G.I.F.T. 6-12-16

Growing In Faith Together   

June 12, 2016

Today’s Texts
2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15 
Psalm 32
Galatians 2:15-21
 Luke 7:36-8:3

GATHERED BY GRACE
The enormity of our sin is surpassed only by the mercy of God. Through dramatic encounters of righteous and sinner, we see the connection between forgiveness and love.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What in the Gospel makes it a good pairing with the First Lesson? 
* Why do you think forgiveness and love go together?
* Why do you think some persons struggle more with noticing and admitting their sin, thinking they have no need of forgiveness and others are so burdened by guilt that they cannot really accept forgiveness offered by God’s grace? Which is harder for you?
* If Jesus were at your house how would you show your gratitude and love?

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 Luke 7:36-8:3
Monday Psalm 130:1-4
Tuesday Galatians 3:10-14
Wednesday 2 Chronicles 30:18-20
Thursday Psalm 22:19-23
Friday Matthew 9:27-34
Saturday Isaiah 59:1-3
Sunday Luke 8:26-39

NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  Help me to be grateful for your forgiving love.

Throughout the Day: Thanks!

A Blessing to Share: May God watch over you, and surround you with love.

For mealtime say responsively: Be glad, you righteous: rejoice in the Lord

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Lord, bless this food which we now take.  
We give you thanks for all you make.  
    Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
In your devotion time this week, reflect on the following quote in light of your own experience: To appreciate the depths of God’s love we need to appreciate the depths of our sin that separated us from God. When we realize how utterly hopeless our situation is apart from God’s love and grace, we also appreciate that love in response to God’s love must go far beyond the ordinary.

Summer Ritual: 
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors.  Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.

SCATTERED FOR SERVICE 
Jesus said that the woman who anointed his feet “loved much” because she had been forgiven much (Luke 7:47).  In response to God’s forgiveness, declare it to be “LOVE MUCH” week in your home.  Think of ways you can show love to others during the week.  Use MUCH LOVE in your word and actions toward others around you.

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