September 2, 2018, Lectionary
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On church days, Jesus calls the gathered church away from engagements with trying to get ahead, making a name for ourselves, or getting attention, away to the springtime of engagement with Jesus. Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Psalm 45 is just as problematic as the whole of Song of Solomon, likely both about royal romance and wedding. Though the pronouns are confusing, its tone creates a bright spot after some pretty sad songs.
Every good gift is from God who always has been and always will be good. James 1:17-27
I have always taught the importance of thoughts for shaping one's words and acts. There also a reflexive, reciprocal, cyclic effect in that words and acts shape one's thoughts and life. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Thoughts about Listening
If I always have something that I love to think about, then I will never be bored. Song of Solomon 2:8-13
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45
Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:17-27
What I say and do shapes who I am. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Bible Reading Group Homework
1. Tell in your group what you do when you have an unexpected wait: read, knit, think/plan, watch people, other?
2. Read or listen to Song of Solomon 2:8-13. Remember that this is in the midst of a love song from the king to a possibly unlikely beloved. The lover is calling the beloved away to a tryst. Discuss how it strikes you: Cute call, God’s call to you, God’s call to the church, other?
3. Read or listen to Psalm 45. Just as puzzling, this Psalm’s pronouns don’t always seem to make sense. Considered to be a song for a royal wedding, what can it teach you?
4. Read or listen to James 1:17-27. In this section of proverbs in the New Testament, which piece jumps out at you as specially applicable in your life? Which pieces have specifically to do with saying or doing, words or actions?
5. Read or listen to Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23. Ponder and discuss which is more dangerous to the shape of your life: being the receiver of virus and bacteria, name-calling, or assault, or being the transmitter of one of these? Discuss again which is more impactful on the shape of your life: thoughts, words, or actions? What are your next steps now?
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1. Diga a su grupo qué es lo que hace cuando tiene estar esperando de manera inesperada: leer, tejer, pensar / planificar, observar a las personas, otra cosa?
2. Leer o escuchar el Cantar de los Cantares 2: 8-13. Recuerde que esto se encuentra en medio de una canción de amor del rey que posiblemente no puede ser amado. El amante está llamando a la amada a una cita. Discuta cómo le impresiona: Un llamado lindo, la llamada de Dios a usted, la llamada de Dios a la iglesia, otro?
3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 45. Igualmente desconcertante, los pronombres de este Salmo no siempre parecen tener sentido. Considerado como una canción para una boda real, ¿qué puede enseñarle?
4. Leer o escuchar Santiago 1: 17-27. En esta sección de proverbios en el Nuevo Testamento, ¿Qué pieza salta a la vista para ser especialmente aplicable a su vida? ¿Qué piezas tienen que ver específicamente con decir o hacer, palabras o acciones?
5. Leer o escuchar Marcos 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23. Medite y analice qué es más peligroso para su forma de vida: ser el receptor de virus y bacterias, insultos o agresión, o ser el transmisor de uno de estos. Discuta de nuevo cuál es el más impactante para su forma de vida: ¿pensamientos, palabras o acciones? ¿Cuáles son sus próximos pasos ahora?