Sunday Sermon

Growing Deeply

a daily scripture guide for Advent

Week of December 7-12

MONDAY: Isaiah 61:1-4 Restoration is coming

REFLECTION: The prophet prepares the people for rebuilding and restoration.
What is it like to hear the words of what is to come in the face of devastation?
PRAYER: Im holding on to hope. My present does not dictate my future. Thank
you for coming, King.
TUESDAY: Isaiah 61:1-4 The mourners this season
REFLECTION: All the tinsel and bling can be way too much this time of year
especially for those who grieve the loss of a loved one. Acknowledging that pain,
grieve with those who grieve while expecting Gods comfort.
PRAY: Come Lord Jesus, come. Come into the sorrowful places, and bring your peace.
WEDNESDAY: Isaiah 61:1-4 The city
REFLECTION: Cities across the nation and world have experienced such
devastation and death. Its hard to comprehend and yet, we hear the words of
the prophet that rebuilding will be at hand.
PRAYER: Lord, come and rebuild the hearts of the people in the cities such that
love, respect and unity reign supreme.
THURSDAY: Matthew 1:18-22 Joseph, a good man
REFLECTION: Do you ever think about Joseph in this story? What kind of man
was he to: 1. Decide to divorce Mary, quietly preserving her dignity? 2. To have
his mind changed by a messenger?
PRAYER: Its so easy to dismiss Joseph and other men like him. Lord, I pray for
the men who quietly, but diligently love, hear and respond to you.
FRIDAY: Matthew 1:18-22 Angel interruptions
REFLECTION: I used to display a sign that said, Those who say it cant be
done should not interrupt the person doing it. Its kind of a snarly comment.
I took the sign down because I began to discover that interruptions often were
blessings, opportunities and even playful. The angel interrupts Josephs plans.
What do you do with interruptions?
ACTION: Today take time to savor the interruptions that will come instead of
shooing them off quickly.
SATURDAY: Matthew 1:18-22 Jesus
REFLECTION: He shall be called Jesus because he will the save the people.
Think for a moment: What you have been saved from? What are you desiring to
be saved from?
PRAYER: Offer a prayer of thanksgiving from your heart.
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Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.

Eyes of Hope - December 6

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4 (NRSV)
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lords favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
to provide for those who mourn in Zion
to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
They shall build up the ancient ruins,
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.

My Notes:

Read or subscribe to the full weekly

Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.