Growing In Faith Together
October 10, 2021
Texts for Today
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Mark’s gospel says that Jesus looked on the questioner and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life. Words borne of God’s love are not always welcomed or heeded when they seek our transformation. Yet what seems impossible for us grows in possibility when we recognize Jesus’ deep love for us.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you think brought the rich man to Jesus?
* If Jesus loved the rich man, why not give an easier answer?
* How do you imagine the rich man's life after he talked with Jesus?
* What is it about Jesus’ answer that is impossible, yet deeply attractive at the same time?
* As a disciple of Christ, what role does money play for you?
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 53:4-12; Psalm 91:9-16; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give clarity to my use of money and possessions.
Throughout the Day: Jesus, give me the guts to follow you.
Blessing to Share: May God grant you courage as you follow Jesus.
For mealtime say responsively:
Hate evil and love good: establish justice in the gate.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Today’s lessons can be tough for those of us who have income enough to live comfortably. This week you are invited to look at your check register or bank statement or credit card statement or some other item that represents how you choose to spend money. How do your “riches” – material security – help or hinder your faith life? How can you keep your “riches” from getting in the way of your faith? What opportunities do your “riches” open up? Spend time in prayer about this– both confession and thanksgiving. Then reflect on this statement: Before you can get really honest about yourself before God, you need to realize that God is there to love you rather than to judge you. What does this statement add to your prayers?
Autumn Ritual:
Keep a gratitude journal this fall. Each day, review your list and add one more thing. Think of how many things you will have by Thanksgiving! We tend to fixate on what's going wrong or might go wrong. A gratitude journal helps re-direct our thinking to God’s many good gifts.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The prophet Amos tells us that we need to be concerned about injustice. What injustice in our world concerns you? Plan one action this week in response to your concern.
Texts for Today
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Mark’s gospel says that Jesus looked on the questioner and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life. Words borne of God’s love are not always welcomed or heeded when they seek our transformation. Yet what seems impossible for us grows in possibility when we recognize Jesus’ deep love for us.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you think brought the rich man to Jesus?
* If Jesus loved the rich man, why not give an easier answer?
* How do you imagine the rich man's life after he talked with Jesus?
* What is it about Jesus’ answer that is impossible, yet deeply attractive at the same time?
* As a disciple of Christ, what role does money play for you?
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 10:17-31
Monday Psalm 26:8-12
Tuesday Revelation 8:1-5
Wednesday Luke 16:19-31
Thursday Psalm 91:9-13
Friday Revelation 17:1-4
Saturday Luke 22:24-30
Sunday Mark 10:35-45
Next Sunday: Isaiah 53:4-12; Psalm 91:9-16; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give clarity to my use of money and possessions.
Throughout the Day: Jesus, give me the guts to follow you.
Blessing to Share: May God grant you courage as you follow Jesus.
For mealtime say responsively:
Hate evil and love good: establish justice in the gate.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
We thank the Lord for food and drink,
For appetite and power to think,
For loved ones dear, for home and friends,
For everything the good Lord sends. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Today’s lessons can be tough for those of us who have income enough to live comfortably. This week you are invited to look at your check register or bank statement or credit card statement or some other item that represents how you choose to spend money. How do your “riches” – material security – help or hinder your faith life? How can you keep your “riches” from getting in the way of your faith? What opportunities do your “riches” open up? Spend time in prayer about this– both confession and thanksgiving. Then reflect on this statement: Before you can get really honest about yourself before God, you need to realize that God is there to love you rather than to judge you. What does this statement add to your prayers?
Autumn Ritual:
Keep a gratitude journal this fall. Each day, review your list and add one more thing. Think of how many things you will have by Thanksgiving! We tend to fixate on what's going wrong or might go wrong. A gratitude journal helps re-direct our thinking to God’s many good gifts.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The prophet Amos tells us that we need to be concerned about injustice. What injustice in our world concerns you? Plan one action this week in response to your concern.