G.I.F.T. 1-28-18

Growing In Faith Together

January 28, 2018

TODAY’S TEXTS 
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 
Psalm 111 
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 
Mark 1:21-28

GATHERED BY GRACE 
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God. In the psalm, we are shown the power of God’s works. These are ways of pointing to Jesus’ unique authority described in Mark. Jesus’ words have the power to replace the reign of evil with the kingdom of God. These verses lay out central questions of Mark’s gospel: who is Jesus, and from where comes his authority?

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What about Jesus’ teachings are astounding to you? Are there any that are difficult to understand or follow?
* In the gospel reading, what did the people of the synagogue recognize in Jesus? What did the unclean spirit recognize?
* How does Jesus’ authority help us reflect on today’s political authority?
* What are the "unclean spirits" that hold many people in bondage today? What 'possesses' you and keeps you from embracing all that God intends for you?  How does encountering Jesus change that?

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 1:21-28
Monday Psalm 35:1-3
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Wednesday Mark 3:13-19a
Thursday Psalm 147:1-3
Friday Matthew 12:9-14
Saturday Gal. 5:13-14
Sunday Mark 1:29-39

Next Sunday: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c;1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK

For the Week: I give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.

Throughout the Day:  May I be amazed at all you do, Lord.

Blessing to Share: May God call you from old routines.

For mealtime say responsively: 
Majesty and splendor mark God’s deeds: God’s righteousness endures forever.

Mealtime Prayer: 
Christ our light, shine upon us.  
Refresh us by this meal 
      to reflect your love to others. Amen
      
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
Make this prayer of commitment a part of your bedtime rituals this week. Read it as you settle into bed. Make it a goal to memorize it by next Sunday: 
Dear God, take my possessions, my mind, and my will. 
Take my hands, my feet and my whole body. 
Take my life and my love 
and use them to share your love with those around me. Amen

Ritual for the Epiphany Season: 
Place a small bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism.  Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead.  Say: Remember you are a baptized child of God and marked with the cross of Christ forever

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
Spread The Love is the Crisis Center’s annual peanut butter and jelly drive. High protein foods are some of the hardest items to keep stocked. And peanut butter is a favorite for many families with children – especially if you throw in some jelly. Pick up some jars and bring them next Sunday. Help “spread the love”!

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