G.I.F.T. 2-1-17

 Growing In Faith Together

 February 5, 2017

 TODAY’S TEXTS
  Isaiah 58:1-12
 Psalm 112:1-10 
 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
 Matthew 5:13-20

 GATHERED BY GRACE
Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like dawn. Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others.           - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2017

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* How would you describe the “fast” (in Isaiah) that God desires, in your own words?
* How does this Isaiah passage relate to Micah 6:8, from last week?
* Where does the world need salt and light now?
* How might you be that salt and light?

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   Matthew 5:13-20
Monday   Psalm 119:105-112
Tuesday   2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Wednesday   John 8:12-14
Thursday   Psalm 119:1-8
Friday   1 John 2:7-11
Saturday   Deuteronomy 30:1-5
Sunday   Matthew 5:13-20

Next Sunday: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: You call me, O God, to be salt and light. Give me courage to respond.

Throughout the Day: This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

A Blessing to Share: May the blessing of God be with you.

For mealtime say responsively: It is good to be generous in lending: to manage one’s affairs with justice.

Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
 We thank you Lord, for this our meal, 
For grace and love and gifts that heal.
Give us willing hearts to share
With others when they need our care.  Amen
      
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
Buy a bag of salt-free potato chips and a bag of salty chips. Read Matthew 5:13 aloud as you alternate eating salt-free and salty chips. What do you learn about what Jesus is saying? What does it mean to be salt? Think about how you can be salt for the world. End with the prayer, “Lord, make me salt today.”

Ritual for the Epiphany Season: 
During this season, we focus on growing in our discipleship as we “make Christ manifest” to the world. Imagine the ways you show love to those at home, work or school. Draw pictures on small pieces of papers which illustrate ways you show God’s love. Attach the squares to a length of decorative ribbon and hang it near the door you use to come and go. When you see it, pray:  May I shine with God’s love for all I meet. Amen

SCATTERED TO SERVE

Isaiah 58:7: Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

Plan one action for this week in response to this verse. You can make a donation to the Crisis Center. Provide some items that Shelter House needs like: Laundry detergent (high efficiency only); Iowa City bus passes; Coralville bus passes; Grocery store gift cards; coffee; Postage stamps. Give unused clothes to DVIP, The Crowded Closet or Goodwill. Visit an elderly relative or friend.

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