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