Growing In Faith Together
April 24, 2022
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 150
Revelations 1:4-8
John 20:19-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Peter’s statement to the Council reveals a prominent theme in the book of Acts and in the life of the Christian church since that time. Our witness to God’s work among us is shown in all that the Christian community does. It is testimony to the One to whom we give highest priority and praise.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What reasons do Peter and the apostles give for disobeying the religious leaders?
* How do you respond to challenges to your faith?
* What makes discipleship attractive to you? What makes it costly?
* We all hope we would obey God’s higher authority when it conflicted with human laws and customs. But in a conflict like that, how can one be confident that one indeed knows God’s will?
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 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: O Lord and God, I do believe. Help my unbelief.
Throughout the Day: Breathe in and say silently: Jesus, I receive your peace.
A Blessing to Share: May Christ’s peace be with you.
For mealtime say responsively:
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 150
Revelations 1:4-8
John 20:19-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Peter’s statement to the Council reveals a prominent theme in the book of Acts and in the life of the Christian church since that time. Our witness to God’s work among us is shown in all that the Christian community does. It is testimony to the One to whom we give highest priority and praise.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What reasons do Peter and the apostles give for disobeying the religious leaders?
* How do you respond to challenges to your faith?
* What makes discipleship attractive to you? What makes it costly?
* We all hope we would obey God’s higher authority when it conflicted with human laws and customs. But in a conflict like that, how can one be confident that one indeed knows God’s will?
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 20:19-31
Monday Psalm 122
Tuesday Revelation 1:9-20
Wednesday Luke 12:8-12
Thursday Psalm 30:1-3
Friday Revelation 4:1-11
Saturday Luke 14:12-14
Sunday John 21:1-19
NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: O Lord and God, I do believe. Help my unbelief.
Throughout the Day: Breathe in and say silently: Jesus, I receive your peace.
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. Say this, or a similar prayer of your own: Help me believe new things about life and death and may I proclaim “My Lord and my God” at each wonder. Amen.
Ritual for the Easter Season:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. Sometimes, our grief holds a vigil outside many tombs. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism so we also will rise with him.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The 52nd Earth Day was last Friday. Hopefully you took part in some of the many activities offered in your area.
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. Say this, or a similar prayer of your own: Help me believe new things about life and death and may I proclaim “My Lord and my God” at each wonder. Amen.
Ritual for the Easter Season:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. Sometimes, our grief holds a vigil outside many tombs. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism so we also will rise with him.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The 52nd Earth Day was last Friday. Hopefully you took part in some of the many activities offered in your area.
If you live in Iowa City you can still take part in one Earth-Fest event this coming Wednesday, April 27, 3-5:30pm at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area – click here for more info.
You can make every day Earth Day!
1. Go paperless
2. Plant trees.
3. Turn off lights that don't need to be on
4. Use energy-efficient LED bulbs.
5. Use cloth grocery bags instead of plastic ones
6. Try shampoo bars instead of the bottled variety
7. Make cleaning products using lemon and vinegar
8. Lower your carbon footprint by reducing trash output.
9. Reflect on the 5 R’s: refusing, reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling.
10. Learn all you can about improving God’s creation, for example:
You can make every day Earth Day!
1. Go paperless
2. Plant trees.
3. Turn off lights that don't need to be on
4. Use energy-efficient LED bulbs.
5. Use cloth grocery bags instead of plastic ones
6. Try shampoo bars instead of the bottled variety
7. Make cleaning products using lemon and vinegar
8. Lower your carbon footprint by reducing trash output.
9. Reflect on the 5 R’s: refusing, reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling.
10. Learn all you can about improving God’s creation, for example: