Introduction

The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.

This is the nineteenth of a series of weekly meditations with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him. You can find an archive of these meditations on the Web at http://widesky.biz/blog/ephemera/spirit-driven-task-force-meditations.

Author
Kurt Kechely, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force and a member of its Steering Committee.

Scriptures
“A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.” —Ezekiel 36:26

“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” —Ephesians 4:23–24

Meditation
We all need to take time to listen and if we truly listen, our hearts and spirit will be changed. His will is then done rather than ours.

If we all hold on to our own thoughts and our own ways, we are constantly trying to change others to conform to “Man’s” way rather than God’s way.

Reflection
This is a continuation of Rod Koehler’s Reflection from last week as it pertains to this week as well.

• Take time to sit quietly and breath deep and slowly, rest your eyes.
• Recognize the blessings that surround us.
• Like the cool water of a water fall let His peace flow over you and give you restoration.

Prayer
Creator God, I’m thankful that you will renew the spirit of my mind daily to serve you in the holiness of your truth. Take my nothingness and recreate me in the image and beauty of your Son. As you promised to make me alive in Christ, make me more aware of opportunities to serve those whose hearts are broken.  Amen.