Growing In Faith Together
August 28, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Proverbs 25:6-7
Psalm 112
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-1
Luke 14:1, 7-14
GATHERED BY GRACE
Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace we have a place at the banquet table of the Lord. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still. - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2016
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean to be humble?
* Who is missing from the table of our church?
* Read v.1-5 in Hebrews again. Why do you think hospitality ranks so high on the list?
* What does hospitality mean to you? How about inclusivity?
*
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: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to follow your example of humble service.
Throughout the Day: May I be content.
A Blessing to Share: God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you”.
For mealtime say responsively: Let mutual love continue, show unbounded hospitality to strangers: be content with what you have.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
The letter to the Hebrews wraps up with suggestions for the conduct of a holy life, all of which are shaped by God's love toward us in Jesus Christ. Reflect on Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have.” In your devotion times this week pray for those in your life who are “good deed doers” and generous share-ers. Talk with family and friends about what you see in them that you would like to imitate. Give thanks to God for their example in your life.
Summer Ritual:
The last weekend of “summer”! Take some quiet time alone this week. 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
When eating at the house of an important Pharisee, Jesus said: “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward.” Make plans to invite someone you don’t know well to share a meal. Think about how you can make them feel as welcome as possible.
August 28, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Proverbs 25:6-7
Psalm 112
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-1
Luke 14:1, 7-14
GATHERED BY GRACE
Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace we have a place at the banquet table of the Lord. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still. - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2016
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean to be humble?
* Who is missing from the table of our church?
* Read v.1-5 in Hebrews again. Why do you think hospitality ranks so high on the list?
* What does hospitality mean to you? How about inclusivity?
*
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 14:1, 7-14
Monday Psalm 119:65-68
Tuesday Isaiah 2:12-17
Wednesday Isaiah 57:14-16
Thursday Psalm 1:1-3
Friday Deuteronomy 7:12-13
Saturday Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Sunday Luke 14:25-33
NEXT SUNDAY: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to follow your example of humble service.
Throughout the Day: May I be content.
A Blessing to Share: God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you”.
For mealtime say responsively: Let mutual love continue, show unbounded hospitality to strangers: be content with what you have.
Summer 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:
The letter to the Hebrews wraps up with suggestions for the conduct of a holy life, all of which are shaped by God's love toward us in Jesus Christ. Reflect on Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have.” In your devotion times this week pray for those in your life who are “good deed doers” and generous share-ers. Talk with family and friends about what you see in them that you would like to imitate. Give thanks to God for their example in your life.
Summer Ritual:
The last weekend of “summer”! Take some quiet time alone this week. 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
When eating at the house of an important Pharisee, Jesus said: “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward.” Make plans to invite someone you don’t know well to share a meal. Think about how you can make them feel as welcome as possible.