All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. Romans 3:23-24 (CEV)
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, what you say is true. Help me to hold tight to your words. Amen. (John 8:31-32)
Mealtime Prayer:
O God, please bless the food before us, the people beside us, and the world around us. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May the Lord Jesus set you free. May his words live in your mind and your heart, now and always. Amen. (John 8:36; Jeremiah 31:33)
CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What is something you feel strongly about?
• Martin Luther felt very strongly about God’s word being properly
preached and taught. Why is God’s word important?
• What part does God’s word play in your life?
DEVOTIONS
Use one or more of these suggestions for your home devotional times this week:
• The Reformation was sparked when Martin Luther posted 95 theses (or
statements) of belief on the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany
in 1517. Compose a numbered list of “we believe” statements for your
household. Attach the list to the front door of your home as your
Reformation statement.
• In 1521, Martin Luther was required to explain and defend his beliefs.
When asked to take back his words he said, “Here I stand. I can do no
other.” What is involved in taking a stand for Jesus? Use card stock to trace and cut out the footprints of family members. On each one, write these words, “Stand firm. Don’t let anything move you. Always give
yourselves completely to the work of the Lord” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Position the footprints on the floors of your house as reminders to stand
up for Jesus.
• Learn the words and tune of the classic Reformation hymn “A Mighty
Fortress is our God.”
SERVICE
Valuing God’s word means supporting and encouraging those who proclaim and teach it. Plan an act of service for your pastor, such as take him/her to dinner, buy him/her a movie ticket, offer to cut the grass or wash the car. Show genuine appreciate for his/her ministry.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
On Reformation Day (October 31), plan an alternative celebration to Halloween, such as:
• Dress up in red attire (the Reformation Day color). Instead of “trick and
treating,” visit neighbors to give them something symbolizing God’s
grace, such as a small plate of cookies.
• Play Reformation Day games, such as have a “mighty fortress” Lego
building contest; play “Hide the Heretic” (think Hide and Seek); play “Pin
the Theses on the Door” (think Pin the Tail); have a “Throw the Indulgence
in the Trash” relay. Invite friends and neighbors to join in. Hand out gummy worms as prizes.
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 John 8:31-36 God’s Word sets people free
Monday Isaiah 55:6-11 God’s Word achieves his purposes
Tuesday Romans 1:8-17 The gospel is the power of God
Wednesday Romans 15:1-7 The Scriptures give encouragement
Thursday Colossians 3:5-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you
Friday 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 The value of God’s word
Saturday Psalm 119:89-112 God’s word preserves life
Sunday Luke 19:1-10 Jesus visits Zacchaeus
No comments:
Post a Comment