This week, we continue our Generosity Lived: Rooted in Community initiative with the theme Grounded in Faith, Growing in Purpose. Just as a tree’s trunk supports its growth, our faith anchors and directs our purpose, including how we make financial decisions. Let’s explore how our faith influences our generosity and priorities.
If you weren't able to join in worship yesterday, catch up with Pastor Hector's sermon, "The Life-Giving Trunk," or watch the full service. And check out Vianne Reay's generosity moment discussing the significance behind the Tree of Ministry art installation growing in the narthex.
Week 2 Devotionals
At the heart of “Rooted in Community” lies a deep commitment to living out our faith in tangible ways. Our daily actions, reflections, and prayers during this initiative are exercises of faith that strengthen our roots in God’s love and grace. Each day, we explore how our faith shapes our generosity, inspiring us to live more fully as disciples of Christ. As you spend time each day in devotion, may this exercise deepen your spiritual journey and unite us in our shared mission to nurture, love, and serve all.
Sunday, October 13 - Grounded in Faith, Growing in Purpose
Read: Jeremiah 17:7-8 & Luke 6:37-43
Reflect: As a tree draws nourishment from its roots, so too does our faith in Christ ground us and shape our purpose. This week, we turn our focus inward to explore how our core beliefs inform our financial choices and priorities. Just as a tree’s trunk supports its growth, our faith supports and directs our journey toward living a purpose-driven life.
Jeremiah describes those who trust in the Lord as trees planted by water, flourishing even in challenging conditions. In Luke, Jesus teaches about judgment, generosity, and the fruitfulness of our lives. These scriptures remind us that a deep, grounded faith leads to fruitful outcomes in all aspects of life, including our financial decisions.
What core beliefs define your actions and choices? How do they influence your approach to managing resources? How does your faith shape your sense of purpose and guide your financial priorities?
Pray: God, anchor me in your unwavering faith and purpose. Help me align my financial choices with your guidance and use my gifts to create a world where all may flourish. Amen.
Monday, October 14
Read: “Blessed are those who put their trust in God, with God for their hope.” - Jeremiah 17:7 (Inclusive Bible)
Reflect: How does trusting in the Lord affect your confidence in making financial decisions? In what ways can you deepen your trust in God as you manage your resources?
Pray: Lord, help me to place my full confidence in you. Guide my decisions and give me peace in trusting your provision. Amen.
Tuesday, October 15
Read: “Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.” - Khalil Gibran, “Sand and Foam”
Reflect: What role does humility play in practicing true generosity?
Pray: God of humility, guide me to give generously without seeking recognition or reward. May my actions reflect Your selfless love. Amen.
Wednesday, October 16
Read: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa
Reflect: What unique gifts and talents has God bestowed upon you? How can you use these gifts to fulfill your purpose and make a positive impact on the world?
Pray: Lord, reveal to me the unique gifts you have given me. Help me to use them for your glory and the good of others. Amen.
Thursday, October 17
Read: “Commit everything you do to YHWH, and your plans will succeed.” - Proverbs 16:3
Reflect: How does committing your plans and goals to the Lord influence your approach to financial decisions? What plans can you bring before God for guidance and blessing?
Pray: God, I commit my financial plans to you. Guide me in aligning my decisions with your will and establish my path. Amen.
Friday, October 18
Read: “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art: thou my best thought both by day and by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.” ELW 793 - Be Thou My Vision, verse 1
Reflect: How does seeking God’s vision for your life shape your financial priorities and decisions? What adjustments might you need to make to ensure that God remains central in your financial plans?
Pray: Lord, be my vision in all aspects of my life, including my finances. Help me to keep my eyes on you and seek your will in every decision. Amen.
Saturday, October 19
Read: “A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit any more than a bad tree produces good fruit.” - Luke 6:43 (Inclusive Bible)
Reflect: What fruits are evident in your financial life? How do these reflect the condition of your spiritual life? What steps can you take to ensure that your financial choices produce good fruit?
Pray: God, help me to bear good fruit through my financial decisions. May my actions reflect your love and grace. Amen.
Commitment Sunday – October 27
On October 27, we invite everyone to join us for Commitment Sunday. Bring your filled Commitment Card as we consecrate our commitments together. This day marks a significant moment as we pledge continued support for God’s work through the mission and ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church & Schools. If you can’t make it in person, join worship virtually and make your commitment online.
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