Growing In Faith Together
March 4, 2018
3rd Sunday in Lent
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22
GATHERED BY GRACE
God’s gift of the law to those freed from slavery is central in Israel’s history. The Ten Commandments teach us that because God has freed us from that which oppresses, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone. He rejects the ways commerce and profit-making can become gods. The psalm declares that the law is God’s sweet word that calls us to account, leading us to be what God has created us to be.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you respond to the word "law"?
* What questions do the Ten Commandments raise for you? When do you find it difficult to interpret and obey the commandments?
* What does it mean to say that God’s law is “sweeter than honey”? How would you describe the reward that comes from keeping God’s law?
* Why do you think money tends to become a “god” for so many of us?
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: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107 1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to delight in your law.
Throughout the Day: Guide me in your way of life.
Blessing to Share: May God’s teaching revive your soul.
For mealtime, say responsively:
The heavens declare the glory of God: the sky proclaims God’s handiwork.
Lenten Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
To walk in God’s way means to look for the road signs God provides which point to opportunities to walk in God’s ways. The Ten Commandments provide directions for God’s people who have been set free by grace. At least one time this week, go for a slow walk outdoors or walk slowly within your prayer room. Deliberately turn your mind, heart, and will toward God.
Repeat slowly: Guide me in your way of life. Amen
Lenten Ritual:
Place a rock near where you enter/exit your home. It symbolizes those things in your life that keep you from living and acting the way Jesus wants you to (e.g. being rude or nasty, lying about something we did or did not do, taking something that doesn't belong to us, not helping others). Each day, you can hold the rock and think about something for which you would like to say sorry to God. Close your reflection with “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
How can you share the sweet word of God’s way through service this week?
3rd Sunday in Lent
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22
GATHERED BY GRACE
God’s gift of the law to those freed from slavery is central in Israel’s history. The Ten Commandments teach us that because God has freed us from that which oppresses, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone. He rejects the ways commerce and profit-making can become gods. The psalm declares that the law is God’s sweet word that calls us to account, leading us to be what God has created us to be.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you respond to the word "law"?
* What questions do the Ten Commandments raise for you? When do you find it difficult to interpret and obey the commandments?
* What does it mean to say that God’s law is “sweeter than honey”? How would you describe the reward that comes from keeping God’s law?
* Why do you think money tends to become a “god” for so many of us?
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 John 2:13-22
Monday 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
Tuesday 2 Chronicles 29:1-11
Wednesday Psalm 84:1-4
Thursday Psalm 107:1-3
Friday Ephesians 3:7-14
Saturday John 3:1-13
Sunday John 3:14-21
Next Sunday: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107 1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to delight in your law.
Throughout the Day: Guide me in your way of life.
Blessing to Share: May God’s teaching revive your soul.
For mealtime, say responsively:
The heavens declare the glory of God: the sky proclaims God’s handiwork.
Lenten Mealtime Prayer:
Blessed are you, O God, giver of all.
You fill our table and
give us companions for our journey.
Strengthen us through this food we share and through the love we have for one another and you. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Repeat slowly: Guide me in your way of life. Amen
Lenten Ritual:
Place a rock near where you enter/exit your home. It symbolizes those things in your life that keep you from living and acting the way Jesus wants you to (e.g. being rude or nasty, lying about something we did or did not do, taking something that doesn't belong to us, not helping others). Each day, you can hold the rock and think about something for which you would like to say sorry to God. Close your reflection with “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
How can you share the sweet word of God’s way through service this week?