Growing In Faith Together
July 23, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What are the weeds in your life?
* In what ways might an individual or a community be both “weed-like” and “wheat-like”?
* The coexistence of wheat and weeds together can cause some tension. How can communities experience God’s presence even as they live with such tension?
* How might this parable be important for Christians today?
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: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Ps 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: God, open my ears and heart to your Word.
Throughout the Day: I am wheat and weed. Thank you for loving all that I am.
Blessing to Share: Tend the mystery of your life with courage and compassion.
For mealtime say responsively:
May God’s word take root in our lives: and the bear the fruits of God’s love.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Try to weave some metaphors into your prayers this week...like: O God, your love for us is like a flower seed –planted in our hearts, it sends out sweet perfume when it blooms or O God your love is like the work of a gardener – planting, watering, and hoping others will taste your goodness. Think about a variety of objects for your metaphors: beloved teddy bear, beautiful diamond, helpful umbrella.
Summer Ritual:
The color of this season after Pentecost is green. For these days of summer, create a special green area in your home. Green is a color associated with growing things, so allow this focus area to grow over these weeks. It can become an exciting challenge to bring new green things into the area each week as you pay attention to what is extraordinary about this color and this season.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Everyone I meet
is thirsty for some
acceptance and grace.
How can I share
a small cup of kindness
from my own simple place?
July 23, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What are the weeds in your life?
* In what ways might an individual or a community be both “weed-like” and “wheat-like”?
* The coexistence of wheat and weeds together can cause some tension. How can communities experience God’s presence even as they live with such tension?
* How might this parable be important for Christians today?
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 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Monday Revelation 14:14-20
Tuesday Psalm 75:1-3
Wednesday Daniel 12:1-4
Friday 1 Kings 1:38-48
Saturday 1Kings 2:1-4
Sunday Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Next Sunday: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Ps 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: God, open my ears and heart to your Word.
Throughout the Day: I am wheat and weed. Thank you for loving all that I am.
Blessing to Share: Tend the mystery of your life with courage and compassion.
For mealtime say responsively:
May God’s word take root in our lives: and the bear the fruits of God’s love.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Try to weave some metaphors into your prayers this week...like: O God, your love for us is like a flower seed –planted in our hearts, it sends out sweet perfume when it blooms or O God your love is like the work of a gardener – planting, watering, and hoping others will taste your goodness. Think about a variety of objects for your metaphors: beloved teddy bear, beautiful diamond, helpful umbrella.
Summer Ritual:
The color of this season after Pentecost is green. For these days of summer, create a special green area in your home. Green is a color associated with growing things, so allow this focus area to grow over these weeks. It can become an exciting challenge to bring new green things into the area each week as you pay attention to what is extraordinary about this color and this season.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Everyone I meet is thirsty for some
acceptance and grace.
How can I share
a small cup of kindness
from my own simple place?