It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Reflection on readings for August 11

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord.
(Psalm 31:24)

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14
Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, learned about the deplorable situation for his people left in Jerusalem. The king allowed him to travel to Jerusalem to see for himself. Inspecting the devastation, he announced that Jerusalem should rebuild the wall.

1 Corinthians 7:1-24
Paul corrects the opinion that some had that Christians should not get married. He added marital advice. Some Christians through the centuries have wanted to restrict who can marry whom. The current controversy is whether people of the same sex are allowed to marry each other.

Brian Bowen in his blog gives a response  to the assertion that unlike ordination of women, no agreement today could be garnered  regarding a proposal to recognize and approve homosexual genital relations—even in “committed, loving, and just” relationships. He argues that to do so overlooks (or intentionally ignores) Apostle Paul's ordination of same sex marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, and the Holy Spirit's warning to Christians not to forbid people to marry in 1 Timothy 4:1-3.

Psalm 31:19-24

Proverbs 21:4
Haughty eyes and a proud heart--
the lamp of the wicked--are sin.

Prayer for Today: O Lord, we give you thanks for your many blessings. We ask you now to help us to see others who are in difficulties and to strengthen our will to be the means to extend your care to them.  Amen.

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