Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

Week of August 31 September 5

MONDAY: Romans 12:6-17 Fill up

REFLECTION: The warning is to not fatigue while caring for and loving those in need.
In society today, we speak of this as compassion fatigue. One way to counter this is by
filling up on those people and things that revive you.
ACTION: Do you know what/who fuels you, fills you up? Make a list; then plan to do or
be with those who pour into your being.
TUESDAY: Romans 12:6-17 A take over!
REFLECTION: I have taken over before. I was supposed to be helping, but before I knew
it, I was in charge. No one elected me, but my I-know-what-Im-doing attitude shut out
those whom I was supposed to serve. Can you think of a time when you took over when
you were there simply to help?
PRAYER: Oops! Center me in your love, Jesus, so that the help I offer is from my heart
and not from my pride.
WEDNESDAY: Romans 12:6-17 Really mean it!
REFLECTION: Blessing enemiesoh no! While we can say, God bless you, the scripture calls
us out saying, No cursing under your breath. Practice saying blessings until you mean it.
PRAYER: Jesus, I pray blessings on (insert name) today and everyday.
THURSDAY: Matthew 16:24-26 A choice invitation (part 1)
REFLECTION: Jesus invites us to follow him. To be part of life with him now and forever. That
alone is to be celebrated. Jesus includes us in his work, life and joy. What an invitation!
PRAYER: Continue cultivating a yes spirit in meto say yes to the daily invitation to
follow you in word and deed.

Why Missouri United Methodist Church? - August 30

Scripture: Romans 12:6-17 (MSG)

If you preach, just preach Gods Message, nothing else; if you help, just help,
dont take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging
guidance, be careful that you dont get bossy; if youre put in charge, dont
manipulate; if youre called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes
open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, dont let
yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your
face. Love from the center of who you are; dont fake it. Run for dear life from
evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice
playing second fiddle. Dont burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be
alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Dont quit in hard times;
pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless
your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends
when theyre happy; share tears when theyre down. Get along with each
other; dont be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; dont be the great
somebody. Dont hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If youve got it in you,
get along with everybody.

My Notes:

FRIDAY: Matthew 16:24-26 A choice invitation (part 2)

REFLECTION: We get to choose. We can say yes or no or maybe someday. Jesus gives us
a choice. Thankfully, the invitation doesnt expire. Though we may have said no before,
theres still opportunity to say yes.
PRAYER: Yes, Lord!
SATURDAY: Matthew 16:24-26 The cost (from Dietrich Bonhoeffers The Cost of Discipleship)
REFLECTION: Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again and
again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace
is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus
Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man
the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies
the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: Ye were bought
at a price, and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace
because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered
him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.
PRAYER: Thank you for your son, Jesus Christ and his life, death, resurrection and
invitation to follow.
Read or subscribe to the full weekly Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.

Read or subscribe to the full weekly

Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.