Growing In Faith Together
July 3, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 66:1-9
Galatians 6:1-16
Luke 10:1-11;16-20
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus has been briefing the disciples on their mission, and now it is time for a trial run. Two by two Jesus sends them — no lone rangers here. The disciples return well-seasoned. They discover they can do the work Jesus has given them to do. Will we choose to do the work Jesus has given us to do?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you suppose the disciples felt at hearing this commission?
* Why do you think Jesus told them they were like "lambs in the midst of wolves?"
* When, in your faith, have you felt like a lamb in the midst of wolves?
* What did limiting the "equipment" they could take teach them?
* What about this venture is encouraging to the disciples?
* How do you respond to acceptance? And to rejection? What do you think of Jesus’ instructions?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
NEXT SUNDAY: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May my life show that the Kingdom of God is near.
Throughout the Day: Send me!
A Blessing to Share: Be joyful in God.
For mealtime say responsively: Bear one another's burdens: In this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Galatians 6:2 reminds us that as Christians we are to “bear one another’s burdens”. In your devotion times this week, build a list of the ways that other’s bear your burdens each day and ways that you have borne another’s burdens. Use this as the basis for your prayers of thanks throughout the week.
Summer Ritual:
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors. Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
Jesus sends his disciples out to make a difference in the world. This week Jesus calls us to action for the sake of the gospel. Take one action this week – donate old clothes, drop groceries at the Crisis Center, visit a shut-in, pick up litter at a park – to spread God’s love for this world.
July 3, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 66:1-9
Galatians 6:1-16
Luke 10:1-11;16-20
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus has been briefing the disciples on their mission, and now it is time for a trial run. Two by two Jesus sends them — no lone rangers here. The disciples return well-seasoned. They discover they can do the work Jesus has given them to do. Will we choose to do the work Jesus has given us to do?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you suppose the disciples felt at hearing this commission?
* Why do you think Jesus told them they were like "lambs in the midst of wolves?"
* When, in your faith, have you felt like a lamb in the midst of wolves?
* What did limiting the "equipment" they could take teach them?
* What about this venture is encouraging to the disciples?
* How do you respond to acceptance? And to rejection? What do you think of Jesus’ instructions?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Luke 10:1-11; 16-20
Monday Psalm 119:73-77
Tuesday Exodus 14:10-20
Wednesday Exodus 14:21-31
Thursday Psalm 25:1-5
Friday Psalm 25:6-10
Saturday John 3:16-21
Sunday Luke 10:24-37
NEXT SUNDAY: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May my life show that the Kingdom of God is near.
Throughout the Day: Send me!
A Blessing to Share: Be joyful in God.
For mealtime say responsively: Bear one another's burdens: In this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, bless this food which we now take.
We give you thanks for all you make.
Amen.
Devotional Practice:
Galatians 6:2 reminds us that as Christians we are to “bear one another’s burdens”. In your devotion times this week, build a list of the ways that other’s bear your burdens each day and ways that you have borne another’s burdens. Use this as the basis for your prayers of thanks throughout the week.
Summer Ritual:
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors. Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
Jesus sends his disciples out to make a difference in the world. This week Jesus calls us to action for the sake of the gospel. Take one action this week – donate old clothes, drop groceries at the Crisis Center, visit a shut-in, pick up litter at a park – to spread God’s love for this world.