Journey to the Cross

Pause

This week, we share this Good News: Christ is Risen! Our long wait is over!

Stop and take a deep breath, breathing in the joy of Easter morning; breathe out the fear and doubt of the night that has passed.

God sees you today and loves you as you are.

Who needs to be seen by you today? Look up, so you can share the good news.

Listen

The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. The apostles continued to bear powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and an abundance of grace was at work among them all. There were no needy persons among them. Those who owned properties or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds from the sales, and place them in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Then it was distributed to anyone who was in need.

Acts 4:32-35

Think

It is amazing what can happen in those moments where we are “one in heart and mind.” It can happen in a Spirit-led worship service where a congregation feels led to try something new in ministry to their community. It can happen in a youth group who finds the courage to shed those labels that limit us toward becoming a deeper Christian community. Much can happen when we allow an “abundance of grace” in our midst.

As our world continues to shrink and we are more aware of the global Christian community, we also are given opportunities to find “no needy persons among them.” When we write letters with Bread for the World (bread.org), we are working to make sure there is no needy person among us. When we come together to say “Enough!” to the gun violence in our schools we are bearing “powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” The work of the Gospel continues today, and we are called to participate in that work. How will you be a powerful witness today?

David Burroughs

Pray

Grace-Giver, I want to be a person of Grace. I want to find community that offers an abundance of grace to each other and all those we encounter. Help me to work toward being one in heart and mind like the early believers I read about in the book of Acts. I pray for your voice to speak through me as I try to be a witness to the resurrection of your Son, in whose name I pray, amen.

Go

Find your voice today and speak “Peace” to someone in distress.

Find your grip today and hug someone who needs to know they are loved.

Find your stride today and move toward a hurting world with the healing power of the one who made you, who redeemed you, and who has called you to serve.