Growing In Faith Together
February 28, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
Gathered by Grace
The warnings are blunt: Repent! Cut it out or get cut down! But God is a God of second chances: "Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live." To those who have experienced long years in exile, the return to their homeland is a celebration of abundant life. The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Can you imagine the feast Isaiah describes today? Why do you think feasts make good vehicles for celebrating?
* Where and how in your life do you "spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? What do you find truly satisfying?
* What gifts which, like manure, nurture you in life and in faith?
* How are you seeking God this Lent?
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: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Try to memorize
Prayers for this Week
For the Week: Creator God, fill me with the nourishment that only you can offer.
Throughout the Day: Call my heart to your banquet, O God.
A Blessing to Share: Taste the peace that lies within grace.
For mealtime say responsively: Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters: Everyone who hungers, come eat.
Lenten Mealtime Prayer:
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
Fasting has long been a Lenten discipline. Consider trying it for a day this week. Limit yourself to liquids, such as water and juices. Attitude is important. Don’t undertake it for an ulterior motive, such as dropping a pound or two. Make it a spiritual experience. Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to cleanse you from spiritual toxins and to refocus your spiritual energies. Let hunger be a reminder of your hunger and thirst for God.
Ritual for the Lenten Season:
One faith practice in Lent is prayer which allows you to keep concerns and people in your heart and before God. Find some kind of box to be used as a prayer box. Make a list of prayer topics and write each one onto a separate index card. Place the cards into the box. At the start of each week, pull out one or two cards and place these on your fridge or notice board as your prayer topic for the week.
Scattered to serve
Challenge each member of your household to fill a box or bag full of items to give away - gently used clothing, house wares, toys, accessories, etc. Take your box or bag to Stuff Consignment Shop and tell them you want it to go on the “SHELTER HOUSE” account. The money raised will support the many services Shelter House offers!
February 28, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
Gathered by Grace
The warnings are blunt: Repent! Cut it out or get cut down! But God is a God of second chances: "Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live." To those who have experienced long years in exile, the return to their homeland is a celebration of abundant life. The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Can you imagine the feast Isaiah describes today? Why do you think feasts make good vehicles for celebrating?
* Where and how in your life do you "spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? What do you find truly satisfying?
* What gifts which, like manure, nurture you in life and in faith?
* How are you seeking God this Lent?
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 13:1-9
Monday Psalm 39:4-7
Tuesday Ezekiel 17:1-10
Wednesday Luke 13:18-21
Thursday Psalm 32:1-2
Friday 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Saturday Luke 15:1-10
Sunday Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
NEXT SUNDAY: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Try to memorize
Seek the
Lord while he may be found,
call upon
him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6
Prayers for this Week
For the Week: Creator God, fill me with the nourishment that only you can offer.
Throughout the Day: Call my heart to your banquet, O God.
A Blessing to Share: Taste the peace that lies within grace.
For mealtime say responsively: Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters: Everyone who hungers, come eat.
Lenten Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind
Lead us to love all whom we find. Amen.
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
Fasting has long been a Lenten discipline. Consider trying it for a day this week. Limit yourself to liquids, such as water and juices. Attitude is important. Don’t undertake it for an ulterior motive, such as dropping a pound or two. Make it a spiritual experience. Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to cleanse you from spiritual toxins and to refocus your spiritual energies. Let hunger be a reminder of your hunger and thirst for God.
Ritual for the Lenten Season:
One faith practice in Lent is prayer which allows you to keep concerns and people in your heart and before God. Find some kind of box to be used as a prayer box. Make a list of prayer topics and write each one onto a separate index card. Place the cards into the box. At the start of each week, pull out one or two cards and place these on your fridge or notice board as your prayer topic for the week.
Scattered to serve
Challenge each member of your household to fill a box or bag full of items to give away - gently used clothing, house wares, toys, accessories, etc. Take your box or bag to Stuff Consignment Shop and tell them you want it to go on the “SHELTER HOUSE” account. The money raised will support the many services Shelter House offers!