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November 10, 2020

Growing in Faith the Hard Way

Loretta Ross-Gotta   |   Read Psalm 123:1-4

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Lectionary Week
November 9–15, 2020
Scripture Overview

Like us, the Israelites struggle to be consistently faithful to God. God therefore allows a foreign king to rule them until the people come to their senses and cry out for help. The prophet Deborah gives instructions for the battle that will begin the deliverance of the people. The readings from Psalms and Zechariah demonstrate that this pattern of unfaithfulness and restoration has occurred frequently in the history of God’s people. In Thessalonians, Paul echoes what Jesus says in last week’s Gospel reading: We must always be prepared for the return of Christ because we do not know when it will occur. God gives us resources to use for the kingdom, and in Matthew Jesus indicates that God will ask for an account of how well we have used them.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Judges 4:1-7. Who has been a judge—someone who helps you discern—in your life? How can you help others discern the way?
Read Psalm 123. How do you focus on God through conflict and struggle?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. When have you encouraged someone in a time of darkness? When have you been the one in need of encouragement?
Read Matthew 25:14-30. What would change if you considered your dreams and desires as from God? What first step can you take to enact your desires?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 123:1-4

1 I raise my eyes to you you who rule heaven. 2 Just as the eyes of servants attend to their masters’ hand, just as the eyes of a female servant attend to her mistress’ hand that’s how our eyes attend to the LORD our God until he has mercy on us. 3 Have mercy on us, LORD! Have mercy because we’ve had more than enough shame. 4 We’ve had more than enough mockery from the self-confident, more than enough shame from the proud.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

What Are You Looking At?

You are still sitting on the steps. You hear the dryer buzz, but you can’t make yourself get up to go fold the laundry. You have gone over and over the problem. God has been silent. “It really isn’t my fault,” you tell the Lord....

Merciful God, help me lift my eyes from my predicament and frustrations to fix my attention wholly on you. You will not fail to bring me comfort and help. I will trust in you alone with all my heart and not rely solely on my own insight. Amen.


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