August 18, 2019, Lectionary

God asks the oppressors to analyze and discern between God and themselves in God's own disappointment over their lack of justice. Reminds me of Come let us reason together. Isaiah 5:1-7; compare Isaiah 1:18

Whichever of my groups I consider--churches, project volunteers, students, tour buddies, cities, or nation--I am invited to pray with the Psalmist, "Give us repentance again today, energize us with the light of your face, and we will be saved." Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

The author of Hebrews seems to posit an unbroken line between people of faith in the Old Testament and the people of faith the author was encouraging. What a heritage! Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Jesus did not say that Christian families would always be peaceful and unified, but that a time of deciding for him would be a time of trouble, and that wise people can foresee this. Luke 12:49-56

Thoughts about Listening

It's good to spend some mental time to state what you believe, to hone the statement, to find metaphors for it, and to add images. Isaiah 5:1-7

Look for metaphors for the deep things hard to explain. Look in nature, science, family, technology, and so many other places. Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

Try choosing a historical figure to study up on, considering the good and not so good legacy this person left for us. Hebrews 11:29-12:2

How you will include your family or coworkers in big decisions is a process worth thinking about. Luke 12:49-56