Growing In Faith Together
July 19, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What are the weeds in your life?
* In what ways might an individual or a community be both “weed-like” and “wheat-like”?
* The coexistence of wheat and weeds together can cause some tension. How can communities experience God’s presence even as they live with such tension?
* How might this parable be important for Christians today?
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: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: God, open my ears and heart to your Word.
Throughout the Day: I am wheat and weed. Thank you for loving all that I am.
Blessing to Share: Tend the mystery of your life with courage and compassion.
For Mealtime say responsively:
May God’s word take root in our lives: and the bear the fruits of God’s love.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Try to weave some metaphors into your prayers this week...like: O God, your love for us is like a flower seed –planted in our hearts, it sends out sweet perfume when it blooms or O God your love is like the work of a gardener – planting, watering, and hoping others will taste your goodness.
Think about a variety of objects for your metaphors: beloved teddy bear, beautiful diamond, helpful umbrella.
Summer Ritual:
This COVID 19 summer is unlike any other. Pay attention to each day. In the midst of it all, we are still called to Love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. At the end of the day take time to reflect on where you spent your time, what you did with it, and how you felt or experienced it. What things presently occupy your mind and heart? Thank God for the day.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
July 19, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
GATHERED BY GRACE
In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What are the weeds in your life?
* In what ways might an individual or a community be both “weed-like” and “wheat-like”?
* The coexistence of wheat and weeds together can cause some tension. How can communities experience God’s presence even as they live with such tension?
* How might this parable be important for Christians today?
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 13:24-30, 36-43
Monday Revelation 14:14-20
Tuesday Psalm 75:1-3
Wednesday Daniel 12:1-4
Thursday Psalm 119:129-133
Friday 1 Kings 1:38-48
Saturday 1 Kings 2:1-4
Sunday Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Next Sunday: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: God, open my ears and heart to your Word.
Throughout the Day: I am wheat and weed. Thank you for loving all that I am.
Blessing to Share: Tend the mystery of your life with courage and compassion.
For Mealtime say responsively:
May God’s word take root in our lives: and the bear the fruits of God’s love.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Try to weave some metaphors into your prayers this week...like: O God, your love for us is like a flower seed –planted in our hearts, it sends out sweet perfume when it blooms or O God your love is like the work of a gardener – planting, watering, and hoping others will taste your goodness.
Think about a variety of objects for your metaphors: beloved teddy bear, beautiful diamond, helpful umbrella.
Summer Ritual:
This COVID 19 summer is unlike any other. Pay attention to each day. In the midst of it all, we are still called to Love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. At the end of the day take time to reflect on where you spent your time, what you did with it, and how you felt or experienced it. What things presently occupy your mind and heart? Thank God for the day.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Everyone I meet
is thirsty for some
acceptance and grace.
How can I share
a small cup of kindness
from my own simple place?