Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

Week of September 7 September 12

Discovering Where We Are - September 6

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 Jesuss way will also bring suffering. One kind of
suffering is that of being an outsider and upside-down thinker when compared
to the worlds 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, selfcenteredness, 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.

Scripture: 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:

WEDNESDAY: Matthew 16:24-26 The meaning of life

REFLECTION: This passage speaks to a followers 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 Im proud to be maladjusted. He was
speaking of segregation and racism, among other things. This call is similar to
Pauls 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.