
The Work of Hope
Hope is a force of God that enlivens us to life. We can easily miss the Read More
Willie James Jennings | Read Mark 13:31
Nothing is permanent, and it is much easier to know this truth than to feel it. No one wants to feel the impermanence of life because that means feeling loss or experiencing collapse or watching something crumble that you thought would continue. Even when we can explain why someone did...
Gracious God, let your words take deep root in me today so my life has the stability only you can give, and my daily path has the peace and joy of an eternity that is already mine. Amen.
The readings from the Hebrew scriptures have a common theme: The people have sinned and turned away from God, and now they cry out for God to forgive them. Even though they have created the separation from God, the authors are confident that God will restore them. These images of longing for God are appropriate as we begin the season of Advent. Paul opens First Corinthians reminding the Christians in Corinth that they have been richly blessed by God with spiritual gifts to sustain and strengthen them as they wait for the coming of Christ. Again this week, the Gospel reading refers to the return of Christ, a day known only to God.
Read Isaiah 64:1-9. When have you treated God as a vending machine and held a grudge against God? What restored your faith or changed your perspective?Read Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19. When have you been frustrated by others’ praises of God’s blessings? When have you cried out to God, “Restore us”?Read 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. What spiritual gifts are you con- scious of having? What might your faith community look like if everyone employed their spiritual gifts?Read Mark 13:24-37. What is your job in the household of God? How do you stay alert?
Respond by posting a prayer.