G.I.F.T. 1-14-18

Growing In Faith Together

January 14, 2018

TODAY’S TEXTS 
1 Samuel 3:1-20 
Psalm 139 
1 Cor. 6:12-20 
John 1:43-51


GATHERED BY GRACE 
The Psalm tells us that God knows us intimately, even from before our birth. God also knew Samuel, calling him to be a prophet in Israel. Jesus recognized in Nathanael a person of integrity and promise. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are to respect each other as persons created by God. God knows and cares for each one of us.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* Samuel needed Eli to help him know God’ call. Who has helped you to recognize God’s voice?
* How is the idea of being known by God different from being known by another person?
* If “all things are lawful” (1 Cor) for Christians, how do you decide what actions to take?
* Jesus found Nathanael under fig tree (v.48). Where would Jesus find you? What would Jesus say about you (v.47)?

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 1:43-51
Monday Psalm 86
Tuesday Acts 5:1-11
Wednesday Luke 18:15-17
Thursday Psalm 62:5-7
Friday Psalm 62:8-12
Saturday Jonah 3:1-5,10
Sunday Mark 1:14-20

Next Sunday: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  Tune my hearing, so I know your voice.

Throughout the Day:  Speak, for your servant is listening.

Blessing to Share: May you know the embrace of God who calls you into life.

For mealtime say responsively: How deep are your thoughts, O God: How great is the sum of them!

 Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.  
Refresh us by this meal 
      to reflect your love to others. Amen
      
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
Imagine Jesus calls you by name. Ponder on the meaning that he gives to your name. Think about all that makes up who you are, your desires, your talents, the aspects that you judge as failures. How does Jesus view these? How can you grow by using these? Rest in the love of your God.

Ritual for the Epiphany Season: 
Place a small bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism.  Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead.  Say: Remember you are a baptized child of God and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
Philip sought out Nathaniel to tell him about Jesus. Is there an individual or family you could invite to spend a Sunday with you – perhaps to come to worship and then for a midday meal?  Prepare to invite them and to offer them your hospitality. 


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