The cloud of witnesses surrounding us can teach us much about what it means to bring your best self to the life you’ve been given. The 2011 summer Bible study in Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather magazine) invites readers into the dynamic web of life anchored by “renew, respond, and rejoice.” This is vocation in the richest sense of that term: Who are you and how are you called to service in a world full of surprises? There is so much to do. How do we stay spiritually healthy in the face of overwhelming need?
June
Session 1: Renew (
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The first session challenges us to “get unstuck.” The writers explore the issue of hardness of heart. The key verse is Psalm 51:10-12, which begins “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” The session looks at two important stories in the Hebrew Bible, one centered on King David and the other on Hagar. Readers will consider questions such as: How do I know when and what kind of renewal I need? How can I renew myself when so many others depend on me? Who benefits from my renewal?
July/August
Session 2: Respond (
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This session reminds us that we are gifted to serve. The key verses are Luke 1:46-48, which we know so well: “My soul magnifies the Lord…” In this session, readers will explore the way response flows from renewal. We’ll consider the stories of two women: Mary the mother of Jesus, and the widow at Zarephath. Critical questions for this session are: How do I discern which of my gifts God wishes me to offer to others at this time? What do I do if God seems to be asking me for more than or less than I think I have to offer? Who do I serve? Where will/can I offer my gifts? How do I serve from a sense of fullness?
Session 3: Rejoice (
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This session exhorts us to “Rejoice in the Lord.” The key Scripture is Philippians 4:4. Readers will explore the cycle of faith between renew, respond, and rejoice. We’ll study the stories of Miriam and the witness of the paralyzed man’s friends (Mark 2:1-12). We’ll reflect on: How do I rejoice when things are complicated or unresolved? What feelings inspire rejoicing? Might there be some additional feelings to associate with rejoicing? How does rejoicing spring out of responding and lead again to renewal?