Weekly Lectionary Texts
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Psalm 104:1-9, 24,35c
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45
Monday, October 12. Columbus Day observed. Imagine crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a small boat when you had no idea what would happen to you. Remember a time when you stepped out in faith not having any idea what would happen. What happened? Why do you go? What did you learn?
Tuesday, October 13. God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind. How do these words also apply to you? Draw a picture with words or pens of the God of the whirlwind. What does this tell you about God?
Wednesday, October 14. We are told in Hebrews that Jesus “learned obedience through suffering.” When have you learned through suffering? What have you learned through suffering?
Thursday, October 15. In Mark 10 we read that James and John wanted to know what kind of position they would have in heaven. Jesus asks them if they are willing to participate in his suffering. What does participating in Jesus’ suffering mean to you? How is it connected to being a servant of others?
Friday, October 16. World Food Day. Google ”World Food Day 2009” to find out how you can participate in the world effort or locally. Learn about the connections between hunger and poverty. Volunteer at a food bank. Serve a meal to a homeless person. Have rice and beans for dinner. Go to bed hungry.
Saturday, October 17. Read “Desperation” and reflect on the way that the author moved from a world filled only with her own pain to include the pain of others. Find a way today to move beyond your own suffering to touch the pain of another with God’s love.
Sunday, October 18. Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Go outside and look around. Smell the air. Taste a vegetable in season. Read Psalm 104. Give thanks to God for the sights, smells and tastes of God’s creation.
Prayer
God of the whirlwind, forgive me when I think I am the center of the universe instead of you. 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