READ:

Read or listen to Acts 1:1-11.

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

FOCUS:

 Gather with other believers at one of our campuses today. Reflecting on what you’ve learned about generosity this week, how might you grow in generosity to the gathered church? Prayerfully consider how you might give of your time, talent and treasure today. 

As we imitate Jesus’ generosity by being generous with whatever God has entrusted to us, we end up gaining in joy and fulfillment far more than we give away. The local church as God designed it is the hope of the world.

We don’t want to miss the vital beauty and redemption that takes place when you give generously to your local church.

WAYS TO GIVE TO CHRIST COMMUNITY

PRAY:

Ask God to bless your generosity and the generosity of others in this local church using this liturgy from Every Moment Holy by Douglas McKelvey.

Bless now, O Lord, this gift and its benefits, that it might be received as evidence of your mercies, and multiplied in effectiveness for your kingdom. Through this and others acts of giving, train my heart toward a greater generosity, that the habits of my stewardship might be ever more pleasing to you, and ever more expressive of your own holy heart and passions.

All that I have is yours, Lord Christ. All that I have is you. Use then this small gift for works of love and mercy, and unto the increase of your glory. Amen.