G.I.F.T. 11-8-2020

Growing In Faith Together
November 8, 2020

TODAY’S TEXTS
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13

GATHERED BY GRACE
Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the prudent and foolish bridesmaids. These readings pair concern for those who have died in the expectation of Christ's return with those we who are alive, waiting for God's justice now.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do justice and grace relate to each other?
* Is this parable about staying awake, or being prepared? What's the difference?
* What insight do you gain into the life of faith from the image of an oil lamp? What does having "enough oil," look like almost two thousand years later?
* What is the relationship between faithfulness and readiness?


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 Matthew 25:1-13 
Monday Psalm 63:5-8
Tuesday 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 
Wednesday Matthew 24:32-35 
Thursday Psalm 90: 1-2
Friday Psalm 90:3-6
Saturday Zephaniah 1:12-16
Sunday Matthew 25:14-30
Next Sunday: Zephaniah 1:7,12-18; Psalm90:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Let justice roll down, O God.

Throughout the Day: Make haste to help me, O Lord!

Blessing to Share: May your day be bright with the light of God.

For mealtime, say responsively: You are my helper, O Lord; come quickly, O God.

November Mealtime Prayer:
Without your sunshine and your rain
We could not have the golden grain;
Without your love we'd not be fed;
We thank you for our daily bread.
Amen.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: 
We have a pampered lifestyle, not unlike the “ivory couches” of Amos’ day. It seems to be a fact that when a society gets prosperous, faith commitments dwindle. Read the Amos text and reflect on it. Can prosperity and faith co-exist? How do our ivory couches affect our spiritual life? How about our compassion for and attention to the poor and oppressed? End your reflections with prayer.

November Ritual: 
This is the month of Thanksgiving so start giving thanks! Each day identify 3 things for which you give thanks – record them in a journal, in a computer document, or on a piece of paper. By November 26 you’ll have a bunch of blessings for your Thanksgiving prayer!

SCATTERED TO SERVE
What can you do this week to “let justice roll down”?







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