In Our Hearts, Not Under a Bushel

Scripture Memorization:

"I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt." Psalm 119:11 (The Message)

"If I had to find one word to describe how belief came to take hold of me, it would be 'repetition.'" ~ Kathleen Norris, Poet, Presbyterian, and Benedictine oblate

Find out more information about the Navigators' Topical Memory System.

Evangelism:

"By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News." Eph 3:7 (New Living Translation)

"Our communication of the gospel depends not on human strategies or well-polished arguments ... but on divine initiative. It is the hidden work of the Holy Spirit that gives our words meaning and power that produces changed hearts." ~ Rebecca Pippert

"It doesn't matter whether you're selling Jesus or Buddha or civil rights or How to Make Money in Real Estate With No Money Down. That doesn't make you a human being; it makes you a marketing rep. If you want to talk to somebody honestly, as a human being, ask him about his kids. Find out what his dreams are - just to find out, for no other reason. Because as soon as you lay your hands on a conversation to steer it, it's not a conversation anymore; it's a pitch. And you're not a human being; you're a marketing rep." ~Danny DeVito (as Phil Cooper) on witnessing in the 1999 movie The Big Kahuna.

Jan 24-30 Suggested Lectio: Word-Centered Life

The passages below are for reading, meditation, and lectio this week. Feel free to post your comments or reflections. The prompts are also here for your use.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
2 Samuel 22:31-34
Psalm 1:1-3
Psalm 119:9-16
Psalm 119:33-40
John 1:1-5
Colossians 3:15-17

Read: Seek a phrase or verse that attracts your attention. Repeat the phrase and savor it.

Reflect: What meaning is offered to you as you consider the phrase or verse?

Respond: What response do you have to the word? What is God’s invitation to you?

Rest: Relax in God’s transforming power and presence.