to the digital devotional or your copy of the print version? Register here.
  • Join the Orange Dots of Hope Facebook Group for spiritual conversations.

This is part of Again & Again: Journey of Lent 2021 with Crossroads Church. The theme, devotional booklet, poetry and art is the work of the creative community of theologians and artists at A Sanctified Art. Crossroads is grateful for this resource!