Dawn Martin | Read 1 John 3:1-7
Today’s reading left me considering the verse, “Little children, make sure no one deceives you” (ceb). As I thought about the beginning of this passage and the truth that God loves us so much that we are called children of God, I envisioned a seesaw with God’s love on one...
God, thank you for your love. In those moments where I don’t feel worthy of love, where I don’t feel like I’m enough, gently remind me of the truth that I am your child. Amen.
A repeating theme in scripture is our failure to recognize God’s work among us. In Acts, Peter declares that the death of Jesus happened because his fellow Israelites acted in ignorance. The psalmist decries the fact that so many people follow lies, yet God’s blessings for the faithful continue unhindered. John tells his audience to expect that the world will not recognize them as God’s children because the world did not recognize God to begin with. In Luke, Jesus appears to his doubting disciples. He proves the reality of his resurrection by allowing them to touch his body and by eating food in their presence. Only then do they feel certain that they recognize him. In what places in our lives do we not recognize God’s work?Martin
Read Acts 3:12-19. Recall a moment when you felt the presence of Christ in your life in an unexpected way. How does that moment stay with you when you feel overwhelmed?
Read Psalm 4. What inhibits you from crying out to God when you are in distress?
Read 1 John 3:1-7. How does your identity as a child of God empower you to deeds of love in your daily life?
Read Luke 24:36b-48. What story of the risen Christ do you have to share with others? How will you share your story?
Respond by posting a prayer.