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Is Jesus Calling You?
Introducing the Jesus Calling website and the downloadable App during Holy Week in 2020 is profound since we’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and we’re all quarantined in our own homes–isolated from one another! We must believe this crisis was not created by God but permitted by Him as are all things. God surely has my attention and the attention of many.
Two thousand years ago on the Jewish feast of Passover (Good Friday) Jesus was crucified. But centuries before Jesus was born during the Jewish feast of Passover, those of Jewish faith took the blood of an unblemished lamb and marked their front door mantles so that the angel of death would pass over their homes and not take their first-born son. Later christians came to believe that this very event prefigured the sacrifice of God’s first-born Son, the ‘Lamb of God’, who was sent to save all mankind.
As part of this festival the Jews continued to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread with the seder meal, the sacrificial celebration of the paschal lamb. Christians came to believe this ceremony pre-figured Jesus in the Christian eucharist. Finally, on the third day ( Sunday) the Jews celebrated the feast of First Fruits which christians acknowledge as the Resurrection–the first fruit of salvation.
If you’re interested on learning more about how God continues to show us more wonderous-undeniable gifts, just click the link below:
This time of solitude and reflection is a good segue into discovering the Jesus Calling book. More than 14 million people of many religious persuasions have been awakened through Sarah Young’s 2004 devotional publication, “Jesus Calling”. The commentaries from numerous readers testify they are convinced that Jesus truly speaks to us in a personal encounter through this book, especially when we are seeking God or hurting. The 4–6 sentence daily reflections in Jesus Calling are all based on scripture thus it’s not hard to believe we hear the message of the Living Word of God rephrased in its pages.
Prayerful Reading
Thank You for leading me to this private time of prayer in my quiet, out-of-the way place, selecting a brief passage from Scripture, becoming silent, and listening to my breath. With a prayer I acknowledge your holy Presence.
Reading the Scripture passage slowly and quietly more than once, listening for the word or phrase to touch my heart or watching for an image to catch my imagination.
Reflecting on Your word, phrase, or image speaking to me, letting it interact with my thoughts, emotions, memories, and hopes You are leading me to, as I read the passage slowly again.
Responding to what You have shared with me in my own words of praise and thanks, concern and petition, trust and hope.
Resting for a moment with You, my Lord in silence, letting go of words and ideas, not becoming disturbed with distractions but listening to Your Breath instead, allowing You to love me and to receive Your love.
End with the Lord’s Prayer
Deacon Fernando Botelho
