Growing In Faith Together
January 12, 2020
Baptism of our Lord
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. We too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God's beloved children. Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2017
Discuss in your household or small group:
1. What does it mean to you to be baptized?
2. What new things does God declare in this moment in time?
3. What might God be calling you to say and do in this moment in time?
4. What does “no partiality” mean for the way you love others?
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: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May I shine with God’s love.
Throughout the Day: I am beloved and I shine with the love of God. Thanks be to God!
A Blessing to Share: You are beloved. Shine with God’s Spirit!
For mealtime say responsively: The Lord gives strength to the people: The Lord blesses them with peace.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional:
Reflect on the meaning of these words of Martin Luther on baptism from the Small Catechism.
Say prayers of thanks for God’s gifts.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not water only, but it is water used together with God’s Word and by God’s command.
What benefits does God give in Baptism?
In Baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what God has promised.
What does Baptism mean for daily living?
It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise, to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
Decorate an old mason or pickle jar with star sequins or stickers. Fill the bottom with sand and set a tea light inside or use a flame-less battery candle. Print a prayer on a card such as “Shine your light to guide us. Then send us out as reflections of light in the world. Amen.” Use this prayer as you go out the door each morning and let it guide your reflections of your day in the evening.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
John the Baptist could see who Jesus really was. Who has seen your gifts and potential? Express thanks for their encouragement by "paying it forward." Is there someone you offer a word of encouragement? Write that person a note that says something like, "Keep on being who you are! You're doing great! Don't give up!"
January 12, 2020
Baptism of our Lord
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. We too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God's beloved children. Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2017
Discuss in your household or small group:
1. What does it mean to you to be baptized?
2. What new things does God declare in this moment in time?
3. What might God be calling you to say and do in this moment in time?
4. What does “no partiality” mean for the way you love others?
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 3:13-17
Monday Psalm 89:19-23
Tuesday Jeremiah 1:4-8
Wednesday Isaiah 51:9-11
Thursday Psalm 40:1-5
Friday Psalm 40:6-11
Saturday Luke 5:1-11
Sunday John 1:29-42
Next Sunday: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May I shine with God’s love.
Throughout the Day: I am beloved and I shine with the love of God. Thanks be to God!
A Blessing to Share: You are beloved. Shine with God’s Spirit!
For mealtime say responsively: The Lord gives strength to the people: The Lord blesses them with peace.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional:
Reflect on the meaning of these words of Martin Luther on baptism from the Small Catechism.
Say prayers of thanks for God’s gifts.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not water only, but it is water used together with God’s Word and by God’s command.
What benefits does God give in Baptism?
In Baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what God has promised.
What does Baptism mean for daily living?
It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise, to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
Decorate an old mason or pickle jar with star sequins or stickers. Fill the bottom with sand and set a tea light inside or use a flame-less battery candle. Print a prayer on a card such as “Shine your light to guide us. Then send us out as reflections of light in the world. Amen.” Use this prayer as you go out the door each morning and let it guide your reflections of your day in the evening.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
John the Baptist could see who Jesus really was. Who has seen your gifts and potential? Express thanks for their encouragement by "paying it forward." Is there someone you offer a word of encouragement? Write that person a note that says something like, "Keep on being who you are! You're doing great! Don't give up!"