G.I.F.T. 8-30-15

Growing In Faith Together   
August 30th 2015   

 Today’s Texts: 
 Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 
 Psalm 15 
 James 1:17-27
 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Gathered by Grace: 
Jesus protests against human customs being given the weight of divine law, while the essence of God's law is ignored. True uncleanness comes not from external things, but from the intentions of the human heart.
                                       -  From SundaysandSeasons.com, ©2011 Augsburg Fortress.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What is the real issue behind the question to Jesus? 
* Do you believe the Pharisees and scribes desire to positively resolve this conflict?  Why?
* Is it possible to hold on to traditions of God, but lose God in the process? How so?
* How might this exchange of Jesus be updated for a modern-day audience?
*  How does the content of our heart impact our behavior?

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 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Thursday Psalm 146
Monday Psalm 106:1-5                 Friday Isaiah 35:4-7a
Tuesday Psalm 106:13-23         Saturday Isaiah 33:1-9
Wednesday  Psalm 106:47-48 Sunday Mark 7:24-37

NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 35:4-7a; James 2:1-17; Psalm 146; Mark 7:24-37

Try to memorize this verse:
Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.
James 1:19b

Prayers for this Week: 
For the Week: Gracious God, start deep in my heart to transform my life.

For Throughout the Day: Fill my heart with your Spirit.

A Blessing to Share:  Be God’s love for the world.

For Mealtime

Say responsively: We are the people of God: We are a people of love.
  
August Meal Prayer:    
ABCDEFG thank you, 
      God for feeding me!
      Amen
For further reflection  

Devotional Practice: 
Re-read the passage from James. Make a list of three faith beliefs you hold as important for Christians to have and another list of three kinds of actions you do as a disciple. Reflect on how your understanding resembles (or not) James’ definition of religion and how your actions are similar (or not) to that which is described in James. End with a prayer.

Summer Ritual: 
Summer is almost over. Savor these last couple of weeks! Start each morning with a simple prayer: Lord, show me something incredible. Amen. Then watch to see what the treasure is. When you find it, in your mind add a tag “Made by God”.

Scattered to serve:  
As we celebrate the last “unofficial” week of summer, take some time to clean up the great outdoors. Find yourself some rubber gloves and a trash bag. Pick up the trash at a park near you. Gather all that litter along our roads and streets. Take care of the creation that God has provided.




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