Especially when times are hard we have the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to remind us that there is something greater than our suffering – salvation through God’s love in Christ. Come celebrate the great festival of Pentecost. The color of the day is red, so bring out your brightest red clothes to fill the house this Sunday.
Worship this week with Holy Communion
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. — Traditional worship
10:30 a.m. — Contemporary worship
Devotions for this week:
Pentecost May 24, 2015, Acts 2:1-4; Romans 8:18-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
On this Pentecost we celebrate the Holy Spirit that is God’s presence with us. In the midst of suffering, it is God’s Holy Spirit that “intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” Despite human suffering, there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. This love gives us hope that we can endure any suffering, knowing that we are not alone.
Follow the book of Romans, as Paul explains humanity’s relationship with God’s righteousness.
Sunday, Acts 2:1-4, Pentecost
Monday, Romans 8:18-39, Pentecost
Tuesday, Romans 14:1-12, Do Not Judge Another
Wednesday, Romans 14:13-23, Do Not Make Another Stumble
Thursday, Romans 15:1-13, Gospel for All
Friday, Romans 15:14-21, Paul’s Reason for Writing So Boldly
Saturday, Romans 15:22-33, Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
What were Paul’s next plans?
- In light of God’s promises, how do you make sense of the times in life when God’s presence seems terribly far away? How do you make sense of evil?
- How do others know you are a child of God?
Do: In honor of Pentecost, light a fire (safely, in a fireplace or outdoor fire pit). As the wood burns, consider how God’s Holy Spirit is like the fire. How can you use the image to shape your behaviors this week as someone who can never be separated from God’s love?
Bless: God of the nations, speak to us in words that change our lives. We long for your Spirit in vibrant new expressions. Amen.
