DISCOVER MORE : TOGETHER
Our weekly devotional content ties back to the worship themes and scriptures from the previous Sunday. Dig deeper into what the Word and the message mean to you, and explore how you can deepen your walk with Christ through these resources.
In addition to the devotional resources, the "5 Minutes with God" sections are like spiritual snacks; small, quick, easy connections you can make as you go about your busy life.
Introduction: The message of Jesus is both who Jesus is as God's Son, and what Jesus does in showing God's love. As followers, we take seriously the message of God's love in Jesus.
Bible
1 John 3:16-24
16We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? 18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action….23And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Luke 9:3;24-27
3Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? 26Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
Chapter Highlights
• Taking Jesus’ message seriously means churches pay attention to the life and words of Christ. Young people can then articulate a Gospel that is loess talk about beliefs and more talk about Jesus, less tied to formulas and more focused on redemptive narrative, and less about heaven later and more about life here and now.
• Young people want to know not only what they are saved from but also what they are saved for. They want to take action, not just hear about what they cannot do. Participation and challenge are key to growing young.
• Evangelism isn’t dead among people, but it looks different than in the past century. Vital factors to help young people share faith today include building authentic relationships, listening well, and being honest about questions and doubts.
Questions for Reflection
1. When you were growing up, was the church message more about what NOT to do? Or about what to do? Was the emphasis on the Don’ts or the Do’s?
2. When did your faith become more personal or meaningful? What contributed to that shift?
3. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross and follow Jesus?”
4. How is following the way of Jesus something more than being nice to people, a “golden rule kind of religion?”
5. Do you think following the way of Jesus is something easy or challenging to do?
6. What words and phrases does FLC use to talk about Jesus, the gospel and evangelism? Brainstorm as a group. Create a group list.
7. What opportunities or people have you had that provided space for you to express doubts and struggles about faith? What struggles or doubts to you have now?
8. What one or two shifts might FLC want to take when it comes to helping young people explore and grow in faith? Create a group list.
Together with God in Prayer
OPTION 1: ONE WORD. Take time to reflect about your day, your concerns, and how God may be speaking to you. As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling? What might God be saying to you in this word?
OPTION 2: Reflect on the past 24 hours
Prayer
Who or What can you pray for today?
Close in the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Five Minutes with God
INTRODUCTION: “Little children,” John tells us, “let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” In other words, actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to our faith. When Jesus says to take up our crosses daily and follow him, his first followers knew this very graphic and terrifying image. They knew firsthand the horror of crucifixion. When we put this altogether, we realize that the love we are called to as people of faith is truthful, hands on, demanding, and costly.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: What is hard for you to do? What is your cross to take up? Perhaps it’s not always needing to “be right.” It could be listening to that lonely individual tell the same story yet again. It might be standing up for truth in the face of criticism. This week pay attention to those times you feel an inner pushback to a person or situation. Is this a “take up your cross and follow me” moment? How can you take up this cross with love?
Together in Community
Check in with one another.
If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.
5 Minutes with God—Spiritual Practice
(Optional)
INTRODUCTION: “Little children,” John tells us, “let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” In other words, actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to our faith. When Jesus says to take up our crosses daily and follow him, his first followers knew this very graphic and terrifying image. They knew firsthand the horror of crucifixion. When we put this altogether, we realize that the love we are called to as people of faith is truthful, hands on, demanding, and costly.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: What is hard for you to do? What is your cross to take up? Perhaps it’s not always needing to “be right.” It could be listening to that lonely individual tell the same story yet again. It might be standing up for truth in the face of criticism. This week pay attention to those times you feel an inner pushback to a person or situation. Is this a “take up your cross and follow me” moment? How can you take up this cross with love?
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: The message of Jesus is both who Jesus is as God's Son, and what Jesus does in showing God's love. As followers, we take seriously the message of God's love in Jesus.
Bible
1 John 3:16-24
16We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? 18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action….23And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Luke 9:3;24-27
3Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? 26Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
Chapter Highlights
• Taking Jesus’ message seriously means churches pay attention to the life and words of Christ. Young people can then articulate a Gospel that is loess talk about beliefs and more talk about Jesus, less tied to formulas and more focused on redemptive narrative, and less about heaven later and more about life here and now.
• Young people want to know not only what they are saved from but also what they are saved for. They want to take action, not just hear about what they cannot do. Participation and challenge are key to growing young.
• Evangelism isn’t dead among people, but it looks different than in the past century. Vital factors to help young people share faith today include building authentic relationships, listening well, and being honest about questions and doubts.
Opening Discovery
1. When you were growing up, was the church message more about what NOT to do? Or about what to do? Was the emphasis on the Don’ts or the Do’s?
2. When did your faith become more personal or meaningful? What contributed to that shift?
More about the Scripture
1. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross and follow Jesus?”
2. How is following the way of Jesus something more than being nice to people, a “golden rule kind of religion?”
3. Do you think following the way of Jesus is something easy or challenging to do?
More about Life
1. What words and phrases does FLC use to talk about Jesus, the gospel and evangelism? Brainstorm as a group. Create a group list.
2. What opportunities or people have you had that provided space for you to express doubts and struggles about faith? What struggles or doubts to you have now?
3. What one or two shifts might FLC want to take when it comes to helping young people explore and grow in faith? Create a group list.
Together in Prayer
1. As you look to the coming week, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
2. Do you have any prayer concern that you would like to share? What is it?
Closing Prayer
Pray for the concerns shared in the group. Close in the Lord’s Prayer.
You may also use this prayer.
O God, we thank you for this time we have shared. We bring before you the joys and concerns of our heart. We pray especially for….. Grant us your healing and peace, in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Lord remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Together in Community
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: The message of Jesus is both who Jesus is as God's Son, and what Jesus does in showing God's love. As followers, we take seriously the message of God's love in Jesus.
Bible
1 John 3:16-24
16We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? 18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action….23And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Luke 9:3;24-27
3Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? 26Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
Chapter Highlights
• Taking Jesus’ message seriously means churches pay attention to the life and words of Christ. Young people can then articulate a Gospel that is loess talk about beliefs and more talk about Jesus, less tied to formulas and more focused on redemptive narrative, and less about heaven later and more about life here and now.
• Young people want to know not only what they are saved from but also what they are saved for. They want to take action, not just hear about what they cannot do. Participation and challenge are key to growing young.
• Evangelism isn’t dead among people, but it looks different than in the past century. Vital factors to help young people share faith today include building authentic relationships, listening well, and being honest about questions and doubts.
Questions—Choose 1 (If there are 6 or more in the group, breakout in groups of 2 or 3.)
1. When you were growing up, was the church message more about what NOT to do? Or about what to do? Was the emphasis on the Don’ts or the Do’s?
2. When did your faith become more personal or meaningful? What contributed to that shift?
3. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross and follow Jesus?”
4. How is following the way of Jesus something more than being nice to people, a “golden rule kind of religion?”
5. Do you think following the way of Jesus is something easy or challenging to do?
6. What words and phrases does FLC use to talk about Jesus, the gospel and evangelism? Brainstorm as a group. Create a group list.
7. What opportunities or people have you had that provided space for you to express doubts and struggles about faith? What struggles or doubts to you have now?
8. What one or two shifts might FLC want to take when it comes to helping young people explore and grow in faith? Create a group list.
Option 1: One word—As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
Option 2—Share High’s and Low’s
(If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.)
Prayer—We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
FIVE MINUTES WITH GOD
INTRODUCTION: “Little children,” John tells us, “let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” In other words, actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to our faith. When Jesus says to take up our crosses daily and follow him, his first followers knew this very graphic and terrifying image. They knew firsthand the horror of crucifixion. When we put this altogether, we realize that the love we are called to as people of faith is truthful, hands on, demanding, and costly.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: What is hard for you to do? What is your cross to take up? Perhaps it’s not always needing to “be right.” It could be listening to that lonely individual tell the same story yet again. It might be standing up for truth in the face of criticism. This week pay attention to those times you feel an inner pushback to a person or situation. Is this a “take up your cross and follow me” moment? How can you take up this cross with love?
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: In the Letter of John, God makes us children of God, a part of God's family, through the power of forgiveness. In the Gospel of Luke, the parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of seeing with the eyes of empathy for the need of another.
Bible
1 John 3:1-3
1See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Luke 10:29-37
29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 37He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Chapter Highlights
• Now that adolescence has been extended and young people are in a longer season of exploration, 25 feels like the new 15, and 15 often seems like the new 25. Their journey has both an earlier starting line and a later finish line.
• Young people’s search for identity is made erratic by their pervasive stress and their peripheral faith.
• Young people and emerging adults’ quest for belonging is thwarted by omnipresent technology, sexual experimentation, and adult abandonment.
• This generation’s hunger for purpose remains unsatisfied because of their jaded realism and cultural pluralism.
Questions for Reflection
1. When you were growing up, what adult understood you? How did they convey empathy?
2. How is adolescence and growing up different today from when you were growing up?
3. In the scripture, we are all identified as children of God. We all have the same standing before God and with one another. No one is more than a child of God. What might John have to say about empathizing with today’s young people?
4. What do you do in your life to understand present day teenagers and emerging adults? What do you read? Whom do you talk to? How do you keep aware with a sense of empathy?
5. What gets in the way of empathizing with this generation?
6. In what particular ways is FLC already empathizing young people? Create a group list.
7. What one or two shifts might FLC want to take? Create a group list.
Discover More about the Message
Reflect on the message you heard in person or on-line. You can listen to the message online here.
https://firstlutherancr.org/resources/sermons
Together with God in Prayer
OPTION 1: ONE WORD. Take time to reflect about your day, your concerns, and how God may be speaking to you. As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling? What might God be saying to you in this word?
OPTION 2: Reflect on the past 24 hours
Prayer
Who or What can you pray for today?
Close in the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Five Minutes with God
INTRODUCTION: When we are children, we are pushed and prodded by others and ourselves to GROW UP. Adults often have little patience for childish ways, and children, on the other hand, long for the freedoms they perceive in the adult world. Grow up and be an adult is a win/win scenario for kids and grown-ups. But this week’s reading from John turns all this upside down. Surprise: we are all children! Even better, we are all children of God, and our status as children comes because of the love of Jesus’ Father who is our Father.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: On a sheet of paper make a list. Write three things (or more) that were life-giving for you when you were a kid. Think big picture rather than specific details. For example, don’t list that special Lego set but that using your creative imagination was life-giving for you. Spend five minutes with God reflecting on: 1. How are these life-giving aspects of your physical childhood present in your life as God’s spiritual child? 2. How can you continue to nurture and grow them in your life? 3. How might you share them with those of all ages here at FLC and beyond?
Together in Community
Check in with one another.
If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.
Open in Prayer
We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen.
5 Minutes with God—Spiritual Practice
(Optional)
INTRODUCTION: When we are children, we are pushed and prodded by others and ourselves to GROW UP. Adults often have little patience for childish ways, and children, on the other hand, long for the freedoms they perceive in the adult world. Grow up and be an adult is a win/win scenario for kids and grown-ups. But this week’s reading from John turns all this upside down. Surprise: we are all children! Even better, we are all children of God, and our status as children comes because of the love of Jesus’ Father who is our Father.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: On a sheet of paper make a list. Write three things (or more) that were life-giving for you when you were a kid. Think big picture rather than specific details. For example, don’t list that special Lego set but that using your creative imagination was life-giving for you. Spend five minutes with God reflecting on: 1. How are these life-giving aspects of your physical childhood present in your life as God’s spiritual child? 2. How can you continue to nurture and grow them in your life? 3. How might you share them with those of all ages here at FLC and beyond?
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: In the Letter of John, God makes us children of God, a part of God's family, through the power of forgiveness. In the Gospel of Luke, the parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of seeing with the eyes of empathy for the need of another.
1 John 3:1-3
1See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Luke 10:29-37
29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 37He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Chapter Highlights
• Now that adolescence has been extended and young people are in a longer season of exploration, 25 feels like the new 15, and 15 often seems like the new 25. Their journey has both an earlier starting line and a later finish line.
• Young people’s search for identity is made erratic by their pervasive stress and their peripheral faith.
• Young people and emerging adults’ quest for belonging is thwarted by omnipresent technology, sexual experimentation, and adult abandonment.
• This generation’s hunger for purpose remains unsatisfied because of their jaded realism and cultural pluralism.
Questions:
Opening Discovery
1. When you were growing up, what adult understood you? How did they convey empathy?
2. How is adolescence and growing up different today from when you were growing up?
More about the scripture
1. In the scripture, we are all identified as children of God. We all have the same standing before God and with one another. No one is more than a child of God. What might John have to say about empathizing with today’s young people?
More about Life
1. What do you do in your life to understand present day teenagers and emerging adults? What do you read? Whom do you talk to? How do you keep aware with a sense of empathy?
2. What gets in the way of empathizing with this generation?
3. In what particular ways is FLC already empathizing young people? Create a group list.
4. What one or two shifts might FLC want to take? Create a group list.
Together in Prayer
1. As you look to the coming week, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
2. Do you have any prayer concern that you would like to share? What is it?
Closing Prayer
Pray for the concerns shared in the group. Close in the Lord’s Prayer.
You may also use this prayer.
O God, we thank you for this time we have shared. We bring before you the joys and concerns of our heart. We pray especially for….. Grant us your healing and peace, in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Lord remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Together in Community
Discover Scripture and Life
Open in Prayer
We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence.
Introduction: In the Letter of John, God makes us children of God, a part of God's family, through the power of forgiveness. In the Gospel of Luke, the parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of seeing with the eyes of empathy for the need of another.
Bible
1 John 3:1-3
1See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Luke 10:29-37
29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 37He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Chapter Highlights
• Now that adolescence has been extended and young people are in a longer season of exploration, 25 feels like the new 15, and 15 often seems like the new 25. Their journey has both an earlier starting line and a later finish line.
• Young people’s search for identity is made erratic by their pervasive stress and their peripheral faith.
• Young people and emerging adults’ quest for belonging is thwarted by omnipresent technology, sexual experimentation, and adult abandonment.
• This generation’s hunger for purpose remains unsatisfied because of their jaded realism and cultural pluralism.
Question—Choose 1 (If there are 6 or more in the group, breakout in groups of 2 or 3.)
1. When you were growing up, what adult understood you? How did they convey empathy?
2. How is adolescence and growing up different today from when you were growing up?
3. In the scripture, we are all identified as children of God. We all have the same standing before God and with one another. No one is more than a child of God. What might John have to say about empathizing with today’s young people?
4. What do you do in your life to understand present day teenagers and emerging adults? What do you read? Whom do you talk to? How do you keep aware with a sense of empathy?
5. What gets in the way of empathizing with this generation?
6. In what particular ways is FLC already empathizing young people? Create a group list.
7. What one or two shifts might FLC want to take? Create a group list.
Together in Prayer
Connect with one another before prayer. Choose one of these options.
Option 1: One word—As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
Option 2—Share High’s and Low’s
(If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.)
Prayer—We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
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FIVE MINUTES WITH GOD
INTRODUCTION: When we are children, we are pushed and prodded by others and ourselves to GROW UP. Adults often have little patience for childish ways, and children, on the other hand, long for the freedoms they perceive in the adult world. Grow up and be an adult is a win/win scenario for kids and grown-ups. But this week’s reading from John turns all this upside down. Surprise: we are all children! Even better, we are all children of God, and our status as children comes because of the love of Jesus’ Father who is our Father.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: On a sheet of paper make a list. Write three things (or more) that were life-giving for you when you were a kid. Think big picture rather than specific details. For example, don’t list that special Lego set but that using your creative imagination was life-giving for you. Spend five minutes with God reflecting on: 1. How are these life-giving aspects of your physical childhood present in your life as God’s spiritual child? 2. How can you continue to nurture and grow them in your life? 3. How might you share them with those of all ages here at FLC and beyond?
