Devotions
Fjeldberg – Devotions for April 22nd, 2025
Bible Text (Acts 4:33)
With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
Reflect
The words power, testimony, resurrection, and grace are key words in this Bible verse, indeed one of the most powerful in the New Testament. I am struck by its pertinence in today’s world with countless distractions, confusion, and frequent dismissal of meaningful Christian fellowship.
Even though the 40 days of Lent have recently passed, and Easter was celebrated two days ago, the apostles’ powerful proclamation of Jesus rising from the tomb, and the unity forged by grace through the Holy Spirit guides us as Christian brothers and sisters each day.
Grace is a divine gift granted by God’s benevolent love. It reflects God’s goodness, mercy, and compassion for all. Forgiveness and salvation are afforded through God’s grace. It is a source of power to live a life of faith and purpose pleasing to God. Jesus’ walk on this earth was focused on sharing God’s word, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of dying on the cross followed by resurrection so that all believers would be forgiven, reconciled with God, and have eternal life. We as today’s disciples have a glorious opportunity to carry the message of God’s love to all in our midst.
In Pastor’s words on the fifth Sunday of Lent, “when have you been surprised by an act of love, when have you been called to share God’s love, and finally what is one way you can share God’s extravagant love THIS week?”
I am confident you have reflected and acted on these questions of two weeks ago, but just in case, this is a reminder. One never stops living a life of purpose, faith, caring, and love….each day is the right time to say hello, sorry, thank you, forgive me, miss you, let me help, or I care. There are thousands of ways to express extravagant love by thought, word, or deed.
Easter is never in the past, it is now. Jesus’ light shines through us to build a kinder and healthier world.
Pray
Dear Father God, We thank you for your constancy of mercy, love, forgiveness, and hope. By your grace, help us to immerse ourselves in prayer, to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus, to grow in faith and community, and to share the good news of your love each day of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Devotions Lorraine H.