Take a pause to breathe - set a timer for 10 min.
Simply breathe Inhale, and exhaleNotice any tension or pain in your body.. ask the Lord to relax you or to heal that area. Notice your thoughts... Release all that will distract you by simply saying silently or out loud "Lord, I release<insert distraction>to you. "When the ten minutes is up, sit silently until you are fully present in this moment.
Then........Read the scripture below 3x out loud or silently.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)
“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the misfits. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute! Proverbs 31:8-9 (The Message)
Spend some time journaling and reflecting on the following questions:
Read Philippians 2:1-4 3x out loud or silently. What word or phrase speaks to you?
In what ways does your church community need to be one in Spirit and one in mind? How can you help to facilitate and cultivate this oneness?
In what areas of your church community is selfish ambition and/or vain conceit being practiced?
Where has pride crept into your church community?
Who do you need to value above yourself in your church community? Who is being devalued in your church community?
In what ways are you looking to your own interest rather than the interest of others in your church community?
Read Proverbs 31:8-9 3x out loud or silently. What word or phrase speaks to you?
For whom is God calling you to speak up in your church community?
Are there unfair practices in your church community? Are there people who are being mistreated, abused, etc.? How is God calling you to speak out against injustice?
How can you stand up for those who have no voice in your church community?
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