Weekly Lectionary Texts
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22)
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
Monday, October 19. Job declares that nothing that God can do all things and that God’s purpose can never be destroyed. What do you think of this idea? When you see suffering do you wonder if God’s purposed are being defeated? How is the idea of God’s sovereignty over all things comforting to you?
Tuesday, October 20. The writer of Hebrew declares Christ’s status as high priest and confesses his faith in this Christ. Read this passage and then write your own confession of faith in the Christ? What does Christ do and make possible?
Wednesday, October 21. Read the whole passage from Psalm 34. Write the words of verse 8 on a
large piece of paper and hang it where you will see if often. When have you tasted and seen the goodness of God? When have you found happiness and joy in taking refuge in God?
Thursday, October 22. Ponder your own understanding of the “Parable of the Talents”. You may want to read the whole text in Matthew 25:14-30. What do you think of the idea of being the gift rather that the receiver? How could that change your vision of yourself?
Friday, October 23. The blind man cries out to Jesus, recognizes him as the son of David, and trusting him to heal him. Read this story in Mark. Reflect on the characters in the story: the blind man, the crowd, and Jesus. Who are you most like? How is your faith like that of the blind man?
Saturday, October 24. United Nations Day. Go to the UN website (www.un.org) and find out what the organization to relieve the suffering of the poor, the hungry, and the sick. Choose one way to get involved. Tell someone else about the work of the UN.
Sunday, October 25. Reformation Sunday. Think about the men and women of the 15th century that challenged the status quo and the suffering they endured for their beliefs. What can you learn from them? What part of the status quo do you feel called to challenge? How much suffering are you willing to endure for your convictions?
Prayer
God of all gifts, forgive me when I take them for granted and fail to taste your goodness in them. 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