Become More

## Woven Into Grace Imagine a day full of unexpected connections, where every turn brings a familiar face. Recently, our pastor recounted just such a day exploring Milliken with his family. From the impressive new library to a local coffee shop and a busy playground, he repeatedly bumped into church members, school staff, and preschool families. It was a day of joyful recognition, culminating in his wife Emily asking, "Do you know everybody?" His reply, "It feels like everybody knows me," sparked a deeper reflection on what it means to be truly *of* a place, not just *in* it. There’s a significant difference between simply being *in* a location and being *of* it. To be *in* means you are physically present, contained by a space – like being *in* your car or *in* your home. But to be *of* something implies a deeper connection; it's what you're made of, what's woven into your very being, your origin. This distinction is at the heart of the Pentecost story. The disciples had been *in* Jerusalem, *in* the Upper Room, *in* Jesus' teachings. But on that pivotal day, the Holy Spirit descended, not as a distant fire on a mountain, but as a flame resting on each individual. This wasn't about being *in* a place anymore; it was about God being woven *into* them, making them truly *of* God. When you are *of* God, you are no longer defined solely by where you are, or by external rules, but by the divine Spirit living within you. You are made in God's image, called God's beloved child, and gifted with the Holy Spirit—not because you've earned it, but because God is good and full of grace. This inner reality equips you to live a life of purpose, carrying God’s presence wherever you go. **Next Step:** Take a moment to reflect on what you believe you are "of." What values, relationships, or ideas feel deeply woven into your identity? Are these things giving you life, peace, and hope? Consider how embracing your identity as *of* God can transform how you live, move, and connect with the world around you. **Prayer:** Gracious God, thank you for weaving your Spirit into our very being. Help us to remember that we are always *of* you, called to carry your love and grace into every space we inhabit. Guide us to live lives that reflect the life and peace we find in being truly *of* you.

It's easy to get caught in a posture of waiting—waiting for clearer directions, waiting for a sign, waiting for someone else to act. Like the disciples gazing upward, we can sometimes forget that the call to action rests with us, the inheritors of their mission. We are the ones blessed with God's grace and entrusted with the good news. The question is not, 'Who will come next?' but 'Where can I be God's witness?' Instead of waiting for a grand celestial instruction, we are invited to look inward for the Spirit's dwelling and outward for opportunities. Where in your daily life can you embody God's grace, show love to a neighbor, or extend kindness to yourself? Jesus did not leave us alone; he dwells in our hearts, working through our efforts. Embrace the opportunity to stop waiting and start living out your faith, confident that you are called to be a builder of God's kingdom, right where you are.

God's grace is multifaceted and always present. Prevenient grace goes before us, encircling us even before we are aware. Sanctifying grace continually works within us, guiding us toward wholeness. Yet, there is a pivotal grace: justifying grace. This is the moment when, in response to God's perpetually outstretched hand, we choose to reach back. It is our conscious choice to believe, to affirm God's deep investment in our lives, and to accept the purpose woven into our existence. This choice is profoundly personal and cannot be made for us. It acknowledges our imperfections but rests in the perfect care of God. What does it mean for you, today, to actively choose to respond to God's grace? Take a moment to consciously affirm your faith, to reach back for the hand that is always being extended, and to rest in the certainty of God's unwavering love for you.

Often, we might feel overwhelmed by the unknown, waiting for perfect clarity before we act. Like the disciples who gazed skyward, unsure of their next steps, we too can find ourselves hesitant, feeling ill-equipped. But true discipleship often means stepping out in faith even when we don't have all the answers. The disciples eventually went forth, not because they possessed a comprehensive playbook, but because they trusted in divine provision. They relied on the Holy Spirit's presence to guide them through challenges and uncertainties. This week, consider an area of your life where you might be waiting for certainty. Can you lean into the assurance that God's Spirit is with you, even in the midst of not knowing? Embrace the wisdom that some lessons are learned 'on the job,' through experience, guided by faith and the ever-present grace of God.

Consider the profound moment of transition the first disciples faced. After years of walking with Jesus, learning directly from him, they were suddenly called to carry on his ministry themselves. This wasn't a casual invitation; it was a spiritual graduation, a shift from student to active participant. We too are called to such a transition. Having received God's love and teaching, the call now is to embrace our own unique role in God's unfolding story. It means taking what we have learned and applying it, not just observing from the sidelines. What does it mean for you to step into your spiritual calling this week? What gifts, insights, or experiences has God given you that are now meant to be shared? Embrace this moment as an opportunity to put your faith into action, trusting that you are equipped for the path ahead. The Holy Spirit empowers us for this active discipleship, guiding our every step.

## Beyond Staring at the Sky Do you remember a time when you realized a simple task you always assumed someone else would handle was suddenly *your* responsibility? Maybe it was after a significant transition, like graduating and moving away from home. I recall a friend in college who, semester after semester, drove hours home every weekend. When asked why, he simply stated, "That's how I get my laundry done." He had genuinely never learned how to do it himself, expecting his mother to continue taking care of this basic need. It was his "graduation moment" in a surprising way – a realization that it was time to take on the everyday tasks of independent living. This moment of transition mirrors what the disciples experienced after Jesus’ ascension, their "graduation day" into a new phase of ministry. Like our college friend, they were still "staring at the sky," waiting for Jesus to do the heavy lifting, asking if he would *now* restore the kingdom to Israel. But Jesus had a different message for them: "It is not for you to know the times... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses." The responsibility shifted from the singular "You" (Jesus) to the plural "You all." They were called to be active "witnesses," a term rooted in the Greek word *martyr*, signifying a commitment that could be costly and risky. This is where God invites us into what we in the Wesleyan tradition call Justifying Grace. Prevenient grace is God's hand always outstretched to us, and sanctifying grace is God holding our hand through difficult times. But Justifying Grace is *our* choice to reach back, to grasp that extended hand. It's the moment we choose to believe, to embrace our purpose, and to move from passively "staring at the sky" to actively living out our faith. We don't need all the answers or a perfect playbook. We go with what we have, trusting that the Spirit is with us, empowering us to be God's grace and love in the world. **Next Step:** Reflect on an area of your life or faith where you might be "staring at the sky," waiting for something to happen. How might God be inviting you to "reach back" and become an active witness in that space? **Prayer:** Gracious God, thank you for your unending grace that surrounds us and empowers us. Give us the courage to stop gazing at the sky, to take hold of your outstretched hand, and to boldly be your witnesses in our homes, communities, and to the ends of the Earth, trusting in your Spirit’s unfailing presence. Amen.

This sermon likens the season of graduation to the disciples' moment of transition after Jesus' ascension, where responsibility for building God's kingdom shifted to them. It challenges us to move beyond passively waiting and instead embrace our call to be active witnesses in the world, understanding that God's grace empowers us even when we don't have all the answers. The message emphasizes the profound choice of "justifying grace" to reach back for God's outstretched hand, encouraging us to actively seek ways to embody God's love and grace in our daily lives.

The path to reconciliation and deep peace begins with understanding God's profound grace towards us. We are called to be "kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." This divine model of forgiveness acknowledges our imperfections and offers boundless grace. Just as we have all fallen short and experienced the need for forgiveness, so too are others in need of our understanding and grace. This doesn't mean condoning harm, but recognizing the shared human journey of error and redemption. When we extend forgiveness, we release burdens—not just for others, but for ourselves. It is a powerful act of restorative justice, knitting together what has been torn apart. May you walk today in the assurance of God's forgiveness for you, and in that same spirit, open your heart to offer grace and seek reconciliation in your relationships, embodying the love that constantly seeks to build up.

Imagine living each moment with the conscious awareness that the Holy Spirit is present with you. Scripture reminds us not to grieve the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that in every conversation, every room, every interaction, God's Spirit is there. This profound truth has the power to transform how we navigate our day. How might your interactions with family, friends, or even challenging colleagues change if you remembered this divine companion? It prompts us to consider our words, our intentions, and our actions, knowing that we are never truly alone. The Holy Spirit guides us, comforts us, and challenges us to reflect God's love in all circumstances. Today, invite the Spirit more deeply into your consciousness. Let this awareness ground you, empower you, and inspire you to embody kindness, patience, and understanding, recognizing the sacred in every encounter.

The ancient understanding of "tenderheartedness" was not about a superficial sentiment, but a profound, gut-level empathy – a "good bowled" feeling, as the original Greek suggests. This visceral connection means feeling another's joy, sorrow, or pain deep within our core. It's a call to move beyond mere intellectual understanding to a place of genuine compassion. In a world of diverse backgrounds and experiences, cultivating this deep well of empathy is essential for true community. It means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable enough to truly hear and feel with those whose lives may be vastly different from our own. When we open ourselves to this kind of profound connection, we create space for understanding, respect, and mutual support. Let your "good bowed" self be attuned to the humanity in every person you encounter today, fostering a world where all can feel seen and truly heard.