Advent Reading Series Read, Ponder and Act. Day 1 Welcome to my Advent Reading Series.
I am already a day late in starting this series. My apologies. I
will aim to share a post each day in Advent.
The aim of this series is to encourage you to spend some time with the
Scriptures each day in Advent. Advent is a busy time with the
preparations we have for Christmas, and even with the best of intentions, our
spiritual preparation can be overlooked or not even attempted. It is all
too hard, too busy, too difficult.
My aim for myself and hopefully for you too is to read a small scripture
passage each day. read it slowly, ponder it and then act upon it for that
day. The reflection questions emerge as part of my pondering. If you do
not like the scripture for the day, choose another one or work out your own
advent reading plan. Whatever you choose, read, ponder and act
READ: Day 1: Isaiah 11:10
PONDER:
I was initially struck by vs 1 with the hope of newness and the positively that
the shoot would spring from the Stock of Jesse. Straightaway I was
attracted to this hope, this promise of newness and positivism. I breathed it
in as I read.
Verse 2 offers us traits and spiritual characteristics which we may wish for or
wish for in more abundance this advent. How often have you had to discern
a big decision and wished more for clarity in making. I know I do.
A spirit of wisdom, counsel, and knowledge are gifts i certainly would like to
receive in fuller abundance.
How freeing it is to know that God in vs 3 does not judge according to
appearance. He knows us each by name and every detail of our lives and
wants the best for us. Are we humble enough to receive from Him?
What appearance do we give to others? What appearance do we give to
God? What appearance will we shed in hope this advent?
Vs 5 talks about the constancy of God. No, God does not just assists
us once and say you have had your turn. No, He is there always until the
end of the world. So we need to believe in the constancy of God's
goodness in all the circumstances of our lives.
Later we are also reminded that following in God's way is the way to forward.
Why, because we will, when we are working and cooperating with God's grace to
choose accordingly a life that is peace filled. It does not mean that we will
not seek any problems but through those problems that we encounter, we can
count on the constancy of God. Are we constant or luke warm when it comes
to our spiritual life?
Which verses struck you for your life today?
ACT
1.Having read and pondered this reading what will I do? For example, I am
giving an organ lesson today, catching up with a friend for lunch and also
trying to learn new skills .I will allow the thoughts from this reading
permeate my day with hope, enthusiasm and joy
2. How will it make a difference in my life today? I am feeling
very stressed right now. Knowing and calling upon the constancy of God as
a friend beside me during my day is priceless. Easy to forget and yet
priceless to remember and say thank you. I will remember the constancy of
God in my life. I will sing Strong and Constant as a reminder.
3.I will also commit to regular prayer time during Advent and in this coming
year. I will aim to work with God's grace and follow His call for my
life. I will make sure today that I recharge my spiritual batteries and
take a stock take of where I am it.
Check out the Advent Reading Plan here.
How will you Read,
Ponder and Act in Day 1 of Advent Series
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