G.I.F.T. 11-22-15

Growing In Faith Together   
November 22, 2015

Today’s Texts: 
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 
Psalm 93 
Revelation 1:4b-8 
John 18:33-37

You can read these texts at Oremus Bible Browser

 NOTE: If all these suggestions overwhelm you, just pick one to try out for the week. Maybe read the Bible texts; maybe use the meal prayer; maybe begin the seasonal ritual. This is a smorgasbord of possibilities. Taste what looks good today and leave the others for another day!   -PLZ


Gathered by Grace 
The reign of God, observed on this Christ the King Sunday, unfolds wherever people choose to live under God’s authority. Witnesses to the truth of God’s reign may unsettle those in power. The wisdom and power of God’s realm over arches all. Jesus invites us to enter this wise reign of God. 

Discuss in your household or small group: 
*  Re-read Daniel 7:9-10. What do you think Daniel wants to say about God through this language? How do you respond to this language? What kind of language do you normally use when talking about God?
* In v. 5a of Revelation, what three titles are given to Jesus? What do each of these mean to you? 
* What do you think Pilate would have understood "King of the Jews" to mean?
*  How would you answer the question, “What is truth?”

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 John 18:33-37             Thursday Psalm 25:1-3
Monday Psalm 76:1-3     Friday   1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Tuesday Revelation 11:16-18    Saturday Luke 21:20-24
Wednesday John 16:25-33     Sunday Luke 21:25-36

NEXT SUNDAY: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; 
Luke 21:25-36

Memory verse:  Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world.”
John 18:36a

Prayers for this Week 

For the Week: Christ, teach me to live in your kingdom.

Throughout the Day: Guide my day from A to Z, O God.

A Blessing to Share: Listen to Gods’ voice.

For mealtime say responsively: To the One who loves and freed us from our sins: Be glory and dominion forever and ever.


Thanksgiving Meal Prayer:   
For each new morning with its light, 
For rest and shelter of the night, 
For health and food, for love and friends, 
For everything Thy goodness sends, 
we give you thanks, O Lord.  Amen. 
                                - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

For further reflection  

Devotional Practice: 
In his encounter with Pilate, Jesus says “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice”. How do you listen to the voice of Jesus in the midst of your life?  Find a small object – a stone, a safety pin, a button – and place it in your pocket or in a place where you can easily see it. Let it remind you to stop, breathe, and listen for Jesus.

Fall Ritual: 
 Thanksgiving is this week. Be sure to pull out your gratitude journal and give thanks for the many good gifts you receive from God!  


Scattered to serve  
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this week on Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). What a great opportunity to give thanks to the One who gives all things! You can help. Serving starts at noon. 1105 Gilbert Court, IC


Weekly Reflection 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