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July 21, 2021

Just As I Am

Elizabeth Mae Magill   |   Read Psalm 14:1-7

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Lectionary Week
July 19–25, 2021
Scripture Overview

The Bible is filled with the stories of imperfect people. David is a classic case. In Second Samuel he uses his power to have sex with another man's wife, tries to cover it up, and then plots the murder of her husband. How can this be the same man who penned this week’s psalm, which decries the foolishness of people who act in a godless way? Like us, David was a fallen person who needed God’s extravagant mercy. In Ephesians we read of this same extravagance given through Christ, whose power can do what we cannot—namely redeem all of us who are also foolish and fallen. The Gospel author demonstrates the power of Jesus through what he describes as “signs,” which Jesus performed not primarily to amaze the onlookers but rather to point them to his identity as the Son of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-15. Where in today’s world do you see the selfishness of powerful people bringing tragedy for people with less power?
Read Psalm 14. Do you number yourself among the wise who “seek after God”? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21. How does “being rooted and grounded in love” manifest itself in your life?
Read John 6:1-21. Where do you see yourself in this story?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 14:1-7

1 Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt and do evil things; not one of them does anything good. 2 The LORD looks down from heaven on humans to see if anyone is wise, to see if anyone seeks God, 3 but all of them have turned bad. Everyone is corrupt. No one does good not even one person! 4 Are they dumb, all these evildoers, devouring my people like they are eating bread but never calling on the LORD? 5 Count on it: they will be in utter panic because God is with the righteous generation. 6 You evildoers may humiliate the plans of those who suffer, but the LORD is their refuge. 7 Let Israel’s salvation come out of Zion! When the LORD changes his people’s circumstances for the better, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will celebrate!

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

For several years, I have taken songwriting classes. I enjoy the chance to play with words and find phrases and word patterns that describe ordinary human emotions. It is interesting to try to figure out where I have found the words I have written. Often, they are expressions, phrases, and...

God our refuge, hold us close in our despair. Hear our stories as we cry out to you. Restore our fortunes in impossible times. Amen.


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