Receiving February 14, 2009, worship scriptures

Scriptures for February 14, 2009
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Mark 1:40-45

Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
What do you know about receiving the life in physical food? Many of us take a lot for granted when it comes to eating. Yet when we pause to think about it, when we pause to hear competent food experts, we discover that we have some choices about just how life-giving the food is that we eat. It doesn't take dialog with experts to hear phrases like "five a day" and "whole foods." When we pause to listen just a little and to think about it just a little, we discover we have choices about receiving life in physical food.
Just as we have choices about receiving life in physical food, we also have choices about receiving life in spiritual food. Jesus said his words are spirit and life. Staying aware of this, and receiving the Word as the spirit and life it is matters a great deal!
Here are a few suggestions to help you do this: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html

Part II - Reflections on this week's Scriptures (one place for you to compare notes after you've received the Word as spirit and life for yourself)

Prayer for receptivity
The spirit of receptivity. Let it increase in me, please God.
Spirit of receptivity includes hospitality to You, includes loving and being drawn to what You give. Loving and being drawn to Your words as spirit and life. Thank you God for making them so! Thank You for increasing my receptivity; thank You for increasing my desire for greater receptivity. Thank You.

2 Kings 5:1-14
"If the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (vs. 13)
What if it's much simpler than anticipated?!
What's a person to do when prophets act and talk in ways that stir up hurt and rage?

Psalm 30
"You have turned for me my
mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and
clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing
praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks
to You forever." (vss. 11, 12)

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Run as the one winner in the race. Be temperate, certain, productive, disciplined. Consider how this passsage relates to loving and being loved--more and more.

Mark 1:40-45
"Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.'" (vs. 41)
This leper and Naaman were both lepers, but did they each need the same kind of healing?