Members phkrause Posted August 28, 2010 Author Members Posted August 28, 2010 Titus 3:1-15 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith Introduction Titus 3:1-15: The author tells Titus to remind people to obey the authorities. As in other Pauline letters, the intention was to keep followers of Christ from causing trouble for Roman authorities. If they did cause trouble, the authorities might intervene in their gatherings and their work to spread the Gospel. The letter concludes with a number of personal greetings. Today’s Scripture: Titus 3:1 Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. Today’s Reading 1Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. 2Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and wrong. We were slaves to passions and pleasures of all kinds. We spent our lives in malice and envy; others hated us and we hated them. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was revealed, 5he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us. 6God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that by his grace we might be put right with God and come into possession of the eternal life we hope for. 8This is a true saying. I want you to give special emphasis to these matters, so that those who believe in God may be concerned with giving their time to doing good deeds, which are good and useful for everyone. 9But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. 10Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. 11You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong. 12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Do your best to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos to get started on their travels, and see to it that they have everything they need. 14Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives. 15All who are with me send you greetings. Give our greetings to our friends in the faith. God's grace be with you all. Reflect Why was Titus instructed to remind the people in his care to obey the government rulers and authorities? What might have been the consequences if they were rebellious? What do you think of this advice? Compare Titus 3:1 to Acts 5:27-29. What do you make of the difference between these passages? Pray Ruler of all creation help me discern how to be both a good citizen of my community and a good citizen of the community of faith. In all my civic actions, let me seek your justice and peace. Amen. Prayer Concern Community volunteers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 29, 2010 Author Members Posted August 29, 2010 Hebrews 11:1-19 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith Introduction Hebrews 11:1-19: Today's passage cites stories of faith throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. The author says that faith is the way to please God and receive God's promised reward. Faith means trusting in God through life's deepest challenges. Today’s Scripture: Hebrew 11:1 To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. Today’s Reading 1To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. 2It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God's approval. 3It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God's word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. 4It was faith that made Abel offer to God a better sacrifice than Cain's. Through his faith he won God's approval as a righteous man, because God himself approved of his gifts. By means of his faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. 5It was faith that kept Enoch from dying. Instead, he was taken up to God, and nobody could find him, because God had taken him up. The scripture says that before Enoch was taken up, he had pleased God. 6No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him. 7It was faith that made Noah hear God's warnings about things in the future that he could not see. He obeyed God and built a boat in which he and his family were saved. As a result, the world was condemned, and Noah received from God the righteousness that comes by faith. 8It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him to go out to a country which God had promised to give him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going. 9By faith he lived as a foreigner in the country that God had promised him. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who received the same promise from God. 10For Abraham was waiting for the city which God has designed and built, the city with permanent foundations. 11It was faith that made Abraham able to become a father, even though he was too old and Sarah herself could not have children. He trusted God to keep his promise. 12Though Abraham was practically dead, from this one man came as many descendants as there are stars in the sky, as many as the numberless grains of sand on the seashore. 13It was in faith that all these persons died. They did not receive the things God had promised, but from a long way off they saw them and welcomed them, and admitted openly that they were foreigners and refugees on earth. 14Those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. 15They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return. 16Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them. 17It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice. 18God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I promised.” 19Abraham reckoned that God was able to raise Isaac from death—and, so to speak, Abraham did receive Isaac back from death. Reflect What biblical characters appear in this passage as models of faith? What challenges did they face? How did God meet them in their times of struggle? What do these stories mean to you? How have you relied on God in times of struggle? How has God responded? Pray God, there are times when I struggle to have faith in you. Thank you for your promises to care for me no matter what. Strengthen my faith that I may better serve you. Amen. Prayer Concern People looking for a church Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 30, 2010 Author Members Posted August 30, 2010 Hebrews 11:20-40 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith Introduction Hebrews 11:20-40: This passage continues to describe the many actions and risks that the ancient Israelites took in response to their faith. Moses' parents kept him hidden from the king. Moses chose to return to his people, ultimately teaching them to celebrate Passover and leading them through the Red Sea. Rahab welcomed the Israelite spies. These and other people demonstrated their faith through action, trusting in God's promises for them. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 11:33 Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. Today’s Reading 20It was faith that made Isaac promise blessings for the future to Jacob and Esau. 21It was faith that made Jacob bless each of the sons of Joseph just before he died. He leaned on the top of his walking stick and worshiped God. 22It was faith that made Joseph, when he was about to die, speak of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, and leave instructions about what should be done with his body. 23It was faith that made the parents of Moses hide him for three months after he was born. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's order. 24It was faith that made Moses, when he had grown up, refuse to be called the son of the king's daughter. 25He preferred to suffer with God's people rather than to enjoy sin for a little while. 26He reckoned that to suffer scorn for the Messiah was worth far more than all the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes on the future reward. 27It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. 28It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites. 29It was faith that made the Israelites able to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the water swallowed them up. 30It was faith that made the walls of Jericho fall down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. 31It was faith that kept the prostitute Rahab from being killed with those who disobeyed God, for she gave the Israelite spies a friendly welcome. 32Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, 34put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners. 35Through faith women received their dead relatives raised back to life. Others, refusing to accept freedom, died under torture in order to be raised to a better life. 36Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison. 37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were killed by the sword. They went around clothed in skins of sheep or goats—poor, persecuted, and mistreated. 38The world was not good enough for them! They wandered like refugees in the deserts and hills, living in caves and holes in the ground. 39What a record all of these have won by their faith! Yet they did not receive what God had promised, 40because God had decided on an even better plan for us. His purpose was that only in company with us would they be made perfect. Reflect The Hebrew word sometimes translated as "faith" is Amen, which is used to close English prayers and hymns. It means to rely on what is firm and dependable, especially on God. This trust relationship is demonstrated through the stories named in this passage. What Bible stories provide a helpful model of faith for you? Pray Holy God, you provide wonderful examples of your faithful servants. Thank you for the many models of faith you have placed in my life. Bless them and keep them in your Spirit. Amen. Prayer Concern Mentors Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 31, 2010 Author Members Posted August 31, 2010 Hebrews 12:1-11 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith Introduction Hebrews 12:1-11: God's new people are surrounded by faithful witnesses from the past and present. This crowd of witnesses cheers people on in the race of faith. The writer compares God to a father who disciplines his children. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Today’s Reading 1As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne. 3Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. 4For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed. 5Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children? “My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you. 6Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a child.” 7Endure what you suffer as being a father's punishment; your suffering shows that God is treating you as his children. Was there ever a child who was not punished by his father? 8If you are not punished, as all his children are, it means you are not real children, but bastards. 9In the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live! 10Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness. 11When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life. Reflect In 12:7-11, the writer compares the relationship between God and people to that of the relationship between a father and child. What is the purpose of punishment or discipline given by earthly parents or other authorities? How does the comparison of God to a parent strike you? In what ways is God like or not like your parents? Pray Father God, like a wise parent, you correct our ways. Like a gracious parent, you forgive our mistakes. Like a loving parent, your care for us is unconditional. Thank you for your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 1, 2010 Author Members Posted September 1, 2010 Hebrews 12:12-29 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith Introduction Hebrews 12:12-29: The writer of today's passage contrasts Mount Sinai with Mount Zion. Mount Zion is called "the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" (12:22). This heavenly city is the place where Christ went to be with God, and where "God's first born" (12:23) will go to live with God. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 12:28 Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe. Today’s Reading 12Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees! 13Keep walking on straight paths, so that the lame foot may not be disabled, but instead be healed. 14Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it. 15Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison. 16Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau, who for a single meal sold his rights as the older son. 17Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive his father's blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done, even though in tears he looked for it. 18You have not come, as the people of Israel came, to what you can feel, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm, 19the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word, 20because they could not bear the order which said, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling and afraid!” 22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, with its thousands of angels. 23You have come to the joyful gathering of God's first-born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, who is the judge of all people, and to the spirits of good people made perfect. 24You have come to Jesus, who arranged the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that promises much better things than does the blood of Abel. 25Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven! 26His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven as well.” 27The words “once more” plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain. 28Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe; 29because our God is indeed a destroying fire. Reflect King David conquered the city of Jerusalem and it included a high place known as Mount Zion. This stronghold was also known as "the city of David." What do Mount Zion and Jerusalem represent to the writer of this text? What does the idea of "the city of the living God" (12:22) mean to you? Pray Life-giving God, as I yearn to live with you in heaven, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may show others on earth a glimpse of what it means to dwell in the city of the living God. Amen. Prayer Concern Homeless people Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 2, 2010 Author Members Posted September 2, 2010 Genesis 40:1-23 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Genesis 40:1-23: Today we begin reading about Joseph, whose story sets the stage for the events of Exodus. As we enter the story, Joseph has been sold to be a slave in Egypt. In today's passage, Joseph is in prison, and he interprets the dreams of the king's wine steward and chief baker. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 40:14 Please remember me when everything is going well for you, and please be kind enough to mention me to the king and help me get out of this prison. Today’s Reading 1Some time later the king of Egypt's wine steward and his chief baker offended the king. 2He was angry with these two officials 3and put them in prison in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same place where Joseph was being kept. 4They spent a long time in prison, and the captain assigned Joseph as their servant. 5One night there in prison the wine steward and the chief baker each had a dream, and the dreams had different meanings. 6When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were upset. 7He asked them, “Why do you look so worried today?” 8They answered, “Each of us had a dream, and there is no one here to explain what the dreams mean.” “It is God who gives the ability to interpret dreams,” Joseph said. “Tell me your dreams.” 9So the wine steward said, “In my dream there was a grapevine in front of me 10with three branches on it. As soon as the leaves came out, the blossoms appeared, and the grapes ripened. 11I was holding the king's cup; so I took the grapes and squeezed them into the cup and gave it to him. ” 12Joseph said, “This is what it means: the three branches are three days. 13In three days the king will release you, pardon you, and restore you to your position. You will give him his cup as you did before when you were his wine steward. 14But please remember me when everything is going well for you, and please be kind enough to mention me to the king and help me get out of this prison. 15After all, I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here in Egypt I didn't do anything to deserve being put in prison. ” 16When the chief baker saw that the interpretation of the wine steward's dream was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I had a dream too; I was carrying three breadbaskets on my head. 17In the top basket there were all kinds of baked goods for the king, and the birds were eating them. ” 18Joseph answered, “This is what it means: the three baskets are three days. 19In three days the king will release you—and have your head cut off! Then he will hang your body on a pole, and the birds will eat your flesh. ” 20On his birthday three days later the king gave a banquet for all his officials; he released his wine steward and his chief baker and brought them before his officials. 21He restored the wine steward to his former position, 22but he executed the chief baker. It all happened just as Joseph had said. 23But the wine steward never gave Joseph another thought—he forgot all about him. Reflect In the ancient world, dreams were thought to have specific meanings and could predict the future if they were correctly interpreted. God sometimes spoke to people in dreams. How did Joseph interpret the dreams of the wine steward and the baker? How did you respond when you read what happened next? Have you ever had a dream that came true? Pray God who watches over us, awake or asleep, be present with me as I dream, that I may know your mercy and love even as I sleep. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who struggle with insomnia Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 3, 2010 Author Members Posted September 3, 2010 Genesis 41:1-16 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Genesis 41:1-16: The king has dreams that upset him. The king's magicians and wise men don't know what they mean, so his wine steward suggests that he call Joseph to interpret them. Joseph tells him that he cannot interpret dreams alone, but that God can help them. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:16 Joseph answered, "I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation." Today’s Reading 1After two years had passed, the king of Egypt dreamed that he was standing by the Nile River, 2when seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the river and began to feed on the grass. 3Then seven other cows came up; they were thin and bony. They came and stood by the other cows on the riverbank, 4and the thin cows ate up the fat cows. Then the king woke up. 5He fell asleep again and had another dream. Seven heads of grain, full and ripe, were growing on one stalk. 6Then seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the desert wind, 7and the thin heads of grain swallowed the full ones. The king woke up and realized that he had been dreaming. 8In the morning he was worried, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. He told them his dreams, but no one could explain them to him. 9Then the wine steward said to the king, “I must confess today that I have done wrong. 10You were angry with the chief baker and me, and you put us in prison in the house of the captain of the guard. 11One night each of us had a dream, and the dreams had different meanings. 12A young Hebrew was there with us, a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us. 13Things turned out just as he said: you restored me to my position, but you executed the baker. ” 14The king sent for Joseph, and he was immediately brought from the prison. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came into the king's presence. 15The king said to him, “I have had a dream, and no one can explain it. I have been told that you can interpret dreams.” 16Joseph answered, “I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation.” Reflect The king had advisors who practiced magic and tried to read future events by looking at how light reflected off liquids in a cup (44:5, 15). The wise men may have been priests who tried to get messages from unseen powers. Reread 41:16. What did Joseph's response to the king tell him about Joseph's God? Pray Wise and loving God, forgive me for times when I have relied on superstition or magical thinking rather than putting my trust in you. Deepen my faith, that I may follow your guidance in all aspects of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Mental health professionals Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 3, 2010 Author Members Posted September 3, 2010 Genesis 41:17-36 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Genesis 41:17-36: The king describes his dreams to Joseph. Joseph says that God is showing what will happen through the dreams: Egypt will have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He recommends that the king appoint an official to collect and save grain for storage during the years of plenty. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:32 The repetition of your dream means that the matter is fixed by God and that he will make it happen in the near future. Today’s Reading 17The king said, “I dreamed that I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18when seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the river and began feeding on the grass. 19Then seven other cows came up which were thin and bony. They were the poorest cows I have ever seen anywhere in Egypt. 20The thin cows ate up the fat ones, 21but no one would have known it, because they looked just as bad as before. Then I woke up. 22I also dreamed that I saw seven heads of grain which were full and ripe, growing on one stalk. 23Then seven heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the desert wind, 24and the thin heads of grain swallowed the full ones. I told the dreams to the magicians, but none of them could explain them to me. ” 25Joseph said to the king, “The two dreams mean the same thing; God has told you what he is going to do. 26The seven fat cows are seven years, and the seven full heads of grain are also seven years; they have the same meaning. 27The seven thin cows which came up later and the seven thin heads of grain scorched by the desert wind are seven years of famine. 28It is just as I told you—God has shown you what he is going to do. 29There will be seven years of great plenty in all the land of Egypt. 30After that, there will be seven years of famine, and all the good years will be forgotten, because the famine will ruin the country. 31The time of plenty will be entirely forgotten, because the famine which follows will be so terrible. 32The repetition of your dream means that the matter is fixed by God and that he will make it happen in the near future. 33Now you should choose some man with wisdom and insight and put him in charge of the country. 34You must also appoint other officials and take a fifth of the crops during the seven years of plenty. 35Order them to collect all the food during the good years that are coming, and give them authority to store up grain in the cities and guard it. 36The food will be a reserve supply for the country during the seven years of famine which are going to come on Egypt. In this way the people will not starve. ” Reflect Long periods of drought and grain shortages were uncommon in Egypt because the Nile River overflowed nearly every year, providing water for crops. How did the king respond to Joseph? How do you respond to predictions of drought and food shortages related to climate change? What can be done to protect the most vulnerable people? Pray Creator God, as weather patterns shift, engage your people in the work of aiding those most vulnerable to floods, droughts and storms. Help us create safe havens for all, as we work to protect your creation. Amen. Prayer Concern Climate refugees Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 5, 2010 Author Members Posted September 5, 2010 Genesis 41:37-57 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Genesis 41:37-57: Joseph is made governor over Egypt so that he can oversee the collection and storage of extra grain before the famine. The king gives him symbols of royal authority. Joseph collects and stores an abundance of grain. When the famine comes, he opens the storehouses and sells the grain. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:39 The king said to Joseph, "God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. Today’s Reading 37The king and his officials approved this plan, 38and he said to them, “We will never find a better man than Joseph, a man who has God's spirit in him.” 39The king said to Joseph, “God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. 40I will put you in charge of my country, and all my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine. 41I now appoint you governor over all Egypt. ” 42The king removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph's finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43He gave him the second royal chariot to ride in, and his guard of honor went ahead of him and cried out, “Make way! Make way!” And so Joseph was appointed governor over all Egypt. 44The king said to him, “I am the king—and no one in all Egypt shall so much as lift a hand or a foot without your permission.” 45-46He gave Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphenath Paneah, and he gave him a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the city of Heliopolis. Joseph was thirty years old when he began to serve the king of Egypt. He left the king's court and traveled all over the land. 47During the seven years of plenty the land produced abundant crops, 48all of which Joseph collected and stored in the cities. In each city he stored the food from the fields around it. 49There was so much grain that Joseph stopped measuring it—it was like the sand of the sea. 50Before the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons by Asenath. 51He said, “God has made me forget all my sufferings and all my father's family”; so he named his first son Manasseh. 52He also said, “God has given me children in the land of my trouble”; so he named his second son Ephraim. 53The seven years of plenty that the land of Egypt had enjoyed came to an end, 54and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every other country, but there was food throughout Egypt. 55When the Egyptians began to be hungry, they cried out to the king for food. So he ordered them to go to Joseph and do what he told them. 56The famine grew worse and spread over the whole country, so Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. 57People came to Egypt from all over the world to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere. Reflect Reread 41:45. The ceremony of making Joseph an Egyptian official ended with him receiving an Egyptian name that may mean, "God speaks, he lives." Though the king used Joseph to serve his political purposes, he did not realize that Joseph's promotion was part of God's greater plan (45:5-8; 50:19-20). How does God act through people and political situations today? Pray Gracious God, you enter into human history time and time again. Open our awareness of your presence here and now, that we may see and know your grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Those dealing with the aftermath of the heat wave in Russia Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 6, 2010 Author Members Posted September 6, 2010 Job 32:1-22 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Job 32:1-22: Today we begin reading the story of Job. Job was a faithful man who was tested. He lost everything, but while he questioned what was happening to him, he remained faithful. In today's passage, a counselor named Elihu becomes upset with Job's friends for being unable to give Job a good reason for his suffering. Today’s Scripture: Job 32:8 It is the spirit of Almighty God that comes to us and gives us wisdom. Today’s Reading 1Because Job was convinced of his own innocence, the three men gave up trying to answer him. 2But a bystander named Elihu could not control his anger any longer, because Job was justifying himself and blaming God. (Elihu was the son of Barakel, a descendant of Buz, and belonged to the clan of Ram.) 3He was also angry with Job's three friends. They could not find any way to answer Job, and this made it appear that God was in the wrong. 4Because Elihu was the youngest one there, he had waited until everyone finished speaking. 5When he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he was angry 6and began to speak. Elihu I am young, and you are old, so I was afraid to tell you what I think. 7I told myself that you ought to speak, that you older men should share your wisdom. 8But it is the spirit of Almighty God that comes to us and gives us wisdom. 9It is not growing old that makes us wise or helps us to know what is right. 10So now I want you to listen to me; let me tell you what I think. 11I listened patiently while you were speaking and waited while you searched for wise phrases. 12I paid close attention and heard you fail; you have not disproved what Job has said. 13How can you claim you have discovered wisdom? God must answer Job, for you have failed. 14Job was speaking to you, not to me, but I would never answer the way you did. 15Words have failed them, Job; they have no answer for you. 16Shall I go on waiting when they are silent? They stand there with nothing more to say. 17No, I will give my own answer now and tell you what I think. 18I can hardly wait to speak. I can't hold back the words. 19If I don't get a chance to speak, I will burst like a wineskin full of new wine. 20I can't stand it; I have to speak. 21I will not take sides in this debate; I am not going to flatter anyone. 22I don't know how to flatter, and God would quickly punish me if I did. Reflect Reread 32:21-22. Elihu claims that he is so completely fair that he is not able to give special respect to anyone. His attitude seems overly boastful, especially since he has not experienced the kind of suffering that Job has. How do you respond in the presence of someone who is suffering? Does empathy come easily to you? Pray Loving God, too often I feel tempted to explain away the suffering of others. Yet you call people to be present with others in their suffering. Help me be present to someone who is suffering today, that they may know the love of Christ. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are sick Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 6, 2010 Author Members Posted September 6, 2010 Job 33:1-33 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Job 33:1-33: Elihu tells Job to listen to him, insisting that he can explain Job's suffering. He says that God is probably warning him in order to make him turn away from sin and pride. He is certain that Job has sinned and must seek God's forgiveness. Today’s Scripture: Job 33:4 God's spirit made me and gave me life. Today’s Reading 1And now, Job, listen carefully to all that I have to say. 2I am ready to say what's on my mind. 3All my words are sincere, and I am speaking the truth. 4God's spirit made me and gave me life. 5Answer me if you can. Prepare your arguments. 6You and I are the same in God's sight, both of us were formed from clay. 7So you have no reason to fear me; I will not overpower you. 8Now this is what I heard you say: 9“I am not guilty; I have done nothing wrong. I am innocent and free from sin. 10But God finds excuses for attacking me and treats me like an enemy. 11He binds chains on my feet; he watches every move I make.” 12But I tell you, Job, you are wrong. God is greater than any human being. 13Why do you accuse God of never answering our complaints? 14Although God speaks again and again, no one pays attention to what he says. 15At night when people are asleep, God speaks in dreams and visions. 16He makes them listen to what he says, and they are frightened at his warnings. 17God speaks to make them stop their sinning and to save them from becoming proud. 18He will not let them be destroyed; he saves them from death itself. 19God corrects us by sending sickness and filling our bodies with pain. 20Those who are sick lose their appetites, and even the finest food looks revolting. 21Their bodies waste away to nothing; you can see all their bones; 22they are about to go to the world of the dead. 23Perhaps an angel may come to their aid— one of God's thousands of angels, who remind us of our duty. 24In mercy the angel will say, “Release them! They are not to go down to the world of the dead. Here is the ransom to set them free.” 25Their bodies will grow young and strong again; 26when they pray, God will answer; they will worship God with joy; God will set things right for them again. 27Each one will say in public, “I have sinned. I have not done right, but God spared me. 28He kept me from going to the world of the dead, and I am still alive.” 29God does all this again and again; 30each one saves a person's life, and gives him the joy of living. 31Now, Job, listen to what I am saying; be quiet and let me speak. 32But if you have something to say, let me hear it; I would gladly admit you are in the right. 33But if not, be quiet and listen to me, and I will teach you how to be wise. Reflect Reread 33:28-30. Elihu is saying that the suffering God has given to Job is an act of love, since Job and all other human beings actually deserve worse. Do you think God makes people suffer as an act of love? Why or why not? How might Jesus respond to Elihu's statement? Pray God of compassion, it is difficult to understand why bad things happen to people. We desperately want to make sense of the injustice all around us, to find logical explanations for that which we cannot understand. May we counter our confusion with actions that bring healing and hope. Amen. Prayer Concern Those recovering from the destruction of flood waters in Pakistan Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 7, 2010 Author Members Posted September 7, 2010 Job 34:1-37 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Job 34:1-37: Elihu continues his speech. He says that Job's sin is giving up on trying to do what God wants. He repeats a key argument of Job's other friends: that God treats each person as he or she deserves to be treated. He argues that God is the source of justice, so God could not act in an unjust way toward Job, and he advises Job to confess his sins. Today’s Scripture: Job 34:29 If God decided to do nothing at all, no one could criticize him. If he hid his face, we would be helpless. Today’s Reading 1-2You men are so wise, so clever; listen now to what I am saying. 3You know good food when you taste it, but not wise words when you hear them. 4It is up to us to decide the case. 5Job claims that he is innocent, that God refuses to give him justice. 6He asks, “How could I lie and say I am wrong? I am fatally wounded, but I am sinless.” 7Have you ever seen anyone like this man Job? He never shows respect for God. 8He likes the company of evil people and goes around with sinners. 9He says that it never does any good to try to follow God's will. 10Listen to me, you men who understand! Will Almighty God do what is wrong? 11He rewards people for what they do and treats them as they deserve. 12Almighty God does not do evil; he is never unjust to anyone. 13Did God get his power from someone else? Did someone put him in charge of the world? 14If God took back the breath of life, 15then everyone living would die and turn into dust again. 16Now listen to me, if you are wise. 17Are you condemning the righteous God? Do you think that he hates justice? 18God condemns kings and rulers when they are worthless or wicked. 19He does not take the side of rulers nor favor the rich over the poor, for he created everyone. 20We may suddenly die at night. God strikes us down and we perish; he kills the mighty with no effort at all. 21He watches every step we take. 22There is no darkness dark enough to hide a sinner from God. 23God does not need to set a time for us to go and be judged by him. 24He does not need an investigation to remove leaders and replace them with others. 25Because he knows what they do; he overthrows them and crushes them by night. 26He punishes sinners where all can see it, 27because they have stopped following him and ignored all his commands. 28They forced the poor to cry out to God, and he heard their calls for help. 29If God decided to do nothing at all, no one could criticize him. If he hid his face, we would be helpless. 30There would be nothing that nations could do to keep godless oppressors from ruling them. 31Job, have you confessed your sins to God and promised not to sin again? 32Have you asked God to show you your faults, and have you agreed to stop doing evil? 33Since you object to what God does, can you expect him to do what you want? The decision is yours, not mine; tell us now what you think. 34Any sensible person will surely agree; and the wise who hear me will say 35that Job is speaking from ignorance and that nothing he says makes sense. 36Think through everything that Job says; you will see that he talks like an evil man. 37To his sins he adds rebellion; in front of us all he mocks God. Reflect Elihu attempts to identify sins for which God might be punishing Job. Do you think intentionality is a component of sin? In other words, is sinful behavior somehow more or less sinful if the person committing the sin doesn't realize he or she is doing it? Do you ever feel like you are being punished but you don't know why? How do you understand God's grace in light of these questions? Pray God of grace, I am still learning how to live in your way and follow your will. Be patient with me, ever opening my mind to your wisdom and grace, and guiding me on your path. In your holy name, amen. Prayer Concern Children growing in faith Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 8, 2010 Author Members Posted September 8, 2010 Job 35:1-36:4 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Job 35:1-36:4: In today's passage, Elihu questions Job's innocence. He argues that when people in trouble cry out for help, their prayers are usually selfish. When help comes, they soon forget about God. Elihu says that Job's prayers and his request to face God in court are selfish and impatient, and that Job is unwilling to trust and understand God's wisdom. Today’s Scripture: Job 35:8 Others suffer from your sins, and the good you do helps them. Today’s Reading 1-2It is not right, Job, for you to say that you are innocent in God's sight, 3or to ask God, “How does my sin affect you? What have I gained by not sinning?” 4I am going to answer you and your friends too. 5Look at the sky! See how high the clouds are! 6If you sin, that does no harm to God. If you do wrong many times, does that affect him? 7Do you help God by being so righteous? There is nothing God needs from you. 8Others suffer from your sins, and the good you do helps them. 9When people are oppressed, they groan; they cry for someone to save them. 10But they don't turn to God, their Creator, who gives them hope in their darkest hours. 11They don't turn to God, who makes us wise, wiser than any animal or bird. 12They cry for help, but God doesn't answer, for they are proud and evil. 13It is useless for them to cry out; Almighty God does not see or hear them. 14Job, you say you can't see God; but wait patiently—your case is before him. 15You think that God does not punish, that he pays little attention to sin. 16It is useless for you to go on talking; it is clear you don't know what you are saying. 1-2Be patient and listen a little longer to what I am saying on God's behalf. 3My knowledge is wide; I will use what I know to show that God, my Creator, is just. 4Nothing I say to you is false; you see before you a truly wise man. Reflect Reread 35:9-13. Elihu says that when people suffer, they cry out for someone to save them, but when God provides the resources to address their suffering, they fail to acknowledge the source of their strength. Do you agree? How do your day-to-day circumstances affect your prayer life? Pray God of wisdom, I am quick to cry out for help. Yet too often I fail to be mindful of the many ways in which you provide for me even before I know I am in need. Forgive me. Revealed yourself to me through your gifts, that I may thank you and praise you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have cancer Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 9, 2010 Author Members Posted September 9, 2010 Job 36:5-33 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Job 36:5-33: Elihu continues to defend God, stating that God is just and cares about everyone. Once again, he argues that God has made Job suffer in order to get his attention and make him admit his sin. He says that those who turn to God and admit their sins will be blessed, but that those who don't will face a violent death. Today’s Scripture: Job 36:22 Remember how great is God's power; he is the greatest teacher of all. Today’s Reading 5How strong God is! He despises no one; there is nothing he doesn't understand. 6He does not let sinners live on, and he always treats the poor with justice. 7He protects those who are righteous; he allows them to rule like kings and lets them be honored forever. 8But if people are bound in chains, suffering for what they have done, 9God shows them their sins and their pride. 10He makes them listen to his warning to turn away from evil. 11If they obey God and serve him, they live out their lives in peace and prosperity. 12But if not, they will die in ignorance and cross the stream into the world of the dead. 13Those who are godless keep on being angry, and even when punished, they don't pray for help. 14They die while they are still young, worn out by a life of disgrace. 15But God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes. 16God brought you out of trouble, and let you enjoy security; your table was piled high with food. 17But now you are being punished as you deserve. 18Be careful not to let bribes deceive you, or riches lead you astray. 19It will do you no good to cry out for help; all your strength can't help you now. 20Don't wish for night to come, the time when nations will perish. 21Be careful not to turn to evil; your suffering was sent to keep you from it. 22Remember how great is God's power; he is the greatest teacher of all. 23No one can tell God what to do or accuse him of doing evil. 24He has always been praised for what he does; you also must praise him. 25Everyone has seen what he has done; but we can only watch from a distance. 26We cannot fully know his greatness or count the number of his years. 27It is God who takes water from the earth and turns it into drops of rain. 28He lets the rain pour from the clouds in showers for all human beings. 29No one knows how the clouds move or how the thunder roars through the sky, where God dwells. 30He sends lightning through all the sky, but the depths of the sea remain dark. 31This is how he feeds the people and provides an abundance of food. 32He seizes the lightning with his hands and commands it to hit the mark. 33Thunder announces the approaching storm, and the cattle know it is coming. Reflect Reread 36:26-30. Elihu uses examples from creation to emphasize how hard it is for human beings to understand God's ways. How can observing creation help us understand God more deeply? Have you experienced a sense of God's presence through creation in the last week? Pray God, you take water from the earth and turn it into drops of rain, letting it pour from the clouds and showering your people with the gift of life. Make me ever mindful of your gifts of creation, that I may more fully recognize your grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Those without access to clean water Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 11, 2010 Author Members Posted September 11, 2010 Job 37:1-24 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Job 37:1-24: Today's passage is the end of Elihu's speech. He talks about the awe and fear he experiences when encountering God through the power of the natural world. He invites Job to reflect on his own limited knowledge in the face of God's complex creation. Today’s Scripture: Job 37:23 God's power is so great that we cannot come near him; he is righteous and just in his dealings with us. Today’s Reading 1The storm makes my heart beat wildly. 2Listen, all of you, to the voice of God, to the thunder that comes from his mouth. 3He sends the lightning across the sky, from one end of the earth to the other. 4Then the roar of his voice is heard, the majestic sound of thunder, and all the while the lightning flashes. 5At God's command amazing things happen, wonderful things that we can't understand. 6He commands snow to fall on the earth, and sends torrents of drenching rain. 7He brings our work to a stop; he shows us what he can do. 8The wild animals go to their dens. 9The storm winds come from the south, and the biting cold from the north. 10The breath of God freezes the waters, and turns them to solid ice. 11Lightning flashes from the clouds, 12as they move at God's will. They do all that God commands, everywhere throughout the world. 13God sends rain to water the earth; he may send it to punish us, or to show us his favor. 14Pause a moment, Job, and listen; consider the wonderful things God does. 15Do you know how God gives the command and makes lightning flash from the clouds? 16Do you know how clouds float in the sky, the work of God's amazing skill? 17No, you can only suffer in the heat when the south wind oppresses the land. 18Can you help God stretch out the sky and make it as hard as polished metal? 19Teach us what to say to God; our minds are blank; we have nothing to say. 20I won't ask to speak with God; why should I give him a chance to destroy me? 21And now the light in the sky is dazzling, too bright for us to look at it; and the sky has been swept clean by the wind. 22A golden glow is seen in the north, and the glory of God fills us with awe. 23God's power is so great that we cannot come near him; he is righteous and just in his dealings with us. 24No wonder, then, that everyone is awed by him, and that he ignores those who claim to be wise. Reflect Reread 37:2-3. Fire and smoke and thunder and lightning often signal the presence of God in the Bible (Gen 15:17-18; Exodus 3:2; 13:21-22; 19:6-19; Judges 13:20; Matthew 24:27). When God is revealed in this way, it is sometimes called a 'theophany.' Can you relate to Elihu's experiences of God? Why or why not? Pray All-powerful God, you make yourself known throughout creation, reminding us of our smallness amid your greatness. Humble me in the presence of your creative works that my love and respect for you may grow. Amen. Prayer Concern Students beginning a new school year Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 12, 2010 Author Members Posted September 12, 2010 Psalm 1 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Psalm 1: Psalm 1 introduces the book of Psalms. The psalms reveal the range of human emotions, including sorrow and joy, doubt and trust, pain and comfort, despair and hope, anger and contentment, the desire for revenge and the willingness to forgive. As models of prayer and praise, the psalms invite people to share every part of their lives with God. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 1:6 The righteous are guided and protected by the LORD, but the evil are on the way to their doom. Today’s Reading 1Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. 2Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night. 3They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do. 4But evil people are not like this at all; they are like straw that the wind blows away. 5Sinners will be condemned by God and kept apart from God's own people. 6The righteous are guided and protected by the LORD, but the evil are on the way to their doom. Reflect Reread 1:3. This verse compares people who follow the Law to trees growing beside a stream. Such trees put down deep roots that allow them to be healthy and bear fruit even in times of little rain. Does this metaphor resonate with your life in faith? Why or why not? Pray Holy God, like the trees of your creation, you nurture and sustain your people to grow, deepen, and mature. Help me to set down deep roots, that my faith may bear fruit throughout the seasons. Amen. Prayer Concern All who yearn to know God Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 13, 2010 Author Members Posted September 13, 2010 Psalm 19 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Psalm 19: This psalm describes the wonders of God and the goodness of God's law. It explains how the laws of nature reveal God's glory. Just as the law gives new life to creation, so it gives new life to people. This psalm ends with prayers for forgiveness and an appeal for God's favor. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the LORD are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it. Today’s Reading 1How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly it shows what he has done! 2Each day announces it to the following day; each night repeats it to the next. 3No speech or words are used, no sound is heard; 4yet their message goes out to all the world and is heard to the ends of the earth. God made a home in the sky for the sun; 5it comes out in the morning like a happy bridegroom, like an athlete eager to run a race. 6It starts at one end of the sky and goes across to the other. Nothing can hide from its heat. 7The law of the LORD is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the LORD are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it. 8The laws of the LORD are right, and those who obey them are happy. The commands of the LORD are just and give understanding to the mind. 9Reverence for the LORD is good; it will continue forever. The judgments of the LORD are just; they are always fair. 10They are more desirable than the finest gold; they are sweeter than the purest honey. 11They give knowledge to me, your servant; I am rewarded for obeying them. 12None of us can see our own errors; deliver me, LORD, from hidden faults! 13Keep me safe, also, from willful sins; don't let them rule over me. Then I shall be perfect and free from the evil of sin. 14May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O LORD, my refuge and my redeemer! Reflect The Hebrew word for "Law" means "teaching." God's teaching included written commandments given in the Torah. These commandments were constantly reinterpreted by prophets and priests. The Psalmist says that obeying the Lord's teaching brings protection and wisdom. In practical terms, how does obeying God's will bring protection and wisdom in your life? Pray God, your teachings give me new life. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it. Don't let me do wrong on purpose, Lord. Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, because you are my rock and my protector. Amen. Prayer Concern Judges Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 13, 2010 Author Members Posted September 13, 2010 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction 1 Corinthians 1:1-17: Today we begin reading a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. In this passage, Paul greets the followers and prays that God will give them peace, since they are a church facing conflicts. Then he begins addressing problems caused by a lack of unity. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10 By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. Today’s Reading 1From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes— 2To the church of God which is in Corinth, to all who are called to be God's holy people, who belong to him in union with Christ Jesus, together with all people everywhere who worship our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace he has given you through Christ Jesus. 5For in union with Christ you have become rich in all things, including all speech and all knowledge. 6The message about Christ has become so firmly established in you 7that you have not failed to receive a single blessing, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be faultless on the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is to be trusted, the God who called you to have fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. 10By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. 11For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my friends, that there are quarrels among you. 12Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Peter”; and another, “I follow Christ.” 13Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples? 14I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius. 15No one can say, then, that you were baptized as my disciples. ( 16Oh yes, I also baptized Stephanas and his family; but I can't remember whether I baptized anyone else.) 17Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to tell the Good News, and to tell it without using the language of human wisdom, in order to make sure that Christ's death on the cross is not robbed of its power. Reflect The followers in Corinth apparently became divided because members were claiming different apostles as their true leaders. Some chose Paul, while others chose Apollos, who was famous for his ability to speak in public and to argue with those who opposed the Gospel. How can divisions around leadership cause problems in the church today? Pray God of community, unite the leaders of your churches, empowering them to work and grow together. Help your people respond to true marks of leadership in the church and in your world. Amen. Prayer Concern Church leaders Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 17, 2010 Author Members Posted September 17, 2010 September 14, 2010 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction 1 Corinthians 1:18-31: Paul reminds the Corinthians that the cross of Christ is at the center of the good news and that they should listen to the Holy Spirit rather than earthly wisdom. God raises up the powerless, and redeems those that are deemed worthless by this world. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18 The message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power. Today’s Reading 18For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power. 19The scripture says, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and set aside the understanding of the scholars.” 20So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world's wisdom is foolishness! 21For God in his wisdom made it impossible for people to know him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called “foolish” message we preach, God decided to save those who believe. 22Jews want miracles for proof, and Greeks look for wisdom. 23As for us, we proclaim the crucified Christ, a message that is offensive to the Jews and nonsense to the Gentiles; 24but for those whom God has called, both Jews and Gentiles, this message is Christ, who is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For what seems to be God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and what seems to be God's weakness is stronger than human strength. 26Now remember what you were, my friends, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing. 27God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. 28He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. 29This means that no one can boast in God's presence. 30But God has brought you into union with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be our wisdom. By him we are put right with God; we become God's holy people and are set free. 31So then, as the scripture says, “Whoever wants to boast must boast of what the Lord has done.” Reflect For Paul, the "world" stands for those things that are against God (cf. Romans 12:2; Galatians 6:14). Though the world viewed crucifixion as defeat, God subverted the meaning of the cross, using it as a tool to bring new life to the powerless and oppressed. Why does Paul think God chose to save people in this way? Pray God of Grace, you emerge in unexpected places to demonstrate your truth, justice and love. Open my heart and mind to your presence, that I may become wise, acceptable and holy. Amen. Prayer Concern Victims of torture Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 17, 2010 Author Members Posted September 17, 2010 September 15, 2010 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God’s Wisdom Introduction 1 Corinthians 2:1-16: Paul continues to describe how God’s wisdom works in the world. God’s wisdom uses power in ways that differ from the wisdom of the world. God’s Spirit can help people understand God’s wisdom and recognize God’s blessings. Words of faith are words of God’s wisdom rather than human wisdom. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:12 We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us. Today’s Reading 1When I came to you, my friends, to preach God's secret truth, I did not use big words and great learning. 2For while I was with you, I made up my mind to forget everything except Jesus Christ and especially his death on the cross. 3So when I came to you, I was weak and trembled all over with fear, 4and my teaching and message were not delivered with skillful words of human wisdom, but with convincing proof of the power of God's Spirit. 5Your faith, then, does not rest on human wisdom but on God's power. 6Yet I do proclaim a message of wisdom to those who are spiritually mature. But it is not the wisdom that belongs to this world or to the powers that rule this world—powers that are losing their power. 7The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom, which is hidden from human beings, but which he had already chosen for our glory even before the world was made. 8None of the rulers of this world knew this wisdom. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9However, as the scripture says, “What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” 10But it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. 11It is only our own spirit within us that knows all about us; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. 12We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us. 13So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit. 14Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God's Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. 15Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the value of everything, but no one is able to judge him. 16As the scripture says, “Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice?” Reflect Read 2:9 again. In this passage, Paul is quoting the prophet Isaiah (Isa 64:4). Isaiah saw that God had plans to renew people in a way that they couldn’t begin to imagine. What is surprising to you about the ways in which God has worked in the past and continues to work today? What is an example of God’s creative activity in your life? Pray Come Holy Spirit; guide me in the knowledge of God’s wisdom and blessing. Teach me to know the mind of Christ, and trust me to live by his will. Amen. Prayer Concern Artists Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 17, 2010 Author Members Posted September 17, 2010 September 16, 2010 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction 1 Corinthians 3:1-23: Paul reminds the Corinthians of the work he and other apostles have done among them. Their message emphasizes the cross of Christ. Yet other teachers make fun of Paul's teaching and try to turn the people toward another way of thinking. Paul warns that the wisdom of the world is foolish and that God's ways are wise. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:8 There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. Today’s Reading 1As a matter of fact, my friends, I could not talk to you as I talk to people who have the Spirit; I had to talk to you as though you belonged to this world, as children in the Christian faith. 2I had to feed you milk, not solid food, because you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready for it, 3because you still live as the people of this world live. When there is jealousy among you and you quarrel with one another, doesn't this prove that you belong to this world, living by its standards? 4When one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos”—aren't you acting like worldly people? 5After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. 7The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. 8There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. 9For we are partners working together for God, and you are God's field. You are also God's building. 10Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how you build. 11For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. 12Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. 13And the quality of each person's work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone's work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. 14If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. 15But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire. 16Surely you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you! 17God will destroy anyone who destroys God's temple. For God's temple is holy, and you yourselves are his temple. 18You should not fool yourself. If any of you think that you are wise by this world's standards, you should become a fool, in order to be really wise. 19For what this world considers to be wisdom is nonsense in God's sight. As the scripture says, “God traps the wise in their cleverness”; 20and another scripture says, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless.” 21No one, then, should boast about what human beings can do. Actually everything belongs to you: 22Paul, Apollos, and Peter; this world, life and death, the present and the future—all these are yours, 23and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Reflect Reread 3:18-21. What does Paul mean when he says, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless." (3:20)? What is an example of worldly wisdom that might seem foolish to God? What is an example of Godly wisdom that might seem foolish to the world? What do you make of Paul's understanding of wisdom and foolishness? Pray Lord, it is difficult to live in a world where foolishness is celebrated as wisdom. Give me the insight to discern your wisdom and to follow it in all aspects of my life, regardless of the foolish values of others. Amen. Prayer Concern Journalists Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 18, 2010 Author Members Posted September 18, 2010 September 17, 2010 Luke 12:1-12 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Luke 12:1-12: Today we begin reading from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus warns his disciples against the dishonest teachings of the Pharisees. He tells them not to be afraid of other people, and instead to trust in God. Then he encourages them to share with others that they are his disciples. Today’s Scripture: Luke 12:7 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows! Today’s Reading 1As thousands of people crowded together, so that they were stepping on each other, Jesus said first to his disciples, Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees—I mean their hypocrisy. 2Whatever is covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known. 3So then, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in broad daylight, and whatever you have whispered in private in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops. 4I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot afterward do anything worse. 5I will show you whom to fear: fear God, who, after killing, has the authority to throw into hell. Believe me, he is the one you must fear! 6Aren't five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one sparrow is forgotten by God. 7Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows! 8I assure you that those who declare publicly that they belong to me, the Son of Man will do the same for them before the angels of God. 9But those who reject me publicly, the Son of Man will also reject them before the angels of God. 10Whoever says a word against the Son of Man can be forgiven; but whoever says evil things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11When they bring you to be tried in the synagogues or before governors or rulers, do not be worried about how you will defend yourself or what you will say. 12For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. ” Reflect Reread 12:6. The Roman coin referred to here is an assarius, which equals only about one-sixteenth of what a common laborer earned for one day's work. The Law of Moses allowed the eating of sparrows, and because they were so cheap, an ordinary person could afford them. What analogy might Jesus use today to communicate how valuable we are to God? Pray Loving God, there are days when I feel worthless. Remind me of your love for me. Help me recognize that I am not alone in my insecurities, and empower me to reach out to and encourage others. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who feel afraid Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 23, 2010 Author Members Posted September 23, 2010 September 18, 2010 Luke 12:13-31 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Luke 12:13-31: Jesus tells a story about a rich man who stores up many provisions but is poor in the sight of God. Then he tells his disciples not to worry about food or clothing, and points to other creatures and plants as examples of faith. Today’s Scripture: Luke 12:28 It is God who clothes the wild grass - grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won't he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have! Today’s Reading 13A man in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide with me the property our father left us.” 14Jesus answered him, “Friend, who gave me the right to judge or to divide the property between you two?” 15And he went on to say to them all, “Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be.” 16Then Jesus told them this parable: “There was once a rich man who had land which bore good crops. 17He began to think to himself, ‘I don't have a place to keep all my crops. What can I do? 18This is what I will do, ’ he told himself; ‘I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store the grain and all my other goods. 19Then I will say to myself, Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself ’ 20But God said to him, “You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?” ” 21And Jesus concluded, “This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God's sight.” 22Then Jesus said to the disciples, “And so I tell you not to worry about the food you need to stay alive or about the clothes you need for your body. 23Life is much more important than food, and the body much more important than clothes. 24Look at the crows: they don't plant seeds or gather a harvest; they don't have storage rooms or barns; God feeds them! You are worth so much more than birds! 25Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? 26If you can't manage even such a small thing, why worry about the other things? 27Look how the wild flowers grow: they don't work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. 28It is God who clothes the wild grass—grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won't he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have! 29So don't be all upset, always concerned about what you will eat and drink. 30(For the pagans of this world are always concerned about all these things.) Your Father knows that you need these things. 31Instead, be concerned with his Kingdom, and he will provide you with these things. Reflect Reread 12:22-31. What are the different things Jesus names as examples of faith? Do you find Jesus' argument to be compelling? Why or why not? Do you find it difficult not to worry? Do you trust that if you put God's work first, everything else will be taken care of? Pray Generous God, you always provide me with everything I need. Deepen my faith that I may trust you to equip me for every challenge and sustain me for all of my days. May my faith blossom into generosity toward all who are in need. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are homeless Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 23, 2010 Author Members Posted September 23, 2010 September 19, 2010 Luke 12:32-48 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Luke 12:32-48: Jesus tells his disciples to sell what they have and give the money to the poor, assuring them that their real treasure is in heaven. He implores them to be like faithful servants, awake and ready for their master to come. He tells them that the more God gives, the more God expects. Today’s Scripture: Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. Today’s Reading 32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. 33Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them, and no moth can destroy them. 34For your heart will always be where your riches are. 35Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit, 36like servants who are waiting for their master to come back from a wedding feast. When he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him at once. 37How happy are those servants whose master finds them awake and ready when he returns! I tell you, he will take off his coat, have them sit down, and will wait on them. 38How happy they are if he finds them ready, even if he should come at midnight or even later! 39And you can be sure that if the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, he would not let the thief break into his house. 40And you, too, must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him. ” 41Peter said, “Lord, does this parable apply to us, or do you mean it for everyone?” 42The Lord answered, “Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one that his master will put in charge, to run the household and give the other servants their share of the food at the proper time. 43How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home! 44Indeed, I tell you, the master will put that servant in charge of all his property. 45But if that servant says to himself that his master is taking a long time to come back and if he begins to beat the other servants, both the men and the women, and eats and drinks and gets drunk, 46then the master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know. The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the disobedient. 47The servant who knows what his master wants him to do, but does not get himself ready and do it, will be punished with a heavy whipping. 48But the servant who does not know what his master wants, and yet does something for which he deserves a whipping, will be punished with a light whipping. Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given. Reflect Reread 12:32-34. What comes to mind when you read this passage? What does Jesus mean when he says, "your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom"? What does it mean to have treasures in heaven? If you trusted that indeed God is keeping treasures for you in heaven, how would that change your life now? Pray Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, thank you for your blessings in heaven and on earth. Make me a wise steward of your resources so that my giving to others may be a reflection of your love. Amen. Prayer Concern The poor Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted September 23, 2010 Author Members Posted September 23, 2010 September 20, 2010 Luke 16:1-13 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Luke 16:1-13: As Jesus continues his journey toward Jerusalem, he heals more people and talks to his disciples and others about what it means to be faithful servants of God. In today's passage, he tells the story of a manager who forgives debts in order to win friends. Through this story, Jesus teaches the importance of honesty, integrity and trust. Today’s Scripture: Luke 16:10 Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones. Today’s Reading 1Jesus said to his disciples, “There was once a rich man who had a servant who managed his property. The rich man was told that the manager was wasting his master's money, 2so he called him in and said, “What is this I hear about you? Turn in a complete account of your handling of my property, because you cannot be my manager any longer.” 3The servant said to himself, ‘My master is going to dismiss me from my job. What shall I do? I am not strong enough to dig ditches, and I am ashamed to beg. 4Now I know what I will do! Then when my job is gone, I shall have friends who will welcome me in their homes. ’ 5So he called in all the people who were in debt to his master. He asked the first one, “How much do you owe my master?” 6“One hundred barrels of olive oil,” he answered. “Here is your account,” the manager told him; “sit down and write fifty.” 7Then he asked another one, “And you—how much do you owe?” “A thousand bushels of wheat,” he answered. “Here is your account,” the manager told him; “write eight hundred.” 8As a result the master of this dishonest manager praised him for doing such a shrewd thing; because the people of this world are much more shrewd in handling their affairs than the people who belong to the light. ” 9And Jesus went on to say, “And so I tell you: make friends for yourselves with worldly wealth, so that when it gives out, you will be welcomed in the eternal home. 10Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones. 11If, then, you have not been faithful in handling worldly wealth, how can you be trusted with true wealth? 12And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what belongs to you? 13“No servant can be the slave of two masters; such a slave will hate one and love the other or will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Reflect Reread 16:9. Jesus is not saying that money is evil, but that people sometimes get money by cheating others. Money and possessions can also be used to make friends and to serve others. Money can run out, but God offers something more valuable - eternal home. What does money mean to you? Pray Loving God, you provide me with everything I need and more. Give me the sense I need to discern your will in all my financial decisions, so that I may give abundantly and wisely. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who contribute to charitable causes Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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