Growing In Faith Together
October 30th 2016
Today’s Texts:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Reformation strove to recover the gospel of grace: We are justified by grace through faith. The accent shifted from what we do to what God did for us in Christ. Without question, it is God's grace—not our ancestry, bloodline, or good works—that brings us to eternal life
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Gloria Dei’s mission statement begins with the assertion that we are “shaped by the grace of God”. What does that mean to you? How are you shaped by the grace of God?
* What is the role of God’s grace and mercy in the freedom we have in Christ?
* How do you understand what it means to be free in Christ?
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.
NEXT SUNDAY: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Eph.1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Reforming God, write your law on my heart so that may your ways might become my ways.
Throughout the Day:
Still me so I may know you.
A Blessing to Share:
Be still, and know that God is here.
For mealtime say responsively:
If the Son makes you free: You will be free indeed.
Fall Meal Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice
The hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is a paraphrase of Psalm 46 by Martin Luther. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (v.1). Reflect on the times God has been your strength in trouble and your helper in the flood. Re-read the Psalm and hold it in silence for a few moments then end in prayer of thanks to God for steadfast love.
Fall Ritual
Keep a gratitude journal this fall. 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 re-directs our thinking to God’s good gifts.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Today our confirmands promised:
to live among God's faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
In what ways can we encourage each other to live out our baptismal covenant each day?
October 30th 2016
Today’s Texts:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Reformation strove to recover the gospel of grace: We are justified by grace through faith. The accent shifted from what we do to what God did for us in Christ. Without question, it is God's grace—not our ancestry, bloodline, or good works—that brings us to eternal life
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Gloria Dei’s mission statement begins with the assertion that we are “shaped by the grace of God”. What does that mean to you? How are you shaped by the grace of God?
* What is the role of God’s grace and mercy in the freedom we have in Christ?
* How do you understand what it means to be free in Christ?
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 – Reformation - John 8:31-36
Monday Romans 3:28
Tuesday Galatians 5:13-14
Wednesday Philippians 2:4-8
Thursday--Isaiah 25:6-9
Friday--Revelation 7:9-17
Saturday--John 14:1-6
Sunday - All Saints - John 11:32-44
NEXT SUNDAY: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Eph.1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Reforming God, write your law on my heart so that may your ways might become my ways.
Throughout the Day:
Still me so I may know you.
A Blessing to Share:
Be still, and know that God is here.
For mealtime say responsively:
If the Son makes you free: You will be free indeed.
Fall Meal Prayer:
God, we thank you for the night
and for the glorious morning light
for rest and food and loving care
and all that makes the world so fair.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice
The hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is a paraphrase of Psalm 46 by Martin Luther. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (v.1). Reflect on the times God has been your strength in trouble and your helper in the flood. Re-read the Psalm and hold it in silence for a few moments then end in prayer of thanks to God for steadfast love.
Fall Ritual
Keep a gratitude journal this fall. 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 re-directs our thinking to God’s good gifts.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Today our confirmands promised:
to live among God's faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
In what ways can we encourage each other to live out our baptismal covenant each day?