GPS for the week of June 9, 2019

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“After Pentecost”

 

Every year we hear and celebrate the story of Pentecost as the Holy Spirit gave life to the church of Jesus Christ.  But what happened after that day?  This week we explore what happened after Pentecost in the earliest gatherings of Christians.

 

Daily Prayer:  Holy God, as you gave birth to the church through that moment of Pentecost, the early church entered its infancy.  So, Lord, as you helped the church to grow then, help us to grow now.  This week may we grow in your word and Spirit.  Amen.

 

Monday 6.10              “The Fellowship of Believers”   Acts 2: 42-47

This earliest gathering of believers was very small.  Dozens in a group?  Certainly not hundreds, yet.  They looked after each other, cared for each other, and shared resources.  Our culture 2000 years later is radically different, but still we look to this original example set for us.  How do you see any parts of this passage being lived out today in our own church?

 

Tuesday 6.11                        “Peter Heals a Beggar”               Acts 3: 1-10 They did not just care about those within their group.  Immediately Peter and others reached out to show care for others, and it was not just an ordinary caring:  it was healing done with the living power of the Holy Spirit.  It was not just Jesus who had the power, now those who followed him had it also.  “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.”  What is it that you have that you can…and should…be sharing with others for the healing of our world?

 

Wednesday 6.12  “The Believers Share”            Acts 4: 32-37 These disciples were serious about literally living the Kingdom of God.  When one suffered, they all suffered.  When one rejoiced, they all rejoiced.  For them, part of this was sharing their possessions with each other.  What would this mean for us today?  We may not be sharing all our possessions, but we can be sharing so much more to help insure the well-being of our community.  How do you see this being lived out?  How do you participate?

 

Thursday 6.13      “A Lampstand and Trees   Zechariah 4:1-10 Verse 6 says, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”  This is beautiful, Old Testament language at its best as the prophet speaks.

 

Friday 6.14                  “Children of Light”       Ephesians 4:17 – 5:2

In each of us there is an “old self”, and in each of us there is a “new self.”  The “new self” lets go of all the old, self-centered behavior and lives according to the Spirit.  Read this passage again.  What is it in these words that you are doing now?  What is it that you need to let go of in search of something new?

 

Saturday 6.15                   “Life through the Spirit”        Romans 8: 1-17

Paul was teaching the early Christian community the meaning of living life in and through the Holy Spirit.  This is one of those chapters that every Christian should be familiar with.  What is it that strikes you most in this passage?  What is most true for you?