Meditations
Sunday, January 12—Saturday, January 18
Sunday: “A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.” Acts 16: 14. Consider that God might open your heart today to see and hear God’s way. Slow your spirit and attune yourself to listen for God.
Monday: “When Lydia and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.” Acts 16: 15. Lydia’s baptism changed her. She lived into her call of radical hospitality and intentional discipleship. How have you been changed by presence of the Holy Spirit?
Tuesday: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.” Matthew 3: 13. Jesus went to John to be baptized. Who do you go to in order to know God more?
Wednesday: “John would have prevented Jesus, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Matthew 3: 14. Pray today for the moments in our lives and the lives of others when we can not yet see God’s purposes.
Thursday: “But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.” Matthew 3: 15. Consider that John baptized Jesus as a cousin. Where is God calling you to connect with family, even when it is uncomfortable, in order to share the good news?
Friday: “And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” Matthew 3: 16. Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. The Holy Spirit inspires and equips us for every work.
Saturday: “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3: 17. Remember God’s vision of you: You are the beloved child of God. No matter what you do or say, you are already God’s beloved child.