WORSHIP
IN PERSON, ONLINE, & PODCAST
REFLECTION QUESTIONS & DAILY SCRIPTURES
WORSHIP- Expereince God's Transforming Love!
WFUMC Worships on Sundays at 10am
Come Worship at WFUMC!
These worship services are traditional, but relational, and include both formal and informal expressions of prayer and praise. Biblical preaching is offered for today's needs and understanding. We celebrate the Sacrament of Communion on the first Sunday of every month.
Our hope and prayer is that you would encounter God's transforming love in worship and leave ready to love and serve God and your neighbors!
WORSHIP ONLINE
Sundays at 10am
Sundays at 10am
Tune in to catch up on the sermon via Spotify
Tune in to catch up on the sermon on Apple Podcasts
Sermon Questions Archive
Take a Look back at the weekly sermon reflection questions
Reflection Questions
1. Esther knew having the courage to act might mean losing her life, but she knew that whether she lived or died, God was with her. Does this encourage you? Why or why not?
2. What factors keep us from saying yes to the call of God?
3. The needs and opportunities to minister in this world are overwhelming. How do you choose when to act, and when to wait?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, Sept. 18th- Joshua 1:7-9
Tuesday, Sept 19th- Isaiah 41:8-10
Wednesday, Sept. 20th-Psalm 27
Thursday, Sept. 21st- Philippians 4:10-13
Friday, Sept. 22nd- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Saturday, Sept. 23rd- Proverbs 3 1-6
Reflection Questions
1) "What are you doing here?", God asks Elijah. Is God asking you that today?
2) Elijah encounters God in a still small voice (gentle whisper). What kind of faith does it take to trust God's voice when shared in a subtle way?
3) Elijah listened attentively to hear God's voice. Are you attentive to God's voice in your life, or do you often overlook it in the midst of noise and distractions? Are you afraid of what you might hear if you are vulnerable before God?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, September 11, 2023: 1 Samuel 3:1-19
Tuesday, September 12, 2023: Psalm 121
Wednesday, September 13, 2023: Matthew 21:18-22
Thursday, September 14, 2023: 1 John 3:11-16
Friday, September 15, 2023: Psalm 103:8-13
Saturday, September 16, 2023: Matthew 6:7-15
Reflection Questions
How can you make the most of your time, as noted in verse 16? Are there areas in your life where you could be using your time more wisely?
What does it mean to be "filled with the Spirit"? What are some practical ways you can allow the Holy Spirit to guide and influence your thoughts, actions, and words on a daily basis?
Who is the Holy Spirit calling you to reach out to this week to share the good news of Jesus through acts of service, listening, generosity and/or prayer?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, August 28, 2023: Exodus 1:1-7
Tuesday, August 29, 2023: Exodus 2:11-15a
Wednesday, August 30, 2023: Exodus 2:15b-22
Thursday, August 31, 2023: Exodus 2:23-24
Friday, September 1, 2023: Exodus 3:16-22
Saturday, September 2, 2023: Exodus 4:1-9 & Ephesians 6
Reflection Questions
Conflict is part of the human condition as we are different people, from different places with different experiences. Yet, we worship and serve the One God who unifies us in a common mission.
1) What is the difference between conflict that tears downs and conflict that cultivates growth?
2) How do you usually respond to anger? Reflect on the advice given in these verses about not sinning in your anger and not letting it linger. How can you practically implement these principles in your life when facing conflicts or frustrations?
3) How can you ensure that your words are helpful for building up others?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, August 28, 2023: Exodus 1:1-7
Tuesday, August 29, 2023: Exodus 2:11-15a
Wednesday, August 30, 2023: Exodus 2:15b-22
Thursday, August 31, 2023: Exodus 2:23-24
Friday, September 1, 2023: Exodus 3:16-22
Saturday, September 2, 2023: Exodus 4:1-9 & Ephesians 6
Reflection Questions
1) What does it mean to live a life worthy of the calling you have received from Christ? How can you practically implement humility, gentleness, patience, and love in your daily interactions with others?
2) What spiritual gifts has Christ given you, and how can you use them to serve others and contribute to the growth of the body of Christ?
3) There is a connection between love and growth in the body of Christ. How does love contribute to the growth and health of the church? How can you personally contribute to a loving and growing community that works, through grace, to succeed our shared and unifying mission?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, August 21, 2023: Genesis 43:1-34
Tuesday, August 22, 2023: Genesis 44:1-34
Wednesday, August 23, 2023:Genesis 45:16-28
Thursday, August 24, 2023: Psalm 130
Friday, August 25, 2023: Matthew 8:1-13
Saturday, August 26, 2023: Ephesians 5
Reflection Questions
1) How does Paul's prayer resonate with your own spiritual journey and growth?
2) Ephesians teaches that God's love is meant to be experienced and comprehended not only individually but also in community ("comprehend, with all the saints"). What have you learned about God's extravagant love on your own? What have you learned in a faith community?
3) We can "accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine" through the power of the Holy Spirit. What have you seen our church accomplish together that we could not accomplish on our own?
4) How does grasping the depth of God's love impact your ability to show love, compassion, and forgiveness?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, August 14, 2023: Psalm 28
Tuesday, August 15, 2023: Romans 9:14-29
Wednesday, August 16, 2023: Matthew 8:23-27
Thursday, August 17, 2023: Isaiah 45:20-25
Friday, August 18, 2023: Isaiah 63:15-19
Saturday, August 19, 2023: Ephesians 3
Reflection Questions
1) Jesus came to break down walls that divide us through the power of the cross. However, as human beings we tend to create walls. What "walls" do you think we have built that create estrangement between one another?
2) Who is Jesus calling you to reach out to, or be friends with, that would require 'building a bridge' or 'breaking down a barrier' in your community?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, August 7: Romans 1:8-15
Tuesday, August 8: Acts 2:37-47
Wednesday, August 9: Matthew 15:32-39
Thursday, August 10: 1 John 3:11-16
Friday, August 11: Ephesians 3
Saturday, August 12: Psalm 105:1-6
Reflection Questions
1. How does it make you feel knowing that God has chosen you, adopted you, and redeemed you through Christ?
2. Everything about this 'liturgical overture' in verses 3-14 is corporate. It is about how God brings individuals together, into a community, that lives like a family through our adoption in Christ. How does your understanding of WFUMC change knowing we are to develop meaningful relationships deeply rooted in God's love as brothers and sisters in Christ?
3. How does a family live differently than strangers? How do we build meaningful relationships with new folks in addition to our long standing church friendships?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, July 31, 2023: Psalm 65:8-13
Tuesday, August 1, 2023: 1 Kings 4:29-34
Wednesday, August 2, 2023: Mark 4:30-34
Thursday, August 3, 2023: Isaiah 14:1-2
Friday, August 4, 2023: Ephesians 1
Saturday, August 5, 2023: Ephesians 2
Reflection Questions
1. In this sermon series, did you identify with the younger son or the older son more?
2. There is a call beyond returning home in this parable to be transformed, through grace, into the image of God in Christ
(become an heir). What would it take for you to become:
· not just be like the one who is forgiven, but also the one who forgives?
· not just the one who is being welcomed home, but also the one who welcomes home?
· not just the one who receives compassion, but the one who offers it as well?
3. Being compassionate as God is compassionate is central to the Gospel. Is there anger, resentment or
competitiveness that limits your ability to reflect God's compassion and love like God loves?
*These questions are adapted from the book The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri. J.M. Nouwen
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, July 24, 2023: Revelation 14:12-20
Tuesday, July 25, 2023: Psalm 139:13-18
Wednesday, July 26, 2023: Matthew 12:15-21
Thursday, July 27, 2023: Psalm 119:129-136
Friday, July 28, 2023: Acts 7:44-53
Saturday, July 29, 2023:Matthew 12:38-42
Reflection Questions
1) In Matthew 20, why did the landowner pay everyone the same wage? What is the difference between graciousness and fairness? Do you celebrate this story?
2) What are the characteristics of the older brother in the Luke parable? What are the characteristics of the Father?
3) Do you think the older brother was justified in his resentment?
3) Do you agree that joy and resentment cannot coexist in your heart?
4) Do you trust, or not trust, in God's all-forgiving love?
5) Do you have resentment in your heart like the older brother? If so, what is God asking you to do about this?
6) Is there a relationship God is calling you to reconcile in light of this parable?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, July 17, 2023: Psalm 92
Tuesday, July 18, 2023: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Wednesday, July 19, 2023: Proverbs 11:23-30
Thursday, July 20, 2023: Matthew 13:10-17
Friday, July 21, 2023: Hebrews 2:1-9
Saturday, July 22, 2023: Hebrews 6:13-20
Sermon Contemplation
1) Why do you think the younger son demanded his cut and left home for a distant country?
2) What voices may be calling you to a "spiritual distant country" away from God's story and calling as beloved? Do you search for unconditional love where it cannot be found? Do you feel lost?
3) Henry Nouwen said that "Faith is the radical trust that home has always been there and always will be." Do you trust that you are still beloved and welcome in God's loving arms?
4) Knowing that the younger son's request was tantamount to wishing his father to die, why would the father be filled with compassion and go running to the son to offer forgiveness and hospitality (grace)? What difference do you think that made for the younger son?
5) Name before God one voice you hear tempting you away from God's love and calling. And, ask God to silence that voice so that you can clearly hear the assurance of God's love and calling to serve others in our community.
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, July 10, 2023: Genesis 27:30-46
Tuesday, July 11, 2023: Psalm 131
Wednesday, July 12, 2023: John 13:1-17
Thursday, July 13, 2023: Psalm 119:105-112
Friday, July 14, 2023: Romans 15:14-21
Saturday, July 15, 2023: John 12:44-50
Reflection Questions
Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of Christ through the hospitality of others. How did that experience shape your understanding of radical welcome?
Think about a recent encounter with a messenger of God—a person who shared a message of love, hope, or encouragement. How did their presence impact your life?
Consider a time when you extended radical hospitality to someone. How did it make you feel? What did you learn from that experience?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, July 3, 2023: Psalm 47
Tuesday, July 4, 2023:Psalm 119:161-168
Wednesday, July 5, 2023:Genesis 25:19-27
Thursday, July 6, 2023:Genesis 27:1-17
Friday, July 7, 2023:Psalm 145:8-14
Saturday, July 8, 2023: Luke 10:21-24
Reflection Questions
What aspects of the Christian life do you find easy or difficult?
Describe a time when you felt unqualified for the task you have been asked to perform. What helped you move forward?
How can you & others at Wake Forest UMC help people feel more equipped to share their faith stories/their Christian witness?
A disciple is a learner. What are you learning? What do you need to learn next?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, June 26, 2023: Genesis 6:5-22
Tuesday, June 27, 2023: Genesis 7:1-24
Wednesday, June 28, 2023: Psalm 86:11-17
Thursday, June 29, 2023: Psalm 13
Friday, June 30, 2023: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Saturday, July 1, 2023: Genesis 22:15-18
Reflection Questions
In what ways do we sometimes struggle to listen for God's voice in our busy and noisy lives?
How can we cultivate a greater sensitivity to hearing God's voice amidst the distractions and chaos of the world?
Are there any areas in your life where you are currently seeking God's guidance and direction? How can you actively listen for God's voice in those situations?
How can we distinguish between our own desires and God's voice when seeking guidance or making important decisions?
Have you ever experienced times when you strayed away from the safety of the sheepfold? How did you find your way back to the voice of the Shepherd?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, June 19, 2023: Joshua 1:1-11
Tuesday, June 20, 2023: Psalm 126
Wednesday, June 21, 2023: Luke 6:12-19
Thursday, June 22, 2023: Hebrews 2:5-9
Friday, June 23, 2023: Psalm 86:1-10
Saturday, June 24, 2023: Luke 11:53-12:3
Reflection Questions
How can I rely on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower me as I live out the Great Commission in my daily life?
How can I actively pursue justice, mercy, and transformation in my actions, seeking to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities?
How does Matthew 28:16-20 inspire us as United Methodists to share the love of Christ with others?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, June 12, 2023:Matthew 9:27-34
Tuesday, June 13, 2023: Hebrews 13:1-16
Wednesday, June 14, 2023: Matthew 12:1-8
Thursday, June 15, 2023: Psalm 100
Friday, June 16, 2023:Hosea 14:1-9
Saturday, June 17, 2023: Mark 7:1-13
Reflection Questions
Where did I first hear the stories that led me to believe in Christ?
Who shared these faith stories?
Is there someone on my heart today with whom I can share my faith story?
What am I going to do about this?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, June 5, 2023: Psalm 29
Tuesday, June 6, 2023: Job 38:39-39:12
Wednesday, June 7, 2023: John 14:15-17
Thursday, June 8, 2023:John 14:25-26
Friday, June 9, 2023: Acts 28:1-10
Saturday, June 10, 2023: Psalm 33:1-12
Reflection Questions
Put yourself in the place of one of those pilgrims who had come from foreign lands to worship in Jerusalem during the festival of Pentecost. There would be almost no one who looked like you or spoke like you. All of a sudden, these Galileans were praising God in your language. What would you think of that?
Pentecost is called the birth of the church. Do we celebrate Pentecost in the same way as we do Easter and Christmas? Why or why not?
We know that the Holy Spirit dwells in all of us, and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. How does that affect the way we think and behave?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, May 29: Psalm 104:24-35
Tuesday, May 30: Romans 8:18-24
Wednesday, May 31: John 7:37-39
Thursday, June 1: John 3:31-36
Friday, June 2: Matthew 5:1-12
Saturday, June 3: Exodus 20:1-21
Reflection Questions
What is your earliest memory of church? How did your time in church as a youth form you?
Research shows for every 5 adults who know a youth by name they're twice as likely to participate in church as an adult. How are you investing in getting to know the youth of WFUMC?
How have I seen God working in the lives of the youth at WFUMC, and what impact has that had on me?
In what ways has my understanding of church been deepened through letting children and youth lead me?
Looking forward, how can I continue to support and encourage the youth in my church community as they grow in their faith?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, May 22, 2023: Psalm 99
Tuesday, May 23, 2023: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Wednesday, May 24, 2023: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Thursday, May 25, 2023: Psalm 33:12-22;
Friday, May 26, 2023: Romans 8:14-17
Saturday, May 27, 2023: Acts 2:1-11
Reflection Questions
What does it mean to you to know God?
How have you known of God before now?
What do you do with the "desert times" when it feels/looks like God is absent or non-existent?
What do you need of God?
Is knowing God meant to be a comfort, a challenge or something else?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, May 15, 2023: Psalm 93
Tuesday, May 16, 2023: 1 Peter 3:8-12
Wednesday, May 17, 2023: John 16:16-24
Thursday, May 18, 2023: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Friday, May 19, 2023: Ephesians 2:1-7
Saturday, May 20, 2023: John 8:21-30
Reflection Questions
What storms have you faced in the past?
What have the storms done to alter your foundation of faith?
What specific spiritual practices do you incorporate into your daily routine which helps you face the storms of life?
How have you been helped by others in your darkest moments?
How have you been of assistance to others in their moment of need?
How does it make you feel knowing you are a part of the “living stones” resting upon the foundation which is Jesus Christ?
How does it make you feel to know you are a part of something much larger than yourself?
Does it make you look at your brothers and sisters in Christ differently?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, May 8, 2023: Psalm 102:1-17
Tuesday, May 9, 2023: Proverbs 3:5-12
Wednesday, May 10, 2023: John 8:31-38
Thursday, May 11, 2023: Psalm 66:8-20
Friday, May 12, 2023: Acts 27:13-38
Saturday, May 13, 2023: John 14:27-29
Reflection Questions
What are some areas in your life where you are feeling burdened and in need of rest?
In what ways can you cultivate a humble and gentle spirit, like Jesus describes in Matthew 11:29, in your interactions with others?
What are some practical ways you can live out the principle of sharing and meeting the needs of others, like the early Christians in Acts?
In what ways can you be more generous with your time, talents, and resources?
Are there any unhealthy burdens or expectations that you have taken on that are not from Jesus, as He describes in Matthew 11:30?
How can you release these burdens to Him?
What can you do to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment in your life, even in the midst of challenges and struggles?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, May 1: 1 Peter 5:1-5
Tuesday, May 2: Psalm 100
Wednesday, May 3: Luke 6:27-36
Thursday, May 4: Genesis 12:1-3
Friday, May 5: Exodus 3:1-12
Saturday, May 6: Matthew 20:1-16
Reflection Questions
What is your experience with relational discipleship? Have you ever had a spiritual mentor or small group who walked alongside you in your faith journey? How did that relationship impact you?
How can you cultivate a culture of relational discipleship in your own life and in your church community?
How can you demonstrate sincere love to others in your life? What actions can you take to show others that they are valued and cared for?
How can you practice hospitality in your life? Are there any opportunities for you to create a welcoming space for others, whether it be in your home or in your church community?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, April 24, 2023: Genesis 18:1-14
Tuesday, April 25, 2023: 1 Peter 2:1-3
Wednesday, April 26, 2023: Exodus 24:1-11
Thursday, April 27, 2023: John 21:1-14
Friday, April 28, 2023: 1 Peter 2:9-17
Saturday, April 29, 2023: Luke 15:1-7
Reflection Questions
Are there any fears that keep you "locked "within yourself or in the spaces where you share life with others?
In what areas of your life do you need to hear Jesus' words "Peace be with you"?
When was the last time you experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in your life in tangible and mystical ways?
"As the Father has sent me, so I send you…." Where do you feel the Spirit is sending you?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, April 17, 2023: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Tuesday, April 18, 2023: 1 Corinthians 15:19-28
Wednesday, April 19, 2023: Jonah 2:1-10
Thursday, April 20, 2023: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
Friday, April 21, 2023: Isaiah 26:1-4
Saturday, April 22, 2023: Luke 14:12-14
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, April 10, 2023: Colossians 3:5-11
Tuesday, April 11, 2023: Colossians 3:12-17
Wednesday, April 12, 2023: Matthew 28:1-10
Thursday, April 13, 2023: Colossians 4:2-5
Friday, April 14, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Saturday, April 15, 2023: John 20:11-20
Reflection Questions
What does it mean for your "whole heart" to be with the community and not apart from it?
Do we trust each other enough to share our whole hearts? What would it require of us to do to create the space for that trust?
John Wesley is quoted saying “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? What does this mean for our community of faith?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, April 3 John 12:1-11
Tuesday, April 4 John 12:20-36
Wednesday, April 5 John 13:21-32
Thursday, April 6 Psalm 116
Friday, April 7 Psalm 22
Saturday, April 8 Matthew 27:57-66
Reflection Questions
-What injustices do you feel strongly about? Which ones do you wish you cared more about?
-Who are the people you think fall through the cracks most easily today? Who are the most vulnerable?
-How do Psalms of justice remind us that wherever God’s heart is, our prayers should be also?
-How does praying for justice shape our understanding of God and our understanding of our role as human beings made in God’s image?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, March 27 Isaiah 59:9-19
Tuesday, March 28 Ephesians 2:1-10
Wednesday, March 29 Psalm 7
Thursday, March 30 Philippians 1:1-11
Friday, March 31 Philippians 1:21-30
Saturday, April 1 Psalm 89
Reflection Questions
-What injustices do you feel strongly about? Which ones do you wish you cared more about?
-Who are the people you think fall through the cracks most easily today? Who are the most vulnerable?
-How do Psalms of justice remind us that wherever God’s heart is, our prayers should be also?
-How does praying for justice shape our understanding of God and our understanding of our role as human beings made in God’s image?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, March 27 Isaiah 59:9-19
Tuesday, March 28 Ephesians 2:1-10
Wednesday, March 29 Psalm 7
Thursday, March 30 Philippians 1:1-11
Friday, March 31 Philippians 1:21-30
Saturday, April 1 Psalm 89
Reflection Questions
How would you explain to a neighbor or friend the difference between happiness and joy?
What do you think we as a community are losing by not participating in the kind of joy the Psalms show us?
What is one thing you might do to cultivate a spirit of psalmic joy in the life of your community?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, March 20 Psalm 146
Tuesday, March 21 Acts 9:1-20
Wednesday, March 22 Isaiah 60:17-22
Thursday, March 23 Matthew 9:27-34
Friday, March 24 Ezekiel 33:10-16
Saturday, March 25 Psalm 45
Reflection Questions
-What is one thing in recent weeks that has made you feel angry? It might be something relatively small, or something big, or something that’s happened to others.
-How does anger play a part in the journey toward perfection of self and of the world?
-Make a list of modern-day enemies (abusers, slave-traders, murderers). After writing the list, pray for each of them that God would intervene and make things right.
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, March 13 Ephesians 4:26-31
Tuesday, March 14 James 1:1-18
Wednesday, March 15 John 7:14-39
Thursday, March 16 Psalm 55
Friday, March 17 1 Samuel 15:22-31
Saturday, March 18 John 1:1-9
Reflection Questions
Prayers of lament offer an opportunity to become whole through naming realities that help us to make sense of senseless things and bringing our realities (and us) face to face with God who is compassionate, gracious and loving without end.
- In what specific way do you wish for God to be present to you in your sadness (lament) today?
- What is one thing from this past week that you feel needs to be lamented in your own life?
- What is one thing that calls for lament in your community?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, March 6 Hebrews 3:1-6
Tuesday, March 7 Psalm 130
Wednesday, March 8 Psalm 6
Thursday, March 9 Colossians 1:15-23
Friday, March 10 John 7:53-8:11
Saturday, March 11 Psalm 42
Reflection Questions
The Psalms teach that we must tell our secrets before the gracious light of God so that they no longer hold power over us. Once we honestly pray who we are - all of our hopes, dreams, mistakes and sins -then we have the power to pray who we can become by God’s grace.
1) The Psalmist shares "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me." Do you believe God knows your hopes, dreams, laments, anger and fears?
2) Like Adam and Eve hid from God, is there something you hide from God in your prayers?
3) What are you afraid will happen if you are fully honest to God and with others? What feelings rise in you when you think about no longer hiding from God or from others?
4) Do you believe that the power of grace is greater than the power of sin?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, February 27 Psalm 32
Tuesday, February 28 Hebrews 2:10-18
Wednesday, March 1 Exodus 34:1-9, 27-28
Thursday, March 2 2 Timothy 1:3-7
Friday, March 3 Romans 3:21-31
Saturday, March 4 Psalm 121
Reflection Questions
How would you be different if you allowed God to change you?
What will it take for you to become more whole?
What shifts need to happen this Lenten season to follow Jesus more closely?
What would people see if you were a glimpse of the light of Christ?
How can your life shine the light of Christ to illumine someone’s path?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, February 20 Exodus 33:7-23
Tuesday, February 21 1 Kings 19:9-18
Wednesday, February 22 Psalm 51:1-17 (First Day of Lent)
Thursday, February 23 Psalm 51
Friday, February 24 Jonah 4
Saturday, February 25 Isaiah 58
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Adding Daily Time with God to our Calendar
Rev. Jim Littleton
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pZlTbUp6kAJJOdbs6SJKt?si=Y1_izywxQtGV3FmWIx0wnA
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-sermons-at-wake-forest-umc/id1650078892?i=1000599226138
Reflection Questions
Reflection Questions
When we take intentional time for God each day we open ourselves up to God's transforming means of grace.
-What would happen if you started your day with intentional time with God?
-Or, what would happen if you took time around lunch for intentional time with God?
-Or, what would happen if you ended your day with intentional time with God?
- Or, all of the above?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, February 13 Exodus 20:1-21
Tuesday, February 14 James 2:1-13
Wednesday, February 15 Proverbs 2:1-15
Thursday, February 16 Hebrews 8:1-7
Friday, February 17 Hebrews 11:23-28
Saturday, February 18 Mark 9:9-13
Matthew 5:13
Sustaining & Innovating-Being the Salt of the Earth
Rev. Jim Littleton
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-sermons-at-wake-forest-umc/id1650078892?i=1000598283485
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EGMnOi8wTXMeNB9d8v1rR?si=NIneYJABSNCqG-MhFY64_w
Reflection Questions
The Holy Spirit is always uplifting, sustaining, and celebrating ministries in Church (in a sense preserving). Likewise, the Holy Spirit is always innovating the Church (in a sense bringing out the flavor of ministries to share the Gospel of Jesus in an ever-changing world). The same argument can be said of the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts to make us more like Jesus.
- Where is the Spirit affirming and uplifting your response to God's grace as a follower of Jesus? Where is the Spirit calling you to change (be transformed) as a response to God's grace as a follower of Jesus?
- Where is the Spirit calling WFUMC to innovate and meet people where they are just like Jesus met people where they were? Where is the Spirit calling us to continue current ministries that share the Gospel?
All In: WFUMC Vision 2023, Community Focused
Matthew 25:31-46
Rev. Jim Littleton
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-2023-community-focused/id1650078892?i=1000595963381
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oPEYJum8XW5tA69qzqCfN?si=yd9Xzk-CQ4-foa3UUsmDtw
Reflection Questions
This is, perhaps, one of the most challenging texts in the New Testament as we are called to not only be active in sharing God's love in the community, but also understand that as we care for others in our community we are actually caring for Jesus.
1) According to this parable, how does Jesus distinguish between the "sheep" and the "goats" on judgement day?
2) How does this parable shape not just your knowledge but your actions?
3) How can you participate in a ministry that addresses the charity and justice needs of economic insecurity (food, clothing, housing), caring for those who are ill or orphaned, or prison visitation, overcrowding & re-entry ministries?
Jesus is All the World to Me
Luke 10:25-37
Rev. Jim Littleton
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-sermons-at-wake-forest-umc/id1650078892?i=1000594519434
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wkS5vk0mBudDilVMdIAXM?si=bd775708453b40cd
Reflection Questions
Jesus teaches that love is not an emotion, as we can not control emotions. Rather, love is a decision. God's love flowing through us is a daily decision we make as followers of Jesus who serve others
· What do you do on a daily basis to open your heart to God's grace so that you make the decision to love? (read Scripture, contemplation & prayer, daily devotional, etc).
· Do you have boundaries on who, or when, you choose to love and serve like the parable names?
· Where can you plug into this church and community, in service to others, allowing God's love to flow through you?
All In- Saying Yes to Jesus in 2023
Christ-Centered
Colossians 3:1-17
Rev. Jim Littleton
Hey Church! Here is the link to the Sermon Podcast and Weekly Reflection Questions.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-sermons-at-wake-forest-umc/id1650078892?i=1000593056842
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sXoH0jMqeWlJv6c1PtaTA?si=KRU5cAMDTCapXndM5g2PkA
Sermon Reflection Questions
We are called to let Christ reign (be Christ-Centered) over our relationships, worship and all we say and do (verses 15-17).
- How do you encounter Christ within your relationships?
- How do you experience Christ in worship?
- How does Christ impact your deeds and words (written or spoken)?
- Are there any barriers the Holy Spirit needs to remove for you to allow Christ to reign in all these spaces?
- What new discipleship habits are needed to be All in for Jesus in 2023?
Monday, January 9 Acts 10:44-48
Tuesday, January 10 Acts 8:4-13
Wednesday, January 11 Matthew 12:15-21
Thursday, January 12 Galatians 1:11-24
Friday, January 13 Galatians 2:1-10
Saturday, January 14 Psalm 27
First reading: Colossians 3:12-15
Sermon Text: Matthew 5:9
Sermon Title- “Bring Your Peace into our Violence”
Reflection Question
God's vision of peace, or shalom, is both personal (emphasizing relationships with others) and structural (redeeming systems that break the peace between people). This vision's true test is found on the margins of our community and revealed in how the poor, oppressed, disabled, disenfranchised and needy are treated.
1) How are the people on the margins of our community treated?
2) How can Christ empower you to experience peace and live out peace in our community on both the personal and structural level?
Daily Readings
Monday-1 Samuel 2:1-10
Tuesday-Galatians 4:21-5:1
Wednesday-Matthew 1:1-17
Thursday-Psalm 20
Friday-Luke 1:46-55
Saturday (Christmas Eve)-Luke 2:1-20
Homily Reflection Questions
Mary’s joy in this Scripture is didactic in nature teaching us that joy comes, not from a life without struggle, but from connecting our story to God’s greater story and bigger plans for the world. In other words, lifelong joy is not the same as momentary or fleeting happiness.
1) Does God's promise to be love to you and to never leave you bring you joy?
2) Does God's promise of forgiveness bring you joy?
3) Does God's promise of eternal life that begins in our baptism and is made complete in the life to come bring you joy?
4) Does the sound of inspiring music celebrating what God has done in Jesus bring you joy?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes then you have dipped your toe in the pool of true joy in Jesus. Feel free to jump in.
Monday-Isaiah 29:17-24
Tuesday- Jude 17-25
Wednesday - Zechariah 8:1-17
Thursday-2 Samuel 7:1-17
Friday-2 Samuel 7:18-22
Saturday-2 Samuel 7:23-29
Sermon Reflection Question
We’re all looking forward to the countdown to Christmas - whether we’re marking the days with a daily devotional or a daily piece of chocolate, Advent is exciting! As Christians, we’re called to do more than wait around and count the days - we’re called to be actively growing as disciples so that we are walking, talking, inviting, and sharing just like Jesus.
· How do I actively show God's love in the world to others this Advent?
· Where can I slow down and notice God's presence in my life?
· How can I look for Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace in places I may not expect it?
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, December 5 Psalm 21
Tuesday, December 6 Romans 15:14-21
Wednesday, December 7 Matthew 12:33-37
Thursday, December 8 Ruth 1:6-18
Friday, December 9 Ruth 4:13-17
Saturday, December 10 Luke 3:1-18
Sermon Reflection Questions from Isaiah 2:1-5
Isaiah illustrates a lot of movement from God and God's people. First, God establishes the Lord's house as the highest of mountains and then people stream to this house as a response to God's work and grace. They go there so that they will learn from God in order to walk in the light of the Lord. Therefore, let's model the people's response in Isaiah by making a commitment this Advent season to do one new thing to grow in faith these 4-weeks before Christmas. Some ideas could be to;
- worship all 4-weeks either in person or online
- take up journaling these weeks in connection to your devotion time
- read the daily Scriptures each day of Advent
- work toward reconciliation in relationships instead of working to win the argument (a way to beat swords into plowshares)
- grow in generosity by giving away as much as you spend on Christmas gifts
- set an alarm on your phone to pray at a certain time each day
Daily Readings for the week of Nov. 28th
Monday-Romans 6:1-11
Tuesday-Genesis 9:1-17
Wednesday-Isaiah 54:1-10
Thursday-Psalm 72:1-7
Friday-Isaiah 30:19-26
Saturday-Isaiah 40:1-11