November 1, 2020, Lectionary

The Bible says the water piled up as the rest of the river flowed on toward the Dead Sea. Since it was the time of the overflowing of the river, that ever-piling water must have been magnificent to see. Joshua 3:7-17

The Psalm says God turns off the water of the land for the wickedness of its inhabitants. Then God turns on the water for the poor and they have a fruitful yield. My question, will the enriched poor keep their land from wickedness? Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37

Follow this reasoning with me: Paul is grateful his hearers received his preaching as the word of God, which it is, and which is at work in them. I think those are good reasons for me to read and receive Paul's words today. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

I could puzzle about Jesus' words about being a servant and humbling oneself, except for the Old Testament words of Nebuchadnezzar, "he [God] is able to bring low those who walk in pride." I trust God to bring me low. Matthew 23:1-12

Thoughts about Listening

If you haven't yet tried intentionally listening as a gift, choose a time and instance to "put your foot in the water," so to speak. This is something where it is possible to see almost immediate rewarding results. Joshua 3:7-17

Finding a good listener can feel like finding a clear, clean, cool pool of water in the midst of desert. Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37

The kind of listening that will transform our society's communication for the better is NOT the kind that brings a threat like this, either stated or implied: "If you don't do as I say, you're not listening." 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

I can't listen very well if my thoughts are full of what I think this or that other person should do. Matthew 23:1-12