Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

Week of May 30 June 4

MONDAY: John 15:9-17 Love web

Imagine a love web as love comes from God, through Jesus to us, and from us to each
other. Webs are quite beautiful and delicate, yet strong.
PRAYER: I celebrate your love, God. Thank you for loving me; I treasure the joy of
loving others.
TUESDAY: John 15:9-17 Roots and fruits
The vine-root of love is God. We are the branches that grow in love as we receive and
give it to God in Christ and others. The fruit that grows looks like Galatians 5:22-23
fruit of the spirit: healthy relationships, godly impact, transformation in self, others,
and the world.
PRAYER: May I live rooted that I bear fruit.
WEDNESDAY: John 15:9-17 Friends of God
Our relationship toward God is changed by love. Out of love Jesus shares his fathers
business with us, that we might share in its benefits. No longer are we servants;
rather, friends or even business partners.
SONG: Friend of God by Israel Houghton
THURSDAY: Acts 10:1-48 The first Gentile believer
Cornelius is recorded as the first Gentile believer. A high ranking soldier with respect,
free thought, and a heart endeared to God through giving and prayer. And God
was moved by him; as such, he was chosen to be visited by the Lord in a vision.
REFLECTION: What implications do you see for Cornelius- being a soldier- becoming a
new believer? What about visions? How does God get your attention?

Bearing Fruit - May 29

Scripture: John 15:9-17
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep
my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Fathers
commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that
my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No
one has greater love than this, to lay down ones life for ones friends. You are
my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer,
because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called
you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard
from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to
go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever
you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love
one another.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.

My Notes:

FRIDAY: Acts 10:1-48 Common humanity

Peter goes to Cornelius home after being summoned and voices that his actions would
be considered unlawful, however God has spoken through his vision inclusion. Cornelius
bows down in reverence to Peter who acknowledges their common humanity.
CONSIDER: Forgive me when I have allowed the laws of this world dictate the homes,
peoples, perspectives I would entertain. In so doing this, I have missed out on our
common humanity.
SATURDAY: Acts 10:1-48 The Gospel proclaimed in the home
I love the anticipation of Cornelius household. They waited anxiously for Peter to
speak Gods word to them. And he shared the gospel message, which now includes
the resurrection of Jesus and Peters witness of Jesus, after Jesus rose. His sharing, I
imagine, was powerful and personal.
REFLECT: During a nighttime prayer I asked my son, Do you have anything else to
say? He said, God is Love, and he gave a shy giggle. How does it feel to proclaim the
gospel at home with those closest to you?

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