If you put yourself above others, you will be put down

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
“If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.” Luke 14:11 (CEV)

A Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, teach us to be humble like you. Help us to welcome all people in your name. Amen. (Luke 14:7-14)

Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, you care for the poor and lift up the humble. May we be thankful and never grumble. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
God be with you today, in all that you do and all that you say. Amen.

SAY, PRAY AND BLESS:
Jesus was welcoming and humble. Let us follow his example.

CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What does it mean to be proud? What does it mean to be humble?
• Jesus says that if we put ourselves above others, we will be humbled;
but if we humble ourselves, we will be honored. How do you
understand Jesus’ words?
• How has Jesus been a humble servant to us? In response, what are
some ways we can show humble service to others?

DEVOTIONS
Hebrews 13:7 says, “Don’t forget about your leaders who taught you God’s message. Remember what kind of lives they lived and try to have faith like theirs.” In your home devotion times this week, pray for Christian leaders who teach you about God: pastors, teachers, Sunday school leaders, youth leaders, etc. Talk about what you see in them that you would like to imitate. Plan a way to express your thanks and appreciation to them.

SERVICE
When eating at the house of an important Pharisee, Jesus said: “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward.” Make plans to invite someone you don’t know very well to share a meal at your home. Think about how you can work as a household to make them feel as welcome as possible.
Inviting others to be guests in our homes is an excellent way to teach our children about offering hospitality to others. But remember that hospitality is not about putting on a special meal or having a spotless home to show off. It’s about welcoming people into our lives as we are and accepting them as they are.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Allocate days during this week when different household members will be “honored” by others. Set a special place at your meal table for the honored person and talk about acts of service that can be undertaken in his/her honor on the special day, such as making the bed, cleaning his/her room, doing chores on his/her behalf. At the end of the week, share what it was like to be served by others and to serve them.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 14:1, 7-14 Humility and hospitality
Monday Luke 14:15-23 God’s hospitality to the lowly
Tuesday Genesis 18:1-8 Abraham shows hospitality
Wednesday 1 Kings 3:1-15 Solomon humbles himself
Thursday Matthew 20:20-28 A request for seats of honor
Friday 1 Peter 4:7-11 Be hospitable to one another
Saturday Psalm 10 Warnings against pride and arrogance
Sunday Luke 14:25-33 The cost of being a disciple

So let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom...

AUGUST 25, 2013 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
So let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Hebrews 12:28a (NCV)

A Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, please set us free from all that cripples us. Lift us up to praise and worship you. Amen. (Luke 13:12-13)

Mealtime Prayer:
O God, who gives us daily bread, our thanks to you we raise. Be present at our table here, and fill our hearts with praise. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
May God fill your life with good things, forgive your sins, and make you feel new and strong. Amen. (Psalm 103:3-5)

CARING CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What is the worst injury or sickness you have had? Share your story.
• Jesus met a woman who had been crippled for 18 years. What
are some of the things that cripple people – physically? emotionally?
spiritually?
• Jesus healed the woman, saying, “You are now free from your trouble”
(Luke 13:12). In what way has Jesus freed you from trouble?

DEVOTIONS
In Luke 13:10-17, we find Jesus talking to the leader of a Jewish synagogue about the Sabbath, the Jewish day of worship. Most Christians worship on Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection. In your home devotion times this week, read and discuss Martin Luther’s explanation of the Third Commandment in his Small Catechism.
Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not neglect his Word and the
preaching of it, but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.

SERVICE
Isaiah 58:7 reads: ”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 this week in response to this verse. For example, make a donation to a foodbank for the needy, give unused clothes to a charity organization, volunteer time at a soup kitchen or visit an elderly relative.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
God spoke to the people through the prophet Isaiah about the Sabbath. God said: “Honor my holy day. Do not work on it. Do not do just anything you want to. Do not talk about things that are worthless. Then you will find your joy in me.” How does your family observe the Lord’s day? Think about using one or more of these ideas.
• After you go to church, talk about what took place there (What did God do
for you? What did you learn? What’s your response?).
• Make time on Sundays to share your “highs” and “lows” from the past week,
and then talk and pray about the upcoming week.
• Decide on a special food or a special activity to share only on Sundays.
• Light a candle for each meal on Sunday. Say together: “This is the Lord’s Day,
we will rejoice in it.”
• Set aside an hour each Sunday for quiet time in your home – a time without TV, music or other forms of media.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 13:10-17 Jesus heals on the Sabbath
Monday Genesis 2:1-3 The seventh day
Tuesday Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the Sabbath day
Wednesday Isaiah 58:5-13 Worship that pleases God
Thursday Luke 6:1-5 Picking grain on the Sabbath
Friday Luke 6:6-11 Another Sabbath healing
Saturday Psalm 92 A Sabbath day psalm
Sunday Luke 14:1, 7-14 Humility and hospitality

© 2012 Vibrant Faith Ministries. All rights reserved. Written by Pr. Greg Priebbenow and edited by Vibrant Faith Ministries. Go to www.vibrantfaithathome.org for more faith-forming activities.

Let us look only to Jesus

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. Hebrews 12:2 (NCV)

A Prayer for the Week:
Let us run the race of faith that is before us: Let us never give up. (Hebrews 12:1)

Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, with food you feed us and with love you lead us. Thank you for giving all we need for living. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
May God give you a faith that keeps on going. May you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Amen. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Who has been an encouragement to you in your life? How?
• Hebrews 11 lists people of faith who encourage us by the way they have
trusted God. Who or what encourages you in your faith?
• How can you encourage other Christians?

DEVOTIONS
Hebrews 12:1 speaks of Christians being surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses.” In your home devotion times this week, consider those people who have been faith witnesses to you and your family. Write their names on pieces of white card and cut them into cloud shapes. Make a mobile (use a coat hanger as a frame) to hang in your home as a reminder of these people. Thank God for them in your home prayer times.

SERVICE
Plan to surprise someone in your congregation who has encouraged you with a visit or gift. Prepare a bouquet of flowers or a plate of treats or organize a small celebration party. Share when and how this person has encouraged you and your family in following Jesus.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “get rid of everything that slows us down” from following Jesus. Join in a home ritual of repentance this week. Place a stone or rock on your table to symbolize things in your lives that keep you from living and acting the way Jesus wants you to (such as being rude or nasty to each other, lying about something you did or did not do, taking something that doesn’t belong to you, not helping others). Pass the rock around, with each person sharing something they would like to apologize to God for. When each person has had a turn, say this prayer:
Dear Jesus, please forgive us for those times when we don’t follow you.
Help us to fight against sin and to keep our eyes on you. Amen.
Then throw the rock away to symbolize God’s removal of your sins through Christ.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 12:49-56 Jesus the cause of division
Monday John 7:1-12 People divided about Jesus
Tuesday John 9:13-34 Pharisees divided on Jesus
Wednesday Acts 14:1-7 Division at Iconium
Thursday 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Paul writes about division
Friday Hebrews 10:23-28, 35-38 Persevere in the Lord
Saturday Psalm 35 Contend, O Lord
Sunday Luke 13:10-17 Jesus heals on the Sabbath

Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see.

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIRV)

A Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, you are our true treasure. Help us to put you first in our hearts this week. Amen.
(Luke 12:34)

Mealtime Prayer:
Food on our table. Grace in our lives. Praise in our hearts. Thank you, God! Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
May you have faith in God’s promises. May God’s faithful love rest on you and give you hope. Amen. (Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 33:22)

CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Share about a time when you had to wait for something.
• Jesus tells us to be always ready for him to return (Luke 12:35-40). What
can we do to be ready for him?
• How do you feel about Jesus’ returning? Do you think you are ready?

DEVOTIONS
In Genesis 15:1-6, we hear that God made a special covenant with Abraham, promising him as many descendants as there were stars in the sky! In your home devotion times this week, make up a list of the different promises that God has made to the people. For example, “God has promised to save us,” “God has promised us eternal life,” “God has promised to answer our prayers.” Write each one on a piece of yellow paper cut into a star shape. Place these on your walls or ceiling as a reminder of God’s love and grace.

SERVICE
Hebrews 11 lists people from the Bible who showed faith in God. Who have been examples of faith to you and your family? Write letters to these people, thanking them for their example.
One of the greatest gifts we can give to our children is deep and meaningful connections with other witnesses to the faith. Ask grandparents, aunts and uncles to share their own faith stories with your children. Read your children stories about historical figures of Christian faith, such as Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi and David Livingstone.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Jesus told his followers to wait for him like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding party. Gather a candle for each member of your household. When you sit down for meals this week, light the candles and say these words (from Luke 12:35):
Leader: Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning.
Response: For Jesus, our master, is coming.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 12:32-40 Seek treasures in heaven
Monday Luke 12:41-48 Parable of the servants
Tuesday Matthew 6:19-24 Store up heavenly treasures
Wednesday Matthew 19:16-26 The rich young man
Thursday Matthew 13:44-46 A parable about treasure
Friday Ecclesiastes 9:7-12 Wisdom for living
Saturday Proverbs 2:1-11 The treasure of wisdom
Sunday Luke 12:49-56 Jesus the cause of division

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:2 (NLT)

A Prayer for the Week:
O God, keep us from becoming greedy. Help us to see how rich we already are because of you. Amen. (Luke 12:15, 21)

Mealtime Prayer:
Give us grace, O God, to be ever-thankful for your goodness, and ever-willing to help others in need. Amen.

A Blessing to Give:
May Jesus fill you with life. May he help you to know and follow his ways, now and always. Amen. (Colossians 3:1-10)

CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What is your most treasured possession? Why?
• Jesus warned people about wanting to have more and more things.
He said that life is not made up of how much a person has (Luke 12:15).
What in life can’t we get from money or possessions?
• What does faith in Jesus give us that money can’t buy?

DEVOTIONS
As a home devotional activity, cut out and decorate credit card-sized cards featuring these words: “Seek after God and not things.” Place these in your purses or wallets as a reminder to prioritize faith in Christ over the buying, gathering and using of things.

SERVICE
Being “rich towards God” (Luke 12:21) means growing in generosity toward those who are in need. Decide together on a food item or recreational activity (such as DVD rentals or a movie outing) to forgo this week. Set aside the money saved to donate to a charity.

RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Giving consistently and regularly to God’s work in and through the church is a helpful practice for keeping a check on our accumulation of earthly things. Setting aside a portion of our income for church giving reminds us that God is the giver of all we have and puts God first. Talk together about how you determine your financial giving to the church and why it is important to give in this way. If family members (including children of all ages) do not give regularly, decide on a practice that will help them do so, such as setting aside money each Saturday night ready for Sunday morning.
Encourage children toward stewardship by teaching them about 1) giving – setting aside a portion of all monies received for God; 2) saving – to reach a goal, instead of instant gratification; and 3) spending – making wise purchasing decisions.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 12:13-21 Parable of the rich fool
Monday Deuteronomy 8:6-20 Warnings about forgetting God
Tuesday Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 Worldly riches are meaningless
Wednesday Isaiah 5:8-17 The greedy are doomed
Thursday Luke 12:22-31 Trust God, not material things
Friday 1 Timothy 6:6-11,17-19 Love of money
Saturday 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 David praises the Lord
Sunday Luke 12:32-40 Seek treasures in heaven