The resurrected Jesus told his disciples, “stay here in the city {Jerusalem} until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” (Luke 24:49 NLT). They were told to wait. Waiting is not easy. Most of us don’t wait well. We want things according to our timing, but Jesus told the disciples to wait for God’s timing. Perhaps the season we are in right now is a reminder to wait for God’s timing instead of seeking our own timing and will. Perhaps the season we are in right now is also a reminder that we need the Holy Spirit to fill us with power from heaven. When Jesus’ followers are empowered by the Spirit of God, “repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to all nations” (Luke 24:47 NRSV). When is the last time you proclaimed a message of repentance, “turn to God,” and receive forgiveness of your sins? As we wait for God’s perfect timing, prayerfully consider who needs to hear the message of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words at the right time.

You can download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.avonumc.com

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

Sunday (5/17)

Today I’m going to offering God ____________________________________________________.

During the worship service God revealed ____________________________________________________.

Monday (5/18)

Read John 3:14-15 and Numbers 21:4-9 and pray in response to what you read. As you read the verses, ask yourself:

What do these verses reveal about Jesus?

What do these verses reveal about people, including me?

How should I respond?

Tuesday (5/19)

Read Isaiah 53 and pray in response to what you read. As you read the verses, ask yourself:

What do these verses reveal about Jesus?

What do these verses reveal about people, including me?

How should I respond?

Wednesday (5/20)

Read Psalm 22 and pray in response to what you read. As you read the verses, ask yourself:

What do these verses reveal about Jesus?

What do these verses reveal about people, including me?

How should I respond?

Thursday (5/21)

Read John 14:15-21 and pray in response to what you read. As you read the verses, ask yourself:

What do these verses reveal about God?

What do these verses reveal about people, including me?

How should I respond?

Friday (5/22)

Read John 14:22-26 and pray in response to what you read. As you read the verses, ask yourself:

What do these verses reveal about God?

What do these verses reveal about people, including me?

How should I respond?

Saturday (5/23)

Reflect upon the past week, and re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you. The following questions may be helpful as you reflect:

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?