Growing In Faith Together
January 31,2021
TODAY’S TEXTS
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God. In the psalm, we are shown the power of God’s works. These are ways of pointing to Jesus’ unique authority described in Mark. Jesus’ words have the power to replace the reign of evil with the kingdom of God. These verses lay out central questions of Mark’s gospel: who is Jesus, and from where comes his authority?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What about Jesus’ teachings are astounding to you? Are there any that are difficult to understand or follow?
* In the gospel reading, what did the people of the synagogue recognize in Jesus? What did the unclean spirit recognize?
* How does Jesus’ authority help us reflect on today’s political authority?
* What are the "unclean spirits" that hold many people in bondage today? What 'possesses' you and keeps you from embracing all that God intends for you? How does encountering Jesus change that?
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: I give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
TODAY’S TEXTS
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God. In the psalm, we are shown the power of God’s works. These are ways of pointing to Jesus’ unique authority described in Mark. Jesus’ words have the power to replace the reign of evil with the kingdom of God. These verses lay out central questions of Mark’s gospel: who is Jesus, and from where comes his authority?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What about Jesus’ teachings are astounding to you? Are there any that are difficult to understand or follow?
* In the gospel reading, what did the people of the synagogue recognize in Jesus? What did the unclean spirit recognize?
* How does Jesus’ authority help us reflect on today’s political authority?
* What are the "unclean spirits" that hold many people in bondage today? What 'possesses' you and keeps you from embracing all that God intends for you? How does encountering Jesus change that?
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 1:21-28
Monday Psalm 35:1-3
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Wednesday Mark 3:13-19a
Thursday Psalm 147:1-3
Friday Matthew 12:9-14
Saturday Gal. 5:13-14
Sunday Mark 1:29-39
Next Sunday: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: I give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.
Throughout the Day: May I be amazed at all you do, Lord.
Blessing to Share: May God call you from old routines.
For mealtime say responsively:
Majesty and splendor mark God’s deeds: God’s righteousness endures forever.
Mealtime Prayer:
Majesty and splendor mark God’s deeds: God’s righteousness endures forever.
Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.Refresh us by this mealto reflect your love to others. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Make this prayer of commitment a part of your bedtime rituals this week. Read it as you settle into bed. Make it a goal to memorize it by next Sunday: Dear God, take my possessions, my mind, and my will. Take my hands, my feet and my whole body. Take my life and my love and use them to share your love with those around me. Amen
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
Place a small bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say: Remember you are a baptized child of God and marked with the cross of Christ forever
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Spread the Love is the Food Bank’s annual peanut butter and jelly drive. High protein foods are some of the hardest items to keep stocked. And peanut butter is a favorite for many families with children – especially if you throw in some jelly. Pick up some jars and drop them off at CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, 1121 Gilbert Ct. We have appointments available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8am-4pm. Please make an appointment to drop off your donations.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Spread the Love is the Food Bank’s annual peanut butter and jelly drive. High protein foods are some of the hardest items to keep stocked. And peanut butter is a favorite for many families with children – especially if you throw in some jelly. Pick up some jars and drop them off at CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, 1121 Gilbert Ct. We have appointments available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8am-4pm. Please make an appointment to drop off your donations.
Help “spread the love”!