REPLAY
MONDAY, MAY 26
READING: ROMANS 8:15-18
Cooperating with our Heavenly Father as He forms us into His unique masterpiece can seem like trying to dance with a partner who is often hard to find. As you reflect on Paul’s words in Romans 8, note the words that speak to the secure identity of one who is a follower of Christ. You have received a Spirit of adoption which enables you to speak to God as a Father. You are a child of God. You are an heir of God and a fellow heir with Christ. When you place your trust in Christ as Lord and Savior, your entire standing with God changes. You become His beloved child secure in your identity…provided we suffer with him.
What rises up in you as you read that last phrase? We would like to leave that part off, wouldn’t we? One internal marker to look for within yourself is a “willingness to suffer with Christ.” Suffering in the Bible is often pictured as part of God’s purification process. We don’t necessarily have to go looking for it, but are asked to endure it willingly. We all know that everything isn’t perfectly right in our lives. We just don’t like to admit that things aren’t exactly right. Your Heavenly Father knows what needs to be transformed and reshaped within you. You can trust Him.
What rises up in you as you read that last phrase? We would like to leave that part off, wouldn’t we? One internal marker to look for within yourself is a “willingness to suffer with Christ.” Suffering in the Bible is often pictured as part of God’s purification process. We don’t necessarily have to go looking for it, but are asked to endure it willingly. We all know that everything isn’t perfectly right in our lives. We just don’t like to admit that things aren’t exactly right. Your Heavenly Father knows what needs to be transformed and reshaped within you. You can trust Him.
EXAMEN PRACTICE | RETREAT | REPLAY (7 MINUTES)
Today, we will take one simple step further with the Examen. Like yesterday, start by RETREATING, removing yourself from distractions and interruptions. Put the phone down (or at least on Airplane Mode).
Get comfortable and become aware that your Heavenly Father sees you. Jesus is with you because His Spirit is in you. Ask God to help you think back through the last 24 hours.
Now start to REPLAY the previous day with your Heavenly Father.
In your mind, walk with God back through your day. You won’t recall everything, but pay attention to how you feel as you replay what God brings to mind. What are you excited to share with Him? Is there anything you want to keep hidden?
Close your time of prayerful reflection with a prayer of thanksgiving declaring your identity to God. Perhaps something like — “God, I am so grateful that you have adopted me into your family”.
And that is quite enough for today.
Get comfortable and become aware that your Heavenly Father sees you. Jesus is with you because His Spirit is in you. Ask God to help you think back through the last 24 hours.
Now start to REPLAY the previous day with your Heavenly Father.
- Who did you spend time with?
- Who did you talk with?
- What captured most of your time?
- What did you eat?
- Where did you go?
In your mind, walk with God back through your day. You won’t recall everything, but pay attention to how you feel as you replay what God brings to mind. What are you excited to share with Him? Is there anything you want to keep hidden?
Close your time of prayerful reflection with a prayer of thanksgiving declaring your identity to God. Perhaps something like — “God, I am so grateful that you have adopted me into your family”.
And that is quite enough for today.