40DWJ 1: Simon Peter

Walnut Grove Lutheran Church

40DWJ 1: Simon Peter

February 21, 2021

It is hard when things that we intend for good turn out to be terrible. But Jesus is the Messiah who came to redeem us lost and broken sinners and bring us into God’s kingdom. Loved and encouraged by Jesus in the midst of our emptiness and suffering, we become more like him. Enlivened and directed by him, we step into the opportunities he gives us to love and encourage others who suffer. (Based on Mark 8:27-38.)

40DWJ 7: The Key to New Creation Life

April 4, 2021

Memories are often a source of comfort or encouragement to us, but they are more important than we realize. They can even direct our decisions and actions. Jesus is calling us to remember that he suffered, died and rose again for that memory helps us see our life in a new way: we are new creation people living in a hidden new creation world. Keeping that Good News at the top of our memory pile will help us to more fully live the new life that Jesus has given us. (Based on Luke 24:1-35.)

40DWJ 6: Palm Sunday

March 28, 2021

Surprise parties can be great because they reveal unexpected affirmations of love which fill us with joy. Can we live our lives based on such surprises? During the days before and after his journey to the cross, Jesus surprised people with unexpected revelations that he was our Messiah, Redeemer and Savior. Perhaps most surprising of all, he has chosen each of us to be a beloved, forgiven child of God through whom he works to surprise others with his grace. (Based on Mt. 21:1-11.)

40DWJ 5: God's Voice in the Thunder

March 21, 2021

Our tendency to be selfish is fed by a hard-wired desire for glory. But Jesus gives us new life as a beloved, forgiven child of God and helps us to become the person he always meant us to be. Then we live in the glory of who we really are in Jesus, and we are content. (Based on John 12:20-36.)