August 11, 2019, Lectionary

Bring justice, relief, and a listening presence to widows, orphans, and those experiencing oppression, homelessness, or poverty. God will reason with us about these things. Isaiah 1:1, 11-20

Bringing and sacrificing animals took some time. The goal would be to have all that time to focus on God. God says, Don't kill the animals any more, but use the time for thanksgiving. Psalm 50:1-15, 22-23

Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob all died seeing the promises only from a distance, never looking back, but always toward the city designed and built for them by God. It is for us, too. Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Jesus our Lord pictures himself as serving us! No wonder we can be eager to open the door for him to enter our homes, our offices, our board rooms, and even our most private thoughts. Luke 12:32-40

Thoughts about Listening

I'm convinced there are secrets I don't know about for why decisions are made and renewed that hurt our poor and our children and our immigrants, and the oppressed of the world. Isaiah 1:1, 11-20

Yes, it takes time to think of positive things to say, to consider another person's uplifting commitments and frame a statement of gratitude for them. That time is my investment in a better world. Psalm 50:1-15, 22-23

We too often forget the power of the mind to imagine, visualize, and envision, yet it goes on in the background, shaping lives. Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

A leader can look both ways: toward service to those who serve him or her, and toward service to those yet to join. Luke 12:32-40