G.I.F.T. 10-29-17

 Growing In Faith Together 
 October 29, 2017


 TODAY’S TEXTS 
 Jeremiah 31:31-34
 Psalm 46 
 Romans 3:19-28 
 John 8:31-36


 GATHERED BY GRACE 
Reformation Sunday is not “Lutheran Pride Day.” Instead it is a day focused on knowing God truthfully, and in the process, understanding who we are in light of God’s unbelievable grace. Today is a day to give thanks for every part of the church where the gospel is shared as good news in Christ. Reformation is an ongoing process and we pray that with the help of God’s Spirit, the church – and ourselves - will be continually reformed and renewed.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What ties these lessons together? 
* What does it mean to have God’s law written on one’s heart?
* Consider the place of ‘law’ in your life. What laws do you find give you joy and wisdom? What laws do you find oppressive?
* How do you understand what it means to be free in Christ? How will you express your freedom this week?

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 8:31-36
Monday Romans 3:28
Tuesday Galatians 5:13-14
Wednesday Philippians 2:4-8
Thursday Psalm 34:8
Friday 1 John 3:16-18
Saturday John 11:25-26a
Sunday Matthew 5:1-12

Next Sunday:  Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10;1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK

For the Week: May your ways become my ways, Reforming God.

Throughout the Day:  Be my present help.

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.

Autumn Mealtime Prayer:   
For food we eat,
for clothes to wear,
for nightly rest 
and daily care
we thank you Loving God.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
Reformation is a day to reexamine our faith. Part of that is recognizing the truth about our inadequacies, our failings, and our sinfulness. The law is like a mirror in a room with intense fluorescent lights; it shows us who we are with every flaw and wrinkle. Through grace, God shines a new light on us; injustices are forgiven and sins forgotten. Spend time this week pondering this new image of yourself standing in God’s life. End with a prayer.

Autumn Ritual: 
As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature's cycles are mirrored in our lives. Autumn is a time for letting go and to practice getting out of the way and letting Spirit take charge of our lives. Place a symbol of autumn – a leaf, an acorn – in your devotional area. Let it remind you to let go and let God.

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
 In Luther’s words, A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all. He believed that because we are totally freed from the law through God’s gift of grace, we are totally freed to love and serve our neighbor. How will you freely love your neighbor this week?

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