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July 11, 2018

Connecting with God

Gordon A. R. Edwards   |   Read Psalm 24:1-2

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Lectionary Week
July 9–15, 2018
Scripture Overview

Two readings this week focus on welcoming God’s presence. David does this by bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. As the ark arrives, David dances with all his might, worshiping God with reckless abandon. In Psalm 24, the author poetically calls a city to open its gates and welcome the great king. These passages invite us to consider how willingly we receive God into our lives. The reading from Ephesians speaks of God’s eternal plan. While circumstances may seem chaotic from our perspective, God holds an eternal perspective and has sealed us with the Holy Spirit. Mark tells us the sad story of the execution of John the Baptist, yet another example of a righteous person experiencing persecution.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19. How do you bless others in your daily life?
• Read Psalm 24. How do you evidence your willingness to be a steward of God’s creation?
• Read Ephesians 1:3-14. When have you experienced a “hiccup” on your journey and found God ready and willing to assist? How did that help come?
• Read Mark 6:14-29. When have you experienced a guilty conscience? What triggered it?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 24:1-2

1 The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants too. 2 Because God is the one who established it on the seas; God set it firmly on the waters.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Today’s verses illuminate three aspects of creation theology: the earth belongs to God; we who live in the earth belong to God; God is the source of life. The psalmist sees them as inextricably linked to one another and imperative in our relationship with God. These three observations have serious...

Lord, teach me that belonging to you means caring for your creation and all that is in it. Amen.


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