Month: November 2022

Sunday, November 27th Readings)

1st Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Be still.

Wait.

Breathe.

Wait.

Relax.

Wait.

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 2:1-5

  • What does “world peace” look like to you? How would you change things in order to have “world peace”.
  • What does the phrase, “beat your swords into plowshares” mean to you? What does this tell you to do? 

Romans 13:11-14

  • Are there places of darkness in your life? Identify them and make an action plan on how you will shed God’s light into the situation, problem or feeling.
  • God is the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You can look back on his arrival, and look forward to his coming again, where do you find God in your present?

Matthew 24:37-44

  • How can you make God more welcome in your daily life?
  • How does God come to you each day? Identify as many as you can and praise God for blessing you.

General Questions for Journaling

  • If you used a mountain as a metaphor for your faith, where on the mountain might you be on your journey to Christ? Draw a picture and identify all of the moments on your faith journey where you have encountered God.  
  • How high do you think the highest mountain is? What would it take to get to the top?
  • Are there special skills you have which would help you survive a long journey? Are there any skills you wish you had?
  • How does God instruct you? What makes you sure God is leading you down the right path?
  • What does peace look like? What does peace feel like?
  • Children are sometimes rewarded for waiting, reflect on how that translates into your waiting as an adult. 
  • How do you view waiting? Is it positive or negative?
  • What are some of the things in life and in this world that are worth waiting for?
  • What do all churches have in common? Are these the things that make them the house(s) of the Lord? Or is there something else?
  • Are there injustices that you have “fallen asleep” to? Is calling you to “wake up” and do something?
  • Have you ever felt like you were sleep walking through life? Just going through the motions of your everyday activities? What did you do or can you do to change?
  • Have you ever felt as though God woke you up to tell you something? What did He say? How did you listen?
  • An angel of the Lord spoke to many people in the Bible in a dream, has God ever spoken to you in a dream? What did He say? How did you listen?
  • Who in your life are you anxious to see? Whom do you look forward to spending time with? What about those people make time with them highly anticipated?
  • How will you prepare your home for Jesus’ coming this Advent/Christmas season?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I give thanks!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I welcome the stranger!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL: and I share what I have!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I offer prayers!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I surrender all!

Challenge for the Week:  The message in the scripture is to find unity, a common thread.  The differences between people are seen externally and internally.  You can even keep a running scorecard in your head with tally marks noting physical differences as well as differences in lifestyle, beliefs, etc.  The differences can become so abundant you are unable to see beyond them.  But this is not the kind of division Jesus was referring to when He said He came to cause division, He is talking about dividing the sheep from the goats.  Jesus shows in the Gospel how despite differences of beliefs or lifestyles, hair color or whatever, you are called into union with HIM and in turn, with others.  It is time to step out from behind the wall you have built that keeps you from entering into full communion with Jesus.  Stand up for what your faith calls you to do and love others as Jesus loves.  It is not easy to do.  This week, pick a day to focus on finding the common thread you have with whomever you encounter.  It might sound silly, but when you practice seeing the similarities, you might be able to train your brain to stop identifying the differences.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, November 20th Readings

Solemnity of Christ the King

Opening Prayer

Lord, Jesus

You are crowned the most high King

          yet you humbled yourself for me.

Let me too humble myself

          to do the work you call me to do.

Come dwell in me, so your love and mercy

          shines through like a crown!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Samuel 5:1-3

  • What are the similarities between a shepherd and a king?
  • What are and differences between a shepherd and a king?

Colossians 1:12-20

  • How do you know something has the fullness of Christ in it?
  • Do you fully love anything or anyone? How do you express your love to the fullest?
  • Reflect on the places that you find goodness. Are those places sacred places? If they are, what do they say about you? About God?

Luke 23:35-43

  • Even in His pain, Jesus shows mercy to another. What can you learn from His example?
  • How did Jesus respond to the good thief? How does it compare to the way He responds to you when you struggle?
  • Do you have anyone in your life who is reaching out to you? How do you respond? What does this scripture inspire you to do?

General Questions for Journaling

  • How does it feel to be wanted?
  • When did you last reach out to someone you hadn’t spoken to for a while, just because? Do you always need a reason?
  • How have you recently reached out to someone? Did you do it out of obligation? Did you do it out of love? What is the difference?
  • What was the last compliment you received?  
  • What was the last real compliment you gave?
  • Where do you see heaven here on earth?
  • It is easy to see God in the beauty of the earth but what about in destruction, war or the slums of poverty?
  • Is there goodness in your life right now? What role does God play in that goodness?
  • Is there turmoil in your life right now? What role does God play in that turmoil?
  • People thought Jesus came to be a political power, what kind of power did Jesus really come to give?
  • What kind of childhood do you suppose Jesus had? How would it have been different if people knew he was the “King of glory”?
  • How did Christ show He was King?
  • Do you see evidence of His kingdom on earth?
  • When you see a happy person, what is your instinct? 
  • When you see a sad person, what is your instinct?
  • Jesus died to save your sin, are there sins you still need to forgive? Your own sins? The sins of others? Are there those whom you need to seek forgiveness?
  • Jesus died for all, are there people in your life who are difficult to see through the eyes of God? What can you do to see them as a child of God?
  • Share a time when you were like the soldiers and mocked the powerless. Is there something you can do to heal the hurt caused by your words or actions?
  • Share a time when you were mocked by others but were powerless in the situation. Have you forgiven those who hurt you? How have you been able to heal?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I give thanks!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I welcome the stranger!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL: and I share what I have!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I offer prayers!

Leader:  You call Lord

ALL:  and I surrender all!

Challenge for the Week:  The message in the scripture is to find unity, a common thread.  The differences between people are seen externally and internally.  You can even keep a running scorecard in your head with tally marks noting physical differences as well as differences in lifestyle, beliefs, etc.  The differences can become so abundant you are unable to see beyond them.  But this is not the kind of division Jesus was referring to when He said He came to cause division, He is talking about dividing the sheep from the goats.  Jesus shows in the Gospel how despite differences of beliefs or lifestyles, hair color or whatever, you are called into union with HIM and in turn, with others.  It is time to step out from behind the wall you have built that keeps you from entering into full communion with Jesus.  Stand up for what your faith calls you to do and love others as Jesus loves.  It is not easy to do.  This week, pick a day to focus on finding the common thread you have with whomever you encounter.  It might sound silly, but when you practice seeing the similarities, you might be able to train your brain to stop identifying the differences.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, November 13th Readings

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Precious Jesus

When I find myself

overwhelmed or stressed by

the events of the day;

Let me just say Your name

and be comforted,

JESUS!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Malachi 3:19-20a

  • How would you describe “fear of the Lord” to someone? What does “fear of the Lord” look like?
  • Share an example of a time when justice healed. What hurts do you see in the world right now that need healing? Is there something you can do to bring justice?

2Thessalonians 3:7-12

  • Saint Paul challenges the Thessalonians (and you) to be “models of faith” for others. Who can you look to for strength and encouragement as you strive to meet this challenge?
  • Saint Paul struggled day and night to bring about the kingdom of God. How do you compare? What do you do? Is there more you can do or do you give all you can?
  • What challenges did Saint Paul face? Are they similar or different than the challenges you face today?

Luke 21:5-19

  • Is being persecuted because of your faith a thing of the past or does it happen still?
  • Have you ever been persecuted because of your faith?
  • What gifts have you been given to help you through your trials?
  • What word or phrase from this scripture gives you hope during hard times?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What does the name Jesus say to you?
  • What do you feel when you hear the name Jesus?
  • How do you feel about the day of God’s coming?
  • Is God the only person whom you allow to have power over you? Who else holds power over you?
  • Define justice.
  • Share an example of when you saw healing at the hand of justice.
  • Name the things you worry about. Why do you worry about these things? What can you do to let go of the worry? Why is it difficult to do this?
  • Is there anything you fear?
  • How do you know God exists? What does God do to let you know He is real?
  • What most threatens the calm of your world?
  • Are you quick to point out “evil doers”?
  • Have you ever felt out of place for believing in God? When? Where? How did you deal with it?
  • What about your character does God love? Is there anything He doesn’t love? Why or why not?
  • How does God “renew the face of the earth” through suffering?
  • Have you ever felt like things in your life were going to fall apart? When? What happened? How did you overcome the feeling?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me seek YOU Lord

ALL:  while I do my work.

Leader:  Let me seek YOU Lord

ALL:  as I spend time with family

Leader:  Let me seek YOU Lord

ALL: when I am running errands

Leader:  Let me seek YOU Lord

ALL:  in the good AND the bad

Leader:  May I not seek long

ALL:  before I feel You near!

Challenge for the Week:  Everyone suffers at one time or another.  It might be suffering through waiting for test results or suffering from the loss of a loved one or perhaps even a physical ailment.  Some joke about the things you might suffer through such as a child’s first band concert or all of the political ads for weeks before the election.  No matter what it is you suffer from or through, one thing remains the same, you can turn to God for comfort.  You can cling to God with all of your strength when you are suffering through the physical or emotional pain of a situation, and God can bring relief.  Your relief is found in the support you receive, the kind words you hear and the comfort of knowing you are not alone in the suffering.  You are not alone because God shows up as the friend that sits with you as you wait for test results.  God shows up in the words of comfort someone shares with you when you lose someone close to you.  God uses you to bring comfort to others too.  You are the one who can help ease the suffering of another who suffers from physical or emotional pain with empathy and support.  You can even give comfort to others who suffer through the child’s concert and political ads by sharing the experience and letting them know they are not alone.  God is there, though you, and through others.  This week, choose to be intentional about bringing comfort to someone you know who is suffering.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, November 6th Readings

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Resurrected Lord,

You gave Your life

          so I might know love.

Let me show You appreciation

          through good works.

Let my gratitude be expressed

          through my prayers.

May I never cease to say

          THANK YOU…

for the gift of life You have given me

today and forever!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

2 Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14

  • What in this scripture reminds you there is more to life than this world?
  • Who are the people in your life who could be called “resurrection” people? Who are the people who bring life to you, brighten your day and fill you with joy?
  • What are some of the earthly burdens you are willing to suffer because of the hope you have in the resurrection?

2 Thessalonians 2:6-3:5

  • What is the purpose of Saint Paul’s prayer for speed?
  • At what speed do you suppose the ministry you are called to do here on earth is moving?
  • What is Saint Paul’s prayer for you? How are you actively pursuing his request/desire for you in your life?

Luke 20:27-38

  • What in this life means the most to you right now? What do you think you can take with you into the next life?
  • How does this Gospel make you feel about your own death?
  • When faced with adversaries trying to trap Him in the law, Jesus always takes the tangled web and lays it straight, what is the bottom line in this scripture?
  • In the Gospel, Jesus focuses on life while the Sadducees focus on death. What does Jesus promise about life after death?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What would you be willing to put on the line to defend?
  • Do you act differently because you have hope in the resurrection? You believe there is more than life here on earth?
  • What do you believe heaven will be like? What or who do you hope to see? Do you look forward to going to heaven?
  • What is something God calls you to “die to” in order to have live with him?
  • What gives you hope when you feel all is lost? In what do you find comfort during difficult situations?
  • Would you say your words and actions show you are confident in the promises of Christ?  Why or why not?
  • Write a list of 10 words which describe how you feel about death, then write a list of 10 words which describe how you feel about the resurrection.
  • What reading(s) or song(s) bring you comfort when you think of losing a loved one?
  • Is it possible to treat everyone equally? Loved ones vs Strangers? Each of your children? Your own siblings? Explain
  • God loves everyone the same, so why is everyone so quick to judge another?
  • Who gives you encouragement? Whom do you encourage?
  • Can you get the wrong kind of encouragement? Give examples.
  • What makes you strong in the faith? How can you share this with others to strengthen their faith?
  • Who was the last saint you read about in detail? Who is the next saint you will get to know?
  • What image do you have of the Communion of Saints? How often to you carry the image with you? Why is it good to remember? 
  • How do you remember those who have died? What traditions do you have in your faith? In your family?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, I pray I can

ALL:  come to understand

Leader:  that Your love is enough

ALL:  to hold me up

Leader:  when I feel abandoned.

ALL: And that Your grace is enough

Leader:  to bring comfort

ALL:  when I don’t feel worthy.

Leader:  And help me remember

ALL:  that your death and resurrection

Leader:  is the promise

ALL:  of everlasting life!

Challenge for the Week:  You probably have someone in your life (or have had) who can be difficult to be around or is hard to talk to for some reason or another.  It could be because of a quirk they have that drives you crazy or perhaps you have a difference of opinion about a specific topic and you just can’t seem to avoid bringing up your differences.  However, Jesus is always urging His followers to break down the walls of difference and injustice and love your neighbor as yourself.  Spend time this week considering how Jesus died for that difficult person and that person whom you don’t like to spend time with just like He died for you.  And Jesus loved that person just as much as He loves you. 

Also consider if this person might need God’s grace and mercy in their life and how you might be just the person to show them God’s loving embrace.  In your reflection, try to find some common ground in this relationship.  Ask yourself, how you would feel if this person were to die today?  Then spend time in those thoughts and feelings and allow God to direct you to what you need to do next.

OR

When Jesus died, His love remained and still remains.  Reflect on the people in your life who have died.  Spend time reflecting on the love they have left behind.  Consider writing them a love letter to let them know how much you love them and how you still feel their love even though they are no longer here on earth.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!