Taking Faith Home

JULY 12, 2026 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST God’s word brings new life and growth. DAILY BIBLE READINGS These passages are related to the Lectionary texts for this Sunday. Sunday Monday Tuesday Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Romans 8:1-11 Isaiah 55:10-13 Wednesday Psalm 119:105-112 Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Genesis 25:19-34 Leviticus 26:1-13 Psalm 65:1-13 Parable of the sower Life in the Spirit God’s word is powerful Light from the Lord’s law Esau and Jacob Rewards for obedience Thanksgiving for earth’s bounty Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Parable of the weeds SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. Psalm 65:5 (NRSV) PRAYERS AND BLESSING A Prayer for the Week: God of abundant grace and mercy, help us to receive your word of life that we may be your good soil to grow in faith and share your word with others. Amen. Mealtime Prayer: God of abundant harvests, we thank you for your eternal care that blesses us with daily food through Christ our Lord. Amen. A Blessing to Give: May God lead you out in joy and back in peace. (Isaiah 55:12) © 2025 Milestones Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. HYMN OF THE WEEK As Rain from the Clouds WEEKLY MILESTONES Take a moment to tell or think about a recent mountain high and/or valley low in your life. CARING CONVERSATIONS Discuss in your home, small group, or use for personal reflections:  What is needed for a garden to be productive?  When and where do you receive God’s word? DEVOTIONS Read: Isaiah 55:10-13 and Romans 8:1-11. Yes, we have an awesome God, as noted in Psalm 65:5. In Isaiah 55 that awesomeness is expressed through God’s word that is powerful. It does what God intends. It is productive. Isaiah 55 announces the return from exile for God’s people. God’s word, God’s will shall accomplish it. This text is often used at the ordination of a pastor or a deacon. However, could we not also use it at weddings, baptisms, and any other occasion that celebrates God’s people living together in faith, hope, and love? God’s word is given for all of us to speak aloud to one another for our encouragement and growth in life and faith. God’s word at a meal creates thankful hearts for the abundance of God’s love with daily food. God’s word in the morning, evening, or at bedtime reminds us of the eternal care of God and that we are those in whom the Spirit of Christ dwells and for whom there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1 and 11). Let’s cast God’s word into all the corners of the earth, landing on all kinds of soil where it may sprout up and produce an abundant harvest. Discuss: When are times during the week that you use and speak God’s word? Pray: Creative God, may the Spirit of Christ create in me the good soil to receive your word and grow in grace. Amen. SERVICE Jesus calls us to serve our neighbor in love. Based on the Daily Bible Readings and theme for this week, what can you do to help plant the seeds of God’s word with those around you? RITUALS AND TRADITIONS “But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit” (Matthew 13:23a). Take a sheet of paper and write “Good Soil” across the bottom. Draw a fruit tree with a trunk, leaves, and fruit. On each drawing of fruit, write different ways you show God’s love to others. Read what you have written and think or talk about how your “fruits” help you and others grow in their faith. Then pray: Dear God, give us the faith to bear good fruit. Amen. In addition to Taking Faith Home, celebrate milestones in your daily life as an