May 19

Pentecost

Breath of New Life: Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Ezekiel 37:1–14, Acts 2:1-21; John 15:26–27; 16:4b-15

The prophet Ezekiel witnessed a valley of dry bones coming alive, a powerful image of the Holy Spirit's ability to breathe new life into what seems dead. In Acts, we see the fulfillment of this prophecy at Pentecost, as the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them to share the Gospel message with the world. Then, John’s Gospel reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the Advocate, sent to guide and strengthen us. This Pentecost, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, who brings new life, courage, and the power to share God's love with the world.

May 26

Trinity Sunday

Mystery of Love: A Glimpse of the Divine

Isaiah 6:1–8; Acts 2:14a, 22–36; John 3:1–17

Isaiah's vision of God's holiness and majesty is both awe-inspiring and humbling. In Acts, Peter proclaims the Good News of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – a love story that unfolds throughout scripture. John's Gospel reminds us that God's love is so great that He sent His only Son to redeem humanity. This Trinity Sunday, let us contemplate the mystery of God's love, a love that binds Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in eternal communion, and a love that extends to each of us.

June 2

The Heart of the Sabbath

Deuteronomy 5:12-15; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-28, 3:1-6

In Mark 2:23-28 and 3:1-6, we are invited to explore the purpose of the Sabbath through the actions and words of Jesus. This week's theme encourages us to view the Sabbath not merely as a rule, but as a divine gift meant to restore and renew. By examining these passages, we see the Sabbath as an opportunity for compassion and healing, underscoring that God's laws are designed to serve humanity, not to restrict us.

June 9

Who Is Family?

Genesis 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

Mark 3:20-35 shows Jesus redefining the concept of family, asserting that whoever does God’s will is his brother, sister, and mother. This week, we examine what it means to be part of God’s family, beyond traditional blood ties. This challenges us to see our spiritual bond as foundational, uniting us with others who also strive to live out God’s Word in their lives. This, then, shapes how we interact with our traditional families. 

June 16

Seeds of the Kingdom

Ezekiel 17:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Mark 4:26-34

Mark 4:26-34 illustrates the mysterious growth of God’s kingdom through the parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed. This week, we examine how small beginnings, nurtured by faith, can lead to expansive and unexpected outcomes. It encourages us to trust in the gradual, often unseen work of God's Spirit in our lives and communities, reminding us that the smallest seeds can grow into shelters that welcome many.

June 23

Calming the Storm

Job 38:1-11; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41

Mark 4:35-41 recounts Jesus calming a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, a powerful reminder of His authority over nature and our lives. Jesus speaks peace into the midst of our storms, be they doubts, fears, or overwhelming circumstances. His word invites us to trust deeply in His presence and power, recognizing that with Jesus in our boat, we need not fear the chaos around us.

June 30

Faith That Heals

Lamentations 3:22-33; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Mark 5:21-43

Mark 5:21-43 presents two miraculous healings by Jesus, highlighting the power of faith in action. Through the stories of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the issue of blood, we see Jesus responding to their trust and desperation with compassion and restoration. His word invites us to come forth with our own needs and fears, reassuring us that faith in His power can bring healing and transformation into our lives.

July 7

Sent in Faith

Ezekiel 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Mark 6:1-13

Mark 6:1-13 shows Jesus empowering His disciples to go out and share His message, equipped with nothing but faith and each other. This week, we explore the dynamics of being sent with minimal provisions, relying solely on God's guidance and the hospitality of others. It challenges us to consider how God sustains us and enables us to make impactful connections, even when we step into the unknown with little in hand.

July 14

The Cost of Prophetic Witness

Amos 7:7-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29

Mark 6:14-29 tells the sobering story of John the Baptist's martyrdom, a reminder of the cost of speaking truth to power. What is the courage required to be a prophetic voice in a world resistant to truth? Today, we're encouraged to reflect on our own call to stand firm in our convictions, despite the potential repercussions, trusting that God’s truth prevails even in the face of adversity.

July 21

Abundance in Scarcity

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-44

Mark 6:30-44 shows Jesus feeding the five thousand, highlighting His ability to create abundance from scarcity. Notice how Jesus responds to the physical and spiritual needs of the crowd with just five loaves and two fish. This invites us to consider how God calls us to bring what we have, no matter how small, trusting that He will multiply our offerings to meet the needs around us.

July 28

Walking on Water

Genesis 9:8-17; Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 6:45-56

Mark 6:45-56 shows Jesus walking on water, demonstrating His mastery over the natural world and His presence in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Notice how Jesus reassures His disciples, "Do not be afraid," as He climbs into the boat amidst the storm. This invites us to consider how we can trust in Jesus' presence and power, especially when we face our own turbulent times, knowing that He is always near to calm our fears and guide us through.

August 4

Bread of Life

Exodus 16:2-15; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:22-35

John 6:22-35 introduces Jesus as the Bread of Life, who offers sustenance that endures beyond physical nourishment. This week, we explore Jesus' promise of eternal satisfaction to those who come to Him, contrasting the temporary fulfillment of worldly provisions. He invites us to deepen our reliance on Him, the true source of life and sustenance, encouraging us to seek spiritual nourishment that sustains us forever.

August 11

The True Bread from Heaven

1 Kings 19:1-8; Ephesians 4:17-5:2; John 6:35-51

John 6:35-51 deepens the revelation of Jesus as the Bread of Life, emphasizing His origin as the true bread sent from Heaven. Today, we explore the significance of Jesus as the source of eternal life, nourishing all who believe in Him. He challenges us to move beyond seeking temporal satisfaction, inviting us to partake in the life-giving sustenance that only He can provide, assuring us that by coming to Him, we will never hunger or thirst spiritually.

August 18

Choosing the Bread of Life

Proverbs 9:1-10; Joshua 24:1-2; 14-18; Ephesians 5:6-21; John 6:51-69

John 6:51-69 reaches a critical point as Jesus offers Himself as the living bread that came down from heaven. What does it mean to feed on Him and have eternal life? This passage invites us to reflect on our response to Jesus' challenging teachings, as many disciples turn away, while Peter affirms, "You have the words of eternal life." It prompts us to consider our own commitment: Will we walk away, or will we, like Peter, recognize that only Jesus holds the key to true life?

August 25

The Heart of Worship

Isaiah 29:11-19; Ephesians 5:22-33; Mark 7:1-13

Mark 7:1-13 challenges us to examine the essence of true worship, focusing on the conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees over traditions and commandments. What does it truly mean to honor God beyond mere rituals and customs? This week, we consider the difference between outward religious practices and the inward reality of a heart devoted to God. Jesus calls us to a deeper fidelity to God’s word, warning against letting human traditions overshadow divine commands.