Growing In Faith Together
July 8, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Psalm 123
2 Cor 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
GATHERED BY GRACE
The willingness to follow God, even when we are not certain of answered prayer or success, is a theme that unites the readings. Even the Psalm, in a simple gaze of faith, invites us to let go of results in favor of relationship. Paul's sometimes confusing logic about spiritual experiences becomes clear as he sums up God's word to him: "My grace is sufficient for you" That is a powerful word, which can make almost any experience an opportunity to witness to Christ's power.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* In what ways have you experienced the grace of God in times of weakness? Has it been sufficient for you? How?
* What do you think Jesus said that impressed people in Nazareth? What challenged or offended them? Why do you think Jesus “could do no deed of power there” (verse 5)?
* Ask yourself, who do you not listen to? Who do you dismiss without consideration? What could Jesus teach you through them?
* What did Jesus send his disciples to do? What does He send you out to do?
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: Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me hear your call to live with grace and hope.
Throughout the Day: O Lord, send me.
Blessing to Share: God calls you, Christ sends you, and the Spirit empowers you.
For mealtime say responsively:
Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good: for God’s mercy endures forever.
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:
Sit quietly and reflect on the question: What does Jesus send you out to do? What does Jesus ask you to leave behind? What “crutch” do you depend on instead of God? Jesus asks you to be faithful in what you are called to do, not necessarily successful (“shake off the dust” from those who don’t respond). How does that make you feel? Can you trust the outcome to God? Wrap up your meditation with a prayer.
Summer Ritual:
Everything in our universe is incredible – from the tiny blue flowers blooming in the yard to the puffy white clouds in the sky. What do you love to see in nature? What smell delights you? What sounds do you stop to listen for? What tastes satisfy? 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
Have any extra garden produce? The Crisis Center will accept produce that you have grown yourself.
If you don’t have produce, the Crisis Center always needs canned goods and dry goods. You can bring your donations to Gloria Dei any Sunday.
July 8, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Psalm 123
2 Cor 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
GATHERED BY GRACE
The willingness to follow God, even when we are not certain of answered prayer or success, is a theme that unites the readings. Even the Psalm, in a simple gaze of faith, invites us to let go of results in favor of relationship. Paul's sometimes confusing logic about spiritual experiences becomes clear as he sums up God's word to him: "My grace is sufficient for you" That is a powerful word, which can make almost any experience an opportunity to witness to Christ's power.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* In what ways have you experienced the grace of God in times of weakness? Has it been sufficient for you? How?
* What do you think Jesus said that impressed people in Nazareth? What challenged or offended them? Why do you think Jesus “could do no deed of power there” (verse 5)?
* Ask yourself, who do you not listen to? Who do you dismiss without consideration? What could Jesus teach you through them?
* What did Jesus send his disciples to do? What does He send you out to do?
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 Mark 6:1-13
Monday Ezekiel 2:5-3:11
Tuesday James 5:7-12
Wednesday John 7:1-9
Thursday Psalm 85:10-13
Friday Colossians 4:2-4
Saturday Luke 1:59-63
Sunday Mark 6:14-29
Next Sunday: Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me hear your call to live with grace and hope.
Throughout the Day: O Lord, send me.
Blessing to Share: God calls you, Christ sends you, and the Spirit empowers you.
For mealtime say responsively:
Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good: for God’s mercy endures forever.
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:
Sit quietly and reflect on the question: What does Jesus send you out to do? What does Jesus ask you to leave behind? What “crutch” do you depend on instead of God? Jesus asks you to be faithful in what you are called to do, not necessarily successful (“shake off the dust” from those who don’t respond). How does that make you feel? Can you trust the outcome to God? Wrap up your meditation with a prayer.
Summer Ritual:
Everything in our universe is incredible – from the tiny blue flowers blooming in the yard to the puffy white clouds in the sky. What do you love to see in nature? What smell delights you? What sounds do you stop to listen for? What tastes satisfy? 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
Have any extra garden produce? The Crisis Center will accept produce that you have grown yourself.
If you don’t have produce, the Crisis Center always needs canned goods and dry goods. You can bring your donations to Gloria Dei any Sunday.