Alive Now Extended

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35

Monday, April 26. Think of what you know about Peter the disciple: his call, his questions, his actions, is humanity. Read some of the stories you remember about him. Think about how you are like this Peter.

Tuesday, April 27. In John 13, Jesus and Peter have a conversation. Jesus says he is going away; Peter says he will go anywhere with Jesus, even dying for him. Jesus tells him that before long he will deny that he even knows Jesus. Think about the ways in which you want to follow Jesus and then fail. Write a prayer of confession telling God about your shortcomings.

Wednesday, April 28. Read the whole experience of Peter in Joppa in Acts 10 as well as his account to the believers in Jerusalem. The Peter of the gospels has turned into a church leader. The Peter who denied knowing Jesus has become a voice for change, challenging that Jewish laws which had always seemed so clear and right. How you are like this Peter? When have you questioned the old ways and spoken truth to power?

Thursday, April 29. Author Kathy K. Grow in “All Things Work Together” affirms the power of believing in redemption. How is a belief in redemption related to the power to speak truth? Write out your own definition of redemption and think of the ways you live out that truth.

Friday, April 30. The Peter of Act 10 and 11 was bold and authentic witness because he believed in the power of God to turn the world around and do new things. He was willing to trust God and God’s love. Read “He Loves You Anyway” as you reflect on the authenticity and boldness of your witness.

Saturday, May 1. Psalm 148 speaks of the ways all of creation praises God. Read the psalm aloud and then look around you. How are the parts of creation you can see praise God? Review your lifestyle and evaluate your own praise for God through the ways you care for creation. Give yourself a grade and then set a goal for improving that grade in the next few months

Sunday, May 2. Fifth Sunday of Easter. Get out your drawing pens or crayons. The author of Revelation tells us that the old heaven and earth are passing away. Draw a picture of the new earth. What would it look like? How would people treat each other? How would God reveal the Godself in the midst of this new world? What would you like best?

Prayer
God of the New Earth, give me the bold authenticity to believe you have turned the world around and can use me to speak this truth wherever it needs to be heard. Amen.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Acts 9:36-42
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30

Monday, April 19. This week’s passages all focus on sheep and shepherds. Read about sheep and shepherds on a dictionary or encyclopedia or go online and google “sheep” and “shepherds”. Find out about then nature of sheep and the care provided for them by shepherds. In light of this how are you like a sheep? How is God’s care like that of a shepherd? Take notes of your insights to refer to as you read the devotionals for this week.

Tuesday, April 20. In Acts 9:36-43 we read of the death of Dorcas. Those who love her hover around her bed in prayer; some run to get Peter. How does Peter continue the ministry of Jesus by being a good shepherd in this passage? What does it tell you about feeding Jesus’ sheep?

Wednesday, April 21. How do you continue to ministry of Jesus? When have you been a good shepherd? Read “Courage” and think about the things you do to show Christ’s love that you think are insignificant. Celebrate the common everyday things of love that you do.

Thursday, April 22. Earth Day. Notice the natural world around you during the day. What do you think is most wonderful and amazing? Write a prayer of thanksgiving. Participate in an Earth Day celebration. Plant a tree. Pick up your trash. Pick up the trash of others. Sing a song of praise to the Creator.

Friday, April 23. As you read Revelation 7, reflect on the switch in the sheep/shepherd metaphor as Jesus becomes the lamb. What does this tell you about the nature of Christ? How do you think Jesus can be both sheep and shepherd?

Saturday, April 24. Read Psalm 23 in several translations. How does what you learned about sheep and shepherds inform your reading? What new insights do you have about your nature as sheep and God’s nature as shepherd?

Sunday, April 25. Fourth Sunday of Easter. The passage from John 10 talks about Jesus as shepherd and the way in which his sheep hear his voice and follow him. What are the promises Jesus makes to his sheep? What does Jesus voice say to you? How do you know it is Jesus’ voice speaking?

Prayer
Shepherd God, open my ears to hear your voice and fill me with thanksgiving that you have called me by name. Amen.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-19

Monday, April 12. Paul was intent on arresting and killing the Christians in Damascus until he had an encounter with the Risen Christ. Read about this encounter in Acts 9. Reflect on your encounters with the Risen Christ. How have they turned you in a new direction? What were the outcomes of those encounters and your turning?

Tuesday, April 13. When have your unwittingly used your power to hurt or abuse someone else? Joelle E. Chase tells of a time when she did this and the questions she had to ask herself. Read “Questioning Power” and ask yourself the same questions she asked herself.

Wednesday, April 14. Read Psalm 30. How has God turned your mourning into dancing? Think of a time when you were filled with sadness and hopelessness and God sent you joy. What happened? How did it change you and your faith?

Thursday, April 15. In “Who’s God the Power?” the author reports about a time when speaking truth made a difference. In what way was this a time when God turned mourning into dancing? When have you spoken out and made a difference? Go and dance to celebrate!

Friday, April 16. As you read Revelation 5 notice that the passage says that all living things (not just humans) praise God. Take a walk and listen as all living things praise God. Make a decision about a specific way you can act to protect and preserves these “praisers” of God and their habitats

Saturday, April 17. Remember the “praisers” whose songs you heard yesterday. Read “Denouncing Injustice in Fury” and decide whether you are ready to move from recycling trash to speaking truth to power order to protect and preserve their songs.

Sunday, April 18. Third Sunday of Easter. In John 21, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and he tells Peter, “to feed his sheep”. Do you love Jesus? How are you feeding and tending to Jesus’ sheep? Make a list of the sheep who Jesus sends to you and how you will act to feed them in the next two months.

Prayer
God of Peter, you offer me a hard question: “Do you love me?” Forgive me for my quick affirmation when I have not fed your sheep. Amen.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 150
Revelation 1:4-8
John 20:19-31

Monday, April 5. On this day after Easter, read “Ruler of Heaven” in the Last Word. What new things have your learned about the Christ during this Lent and week of Passion? Use this poem as a prayer in the days ahead. Let the Ruler of Heaven continue to remake you in to his image.

Tuesday, April 6. As you read John 20:19-31 think about how you are like Thomas. Would you have doubted and wanted proof? Would you have questioned the reports of the others? Imagine what you would have said to Jesus when he appeared? Think about your own faith and whether you believe in things you can’t see or whether you want tangible proof.

Wednesday, April 7. Read Revelation. What does it mean for God to be both the Alpha (the first letter of the Greek alphabet) and the Omega (the last letter of the Greek alphabet)? What does it mean to you that God was at the beginning and will be at the end? What questions does that raise for you? How does knowing that strengthen you?

Thursday, April 8. As you consider the endlessness of God’s love and care, remember that during all your days, before them and after them you are a Child of God. Read “Tainted Legacy” and rejoice. Then find a way to tell another.

Friday, April 9. Read Psalm 150. Rewrite the psalm using modern terms and instruments. Read your psalm aloud.

Saturday, April 10. Sometimes we get so lost in the wonder of Easter’s new clothes, baby chicks and family reunions that we forget that Easter is about power – God’s power to turn death around and overcome evil. Read “Amazed” as you ponder this reality. How is God calling you to use your power for good?

Sunday, April 11. Second Sunday of Easter. Review the statement of faith you wrote at the beginning of Holy Week and then read Acts 5. Think about what the passage says about witnesses. What does a witness do? How are you a witness to the death and resurrection of Christ?

Prayer
God of Redemption, open my eyes to the truth of Easter’s power. Amen.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Isaiah 65:17-25
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Luke 24:1-12

Monday, March 29. Write out a short statement of faith expressing your understanding of the meaning for you of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How will you celebrate and reaffirm those beliefs as you walk through this week?

Tuesday, March 30. As you read the words of the prophet Isaiah think about God’s promises to Israel. How are those promises fulfilled through the New Creation offered to us in Christ? Which of the promises to Israel seem the most important to you?

Wednesday, March 31. As you prepare for the story of the next few days, think about Jesus’ use of his power. Read, “All Power Rests with the Truth.” How did Jesus retain his power during the days of judgment and crucifixion? How can you retain you power to speak in times of judgment and crucifixion?

Thursday, April 1. Maundy Thursday. Read Luke 22:7-62. Imagine you are at the meal and in the garden. What choices would you have made? Would you have run or stayed? Would you denied knowing him? Would you have been able to stay awake? What would your thoughts and feelings have been?

Friday, April 2. Good Friday. As you read Luke 22:63-23-56, think what you would have seen and heard if you had been there. Write a journal account of your experience or draw some pictures of what you saw.

Saturday, April 3. The death of Jesus was supposed to kill his power and yet as we will celebrate tomorrow he turned the powers of evil around and overcame then. The powers of evil still exist when we permit them. Read “The Meanest City” and ask yourself how you would speak truth to this evil.

Sunday, April 4. Easter. Christ is Risen! Read through the resurrection account in Luke 24:1-12. What would you have felt as you walked toward the garden? What would you thought when you saw the stone was moved? What would you have said to Jesus? What would you have said to the disciples later? Use some colored markers, pencils or crayons and draw a free form picture of the resurrection expressing your feelings.

Prayer
God of Easter Resurrection, open my eyes to the Risen Christ whenever he appears and fill me with the power to live as if Christ has overcome all evil. Amen.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Liturgy of the Palms
Luke 19:28-40
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Liturgy of the Passion
Isaiah 50: 4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 22:14-23:56

Monday, March 22. Many regions of the country are experiencing the arrival of spring. Take a walk and look around you at the signs of rebirth in trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers. How does the new life found in creation inform your understanding of death? What does it tell you about God?

Tuesday, March 23. Remember your walk of the day before and the wonder of nature you observed. Think about the ways in which corporate greed and personal laziness damage and fail to protect the creation. Then, read, “Where Can I Make a Difference?” Focus on the questions in the section marked, As a follower of Christ, do I exercise proper stewardship of creation? Chose one change you can make in your lifestyle to protect and preserve the creation.

Wednesday, March 24. Think about God’s call to “Speak Truth to Power” as you read Isaiah 50. Remember a time when you spoke out against a power. How does the passage reflect your experience? How could these words come from the mouth of Jesus as he turned toward Jerusalem and all that waited for him there? How can these words empower you the next time you speak out against power?

Thursday, March 25. Think about God’s call to “Speak Truth to Power” as you read Psalm 31. Remember a time when you spoke out against a power. How does the psalm reflect your experience? How could these words come from the mouth of Jesus as he turned toward Jerusalem and all that waited for him there? How can these words empower you the next time you speak out against power?

Friday, March 26. Read Philippians out loud and reflect on this image of Jesus. Read verse 5. What does it mean for you to have the same mind as Christ? How would that change you? How would it strengthen you? How would it challenge you?

Saturday, March 27. As you read Roberta Porter’s poem, “Listen”, think about the humility Jesus showed against the power of the status quo when he rode into Jerusalem. What kind of model does he provide for you? How does the poem enrich your understanding of “having the mind of Christ?”

Sunday, March 28. Palm Sunday. On this day of celebrating the triumph entry of Jesus in Jerusalem, read the portions from Luke 19 and Psalm 118. Imagine you are standing in the crowd. What is happening around you? Who is there? What are they doing? What are you doing? How do you feel? What makes you feel the most excited?

Prayer
God of Holy Week, fill me with the mind of Christ. Give me humility and the quiet confidence to stand against the power of the status quo. Amen.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8

Monday, March 15. Read Psalm 126. Remember a time when you lost something and found it again. Think about people in the world who have lost lives, home, wealth, and land and pray for them. Find a way to speak out against those who stole from them.

Tuesday, March 16. What are you really willing to do for the lost of the world? Are you willing to speak out against injustice despite the costs? Read “Speaking Out” and picture yourself participating in a protest. What makes you angry enough to stand up and speak out in such a way?

Wednesday, March 17. In Philippians, Paul says that he has lost all things because of Jesus and now considers them as trash. Walk around your house and make a list of things that you would not want to lose. Imagine that Christ called you to give them away. How would you feel? What would you do?

Thursday, March 18. Think back to your list from yesterday. How hard it would it be for you to give away your material possessions? Read “One Question.” What does it mean to give away, “all your goods?” Give away one thing today.

Friday, March 19. Imagine you are the woman in John 12:1-8. Why did you come to anoint Jesus? What was the most difficult part of walking into the room and going to Jesus? How did Judas’s words affect you? How did Jesus’ words make you feel? Write a journal entry from the woman’s perspective.

Saturday, March 20. Where in your life do you thirst and hunger. Read Isaiah 43 and consider the promise of God to bring water to God’s chosen people. Feel your thirst and then imagine God handing you a cup of cold water. How do you feel? What is most wonderful thing about the water?

Sunday, March 21. Fifth Sunday in Lent. On this last Sunday in Lent, look back over your journey through the last days. What have you learned about yourself? What have you learned about Jesus? In what ways have you turned to go in a new direction? In what way are you still lost in a sense of guilt and sin? As you look toward Holy Week, decide one thing in you life you want to change and focus on that in the coming week.

Prayer
God of Abundance, forgive me when I assume that I deserve your riches and hoard or abuse them. Give me open hands to share your generous gifts. Amen.


Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org

Weekly Lectionary Texts

Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9

Monday, March 1. Isaiah 55 is full of promises and reasons to hope. It seems to declare that impossible things are possible. What is your response to this passage? In what ways is God doing impossible things in your life? Reread verses 8-9. In what way would your life change if you lived believing this?

Tuesday, March 2. As you begin considering the theme of speaking truth to power, read Eli Fisher’s editorial. How does reading it make you feel? In what ways do you agree or disagree with what he says? Remember some opportunities you have had to speak truth to power. What did you do?

Wednesday, March 3. Begin the day by reading Psalm 63:1-8 and try some kind of fast today. Either fast completely with just juices or eliminate all fast or processed food. Think about the power of the food industry to manipulate our eating habits. In what ways can you speak out again their power?

Thursday, March 4. As you read the passage from 1 Corinthians, reflect on the test God has sent to you. What do you think of the statement that God will never test you beyond your endurance? As you reflect on your call to speak truth to power, how does that strengthen you and give you a sense of power?

Friday, March 5. World Day of Prayer. Peoples of all faiths are invited to pray today. As you read the news today, picture the peoples of the world and their needs. Pray for the people you find named in the news.

Saturday, March 6. Remember the people for whom you prayed on Friday as you read Martin Luther King’s quote in Perspectives. What actions can you take to show a “noncooperation with evil” in the lives of these people?

Sunday, March 7. Third Sunday in Lent. The Greek word translated here as “repent” can also be translated as “turn around” with the idea of going in a new direction. Read Luke 13:1-9 aloud and replace the word “repent” with the words, “turn around”. Does the meaning of the passage change for you and in what way? In what ways do you need to turn your life around? In what specific ways can you do that during the remaining days of Lent?

Prayer
God of Repentance, fill me with the power of your Spirit to turn around and speak truth whenever I have a chance. Fill me with your righteousness. Amen.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.

You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org