G.I.F.T. 9-13-15

 Growing In Faith Together  
 September 13th 2015  


Today’s Texts:
 Isaiah 50:4-9a
 Psalm 116:1-9
 James 3:1-12
 Mark 8:27-38


Gathered by Grace:
"Who do people say that I am?" Jesus asks his disciples. And they offer the various responses they have heard. "But who do YOU say that I am?" asks Jesus. Ah, the central question; central for the relationship between Jesus and his disciples and central for us. Who do WE say that Jesus is?
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Discuss in your household or small group:
* What would you say or do to “sustain the weary with a word” (see Isaiah text)?
* Who do you say that Jesus is?
* Why did Peter react so strongly against Jesus’ description of what was to come? Why do you think Jesus was so hard on Peter?
* What is the price you are willing to pay as a disciple of Jesus?


Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday.  Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.


Sunday Mark 8:23-32               Thursday Psalm 54:1-5
Monday Psalm 119:174-176     Friday Romans 11:25-29
Tuesday Colossians 3:1-11      Saturday 2 Kings 17:13-14
Wednesday John 7:25-29         Sunday Mark 9:30-37


NEXT SUNDAY: Jeremiah 11:18-20, Psalm 54; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 
Try to memorize this verse:    I love the Lord who has heard my voice.
       Psalm 116:1

Prayers for this Week:

For the Week: Generous God, remind me that I answer the question, "Who do you say I am?" by the words I speak and actions I take.

For Throughout the Day: May I pick up my cross and follow.


A Blessing to Share:  Receive God’s abundant grace!


For Mealtime say responsively: Gracious is the Lord: Our God is full of compassion.


Fall Mealtime Prayer:  

We thank the Lord for food and drink,
For appetite and power to think,
For loved ones dear, for home and friends,
For everything the good Lord sends. Amen.

For further reflection 

Devotional Practice
Read James 3:1-12 again. For each day this week, decide to speak positively about people or not speak at all. Remember to include those deliciously wicked “harmless gossip” sessions at work or on the phone (include gossip about celebrities and politicians). At the end of each day, review how you did and include that in your daily prayer. At the end of the week, reflect on the experience. What has it taught you about watching what you say? What insights did you gain about the nature of gossip?


Fall Ritual
 Keep a gratitude journal this fall. Each day, review your list and add one more thing. Think of how many things you will have by Thanksgiving! We tend to fixate on what's going wrong ? or might go wrong.  A gratitude journal helps re-direct our thinking to God’s many good gifts.


Scattered to serve 
Whom do you know here at Gloria Dei or in your neighborhood that is experiencing suffering at this time - e.g. has health problems, is grieving a friend or loved one, is finding it hard financially?  Plan some kind of action to encourage them and be sure to include them in your prayers.


Weekly Reflections on these texts at gatheredbygrace.org

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245