In light of the day’s reading, pause to reflect on the specific areas you long to see made new and how Jesus’s ministry calls us to join in that restoration. Let these shape your prayers today.
Jesus taught that abundant, resurrected life is life with Him. This life has broken into this world even as we wait for the day when death is no longer a present reality. So we pursue life and flourishing—in our bodies, our relationships with others, and this world—living as a resurrection people toward the promised end when all creation is made new.
After you’ve read, spend some time in prayer about what life and flourishing looks like in the ministry God has called you to. Comment/share with the community anything that stood out to you or encouraged you from the reading or your time in prayer.
First of all I would like to say fantastic blog!
I had a quick question in which I’d like to
ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself
and clear your thoughts prior to writing. I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes
are usually lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any
recommendations or hints? Many thanks!
I asked myself what a life of flourishing would look like? After reading the verses from Romans, I was reminded of how there is limited time for us to live for Jesus here on earth, and do we have to clothe ourselves with Jesus NOW. This is true flourishing – life with Jesus!
If I am too busy trying to fit in with the world around me, then I will think a life of flourishing is found in physical prosperity. But when I spend time with Jesus and grow to be more like Him, I realise that He is the only source of true flourishing.
Flourishing! Yes, Jesus!
❤
Flourishing can look very different at certain periods in life! I had a baby 7 months ago and before that I had a growing leadership career. I felt God lead me to step back from my busy position and be at home more with our daughter.
Flourishing looks mundane on the outside right now… changing diapers, nursing, taking care of our home, etc. But I have so much more mental space to commune with God and plant godly seeds for our daughter!
This is so encouraging to me!! Sometimes life at home as a mom can feel mundane, but I need to remember it is a ministry. Thank you!
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” Romans 13:10 To me loving our neighbors is seeing them as a fearfully and wonderfully made child of God. If we love our neighbors in this way then we won’t be tempted to sin against them in the ways listed before that verse. Flourishing to me is growing in the ways that I show love to others- family, friends, and strangers alike. Am I quick to get angry? Quick to insult? Quick to think the worst?
a call to responsible Christian living. the importance of respect for authority, adherence to the law, and love for others. Above all, it is a call to action, a call to wake from spiritual slumber, to live in the light, and to cloth ourselves with Christ. It is a reminder that we are on the brink of salvation and that every moment matters in our pursuit of Christlikeness.
I really like John 5:24. Those who hear Jesus’s words and trust in God are not judged guilty. That means I am free to flourish because I am free from guilt, from shame, from measuring up and trying to be enough. I’m not enough, and never will be on my own. And I have a Savior whom I can trust to fill in the gaps for me. Free to truly LIVE! Thank you Jesus!