Questions for you

Last December, when the Marketing team chose this passage as UGM's theme for 2013, we were mostly thinking about how Jesus works inside this ministry. And it certainly fits. We have seen - time and time again - how He sets people free from fears and addictions, how He oh-so-tenderly cleans and bandages painful wounds, how He whispers comfort in the ears of those who are grieving.

But here's the thing: the more time we spend with these words (which Jesus quotes in Luke 4), the more we see how pervasive they are. Jesus is at work everywhere, and we want to know what that looks like in your life. So, will you do us a favor? Will you journey with us over the next several months? Read through Isaiah 61:1-3 and contemplate how the promises apply to us today. (You can check out several translations at Bible Gateway.) We'd love to hear what God shows you.

For starters, ponder the questions below, and leave us a comment. Let us know how you experience "God with us."

• What words or phrases stand out to you as you read this passage?

• Do you see Jesus working like this? Where? How?

• What do you imagine the oil of gladness feels like?

• Have you seen beauty rise up from charred remains?

• When have you mourned?

• How have you seen Jesus comfort you or someone close to you?

• From what have you been freed?

• How do you picture the garment of praise?

• When have you seen a display of His splendor?

• How have you been able to be an instrument of healing or comfort?

We'd really like to know. Come back again in future weeks to share new insights or let us know how God brings these words to life for you. We truly are in this together.