Just a note. The times that are listed on this blog are not right. I had someone ask me, "When do you sleep?" I'm certain the incorrect times have something to do with my lack of tech prowess.

The Apostle Peter's call includes a strange request. After fishing all night with no result, Jesus then tells him to put out in deep water. It was in the deep water that Peter and his partners experienced a "once in a lifetime" catch. Through this experience Peter came to know who Jesus is. I wonder what it means to "go deep?" What does it mean for us to open ourselves to the possibilities of experiencing God?

What happens when we place ourselves fully into the hands of God? That when God says go deep, we do....and what happens? Have you gone deep? What happened?

Smooth

In the third chapter of Luke, JOhn the Baptist comes on the scene and his ministry is introduced by quoting a passage from Isaiah in which it speaks of roads being smooth and straight. As we see his ministry unfold it would seem that "smooth" is the last word we would choose. However, we know that part of the process of smoothing oftentimes includes dealing with "rough" things.

I wonder how each of us have experienced this? Perhaps, even, we are in the midst of a time when the challenges of life are "smoothing" places in our lives? How is God bringing comfort in the struggle?

Soul-singing

What makes my soul sing? Mary's soul was glorified and was singing clearly in the "Magnificat." But what about mine, yours? Is it worship? Is it study? Is it prayer? Books are written on such things, but the reality is that Mary found what makes our soul sing. It is being wholly and deeply connected to God. What do you need to do to feel that type of connection?

Day two

I go back and forth. Sometimes I feel like I see miracles nearly everyday and other days I feel like I wouldn't know a miracle if it stood in front of me. The gospel of Luke begins with two miraculous pronouncements, both involving birth. The births of John the Baptist and Jesus each are miracles.

Two questions: Why do you think Luke included two miracles in the first part of his Gospel? And, are miracles part of your life and faith?

One Thing

The story from Mark 10 about the "Rich Young Man" is one that challenges many of us. One of the challenging parts is when we see just how well Jesus knows us. We find great comfort and hope in the fact that Jesus knows our challenges and our joys. But when we realize Jesus also knows the things we hold back from Him, well, that is another matter. It means I can no longer assume I am hiding anything from Jesus.

I wonder, how does it make you feel that Jesus knew exactly what the Rich Young Man lacked and what does that mean for each of us?

I look forward to your responses.

Shalom,
russ

Beginning

Welcome to "Go Deep." What are you looking forward to as we read through the Gospel of Luke?