Growing In Faith Together
October 24, 2021
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
GATHERED BY GRACE
The word for today is restoration. Both the Old Testament reading and the psalm speak of God’s restoration of the people of Israel, gathering them from sorrowful exile into joyful community. The gospel tells the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus, restoring his sight in response to his faith.
This same Jesus, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us, is our great high priest who continually restores us to right relationship with God. This restoration is not through our own merit, but through the love of Christ and the faith we have been given.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Why did the people sternly order Bartimaeus to be quiet?
* What are the “blind spots” in your life? What would you hope to “see more clearly”?
* Hebrews says that Jesus “lives to make intercession” for you before God. How does that make you feel?
* What does “once and for all” mean for you in your daily life?
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: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: You have done great things for me. Thank you.
Throughout the Day: Son of David, have mercy on me!
Blessing to Share: Take heart. Gods calls you.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord has done great things for us: we are glad indeed.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Jesus’ intercession for us is a model for our life. We too can intercede for others. Make a list of people whom you know to be facing difficult issues and needing support. Pray for them each day. As you pray, think of something tangible that you can do to supplement your prayers: a note, a phone call, an errand. Try to do something this week for at least one-half of the people on your list.
Autumn Ritual:
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
GATHERED BY GRACE
The word for today is restoration. Both the Old Testament reading and the psalm speak of God’s restoration of the people of Israel, gathering them from sorrowful exile into joyful community. The gospel tells the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus, restoring his sight in response to his faith.
This same Jesus, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us, is our great high priest who continually restores us to right relationship with God. This restoration is not through our own merit, but through the love of Christ and the faith we have been given.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Why did the people sternly order Bartimaeus to be quiet?
* What are the “blind spots” in your life? What would you hope to “see more clearly”?
* Hebrews says that Jesus “lives to make intercession” for you before God. How does that make you feel?
* What does “once and for all” mean for you in your daily life?
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 10:46-52
Monday Psalm 119:17-24
Tuesday Acts 9:32-35
Wednesday Matthew 20:29-34
Thursday Psalm 119:1-8
Friday Romans 3:21-31
Saturday Luke 10:25-37
Sunday John 8:31-36
Next Sunday: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: You have done great things for me. Thank you.
Throughout the Day: Son of David, have mercy on me!
Blessing to Share: Take heart. Gods calls you.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord has done great things for us: we are glad indeed.
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:
Jesus’ intercession for us is a model for our life. We too can intercede for others. Make a list of people whom you know to be facing difficult issues and needing support. Pray for them each day. As you pray, think of something tangible that you can do to supplement your prayers: a note, a phone call, an errand. Try to do something this week for at least one-half of the people on your list.
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
It is estimated that over 2 billion people around the world need eyeglasses and don’t have them. If you have old pairs sitting around that are in gently used, good-to-excellent condition — no broken frames or missing lenses – you can donate them and help someone to see better. You might be aware that the Lion’s clubs in Iowa collect used glasses. Goodwill, Walmart, and Sam’s Club also accept used glasses. A student at the U of I started an online non-profit called “Respectacle” that distributes glasses to people matching their prescription needs.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
It is estimated that over 2 billion people around the world need eyeglasses and don’t have them. If you have old pairs sitting around that are in gently used, good-to-excellent condition — no broken frames or missing lenses – you can donate them and help someone to see better. You might be aware that the Lion’s clubs in Iowa collect used glasses. Goodwill, Walmart, and Sam’s Club also accept used glasses. A student at the U of I started an online non-profit called “Respectacle” that distributes glasses to people matching their prescription needs.