Growing In Faith Together
March 12, 2017
Today’s Texts:
Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 121
Romans4:1-5,13-17
John 3:1-17
GATHERED BY GRACE
Nicodemus, a scholar, knew quite a bit about God’s way, but he still wondered, still asked questions, still wanted to grow in faith and understanding about God’s way. Jesus called on him – and on us – to believe in and trust the unseen power of God.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What questions do you have about the faith?
* What does it mean to you to be born of the Spirit?
* Read John 7:45-52 and 19:38-40. What is Nicodemus doing in these incidents?
* Luther called verse 16 “the Gospel in miniature.” What are the verbs in this verse? What do they tell us about God?
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: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Softly restore my soul by night.
Throughout the Day: Wake me in the morning to see your splendor.
A Blessing to Share: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
For mealtime say responsively: My help comes from the Lord: the maker of heaven and earth
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind
Lead us to love all whom we find. 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.
Lenten Ritual:
Try this at least 3 times a week: At the end of your day, take a few moments to review your day in the presence of God. 1) Ask to see your day with God’s eyes. 2) Give thanks for the gift of the day. 3) Review your day. 4) Face any mistakes you may have made and give them to God. 5) Look toward the day to come.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The Shelter House provides overnight accommodations for people without homes. In addition to our roof and beds, they focus on programs and supports that help hundreds of men, women and children each year to get back on their feet. Shelter House will be having its annual Book Sale to help raise funds to support them in this mission. Sale will be held on March 25th (10:30 AM-5 PM) and 26th (12 PM-4 PM) at the Johnson County Fairgrounds (Building C). You can bring books to donate to Gloria Dei until March 19.
March 12, 2017
Today’s Texts:
Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 121
Romans4:1-5,13-17
John 3:1-17
GATHERED BY GRACE
Nicodemus, a scholar, knew quite a bit about God’s way, but he still wondered, still asked questions, still wanted to grow in faith and understanding about God’s way. Jesus called on him – and on us – to believe in and trust the unseen power of God.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What questions do you have about the faith?
* What does it mean to you to be born of the Spirit?
* Read John 7:45-52 and 19:38-40. What is Nicodemus doing in these incidents?
* Luther called verse 16 “the Gospel in miniature.” What are the verbs in this verse? What do they tell us about God?
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 John 3:1-17
Monday Psalm 128:1-4
Tuesday Isaiah 65:17-19
Wednesday Ezekiel 36:22-32
Thursday Psalm 95
Friday Exodus 16:1-8
Saturday John 4:1-6
Sunday John 4:5-52
Next Sunday: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Softly restore my soul by night.
Throughout the Day: Wake me in the morning to see your splendor.
A Blessing to Share: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
For mealtime say responsively: My help comes from the Lord: the maker of heaven and earth
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind
Lead us to love all whom we find. 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.
Lenten Ritual:
Try this at least 3 times a week: At the end of your day, take a few moments to review your day in the presence of God. 1) Ask to see your day with God’s eyes. 2) Give thanks for the gift of the day. 3) Review your day. 4) Face any mistakes you may have made and give them to God. 5) Look toward the day to come.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The Shelter House provides overnight accommodations for people without homes. In addition to our roof and beds, they focus on programs and supports that help hundreds of men, women and children each year to get back on their feet. Shelter House will be having its annual Book Sale to help raise funds to support them in this mission. Sale will be held on March 25th (10:30 AM-5 PM) and 26th (12 PM-4 PM) at the Johnson County Fairgrounds (Building C). You can bring books to donate to Gloria Dei until March 19.