Midweek Reflection: Recent Episodes
Andrew Barrett
Midweek Reflection is a podcast by Trinity Baptist Church in Newton, North Carolina, where the same Word of God that sends us into our week meet us in our week to sustain us along the way.
This is a series based on the book Praying the Bible published by Crossway Press and authored by Donald S. Whitney. Today's session focuses on the difference between interpreting Scripture and praying Scripture, how to pray the imprecatory psalms (if at all), and the way a set apart prayer time shapes and informs the prayers we offer "on the go."
The exercise suggested at the end of the episode is:
- Choose from Psalms 14; 44; 74; 104; 134
- Read through the psalm. Pray about "the same old things" (family, future, finances, church, work, Christian concerns, etc.) either line by line or by focusing on a particular verse or phrase.
- Document the experience. What did you pray about? what difference did you notice between praying like this and previous prayer times?
In this reflection, based on Isaiah 40:10-11, Andrew addresses the notion that for God to be all good He cannot be all-powerful ("omnipotent"), pointing to the Incarnation of Christ as God's climactic display of power and benevolence.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://awb1216.wordpress.com/2022/09/14/a-different-kind-of-omnipotence-isaiah-4010-11/
This is a series based on the book Praying the Bible published by Crossway Press and authored by Donald S. Whitney.
If you are local to Newton-Conover, NC and would like a copy of the book, we have limited copies available for free here at the church. If you would like to purchase the book you may do so here: https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Bible-Donald-S-Whitney/dp/1433547848
The exercise suggested at the end of the episode is:
- Choose from Psalms 7; 37; 67; 87; 127
- Read through the entire psalm. Then pray about "the same old things" (family, future, finances, work, Christian concerns, current crises, etc.) either line-by-line through the whole psalm or (for beginners) one or two lines from the psalm.
- Document the experience. What differences did you notice between praying this way and previous prayer times? Were you more engaged? Did it seem more conversational?
In this reflection, based on Isaiah 35:1-4, Andrew considers how the Incarnation of Christ signals God's entry into the details of our lives so that He can create new life from within!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://awb1216.wordpress.com/2022/09/07/gods-attention-to-detail-isaiah-351-4/
How does God's promise to ease Israel's burden and lighten their yoke find fulfillment in Christ? How is that offer available to us as well?
In this reflection, "Answering the Summons," Andrew considers the way Christ offers release and rest from burdens, physical or otherwise, to those who answer His gracious summons, "Come to Me."
What is God's reaction to the "gifts" we offer at the expense of intimacy with Him? How is the hatred God expresses in Isaiah 1 a product of God's love?
In this reflection, "Casting Our 'Gifts' in the Garbage," Andrew likens God to a person who longs for their spouse to stop doing so much for them and instead be more intimate with them. He observes how, in Isaiah 1, God does do the unusual in expressing His hatred of the worship He had given Israel to practice, but that is only because God does not want our gifts. God wants us.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://awb1216.wordpress.com/2022/08/17/casting-our-gifts-in-the-garbage-isaiah-110-18/
Is the judgment of Christ to be feared? Only by those who harshly accuse others.
In this reflection, Andrew builds upon a previous sermon preached on John 7:53-8:11, describing how God, in the "lifting up" of Jesus Christ, pronounces not just life for those who are drawn to Jesus, but condemnation against the deceitful voices that keep us from Him.
If you would like to watch the sermon based on John 7:53-8:11, you may do so by following this link: https://youtu.be/2JOGbVqZJUE
Enjoy!
What does it mean to be pitied by Christ? How is Jesus' pity the driving force behind the love He shows for us?
In this reflection, "The Pity of Christ," Andrew considers how God, in Christ, responds to our need in pity, and how, when appreciated for what it is (and not how our culture perceives it), the pity of Christ is a liberating phenomenon.
God seeks us out. How can Lent be a season of embracing that reality?
In this devotional, based on Ezekiel 34:11-12, Andrew considers God's promise to seek his people as a shepherd searches for his sheep, and reflects on how Jesus, the good shepherd, satisfies this promise even unto death.
What does King David pray for in a time of crisis? What is the role of memory in bringing God closer?
In this devotional, Andrew reflects on Psalm 63:1-8, considering how, during Lent, the physical and spiritual unite in prayer, and how, during the Lord's Supper, God satisfies our souls with a physical and spiritual meal.
What is the goal of Lenten fasting? Toward what end do we choose to abstain from certain things during this season.
In this reflection, based on Isaiah 58:6-7, Andrew considers the fast of God's choosing, and addresses the ways that fasting, if it is patterned around the life of Jesus, ought to orient us toward the needs of others.
Does the observance of Lent contradict the teachings of Jesus? How can Jesus' instruction about fasting frame how we participate in this season?
In this reflection, based on Matthew 6:16-18, Andrew addresses some temptations in the present day to make Lenten observance about ourselves and not God, and considers how Christians can live this season with integrity.
What is Lent? What does it mean when God calls us to "return to me?" How does a season like Lent prepare us for Easter?
In this reflection, based on Joel 2:12-13, Andrew discusses how God's call to "return to me," applies to any setting, and considers how entering into a season of repentance is the necessary precursor to celebrating the resurrection.
This week's, and the next several weeks', content is taken from Andrew's little book, Making a Right Beginning: A Trinity Baptist Church Lenten Devotional. You can find that booklet for purchase here:
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Right-Beginning-Trinity-Devotional/dp/B08VM1KMV5/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3N4A34JBRS61A&keywords=making+a+right+beginning&qid=1646840165&sprefix=making+a+right+beginning%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-2
How is God calling his people to be a sign of his promised renewal?
In this reflection, "Cosmic Revitalization," Andrew discusses Paul's admonition to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling," considering the ways that Christians can exist as lights of the world whose life together anticipates the coming day of Christ.
Enjoy!
Philippians 2:5-11 is one of the most powerful depictions of Christ in Scripture, but why does Paul include these words in his letter to the Philippians? What point is he trying to make?
In this reflection, "The Humility of Christ," Andrew looks at Philippians 2:3-11, and considers how humility is the foundational posture of Christian spirituality.
What is a life "worthy of the gospel of Christ," and how does it cut against the grain of modern assumptions?
In this reflection, "A Gospel-Worthy Life," Andrew discusses Paul's call to Christian unity, and how such a life is a compelling witness to Christ Jesus.
If you are interested John Barclay's Paul and the Gift, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Gift-John-M-Barclay/dp/0802875327/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
There is also a popular version of the book titled Paul and the Power of Grace. This version is a much more concise version of the larger work. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802874614/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=wUnJ8&pf_rd_p=9aa30bae-d685-4626-879d-c38f81e830a3&pf_rd_r=T2V4Q0Y4BXRVAKZM7RS0&pd_rd_r=86106159-f73a-4f6f-b0d6-70e57da2352b&pd_rd_wg=Psf0u&ref_=bd_tags_dp_rec
What is "the power of prayer"? What is a sacrament, and how does Philippians 1:18-20 invite Christians to recognize prayer as "sacramental"?
In this reflection, "Sacramental Prayer," Andrew discusses Paul's belief that the Spirit of Jesus Christ ministers through (not as a result of) prayer, and reflects on the necessity of intercessory prayer in Christian spirituality.
Article on "sacrament" - https://corechristianity.com/resource-library/articles/what-is-a-sacrament/
What is the "stewardship of pain"? How does the Apostle Paul, in conjunction with the likes of Joseph, the woman of Samaria, and Jesus Christ, locate his pain within the redemptive purposes of God?
In this reflection, "The Stewardship of Pain," Andrew looks at Philippians 1:12-14, and considers the way that God shows power over pain by working it together for healing and good.
If you would like to read the entire sermon by Frederick Buechner, you may do so here: https://searchingforfaith.blogs.com/on_a_pilgrimage/2005/02/stewardship-of-pain-frederick-buechner.html
How has God empowered the Church to represent him to others? What were the hallmarks of the Philippian congregation, and how do they emulate the life of God?
In this reflection, "For You Have Been My Help," Andrew describes the Philippian congregation's ministry of presence, prayer, and generosity, and summarizes how such a ministry bears a powerful witness to the Triune God.
How is Jesus' made known after Christmas? How does the doctrine of the Trinity both inform how Christ is present today and enlist his disciples to be a part of that process?
In this reflection, "After Advent," Andrew returns to the Farewell Discourse in the Gospel of John, discussing Jesus' prayer to the Father that we would be the people in and through whom he continues to be present.
How does Jesus define "eternal life?" Is eternal life reserved for the future, or is it a life that may be lived out in the present?
In this reflection, "This is Eternal Life," Andrew looks at Jesus' definition of "eternal life," detailing how Jesus envisions it as a certain quality of life that God's people can live into today, and not just in the future.
What is the heart of the Father toward us? Must we be afraid of him, or can we approach him with confidence?
In this reflection, "The Father Himself Loves You," Andrew addresses an unhealthy misconception that many maintain concerning the Father, and encourages us to recognize that the Father - just like the Son - loves us and is available to us.
Is there such a thing as "asking" well? What if instead of praying about our circumstances, we prayed about the kind of people we would be within those circumstances?
In this reflection, "Asking Well," Andrew considers one of Jesus' more frustrating statements, "Ask, and you will receive," and discusses how the Bible invites us to be wise in what we ask for.
How did the church fathers see dancing as a metaphor for the life of the Trinity? How can that metaphor shape our understanding of spiritual formation?
In this reflection, "Dancing with God," Andrew introduces a fun theological term, "perichoresis," and discusses the benefits of seeing life with God as a dance.
We often think of spiritual formation as a process of adding disciplines and practices to our life, but what about subtraction? How does the process of pruning plants shape our understanding of formation into the likeness of Jesus?
In this reflection, "Fiddle-Leaf Formation," Andrew details the ways that God "prunes" parts of our lives so that we can flourish and steadily become what he intends for us to become.
Even though Jesus is absent in person, how is he nevertheless present to his disciples? What does the coming of the Holy Spirit mean for our place in the household of God?
In this reflection, “Not Left As Orphans,” Andrew discusses the role of the Holy Spirit, and how - by the Spirit - disciples of Jesus now enjoy the privileges of sonship in God’s family!
How does Jesus show us hospitality? How is a meal a place if healing?
In this reflection, Andrew shares how Jesus’ act of dining with sinners and tax collectors stands as a powerful invitation to broken people to come to the table with Jesus.
Why does God instruct Jeremiah to buy a field in a land under siege? What do we do when God calls us to an action that challenges our present experience?
In this reflection, Andrew summarizes Jeremiah 32, noting how God often calls his people to, as the famous hymn puts it, "Trust and Obey."
How does God compel us to trust him in seasons of change and chaos? How might the stars teach us a lesson in God's steadfast love?
In this reflection, "Immeasurable Faithfulness," Andrew shares how God's promises in Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" offer comfort and hope to those of us dealing with seasons of change and uncertainty.
How many of us think we have to 'find' God for ourselves? To 'ascend to heaven' to discover a life of wisdom? What if the gospel is that God comes down to us?
In this devotional, "Receiving Wisdom," Andrew reflects on how we do not have to "find" wisdom, because God gives it to us in his word, and ultimately in Jesus Christ. All that remains for us to do is receive what God gives.
How, or why, was Paul able to be content in all circumstances? What is prayer, and how can we experience the peace of God through practicing it?
In this devotional, "What Peace We Often Forfeit," Andrew reflects on Paul's inner "peace of God," and how we can experience such peace by committing ourselves to the practice of consistent, meticulous prayer.
Sometimes, perhaps often, God answers our prayers by telling us to "wait." What is biblical "waiting"? How can waiting be an act of trust?
In this devotional, "As Sure As Sunrise," Andrew reflects on the nature of "waiting," and how it can be practiced as an act of assurance in God's faithfulness and dependability.