3rd Sunday of Easter

Our readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter:

1. Acts 5: 27-32
2. Psalms 30: 2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
3. Revelation 5: 11-14
4. John 21: 1-19

• I'm not worthy
• The challenge in following Jesus is that He calls each of us in different ways.  We are all called to bring about the Kingdom on earth, but just what our proper contribution to make that kingdom happen differs.
• How does it make you feel when you see someone preaching at a street corner?
• Do you think that sort of evangelization is truly effective?
• What sort of evangelization is effective?
• Do you think that all of us are called to be evangelists?
• How will you ever know if you're doing a good job?
  

• Dancing for Jesus
• Sometimes, when God intervenes, it's not so much to change the circumstances themselves, but to change our attitude toward those circumstances.
• Have you ever been transformed such that you found joy in something that had previously filled you with anger, anguish, or despair?
• How did that transformation/resurrection happen?
• How did that change you?
  

• Finding time to worship
• Much of what we experience on this earth is meant to prepare us for our eternal destiny.  Worship is one of them.
• Would you like more time for worship?
• How much is enough?
• How much is too much?
• What does your worship time do for/to you?
• Is it better alone or with other people?
  

• Follow me
• Renewal of wedding vows can be a meaningful occasion for a couple to reflect on their relationship to each other, give thanks for the time that they have had together, and resolve to continue to deepen and enrich that living relationship.  It's not a bad idea to do the same with Jesus.
• Have you ever been in a "dry" spell in your faith walk, a time when your relationship with Jesus seemed all but dead?
• What do you think caused that?
• What did you do about that season in your life?
• What finally brought you out of that "dry spell"?
• Do you think that you're a better person for experiencing that?
  

• Preparation for Reconciliation
• Where might God be inviting me to be more welcoming?
• Where might God be inviting me into greater hope?
• Does God have my worship, or someone else.
• Can I rededicate myself to God in any measurable way today?
  

Burning

is my heart within me watching those coals on the beach.

Their flames dancing before my eyes with the same warmth -

That same warmth that I see in the eyes of my Master.

 

Yes, I backed down,

Yes, I turned away from Him,

Yes, I let my fear become certainty.

 

Yet, here He is, gazing intently into my eyes.

Seeing everything in me,

Knowing everything about me.

 

Yet still loving

Affirming,

Taking radiant joy in me.

 

He offers no guarantees of safety, security, nor shelter.

Just a life full of meaning, heart-felt wonder, and a home for all eternity -

Beginning here, now.

When first I met Him

I set aside my nets and my boat

Because they had become too small for me in that moment.

 

Today, today I set aside my shame, my fear, my pride.

Knowing that they too have become too small for me.

Knowing that Jesus offers me freedom.

 

If I will just accept it.

 

Shalom!