Philippians 1:21-30 (CEB)

Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again.

Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God. God has generously granted you the privilege, not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for Christ’s sake. You are having the same struggle that you saw me face and now hear that I’m still facing.

Today's Reflective Questions

• Do you have a gnawing in your soul that will not go away?
• Do you wish to be a part of what Jesus was about so much that you want to live His life and share with others what He had to say?
• Do you have a desire to understand or know something through the power of the Holy Spirit?

This Week's Lenten Focus: Discernment

This Lenten season, Bishop David Wilson, along with some conference staff and members of the laity, are inviting the people of the Great Plains Conference and beyond to “Pay Attention to God’s Voice” during this season of Lent. The theme for this week is Discernment.

“To come into silence is to come into the presence of the Divine.” (John O’Donohue). The Spiritual Discipline of Discernment calls us into the presence of the Divine. During the Lenten Season, we follow the steps of Jesus into the wilderness as we wander around in the barren land. We open our souls (discernment) to hear from Him during these days and hours of self-examination and repentance. We lean into discerning the Words we hear and how we will live as Resurrection people each and every day.

Rev. Hollie Tapley
htapley@greatplainsumc.org
and
Cesar Duran
cduran@greatplainsumc.org

• Watch a video featuring the Rev. Hollie Tapley and Cesar Duran talking about discernment
• Watch a video featuring Bishop David Wilson inviting you to observe a Holy Lent
• To learn more, check out this special page on our website dedicated to our Lenten topics.

Invitation to Go Deeper 

Each day this week, use the provided Lenten passage and the three questions above to listen and discern what is revealed to you during your time of examination and repentance. 

Prayer for Reflection

Psalm 31:9-16
Job 13:13-19