G.I.F.T. 8-4-19

Growing In Faith Together
August 4, 2019

TODAY’S TEXTS  
Ecclesiastes 
   1:2, 12-14,2:18-23 
Psalm 49:1-12
Colossians 3:1-11 
Luke 12:13-21

GATHERED BY GRACE 
Working for mere accumulation of wealth turns life into an empty game, a “vanity of vanities.” In God’s reign, the “rich will be sent away empty.” Jesus warns against identifying the worth of one’s life with the value of one’s possessions rather than one’s relationship with God. Life in Christ includes a radical reorientation of our values.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What is your most treasured possession?  Why? 
* How does this parable speak to the way financial wellness affects our relationship with God? 
* What is "the good life"--what makes our lives rich and full?
* What does following God give that money can’t buy?
* Why are we so often uncomfortable when talking about money in our churches?

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 12:13-21
Monday Psalm 127:1-5
Tuesday Colossians 4:2-6
Wednesday Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Thursday Psalm 33:20-22
Friday Ecclesiastes 6:1-6
Saturday Matthew 6:19-21
Sunday Luke 12:132-40

NEXT SUNDAY: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me, God, to long for the riches that come from you.
Throughout the Day: Set my mind on Christ.

A Blessing to Share: Christ is all and in all.

For mealtime say responsively: My mouth shall speak of wisdom:  My heart shall mediate on understanding.

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

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
Spend time this week reflecting on today’s parable. Where are we defined by our possessions? What is sufficient in our lives? Where is it spilling over into unnecessary excess? Where are we possessed by our possessions? How might we “seek after God and not things”? Cut out and decorate a credit-card-sized card featuring these words: “Seek after God”.  Place this in your purse or wallet as a reminder.

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
Being “rich towards God” means growing in generosity towards those who are in need.  Decide on a food item or recreational activity to forgo this week.  Use the money saved to buy school supplies for Lutheran World Relief or outwear for our Winter Wear distribution in October. You can drop items for either collection at church.

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