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Shabbat Shalom!
I have a friend who is a rabbi in the Houston area. When I used to Read More
Katie Russell Hainline | Read Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Early in my life my parents and teachers taught me a valuable lesson: If your words are not kind, do not speak. I have not always followed this advice, but when I have it has served me well. I have avoided saying things I would regret. I have prevented myself...
All-knowing God, when I want to run from you, slow me down. When I want to hide, reveal what I need to see. Search my heart, expose what is sinful within me, and lead me on the right path. Amen.
We read the stories of Samuel and the calling of Jesus’ disciples in John, and it’s easy to feel jealous. God spoke so directly into their lives that they should have had, it seems to us, full and unwavering confidence in their callings. Didn’t they have an unfair spiritual advantage over us? However, the psalmist reminds us that God knows and sees us individually just as well as God knew Samuel and Jesus knew his disciples. God has plans for us, even if they are revealed in less obvious ways. The reading from First Corinthians is quite different in its message. Perhaps we can at least recognize that even if we never hear God’s audible voice, through scripture God still provides guidance for our lives.
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-20. Can you think of a time when you failed to hear God calling you? What helps you to listen to God?
Read Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18. How does the knowledge that all humans are “fearfully and wonderfully made” inform the way you regard and care for others?
Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. Paul writes, “All things are lawful.” What does that mean to you? What are the responsibilities inherent in such freedom?
Read John 1:43-51. Who are the people who invited you to “come and see” Jesus? Is there someone around you to whom you could extend that invitation today?
Respond by posting a prayer.
