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#AdaWisdomChallenge

READ Proverbs 8 (listen). WRITE out one verse and SHARE with someone.

Proverbs 8 is part of the lessons that open the book (Proverbs 1-9). In this chapter, woman wisdom calls out directly, in contrast to the previous chapter where folly attempts to seduce.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. John 4:24

Read: John 4:1-16

Listen: John 4

TODAY’S MESSAGE

We’re pausing our series The Way of the Wise to have A Conversation About Our City. Sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the past weeks have led to events unfolding with dizzying speed and complexity. In Grand Rapids, people went downtown to call for changes in our systems and structures for racial justice.

Pastor Jeff Manion led us this weekend in a conversation about the heart of our city, the heart of our church and our own hearts. Looking at Jesus’ interaction with a Samaritan woman in John 4, we see three commitments to help us move forward in the journey of racial justice in our own lives. Jesus’ interaction is not ordinary but set against a dark history of ethnic division. We will be exploring different elements in the story this week.

We know Jesus didn’t run from racially charged situations. Instead, he spoke truth to challenge people to examine their own hearts. He saw people as bearing the image of God.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

You may come into this conversation with strong or confusing emotions. Perhaps you are conflicted, angry or hurt. Ask God to speak into your heart on this issue of race. Ask him for a soft and tender heart open to what he has for you this week.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.