June 26, 2016
Today’s Texts:
1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
Psalm 16
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
GATHERED BY GRACE
God’s call to follow is an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruits: love, joy, peace, patience. This is the path of life.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you think Paul means by the “yoke of slavery”?
* How does Paul define “freedom” in verse 13?
* How would you express the message of verses 16-21 in your own words? How does verse 18 express Paul’s meaning for “freedom”?
* Paul says that we are to live by the Spirit and its fruit. For which spiritual fruit do you most often pray?
* What would daily life be like if we were to allow such fruit to guide 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 Luke 9:51-62
Monday Psalm 140:6-8
Tuesday Matthew 10:16-25
Wednesday Jeremiah 23:16-17
Thursday Psalm 66:5-9
Friday 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Saturday John 14:5-7
Sunday Luke 10:1-11,16-20
NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-9; Galatians 6:1-16; Luke 10:1-11;16-20
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Forgive me when I use my freedom to be self-indulgent, instead of loving others.
Throughout the Day:
Help me bear the fruit of your Spirit
A Blessing to Share:
Be guided by the Spirit.
For mealtime say responsively:
If we live by the Spirit: Let us also be guided by the Spirit.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, bless this food which we now take.
We give you thanks for all you make.
Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." In your devotion times this week, think of the people around the world who do not have homes where they may live. Some homes have been lost by disaster or conflict. Some folks cannot afford shelter. Include these people in your prayers throughout the week.
Summer Ritual:
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors. Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.
SCATTERED FOR SERVICE
One of the gifts of the Spirit is generosity. Decide on a food item or recreational activity (e.g. mid-morning pop or movie outing) to forgo this week. Set aside the money saved to donate to the ELCA Hunger Fund – next Sunday is loose change Sunday.