Steve DeNeff - Acts 1:1-3, 6-11. Everyone wants to go to heaven ... but not today! Perhaps it’s because we’ve misjudged it. What if heaven is other than we think? Closer than we think? In the ascension of Jesus everything changes on earth and in heaven. So why do we still stand “gazing into heaven” as though it were some idyllic place far removed from our world and our mission?
Joined - Luke 22:39-46; Romans 8:26-30. In times when the flesh is weak, the Spirit is willing and prays through us, for us, putting language to our confusion, our grief and even our anger. It is here where “the Spirit pleads for us in harmony with God’s will,” and this is why “all things work together for our good.” In the loneliness of suffering, we are more united with God than ever.
Steve DeNeff- Joel 2:28-30a, 32a; Luke 4:14-21. In various times, as God decides, the Spirit takes over our faculties and channels himself through us in superhuman ways. In these moments, we accomplish far more than usual and always for the glory of God. While these moments come and go, our daily lives continually prepare us for them.
Steve DeNeff - Isaiah 11:1-2; John 14:26; 16:12-15. The same Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness, then out again is the One who guides us into all truth, always reminding us of what Jesus said and sometimes even more. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is the faculty God has given us for hearing His Voice.
Emily Vermilya - Isaiah 42:1; Luke 3:21-22; John 21:1-14; Romans 8:14-17. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus as the Son of God, empowers us to be “the children of God.” The “Spirit of holiness (who) appointed the Son of God in power” (Rom. 1:4) also appoints us toward the same end.
Steve DeNeff - John 14:15-20, 20:19-23. When Jesus “breathed onto” his disciples he intended to, not just sustain his ministry but to expand it with, in and through us. Through the Holy Spirit God dwells within the Body of Christ like he dwelled in the humanity of Christ. Through the Holy Spirit we may become, by grace, what Jesus was by nature. It is time for us to live up to that.
Steve DeNeff - Luke 24:13-27. We’re in the middle of the two worst weeks, people are worried about the economy, about their families and their jobs. They’re looking for good news. Yet they want more than good news. What they’re craving - and don’t have words for - is Easter and Easter is more than the resurrection.
Steve DeNeff - John 12:20-36. Palm Sunday is best known as the coronation of Jesus our King. But later that day - after the famous parade - our King’s heart was “troubled” as he confronted a dilemma and a question that confronts us in these worrisome days. What is the dilemma and “what shall we say?”
Steve DeNeff - John 6:1-14. As disciples, our calling in a time like this is to be an extension of Christ’s own doing and being.
Steve DeNeff - Mark 10:46-52. If you could have a private audience with Jesus and ask for anything you wanted, what would you ask for? No, really, with all that’s been happening you’ve got one ask and you’ll probably get it. What would it be? What should it be? Here’s an example of how we might pray in these times.
