Growing In Faith Together
September 8, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Deut 30:15-20
Psalm 1
Philemon 1-21
Luke 14:25-33
GATHERED BY GRACE
We confess that we prefer our journeys of faith to be devout, but not too daring; comfortable and not too threatening. Jesus speaks frankly about the fearsome costs of discipleship. Those who follow him should know from the outset that completing the course of discipleship will finally mean renouncing other allegiance.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What you think Jesus meant to say by his use of the two stories in verses 28-32?
* Has discipleship cost you more than you expected? In what way? Would you change your decision to follow Jesus had you known?
* Assuming you’re not going to give up all possessions, which possessions keep you from being a good disciple of Jesus?
* What is the best thing about being a follower of Jesus? What is the most difficult thing?
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: O God, help me to commit myself anew to the challenge of following Christ.
Throughout the Day: Help me to always choose life in you.
For mealtime say responsively: Hold fast to God: For the Lord is our life.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
St. Paul wrote these words to his friend Philemon: “I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints” (Philemon 4-5). In your devotion times this week, pray by name for people in your congregation. Send them cards containing this verse from Philemon.
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Think about the tag line for today’s celebration: “God’s Work. Our hands.” That is true every day of the week not just on this special day. This week in your daily routine and relationships remember that what you do is God’s work. What difference will that make?
September 8, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Deut 30:15-20
Psalm 1
Philemon 1-21
Luke 14:25-33
GATHERED BY GRACE
We confess that we prefer our journeys of faith to be devout, but not too daring; comfortable and not too threatening. Jesus speaks frankly about the fearsome costs of discipleship. Those who follow him should know from the outset that completing the course of discipleship will finally mean renouncing other allegiance.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What you think Jesus meant to say by his use of the two stories in verses 28-32?
* Has discipleship cost you more than you expected? In what way? Would you change your decision to follow Jesus had you known?
* Assuming you’re not going to give up all possessions, which possessions keep you from being a good disciple of Jesus?
* What is the best thing about being a follower of Jesus? What is the most difficult thing?
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 14:25-33
Monday Psalm 101:1-3
Tuesday 1 Timothy 4:6-8
Wednesday Luke 18:18-22
Thursday Psalm 51:1-4
Friday John 10:11-21
Saturday Exodus 32:1-6
Sunday Luke 15:1-10
NEXT SUNDAY: Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: O God, help me to commit myself anew to the challenge of following Christ.
Throughout the Day: Help me to always choose life in you.
For mealtime say responsively: Hold fast to God: For the Lord is our life.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
We praise you, O God for autumn days,
for beautiful colors, for our daily bread.
Grant us grace to share your goodness
until all are fed.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
St. Paul wrote these words to his friend Philemon: “I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints” (Philemon 4-5). In your devotion times this week, pray by name for people in your congregation. Send them cards containing this verse from Philemon.
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Think about the tag line for today’s celebration: “God’s Work. Our hands.” That is true every day of the week not just on this special day. This week in your daily routine and relationships remember that what you do is God’s work. What difference will that make?