March 21, 2021, Lectionary

After centuries of disregard and even disdain, God still paints God's promise in the most endearing terms. Amazing grace! Jeremiah 31:31-34

The words, "Create in me a clean heart, O God," and the words that go with it have been my intense prayer for at least fifty years. Apparently, I am not allowed evidence that God has done it, but only the privilege of praying it, and trusting, every day. Psalm 51:1-12

"Melchizedek" means king of righteousness or righteous king. He is introduced in Genesis 14 as "King of Salem," and "Salem" means peace. Righteousness and peace met in one man, a fitting picture of Jesus. Hebrews 5:5-10

Some non-Jews came and wanted to see Jesus. Jesus's answer was more about how he would die and how his followers must follow him in that. Often my glowing desire to follow Jesus has been met with disappointment in something of this life. John 12:20-33

Thoughts about Listening

Keeping the main thing the main thing is hardly doable if I haven't yet decided what is the main thing, --and what it is not. Jeremiah 31:31-34

I don't think I am the only one who often disappoints myself when I see my actions up against my ideals. I correct one thing, and there's another, always. Psalm 51:1-12

Have you ever met someone so compassionate and courageous that you wondered where they came from? I have found a few of these in my lifetime, and I'm grateful to have had some as my mentors. Hebrews 5:5-10

If I've decided to give listening as a gift in a certain situation, I find I can listen to some rather surprising or difficult things without offering reaction. John 12:20-33