Growing In Faith Together
September 17, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Genesis 50:15-21
Psalm 103:1-13
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
GATHERED BY GRACE
Being a disciple of Jesus requires an expansive perspective on forgiveness. Today our view is broadened by the good news that God’s forgiveness is not based on our idea of fairness, but rather on abundant, unimaginable grace. We are also challenged to stretch our perspective and forgive each other. With Peter, we learn to stop keeping score.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Think of a time when you were so sure you were right that you were blind to the perspectives of others. What opened your eyes?
* What makes forgiving so difficult?
* Can we have justice without losing sight of compassion? How about righteousness without losing sight of forgiveness?
* What have you learned in your own life about forgiveness?
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.
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Christ, teach us to forgive.
Throughout the Day: How often should I forgive, Lord?
Blessing to Share: Bless the Lord!
For mealtime say responsively: To you O Lord I lift up my soul: In you, O God, I trust.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
One of the most challenging things for disciples of Jesus Christ is not just to receive forgiveness for ourselves, but also to extend forgiveness to others. By the grace of God, disciples of Jesus are forgiven and forgiving. This week, make a list of people who are in need of your forgiveness. Ask God to help you forgive them.
Autumn Ritual:
As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature's cycles are mirrored in our lives. Autumn is a time for letting go and to practice getting out of the way and letting Spirit take charge of our lives. Place a symbol of autumn – a leaf, an acorn – in your devotional area. Let it remind you to let go and let God.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
This Friday Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch (1105 Gilbert Court, near the Crowded Closet and the Crisis Center).
Stop by to help anytime between 10:30 am and 1 pm.
September 17, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Genesis 50:15-21
Psalm 103:1-13
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
GATHERED BY GRACE
Being a disciple of Jesus requires an expansive perspective on forgiveness. Today our view is broadened by the good news that God’s forgiveness is not based on our idea of fairness, but rather on abundant, unimaginable grace. We are also challenged to stretch our perspective and forgive each other. With Peter, we learn to stop keeping score.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Think of a time when you were so sure you were right that you were blind to the perspectives of others. What opened your eyes?
* What makes forgiving so difficult?
* Can we have justice without losing sight of compassion? How about righteousness without losing sight of forgiveness?
* What have you learned in your own life about forgiveness?
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 Matthew 18:21-35
Monday Psalm 133
Tuesday Romans 14:13-19
Wednesday Mark 11:20-25
Thursday Psalm 145:1-8
Friday 2 Corinthians 13:7-10
Saturday Matthew 19:23-30
Sunday Matthew 20:1-16
Next Sunday: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Christ, teach us to forgive.
Throughout the Day: How often should I forgive, Lord?
Blessing to Share: Bless the Lord!
For mealtime say responsively: To you O Lord I lift up my soul: In you, O God, I trust.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
For food we eat,
for clothes to wear,
for nightly rest
and daily care
we thank you Loving God.
Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
One of the most challenging things for disciples of Jesus Christ is not just to receive forgiveness for ourselves, but also to extend forgiveness to others. By the grace of God, disciples of Jesus are forgiven and forgiving. This week, make a list of people who are in need of your forgiveness. Ask God to help you forgive them.
Autumn Ritual:
As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature's cycles are mirrored in our lives. Autumn is a time for letting go and to practice getting out of the way and letting Spirit take charge of our lives. Place a symbol of autumn – a leaf, an acorn – in your devotional area. Let it remind you to let go and let God.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
This Friday Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch (1105 Gilbert Court, near the Crowded Closet and the Crisis Center).
Stop by to help anytime between 10:30 am and 1 pm.