This week is a big one... we refer to it as Holy Week but that is definitely a term applied in hindsight. Luke, in his gospel, outlines these days from Jesus’ triumphal entry through the gates into Jerusalem to his betrayal, arrest and brutal death. But Sunday is coming! What appeared to bury their hope that Jesus was who He said He was became the greatest victory in the history of the world. We know the end of the story… but the tension is still present. How will you focus your thoughts during this Holy Week?

Having experienced a pivotal point in his ministry and with his disciples, Jesus continues to color outside the lines of tradition. But while He incurs the disdain from the political and spiritual leaders, Jesus is reaching people with God’s truth and the reality of eternal separation from Him if they do not repent and believe… hanging out together is not enough. Jesus is keenly aware of those who would revel in His death, but the path set out for him will not be altered.

Something is happening in the hills surrounding the villages where Jesus performed so many miracles. His followers had recently witnessed an unmistakeable turning point in Jesus' ministry and now this... can they understand or explain something so incredible? What does it mean for the future as they continue to follow Jesus?

Jesus continues throughout the countryside and into villages performing miracles, healing and speaking in wonderful parables to large crowds who gathered to listen. His 12 apostles have been called to his side now, and by Jesus’ power and authority, they will also proclaim God’s kingdom and heal those afflicted by evil. Jesus is “doing” the ministry we are used to hearing about… but what about the faith of the people? Do we today, believe or do we doubt? Can doubt be a positive part of affirming our personal faith in Jesus? Luke certainly thinks so…

The word was getting out. So much so that crowds of people were gathering to hear Jesus speak and to be healed. What important thing was he saying, though? "Come to me and be healed", or was it "come to me and be forgiven of your sins." Were the people satisfied with the former, or did they desire the latter? Ask Levi, the tax collector, which one he chose...

Jesus emerged from his time in the wilderness, having cast aside a crafty enemy, to began his Galilean ministry. He went out into the whole countryside, preaching to everyone, everywhere. Many praised his gracious manner and listened with rapt attention as he spoke in the synagogue. Let's stop there. Even though they recognized him as a home-town boy, the listeners took issue with his words. "No thanks", they said, and tried to facilitate his demise (for lack of a better phrase). Jesus went on his way, preaching and healing, and so began a history-altering, kingdom-building ministry.

We are diving into the first of nine Spiritual Practices we’ll study this year.

These habits of the faith help us grow in our knowledge of scripture and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Fasting is our body’s natural response to difficult spiritual situations like illness, death, sin, etc. Involving our bodies in this form of “lament” is the same as involving them in praise like raising hands or kneeling. Let’s dig in and discover something new!

As we get a bit further into the book of Luke and specifically the example of Mary & Martha, how do the Psalms allow you to focus and reflect on your relationship with God? The writers that so beautifully crafted this book were desiring to be closer to God. The worship and praise, despair and lament contained in its verses speak to a deep longing that God, in his mercy, would hear and respond to.