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November 10, 2023

Building Culture

Keller Hawkins   |   Read Psalm 78:5-7

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Lectionary Week
November 6–12, 2023
Scripture Overview

Although God miraculously has brought the Israelites into the Promised Land, some continue to worship foreign gods. Joshua tells them that they must choose whom they will serve and warns of the dangers of unfaithfulness. After they declare that they will follow God, Joshua reminds them of the laws given by God. The psalmist affirms the importance of this kind of reminder; telling the story of God’s faithfulness in the past encourages us in the present. The New Testament readings address Christ’s return. The Thessalonians are concerned that those who have died might miss the final resurrection, but Paul assures them that this will not be the case. Jesus tells a parable to highlight the fact that his return will be unexpected, so we should always be ready.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25. We are prone to wander. When have you failed to keep promises you have made to God?Read Psalm 78:1-7. How do you put your hope in God? What are you doing to awaken faith in the next generation?Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. How does the promise of the “coming of the Lord” provide hope when present authorities seem to have a stranglehold? How does the notion that the coming Lord will hold us all accountable encourage you?Read Matthew 25:1-13. How do you daily choose your faith? How do you keep awake?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 78:5-7

5 He established a law for Jacob and set up Instruction for Israel, ordering our ancestors to teach them to their children. 6 This is so that the next generation and children not yet born will know these things, and so they can rise up and tell their children 7 to put their hope in God never forgetting God’s deeds, but keeping God’s commandments

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

In college, I became enamored of learning our old family recipes. I would go to my Nana’s house each break and learn to make one of our family’s signature dishes. As is true with many old family recipes, there wasn’t really a recipe. The cooks who made them over time...

God of wisdom, guide us to build cultures we are proud to pass on in your name. Amen.


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