September 1, 2019, Lectionary

The complaint of God against Israel was that they had left off thinking of their God and had gone after other gods, whatever would get them their own desires. Jeremiah 2:4-19

"Open your mouth wide," says God, "and I will fill it." I picture a baby bird for the wide-open mouth. Will I open myself, wide open, to God? Psalm 81:1, 10-16

Do not neglect to show hospitality, to praise God, to do good, and to share what you have. Remember those in prison or affliction, and your leaders. The author of Hebrews finishes out his letter sounding like a parent to a youth going away to college for the first time. Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Jesus' instructions: Take the lowest place, and don't even keep track of how many times you do it, and don't hang out with those who do keep that count. Luke 14:1, 7-14

Thoughts about Listening

When a culture is run on the news and marketing of insecurity, then amassing becomes the expected mode of operation and the goal of living. I want better. Jeremiah 2:4-19

Considering: Do I ever want something as strongly as the little birds in the nest want food and their mother? Psalm 81:1, 10-16

Make a list of the values that you want to remember and not neglect. Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

If all politicians always used all their gifts and favors to help those who cannot pay them back in any way, I wonder how much things would change. Luke 14:1, 7-14