Weekly Lectionary Texts
2 Samuel 11:26—12:13a
Psalm 51:1-12
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35
Monday, July 27. Read 2 Samuel 11:26—12:13a. After David goes to Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan tells him a story. David realizes his sin before God. Think of a time when you have come face to face with your own sinfulness. Write a prayer of confession.
Tuesday, July 28. Read David’s prayer of confession in Psalm 51. He asks God to cleanse him and restore him to the “joy of salvation.” Think of a time that you have felt cut off from God by your sin. How did God restore you? What did you learn? How is your faith different?
Wednesday, July 29. Sometimes we are afraid to believe what our imaginations tell us. Read the quote on the inside-front cover of the issue and remember times your rational mind has told you that your ideas or thoughts of God’s reality are “imaginary.” What happened? Which part of you wins?
Thursday, July 30. Read John 6:24-35. After Jesus has fed the crowd with the boy’s fish and bread, they demand more. He responds by saying what he has for them is the food of eternal life. What do you think Jesus means? What is the food of eternal life Jesus offers us?
Friday, July 31. As you continue to reflect on the food of eternal life, read “Only the Heart Knows God” (page 6). What is the role of imagination in faith? Why would we be lost without it?
Saturday, August 1. Think again about the role your imagination plays in your faith. In what way does it enrich your faith? When do you struggle most between trusting your imagination and your rationality? What role does your imagination play in your reading of scripture?
Sunday, August 2. Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. As you read Ephesians 4:1-16 think about what it means for the church to be the body of Christ. Draw an outline of the human body and mark within it the gifts the church needs to be faithful. Highlight the gifts you can bring.
Prayer
Creator God, you have given me a mind to think and a soul with which to imagine. Guide me to use them both wisely. 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