Growing In Faith Together
November 11, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Hebrew, the word widow can mean “one who has no voice” or even “leftover piece”. Today’s lessons show that God has a different view. Jesus commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance: trusts in God’s providence.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What risks do these widows take? In what ways do their actions express trust in God?
* What risks do you need to take to trust in God?
* God is pretty busy in the psalm. With what is God busy these days? How are you asked to assist?
* If the widow’s gift is 1 on a scale and 10 is an easy “chump change” gift that hardly dips into one’s assets, what number would your giving have? Where would you like to move your mark in the future?
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.
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Take all that I own and all that I am.
Throughout the Day: Help me let go.
Blessing to Share: May God open your heart to abundant gifts.
For mealtime say responsively:
God gives justice to those who are oppressed: The Lord gives food to those who hunger.
November Meal Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Squeeze your hands together then open them. What does that feel like? How does the opening of your hands relate to these stories from scripture this week? During your devotional times this week, open and close your hands as you pray for Jesus to open your life to be more giving. Reflect on this quote: The point isn’t that every coin goes into the offering plate, but that every coin is an offering.
Autumn Ritual:
Thanksgiving is near the end of this month – how is that gratitude journal coming? If you haven’t started yet, you can still begin. 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
This week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week around the nation. There are a variety of opportunities to support Shelter House’s work here in Iowa City starting on Sunday. One way is right here at Gloria Dei. On Thursday we host a soup luncheon from 11:30 am to 2 pm. Come have some soup and bread! We are accepting free will donations and/or new socks. The week of events.
November 11, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Hebrew, the word widow can mean “one who has no voice” or even “leftover piece”. Today’s lessons show that God has a different view. Jesus commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance: trusts in God’s providence.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What risks do these widows take? In what ways do their actions express trust in God?
* What risks do you need to take to trust in God?
* God is pretty busy in the psalm. With what is God busy these days? How are you asked to assist?
* If the widow’s gift is 1 on a scale and 10 is an easy “chump change” gift that hardly dips into one’s assets, what number would your giving have? Where would you like to move your mark in the future?
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 12:38-44
Monday Deuteronomy 15:11
Tuesday 1 Timothy 5:1-8
Wednesday Ruth 4:7-22
Thursday Psalm 16:7-10
Friday Hebrews 10:24-25
Saturday Mark 12:1-12
Sunday Mark 13:1-8
Next Sunday: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Take all that I own and all that I am.
Throughout the Day: Help me let go.
Blessing to Share: May God open your heart to abundant gifts.
For mealtime say responsively:
God gives justice to those who are oppressed: The Lord gives food to those who hunger.
November Meal Prayer:
To God who gives us daily bread
A thankful song we raise,
And pray the one who sends us food
Will fill our hearts with praise.
Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Squeeze your hands together then open them. What does that feel like? How does the opening of your hands relate to these stories from scripture this week? During your devotional times this week, open and close your hands as you pray for Jesus to open your life to be more giving. Reflect on this quote: The point isn’t that every coin goes into the offering plate, but that every coin is an offering.
Autumn Ritual:
Thanksgiving is near the end of this month – how is that gratitude journal coming? If you haven’t started yet, you can still begin. 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
This week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week around the nation. There are a variety of opportunities to support Shelter House’s work here in Iowa City starting on Sunday. One way is right here at Gloria Dei. On Thursday we host a soup luncheon from 11:30 am to 2 pm. Come have some soup and bread! We are accepting free will donations and/or new socks. The week of events.