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Parable of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin

This week we’ll be reading, reflecting, and responding to the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin found in Luke 15:1-10

 

April 22

These Reflections on Reality reveal the extravagance of God’s amazing grace. Jesus not only does not reject sinners; he does more than merely tolerate or condescendingly accept them. They are guests at his table.

 

April 23       

  • Read 15:1-2
  • Reflect and Respond: With whom do you identify? Tax collectors and sinners? Pharisees and scribes?

 

April 24          

  • Read Luke 15:3-6
  • Reflect and respond: When have you risked your reputation and security to care for someone who cost you both time and money?

 

April 25  

  • Read Luke 15:7
  • Reflect and Respond: When have you celebrated when someone has experienced God’s amazing and extravagant grace? Have you ever been offended by God’s amazing and extravagant grace?

 

April 26 

  • Read: Luke 15:8
  • Reflect and respond: How much time and effort do you put into caring for people who are considered outsiders

 

April 27   

  • Read: Luke 15:9
  • Reflect and respond: What are you rejoicing about today?

 

April 28     

  • Read: Luke 15:10
  • Reflect and respond: Can you imagine the joy over one person whose life is transformed by the grace of God?

Take Note:

Our conversations are moving from our Facebook Page to a Facebook Group for discussion. Click here to join. We’ll approve you within 24 hours.

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What Parable is Next?

Week of…

April 29: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-31 – Part One (Focus upon 15:11-24)

May 6: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-32 – Part Two (Focus upon 15:25-32)

May 13: Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14

Parable of the Great Banquet

This week we’ll be reading, reflecting, and responding to the Parable of the Great Banquet found in Luke 14:15-24.

 

April 15

Introduction of Luke 14:15-24

This Reflection on Reality challenges our understanding of entitlement and inclusion. It offers a picture of including the poor and marginalized as well as including the Gentiles.

To accept the invitation beforehand and then to refuse it when the day came was a serious insult. We are all occupied with legitimate concerns, but to give those concerns priority over God and God’s way of living is called into question.

 

April 16

  • Read: Luke 14:15-16.
  • Reflect and respond: What would it be like to be invited to God’s party?

 

April 17

  • Read: Luke 14:17
  • Reflect and respond: What an experience of grace! How do you respond to the following scenario? You’re an invited guest and you’re not expected to offer anything.

 

April 18

  • Read Luke 14:18-20
  • Reflect and respond: What excuses have you made for not participating in God’s way of living?

 

April 19

  • Read: Luke 14:21
  • Reflect and respond: Who do you think will be invited to God’s party?

 

April 20

  • Read: Luke 14:22-23
  • Reflect and respond: Who would be at your table if the invitation was open to all?

 

April 21

  • Read Luke 14:24
  • Reflect and respond: How have you answered the invitation?

Take Note:

Our conversations are moving from our Facebook Page to a Facebook Group for discussion. Click here to join. We’ll approve you within 24 hours.

If you’re new to Facebook Groups, this is a closed group. What does that mean? Anyone can see the group and who is in the group. Only Members of Closed Groups can see the conversation.

Not on Facebook? No problem! Use the comment section below.

 

What Parable is Next?

Week of…

April 22: Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin – 15:1-10

April 29: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-31 – Part One (Focus upon 15:11-24)

May 6: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-32 – Part Two (Focus upon 15:25-32)

May 13: Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14

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Parable of the Rich Fool

This week we’ll be reading, reflecting, and responding to the Parable of the Rich Fool. Read Luke 12:13-21

April 8 – Luke 12:13-21 – Introduction

This Reflection on Reality challenges our assumptions that life consists in what we have or what we own. It offers a way of living as a Christian disciple in relationship to affluence and responsibility. The way of God is the way of living responsibly with things. Your identity is not in how much you have. You are a fool to be consumed by your possession. Your identity is in the God who has provided what you have. Wealth or lack of wealth is not the issue. Your identity in God is the issue. You might be “rich” in wealth but not rich toward God and God’s work.

 

April 9     

  • Read Luke 12:13
  • Reflect & Respond:
    • Assumption – Life consists in how much I have i.e., our possessions.
    • How did you live responsibly with what you own today?

Be reminded: Today, attempt to give more than you take. Then, let us know how you do.

 

April 10    

 

April 11   

  • Read Luke 12:15
  • Reflect & Respond: 1) Where did you witness greed today? 2) Do you consider yourself a person who has a little, enough, or a lot?

Be reminded, life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.

 

April 12     

  • Read Luke 12:16-19
  • Reflect and Respond:
    • How much is enough?
    • What do you do when you have more than enough?

April 13

  • Read Luke 12:20
  • Reflect and respond:
    • True or False?: I tend to think of others more than myself.
    • What did you experience today that reminded you that your identity comes from Christ, not from your possessions?

Be reminded, affluence brings responsibility.

 

April 14  

  • Read Luke 12:21
  • Reflect and respond: Is your barn filled with self or filled with God? Be reminded: God has already been generous to you. What does “being rich toward God” look like?

 

Take Note:

Our conversations are moving from our Facebook Page to a Facebook Group for discussion. Click here to join. We’ll approve you within 24 hours.

If you’re new to Facebook Groups, this is a closed group. What does that mean? Anyone can see the group and who is in the group. Only Members of Closed Groups can see the conversation.

Not on Facebook? No problem! Use the comment section below.

 

What Parable is Next?

Week of…

April 15: Parable of the Great Banquet – 14:15-24

April 22: Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin – 15:1-10

April 29: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-31 – Part One (Focus upon 15:11-24)

May 6: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-32 – Part Two (Focus upon 15:25-32)

May 13: Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14

Parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37

This week we’ll be reading, reflecting, and responding to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Read Luke 10:25-37.

 

Sunday, April 1. Happy Easter!

Read: Luke 10:25-37

Introduction: This parable challenges our understanding of mercy and compassion. It offers a way of living as a Christian disciple in relation to people in need. The way of God is the way of compassion and active help for those in need, even at personal risk, even against cultural expectations of what is proper.

There are no questions to respond to on Sundays.

Throughout the week, we will focus on the following reflections of reality…

 

Monday, April 2

Read: Luke 10:25

Reflect & Respond: What must you do to inherit eternal life?

 

Tuesday, April 3

Read: Luke 10:26-28

Reflect & Respond: Where did you love God and your neighbor today?

 

Wednesday, April 4

Read: Luke 10:29

Reflect & Respond: How do you answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

 

Thursday, April 5

Read: Luke 10:30-32

Reflect & Respond: Do you do more often do what is right or follow the rules? Why?

 

Friday, April 6

Read: Luke 10:33-35

Reflect & Respond: How will you be a blessing through an act of mercy today?

 

Saturday, April 7

Read: Luke 10:36-37

Reflect & Respond: Where will you “go and do likewise”?

Take Note:

Our conversations are moving from our Facebook Page to a Facebook Group for discussion. Click here to join. We’ll approve you within 24 hours.

If you’re new to Facebook Groups, this is a closed group. What does that mean? Anyone can see the group and who is in the group. Only Members of Closed Groups can see the conversation.

Not on Facebook? No problem! Use the comment section below.

 

What Parable is Next?

Week of…

April 8: Parable of the Rich Fool – 12:13-21

April 15: Parable of the Great Banquet – 14:15-24

April 22: Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin – 15:1-10

April 29: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-31 – Part One (Focus upon 15:11-24)

May 6: Parable of the Lost Son – 15:11-32 – Part Two (Focus upon 15:25-32)

May 13: Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14

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Awaken to God’s Presence

Tell me, “Where did you see God today?” Yes, today.

Have to think about it? Quick to reply?

Either way, it’s good sign you’re the person we want to help “Awaken to God’s Presence.” Over many years and hundreds of people, we’ve watched people wake up to God’s presence around them by engaging in a simple, transformational practice.

Transforming Mission Awaken to God's presenceThe Process:

  1. Read a Scripture.
  2. Reflect on a focus word.
  3. Respond to one question.

We told you, it’s simple. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. It’s also what leads to individual and community transformation.

Sign Me Up!

What You’ll Do:

We’ll  post a Scripture, word, and question on the Facebook Page every morning at 6:30 a.m.  Look for it to be “pinned” to the top of the page before 8 a.m.  Each day stands on its own. While this series started on 1/6/18, you can jump in at any time. Here’s what we’ll do together.

  1. READ the Scripture.
  2. REFLECT on a focus word throughout the day.
  3. RESPOND to a question after 7:30 p.m.

Again, the process is simple. The outcome is transformational.

Can you imagine what might happen in our cities, towns, and neighborhoods if we awaken to God’s presence? What might happen if we then joined God in ministry where we live, work, worship, and play? I believe our lives and our communities will change.

So, it wasn’t a rhetorical question. Where did you see God today? Let us know in the comments below. Better yet, sign-up below to join us in waking up to God’s presence. And remember, you can join at any time. The dates below simply serve as a guide.

Week 1

January 6

  1. Read Matthew 2:1-12 
  2. Reflect on JOY.
  3. Respond: Where did you witness joy today?

January 7

  1. Read Mark 1:4-11
  2. Reflect on LOVE.
  3. Respond: Where did you see God’s love today?

January 8

  1. Read Isaiah 60:1-6
  2. Reflect on LIGHT.
  3. Respond: Where did you see the light of Christ today?

January 9

  1. Read Ephesians 3:1-12 
  2. Reflect on GRACE.
  3. Respond: Where did you experience God’s grace today?

January 10

  1. Read Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
  2. Reflect on COMPASSION.
  3. Respond: Where did you see God’s compassion today?

January 11

  1. Read Genesis 1:1-5
  2. Reflect on GOODNESS
  3. Respond: Where did you see God’s goodness today?

January 12

  1. Read Acts 19:1-7
  2. Reflect on SPIRIT
  3. Respond: Where did you witness the HOLY SPIRIT today?

January 13

  1. Read John 1:35-45
  2. Reflect on what it means to FOLLOW
  3. Respond: How did you FOLLOW Jesus today?

 

Week 2

January 14

  1. Read John 1:43-51.
  2. Reflect on SEEING.
  3. Respond: What did you SEE today that showed God’s presence?

January 15

  1. Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20).
  2. Reflect on God’s CALL. Everyone has a calling. It’s not just for pastors!
  3. Respond: What experience today aligned with God’s CALLING on your life?

January 16

  1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
  2. Reflect on WISDOM.
  3. Respond: Where did you witness God’s WISDOM today?

January 17

  1. Read Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18.
  2. Reflect on what it means for God to KNOW you.
  3. Respond: What experience today affirmed that God KNOWS you?

January 18

  1. Read Hosea 2:14-20.
  2. Reflect on FAITHFULNESS.
  3. Respond: Where did you see God’s FAITHFULNESS?

January 19

  1. Read Acts 8:26-39.
  2. Reflect on REJOICE.
  3. Respond: Where did you witness REJOICING?

January 20

  1. Read John 1:29-34.
  2. Reflect on TESTIMONY.
  3. Respond: Where did you witness a TESTIMONY about Jesus today?

Week 3

January 21

  1. Read Mark 1:14-20
  2. Reflect on CHANGE.
  3. Respond: What CHANGE is Jesus inviting you to make so you can follow him?

January 22

  1. Read Jonah 3:1-5, 10
  2. Reflect. The focus word today is GO.
  3. Respond: Where did you GO today that you recognized God’s presence?

January 23

  1. Read 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
  2. Reflect. The focus word today is TIME.
  3. Respond: Where did you see Jesus occupy TIME today?

January 24

  1. Read Psalm 62:5-12
  2. Reflect. The focus word today is STRENGTH.
  3. Respond: Where did you experience God’s STRENGTH today?

January 25

  1. Read Deuteronomy 5:12-15
  2. Reflect. The focus word today is HOLY.
  3. Respond: What did you experience today that was HOLY?

January 26

  1. Read Acts 9:1-19.
  2. Reflect. The focus word today is OPEN.
  3. Respond: Where were your eyes OPENED today?

January 27

  1. Read John 2:1-11
  2. Reflect. The focus word today is REVELATION.
  3. Respond: Where did Jesus REVEAL his glory today?

Week 4

January 28

  1. Read Mark 1:21-28
  2. Reflect on the focus word TEACH
  3. Respond (later today): What did Jesus TEACH you today?

January 29

  1. Read Deut 18:15-20
  2. Reflect on the focus word SPEAK
  3. Respond (later today): How did God SPEAK to you today?

January 30

  1. Read 1 Cor 8:1-13
  2. Reflect on the focus word BELONG
  3. Respond (later today): What happened today to remind you that you BELONG to God?

January 31

  1. Read Psalm 111
  2. Reflect on the focus word AWE
  3. Respond (later today): What happened today that made you stand in AWE of God?

February 1

  1. Read 2 Kings 2:1-12
  2. Reflect on the focus word: FAITHFUL
  3. Respond (later today): How did you experience God’s FAITHFULNESS today?

February 2

  1. Read Acts 10:1-23
  2. Reflect on the focus word GUIDANCE
  3. Respond (later today): What GUIDANCE did you receive from the Lord today?

February 3

  1. Read Mark 1:35-39
  2. Reflect on the focus word PRAY
  3. Respond (later today): Who or what are you PRAYING for today? Bonus question: How can we PRAY for you today?

 

Week 5

February 4

  1. Read Mark 1:40-45
  2. Reflect on the focus word WHOLE
  3. Respond (later today): Where did you witness God’s WHOLENESS today?

February 5

  1. Read 2 Kings 5:1-14
  2. Reflect on the focus word RESTORATION.
  3. Respond (later today): What RESTORATION is God doing in your life and the lives of the people around you?

February 6

  1. Read 1 Cor 9:24-27
  2. Reflect on the focus word DISCIPLINE.
  3. Respond (later today): What DISCIPLINE did you practice today?

February 7

  1. Read Psalm 30
  2. Reflect on the focus word JOY.
  3. Respond (later today): Where did you see JOY today?

February 8

  1. Read Lamentations 3:1-25
  2. Reflect on the focus word FAITHFUL.
  3. Respond (later today): Where did you witness God’s FAITHFULNESS?

February 9

  1. Read Psalm 50:1-6
  2. Reflect on the focus word BEAUTY.
  3. Respond (later today): Where did you see BEAUTY today?

February 10

  1. Read Mark 2:13-17
  2. Reflect on the focus word HOSPITALITY.
  3. Respond (later today): Where did you see or experience HOSPITALITY today?

Are you ready to Get Real?

Sign Up for Get Real

Week 6

February 11

  1. Read Mark 2:1-12
  2. Reflect on the focus word PRAISE.
  3. Respond (later today): How did you PRAISE God today?

February 12

  1. Read Isaiah 43:18-25
  2. Reflect on the focus word NEW.
  3. Respond (later today): What new this is God doing in your midst?

February 13

  1. Read 2 Cor 1:18-22
  2. Reflect on the focus word WISDOM.
  3. Respond (later today): Where did you experience God’s wisdom today?

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