January 14, 2018, Lectionary

Samuel needed Eli in order to properly hear the world of the Lord. Friends, mentors, and community are necessary. 1 Samuel 3:1-20

God searched me and knows me. That's a big idea and a little scary, but I say, Go ahead and do it again and always. Psalm 139

It's not only my mind, or not only my body, or not only that other part of me that connects with God and others. All of me is here for the purpose of giving glory to God. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Phillip and Nathanael knew who Jesus was. Jesus knew who Nathanael was. It seems to me that a joy in recognition spreads over this story. John 1:43-51

Thoughts about Listening

Sometimes the children have very good ideas. Let us listen well so they can learn to talk well. 1 Samuel 3:1-20

If there is someone who really "gets you," that is a gift. Tell that person Thank you today. Psalm 139

Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs to stay healthy. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Immediate and announced recognition of kindred spirit can be off-putting or delightfully inviting when starting a new relationship. John 1:43-51

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Describe some signs that help you recognize God’s voice or God’s presence in your life.

2.    Read or listen to 1 Samuel 3:1-20. Read this story aloud together, choosing voices according to the characters: narrator, God, Samuel, Eli. How did Samuel learn to recognize God’s voice?

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 139. How do you think David came to this knowledge of God’s presence in his life? On a scale of one to ten how sure do you think David was of God’s presence?

4.    Read or listen to 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. How sure do you think Paul was of God’s presence? Discuss the pictures or metaphors by which Paul described the closeness of God.

5.    Read or listen to John 1:43-51. This will be fun to read dramatically as you did with #1 above. Choose voices according to characters: narrator, Jesus, Phillip, Nathanael. Then consider and discuss the ways each character comes to know and describe the other characters. Is there someone you know whom you would like very much to know better? What will you do this week to help that to happen?

January 21 Bible Readings:
● Jonah 3:1-5, 10  ● Psalm 62:5-12
● 1 Corinthians 7:29-31  ● Mark 1:14-20