October 6, 2019, Lectionary

These poems are in the Bible to teach us how to let the pain and grief out, yet in the midst of them are famous gems of hope and faith. Lamentations 1:1-6: 3:19-26

Psalm 137 opens with expressions of unspeakable grief and closes with a prayer (not a call) for shocking vengeance. The anger needs to be heard and is better prayed than enacted.

Paul knew that what existed in Timothy was sincere, unpretending faith and deep trust in the Lord. My quest. 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Jesus was teaching about forgiveness, and the disciples asked him about faith. Does that sound to you like a diversion tactic? Luke 17:1-10

Thoughts about Listening

Sometimes I need to give listening as a gift to someone who can only let out pain and grief. It may take extra work for me to keep my hope strong. Lamentations 1:1-6: 3:19-26

What if I hear anger while giving the gift of listening to someone's grief? I hope I can truly hear it and let it go. Psalm 137

I want to recognize and speak more often and highly of the deep commitments of others. 1 Timothy 1:1-14

Do you thank your employees for doing their job? Or for the good attitude they bring? Luke 17:1-10