Sermon for August 16th, 2020

Psalm 12:1-8

To the leader: according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
1 Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly;
    the faithful have disappeared from humankind.
2 They utter lies to each other;
    with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
    the tongue that makes great boasts,
4 those who say, “With our tongues we will prevail;
    our lips are our own—who is our master?”

5 “Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan,
    I will now rise up,” says the Lord;
    “I will place them in the safety for which they long.”
6 The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
    silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
    purified seven times.

7 You, O Lord, will protect us;
    you will guard us from this generation forever.
8 On every side the wicked prowl,
    as vileness is exalted among humankind. 

Psummer of Psalms III: Psalm 12=

A Prayer for help in evil times.

A man sits down at a bar. A basket of peanuts is nearby and tells him, "Hey man, you're looking great tonight!" The man says, "Thanks, peanuts!" The peanuts reply, "Also, I really love your outfit!" The man responds, "Thanks, so nice of you" The peanuts tell him, "You are one of the coolest guys I have ever met!" The man is flattered and calls over to the bartender. "Hey barkeep, these peanuts sure are kind." The bartender replies, "They sure should be, they're complimentary"