Brooklyn Heights United Methodist

Shining as Lights in the World

2006-12-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. --Philippians 2:14-15

2006-10-12T10:47:00.000-04:00

"For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Opportunities come with obstacles. Fix your eyes on the wide open door and tackle the obstacles.

2006-09-15T12:26:00.000-04:00

God will never give up on you. Never forget that.
-1 Corinthians 1:9 (Message)

2006-09-14T10:04:00.000-04:00

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
Dale Carnegie

2006-09-08T12:56:00.000-04:00

How's your prayer life? Talk to Jesus like you talk to your friend about your concerns and worries. He is always there to listen to you.

“Pray, and let God worry.”

- Martin Luther

"When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray they don't." - William Temple

2006-09-06T10:14:00.000-04:00

Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attriactive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.
-Philippians 9-11

2006-09-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

2006-09-02T08:49:00.000-04:00

"We are never more powerful witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus than when we ourselves are following Jesus."
- Os Guinness

2006-09-01T10:41:00.000-04:00

"When seeking good advice, make sure you go to the right sources. Just as an outdated map will mislead you, so will the wrong person."
Craig Groeschel, Chazown: A Different Way to Be Yourself (Multnomah, 2006)

Live in Harmony and Peace

2006-08-31T08:55:00.000-04:00

"Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you."
2 Corinthians 13:11

Spiritual Battle

2006-08-30T10:46:00.000-04:00

Satan never plays fair; he is a deceiver and a liar. He does not like you or me, and it might surprise you that he has a plan of destruction for your life. The only hope for people is to know the true and living God."
- Wayde Goodall, The Battle, Creation House, 2005

Extend an Invitation

2006-08-29T09:59:00.000-04:00

Do you know one out of four unchurched people would gladly attend church if a friend invite them to church? That's what a national survey by Barna Research found. The implication is on any given Sunday morning, about 19 million adults are staying home because nobody asked them to attend a church service.

2006-08-26T08:17:00.000-04:00

Pay to all what is due them
taxes to whom taxes are due,
revenue to whom revenue is due,
respect to whom respect is due,
honor to whom honor is due.
Romans 13:7

2006-08-24T16:41:00.000-04:00

Thur. August 24, 2006

Let love be genuine;
hate what is evil,
hold fast to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not lag in zeal,
be ardent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints;
extend hospitality to strangers.
Romans 12:9-13

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2006-08-05T13:07:00.000-04:00

Sat August 5, 2006
2 Corintians 2:9-16
The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
Pondering and Meditating:
How has Christ triumphed in your life? What can you do to help others undersatnd Christ's active work in their lives?
Prayer:
Help me always to give thanks for God's grace and mercy in my life. Amen.

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2006-08-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

Fri. August 4, 2006
2 Corintians 2:1-8
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
Pondering and Meditating:
Have you forgiven lately? Is God's forgiveness enough for you?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, give me the strength to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Amen.

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2006-08-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

Thur. August 3, 2006
2 Corinthians 1:17-24
When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
Pondering and Meditating:
How can you celebrate more of God's promises? Why does God call us to celebrate one another's joy?
Prayer:
Help me, dear God, to have faith in your promises. Amen.

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2006-08-02T12:59:00.000-04:00

Wed. August 2, 2006
2 Corinthians 1:9-16
Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus. Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea.
Pondering and Meditating:
How does your prayer life reflect godly sincerity? How does our trust in God help us understand God's grace?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help me pray with a trusting heart. Amen.

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2006-08-01T12:56:00.000-04:00

Tue. August 1, 2006
2 Corinthians 1:1-8
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
Pondering and Meditating:
How do you practice expressions of thanksgiving and comfort toward others? Toward God?Prayer:
God, help me understand the importance of consoling others as you have consoled me. Amen.

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2006-07-31T12:54:00.000-04:00

Mon July 31, 2006
Acts 28: 17-23
Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—not that I had any charge to bring against my own people. For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain." They replied, "We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect." They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
Pondering and Meditating:
What limitations are placed upon you by circumstances beyond your control? How can you serve the Lord even with these limits? How could your life be a continuation of the Book of Acts?
Prayer:
God, help me see beyond my circumstances to realize I can serve Jesus right here and now. With the power of your Spirit within me, help me to continue the story of the Book of Acts. Show me today what I need to proclaim your kingdom and teach others about Christ. Amen.

2006-07-30T12:51:00.000-04:00

Sun. July 30, 2006
Acts 28:7-10
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
Pondering and Meditating:
When was the last time you were generously offered hospitality? How did you respond to that hospitality? why is welcoming the stranger such an important part of the Christian story?Prayer:
God, as we sail forth in teh Discipleship Adventure, grant us all the provisions we need so that we can bring healing and wholeness to all we encounter. Amen.

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2006-07-29T12:47:00.000-04:00

Sat. July 29,2006
Acts 27: 13-15, 20-26
13When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.
20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: "Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island."
Pondering and Meditating:
When have winds in your life suddenly changed? When have you ever given up hope?
Prayer:
God, I pray for those who have given up hope, and for thsoe who are being battered by the winds of change. Open my heart and spirit to reach out to those in need of courage. With my trust firmly grounded in you, I will not fear today or tomorrow. Amen.

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2006-07-28T12:45:00.000-04:00

Fri. July 28,2006
Acts 24:10-16, 22-23
10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
22Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
Pondering and Meditating:
Has your desire to serve Christ ever been misunderstood by others? What is the difference between being "well informed about the Way" and being a believer?
Prayer:
God, in all tiems of my life, keep me focused on your will. In the revealing power of your Spirit, convict me of the distinction between being well informed about Christianity and being a believer. Today I choose again where I stand. Amen.

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2006-07-27T12:42:00.000-04:00

Thurs. July 27, 2006
Acts 22:30, 23:6-10
22:30The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
23:6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

Pondering and meditating:
What is the issue Paul syas is the real source of his conflict with the Jewish leaders? How important is that tenet to your faith?
Prayer:
God, I do not know if today will bring a time of accounting for my faith before others or before you. So my prayer is that I might be ready, whenever that time comes. May I in all truth say with Paul: "I have lived my life with a clear conscience" before you. Give me courage for facing the next important step in my life of faith. Amen.

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2006-07-26T12:39:00.000-04:00

Wed. July 26, 2006
Acts 20:17-18, 25-29
17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia.
25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Pondering and Meditating:
How will you keep watch over yourself and others today? Who makes up the "flock" for whom you are responsible? In what specific ways can you shepherd them?
Prayer:
God, I pray for those that I shepherd. Strengthen the watch I keep over myself so taht I may be found faithful to the ministry you have given me. Amen.

2006-07-25T12:36:00.000-04:00

Tue. July 25, 2006
Acts 19:1-10
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
Pondering and Meditating:
Where do you see evidence of the world of the Holy Spirit in your life and in your church?
Prayer:
God, thank you for my baptism in Christ Jesus and for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Forgive me whre I have neglected or hindered your Spirit and settled for less than all you intend for me. Renew your Spirit's power in my life and in my church. Amen.

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2006-07-24T12:34:00.000-04:00

Mon July 24,2006
Acts 18:18-28
Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Pondering and Meditating:
What strengthens your faith and the witness of your church? Who has been like Apollos in your faith life?
Prayer:
God, give me enthusiasm, boldness and accuracy in my faith. Then like Apollos, make me willing to be corrected and taught by others. Show me today what I could do to strengthen the faith of those around me. Amen.

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2006-07-23T12:29:00.000-04:00

Sun July 23, 2006
Acts 18:1-11
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Pondering and Meditating:
In the midst of struggles, Paul finds encouragement. When have you felt at the end of your ability to cope? How has God brought encouragement to you?
Prayer:
God, thank you for the encouragement that has made a difference in our lives and for those from whom it has come. We pray for those who do the work of the Gospel. Today we especially pray you will show us how to support and minister to them. Amen.

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2006-07-22T12:24:00.000-04:00

Sat July 22,2006
Acts 17:16-23
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean." (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
Pondering and Meditating:
Who do you know that has very little or no background in the Gospel? What are some ways of relating the Gospel more effectively in today's culture and world?
Prayer:
God, send us into the marketplace, out of our churches and those places where we are most comfortable and where we share a common language. Show me points of contact that will provide ways of relating the Gospel to all people. Amen.

2006-07-21T12:19:00.000-04:00

Fri. July 21, 2006
Acts 17:10-15
As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
Pondering and Meditating:
How do you show yur eagerness for the Gospel? In terms of time, consistency and intensity, how would you rate your study of Scripture?
Prayer:
God, we remember the eagerness with which we have received the Gospel at various times in our lives. Make today one of those times. Return us to your Scripture and ground us. When others would incite trouble, keep us focused on your truth so that the church might bear much fruit for the sake of others. Amen.

2006-07-20T12:10:00.001-04:00

Thur July 20, 2006
Acts 16:25-34
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
Pondering and Meditating:
In Acts, disciples are sometimes freed from hard situations, but other times they have to go through them. What can you learn from Paul and Silas' experience that will help as you encounter difficult times (cf. Philippians 4:4-7, 12-13)? Who is listening to what you say, watching what you do?
Prayer:
God, help us know peace and joy even in hard times. Today I pray for those who need to find the joy of believing. What song might I sing? What prayers should I offer? What action could I take which would help them? Lord, show them your love through me. Amen.

2006-07-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Wed. July 19, 2006
Acts 16:11-15
From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
Pondering and Meditating:
How did the Lord open your heart to respond to the Gospel? What people did God use as part of the process? Whom is God prompting you to see or write? What could you do this week to reach out to that person?
Prayer:
God, your hospitality is measureless and you call us to share that ministry. Show us how to follow the example of Lydia as we invite others in and provide what they need. We pray for those who will respond to teh Gospel because of our ministry of hospitality. Amen.

2006-07-18T11:57:00.000-04:00

Tue. July 18, 2006
Acts 16:6-10
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Pondering and Meditating:
When was God closed a door in your life? Where do you see that doors have been opened for you? How have you responded.
Prayer:
God, we dare to give you thanks for closed doors as well as opened ones. We glimpse how the surprises and the disappointments have shaped us and brought us to where we are today. With yuor Spirit's leading, help us to listen and follow. Amen.

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2006-07-17T08:02:00.000-04:00

Mon. July 17, 2006
Acts 16:1-5
He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
Pondering and Meditating:
How has your parents' heritage affected your faith? How might you need to give up some personal rights to better represent Christ to others?
Prayer:
God, we value and honor the inheritance we have from our parents. Thank you for those places where, in the power of your Spirit, we have moved beyond what we inherited. Amen.

.

2006-07-16T07:59:00.000-04:00

Sun. July 16, 2006
Acts 15:22-31
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers. With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.
Pondering and meditating:
What issues trouble your church? What issues might be resolved by looking at them through the lenses of experience, theology and practical considerations?
Prayer:
God, we thank you for those who work to resolve disagreements. Open my mind and heart by your Spirit so I can live out these truths in my life and in my church. Amen.

.

2006-07-15T07:56:00.000-04:00

Sat. July 15, 2006
Acts 14:19-26
Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.

Pondering and meditating:
Here Barnaas plays a crucial role in building up the church (cf. 9:27). To whom do you need to go, even if it might be difficult, in order to strengthen the church? Seeing the courage, faith and endurance of Paul, Barnabas and the early church, how are you challenged to serve the Lord more completely?
Prayer:
God, fill us with your Holy Spirit so taht we might not fear hardships or difficulties. Like Barnabas, help us see your bigger picture and serve you faithfully. Show me to whom I might go to increase yor church's witness. Amen.

Peter explains his actions

2006-07-14T07:48:00.000-04:00

Fri. July 14, 2006
Acts 11:1-12a
The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.' "I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. "Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.
Pondering and meditating:
What prejudices were you brought up with? How is the Gospel breaking through those prejudices in your life? How does Peter's message from the Spirit affect how you treat other people? How our churches treat others?
Prayer:
God, we thank you for what you taught Peter in opening the church's mission to all. We ask for the grace to listen as he did, and for being willing to obey and risk criticism for breaking barriers. Show me today where I could move beyond convention and tradition for the sake of the Gospel. Amen.

2006-07-13T09:31:00.000-04:00

Thur. July 13, 2006
Acts 9:32-35
"As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord."

Pondering and meditating:
How have you experienced God's healing in your life? What resulted for you? For others? How is God stretching your faith right now?
Prayer:
God, strengthen our life of prayer that we may go where we are needed and do what you expect of us. Today we pray for healing in teh lives of those we name before you. Amen.

2006-07-12T07:02:00.000-04:00

Wed. July 12, 2006
Acts 9:19b-28
After eating some food, he got his strength back.
Saul spent several days with the believers in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues. He taught that Jesus is the Son of God. All who heard him were amazed. They asked, "Isn't he the man who caused great trouble in Jerusalem for those who worship Jesus? Hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" But Saul grew more and more powerful. The Jews living in Damascus couldn't believe what was happening. Saul proved to them that Jesus is the Christ. After many days, the Jews had a meeting. They planned to kill Saul. But he learned about their plan. Day and night they watched the city gates closely in order to kill him. But his followers helped him escape by night. They lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the believers. But they were all afraid of him. They didn't believe he was really one of Jesus' followers. But Barnabas took him to the apostles. He told them about Saul's journey. He said that Saul had seen the Lord. He told how the Lord had spoken to Saul. Barnabas also said that Saul had preached without fear in Jesus' name in Damascus. So Saul stayed with the believers. He moved about freely in Jerusalem. He spoke boldly in the Lord's name.
Pondering and meditating:
What changes has knowing Jesus brought into your life? Who has been a Barnabas to you? To whom have you served as a Barnabas? What one person has encouraged you most in the faith? How has this built up your faith?
Prayer:
God, thank you for those who have encouraged me. Show me those who need encouragement and how I might be Barnabas for them. In this way comfort us in your Spirit and give us your increase. Amen.

2006-07-11T00:02:00.000-04:00

Tue July 11, 2006
Acts 9:10-15a, 17-19a
"A follower named Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. Ananias answered, "Lord, here I am." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street. When you get there, you will find a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. Saul is praying, and he has seen a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and putting his hands on him, so that he could see again." Ananias replied, "Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name." The Lord said to Ananias, "Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me."

"Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. He placed his hands on Saul. "Brother Saul," he said, "you saw the Lord Jesus. He appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He has sent me so that you will be able to see again. You will be filled with the Holy Spirit." Right away something like scales fell from Saul's eyes. And he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After eating some food, he got his strength back. Saul spent several days with the believers in Damascus."
Pondering and meditating:
When have you, like Ananias, obeyed the Lord even when you had doubts about it?
Prayers:
God, sometimes you move in our lives in dramatic ways and sometimes in quiet ways. Thank you for the person who was Ananias to me--the one who came to me when I needed it and called me brother/sister. Thank you for giving me sight and strengthening me through the obedience of another. In these moments of prayer show me where I might be Ananias for someone else. Amen.

Philip and the Ethiopian

2006-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Mon. July 10,2006
Acts 8:26-31, 35-38
Philip and the Ethiopian
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Pondering and meditating:
Look at all God did in this passage to prepare the way for the message of salvation. How does that encourage and challenge you to respond?
Prayer:
God, deepen our understanding of faith so we might be prepared for surprise opportunities to tell others about Jesus. Today I will follow your directing--even to wilderness roads--so that I may be there for someone who needs me. Amen.

Stephen is Buried

2006-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sun. July 9, 2006
Acts 8:1-7
And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. The Church Persecuted and Scattered On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.

Pondering and meditating:
With these events, the Gospel moves beyond Jerusalem (cf 1:8). How has come out of difficulty in your life? How has Jesus brought healing to some crippled areas of your life? How could your church be seen as more of a place of healing and joy?
Prayer:
God, in the poer of your Spirit, the Gospel in proclaimed beyond the boundaries that we live within. Teach me to trust and believe in the good that can come even in difficult circumstances. Today I pray for healing in the lives of others and in our churches, that joy may be increased. Amen.

The Stoning of Stephen

2006-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sat. July 8, 2006
Acts 7:51-60
"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him, you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."
The Stoning of Stephen
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Pondering and meditating:
How could Stephen face such opposition with a forgiving heart? In what ways have you resisted or opposed the work of the Holy Spirit? What could we do today so that forgiveness might replace other motivations inour behavior and attitudes?
Prayer:
God, forgive me where I have resisted your Spirit and sinned against you. Open my heart and mind to forgive others that have opposed me or my witness and work. Today I pray for my enemies. Amen.

Stephen

2006-07-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Fri. July 7
Acts 6:8-15
Stephen Seized
8Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."
12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."
15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Pondering and meditating:
What two or three adjectives best describe your spiritual life? What would have to be different for you to be recognized as "full of grace and power"? How might you begin today?
Prayer:
God, fill me with such wisdom that your grace and power abound in me and reach others through me. Today I pray for those who will be reached by my witness. Amen.

Walk with Jesus

2006-07-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thur. July 6
Acts 4:13-22
13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name."
18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
21After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.
Pondering and meditating:
How has knowing Jesus shaped your character so that others might notice you had been with Jesus? What obstacles have you overcome to tell and show others what you believe?
Prayer:
God, I thank you that you take ordinary people like us to extraordinary moments and actions. As I walk with Jesus every day, help me find courage and strength to boldly speak about what I have seen and heard. Amen.

My Church

2006-07-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Wed. July 5, 2006
Acts 2:43-47
43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Pondering and meditating:
How is your church fellowship similar to and different from the fellowship described in these verses? What could you do to help your church be more like this?
Prayer:
God, I pray for my church and for all churches everhwhere. Help us be more like the early fellowship of believers in our worship and our generosity. Lead me to where I can begin to affect change that will please you. Amen.

Repent and be Baptized

2006-07-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

Tue. July 4
Acts 2:36-42
36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Pondering and meditating:
How has repentance and turning to God brought new life to you, to your church, to our country and our world? If someone looked at your life right now, what would they learn about what it means to be a Christian?
Prayer:
God, I turn again toward you seeking newness of life. Show me where I must do my part in being a bold witness for Christ Jesus; then help me trust that tyou will more than do your part! Amen.

Speak Up About Your Faith

2006-07-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

Mon July 3
Acts 2:22-24, 29-33
22"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
Pondering and meditating:
When was the last time you seized an opportunity to speak up about your faith? How might you, like Peter, use your back-ground, training, or experience ot connect with others to further God's kingdom?
Prayer:
God, help me step out into new territory trusting the power of your Spirit. Show me unique ways you have formed me so that others can see Christ in me. Let me be honest with who I am and forthright with what I believe so taht others may see your Spirit at work in their lives. Amen.

Tongues of Fire

2006-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sun. July 2, 2006
Acts 2:1-11
"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
Pondering and meditating:
Remember those times when you have experienced an empowering from God. What will you do today to be better prepared to witness to the wonders of God?
Prayer:
God, I am humbled and renewed as I consider the wonders of this world and my life. Send your Spirit upon me that I might better witness to the power of Christ in our world today. Amen.

.

2006-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sat. July 1, 2006
Acts 1:1-8
"Theophilus, I first wrote to you about all that Jesus did and taught from the very first until he was taken up to heaven. But before he was taken up, he gave orders to the apostles he had chosen with the help of the Holy Spirit. For forty days after Jesus had suffered and died, he proved in many ways that he had been raised from death. He appeared to his apostles and spoke to them about God's kingdom. While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, "Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?" Jesus said to them, "You don't need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."

Pondering and meditating:
In what ways have you, like the disciples, failed to understand Jesus' view of the Kingdom? What is your "Jerusalem" to which you are called to bear witness?
Prayer:
God, open my eyes, my mind and my heart to rightly perceive your purpose and your Son's presence among us. Today I ask your direction as I take up my task as a witness for Jesus. Amen.

Jesus talks to Simon

2006-06-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Fri. June 30,2006
John 21:15-17
"When Jesus and the disciples had finished eating, Jesus spoke to Simon Peter. He asked, "Simon, son of John, do you really love me more than these others do?" "Yes, Lord," he answered. "You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus asked, "Simon, son of John, do you really love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." Jesus spoke to him a third time. He asked, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt bad because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He answered, "Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

Pondering and meditating:
Peter, who denied Jesus three times, had the opportunity to tell Jesus that he loves him three times. How can you give someone who has let you down the opportunity to rebuild their relationship with you? Who might you reach out to today?
Prayer:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Christ, use me to feed your lambs. Amen.

Jesus is alive

2006-06-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thur. June 29, 2006
John 21:1-7
"After this, Jesus appeared to his disciples again. It was by the Sea of Galilee. Here is what happened. Simon Peter and Thomas, who was called Didymus [or twin], were there together. Nathanael from Cana in Galilee and the sons of Zebedee were with them.[Zebedee is greek for the son of James and John.] So were two other disciples. "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them. They said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat. That night they didn't catch anything. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore. But the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, "Friends, don't you have any fish?"
"No," they answered.
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat. There you will find some fish." When they did, they could not pull the net into the boat. There were too many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Simon Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Peter heard that, he put his coat on. He had taken it off earlier. Then he jumped into the water."

Pondering and meditating:
Notice, after Jesus' death, the disciples went back to what was most familiar: their way of life, fishing. What do you do during the hardest times of your life to stay consistent with yuor beliefs and values? What will you do today to strengthen your faith so that you can face hard times? Prayer:
Risen Lord, love me when I ma most alone, renew me during life's pain, and in all of life help me walk as a disciple. Amen.

2006-06-28T07:45:00.000-04:00

Wed. June 28, 2006
John 19:16b-18
"SO the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others- one om each side and Jesus in the middle."
Pondering and meditating:
What did it mean for Jesus to carry his own cross? What cross/ burden do you carry? What other disciples can help you with the burdens that you carry? What disciples can you help? Prayer:
Crucified Lord, thank you. Amen.

Jesus in the garden, praying

2006-06-27T13:29:00.000-04:00

Tue. June 27, 2006
John 18:1-5
"When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. Jesus had often met there with his disciples, and Judas knew where the place was. Judas had promised to betry Jesus. So he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police,who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!" Jesus told them, "I amJesus!""

Pondering and meditating:
It must have taken a lot of courage for Jesus to claim before his accusers, 'I am he.' When have you demonstrated courage for the purposes of God's reign? What would you like the courage to do?
Prayer:
God, give me the courage to be faithful in all circumstances, particularly in the face of injustice. Amen.

Jesus' prayer

2006-06-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Mon. June 26, 2006
John 17:20-23
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who believe in me thriugh their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Pondering and meditating:
For the past several days you have been reading Jesus' final prayer for his disciples. Jesus concludes this prayer with his desire for unity among disciples. What do you do to connect with other disciples as one?
Prayer:
God of all creation, in the midst of diversity, unify us in your love and for your purposes. Through Christ I pray. Amen

The World

2006-06-25T08:09:00.000-04:00

Sun. June 25, 2006
John 17:14-19
"I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

Pondering and meditating:
What does it mean for you to be in the world as a disciple without belonging to the world? What do you do to be actively engaged in the world? How do you keep from being wordly?
Prayer:
Gracious God, help me to live in the world without belonging to the world. Amen.

Love and Comand

2006-06-24T12:24:00.000-04:00

Sat. June 24. 2006
John 15:9-17
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."

Pondering and meditating:
In the Gospel of John, Jesus frequently teaches about the importance of love. Why is it important for disciples to love like Christ? How are you deepening your love for others?
Prayer:
Jesus, may your love abide in me so that I can love others as you have demonstrated love. Amen.

true vine*

2006-06-23T08:07:00.000-04:00

Fri. June 23, 2006
John 15:1-8
"Jesus said to his disciples:
I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain on the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyones does not remain in me, heis like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remainin you, askwhatever you wish and it will be given to you. This is to my fathers glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

Pondering and meditating:
What does it mean for you as a disciple to bear fruit? How will you bear fruit today?
Prayer:
Holy Vine Grower, help me to abide in you as you abide in me. Amen

Guiding Spirit

2006-06-21T21:37:00.000-04:00

Thur. June 22, 2006
John 14:15-17
" Jesus said to his disciples:
If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don't see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you."

Pondering and meditating:
How does the Spirit of Truth abide in You? What truth challenges do you face?
Prayer:
Spirit of Truth, may your truth abide in me and may I abide by your truth. Amen.

Trust

2006-06-21T00:35:00.000-04:00

Wed. June 21.
John 14:1-10
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.

Pondering and meditating:
How does it feel to know that God has a place for
you? In addition to place, what else do you need from God?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, in the spirit of Christ I pray for all who are searching
but are not satisfied. I pray for all who are experiencing loss (name those
searching or experiencing loss). Use me to minister to those who need you most.
Through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Loving others

2006-06-20T10:16:00.000-04:00

Tue. June 20.
John 13:34-35
"But I am giving you a command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that yoy are my disciples."

Pondering and meditating:
What makies it difficult for you to love others? What does it mean for you to love others just as Jesus loved you
Prayer:
Loving God, give me the strength to love. Amen.

Our first bible verse!

2006-06-19T18:29:00.000-04:00

Mon. June 19, 2006
John 13:12-17
"After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said:
Do you understand what i have done? You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their masters, and messangers are not greater than the ones who sent them. You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them."

Pondering and meditating:
Have you discovered your gifts and calling to serve God? How will you fulfill your calling today?
Prayer:
God, reveal your calling to me and keep me humble enough to serve from my knees and strong enough to honor others. Amen.
Please leave your insight with each "devotion" thank you and I hope you enjoy!!!!

We want everyone's insight!!

2006-06-17T21:54:00.000-04:00

This is Kristen,
I just wanted to let everyone know how to share their insight with each bible verse each day.

1.) Click comment, which is at the bottom of each post
2.) There is going to be a box that says Leave your comment, this is where you'll type up what you have to say.
3.) Before you click the button Publish your comment, there is something right above that, that says Choose your identiy. This is where you want to click the bubble OTHER or if you don't want to know who wrote the comment you may click on ANONYMOUS. But we would like to know who is saying what, so when you are typing your insight please sate your name at the beginning or the end!
**Note you don't have to be a user of this blog site to leave comments!!
***If you don't understand or this is not working please see me in church or call, we're in the directory! Thank you very much
Kristen

We're just getting started!

2006-06-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

hey this is Kristen,
i'm trying out different things and i thought this looks easy enough to do, if this is not what we were looking for just send a comment. i can post a saying every day and events that are happening around church. i think i can create a different backround but at this moment i'm just trying to set it up to see if this is what we wanted! as u see on the left, i can insert pictures! There is more i can do but i can't remember at this time, so i'll leave a post at least every day.