April 9, 2017, Lectionary

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When the ark of God came into Beth-shemesh, the residents of the town rejoiced to see it, like when Jesus came into town. 1 Samuel 6:10-13

God listens to me, and that listening to me is somehow connected to my salvation. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Giving has several gains: 1) the need is cared for, 2) the receiver praises God, and 3) the receiver prays for the giver. 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

This time, it was the colt carrying the Lord while the mom looked on. Earlier, it was the moms carrying the ark while leaving their calves. Matthew 21:1-11

Thoughts about Listening

When you've done all you can or know, it's okay to take your hands off and let it go on its own. 1 Samuel 6:10-13

Find lots of things to thank people for, and above all thank those who do, for listening. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Cultivating generosity has many benefits: 1) meeting needs, 2) cultivating gratitude, and 3) growing generosity. 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

When you feel inexperienced and ill-equipped, that may be the time when you will do some shining service for humanity. Matthew 21:1-11

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Tell about your most memorable celebration and who was there to help carry joy along.

2.    Read or listen to 1 Samuel 6:10-13. Research in context or online about this “ark of God.” Where had it been? Why were people happy to see it returning? Why did it return in this way? Then re-tell the story.

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29. Notice all the expressions of joy in this passage and how they carry the joy and pass it along from one phrase to the next. Discuss.

4.    Read or listen to 2 Corinthians 9:1-15. This is about an offering Paul expected to collect for the poor. Discover and discuss the elements of joy in giving that are mentioned here.

5.    Read or listen to Matthew 21:1-11. Where is the joy? Who is carrying it along? Name all the participants you can and how the joy would be affecting each. Draw or dramatize this story with your group. What will you do today to honor Jesus and bring Him more joyfully into your life?

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1. Cuente sobre la celebración más memorable que haya tenido y quién estaba allí para ayudarle a sobrellevar esa alegría.

2. Leer o escuchar 1 Samuel 6:10-13. Investigar en textos o en línea sobre ésta "arca de Dios". ¿Dónde había estado? ¿Por qué  la gente estaba felíz de verla regresar? ¿Por qué regresó de esa manera? Después,  vuelva a contar la historia.

3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 118:1-2, 19-29. Note en este pasaje  todas las expresiones de alegría y cómo llevan la alegría pasándola de una frase a la siguiente. Discutir.

4. Leer o escuchar 2 Corintios  9:1-15. Se trata de una ofrenda que Pablo esperaba reunir para los pobres. Descubra y discuta los elementos de alegría al momento dar, que aquí se menciona.

5. Leer o escuchar Mateo 21:1-11. ¿Dónde está la alegría? ¿Quién la lleva en todo momento? Nombre todos los participantes que pueda y cómo estaría afectando la alegría a cada uno de ellos. Con su grupo, dibuje o dramatize esta historia. ¿Qué hará hoy para honrar a Jesús y traerlo a su vida con alegría?