Ephraim Time
Scripture – John 11:54-57: Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple area they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the Feast at all?” But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) So Jesus went back under cover. I wonder what He did in Ephraim. It’s hard telling how long He and His disciples were there. I imagine a lot of quiet time. Jesus certainly would have spent time in prayer – partly in preparation for His next trip to Jerusalem. I wonder what He talked about with His disciples. How did He affect the people in the village? I used to take a regular day of retreat each month. It was great to withdraw – to get away from phones and people. It really helped me focus on hearing the voice of Christ and listening for His specific word for my life. I get so busy these days, it’s hard to take a whole day. Sometimes, though, I could take five minutes.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’m not sure where I picked up the idea that my time is more valuable than that of Jesus. His example is one of consistently withdrawing – taking time away. I will practice doing more of that. I usually have some quiet time to myself each morning. I’ll add an intentional five minute retreat each afternoon.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you for your on-going presence in my life, Lord. Please keep speaking. And help me take time to hear. You are the greatest. Thanks again.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Bethel Baptist (Trenton & Venness in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) So Jesus went back under cover. I wonder what He did in Ephraim. It’s hard telling how long He and His disciples were there. I imagine a lot of quiet time. Jesus certainly would have spent time in prayer – partly in preparation for His next trip to Jerusalem. I wonder what He talked about with His disciples. How did He affect the people in the village? I used to take a regular day of retreat each month. It was great to withdraw – to get away from phones and people. It really helped me focus on hearing the voice of Christ and listening for His specific word for my life. I get so busy these days, it’s hard to take a whole day. Sometimes, though, I could take five minutes.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’m not sure where I picked up the idea that my time is more valuable than that of Jesus. His example is one of consistently withdrawing – taking time away. I will practice doing more of that. I usually have some quiet time to myself each morning. I’ll add an intentional five minute retreat each afternoon.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you for your on-going presence in my life, Lord. Please keep speaking. And help me take time to hear. You are the greatest. Thanks again.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Bethel Baptist (Trenton & Venness in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
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