Growing In Faith Together
April 17, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30
GATHERED BY GRACE
The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When have you experienced "green pastures," and/or "the valley of the shadow of death"?
* In what surprising new path is God leading you today?
* What does it mean to listen to Jesus?
* When has God “wiped away a tear from your eye.”?
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.
Try to memorize:
NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Shepherd me O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life. Amen
Throughout the Day: May I always hear your voice, My Shepherd.
A Blessing to Share: May Christ’s peace be with you.
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Light a single white candle in your home each day this week. Rest in the love of God. Reflect on v. 27 of the Gospel: My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. In what ways do you hear God’s voice? How do you follow? What does the Shepherd know about you? End with a prayer.
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
Parts of the lesson from Revelation are often read at funeral services. If you know someone who has lost a loved one in the past year, write them a supportive note this week. Let them know you are thinking about them and praying with them.
Today’s Texts:
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30
GATHERED BY GRACE
The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When have you experienced "green pastures," and/or "the valley of the shadow of death"?
* In what surprising new path is God leading you today?
* What does it mean to listen to Jesus?
* When has God “wiped away a tear from your eye.”?
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 10:22-30
Monday Psalm 100
Tuesday Ezekiel 37:24-28
Wednesday John 10:31-42
Thursday Psalm 148
Friday Daniel 7:13-14
Saturday Revelation 11:15-19
Sunday John 13:31-35
Try to memorize:
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their Shepherd,
And he will guide them to springs
of the water of life.
Rev.7:17
NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Shepherd me O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life. Amen
Throughout the Day: May I always hear your voice, My Shepherd.
A Blessing to Share: May Christ’s peace be with you.
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 single white candle in your home each day this week. Rest in the love of God. Reflect on v. 27 of the Gospel: My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. In what ways do you hear God’s voice? How do you follow? What does the Shepherd know about you? End with a prayer.
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
Parts of the lesson from Revelation are often read at funeral services. If you know someone who has lost a loved one in the past year, write them a supportive note this week. Let them know you are thinking about them and praying with them.