Sunday Sermon

“Discovering Where We Are” - September 6Scripture: Matthew 16:24-26 (NRSV)Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? My Notes:

Growing Deeply Week of September 7 – September 12

a daily scripture guide

This week, consider using your Courage to Follow journal to write or draw your reflections.

MONDAY: Matthew 16:24-26 The way REFLECTION: Following in Jesus’s way will also bring suffering. One kind of suffering is that of being an outsider and upside-down thinker when compared to the world’s norms. How does that feel to you? PRAYER: Open my eyes to the suffering that will come when I choose to follow you. And when I suffer, may I remember I am not alone, for I have the church and your presence.

TUESDAY: Matthew 16:24-26 Uh oh – denial? REFLECTION: You mean I have to let some stuff go? Stuff like what? Greed, self-centeredness, my idea of success… PRAYER: As I discern what to lose in my life, I open myself to add more of you: more generosity, a focus on otherness, and a desire to build your reign on your earth.

WEDNESDAY: Matthew 16:24-26 The meaning of life REFLECTION: This passage speaks to a follower’s life. Life is about being led by Christ. Life is a process of taking on Christ-likeness now and living with Christ in eternity. What else does this passage say about life to you? PRAYER: I choose life in you, Jesus. Wherever I am, curious, convinced, or committed, may I take a step toward living life as you lead.

THURSDAY: Romans 12:1-2 An everyday offering REFLECTION: There was a time when I offered myself daily to God through a body prayer. Start with your head and ask God to renew your mind, for example. Then your eyes, to see with Godsight, your ears to overhear God sightings… Continue through out your body and pray for various parts as an offering to God. SONG: All to Jesus, I surrender. All to thee, I freely give. (Israel Houghton, video)

FRIDAY: Romans 12:1-2 Maladjusted REFLECTION: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “There are some things in our nation and in our world to which I’m proud to be maladjusted.” He was speaking of segregation and racism, among other things. This call is similar to Paul’s urging not to conform to the world. PRAYER: Show me where I can be a change agent rather than a conformist.

SATURDAY: Romans 12:1-2 Journal REFLECTION: Today, make some time to read the scripture slowly. ACTION: Free write or draw your thoughts/images in your journal.

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.