Growing In Faith Together
November 19, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
GATHERED BY GRACE
Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does Paul mean by “day of the Lord”? How is that different than what Zephaniah means? How is it the same?
* The third servant’s great failure is not risking in behalf of his master. What risks are you afraid to take—particularly related to your life as a disciple of Jesus? Why?
* What challenges you in today’s texts?
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:Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 961-7a; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to number my days so I may apply my heart to wisdom
Throughout the Day: Give me the courage to use your gifts boldly.
Blessing to Share: You are a child of God’s light.
For mealtime say responsively:
Encourage one another: Build each other up.
November Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Have you had a chance this month to make a list of things for which you give thanks (see below)? Take time this week to reflect on your thanks. No list? Make a quick one from these questions: What is different today than it was a year ago for which I give thanks? For what abilities am I grateful? For what am I grateful to able to offer others? Is there a personal limitation or flaw that you’ve come to appreciate? End your reflections with prayer.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give thanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 23 you’ll have a bunch of blessings for your Thanksgiving prayer!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Are you off work on Friday? Still have some guests around? Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this Friday and on holidays we’re always a bit short-handed. You can help. Bring your kids and your guests!
Located at 1105 Gilbert Court, IC. Anytime between 11:00am-1:00pm.
November 19, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
GATHERED BY GRACE
Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does Paul mean by “day of the Lord”? How is that different than what Zephaniah means? How is it the same?
* The third servant’s great failure is not risking in behalf of his master. What risks are you afraid to take—particularly related to your life as a disciple of Jesus? Why?
* What challenges you in today’s texts?
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 25:14-30
Monday Psalm 9:1-4
Tuesday 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Wednesday Matthew 24:45-47
Thursday Psalm 95:1-5
Friday Revelation 22: 1-5
Saturday Ephesians 1:15-23
Sunday Matthew 25:31-46
Next Sunday:Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 961-7a; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to number my days so I may apply my heart to wisdom
Throughout the Day: Give me the courage to use your gifts boldly.
Blessing to Share: You are a child of God’s light.
For mealtime say responsively:
Encourage one another: Build each other up.
November Mealtime Prayer:
Without your sunshine and your rain
We could not have the golden grain;
Without your love we'd not be fed;
We thank you for our daily bread.
Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Have you had a chance this month to make a list of things for which you give thanks (see below)? Take time this week to reflect on your thanks. No list? Make a quick one from these questions: What is different today than it was a year ago for which I give thanks? For what abilities am I grateful? For what am I grateful to able to offer others? Is there a personal limitation or flaw that you’ve come to appreciate? End your reflections with prayer.
November Ritual:
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give thanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 23 you’ll have a bunch of blessings for your Thanksgiving prayer!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Are you off work on Friday? Still have some guests around? Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this Friday and on holidays we’re always a bit short-handed. You can help. Bring your kids and your guests!
Located at 1105 Gilbert Court, IC. Anytime between 11:00am-1:00pm.