February 23                                                  Genesis 43:  16-34; 1 Corinthians 7:  10-24

                                                                                                Mark 5:  1-20

 

Our family has a daily tradition we feel is very important.  We work hard to ensure we all have dinner together each night.  When everyone is seated, we go around the table from youngest to oldest, talking about our day.

 

Today’s scripture texts touch on some key messages.  The message of grace is reflected in Genesis, in the story of Joseph providing a dinner for his brothers, despite their treatment of him earlier.  The message of faithfulness is delivered in 1 Corinthians in discussing the Lord’s commands.  And the message of hope is referenced in Mark 5, as Jesus drove the demons from a man with an evil spirit and they ultimately perished.

 

So tonight, we would like other families to join each other for dinner as we do.  As you are seated together, each person should answer the following questions:

 

1. How has someone showed grace toward me recently, and how have I showed grace toward someone else?
2. What have I done that has demonstrated my faithfulness toward God?
3. Where have I seen examples of hope in recent days?

 

Once everyone is done, you may conclude with the following prayer:

 

Lord we are so thankful for grace that you bestow;

On each and every one of us, no matter where we go.

 

You show us how we should forgive when warranted and not;

And in the end we wish to give all of the grace we’ve got.

 

Lord we are so thankful our faithfulness to you;

Can make our path feel oh so clear, we know just what to do.

 

You tell us what you will expect from us each dawning day;

We need not guess what’s right or wrong, your word it leads the way.

 

Lord we are so thankful for messages of hope;

They give us reasons to cheer up, they give us ways to cope.

 

And when we show your grace in full, and faithfulness again;

We see you make our life complete, so thank you Lord.  Amen!

 

 

~ Kevin Williams