SERMON NOTES:  

The joining of emotional health and contemplative spirituality takes us below the surface of our lives so Jesus can heal and transform.

Remember: Jesus is the one who heals and transforms!

John 15 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

 Matthew 11 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Psalm 37 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Psalm 46 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

How do we practically “remain in Jesus”, “come to Jesus”, “find rest”, “be still” in our very busy, hurried, distracted world?

Daily and weekly rhythms (such as Daily Office and Sabbath) set us up well to experience “union with God” as a way of life?

Stopping, centering, silence, scripture and prayer are daily lifelines with Jesus! 

Stopping, resting, delighting and contemplating God and His gifts are beautiful elements of “Sabbath” God wants us to experience.

Rhythms and structure in our spiritual life is intended as a “want to” for connection with Jesus and not a “have to” for pleasing God!  

STUDY GUIDE

SOLITUDE, SCRIPTURE, AND PRAYER

Silence and stillness helps us to enter into awareness of God’s presence and to rest there in His love.  We stop our activity and turn our attention to the Living God. In a posture of attentiveness and surrender, we allow Him and His will access to the innermost parts of our lives.  This is the very core of being in loving union with Him.  - Peter Scazzero      

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWOl minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me?

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?” 

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish – Spend TWO minutes again with God

Monday – John 15:1-6

Tuesday – Psalm 46

Wednesday – Matthew 11:25-30

Thursday– Psalm 119:9-16

Friday – John 7:37-39

Saturday – Psalm 1

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7