G.I.F.T. 8-11-19

Growing In Faith Together 
August 11, 2019


TODAY’S TEXTS
Genesis 15:1-6 
Psalm 33:12-22
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 
Luke 12:32-40

GATHERED BY GRACE 
Jesus says, "It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the "little flock" of which we are a part today in assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* Since you are saved by grace what motivates you to good works? 
* We often hear that Christians should keep “alert,” but alert for what?
* What might "dressed for action" look like for us now? "Lamps lit?"
* What verse summarizes the point of this Gospel lesson for you?
* “Faith means living ‘as if’ God’s unseen promises are real”. What do you think of that? How would you define “faith”?

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 12:32-40
Monday Psalm 89:1-4
Tuesday Hebrews 11:17-19
Wednesday Jeremiah 33:14-16
Thursday Psalm 82:1-4
Friday Hebrews 10:32-36
Saturday Jeremiah 23:23-24
Sunday Luke 12:49-56

NEXT SUNDAY: Jeremiah 23:23-29; Psalm 82; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me live faithfully, O God.

Throughout the Day: May I live into your promises.

A Blessing to Share: Have no fear, little flock.

For mealtime say responsively: Our hearts rejoice in you:  In your name we put our trust.

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

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
In Genesis 15:1-6 we hear that God made a special covenant with Abram, promising him as many descendants as there were stars in the sky!  In your devotion times this week, make up a list of the different promises that God has made to God’s people e.g. “God has promised to save us”, “God has promised us eternal life”, “God has promised to help us love others”.  Write each one onto a piece of yellow paper cut into a star shape.  Place these onto your walls or ceiling as a reminder of God’s love and grace.

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. Delight in creation.  Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate 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 TO SERVE
Hebrews 11 lists people from the Bible who showed faith in God.  Who have been examples of faith you?  Write letters to these people, thanking them for their example.  

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