Reflection on readings for August 16

Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
(Psalm 34:11)

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26

1 Corinthians 10:14-33
When should our liberty be restricted by someone else's conscience? When should somebody else's liberty be restricted by our conscience?

Psalm 34:11-22
Psalm 34 can be read as wise advice for people who are in covenant with the Lord.

Don't slander anybody. Cease hateful talk. Remember that God hears the cries of people who are in trouble.

We may have caused that trouble for ourselves, or, it may have been dropped on us undeservedly by evil people or by happenstance. Yet, in our trouble, God cares for us.

We are not promised an absence of suffering. We are promised compassion and help when suffering comes. (Gene M. Tucker, Preaching through the Christian Year B).

Proverbs 21:14-16
A gift in secret averts anger;
and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous,
but dismay to evildoers.
Whoever wanders from the way of understanding
will rest in the assembly of the dead.

Prayer for Today: O Lord, you have given us the freedom to make many choices. Direct us now to use our freedom in ways that will carry out your purposes. Forgive us for the times we have failed. Continue to care for us. Amen.