Family Dinner & Devos, Feb 3-10

Blessed Epiphany!

Scripture for the Week:  Luke 9:28-36
This passage is referred to as "The Transfiguration" of Jesus.

Learn-By-Heart Verse for the Week (NIV Translation):

A voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."  Luke 9:35

• This passage is called "The Transfiguration."  The dictionary definition of "transfiguration" is:  1) a marked change in form or appearance; 2) a change that glorifies or exalts.  Within the Christian Church, The Transfiguration is this pivotal moment where human nature meets God - a bridge between heaven and earth.  The Celtic Christians call this a "thin place" - meaning that the line between heaven and earth seems thin.  Imagine that you are one of the disciples with Jesus.  What might have you done or said?
• The voice of God says, "This is my Son... listen to Him."  Most people have not actually heard God's voice like we hear each other's voices around the dinner table.  So how is it, then, that we LISTEN to God?  Why might it be important to listen to God each and every day?
• Peter said, "let's build tents" - in other words, Peter wanted to freeze this moment in time.  Have you ever has a spectacular moment of time that you have wanted to freeze (i.e. a "mountaintop experience")?  
• Christian singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song called "The Mountain."  Chapman sings that he wants to stay up on the mountain, but he knows that God also calls him into the valley... that he is on a journey.  You can listen to the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JAqB5_EOAM and reflect on your own spiritual journey.

• And the Epiphany* question:  Where have you seen God at work this week? (or, Where have you spotted God this week? or, perhaps you want to reflect on this whole season of Epiphany and ask, "Where have you spotted God this season?"  and "How has God-spotting helped you as you begin 2013?") 

*Note that this is the last week of Epiphany.  Next week we observe Ash Wednesday and thus begin the season of Lent.  Learn more next week about our Lenten theme, "Something Old, Something New," next week!

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for mountain top experiences that strengthen us.
Help us on our journeys.
May we listen to you each and every day.

Amen.