ADORATION – Reflect on God’s Greatness
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT
God is everywhere, in and around everything, close to everyone. “‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.”
Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
PRAISE THE OMNIPRESENT GOD
He is always everywhere fully present. Think of the most distant and remote place that you have traveled. God was there before you arrived. He is still there. He will always be there. He is also fully present with you now and will be fully present everywhere you go today. Acknowledge His presence right now.
CONFESSION: Confess your sins to God and receive his continued mercy.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
THANKSGIVING: Giving thanks to God for his specific blessings in our lives.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100
SUPPLICATION: Bringing our requests to God.
- Bring your personal prayer requests to God.
- Pray for your friends who do not know Jesus. Ask God to strengthen your friendships and give you opportunities for gospel conversations.
SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Timothy 4:1-16 New Living Translation
Warnings against False Teachers
4 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION:
What is the difference between “training and trying?” Clearly to train you must try, but in terms of compare and contrast what is the difference? If someone were to tell you to “try” to play the piano and you had no training you would likely fail. If someone were to tell you to “train” to play the piano your initial efforts would not be very musical, but the whole point is to grow, to improve. Human religions are largely about “trying” to earn God’s favor or to make yourself spiritually fit. The gospel is about already being fully accepted by God, and from that place of security to train for godliness. To exert full and consistent efforts to enjoy and exemplify what God in his good grace has given to you. Rest in his love but push yourself to grow. Are you spiritually coasting right now? Have your lost your fervor for being God’s man or woman? Do you sleep past the alarm and spend no time in God’s word or prayer? Do you allow bad thoughts and habits to inhabit your life? You are a temple of the Holy Spirit; you must not let this be so. Do not go to earning and guilt. Train for godliness. It is your birthright as a Christian to grow. Learn to love training because you love the benefits of training. You get to know and enjoy and reveal God.