Weekly Lectionary Texts
1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43
Psalm 84
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
Monday, August 17. When you think of the dwelling place of God, what do you imagine? Spend some time drawing, writing down, or singing your images today. What are the limits of God’s dwelling place? What fills God’s dwelling place? Who dwells there with God?
Tuesday, August 18. Read 1 Kings 22-30, 41-43, which includes what Solomon says about God’s dwelling place at the time of dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. How do those images compare to your images? What do you like about the images from 1 Kings?
Wednesday, August 19. Read Psalm 84, another description of God’s dwelling place. The psalmist says that even the sparrow finds a place there. Who do you think inhabits the dwelling place of God? What else does the psalmist say? Again compare this with your own images of the dwelling place of God.
Thursday, August 20. Look around your own dwelling place today. How is it a dwelling place that brings comfort and welcome and rest? Where does God dwell within your home? Read about those who dwell in La Chureca in “Rejecting the Limits” (page 44). How does this story speak to you? What is your response?
Friday, August 21. Paul invites us to make another image in his letter to the Ephesians (6:10-20). What does the armor of God looks like? Imagine non-war images. What are the ways in which you protect your faith against doubt and questions? How do you protect your faith against temptation?
Saturday, August 22. Read John 6:56-69. Peter calls Jesus the “Holy One of God.” What titles or name do you use to address Jesus? What images of Jesus do they reflect? Write down the titles you most like to use when addressing the Christ.
Sunday, August 23. Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Look at the list of names for Christ that you wrote yesterday. What does each one tell you about Jesus? Choose one name and write it in washable markers on your mirror as a reminder to pray whenever you look in the mirror.
Prayer
God of kings and sparrows, dwell within in me so that I may imagine and work for justice and peace. 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
I love your devotional and have been using it for a while now, but was wondering if you are planning to put these devotions back into the book. I humbly request that you do because there are a lot of people using your devotional in my church that do not have access to internet, such as our elderly, so therefore your book has become of little use to them. This is one of our main devotionals in our church, so please put the devotions back into the book. Thank you!
Rosie Freese