August 12, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34:1-8
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus uses the image of bread to demonstrate that, even compared to all the great things God has done before, God’s greatest miracle is in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus, the bread of life, is a greater miracle than the manna God sent in the dessert (Exod. 16:14), greater than the bread the angel brought to restore Elijah (1 Kings 19:4-8), greater even than the loaves Jesus had just multiplied to feed a crowd of more than five thousand people (John 6:1-14)! In Jesus, God gives bread for the journey—not only for this life, but also into eternal life.
- From SundaysandSeasons.com, ©2017 Augsburg Fortress.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What distinction Jesus does make between the miracle of manna and the bread of life?
* Which aspect of Ephesians 4:31-32 is most challenging to you?
* What does it mean to you to "grieve the Spirit of God"?
* What do you think you think is the main message of these scriptures?
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 6:35, 41-51
Monday Psalm 81:11-16
Tuesday 2 Peter 3:14-18
Wednesday Jeremiah 31:1-6
Thursday Psalm 34:11-14
Friday Romans 16:17-20
Saturday John 4:7-26
Sunday John 6:51-58
Next Sunday: Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:9-14; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Bread of Life, feed me.
Throughout the Day: May my words bring grace to this moment.
Blessing to Share: Jesus is the bread of life.
For mealtime say responsively:
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another: forgive one another as Christ has forgiven you.
Mealtime Prayer:
All here gathered, food from the land,
all is gift from your gracious hand.
feed us today; feed all who hunger;
teach us to feed one another.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Re-read the Ephesians reading. Make a list of the positive instructions, the “what to do” items, in this passage. Which of these positives are most important to you? Keep your list where you do your devotions. Reflect through the week on how you can use these ideas to “live in love”. And then give them a try! Create a prayer from these reflections
Summer Ritual:
This summer start each morning with a simple prayer: Lord, show me something incredible. Amen. Then watch to see what the treasure is. When you find it, in your mind add a tag “Made by God”.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Try to not criticize anyone for 24 hours.
Go the extra mile, and compliment each person you know during those 24 hours.