August 2, 2019

Be the Gospel

DeVonna R. Allison | Read Colossians 3:1-11

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

July 29—August 4, 2019

Scripture Overview

Hosea relates a further message from God. Israel has repeatedly ignored God’s teachings, even though God continues to reach out with love and kindness. Although a just response would be wrath, God will respond instead with mercy to restore the people. The psalmist echoes this teaching about God’s enduring love. Although some have gone through periods of distress, when they call out to God, the Lord responds with steadfast love. We then explore guidance for the life of a Christian. In Colossians we read that we should focus on heavenly realities, not the physical world. Rather than pursuing our own pleasure, we should put on a new self and behave more like God desires. The parable that Jesus tells reinforces this point. We should focus on storing up heavenly treasures, not earthly ones.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Hosea 11:1-11. How have you suffered the consequences of turning away from God? How has God welcomed you back?
Read Psalm 107:1-9, 43. What stories of God’s goodness does your family tell to the next generations?
Read Colossians 3:1-11. How has Christ renewed you? How do you see Christ in others?
Read Luke 12:13-21. How has greed shown up in your life—as racism, wealth-mongering, or myths of scarcity? How do you combat greed in all its forms to live out of a mentality of abundance?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Pete had been a scary man. He trusted no one, and people avoided his gruff nature and angry face. No one knew Pete’s story; his deep anger stemmed from years of abuse he had suffered as a child. One day, Pete’s younger brother reached out to Pete with the message...

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Assess your life story in the light of the gospel today. What do your actions tell others about your life in Christ? You do not need to have experienced as dramatic a change as Pete did to have a story to tell.

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