Pray for guidance and discernment. If you wish, write that prayer here and use it for the next six days.
Post it as a comment if you feel comfortable.
Read John 14:15‐21 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. 18”I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Reflect
Do you love Christ? Do you keep His commandments? Or do you struggle with a competing motive?
According to this passage, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in your life?
What commandments is Jesus talking about?
Respond
Show Jesus Christ how much you love Him.
Pray for those who feel like they are alone in this world that we might reach them with the love of Christ so that the movement of God’s mission in the world spreads more wildly.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Acts 8:26‐40
Read Acts 8:26‐40 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ 30So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ 31He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.’
34The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ 35Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Reflect
How is the Gospel crossing another boundary?
Is there some boundary right in front of you or your church that you have not thought to cross?
What would it take to cross it?
What boundaries might need a coordinated effort among churches in the California‐Nevada Conference to more effectively cross?
Respond
Cross a boundary today. Connect with someone you would not normally connect with.
Pray for forgiveness for the times you have judged people and created a distance between you and them. For the power of the Holy Spirit to use the churches and faith communities of the California‐Nevada Annual Conference to fan the flames so that the Good News crosses all boundaries.
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ 30So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ 31He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.’
34The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ 35Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Reflect
How is the Gospel crossing another boundary?
Is there some boundary right in front of you or your church that you have not thought to cross?
What would it take to cross it?
What boundaries might need a coordinated effort among churches in the California‐Nevada Conference to more effectively cross?
Respond
Cross a boundary today. Connect with someone you would not normally connect with.
Pray for forgiveness for the times you have judged people and created a distance between you and them. For the power of the Holy Spirit to use the churches and faith communities of the California‐Nevada Annual Conference to fan the flames so that the Good News crosses all boundaries.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Read Acts 8:4‐25 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8So there was great joy in that city.
9Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. 10All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, ‘This man is the power of God that is called Great.’ 11And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place. 14Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16(for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ 20But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! 21You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.’ 24Simon answered, ‘Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.’ 25Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.
Reflect
What boundaries is the gospel crossing in this text?
What boundaries has the gospel crossed in your life? What prejudices have you overcome in the gospel? What prejudices are still to be overcome?
How pure are your motives when it comes to advancing the gospel and communicating the gift of the Holy Spirit? Do you need to repent of anything?
Respond
Repent of anything you need to in order that you might be an instrument of Good News.
Pray for pure motives and a clean heart so that everything you do and say fans the flame of the God’s mission in the world.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8So there was great joy in that city.
9Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. 10All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, ‘This man is the power of God that is called Great.’ 11And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place. 14Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16(for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ 20But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! 21You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.’ 24Simon answered, ‘Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.’ 25Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.
Reflect
What boundaries is the gospel crossing in this text?
What boundaries has the gospel crossed in your life? What prejudices have you overcome in the gospel? What prejudices are still to be overcome?
How pure are your motives when it comes to advancing the gospel and communicating the gift of the Holy Spirit? Do you need to repent of anything?
Respond
Repent of anything you need to in order that you might be an instrument of Good News.
Pray for pure motives and a clean heart so that everything you do and say fans the flame of the God’s mission in the world.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Acts 8:1‐3
Read Acts 8:1‐3 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
Reflect
When has God taken something negative in your life and used it for good?
What will be the effect of the scattering of the early followers of Jesus?
What prison do you find yourself in today?
Respond
Identify how your prison experience might prepare you to be a better witness for Christ.
Pray for those who carry the torch of Christ and who find themselves in some sort of prison as a result. Pray that they may find ways to keep their flame lit even in the dark times and for their persecutors be forgiven and transformed.
And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
Reflect
When has God taken something negative in your life and used it for good?
What will be the effect of the scattering of the early followers of Jesus?
What prison do you find yourself in today?
Respond
Identify how your prison experience might prepare you to be a better witness for Christ.
Pray for those who carry the torch of Christ and who find themselves in some sort of prison as a result. Pray that they may find ways to keep their flame lit even in the dark times and for their persecutors be forgiven and transformed.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Acts 7:1-53
Read Acts 7:1‐53 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Then the high priest asked him, ‘Are these things so?’ 2And Stephen replied: ‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3and said to him, “Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.” 4Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living. 5He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. 6And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants
would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and maltreat them for four hundred years. 7“But I will judge the nation that they serve,” said God, “and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.” 8Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
9‘The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, 10and rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. 12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit. 13On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. 14Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy‐five in all; 15so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, 16and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.17‘But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied 18until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt. 19He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die. 20At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his
father’s house; 21and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds. 23‘When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites. 24When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand. 26The next day he came to some of them as they were quarrelling and tried to reconcile them, saying, “Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?” 27But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?” 29When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons.
30‘Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. 31When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32“I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. 33Then the Lord said to him, “Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.” 35‘It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, “Who made you a ruler and a judge?” and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, “God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.” 38He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living oracles to give to us. 39Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him; instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40saying to Aaron, “Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.” 41At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and revelled in the works of their hands. 42But God turned away from them and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: “Did you offer to me slain victims and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43No; you took along the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; so I will remove you beyond Babylon.” 44‘Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. 45Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, 46who found favour with God and asked that he might find a dwelling‐place for the house of Jacob. 47But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says, 49“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? 50Did not my hand make all these things?” 51‘You stiff‐necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are for ever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. 52Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.’
Reflect
Why does Stephen rehearse a history that his hearers already know?
As you read Stephen’s speech, what part of it feels most relevant to you? To your faith community’s context?
What would you need to do in order to become more open to the Holy Spirit?
Respond
Open yourself to receive instruction and intercession by the Holy Spirit today.
Pray for the people of all the churches and faith communities in our Conference that we would not be a “stiff‐necked” people,” but rather to join the movement of the Holy Spirit in a way that fans the flame.
Then the high priest asked him, ‘Are these things so?’ 2And Stephen replied: ‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3and said to him, “Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.” 4Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living. 5He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. 6And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants
would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and maltreat them for four hundred years. 7“But I will judge the nation that they serve,” said God, “and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.” 8Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
9‘The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, 10and rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. 12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit. 13On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. 14Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy‐five in all; 15so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, 16and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.17‘But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied 18until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt. 19He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die. 20At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his
father’s house; 21and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds. 23‘When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites. 24When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand. 26The next day he came to some of them as they were quarrelling and tried to reconcile them, saying, “Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?” 27But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?” 29When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons.
30‘Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. 31When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32“I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. 33Then the Lord said to him, “Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.” 35‘It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, “Who made you a ruler and a judge?” and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, “God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.” 38He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living oracles to give to us. 39Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him; instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40saying to Aaron, “Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.” 41At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and revelled in the works of their hands. 42But God turned away from them and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: “Did you offer to me slain victims and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43No; you took along the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; so I will remove you beyond Babylon.” 44‘Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. 45Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, 46who found favour with God and asked that he might find a dwelling‐place for the house of Jacob. 47But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says, 49“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? 50Did not my hand make all these things?” 51‘You stiff‐necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are for ever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. 52Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.’
Reflect
Why does Stephen rehearse a history that his hearers already know?
As you read Stephen’s speech, what part of it feels most relevant to you? To your faith community’s context?
What would you need to do in order to become more open to the Holy Spirit?
Respond
Open yourself to receive instruction and intercession by the Holy Spirit today.
Pray for the people of all the churches and faith communities in our Conference that we would not be a “stiff‐necked” people,” but rather to join the movement of the Holy Spirit in a way that fans the flame.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
John 14:1‐14
Read John 14:1‐14 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling‐places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ 5Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
8Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ 9Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If in my name you ask me for anything, I
will do it.
Reflect
Is your heart troubled about anything? How can you find reassurance in the words of Jesus?
What will it take for you to be satisfied with your beliefs (v. 8)? How are you continuing to seek reassurance in the promises of Jesus?
How might verses 12 – 14 help you fan the flame of your faith and that of those around you?
Joining a Movement of God’s Mission in the World 71
Respond
Discern God’s will about some area of your life, faith community or work. Ask boldly, in the name of Christ, that it be done in a way that might fan the flame of God’s missional movement in the world.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to fan the flame of faith and belief in someone who’s heart is troubled or in someone who’s mind is still searching for evidence of Jesus in their midst.
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling‐places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ 5Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
8Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ 9Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If in my name you ask me for anything, I
will do it.
Reflect
Is your heart troubled about anything? How can you find reassurance in the words of Jesus?
What will it take for you to be satisfied with your beliefs (v. 8)? How are you continuing to seek reassurance in the promises of Jesus?
How might verses 12 – 14 help you fan the flame of your faith and that of those around you?
Joining a Movement of God’s Mission in the World 71
Respond
Discern God’s will about some area of your life, faith community or work. Ask boldly, in the name of Christ, that it be done in a way that might fan the flame of God’s missional movement in the world.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to fan the flame of faith and belief in someone who’s heart is troubled or in someone who’s mind is still searching for evidence of Jesus in their midst.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
1 Peter 2:1‐10
Read 1 Peter 2:1‐10 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. 2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in scripture: 'See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’
7To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner’, 8and ‘A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reflect
What do you need to rid yourself of so that you can grow into your salvation?
What would change if each member of your faith community were viewed as “living stones built into a spiritual house”?
What does it mean that you are a holy (or royal) priesthood?
Respond
As a holy priesthood, spend several moments today interceding for the world.
Pray that God would shine brightly in the world through God’s holy priesthood and that more living stones would be added to spiritual houses.
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. 2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in scripture: 'See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’
7To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner’, 8and ‘A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reflect
What do you need to rid yourself of so that you can grow into your salvation?
What would change if each member of your faith community were viewed as “living stones built into a spiritual house”?
What does it mean that you are a holy (or royal) priesthood?
Respond
As a holy priesthood, spend several moments today interceding for the world.
Pray that God would shine brightly in the world through God’s holy priesthood and that more living stones would be added to spiritual houses.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Acts 6:8‐15
Acts 6:8‐15 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11Then they secretly instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ 12They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.’ 15And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Reflect
Stephen is described as being full of grace and power. Would anyone describe you this way?
What great wonders and signs might God want to do through you?
Have you ever been a false witness or instigated others to do this? Has anyone ever brought a false testimony against you?
Respond
Take steps to correct any past actions you’ve taken (e.g., false witness or instigation) or forgive those who have falsely accused you. Do this with grace and power.
Pray for those who are facing tough opposition or persecution because of their faith—that the power and grace of the Spirit might shine brightly.
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11Then they secretly instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ 12They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.’ 15And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Reflect
Stephen is described as being full of grace and power. Would anyone describe you this way?
What great wonders and signs might God want to do through you?
Have you ever been a false witness or instigated others to do this? Has anyone ever brought a false testimony against you?
Respond
Take steps to correct any past actions you’ve taken (e.g., false witness or instigation) or forgive those who have falsely accused you. Do this with grace and power.
Pray for those who are facing tough opposition or persecution because of their faith—that the power and grace of the Spirit might shine brightly.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Acts 5:17‐42- Wednes May 18 - Acts 6:1‐7 for Thursday May 19
Read Acts 5:17‐42 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, 18arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, 20‘Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.’ 21When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported, 23‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.’ 24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. 25Then someone arrived and announced, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’ 26Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
27When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ 29But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ 33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35Then he said to them, ‘Fellow‐Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. 37After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’
They were convinced by him, 40and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. 42And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
Reflect
When is the last time you experienced opposition for making learners and followers of Jesus?
What tension are you experiencing between obeying God versus human authority?
What plans in your life or in the life of your congregation are your own? What plans are of God?
Respond
Change one of your plans (personal or congregational) for God’s plans.
Pray for the boldness to shine brightly as a witness for Christ through your words and deeds. Give thanks no matter what reaction your testimony sparks.
For Thursday - May 19
Read Acts 6:1‐7 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. 3Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ 5What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Reflect
How do you account for the word of God continuing to spread? How is this first century context like and unlike our own?
How well is your church organized so that the Word of God, practical tasks and ministry are all lived out and lead appropriately?
By what criteria do you select and support leaders in your church?
Respond
If you are not actively serving in your faith community, get connected in an area that matches your spiritual gifts and passions.
If you are actively serving in your faith community, ask for feedback so that you are certain that you are serving in the right place given your giftedness and passions.
Pray to be so full of faith and the Holy Spirit that you can’t help but shine brightly. In that Spirit, pray that you would gracefully provide spiritual leadership to your congregation and the world.
Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, 18arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, 20‘Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.’ 21When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported, 23‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.’ 24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. 25Then someone arrived and announced, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’ 26Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
27When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ 29But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ 33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35Then he said to them, ‘Fellow‐Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. 37After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’
They were convinced by him, 40and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. 42And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
Reflect
When is the last time you experienced opposition for making learners and followers of Jesus?
What tension are you experiencing between obeying God versus human authority?
What plans in your life or in the life of your congregation are your own? What plans are of God?
Respond
Change one of your plans (personal or congregational) for God’s plans.
Pray for the boldness to shine brightly as a witness for Christ through your words and deeds. Give thanks no matter what reaction your testimony sparks.
For Thursday - May 19
Read Acts 6:1‐7 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. 3Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ 5What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Reflect
How do you account for the word of God continuing to spread? How is this first century context like and unlike our own?
How well is your church organized so that the Word of God, practical tasks and ministry are all lived out and lead appropriately?
By what criteria do you select and support leaders in your church?
Respond
If you are not actively serving in your faith community, get connected in an area that matches your spiritual gifts and passions.
If you are actively serving in your faith community, ask for feedback so that you are certain that you are serving in the right place given your giftedness and passions.
Pray to be so full of faith and the Holy Spirit that you can’t help but shine brightly. In that Spirit, pray that you would gracefully provide spiritual leadership to your congregation and the world.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Acts 5:12-16
Read Acts 5:12‐16 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, 15so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
Reflect
What is the last sign and wonder you have witnessed? In your life? In your faith community? In our Annual Conference?
Why were believers being added more than ever?
How might you and your congregation better position yourself to be instruments of God’s healing?
Respond
Engage in an act of healing with Holy Spirit power and alleviate someone’s suffering today.
Pray that God might bring someone into your life today that needs some kind of healing or relief from suffering. Pray for the courage and insight to respond so that the healing power of the Holy Spirit shines more brightly.
Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, 15so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
Reflect
What is the last sign and wonder you have witnessed? In your life? In your faith community? In our Annual Conference?
Why were believers being added more than ever?
How might you and your congregation better position yourself to be instruments of God’s healing?
Respond
Engage in an act of healing with Holy Spirit power and alleviate someone’s suffering today.
Pray that God might bring someone into your life today that needs some kind of healing or relief from suffering. Pray for the courage and insight to respond so that the healing power of the Holy Spirit shines more brightly.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Acts 5:1‐11
Read Acts 5:1‐11 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3‘Ananias,’ Peter asked, ‘why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!’ 5Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear
seized all who heard of it. 6The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.
7After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter said to
her, ‘Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.’ And she said, ‘Yes,
that was the price.’ 9Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the
Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry
you out.’ 10Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her
dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear seized the whole church
and all who heard of these things.
Reflect
Why is this story included at this point in the story of the early church?
What’s the big deal?
How transparent and truthful are you when it comes to your participation in the church?
Respond
Identify an area of your life that needs to be more transparent and truthful so that God is clearly more central. Do one thing today that can move you in that direction.
Pray for the Spirit to guide your every action so that you might shine forth God’s truths more brightly.
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3‘Ananias,’ Peter asked, ‘why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!’ 5Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear
seized all who heard of it. 6The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.
7After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter said to
her, ‘Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.’ And she said, ‘Yes,
that was the price.’ 9Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the
Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry
you out.’ 10Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her
dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear seized the whole church
and all who heard of these things.
Reflect
Why is this story included at this point in the story of the early church?
What’s the big deal?
How transparent and truthful are you when it comes to your participation in the church?
Respond
Identify an area of your life that needs to be more transparent and truthful so that God is clearly more central. Do one thing today that can move you in that direction.
Pray for the Spirit to guide your every action so that you might shine forth God’s truths more brightly.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I Peter 1:13-25
Read 1 Peter 1:13‐25 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
13Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ 17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. 22Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. 23You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you.
Reflect
What does it mean to be holy?
What is the relationship between being purified and love?
How genuine and deep is your love for others in your church?
Respond
Make one adjustment in your thinking and behavior that allows you to be more disciplined and hopeful as described in verse 13.
13Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ 17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. 22Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. 23You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you.
Reflect
What does it mean to be holy?
What is the relationship between being purified and love?
How genuine and deep is your love for others in your church?
Respond
Make one adjustment in your thinking and behavior that allows you to be more disciplined and hopeful as described in verse 13.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Catch Fire in 50 Days
Read Acts 4:32‐37 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Reflect
Are you of one heart and mind with other believers?
What is the relationship between being filled with the Holy Spirit and the believers unity, sharing of possessions and powerful testimony?
How might you express your generosity more extravagantly?
Respond
Do one simple thing that brings your faith community a step closer to being of “one heart and soul.”
OR
Demonstrate your extravagant generosity today.
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Reflect
Are you of one heart and mind with other believers?
What is the relationship between being filled with the Holy Spirit and the believers unity, sharing of possessions and powerful testimony?
How might you express your generosity more extravagantly?
Respond
Do one simple thing that brings your faith community a step closer to being of “one heart and soul.”
OR
Demonstrate your extravagant generosity today.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Bible Study for Catch Fire in 50 Days
Acts 3:11‐16
Reflect
According to Peter, what was his role in the healing of the beggar?
What is the main content of Peter’s message?
What does it mean to do something “in the name of Jesus”?
Respond
Be on the lookout for what Jesus wants you to do today in His name.
Pray for God to reveal to you who God wants you to bless today to keep the fire of the Spirit’s
movement burning.
Reflect
According to Peter, what was his role in the healing of the beggar?
What is the main content of Peter’s message?
What does it mean to do something “in the name of Jesus”?
Respond
Be on the lookout for what Jesus wants you to do today in His name.
Pray for God to reveal to you who God wants you to bless today to keep the fire of the Spirit’s
movement burning.
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