TOGETHER FOR GOD'S GLORY

By using this book we hope that you'll discover new and fresh joys by following the Jesus way. Each week, you'll see the Scripture reference for Sunday's sermon along with some summarizing thoughts, a Scripture to read that week with a meditation on that text, and a paragraph to help parents walk through that passage of Scripture with their children and teens. You'll also find a section called "Together in Deed," which will contain three to five spiritual practices for that week that are loosely related to the sermon or Scripture passage. You don't have to do all of the practices, but we do want you to commit to doing one of those practices each week. When it comes to spiritual practices, remember: some is always better than none. Many of these practices are communal, and are designed to propel you into relationship with others. A few practices each week are easily tailored to include children. Our hope is that by using this resource, we will learn to follow the Jesus way together.

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Jump To A Specific Week

May 5

2024 Word And Deed Series

Together...In Christ

Together...In Ascent

The Week of April 7, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: Exodus 33:18-34:7

Moses asked God to reveal His glory to him. What a request! The glory of God refers to the absolute essence of God’s nature. It refers to God’s character and goodness manifested through the very presence of God. God’s glory is on display through His creation (Psalm 19:1). His glory was revealed through His Son, Jesus the Messiah (John 1:1, 14). In fact, He designed His people to reveal His glory (Isaiah 43:7). In fact, His glory is supposed to be reflected through your life (2 Corinthians 3:7-18).

This week, take time to meditate on this passage from Exodus. Perhaps make a few notes about how God’s glory is revealed in this encounter between Moses and God. Also, take some time to consider how God’s glory is being revealed through you!

Parent Spotlight

Parents, this week’s text talks about God proclaiming His name. This presents an excellent opportunity to talk to your child about the importance of your family name. “What does it mean to be a______________?” Fill in the blank with your last name. It would also be fun to involve grandparents or other family members in that conversation. After some fun discussion and maybe a few family stories, turn their attention to another name we carry – Jesus’s name. As important as our own family name is, remind your child that we also have a much bigger name and family legacy to wear. We are also part of God’s family, and we bear His name everywhere we go. Teach them that the word “Christian” literally means “little Christ.” We are supposed to be a little Jesus everywhere we go.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Choose a Practice

Listen to the song “Be Like Him” each morning and utilize it as a morning prayer for you and for those in your household this week. - Listen Here
Make a list of ways you have experienced God’s goodness. These could be small and simple or grand and extravagant. Share the gratitude you feel for God’s goodness with someone who is a part of our church, and then find a way to express your thankfulness for God’s goodness to someone who isn’t part of our church (and ideally isn’t part of a church at all!).
Does your life demonstrate the glorious goodness of the presence of God? 2 Corinthians 4:6 says that God has “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” Sit down in a quiet place with minimal distractions and ask God to help you see the areas in your life where He is calling you to shine the light of God. Respond in obedience!
Evaluate the media you consume (news, pages/profiles you follow, shows, podcasts, music, books, games) and ask God to help you discern if these things are helping you become more like Jesus – if they are not, it is likely time for you to eliminate them from your life.

The Week of April 14, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: Exodus 3

This week’s text is the famous account of Moses’ encounter with God. The burning bush story is one of the most well-known stories of the Bible. God revealed Himself and His plan for Israel in this experience. This is also the call of Moses. God had chosen him to be His instrument in this grand plan of redemption. Moses was given the opportunity to obey God and experience His presence and power in profound ways.

This week, take the time to read through this passage and contemplate how God has spoken to you throughout your life. How have you responded to His call? Have you chosen obedience? Have you stepped out on faith and given Him the opportunity to use you? Maybe you can record an experience of profound obedience in your journal this week.

Parent Spotlight

Parents, this is a good week to help your children begin thinking about how God communicates to humanity. Exodus 3:1-12 reports that God spoke to Moses through a burning bush. That scenario seems incredible and confusing to our kids. If God doesn’t talk to us through fiery ferns, how does He do it? First, establish a crucial fact – God does speak to us today. If we are listening, God has something to tell us. Second, share with them the three most common ways God speaks to us – the Bible, prayer, and the church community. The Bible is God’s word to us. If you want to know what God says, open scripture and start reading. Prayer is more than asking God for things. It’s also an opportunity to listen for His voice. Lastly, the witness and confirmation of the church community is another way we can discern God’s voice.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Choose a Practice

Learning to hear from God is a practice. This week, lean into the practice of listening prayer – for ten to twenty minutes, sit in a quiet place with your phone in airplane mode and focus your attention on God’s presence. Use a phrase or word from Scripture (Jesus, Holy Spirit, Father, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening’) to refocus your attention on God when your thoughts wander.

As you strive to be obedient to God’s direction in your life, remember that the God who was present to Moses in a burning bush is present to you through the Holy Spirit’s presence! Wherever you go this week, ask God, “What are you doing in this place, and how do I join in the work you are doing?” Respond to God’s leading with obedience, see what happens, and share your story with us by e-mailing it to Luke Stehr (luke.stehr@fbca.org).

The Week of April 21, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: Exodus 5:22-6:8

What should we do when things go from bad to worse? How should we respond when trouble arises? Moses went straight to the Lord. Granted – his prayer is direct, but he is honest with God. He is wondering why things have gotten worse when he is trying to be obedient! Can you identify with Moses? Have you ever tried to do what is right – only to experience more trouble?

As you reflect on this story this week, perhaps you may recount how God has drawn you closer to Him during troubling times. Maybe you can record an instance where God taught you lessons as you patiently endured the challenges of obedience. Just remember, God is at work in you and through you to shape you and form you. He is supremely interested in your relationship with Him.

Parent Spotlight

Parents, this is a good week to talk with your child about how to respond when life doesn’t go their way. For our teenagers, this can be especially disheartening. The older our kids get, the more heartache they will experience, and unfortunately, we cannot protect them from it. In fact, we shouldn’t protect them from all of it. Part of our job as parents is helping our kids develop resiliency.

Nothing helps more with this than a growing faith and trust in God, our provider and helper. Exodus 5 provides a great story to help guide a discussion on this topic. In this chapter, Moses is frustrated. After all, he was only doing what God had told him to do. When life is discouraging, we can pout and give up or run to God. Remind your child that God is with us, perhaps even closer to us, in the valleys of life.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Psalm 46:1 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” Sometimes it can be tempting to feel like everything is falling apart and the world is heading in a terrible direction – but as God reminds Moses and as the Psalmist affirms, even if the world is falling apart, God is our refuge and strength! Ask God to show you an area of concern in your life that you need to submit to God, and ask God for help to trust God’s purposes and plans in your life and in the world.

The Bible makes it clear that obedience to God’s call and direction does not guarantee an easy life; it may make life more difficult! 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 reminds that God’s glory and purpose are displayed in the brokenness of our lives. Sometimes we feel that we have to present a perfect image before we can teach, share the Gospel, or come to church. Meditate on 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and ask God to show you how He is at work in your brokenness.

When have you followed God’s calling, only for difficulty to arise? Journal about that experience. How did God see you through that time? Or how do you see God working in the midst of a difficult time now?

Memorize Psalm 46:1.

The Week of April 28, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: Exodus 15:1-18

This text is a wonderful poem/song that celebrates God’s deliverance of His people. You may want to take the time this week to read Exodus 11-14 – the passage that recounts the final plague and the actual deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The Song of Moses summarizes the victory in short.

As you reflect on the miracle of the Exodus, take some time to recall how God has intervened in your life as He demonstrated His power. How has He proven to you that He is big enough for your challenges? How has He demonstrated His provision in your life? How has He shown up at just the right time in your life? Take some time this week to share some of those stories with fellow believers. Remember we are on this journey together!

Parent Spotlight

Parents, the conclusion of the ten plagues can be a confusing passage for our kids and teenagers. It isn’t much clearer for many adults. Why does God deem it necessary to take the life of every firstborn in Egypt? Here are a few things to help them notice in the story. First, show them that God did warn Pharaoh that Egypt would be punished if he did not release the Israelites (Ex. 4:22-23).

This is a remarkable act of mercy considering how ruthless Pharaoh was to the Israelite’s children in Exodus 1. Our kids need to understand that violence in the Old Testament is never God’s first choice. Divine violence is always a response to human violence. Lastly, remind your children that the Exodus story foreshadows another story, the death of God’s firstborn, Jesus. God sacrifices His own Son for our salvation.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Choose a Practice

How has God been there for you through times of difficulty or challenge? Write out your story, and ask God who you should share your story with. Then share it with a spirit of encouragement!

What song or hymn reminds of you God’s constant and unfailing love? Start each day this week with that song.

How would you explain the hope you have in God to someone who doesn’t know Jesus? Think through how you can explain the hope you have in Jesus in a one or two minute answer. Ask God for opportunities to share the hope that you have, and then pay attention to the people that cross your path to see if God is calling you to share.

List some things from which God has set you free. After writing your list, spend time thanking God for bringing you out from the slavery of sin!

The Week of May 5, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: 1 Peter 2:4-10

In our text for this week, the Apostle Peter uses the imagery of temple and priesthood to instruct the Church. We are the people of God today. God is at work in us and through us to carry out His Mission in His world. You are a part of that mission. You are a part of this new temple. We are established upon the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Together, we are on a journey as God’s people, to bring the hope of redemption to the world.

This week, take the time to reflect on how God is using you today in His grand plan.

Parent Spotlight

Parents, this is a good week to discuss purpose with your children. One of the questions our kids are constantly concerned with is, “What will I be when I grow up?” Younger kids love dressing up like astronauts or doctors. High schools host career days. As you talk with your children about their future, it’s a good opportunity to talk about how God also has a plan for their life.

No matter what we become, God has invited us to be part of His mission. We are part of the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19). Every job is an opportunity to contribute to God’s kingdom. Consider reading 1 Peter 2:4-10 with your family. Show them that they are part of the temple that God is building.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Choose a Practice

Celebrate a graduating college student in our church this week. Consider taking a college student out for a meal or inviting them to your home for dinner. Thank them for their involvement in our church.

How is God calling you to serve as part of His holy priesthood? Is there a way you feel led to serve in the church, or a way that you are feeling led to serve out in the community? Talk to a minister to see how you can be a living stone being built into God’s spiritual house!

Share a meal, coffee, or dessert with someone who doesn’t go to church this week. Before you meet the person for the meal, pray that God will open your eyes and allow you to see that person as God sees them, and that God will show you opportunities to share about Jesus, and that God will give you the words to say.

Pray for the people in your life as they are on a spiritual journey. Use this worksheet to help you think and pray through where those people may be, and how God is inviting you to come alongside them.

The Week of May 12, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: Matthew 5:13-16

In Exodus, the children of Israel received God’s instruction while gathered at Mt. Sinai. In Matthew, Jesus gave instruction in His Sermon on the Mount. He set forth the attitudes and behaviors that should characterize His followers today. In our text for this week, we find somewhat of a summary of His teachings. We are to be set apart by how we live. Our lives are to be like salt that seasons and light that guides.

As you reflect on this text this week, how are you being used by God as salt and light? How might you be used by God? What may need to change in your life so that you may be more effective servants in His hands?

Parent Spotlight

Parents, this is a good week to talk about expectations. Most likely, you have expectations of your children. Maybe you expect them to try hard at school, make good grades, respect Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa, or be kind to their siblings. But what about God? Does He expect something from us, too? If our earthly parents expect something from us, our heavenly Father surely does as well.

This is the point of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. Here, God outlines His expectations for the Hebrews. For younger families, consider reading this passage and asking your kids to identify some of God’s expectations that they can work on. For families with teenagers, consider reading Matthew 5-7. In Jesus’s sermon, He shares His expectations, which often exceed those of Moses.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Choose a Practice

Is there a group of people or a person that you can’t stand? People you think of as evil? Ask God to reveal the people you think of as enemies. If they are too far away for you to love or serve them in a tangible way, spend time this week praying that God will give you love for those people and that He will enable you to see them as He sees them. If they live near, think of a way to serve or bless them this week (Matthew 5:43-48).

Begin each day praying the Lord’s Prayer. It can be especially helpful to pray out loud. If you live with others, invite them to join you in this practice of praying this prayer out loud (Matthew 6:9-13).

Worry is hard to overcome. When you find yourself worrying this week, find ways to remind yourself of God’s love for you and how God values you – you could write Matthew 6:26 on a sticky note and place it in a visible spot you go often, or make it into the lock screen on your phone.

Memorize Matthew 5:3-11.

The Week of May 19, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: Romans 12:1-2

The will of God. As God’s people, we are interested in discovering God’s will. We are to pray for His will to be done. Our text for this week’s devotional reading offers us insight into how this works in the life of a Christian. God calls for complete surrender to Him and His will. We are to offer our bodies to Him as a sacrifice. We are to be transformed from the inside out by the powerful truths He has revealed through His Word and The Word. His Spirit will guide us as we are shaped by obedience to His will.

So, this week, as you reflect on this passage, take time to recall how God has revealed Himself to you and you have responded in obedience. How closely is your life aligned with God’s will today?

Parent Spotlight

Parents, the concept of God’s will is immensely confusing. The theological mishandling of this idea has hurt the faith of many adolescents. When you talk to your children and teenagers about God’s will, the best thing you can do is demystify it. We often think of God’s will as this hidden, mysterious plan, but it’s not. It’s written all over the pages of the Bible. It was made public by Jesus’s ministry.

As you talk to your child about God’s will, surprise them by saying, “I know God’s will for you already.” Then consider reading Matthew 22:34-37 and say, “Anywhere you go in life, any college you attend, or any job you take, this is God’s will for you. Love the Lord and love others.” It’s that simple. The hardest part of God’s will is not knowledge but submission. Which is what Romans 12:1-2 is about.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Choose a Practice

Memorize Romans 12:1-2.

Pray for graduating seniors and their families on this day – if you know one of these families, send them and the student a note of encouragement. Pray that these graduating seniors will learn to discern God’s will as they journey into adulthood.

What are you giving your attention to? Is it conforming you to the pattern of the world or transforming you by the renewal of your mind? Evaluate your consumption of news media, television, social media, and music in prayer. If it’s conforming you to the world, cut it out of your life this week and see what changes for you.

Reflect on a time in your life when you had to make a decision and sought God’s direction. How did you discern God’s leading in that time? Who came alongside you as you discerned? What was helpful to you during this season? Journal as you reflect to help pull your thoughts together.

The Week of May 26, 2024

TOGETHER IN WORD

Narrative: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Our God is a God of provision. He graciously and abundantly provides for His children. All that we have is from Him. He gives all manner of gifts to us. Our talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts are expressions of His love and grace towards us. We respond to His generosity with humility and gratitude. We express our love and gratitude to Him through our stewardship of all He has given. He calls us to a life of stewardship marked by responsibility and generosity.

As you reflect on this week’s devotional reading, take some time to express your gratitude for all He has given you. Perhaps this is a time to evaluate how you are stewarding all of His gifts to you. How are you using your time for His glory? How are you using your talents/gifts for His glory? How are you using your treasure for His glory?

Parent Spotlight

Parents, this is a good week to teach your family about the purpose of our talents and abilities. These gifts are from the Lord, and He gives them to us so that we may creatively participate in His ministry of reconciliation. Help them to think about what makes them unique. Younger families, consider hosting a family talent show. Allow your kids to entertain you with their own dance moves, a story they’ve written, or a martial arts demonstration.

Share one of your secret talents as well. Families of teenagers, consider taking your family to a play, baseball game, or an art museum. Help them observe the talent it takes to perform, play, or paint. Whatever you do together, read a scripture passage that helps them make the connection. Consider reading Romans 12:6-8 or 1 Peter 4:10-11.

TOGETHER IN DEED

Choose a Practice

Cultivate a habit of living generously with your time, talent, or treasure by blessing three people this week. Blessing could include an act of service, giving a gift, or sending a message of encouragement. Bless someone who is a part of our church, someone who isn’t, and someone from either category.

Is there an area of your life where you feel God calling you to give your time and your talent? This could be serving in the church, or ministering outside of the church. Ask God where He is leading you, and then begin to give freely of your time and abilities!

If giving financially to church is new to you, begin this week! Remember, when it comes to spiritual disciplines, some is always better than none; this is just as true for financial generosity as anything else.

Just as you would set a budget for your finances, set a budget for your time. Evaluate how much time you spend in various areas, and consider where you may need to budget your time more carefully to free up space to give of yourself.

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