Weekly Lectionary Texts
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Monday, July 6. Read 2 Samuel 6:1-19, which recounts how David brought the Ark of the Covenant - containing the stones of law given to Moses - into Jerusalem. In great joy he danced before the ark in praise of God and all God had done. How do you show your joy for the goodness of what God has done? Imagine a dance of joy and dance that dance.
Tuesday, July 7. Read “Fueling Our Creativity” (page 28). How can imagination be a route to truth? What biblical truths fit this category? How does that differ from the kind of “truth” that logic and analytical thought lead us to?
Wednesday, July 8. Psalm 24 speaks of God’s arrival at the gates of the city. The psalmist asks, “Who is the King of Glory?” What is your answer to this question? What are the signs of God’s glory in your life? Imagine the glory of God standing at the gates of your life. How will you answer?
Thursday, July 9. The story of the beheading of John in Mark 6:14-29 is very disturbing. We wonder why God would let this happen to such a faithful and important figure in the life of Jesus. What are some of the mysteries of God’s actions in your life that you struggle to understand? How is imagination a helpful tool for living with these mysteries?
Friday, July 10. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. The gentile Christians of Ephesus wondered whether they have to be Jews first before becoming Christians. Paul reminds them that they are children of God by adoption. What are the stumbling blocks that keep you from fully believing that you are a child of God? Read Paul’s words of promise and let them seep into your being.
Saturday, July 11. What biblical story most inspires your imagination? Why? Choose a story from the Bible at random and read it through several times, engaging all of your senses to enable you to enter the story. Write down the truths you learn.
Sunday, July 12. Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Read “An Imaginative Proof” (page 14) about the author’s childhood image of God. Remember your own childhood images of God and how those images can empower you and comfort you in your life today. Use that image and place yourself in God’s presence.
Prayer
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