SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Matthew 5:43-44 (CEV)
SAY, PRAY AND BLESS:
A Prayer for the Week:
Jesus, thank you that your love for us never fails. Help us to show love to others today, even when they hurt us. Amen.
Mealtime Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank you for your loving care. Be with us as this meal we share. May your love be known everywhere. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May the Spirit of God live in you. May the Spirit fill you with God’s love and God’s wisdom. Amen. (1 Corinthians 3:16-20)
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• When do you find it easy to show love? When is it hard to show love?
• Jesus tells us that we should not only love those who love us, but love
those who treat us badly and pray for them. How can we show love for
our “enemies?”
• How does Jesus show love for those who don’t love him?
DEVOTIONS
In our world today, there are many people who actively oppose the Christian faith, sometimes with violence and acts of terror. Jesus commands us not to repay evil with evil, but to love our enemies and pray for them. In your home devotion times this week, pray for opponents of the Christian faith. Ask God to bless them with good things and to give them a new heart and new spirit. Ask God to help you see them through his eyes, and to teach you how to love them.
SERVICE
In Leviticus 19:9-10, God asked the Israelites to be generous to poor people and to the foreigners who were living among them. When they harvested their crops, they were to leave behind some of the produce for these people to collect. Discuss how your household might better share God’s blessings with the poor in your community. For example, could you purchase an extra food item or two when grocery shopping to donate to a local charity that helps the poor?
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Intentional quality time together is a very important building block for a healthy household. Regular household outings are one way of providing time, space and the means for household members to maintain and develop their relationships with one another. With foresight and planning, household outings can also have spiritual elements that help foster your relationships with God. For a household outing this week, search out old buildings in your community. Look for foundation stones that indicate when they were constructed. As you go, talk about what it means to have Jesus Christ as the foundation for your lives (1 Corinthians 3:11).
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 Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus teaches about love
Monday Exodus 22:21-27 Compassion for neighbors
Tuesday Proverbs 3:27-35 Showing good to neighbors
Wednesday Matthew 7:1-5, 9-12 The Golden Rule
Thursday Luke 6:27-36 Be merciful as God is merciful
Friday Romans 12:9-21 Caring for the enemy
Saturday Proverbs 16:1-8 Living God’s way
Sunday Matthew 17:1-9 Jesus shines on a mountain
Monday, February 24, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
God’s way is the best way to live.
SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
“Choose life! Be completely faithful to the Lord your God, love God, and do whatever the Lord tells you.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (CEV)
SAY, PRAY AND BLESS:
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord, help us to grow in our faith, so that our beliefs are matched by our actions. Amen. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for this day of life, for food to eat and gifts to use. May your commands we treasure and your ways we choose. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God be the center of your life. May you be filled with love and listen to God’s voice. Amen. (Deuteronomy 30:20)
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Is it good or bad to have rules and laws? Explain your answer.
• Why does God give us laws to follow?
• How do we benefit when we follow God’s commands or laws?
DEVOTIONS
Jesus says that if we know that someone is upset or angry with us, we should deal with it as soon as we can by going and sorting things out with them. Often this may involve listening, confessing, apologizing and forgiving. In your home devotional times this week, talk about how your household deals with conflict. Set some ground rules for peaceful conversation, and invite household members to share with one another any hurts or grievances they have. Pray for God’s help to deal with your conflicts in healthier ways.
SERVICE
Without law and order in society, our lives would be absolute chaos. Law and order are good gifts from God to us. Plan an “appreciation visit” to your local police station. Prepare cookies or other treats to give to police officers as a thank you for their services to your household and community. Pray for God’s ongoing protection and blessings for them.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
In 1 Corinthians 3:1-7, Paul talks to the Christians in Corinth about their spiritual growth. It was God’s plan for them to grow in understanding and practice of the Christian faith—and God has the same hope and desire for us. Plan a household retreat time to talk about your spiritual growth. Discuss the things that have helped you grow spiritually in the past, where you feel you are now in your spiritual lives, and actions you can take to help you grow spiritually in the coming year. Pray for God’s help and guidance. Keep a record of your conversation, and place a list of any resolutions you have made in a prominent place in your home. Make this exercise an annual event for your household.
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 Matthew 5:21-37 Teachings of Jesus
Monday James 4:7-12 Do not slander one another
Tuesday Matthew 18:15-20 Responding when sinned against
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Lawsuits among believers
Thursday Matthew 19:1-9 Jesus teaches about divorce
Friday James 5:7-12 Do not swear
Saturday Psalm 37:10-17 The wicked and the righteous
Sunday Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus teaches about love
“Choose life! Be completely faithful to the Lord your God, love God, and do whatever the Lord tells you.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (CEV)
SAY, PRAY AND BLESS:
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord, help us to grow in our faith, so that our beliefs are matched by our actions. Amen. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for this day of life, for food to eat and gifts to use. May your commands we treasure and your ways we choose. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God be the center of your life. May you be filled with love and listen to God’s voice. Amen. (Deuteronomy 30:20)
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Is it good or bad to have rules and laws? Explain your answer.
• Why does God give us laws to follow?
• How do we benefit when we follow God’s commands or laws?
DEVOTIONS
Jesus says that if we know that someone is upset or angry with us, we should deal with it as soon as we can by going and sorting things out with them. Often this may involve listening, confessing, apologizing and forgiving. In your home devotional times this week, talk about how your household deals with conflict. Set some ground rules for peaceful conversation, and invite household members to share with one another any hurts or grievances they have. Pray for God’s help to deal with your conflicts in healthier ways.
SERVICE
Without law and order in society, our lives would be absolute chaos. Law and order are good gifts from God to us. Plan an “appreciation visit” to your local police station. Prepare cookies or other treats to give to police officers as a thank you for their services to your household and community. Pray for God’s ongoing protection and blessings for them.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
In 1 Corinthians 3:1-7, Paul talks to the Christians in Corinth about their spiritual growth. It was God’s plan for them to grow in understanding and practice of the Christian faith—and God has the same hope and desire for us. Plan a household retreat time to talk about your spiritual growth. Discuss the things that have helped you grow spiritually in the past, where you feel you are now in your spiritual lives, and actions you can take to help you grow spiritually in the coming year. Pray for God’s help and guidance. Keep a record of your conversation, and place a list of any resolutions you have made in a prominent place in your home. Make this exercise an annual event for your household.
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 Matthew 5:21-37 Teachings of Jesus
Monday James 4:7-12 Do not slander one another
Tuesday Matthew 18:15-20 Responding when sinned against
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Lawsuits among believers
Thursday Matthew 19:1-9 Jesus teaches about divorce
Friday James 5:7-12 Do not swear
Saturday Psalm 37:10-17 The wicked and the righteous
Sunday Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus teaches about love
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Jesus calls us to live as salt and as light for him.
“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (CEV)
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord God, be our light when darkness surrounds us. Shine over us, in us, and through us. Amen. (Psalm 112:4)
Mealtime Prayer:
Jesus our Savior, thank you for this food, so full of flavor. Jesus our Light, may we shine for you, with love so bright. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God’s love shine through you, so that others see God’s goodness and offer praise to the Lord. Amen.
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What is your favorite salty food?
• Jesus calls his followers the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). What do
you think he means by this?
• Like salt flavors food, Christians “flavor” the lives of others by the way
we live. Share some examples from your own experience.
DEVOTIONS
Share some salty foods during your home devotional times this week (e.g. salted potato chips). As you snack, discuss ways in which other Christians have “flavored” your lives with the love of Jesus, and ways in which you can flavor the lives of others (look up Isaiah 58:6-7,9b-10 for some ideas). Pour some salt into small containers to carry with you during the week as a reminder to be salty for Jesus!
SERVICE
In 1 Corinthians 2:3, the apostle Paul says that when he first visited the Christians in Corinth he came in “weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” Pastors and other church workers may seem composed on the outside, but often they feel inadequate in their work. Write a note of encouragement to your pastor or a staff member of your church. Let them know that you appreciate them, and tell them how God is using them as a light in your lives.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Find a candle for each member of your household. Finish your mealtimes this week with a brief candle lighting ritual. Light one another’s candles in turn either by using matches or passing a flame from candle to candle. As each person’s candle is lit, have other household members say to them this week’s Blessing to Give: “May God’s love shine through you, so that others see God’s goodness and offer praise to the Lord. Amen.” As an additional reminder to do good for Jesus this week, set up piles of salt to mark the path from the front door of your home out into the wider world.
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 Matthew 5:13-20 Salt and light
Monday 2 Kings 2:19-22 A miracle involving salt
Tuesday Mark 9:42-50 Have salt in yourselves
Wednesday Colossians 4:2-6 Conversation seasoned with salt
Thursday Ephesians 5:3-14 You are light in the Lord
Friday 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 You are children of the light
Saturday Psalm 36:5-9 In your light we see light
Sunday Matthew 5:21-37 Teachings of Jesus
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord God, be our light when darkness surrounds us. Shine over us, in us, and through us. Amen. (Psalm 112:4)
Mealtime Prayer:
Jesus our Savior, thank you for this food, so full of flavor. Jesus our Light, may we shine for you, with love so bright. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God’s love shine through you, so that others see God’s goodness and offer praise to the Lord. Amen.
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• What is your favorite salty food?
• Jesus calls his followers the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). What do
you think he means by this?
• Like salt flavors food, Christians “flavor” the lives of others by the way
we live. Share some examples from your own experience.
DEVOTIONS
Share some salty foods during your home devotional times this week (e.g. salted potato chips). As you snack, discuss ways in which other Christians have “flavored” your lives with the love of Jesus, and ways in which you can flavor the lives of others (look up Isaiah 58:6-7,9b-10 for some ideas). Pour some salt into small containers to carry with you during the week as a reminder to be salty for Jesus!
SERVICE
In 1 Corinthians 2:3, the apostle Paul says that when he first visited the Christians in Corinth he came in “weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” Pastors and other church workers may seem composed on the outside, but often they feel inadequate in their work. Write a note of encouragement to your pastor or a staff member of your church. Let them know that you appreciate them, and tell them how God is using them as a light in your lives.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
Find a candle for each member of your household. Finish your mealtimes this week with a brief candle lighting ritual. Light one another’s candles in turn either by using matches or passing a flame from candle to candle. As each person’s candle is lit, have other household members say to them this week’s Blessing to Give: “May God’s love shine through you, so that others see God’s goodness and offer praise to the Lord. Amen.” As an additional reminder to do good for Jesus this week, set up piles of salt to mark the path from the front door of your home out into the wider world.
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 Matthew 5:13-20 Salt and light
Monday 2 Kings 2:19-22 A miracle involving salt
Tuesday Mark 9:42-50 Have salt in yourselves
Wednesday Colossians 4:2-6 Conversation seasoned with salt
Thursday Ephesians 5:3-14 You are light in the Lord
Friday 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 You are children of the light
Saturday Psalm 36:5-9 In your light we see light
Sunday Matthew 5:21-37 Teachings of Jesus
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Jesus is a light for all people.
“I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:30-32 (NLT)
A Prayer for the Week:
Jesus, please light our way today. Shine your love and grace on us. Amen.
Mealtime Prayer:
Blessed are you, O God, creator of light, giver of life, and savior of nations. All glory to you! Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God bless you with peace, light your way, and open your eyes to see his love. Amen. (Luke 2:29-31)
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Share stories from your early childhood.
• When Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the temple, they were
met by Simeon and Anna. What did Simeon and Anna say and do? How
do you think Mary and Joseph felt?
• What elderly people have encouraged you in your Christian faith
through their words or actions?
DEVOTIONS
Luke 2:40 tells us that “the child, Jesus, grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom and was blessed by God’s grace.” In your home devotion times this week, make body figures out of modeling clay. As you do, talk about what it means to grow in body, mind and spirit as a child of God. How does God want us to use our bodies and minds? What does it mean to be “blessed by God’s grace” as we grow? Say a prayer of thanks to God for all the ways we grow.
SERVICE
Plan an act of service to support or encourage a parent or parents of young children in your congregation or neighborhood. For example, prepare a meal for their household or provide childcare for them.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
February 2nd has long been celebrated as “Candlemas” by Christians. When the infant Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph, Simeon called him “a light to reveal God to the nations.” Before electricity was discovered, homes were lit with candles. Traditionally, Christians brought their candles to church on this day to be blessed. Gather all the candles in your home in one room and light them from one central candle. Place one in each window and others around your home. (Make sure to be safe and watch them carefully!) Turn off other lights. Say together the “Scripture Verse for this Week,” and say a prayer of thanks to Jesus for coming as the light of
the world.
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 2:22-40 Jesus is presented in the temple
Monday Isaiah 42:1-7 The servant of the Lord
Tuesday Isaiah 49:5-7 A light for the Gentiles
Wednesday Acts 13:42-48 Gentiles hear and believe
Thursday Acts 26:12-23 Paul speaks about the light of Jesus
Friday John 1:14 Jesus is the glory of God
Saturday Psalm 98 God’s salvation is seen
Sunday Matthew 5:13-20 Salt and light
A Prayer for the Week:
Jesus, please light our way today. Shine your love and grace on us. Amen.
Mealtime Prayer:
Blessed are you, O God, creator of light, giver of life, and savior of nations. All glory to you! Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God bless you with peace, light your way, and open your eyes to see his love. Amen. (Luke 2:29-31)
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Share stories from your early childhood.
• When Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the temple, they were
met by Simeon and Anna. What did Simeon and Anna say and do? How
do you think Mary and Joseph felt?
• What elderly people have encouraged you in your Christian faith
through their words or actions?
DEVOTIONS
Luke 2:40 tells us that “the child, Jesus, grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom and was blessed by God’s grace.” In your home devotion times this week, make body figures out of modeling clay. As you do, talk about what it means to grow in body, mind and spirit as a child of God. How does God want us to use our bodies and minds? What does it mean to be “blessed by God’s grace” as we grow? Say a prayer of thanks to God for all the ways we grow.
SERVICE
Plan an act of service to support or encourage a parent or parents of young children in your congregation or neighborhood. For example, prepare a meal for their household or provide childcare for them.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
February 2nd has long been celebrated as “Candlemas” by Christians. When the infant Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph, Simeon called him “a light to reveal God to the nations.” Before electricity was discovered, homes were lit with candles. Traditionally, Christians brought their candles to church on this day to be blessed. Gather all the candles in your home in one room and light them from one central candle. Place one in each window and others around your home. (Make sure to be safe and watch them carefully!) Turn off other lights. Say together the “Scripture Verse for this Week,” and say a prayer of thanks to Jesus for coming as the light of
the world.
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 2:22-40 Jesus is presented in the temple
Monday Isaiah 42:1-7 The servant of the Lord
Tuesday Isaiah 49:5-7 A light for the Gentiles
Wednesday Acts 13:42-48 Gentiles hear and believe
Thursday Acts 26:12-23 Paul speaks about the light of Jesus
Friday John 1:14 Jesus is the glory of God
Saturday Psalm 98 God’s salvation is seen
Sunday Matthew 5:13-20 Salt and light
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