9/3-9/9 Overview

This week is somewhat of a pause in regards to The Art of Neighboring series. Because of Labor Day, we will focus on “work” and “working for Christ” today through Saturday the 9th. What comes to mind when you think of work? Why does work matter to God? How should our faith influence and guide how we work?

 

As you read and study the daily Bible verses as part of this devotional, you are invited to seek to understand what they reveal about work and working for Christ.

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online for free.

 

Sunday (9/3)

READ Colossians 3:23-24 as a reminder that you are living and working for Christ:

“Work willingly at whatever you do,

as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people…

the Master you are serving is Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

 

LISTEN to a hymn or praise song that helps you to worship Jesus.

 

READ 1 Peter 2:4-9, verses about our identity as believers and followers of Jesus.

 

PRAY for the Art of Neighboring series using what is printed here, your own prayer, or a combination of the two:

 

Heavenly Father, we rejoice in you, the source of life and love.

Thank you for your son, Jesus. We are thankful for all that Christ

taught and did, including teaching us your will and ways.

We invite your Spirit to guide our church throughout

the Art of Neighboring journey.

We want to be more intentional about loving our neighbors,

including our sisters and brothers in Christ who are part of this congregation.

Help us to develop deeper genuine relationships with one another

so that we experience the true fellowship of being part of your family.

Help our church to live the commandment to love our neighbors

through our words and actions.

Let your love flow through us.

Let your kingdom come and your will be done

throughout Greater Hendricks County as it is in heaven.

In the name of God our Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.

 

DO

Worship: Join others as part of an Avon UMC worship service today either in person or online.

 

Book: Read chapters 7 and 9 of The Art of Neighboring before September 10th. Books are available at the AUMC Welcome Desk near the Sanctuary.

 

Block Map: How many names of neighbors from the community God is guiding you to focus on during this series are filled in on your Block Map?

Remember that you can fill in the Block Map with the names of co-workers, the parents who are part of your child’s activity or sports group(s), a hobby group that you participate in weekly, or the people living next door to your home/apartment. The requirement on the community you choose is that it must be people you “rub elbows with” regularly.

 

Pray: Pray for your sisters and brothers in Christ who are part of Avon UMC, churches throughout Greater Hendricks County, as well as Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant Christians throughout the world.

 

Next Step: What small next step will you take today regarding “neighboring” within the church family? Will you intentionally introduce yourself, memorize another name, initiate a conversation, attend a group/class session, invite someone out for coffee or a meal, or something else?

 

 

Monday (9/4)

READ Colossians 3:23-24 to begin your devotional time:

“Work willingly at whatever you do,

as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people…

the Master you are serving is Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

 

LISTEN to a hymn or praise song that helps you to worship our Creator.

 

READ Genesis 1:1-2:4, the account of God creating the heavens and the earth, including human beings made in his image and likeness.

 

REFLECT upon the Bible verses using the questions below. You may find it helpful to write your responses in a journal or notebook:

What does this account reveal that God said?

What does this creation account reveal about God and the work he did?

What did God do on the seventh day as described in 2:2-3?

What do verses 1:26-30 reveal about human beings?

 

DO

Today: Think about the ways that God is providing for your needs, including the sun, moon, stars, days, weeks, months, seasons, food, water, shelter, clothing, animals, and other human beings. Thank God throughout the day as these things come to mind. Look for opportunities to bless the people made in God’s image with you today using your words and actions.

 

Book: Remember to read chapters 7 and 9 from The Art of Neighboring before next Sunday. If you have not read the previous chapters, this week will be a good time to catch up.

 

Block Map: If you need a new one, maps are available at the Welcome Desk closest to the Sanctuary, as well as online using the link below:

 

Pray: Thank God throughout the day for the many ways he provides for your needs and the needs of others within your household. Thank God for each person you encounter today as you seek to see the image and likeness of God in them.

 

Next Step: Seek to move forward with the small next step you are taking this week regarding “neighboring.” Will you intentionally introduce yourself to someone, memorize another name, initiate a conversation, invite someone out for coffee or a meal, or something else?

 

 

Tuesday (9/5)

READ Colossians 3:23-24 to seek to center your heart and mind in the One we serve.

 

MEDITATE on the verse from Colossians letting the message roll around in your mind for a minute or two before moving on to the next verses for today.

 

READ Genesis 2:4-24, another creation account that includes the Garden of Eden, Adam & Eve, and the work humans were given to do at the beginning of humanity.

REFLECT upon the Bible verses using the questions below. Consider writing your responses in a journal or notebook.

What does verse 15 reveal about why God put Adam in the garden?

What does verse 18 reveal about isolation and being alone?

Who were, and are, some of the people God placed in your life to help you?

Who are some of the people God is giving you the opportunity to help and work alongside?

What does this account reveal about marriage?

 

DO

Today: Look for opportunities to help others at home, where you live, among co-workers, as well as if you see a stranger in need.

 

Pray: Offer thanks to God for the people in your life who have helped you in the past and now too, including family members, friends, neighbors, church members, co-workers, and strangers. If you are married, pray for your spouse. If you have a child or children, and a grandchild or grandchildren, pray for them and for their current, past, or future spouse.

 

 

Wednesday (9/6)

READ Colossians 3:23-24 to begin your devotional time.

 

LISTEN to a hymn or praise song.

 

READ John 4:34-38, a portion of the conversation with Jesus and his disciples when they were in a Samaritan town shortly after Jesus talked to a Samaritan woman at a well.

 

REFLECT upon the Bible verses using the following question as a guide for journaling or a conversation with a family member or friend:

What work has Jesus given you to do?

In what ways are the “fields” of people within Greater Hendricks County ripe and ready for eternal life?

What is a way you can enter into labor with others who are working in faith as they care for the needs of neighbors in the community?

How will you encourage and invite others to do this work with you?

 

DO

Today: Share the abundant life you have in Christ with those you are with today through your prayers, being present with them, giving, serving, and using your words as a witness of Christ when the opportunities arise.

Book: We are reading chapters 7 and 9 from The Art of Neighboring before Sunday. If you have not read the previous chapters, this week is your opportunity to catch up.

 

Block Map: Do you have another name or more information about a “neighbor” that you can add to your Block Map?

 

Pray: Pray for the people you are with, or have been with, throughout the day. Pray to the God of grace for your family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who have not yet placed their trust in Jesus, or perhaps they have wandered away from the Lord.

 

Next Step: Look for an opportunity to be present with a “neighbor” today. Listen to them and help them if your help is needed. Remember that neighboring relationships grow through intentional interactions over an extended period of time.

 

 

Thursday (9/7)

READ Colossians 3:23-24 to focus on working for Christ today.

 

MEDITATE upon the verses from Colossians letting them roll around in your mind for a minute or two before moving on to the next verses for today.

 

READ John 17:1-4, part of Jesus’ prayer.

 

REFLECT upon the Bible verses using the following questions:

What do the first 3 verses of this chapter reveal about Jesus?

What did Jesus state that he did in verse 4?

How can you complete the work God has given you to do during your lifetime?

 

DO

Today: Seek to know God more fully through Christ and to help others to know the Lord too through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and being a witness.

 

Block Map: Can you add additional names or information to the Block Map?

 

Pray, thanking God for…

• the gift of knowing Him
• eternal life through faith in Christ
• the example Jesus set for us
• the work that God has give you to do

 

If you are unsure of what the Lord has give you to do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you. Pray that God will use you and other believers to make him known to those who do not know the Lord.

 

Next Step: It is time to move forward with the small next step you are taking this week regarding “neighboring.” You may have to make yourself do it if you have not yet.

 

 

Friday (9/8)

READ Colossians 3:23-24 to begin your time with the Lord.

 

LISTEN to a hymn or praise song.

 

READ John 21:15-17, a conversations Simon Peter had with the resurrected Jesus after breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

 

REFLECT upon the Bible verses using the following questions:

How do Jesus’ repeated questions connect with what he told Simon Peter to do?

What if the resurrected Jesus asked you the same questions he asked Peter, how would you respond?

You may find it helpful to read more about Jesus’ “lambs” and “sheep” as part of what he taught the disciples in John 10:14-18. The verses are a reminder that both Jews and Gentiles (people who are not Jewish) are Jesus’ sheep and lambs.

What are some ways Jesus expects his followers to love the people of his flock?

 

DO

Today: Love your neighbors with your words and deeds, including neighbors who are part of Jesus’ flock now, as well as those who are invited to become part of Jesus’ flock anytime they are willing to accept the invitation.

 

Book: Finish reading chapters 7 and 9 from The Art of Neighboring before Sunday.

 

Block Map: For the “Block Party” that you will coordinate with others sometime during the next 3 to 12 months, who will you invite from the people listed on your Block Map?

 

Pray: Pray for the neighbors listed on your Block Map(s). Ask the Spirit of Christ to reveal which neighbor or neighbors you should invite to either come to your home/apartment or go out for a meal or coffee this fall to get to know one another better. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in partnering with another believer and other neighbors to organize a “Block Party” within the next twelve months.

 

Next Step: If you have not yet taken a step forward this past week,

go intentionally interact with a neighbor today or this weekend as a step forward in your relationship with them.

 

 

Saturday (9/9)

LIGHT a candle and LISTEN to a worship song or hymn before reading the verses for today as a way to prepare your heart, mind, body, and soul for observing the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is a day each week that is set apart from the others to stop, rest, worship, and delight in the Lord and what he has given us.

 

PRAY the Lord’s Prayer to begin your day, either using the version you have memorized or using Jesus’ prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 as your guide.

 

READ John 4:21-24, part of Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman. Within the verses Jesus reveals that the location where people worship is not nearly as important as worshiping “in spirit and in truth” (v. 24). Our Sabbath theme for this weekend is WORSHIP in spirit and in truth.

 

REFLECT upon the Bible verses using the following comments and questions:

The Greek word in John 4:24 that is translated into English as “spirit” means “wind” and “breath,” as well as “soul.” We are to worship God with all that we are, including using each breath God gives us. Take a moment to breathe in and hold your breath for a few seconds, then release the air in your lungs.

Do you notice how essential breathing is for you and your life? What if

worshiping God is just as essential to our relationship with the Lord as breathing is to staying alive?

 

John, the gospel writer, wrote this about Jesus, “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NRSV). What have you been taught is the source of truth?

 

Jesus said this about himself, “I am…the truth” (John 14:6 NRSV). How does Jesus embody truth?

 

Jesus said that, “the Spirit of truth…will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13 NRSV). Do you believe that it is possible to know the truth without the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?

 

Jesus told Pilate, “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37 NRSV). How does listening to Jesus help you to worship the Lord?

 

SOLITUDE and SILENCE. You are encouraged to spend ten, twenty, or thirty minutes alone with God seeking to rest in the peace that can only be found in and from the Lord. If you struggle to stop and rest, consider laying down, kneeling, or sitting on a very comfortable chair or seat. You may also find it peaceful to go for a leisurely walk. If you

need a nap, then sleep so that your mind and body receive the rest that you need.

 

PRAY the Lord’s Prayer again as you have memorized it or using Jesus’ prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 11:2-4 as your guide.

 

TIME of REFLECTION during the afternoon or evening. You could do this by writing your responses in a journal or notebook or talking to a family member or friend.

How does observing the Sabbath help you to be a better neighbor?

 

What steps were you able to take regarding “neighboring” this past week?

 

What stands out to you from what you read from the book, the Bible verses, or from your experiences with seeking to love your neighbors this past week?

 

PRAY in response to God at the end of the day, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer, then conclude with Jesus’ prayer from Luke 11:2-4 or the Lord’s Prayer as you have memorized it.