July 2, 2017, Lectionary

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God called Abraham by name twice, at beginning and end of this story.The second time God said the name twice! Genesis 22:1-14

When I don't have words for all the trouble, I can use Psalm 13, and giving the trouble name and voice will bring me to trust and praise.

The presenting of myself to God, the slavery to righteousness, happens in my mind, ongoing, this moment and the next. Romans 6:12-23

Giving a cup of cold water, a minimal act of hospitality and refreshing of another's soul. Did I do it this week? Matthew 10:40-42

Thoughts about Listening

Many times, the best answer is "I'm here. I'm listening." Genesis 22:1-14

Listening to another's troubles can provide a safe arena for that person to work out their own solution or better frame of mind. Psalm 13

We can choose a listening frame of mind, or a boasting, blustering frame of mind. Romans 6:12-23

Being listened to can be as refreshing as receiving a cup of cold water on a hot day. Matthew 10:40-42

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    What is your biggest question about God? Tell it to your group and listen to each other’s questions without trying to give or get answers. It’s a good exercise in siting with the questions.

2.    Read or listen to Genesis 22:1-14. Draw, dance, dramatize, or poeticize this story. Immerse yourselves in the story, try various imaginative settings and tones of voice. Sit with the questions it raises.

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 13. Read it again, aloud, all together or taking turns with the verses. Listen to each other’s voices.

4.    Read or listen to Romans 6:11-23. Find the phrases “reckon yourselves,” and “present yourselves.” Fill out in discussion what goes with those phrases, then discuss what difference it makes to realize those verbs are ongoing verbs rather than one-time-done verbs.

5.    Read or listen to Matthew 10:40-42. To whom can you give a gift of refreshment today? Will it be cold water? A hug? A smile? A spate of listening? Consider and discuss what you think the reward might be for such kindnesses.

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1. ¿Cuál es su pregunta más grande acerca de Dios? Dígaselo a su grupo y escuche las preguntas de los demás sin intentar dar o recibir respuestas. Es un buen ejercicio si se meditan las preguntas.

2. Leer o escuchar Génesis 22:1-14. Dibujar, bailar, dramatizar o poetizar esta historia. Sumérjase en la historia,  pruebe varias ajustes imaginativos y tonos de voz. Meditar las preguntas que se plantean.

3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 13. Lea de nuevo, en voz alta, todos juntos o tomen turnos con los versículos. Escuchar las voces de los demás.

4. Leer o escuchar Romanos 6:11-23. Encuentre las frases  "ustedes mismos cuenten" y "ustedes mismos presenten". Rellene en una discusión lo que sucede con esas frases, luego discuta qué  diferencia hace el darse cuenta de que esos verbos son verbos en curso, en vez de verbos hechos una sola vez.

5. Leer o escuchar Mateo 10:40-42. ¿Hoy, a quién  le puede regalar un refrigerio? ¿Sería  agua fría ? ¿Un abrazo?  ¿Una sonrisa? ¿Un tiempo para escuchar? Considerar y discutir cuál  cree que podría ser la recompensa a tales bondades.