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All Part of the Story
On the flight home from a vacation out west, my seatmate asked me what I do Read More
Charlie Baber | Read Isaiah 1:1, 10-17
What a way to start a week! You’ve just poured your coffee and want some quiet time with the Lord and we give you this scripture to read. You’re just looking for some encouraging words to get you through the day, and instead you read that God is fed up,...
Merciful God, your love and grace extends to us all, even when we feel alone and forgotten. Forgive us where we have failed to seek justice. Open our eyes to see the worth of our neighbors, especially those most in need. Move our faith into action this week for your honor and glory. Amen.
The Hebrew scriptures act as the voice of God declaring that faith must align with behavior. To worship God without forming one’s life around justice is to bring empty and hypocritical words to the altar. While God delights in the praise of the people, God delights only when that praise is met with a life aimed at justice and mercy. The epistle reading harkens back to the heroes of old, whose faith in God’s promises led them to get up and follow. In the Gospel, we hear the words of Jesus giving us the kingdom of heaven now. We receive a call to readiness for whatever may come next.
:
• Read Isaiah 1:1, 10-20. Do you ever worry whether God really listens to your prayers? How do your prayers reflect your life lived in faith?
• Read Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23. Are there things in your life you’d prefer to keep hidden? What would it look like for God’s light to shine in your darkest corners?
• Read Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. How would you describe God’s promises? How do God’s promises motivate your actions?
• Read Luke 12:32-40. Do you ever find yourself aimlessly wandering through life? What steps could you take today to be more alert to God’s presence and love for you?
Respond by posting a prayer.
