Sunday, April 6, 2014

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : "med-TEA-tations" for 5th Sunday of Lent

Prayers for Memphis pastors are a part of our church's monthly intercessory prayer program, "Warriors on the Wall."  This month the featured pastor-friend of our pastor is Christ Methodist's Shane Stanford, so it seemed appropriate to share some of his Lenten insights from his book, Mosaic, on this fifth Sunday of Lent.

His alliterative headings keep the flow of each chapter very consistent---Rebellion, Restlessness, Regret, Rejection, Responsibilities, Resources, and Relationships for each of the six Sundays.

The one on "Regret" really spoke to my heart. 
Regret is heavier, more encumbering.......when allowed to grow and take hold, it will choke not only our potential but also our joy. (p. 27) But Stanford's scripture selections and meditation insights takes one to the "place of confidence, our place of no regret." (p.33)
With selected scriptures and the same study format in each chapter, (Reveal, Reflect, Refine, and Respond) one is taken from revelation to insight for practical application. In other words, hope is always given showing how God can use all these "broken" pieces of our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.
Mosaic has provided quite a journey for many Christians......aiding their soul searching med-TEA-tation times as Easter approaches.