Growing In Faith Together
September 25, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Ephesians 2:14-20; Acts 1:1-8
Gloria Dei is leaving the lectionary for the month of September to consider God’s calling through Grace Building.
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus reminds the disciples in Acts 1:1-8 that it is not up to them to know the when and what of God’s plan but that they must wait for the Holy Spirit to guide them. After that, it is off to Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What “convincing proof” did Jesus give to the disciples that he was alive? Would this have been proof enough for you?
* Why might Jesus have compared the coming of the Holy Spirit to baptism? How is the experience similar? How are the effects similar?
* What do the disciples reveal about their understanding of Jesus’ purpose?
* How do you live out your calling as a witness for Jesus?
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: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Ps 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Show me ways to break down the diving walls.
Throughout the Day:
Lord, send your Spirit of peace.
A Blessing to Share:
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
For mealtime say responsively:
You will be my witnesses: in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
There is much that divides us in these days. Many of us are at a loss as to how to take bricks out of the wall which stands between us. Reflect on the things in our society and in your own life which threaten to divide us. Ephesians assure us that "Jesus is our peace" and that what divides us has already been broken down in him. How have you experienced the peace that is Jesus? What would walking through that “breached wall” look like for you? Can you take the first step through the opening? End your reflections with a prayer.
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
This Friday Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch (1105 Gilbert Court). Stop by to help anytime between 11 am and 1 pm.
September 25, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Ephesians 2:14-20; Acts 1:1-8
Gloria Dei is leaving the lectionary for the month of September to consider God’s calling through Grace Building.
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus reminds the disciples in Acts 1:1-8 that it is not up to them to know the when and what of God’s plan but that they must wait for the Holy Spirit to guide them. After that, it is off to Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What “convincing proof” did Jesus give to the disciples that he was alive? Would this have been proof enough for you?
* Why might Jesus have compared the coming of the Holy Spirit to baptism? How is the experience similar? How are the effects similar?
* What do the disciples reveal about their understanding of Jesus’ purpose?
* How do you live out your calling as a witness for Jesus?
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 Acts 1:1-8
Monday Psalm 47
Tuesday Psalm 85:7-13
Wednesday Isaiah 52:7-10
Thursday Psalm 37:15
Friday Revelation 21:26-28
Saturday Matthew 20:29-34
Sunday Acts 1:1-8
NEXT SUNDAY: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Ps 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Show me ways to break down the diving walls.
Throughout the Day:
Lord, send your Spirit of peace.
A Blessing to Share:
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
For mealtime say responsively:
You will be my witnesses: in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
God, we thank you for the night
and for the glorious morning light
for rest and food and loving care
and all that makes the world so fair.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
There is much that divides us in these days. Many of us are at a loss as to how to take bricks out of the wall which stands between us. Reflect on the things in our society and in your own life which threaten to divide us. Ephesians assure us that "Jesus is our peace" and that what divides us has already been broken down in him. How have you experienced the peace that is Jesus? What would walking through that “breached wall” look like for you? Can you take the first step through the opening? End your reflections with a prayer.
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
This Friday Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch (1105 Gilbert Court). Stop by to help anytime between 11 am and 1 pm.