June 20, 2021, Lectionary
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- Last Updated: Monday, 21 June 2021 12:05
- Published: Monday, 21 June 2021 12:05
- Written by Wilma Zalabak
In the stories of David as well as in the psalms attributed to David, there is the one who is bullied, still undeterred, and surely delivered. I want to carry on in the name of the Lord of Hosts as David did. 1 Samuel 17:1-49
God is known by his justice, always fair and logical. Pit-diggers fall in their own pit. Net-spreaders entangle their own feet. Trap-setters ensnare themselves. And then there's mercy! Psalm 9:9-20
Talk about a bullied person being undeterred, it's Paul! Determined to be always rejoicing, always loving. "Poor yet making many rich, having nothing yet possessing everything." Lord, grant me that kind of courage. 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Jesus calms the storm. I can trust him to handle the rise in prices, shootings, virus variants, cyber attacks, and all the mistakes I make. I want to trust him to calm the storm of inner emotions, too. Mark 4:35-41
Thoughts about Listening
When bullies trouble you, find someone bigger than the bullies who will listen to you respectfully. 1 Samuel 17:1-49
Justice requires listening. Consider how many phrases used in our judicial systems have to do with hearing, hear, and heard. Psalm 9:9-20
A person can be poor and yet give the gift of listening, enriching lives. 2 Corinthians 6:1-3
When my anxiety or sadness or self-judgment rise in a storm, I can sometimes calm myself by talking it out with a good listener. Mark 4:35-41