December 30, 2018, Lectionary

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When I was young I greatly longed to grow in the ability to be pleasing to God, and to the humans in my life. Like the young Samuel. 1 Samuel 12:18-26

I think I've discovered a new personal purpose, which underlies the purposes of all my other creations: to increase praise to God in the world. Psalm 148

Maybe humbleness of mind underlies forgiveness, love, thanks, and several other things mentioned by Paul to the church. I can't get it by myself, though. Colossians 3:12-17

At twelve Jesus was in process to know his calling. Growing in knowing his purpose and calling helped him to grow in favor with God and humans. Luke 2:41-52

Thoughts about Listening

Will better listening help me to please everyone? No! Though the range of those I can please might expand. 1 Samuel 2:18-26

When you look at beauty of sun or moon, tree or flower, stars or snowflakes, river or mountain, what is your most automatic and persistent thought? Psalm 148

One step toward forgiveness is recognizing I don't know everything. Colossians 3:12-17

Joyful and felicitous friendships are more likely if I live with a clear personal purpose in life. Luke 2:41-52

Bible Reading Group Study Guide

1.    Do you make a difference in meaning between the words “joy” and “happiness.” Why or why not? Discuss.

2.    Read or listen to 1 Samuel 12:18-26. Scan previous chapters and re-tell the story of Samuel’s birth and childhood. Imagine and talk about the feelings of mom, dad, and child when Samuel was left at the temple as a child.

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 148. List all those called upon to praise the Lord, and add some more to the list. Is “praising the Lord” a sufficient reason to live? Why or why not?

4.    Read or listen to Colossians 3:12-17. List and discuss each phrase that tells what believers are to do or be. In verse 17, find what is to be the purpose in everything believers do.

5.    Read or listen to Luke 2:41-52. Notice and discuss the similarities of Jesus’ story with that of Samuel: taken to the temple as a child, parental feelings, growing in favor with God and humans. What words signify Jesus’ coming into awareness of his purpose and calling? Discuss.

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1.    ¿Hay una diferencia en el significado entre las palabras "alegría" y "felicidad"? ¿Por qué si o por qué no? Discutir.

2.    Leer o escuchar 1 Samuel 12: 18-26. Revise los capítulos anteriores y vuelva a contar la historia del nacimiento y la infancia de Samuel. Imagine y hable sobre los sentimientos de la mamá, el papá y el niño cuando Samuel fue dejado en el templo cuando era niño.

3.    Leer o escuchar el Salmo 148. Haga una lista de todos aquellos llamados a alabar al Señor, y agregue algunos más a la lista. ¿El “alabar al Señor" es una razón suficiente para vivir? ¿Por qué si o por qué no?

4.    Leer o escuchar Colosenses 3: 12-17. Haga una lista y discuta cada frase que diga lo que los creyentes deben hacer o ser. En el versículo 17, encuentre cuál es el propósito de todo lo que hacen los creyentes.

5.    Leer o escuchar Lucas 2: 41-52. Observe y discuta las similitudes de la historia de Jesús con la de Samuel: llevado al templo como un niño, con sentimientos paternos, creciendo a favor de Dios y los humanos. ¿Qué palabras significan que Jesús tomó conciencia de su propósito y llamado? Discutir.