Growing In Faith Together
February 9, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 112:1-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Matthew 5:13-20
GATHERED BY GRACE
Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like dawn. The psalmist sings that light shines in the darkness for the upright. Jesus declares his followers are salt and light. The gospel transforms not merely the self or the members of the church, but the entire world.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you describe the “fast” (in Isaiah) that God desires, in your own words?
* How does this Isaiah passage relate to Micah 6:8, from last week?
* Where does the world need salt and light now?
* How might you be that salt and light?
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 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matt 5:21-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: You call me, O God, to be salt and light. Show me the way.
Throughout the Day: This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.
Blessing to Share: May the blessing of God be with you.
For mealtime say responsively:
It is good to be generous in lending: to manage one’s affairs with justice.
Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Prayer:
Buy a bag of salt-free potato chips and a bag of salty chips. Read Matthew 5:13 aloud as you alternate eating salt-free and salty chips. What do you learn about what Jesus is saying? What does it mean to be salt? Think about how you can be salt for the world. End with the prayer, “Lord, make me salt today.”
Season of Epiphany Ritual:
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
Isaiah 58:7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Plan one action for this week in response to this verse.
You can make a donation to the Crisis Center. Give unused clothes to the DVIP, The Crowded Closet or Goodwill.
Visit an elderly relative. Provide some items that Shelter House needs like: Laundry detergent (high efficiency only); Iowa City bus passes; Coralville bus passes; Grocery store gift cards; coffee; Postage stamps.
February 9, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 112:1-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Matthew 5:13-20
GATHERED BY GRACE
Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like dawn. The psalmist sings that light shines in the darkness for the upright. Jesus declares his followers are salt and light. The gospel transforms not merely the self or the members of the church, but the entire world.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you describe the “fast” (in Isaiah) that God desires, in your own words?
* How does this Isaiah passage relate to Micah 6:8, from last week?
* Where does the world need salt and light now?
* How might you be that salt and light?
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 5:13-20
Monday Psalm 119:105-112
Tuesday 2 Corinthians 4: 1-12
Wednesday John 8:12-30
Thursday Psalm 119: 1-8
Friday 1 John 2: 7-17
Saturday Deuteronomy 30:1-9a
Sunday Matthew 5:21-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: You call me, O God, to be salt and light. Show me the way.
Throughout the Day: This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.
Blessing to Share: May the blessing of God be with you.
For mealtime say responsively:
It is good to be generous in lending: to manage one’s affairs with justice.
Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Prayer:
Buy a bag of salt-free potato chips and a bag of salty chips. Read Matthew 5:13 aloud as you alternate eating salt-free and salty chips. What do you learn about what Jesus is saying? What does it mean to be salt? Think about how you can be salt for the world. End with the prayer, “Lord, make me salt today.”
Season of Epiphany Ritual:
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
Isaiah 58:7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Plan one action for this week in response to this verse.
You can make a donation to the Crisis Center. Give unused clothes to the DVIP, The Crowded Closet or Goodwill.
Visit an elderly relative. Provide some items that Shelter House needs like: Laundry detergent (high efficiency only); Iowa City bus passes; Coralville bus passes; Grocery store gift cards; coffee; Postage stamps.