FINDING GLORY Wednesday

Our focus this week continues to be on sharing life and ministry. This can be a challenging thing to do — and do well! Let's dig deeper.

Today’s scripture and discussion question are:

"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.' Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.' Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. 'Could you men not keep watch with me for on hour?' he asked Peter." MATTHEW 26:36-40

Consider how Jesus felt about his friends' response during his time of anguish. What are godly ways to handle the temptation toward resentment when you don't experience satisfying support from others?

For more information about Finding Glory Groups, visit http://www.findingglory.com/findingglorygrou.html.

Today's reflections are copyrighted excerpts taken from Finding Glory in the Thorns: Group Discussion Guide.

As Iron Sharpens Iron

We have just spent the last three days on retreat with the Board of Directors for Walk Right In Ministries. It's been such an encouraging and sharpening time of fellowship, worship and listening to God for direction!

As Larry and I prepared for the retreat, we had Christ-centered friendship on our minds. Of course it is a priority for us individually and as a family, but it is critical in the leadership and the very fabric of our ministry. As the weekend went on, we were thankful for the opportunity to wrestle through the mission, vision, challenges and opportunities with like-minded friends who will encourage us in Christ and hold us accountable to His ways. As we all dug into God's word and our passions together, we were reminded once again of what a privilege it is to live and work alongside others who love Jesus.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man...they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man,“Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:3-5

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

We prayed that you have people in your lives coming alongside you in such an important way. Would you please take a moment to pray on behalf of Walk Right In Ministries? Let's ask God together that He would connect people in Christ-centered relationships and equip them for growth and abundant living that brings glory to God — even when life is hard. That's our mission. May God make it so!

It's "Marriage Prayer Friday!"

Let's kick off a great weekend by praying humbly for marriage!

A prayer for your own marriage—

LORD GOD, there are areas of pride in my life and marriage that need breaking. I am painfully aware that there are certain things that need changing in me but I know there are some areas where I am blind to my own sin. Help me to be receptive to Your correction, even when it comes through the voice of someone else like my spouse. I want to be a husband/wife who is growing and teachable in my marriage relationship not someone who is defensive and easily wounded. I also need Your help to be a compassionate partner who shares my needs, ideas and dreams with Your patience and grace. Shut my mouth and open my ears to hear what my husband/wife is trying to say about his/her wants, needs, ideas and dreams. Encourage us, Lord Jesus. We need to know again that you love us and delight in us as individuals and as a couple. Please reassure us that we can always rest in Your grace and presence despite any ugly moment or season. God, You know where breakthrough is needed. For Your glory, please heal, restore and grow us! I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN

Something to pray for a friend's marriage—

LORD GOD, as I pray for the marriages of people I care about today, I am asking for your intervention in the area of pride. I am asking for a new release of Your power to break any grip of pride. There are usually some painful areas where things need to change or grow in every marriage, Lord. Help my friends to be receptive to Your correction, even when it comes through the voice of someone else like their spouse. Give them a desire to be husbands and wives who are growing and teachable in their marriage relationship not spouses who are defensive and easily wounded. Also, help them to be compassionate partners who share their needs, ideas and dreams with Your patience and grace. Shut their mouths and open their ears to hear each other. Encourage them, Lord Jesus. They need to know again that you love them and delight in them as individuals and as a couple. Please reassure them that they can always rest in Your grace and presence despite any ugly moment or season. God, You know where breakthrough is needed. For Your glory, please heal, restore and grow these marriages I name before you today! I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN