Growing In Faith Together
April 24, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
GATHERED BY GRACE
Easter begins a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Lord is making all things new. In the mystery of baptism God makes new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What one “rule” did Jesus give us over and over again?
* Read John 13:35. Can people see that you are a disciple of Jesus?
* What is the significance of God now dwelling with humanity?
* What can we learn about God from the Revelation text?
* To what do you look forward when all things are made new?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, God, that you dwell with us
Throughout the Day: Open my eyes to see your new thing.
A Blessing to Share: The former things have gone away; God is making all things new.
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Light a candle for your devotional time. Reflect on Revelation 21:6a - “It is done!” Practice relaxing in God’s grace. Breath in slowly, imagining that the Spirit of grace and freedom is filling your body. Exhale slowly, imaging that you are releasing your strivings and efforts to win that favor which God has already freely bestowed upon you. Jesus has done it all. It is finished. Receive the gift, gently, thankfully, and gracefully.
Ritual for the Easter Season:
#findEaster
Easter lasts for 50 days - so look around to find it each day! Watch for signs of a new day and/or stay alert to things that remind you that Jesus is alive. Give thanks for your experiences. You can also share your discoveries of Easter all around by either taking a digital photo or writing a brief description on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
#findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Plan to surprise someone at Gloria Dei with a word of thanks or encouragement, or even a visit or gift. Prepare a bouquet of flowers or a plate of treats to give them, or make a card or write a letter.
Today’s Texts:
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
GATHERED BY GRACE
Easter begins a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Lord is making all things new. In the mystery of baptism God makes new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What one “rule” did Jesus give us over and over again?
* Read John 13:35. Can people see that you are a disciple of Jesus?
* What is the significance of God now dwelling with humanity?
* What can we learn about God from the Revelation text?
* To what do you look forward when all things are made new?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday John 13:31-35
Monday Psalm 133
Tuesday Acts 11:27-30
Wednesday Leviticus 19:17-18
Thursday Psalm 67
Friday Proverbs 2:6-8
Saturday Proverbs 2:9-11
Sunday John 14:23-29
NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Thank you, God, that you dwell with us
Throughout the Day: Open my eyes to see your new thing.
A Blessing to Share: The former things have gone away; God is making all things new.
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Light a candle for your devotional time. Reflect on Revelation 21:6a - “It is done!” Practice relaxing in God’s grace. Breath in slowly, imagining that the Spirit of grace and freedom is filling your body. Exhale slowly, imaging that you are releasing your strivings and efforts to win that favor which God has already freely bestowed upon you. Jesus has done it all. It is finished. Receive the gift, gently, thankfully, and gracefully.
Ritual for the Easter Season:
#findEaster
Easter lasts for 50 days - so look around to find it each day! Watch for signs of a new day and/or stay alert to things that remind you that Jesus is alive. Give thanks for your experiences. You can also share your discoveries of Easter all around by either taking a digital photo or writing a brief description on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
#findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Plan to surprise someone at Gloria Dei with a word of thanks or encouragement, or even a visit or gift. Prepare a bouquet of flowers or a plate of treats to give them, or make a card or write a letter.