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Pastor’s Article 1
Bible Study 2
Theology of the Month 6
Worship Notes 7
Smith Article 8
Ministry News 8
Stephen Ministry 10
Daily Prayers 11
8/4 – 8/10 12 13
8/11 -8/17 17 18
8/18 – 8/24 23
8/25 – 8/31 28
Praying in Color 33
This issue of the St. John’s journal focuses
on discipleship. What do you think of
when you think about discipleship? In
short, discipleship is about relationship. It
is how we live with God in response to
the grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness
that God shows us in Jesus. This
relationship includes time that we spend
with God. It includes time that we spend
with fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.
It also includes time that we spend
joining God in God’s mission in our
neighborhoods.
This is a wide spectrum. But don’t let it
overwhelm you. You see, discipleship is
best thought of as a process. We grow in
it, but we never grow out of it. We will
never perfect our discipleship on this side
of the grave. Rather discipleship is
something that we pursue for our entire
lives. It never gets old. It never gets
boring. Discipleship is a wonderful gift
and blessing that our God gives to us.
Growing in our discipleship is a major
goal for us. In order to help facilitate that,
you have several resources available to
you. The Portals of Pray has daily
devotions and prayers that you can use.
This journal has been restructured to
help facilitate daily times of prayer and
reflection. If you don’t want to have
paper, you can find these resources
online. St. John’s uses the YouVersion
app. Our devotions are posted there
every week. This provides variety,
because the most important resource is
the one you will use.
This Fall, there will be an incredible
opportunity for growth in discipleship
through the Emotionally Healthy
Spirituality Course (EHS). I am very
excited to be offering this at St. John’s
beginning on Wednesday, September 4,
2019. Don’t let that title scare you. This is
a simple but profound course that is all
about discipleship and the way that we
live out our relationship with God. I want
to encourage you to be part of this
course and to be able to experience the
blessings that it offers.
Discipleship will be an important part of
the new chapter of life and ministry that
we are moving into at St. John’s. This
course gives us some great tools that we
can utilize in our own discipleship. These
tools are not unique to EHS. They have
been utilized throughout the history of
the church and have been a blessing to
God’s people for a very, very long time.
God bless us as we walk the road of this
journey.
2
Discipleship is simple. At the same time, it is deep enough that we are always able to grow and mature in
our discipleship. In this issue, we will look at three aspects of discipleship: prayer, fasting (understood as
spending time with God), and almsgiving.
Read Matthew 6:1. Jesus sets the stage. Notice that there is an expectation here that we will do these
things. Jesus doesn’t say, “If you do them.” He says, “When you do them.” Discipleship is something that
each of us is called to do and live. Why does Jesus give this warning about other people?
Read Matthew 6:5-13. These verses give instruction on praying. In prayer, we talk to God. The purpose
of prayer is not for us to show-off. What kinds of things does Jesus tell us to pray for? Why do you think
he directs us to pray for/about these things?
Praying is not just something that we do because we commanded to do it. God hears and delights in our
prayers. What are some obstacles that we face in prayer? Why is this case? What can we do to help
overcome those obstacles?
3
Read Matthew 6:16-18. These verses contain Jesus’ instructions about fasting. When we fast, we give up
something for a period of time. This is typically food, but it can be anything. The idea is the time that we
would spend with that thing, we instead spend with God. So, if we are not eating, we spend the time we
would have spent preparing and eating our meal with God instead. What does Jesus say in these verses
about fasting that can help us in how we think about the time we spend with God?
Read Psalm 27:4. What is being asked for here? Why do you think that is what is being asked for here?
Read Matthew 28:20. Jesus himself promised to be with us always. As we talk about spending time with
God, it is helpful to remember that he is always with us wherever we go. What does knowing this mean
for you as you think about the ways in which you spend time with God in your life?
Read Matthew 6:2-4. Almsgiving is the word that we use to describe giving to the poor. For the purpose
of this study, we are defining the word more broadly to include acts of love, kindness, and service. Why
is almsgiving an important part of our discipleship life? What advice does Jesus give us about doing this?
Why do you think he tells us to do it this way?
4
Read 1 John 4:7-11. What do these verses describe as the source of the love that we show through
almsgiving?
These verses do not talk about God’s love in an abstract way. They describe a very concrete example of
it. What is this example? What is the ultimate proof of God’s love for us?
How does this proof of God’s love move us to show love to others?
Why can this be a difficult thing for us to do? In what ways might we overcome it?
Read Ephesians 2:8-10. As we talk about and think about discipleship it is important to be careful that
we do not turn it into a legalistic thing. We want to grow in our discipleship. We want to encourage each
other to do this. This is a journey and process. Sometimes it will be easy. Sometimes it will be difficult.
But we want to be careful that we do not get so overwhelmed that we quit. How do these verses help us
to keep that perspective?
5
The life of discipleship comes in response to what God does for us. We do not live this out in order to
earn something from God. We live this out in response to what God has done for us. That makes all of
this a gift. How does the understanding of discipleship as a gift impact the way you think about your own
discipleship? What is something that you can do this month to help you grow in your own discipleship?
6 Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).
Lutheran’s are sometimes criticized for not
placing enough emphasis on the Holy Spirit.
While that may be the case in terms of our
practice, it is certainly not true of our theology.
The explanation to the third article of the creed
shows that to be the case. This article is all about
the Holy Spirit and the role that the Spirit has in
our lives and faith.
Notice that this explanation begins with the role
of the Spirit in the life of the individual Christian.
It moves from there to the rest of the church.
This is an important connection to remember.
Living out the Christian faith is not just
something that is experienced by individuals as
individuals; even though individuals experience
it. Rather, living out the Christian faith is
something that makes us part of and connects
us to the church.
All of this is the work of the Holy Spirit. That
faith that we have in our Savior Jesus is not the
result of our own reasoning or will power to
believe. No. This is the work of the Spirit. The
Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, sanctifies
(makes holy) and keeps us in the true faith.
This is an important distinction that provides
much hope, comfort, and strength. It does not
mean that we are passive in our faith and in
living out our faith. It does not mean that we
don’t experience our faith. Rather, what it
means is that our faith is not based on anything
that we do, but is rather the result of the work
of the Holy Spirit. We believe, we have saving
faith, because the Holy Spirit has called us by the
Gospel, enlightened us with His gifts, sanctifies
and keeps us in the truth. This is the same thing
that he does for all the church. Understanding
that this is the work of the Holy Spirit is a source
of hope, comfort, and strength because it leaves
no room for doubt or uncertainty. This is the
work of the Holy Spirit. God always does things
right. God never makes mistakes or misses a
detail. This is the work that has been done for
us. We can be confident about it.
Since this is the work of the Spirit, it also means
that the church is not ours. We do not make it.
We do not build it. We can not claim it as our
own. The church is created and led by the Holy
Spirit. The church is sent by the Spirit into the
world to join God in God’s mission.
It is in this church that sins are daily and richly
forgiven. With sins forgiven, we live in the hope
of resurrection and eternal life. On the last day,
the Holy Spirit will raise us and all believers and
give to us life that never ends. This is a good and
wonderful thing. And this is most certainly true.
The Third Article - SANCTIFICATION
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian
church, the communion of saints, the for-
giveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by
my own reason or strength believe in Jesus
Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy
Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened
me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the
true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers,
enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian
church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ
in the one true faith. In this Christian church He
daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins
of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me
and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and
all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.
7
The season of Ordinary time continues through
the month of August. This time is also known as
the Time of the Church. It is also referred to as
the Sundays after Pentecost. Don’t let the name
fool you. Just because it is called Ordinary Time,
that does not mean that there is anything wrong
with it. The season of Ordinary Time is a season
that focuses on the presence, action, and gifts of
God. He is present just as much as he is during
the other times of the year. He continues to
pour out his gifts, his love, and his grace, just as
he does during the other times of the year. The
Sundays of this season still remember and
celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and the life that
we have in him.
What makes this season “Ordinary” is that there
is no high feast celebration. During this season,
the church focuses on the teachings of Jesus.
During this season, the church focuses on living
our lives in accordance with those things. You
could say that this season is a very practical
season.
You will notice some differences in worship
during this season. This is accomplished by
changing which parts of the liturgy are used
from week to week. These Sundays will not use
the Kyrie (Lord, have mercy) or the Hymn of
Praise (This is the Feast). The Post-Communion
Canticle will be Thank the Lord.
During the Sundays of this season, you will see
this familiar icon on our bulletins. It captures the
idea that the Sundays of Ordinary Time are part
of the time of the church. The Lutheran
confessions define the church as the people of
God gathered together around word and
sacrament. The church is not a building or a
place, but it is the people of God. Therefore, the
time of the church is represented by a picture of
people gathered around word and sacrament.
The icon has an open spot in the circle. This is to
serve as a reminder that the church is to be
actively engaging with others and inviting them
to come and join the life that is lived together
around word and sacrament.
As you consider this great season, see that
empty spot in this icon as a reminder and
challenge to try to fill it. Who can you invite to
worship? Who can you bring to hear and
experience the love of God in Jesus?
8
By Tom Smith
The Gospel readings for the Seasons of Advent,
Lent and Pentecost this year are all from the
Gospel of Luke.
St. Luke was one of the four evangelists
(Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and was the
author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the
Apostles. These two books make up more than
a quarter of the text of the New Testament,
more than any other New Testament author
including (surprisingly) St. Paul! (We do not
know who wrote the Letter to the Hebrews, but
Luke is on the list of possibilities.) The books of
Luke and Acts were both addressed to the same
person and are sometimes considered to be two
volumes of one book (which some scholars call
“Luke-Acts”). Luke begins with the birth of
Christ and goes to the Ascension. Acts starts at
the Ascension.
We don’t know a lot about Luke’s life. He was
born in Antioch, a large and prosperous Greek
city in what is now modern Turkey. He was
probably from a wealthy Greek family, was well
educated and was a physician. We believe that
he was a Gentile by birth (meaning that he was
not Jewish), and, if that’s true, he would be the
only non-Jew to write any of the books in the
New Testament. We know nothing about his
conversion to Christianity.
Luke was a companion of Paul. He never met
Jesus and had no firsthand knowledge of the
events in his books. He probably used written
material from other writers of the time like
Matthew and Mark, and interviews from people
like Mary, Peter and some of the other disciples.
He traveled with Paul during parts of Paul’s
missionary journeys (he is mentioned by name
in Paul’s letters to the Colossians, Philemon and
Timothy, and though not by name, probably in
Second Corinthians) and Luke probably kept a
diary of his travels with Paul. Luke was with
Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome
where Paul spent at least two years under
house arrest. He was also with Paul during his
final imprisonment when everyone else
deserted Paul except for Luke. “Luke alone is
with me.” (2Ti4:11 ESV)
Scholars rank Luke among the top historians of
that time period. He had a great vocabulary
compared to the other New Testament writers,
his books were very accurate and included
precise details. Although never named, he may
have helped Paul write some of his letters,
especially when Paul was in prison. (Scholars
note similarities in the writing style of Luke and
some of Paul’s letters.)
The Catholic Church believes Luke to be the
patron saint of artists, physicians, bachelors,
surgeons, students and butchers.
Luke died at the age of 84. We believe that he
was martyred by being hanged from an olive
tree.
9
LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION
The theme of the recent National LWML Convention in
Mobile, Alabama was: “In Praise to the Lord!” based on the
Scriptures: ‘Sing to the Lord all the earth! Tell of his salvation
from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations.’ (I Chronicles 16:23-24a.) In one of the daily
convention newsletters, President Patti Ross wrote that, “To declare His glory among the nations is the
heart of who we are as Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM).”
On a day to day basis, it is easy in our own local LWM groups to lose sight of the bigger picture of who
(and Whose we are) and what we are really about. By logging onto lwml.org and clicking on the
headings, you can find many resources and supports for your own walk. While you are at it, go to the
heading, News and Events, and hit, Convention Central. Browse through the different topics and think
about all that is going on. Live Stream segments are still available of special events which you can enjoy,
including the Friday evening fantastic Sand Artist and Saturday evening, the outstanding college chorale,
Voices of Mobile. All of the clips demonstrate not only the magnitude of the work the Lord is doing
through our Mites and Mission Grants, but also, better help us grasp the “bigger picture” which is: There
are thousands of Sisters and Brothers in Christ who are working with LWML as we together, we offer our
hands, feet, hearts, and voices to glorify our Lord and Savior, and “ declare His Glory among the nations.”
10
As we experience the dog days of August with lots of heat and humidity, I want to remind people that relief is on the way. September is coming in a few weeks, and with it, promises of cooler weather.
Heat and humidity are 2 things that we can’t control. Problems in life are a lot like that as well. While we don’t have control over what happens to us, we can problem solve what to do about them. As the Coordinator of Stephen Ministry and one of its Stephen Leaders, I’m reaching out to you, the Congregation, for help for two reasons. We’re looking for people to train as Care Givers and people who need the help that those Care Givers can provide.
If you are looking for an opportunity to serve. Vickie, Peggy and I would like to talk to you. In October, we will be training our 8th class of Stephen Ministers! To date, we have 2 people who are willing to take this training. If you have a desire to help people through whatever has turned their world upside down, if you want to become equipped on how to become a better listener or learn how to be non-judgmental and confidential, we want you in this group.
Stephen Ministry is a 2 year commitment. Currently, we have 7 people on our team, 6 women and 1 man. The people in our group, have served at least 2 years, so they can opt to step back, which is why we need to train more people. This year, we had 3 Stephen Ministers step back for personal reasons. Also, in every care giving assignment, men only meet with men, and women only meet with women. Therefore, we need more men for our team! This past year, we were able to help 9 people to cope. Totally, the team gave out 280 hours of
care! That was only possible because we had Stephen Ministers available. What about you?
There will be a Ministry Awareness Sunday on September 15. Come by our table to find out what Stephen Ministry does. If you have any questions about Stephen Ministry, if you want to know how Stephen Ministry can help you or someone you love, and especially, if you want to be part of this lay, Christian Caring Ministry, please call me (Helen Morella @ 302-697-9382).
Finally, if you are someone who has had his/her world turned upside down in some way, or if you are lonely and would like a lay, Christian, caring friend, I hope that you too will call me to see if a Stephen Minister is available. Remember that we address 5 major areas of need: Crisis Care, After Crisis Care, Chronic Care, Preventative Care (Baby Blues, Depression are just 2 examples), and Care Giver Care (Care Givers need a listening ear too). Please check the church pew for our brochure that lists a longer list of care needs. Don’t fall through the cracks thinking that no one cares. We are trained in over 50 hours of caregiving skills. We are ready and willing to help you or someone who you love. Help yourself by calling Helen for a Stephen Minister who will bring a breath of cool air to these dog days of summer.
"Carry each other's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ". Galatians 6:2
11
Spend two minutes in silence before God.
Make the sign of the cross, in remembrance of your Baptism, and say:
In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Read the Scripture reading.
Share and reflect on the day’s reflection questions
Read the Catechism reading.
Share and reflect the day’s reflection questions
Share and reflect on God’s Action in your day.
Pray the prayers for the week.
Pray the prayer of the season.
Loving and Gracious God, you have gathered us together to be your people in this
world. You give us your Holy Spirit, your word, and the sacraments. Through these
things, transform our lives, so that they would always show your love and forgiveness
and grace. Amen.
Pray together the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Pray together the Jesus Creed
Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your
God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all your mind, with all of
your strength. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Amen.
12
Say together the Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the
Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the
dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Al-
mighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life + ever-
lasting. Amen.
Pray Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer
Morning Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You
have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me
this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For
into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy an-
gel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Evening Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You
have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins
where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I com-
mend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the
evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Bless one another by making the sign of the cross on each other’s forehead and
saying:
[Name], + child of God, Jesus bless you and keep you safe today.
Say together, and then go to your day (or to sleep).
Go in peace, serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Close with a time of silence before God.
13
August 4, 2019 – August 10, 2019 Scripture Reading Luke 12:13-21 (ESV)
Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take
care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance
of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully,
and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will
do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my
goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink,
be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have
prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward
God.”
Catechism Reading The Ten Commandments—The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).
14
Scripture Reflections
Monday
What is God saying to me in these verses?
Tuesday
What do these verses tell me about Jesus?
Wednesday
Where do I see God doing amazing things in these verses?
Thursday
In what ways is God asking me to change through these verses?
Friday
In what ways is God asking me to share his love with others?
Saturday
How can theses verse help me prepare my heart for worship?
15
Catechism Reflection
Monday
What is something that this reading teaches us?
Tuesday
What is something related to this reading, for which we can give thanks?
Wednesday
What is something that this reading encourages us to do better? (If we need to ask forgiveness, be
sure to do that).
Thursday
What is something that this reading encourages us to pray for?
Friday
What is something that this reading tells us about living as God’s people in this world?
16
God Action Reflection
Answer the following questions each day. What was something good that happened today? (↑)
What was something not so good that happened today? (↓) Where did I see God’s presence or action
today? (†) What am I thankful for today? ()
Monday
↑
↓
†
Tuesday
↑
↓
†
Wednesday
↑
↓
†
Thursday
↑
↓
†
Friday
↑
↓
†
Saturday
↑
↓
†
17
Weekly Prayers
Lord, this week I am thankful for…
Lord, please have mercy on the people in my life. Especially, this week I pray for my…
Family…
Friends…
Neighbors…
Enemies…
God, please help me with…
Lord, you are…
18
August 11, 2019 – August 17, 2019 Scripture Reading
Luke 12:22–34
22[Jesus] said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will
eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than
clothing. 24Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn,
and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And which of you by
being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26If then you are not able to do as small a
thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither
toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28But if
God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how
much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not seek what you are to eat and what
you are to drink, nor be worried. 30For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your
Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to
you.
32“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your pos-
sessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a
treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34For
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Catechism Reading The Ten Commandments—The Second Commandment
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts,
lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).
19
Scripture Reflections
Monday
What is God saying to me in these verses?
Tuesday
What do these verses tell me about Jesus?
Wednesday
Where do I see God doing amazing things in these verses?
Thursday
In what ways is God asking me to change through these verses?
Friday
In what ways is God asking me to share his love with others?
Saturday
How can theses verse help me prepare my heart for worship?
20
Catechism Reflection
Monday
What is something that this reading teaches us?
Tuesday
What is something related to this reading, for which we can give thanks?
Wednesday
What is something that this reading encourages us to do better? (If we need to ask forgiveness, be
sure to do that).
Thursday
What is something that this reading encourages us to pray for?
Friday
What is something that this reading tells us about living as God’s people in this world?
21
God Action Reflection
Answer the following questions each day. What was something good that happened today? (↑)
What was something not so good that happened today? (↓) Where did I see God’s presence or action
today? (†) What am I thankful for today? ()
Monday
↑
↓
†
Tuesday
↑
↓
†
Wednesday
↑
↓
†
Thursday
↑
↓
†
Friday
↑
↓
†
Saturday
↑
↓
†
22
Weekly Prayers
Lord, this week I am thankful for…
Lord, please have mercy on the people in my life. Especially, this week I pray for my…
Family…
Friends…
Neighbors…
Enemies…
God, please help me with…
Lord, you are…
23
August 18, 2019 – August 24, 2019 Scripture Reading Luke 12:49–56
49[Jesus said:] “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50I have a
baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51Do you think
that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52For from now on in one
house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, fa-
ther against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, moth-
er-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
54He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is
coming.’ And so it happens. 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be
scorching heat,’ and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of
earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
Catechism Reading The Ten Commandments—The Third Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His
Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.
Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).
24
Scripture Reflections
Monday
What is God saying to me in these verses?
Tuesday
What do these verses tell me about Jesus?
Wednesday
Where do I see God doing amazing things in these verses?
Thursday
In what ways is God asking me to change through these verses?
Friday
In what ways is God asking me to share his love with others?
Saturday
How can theses verse help me prepare my heart for worship?
25
Catechism Reflection
Monday
What is something that this reading teaches us?
Tuesday
What is something related to this reading, for which we can give thanks?
Wednesday
What is something that this reading encourages us to do better? (If we need to ask forgiveness, be
sure to do that).
Thursday
What is something that this reading encourages us to pray for?
Friday
What is something that this reading tells us about living as God’s people in this world?
26
God Action Reflection
Answer the following questions each day. What was something good that happened today? (↑)
What was something not so good that happened today? (↓) Where did I see God’s presence or action
today? (†) What am I thankful for today? ()
Monday
↑
↓
†
Tuesday
↑
↓
†
Wednesday
↑
↓
†
Thursday
↑
↓
†
Friday
↑
↓
†
Saturday
↑
↓
†
27
Weekly Prayers
Lord, this week I am thankful for…
Lord, please have mercy on the people in my life. Especially, this week I pray for my…
Family…
Friends…
Neighbors…
Enemies…
God, please help me with…
Lord, you are…
28
August 25, 2019 – August 31, 2019 Scripture Reading Luke 13:22–30
22[Jesus] went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusa-
lem. 23And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to
them, 24“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not
be able. 25When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand
outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know
where you come from.’ 26Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you
taught in our streets.’ 27But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from
me, all you workers of evil!’ 28In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you
see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast
out. 29And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in
the kingdom of God. 30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be
last.”
Catechism Reading The Ten Commandments—The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents
and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).
29
Scripture Reflections
Monday
What is God saying to me in these verses?
Tuesday
What do these verses tell me about Jesus?
Wednesday
Where do I see God doing amazing things in these verses?
Thursday
In what ways is God asking me to change through these verses?
Friday
In what ways is God asking me to share his love with others?
Saturday
How can theses verse help me prepare my heart for worship?
30
Catechism Reflection
Monday
What is something that this reading teaches us?
Tuesday
What is something related to this reading, for which we can give thanks?
Wednesday
What is something that this reading encourages us to do better? (If we need to ask forgiveness, be
sure to do that).
Thursday
What is something that this reading encourages us to pray for?
Friday
What is something that this reading tells us about living as God’s people in this world?
31
God Action Reflection
Answer the following questions each day. What was something good that happened today? (↑)
What was something not so good that happened today? (↓) Where did I see God’s presence or action
today? (†) What am I thankful for today? ()
Monday
↑
↓
†
Tuesday
↑
↓
†
Wednesday
↑
↓
†
Thursday
↑
↓
†
Friday
↑
↓
†
Saturday
↑
↓
†
32
Weekly Prayers
Lord, this week I am thankful for…
Lord, please have mercy on the people in my life. Especially, this week I pray for my…
Family…
Friends…
Neighbors…
Enemies…
God, please help me with…
Lord, you are…
33 Picture from Praying in color. https://prayingincolor.com/handouts
34
Use the image on the previous page to write prayers in and around and/or color as
you pray for yourself, loved ones, the Prayer Requests and the ministry of St. John’s.
35
WHEN: Wednesdays—6:30 pm. Starting Sept. 4, 2019
WHERE: Meets in the Church basement (113 Lotus St.)
COST:$30 (covers the materials for the course)
36
Family Bible Camp
August 13—16, 2019
6:30 pm—8:00 pm
All are Welcome on This Journey