August 29, 2021, Lectionary

A person can come away to Jesus in the mind at any time, no matter what is going on in surrounding circumstances Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Understanding this psalm in its Old Testament setting calls for reading the word "God" as possessive rather than addressive, which is fully supported by the Hebrew. "Your throne, which is God's, endures forever" (also 1 Chronicles 29:23). Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9

God birthed us by the word of truth, and we are to receive with humility the implanted word, and we are to be doers of the word. Somehow I find comfort in this, and also a call to pay attention to the Bible. James 1:17-27

There is nothing that can come into a person that is so spiritually devastating as that which could come out of a person: evil thoughts, evil words, evil deeds. Matthew Henry said, "I'd rather be the mugee than the mugger." Mark 7:1-4; 14-15; 21-23

Thoughts about Listening

Lovers want to be together to talk and to listen. People, not just lovers, need these three things, also. Together. Talk. Listen. Song of Solomon 2:8-13

It would seem that everybody needs to be a prince or princess to someone. Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9

Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:17-27

You can give the gift of listening even if you don't agree with what is said. Mark 7:1-4; 14-15; 21-23