Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

Week of August 3 August 8

Outside the Box - August 2

MONDAY: Mark 2:1-12 One forgives, but all praise
REFLECTION: What impact(s) do other peoples experiences of God have on your life?
Are you open for their healing, forgiveness and joy to permeate and expand your
understanding of and relationship to God in Christ?
PRAYER: Soften my heart, perk up my ears, open wide my eyes so that I may praise
God as others receive blessings.
TUESDAY: Mark 2:1-12 God in Christ forgives
REFLECTION: Admit your shortcomings. In your relationships with others, are you
quick to say, Sorry, or, I was wrong, forgive me? Compare your relationship with
humanity to your relationship with God. Is it different? If yes, how? Why?
PRAYER: I receive your forgiveness today and every day. As I receive your mercy, may
I also be your mercy to others.
WEDNESDAY: Mark 2:1-12 Plus 4
REFLECTION: One of my favorite strategies for leadership is that every leader has
a team of at least four. Those four will each eventually lead a team of four. In this
scripture, it was four men who carried the paralytic on a stretcher to Jesus. Are you
a leader? Do you have a team? Who is your Plus 4?
PRAYER: In our church, Lord, may we continue to grow new leaders that serve
you and build teams that execute ministry to bring more of our community in
relationship with you. When I am asked to serve, may I be ready to learn, serve and
grow.

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12 (CEB)

After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was
at home. So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the
door. Jesus was speaking the word to them. Some people arrived, and four of
them were bringing to him a man who was paralyzed. They couldnt carry him
through the crowd, so they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was.
When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed
man was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Child,
your sins are forgiven! Some legal experts were sitting there, muttering among
themselves, Why does he speak this way? Hes insulting God. Only the one God
can forgive sins. Jesus immediately recognized what they were discussing,
and he said to them, Why do you fill your minds with these questions? Which
is easierto say to a paralyzed person, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get
up, take up your bed, and walk? But so you will know that the Human One has
authority on the earth to forgive sinshe said to the man who was paralyzed,
Get up, take your mat, and go home. Jesus raised him up, and right away he
picked up his mat and walked out in front of everybody. They were all amazed
and praised God, saying, Weve never seen anything like this!
My Notes

THURSDAY: John 3:1-6 Confusion in the ranks

REFLECTION: Perhaps you are one who has lived the faith for some timehowever,
you question it. Nicodemus goes to Jesus at night (perhaps a little ashamed) seeking
clarity. You too, can go to Jesus with your questions.
PRAYER: Rabbi, I have some questions. There are things I do not understand. Thank
you for receiving my questions. I pray you provide me understanding to strengthen
my faith journey.
FRIDAY: John 3:7-16 So much so
REFLECTION: To what lengths do you show your love for the One you love most?
PRAYER: You love me so much so as to deliver me from __________, to love me in
spite of ____________, to give me a second chance at ____________, to send Jesus
just for me.
SATURDAY: John 3:16 Love song
REFLECTION: What part of the lyrics to the hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,
by Charles Wesley, captures Gods love for you? Pick a line, and let it minister to
you.
ACTION: Tell someone today about Gods love in your life.
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.