Summer of Love

1 John 2:24-3:6

1 John 2:24-3:6

As for you, what you heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you will also remain in relationship to the Son and in the Father. This is the promise that he himself gave us: eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are attempting to deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains on you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you the truth. But since his anointing teaches you about all things (it’s true and not a lie), remain in relationship to him just as he taught you.
 
And now, little children, remain in relationship to Jesus, so that when he appears we can have confidence and not be ashamed in front of him when he comes. If you know that he is righteous, you also know that every person who practices righteousness is born from him.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God’s children, and that is what we are! Because the world didn’t recognize him, it doesn’t recognize us.

Dear friends, now we are God’s children, and it hasn’t yet appeared what we will be. We know that when he appears we will be like him because we’ll see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves even as he is pure. Every person who practices sin commits an act of rebellion, and sin is rebellion. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. Every person who remains in relationship to him does not sin. Any person who sins has not seen him or known him.

Grace UMC

Summer of Love 6/19/2022

Posted by GraceDesMoines on Sunday, June 19, 2022

June 20 – 25, 2022

Click on the day to expand the guide.

Monday, June 20

Read – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 17-18, Acts 14:19-22

Notice – Based on our readings today, it may seem a little easier and safer to follow Jesus today than in the first century. In what ways is it still true that entering into God’s kingdom involves passing through “many troubles”? How do Paul’s words and example give us courage for facing and finding our way through “many troubles”?

Pray – Jesus, you sent Paul and Barnabas traveling through unfamiliar, hostile territory. Often you just ask me to be a good neighbor, or to be your presence in my workplace or school. Give me courage to do whatever you ask. Amen.

Tuesday, June 21

ReadRevelation 21:1-5

Notice -The Bible’s grand story ends with a promise: “Look! I’m making all things new,”. The ancient world counted on high city walls and strong gates shut out danger. In that world, Revelation 21:25 said something amazing about God’s eternal city: “On no day will its gates ever be shut.” There are plenty of frightening things going on in our world. What “walls and gates,” which might fail, are you counting on? How can you build your faith in God’s indestructible eternal city? How does Christ’s presence today calm your spirit?

Pray – God with us, you are already making me new. I can hardly wait for you to complete that work, for me and for our world. Fill me with your hope and energy this day and every day. Amen.

Wednesday, June 22

ReadIsaiah 25:6-9, Daniel 12:2-3

Notice – While we may not know all the details of what the promise of God’s eternal love looks like, readings from Isaiah point to the endless and eternal life and love of God. The Hebrew prophet Isaiah said that God will prepare “a rich feast”—the way rulers in that day marked victories. Later, the book of Daniel more clearly promised resurrection. God promised to “swallow up death forever,” to “wipe tears from every face.” God’s banquet was for “all peoples,” “all nations,” “the whole earth.” When we throw a dinner party, we tend to only expect invited guests to show up. Yet Isaiah promises a grand banquet. We get a hint of what this banquet is like at the last supper when Jesus welcomed Judas, his betrayer, and Peter, his denier, to the table. How does your heart react to God’s generous vision?

Pray – God, I do not want my walk with you limited to this time-bounded existence. Thank you for inviting me to participate in your eternal banquet. Amen.

Thursday, June 23

Read2 Corinthians 1:10-11, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18

Notice – Based on our readings today, do you think Paul was a success or failure? What standards do you use to define success? Paul writes that we should focus on things that we can’t yet see. What hopes do you hold that remain out of sight right now?

Pray – Jesus, you weren’t shortsighted. You looked beyond the obvious and visible. Give me your eyes to see, however dimly, the glory of eternity, and to live in that light. Amen.

Friday, June 24

ReadEphesians 3:5-10, 20-21

Notice – Verses 7 and 20 in this passage cited God’s power. They used the Greek word dunamis, the root of the word “dynamite”! That wasn’t a view of the “church” as static or boring, but as cosmic energy at work for eternal purposes. The word translated “the many different varieties of his wisdom” in verse 10 was “polupoikilos.” It literally meant “many colored”—as though the apostle was picturing God’s grace and wisdom as a kind of dazzling rainbow. In what ways has God’s grace and wisdom added color and beauty to your life? How can you help your church reflect that divine beauty to all we connect with?

Pray – God, I’m so grateful for your grace, which has called me to be a member of your ekklesia. Guide me today and every day to a life that reflects your wisdom and power. Amen.

Saturday, June 25

Read – Genesis 1:1-3, 24-31

Notice – Nearly every culture in the ancient near east had a creation story, but the poetry of Genesis is unique in proclaiming creation as good. Created in “God’s image”, humanity is called very good. At the end of the week of creation, God symbolically takes a step back from the work of creation with a smile of satisfaction. At the end of this week, what are you satisfied in? Take the time to list 3 to 5 ways that you can still see the original goodness of God’s intention in you and the world. 

Pray – God, thank you for the gift of our beautiful, abundant earth, and for entrusting it to my care. Help me be a faithful steward, always mindful of my choices and their impact on your world. Amen.

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