Growing In Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) 
February 20, 2022
TODAY’S TEXTS
Gen. 45:3-11, 15
TODAY’S TEXTS
Gen. 45:3-11, 15
Luke 6:27-38
GATHERED BY GRACE
Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of the glory of God revealed in the Christ. - from Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2018
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Psalm 37:1-9 tells us not to fret or seek vindication. What do you think of that advice?
* How do you understand “Love your enemy”?
* What do you think of “the Golden Rule” as a practical guide to life?
* What differences do you see between judging a person’s character, a person’s behavior, or the practicality of some governmental policy? What judging was Jesus talking about?
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.
Next Sunday: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May your love shape and shine through all my daily-living.
Throughout the Day: Let love guide my choices.
Blessing to Share: May God give you strength to love.
For mealtime say responsively:
Commit your way to the Lord: And see what God will do.
Epiphany 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:
GATHERED BY GRACE
Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of the glory of God revealed in the Christ. - from Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2018
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Psalm 37:1-9 tells us not to fret or seek vindication. What do you think of that advice?
* How do you understand “Love your enemy”?
* What do you think of “the Golden Rule” as a practical guide to life?
* What differences do you see between judging a person’s character, a person’s behavior, or the practicality of some governmental policy? What judging was Jesus talking about?
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 6:27-38
Monday Psalm 38:18-22
Tuesday 1Corinthians 11:17-22
Wednesday Luke 17:1-4
Thursday Psalm 99
Friday Acts 10:1-8
Saturday Deuteronomy 9:15-24
Sunday Luke 9:28-36
Next Sunday: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May your love shape and shine through all my daily-living.
Throughout the Day: Let love guide my choices.
Blessing to Share: May God give you strength to love.
For mealtime say responsively:
Commit your way to the Lord: And see what God will do.
Epiphany 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:
Think about your understanding of the words “mercy” and “compassion”. Try creating an acrostic expressing your understanding. Take a blank sheet of paper and write each word down the long edge. Now use each of the letters to begin a word or a short phrase which expresses what each word means to you. Reflect on how you can nurture these attributes in your life so that they become your response in situations of conflict. End your devotional time in prayer.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a 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 these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Next Sunday at Gloria Dei we will take a special offering for our partners in Tanzania who have built a new school. Our offering will help in the cost of the restroom separate buildings. You can donate online at our website by going to the GIVING tab, click on "Your Choice" and write in Tanzanian school. Follow instructions for payment.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Next Sunday at Gloria Dei we will take a special offering for our partners in Tanzania who have built a new school. Our offering will help in the cost of the restroom separate buildings. You can donate online at our website by going to the GIVING tab, click on "Your Choice" and write in Tanzanian school. Follow instructions for payment.