July 29, 2018, Lectionary
The correspondence between David and Joab indicates that David expected/hoped never to be found out. Scripture lets us in behind closed doors to see the sequences and conversations of things. 2 Samuel 11:1-15
When a person denies even silently that there is a good God, he or she becomes a bully and oppressor, eating up people, and minimizing the value of the poor. Psalm 14
If we, together as church or community, were to put our heads and hearts together for a period of time in serious effort to comprehend all aspects of the love of God for us, --list some possible results. Ephesians 3:14-21
Think of the control people would try to have over you if your hands could make food multiply and your feet could make water walkable. John 6:1-21
Thoughts about Listening
Especially if I hold power or privilege, it is my responsibility to check my own smallest incursions into other people's space, stories, or things. 2 Samuel 11:1-15
I consider my attitudes because it is possible for my words and tone to diminish another person's opportunity to be heard. Psalm 14
Love is a topic worth focused attention in serious effort to comprehend all aspects of it. Ephesians 3:14-21
With abundance all around us, I wonder why I so often think in terms of scarcity. Maybe scarcity is an illusion that we humans have somehow contrived and conjured for our habitat. John 6:1-21
Bible Reading Group Homework
1. Get in mind the worst thing that has ever happened to you. Have you told many people? How have you gone on anyway?
2. Read or listen to 2 Samuel 11:1-15. Where are the points of outrage for you in this story? Tell and discuss how you think the various characters were feeling at various points in the story.
3. Read or listen to Psalm 14. Why do you think the consequences would be so hard and harsh for someone who merely doesn’t believe in God?
4. Read or listen to Ephesians 3:14-21. Read this aloud together or to each other. Re-phrase or summarize in your own words the three or four requests (signified by the word “that”). Do your remember and can you tell about your first work at trying to understand love? Share what it feels like to be prayed for regarding these specific requests.
5. Read or listen to John 6:1-21. Well, this certainly was what we might call a “free meal”! Tell some ways how our society today would want to use someone whose hands could make food multiply and feet could make water walkable.
August 5 Bible Readings:
● 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a ● Psalm 51:1-12
● Ephesians 4:1-16 ● John 6:24-35