Members phkrause Posted September 23, 2010 Author Members Posted September 23, 2010 September 21, 2010 Luke 16:14-31 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Luke 16:14-31: The Pharisees mock Jesus for his teachings about money. Jesus tells them that God sees their hearts and knows how much they love money. He tells the story of the poor man Lazarus who sat outside the door of a rich man's house. Dogs licked his sores, but he was happy to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. When he died he received a place of honor while the rich man suffered terribly. Today’s Scripture: Luke 16:15 Jesus said to them, You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people's sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight. Today’s Reading 14When the Pharisees heard all this, they made fun of Jesus, because they loved money. 15Jesus said to them, You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people's sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight. 16The Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets were in effect up to the time of John the Baptist; since then the Good News about the Kingdom of God is being told, and everyone forces their way in. 17But it is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest detail of the Law to be done away with. 18Any man who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery; and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 19There was once a rich man who dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day. 20There was also a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who used to be brought to the rich man's door, 21hoping to eat the bits of food that fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the feast in heaven. The rich man died and was buried, 23and in Hades, where he was in great pain, he looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side. 24So he called out, “Father Abraham! Take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue, because I am in great pain in this fire!” 25But Abraham said, ‘Remember, my son, that in your lifetime you were given all the good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. But now he is enjoying himself here, while you are in pain. 26Besides all that, there is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so, nor can anyone cross over to us from where you are. ’ 27The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28where I have five brothers. Let him go and warn them so that they, at least, will not come to this place of pain. ’ 29Abraham said, “Your brothers have Moses and the prophets to warn them; your brothers should listen to what they say.” 30The rich man answered, “That is not enough, father Abraham! But if someone were to rise from death and go to them, then they would turn from their sins.” 31But Abraham said, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death.” ” Reflect Reread 16:22. Some Jewish people thought that the life to come would be like a banquet that God would give for them. Abraham would be the most important person there, and the guest of honor would sit next to him. What is your image of eternal life? Where does it come from? Pray Lord Jesus, make me humble and generous, that I may be a wise steward of your resources. Bring love and justice to our economic system, that people may experience economic justice here on earth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those whose unemployment benefits have run out 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 22, 2010 Proverbs 1:1-33 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Proverbs 1:1-33: Today we begin reading from Proverbs. The purpose and theme of the entire book are summarized in today's reading: the proverbs are meant to teach wisdom and self-control, and to help people learn what is right. Above all, wisdom is respecting and obeying the Lord. Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 1:7 To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the LORD. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. Today’s Reading 1The proverbs of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. 2Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning. 3They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. 4They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. 5These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated, 6so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise. 7To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the LORD. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. 8My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you. 9Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance. 10My child, when sinners tempt you, don't give in. 11Suppose they say, “Come on; let's find someone to kill! Let's attack some innocent people for the fun of it! 12They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them! 13We'll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot! 14Come and join us, and we'll all share what we steal. ” 15My child, don't go with people like that. Stay away from them. 16They can't wait to do something bad. They're always ready to kill. 17It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching, 18but people like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die. 19Robbery always claims the life of the robber—this is what happens to anyone who lives by violence. 20Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and marketplaces, 21calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together: 22“Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy making fun of knowledge? Will you never learn? 23Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you. 24I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me. 25You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you. 26So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will make fun of you when terror strikes— 27when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery. 28Then you will call for wisdom, but I will not answer. You may look for me everywhere, but you will not find me. 29You have never had any use for knowledge and have always refused to obey the LORD. 30You have never wanted my advice or paid any attention when I corrected you. 31So then, you will get what you deserve, and your own actions will make you sick. 32Inexperienced people die because they reject wisdom. Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern. 33But whoever listens to me will have security. He will be safe, with no reason to be afraid. ” Reflect Wisdom and common sense were important in all ancient cultures. In Proverbs, wisdom is seen as directly related to the Lord's instruction. The truly wise person is the one who worships and honors the Lord and lives according to the Lord's commands. Reread 1:2-7. What will the reader learn, according to this passage? What did you learn from this passage? Pray God of all wisdom, open my mind to the wisdom that leads to righteous living. Help me remember you in everything I do, that you may show me the right way. In your name, amen. Prayer Concern Teachers 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 23, 2010 Proverbs 2:1-22 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Proverbs 2:1-22: In Proverbs, wisdom itself is a character. In today's passage, wisdom guides people in decision-making and protects them from deceit. It promotes justice and keeps people from engaging in adultery. Wisdom ultimately helps people make decisions that allow them to live righteously in God's land. Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 2:6 It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. Today’s Reading 1My child, learn what I teach you and never forget what I tell you to do. 2Listen to what is wise and try to understand it. 3Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight. 4Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure. 5If you do, you will know what it means to fear the LORD and you will succeed in learning about God. 6It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. 7He provides help and protection for those who are righteous and honest. 8He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. 9If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do. 10You will become wise, and your knowledge will give you pleasure. 11Your insight and understanding will protect you 12and prevent you from doing the wrong thing. They will keep you away from people who stir up trouble by what they say— 13those who have abandoned a righteous life to live in the darkness of sin, 14those who find pleasure in doing wrong and who enjoy senseless evil, 15unreliable people who cannot be trusted. 16You will be able to resist any immoral woman who tries to seduce you with her smooth talk, 17who is faithless to her own husband and forgets her sacred vows. 18If you go to her house, you are traveling the road to death. To go there is to approach the world of the dead. 19No one who visits her ever comes back. He never returns to the road to life. 20So you must follow the example of good people and live a righteous life. 21Righteous people—people of integrity—will live in this land of ours. 22But God will snatch the wicked from the land and pull sinners out of it like plants from the ground. Reflect Reread 2:12-15. In the ancient world, the night was an especially frightening time. Darkness is often used in the Bible to describe evil, stupidity or death (Proverbs 4:19; 13:9; 20: 20; Job 18:18). Compare this to the life of the good (wise) people whose lifestyle is like sunlight (Proverbs 4:18). What do darkness and light mean to you? Pray Lord of light, illuminate the darkness in my life, filling my days and my nights with your wisdom, goodness and love. Make me just, righteous and honest, that I may live in your land forever. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing temptation 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 25, 2010 Author Members Posted September 25, 2010 September 24 Proverbs 2:1-22 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Proverbs 2:1-22: In Proverbs, wisdom itself is a character. In today's passage, wisdom guides people in decision-making and protects them from deceit. It promotes justice and keeps people from engaging in adultery. Wisdom ultimately helps people make decisions that allow them to live righteously in God's land. Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 2:6 It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. Today’s Reading 1My child, learn what I teach you and never forget what I tell you to do. 2Listen to what is wise and try to understand it. 3Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight. 4Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure. 5If you do, you will know what it means to fear the LORD and you will succeed in learning about God. 6It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. 7He provides help and protection for those who are righteous and honest. 8He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. 9If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do. 10You will become wise, and your knowledge will give you pleasure. 11Your insight and understanding will protect you 12and prevent you from doing the wrong thing. They will keep you away from people who stir up trouble by what they say— 13those who have abandoned a righteous life to live in the darkness of sin, 14those who find pleasure in doing wrong and who enjoy senseless evil, 15unreliable people who cannot be trusted. 16You will be able to resist any immoral woman who tries to seduce you with her smooth talk, 17who is faithless to her own husband and forgets her sacred vows. 18If you go to her house, you are traveling the road to death. To go there is to approach the world of the dead. 19No one who visits her ever comes back. He never returns to the road to life. 20So you must follow the example of good people and live a righteous life. 21Righteous people—people of integrity—will live in this land of ours. 22But God will snatch the wicked from the land and pull sinners out of it like plants from the ground. Reflect Reread 2:12-15. In the ancient world, the night was an especially frightening time. Darkness is often used in the Bible to describe evil, stupidity or death (Proverbs 4:19; 13:9; 20: 20; Job 18:18). Compare this to the life of the good (wise) people whose lifestyle is like sunlight (Proverbs 4:18). What do darkness and light mean to you? Pray Lord of light, illuminate the darkness in my life, filling my days and my nights with your wisdom, goodness and love. Make me just, righteous and honest, that I may live in your land forever. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing temptation 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 26, 2010 Author Members Posted September 26, 2010 September 25, 2010 Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction Ecclesiastes 3:1-15: Today's reading is from Ecclesiastes. The author emphasizes that the answers to many of life's questions are difficult to find. In today's passage, he notes that though God controls what happens in life, it is difficult to understand life's contradictions. Today’s Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that everything God does will last forever. You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. Today’s Reading 1Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. 2He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up, 3the time for killing and the time for healing, the time for tearing down and the time for building. 4He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for mourning and the time for dancing, 5the time for making love and the time for not making love, the time for kissing and the time for not kissing. 6He sets the time for finding and the time for losing, the time for saving and the time for throwing away, 7the time for tearing and the time for mending, the time for silence and the time for talk. 8He sets the time for love and the time for hate, the time for war and the time for peace. 9What do we gain from all our work? 10I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. 11He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. 12So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. 13All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift. 14I know that everything God does will last forever. You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. 15Whatever happens or can happen has already happened before. God makes the same thing happen again and again. Reflect The author says that, "everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses" (3:1). Seven verses describing the seasons of life follow. These verses were probably meant to mention the total life experience. How do these verses encompass your life experience? Pray Lord of life, you have created a season for everything. Help me to rest in the rhythms of life, trusting that you will care for me throughout my days. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who grieve 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 29, 2010 Author Members Posted September 29, 2010 September 26, 2010 James 1:1-27 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction James 1:1-27: Today we begin reading the book of James. Church tradition holds that this book was written by James, the brother of Jesus. The writer begins by encouraging readers to seek God's wisdom and remain faithful, even as they face testing and temptation. Today’s Scripture: James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. Today’s Reading 1From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: Greetings to all God's people scattered over the whole world. 2My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, 3for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. 4Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. 6But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. 7-8If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord. 9Those Christians who are poor must be glad when God lifts them up, 10and the rich Christians must be glad when God brings them down. For the rich will pass away like the flower of a wild plant. 11The sun rises with its blazing heat and burns the plant; its flower falls off, and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way the rich will be destroyed while they go about their business. 12Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. 13If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, “This temptation comes from God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. 15Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16Do not be deceived, my dear friends! 17Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. 18By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures. 19Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. 20Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose. 21So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you. 22Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. 23If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are. 24They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like. 25But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do. 26Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself. 27What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world. Reflect The writer says that the message of God can save, not through simple human reason, but through God's wisdom. Reread 1:19-27. What does the writer say about hearing and obeying? What instructions does he give for dealing with other people? What parts of his message do you find to be the most challenging? Pray God of patience and wisdom, help me to seek your wisdom and to remain faithful, even in times of testing and temptation. Strengthen my faith that I may deepen my knowledge of you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have difficulty listening to 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 29, 2010 Author Members Posted September 29, 2010 September 27, 2010 James 2:1-26 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction James 2:1-26: The writer encourages God's people to turn away from doing evil and to obey God's perfect law, which includes helping the needy, orphans and widows. The people of God are not to give special attention to the rich, but are to love the poor and all others as much as they love themselves. In this way, they will show that their faith is not dead, but is alive. Today’s Scripture: James 2:5 Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. Today’s Reading 1My friends, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance. 2Suppose a rich man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes comes to your meeting, and a poor man in ragged clothes also comes. 3If you show more respect to the well-dressed man and say to him, “Have this best seat here,” but say to the poor man, “Stand over there, or sit here on the floor by my feet,” 4then you are guilty of creating distinctions among yourselves and of making judgments based on evil motives. 5Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. 6But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich! 7They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you. 8You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 9But if you treat people according to their outward appearance, you are guilty of sin, and the Law condemns you as a lawbreaker. 10Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all. 11For the same one who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Even if you do not commit adultery, you have become a lawbreaker if you commit murder. 12Speak and act as people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. 13For God will not show mercy when he judges the person who has not been merciful; but mercy triumphs over judgment. 14My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have faith if your actions do not prove it? Can that faith save you? 15Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. 16What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don't give them the necessities of life? 17So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead. 18But someone will say, “One person has faith, another has actions.” My answer is, “Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions.” 19Do you believe that there is only one God? Good! The demons also believe—and tremble with fear. 20You fool! Do you want to be shown that faith without actions is useless? 21How was our ancestor Abraham put right with God? It was through his actions, when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. 22Can't you see? His faith and his actions worked together; his faith was made perfect through his actions. 23And the scripture came true that said, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” And so Abraham was called God's friend. 24You see, then, that it is by our actions that we are put right with God, and not by our faith alone. 25It was the same with the prostitute Rahab. She was put right with God through her actions, by welcoming the Israelite spies and helping them to escape by a different road. 26So then, as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without actions is dead. Reflect The followers of Jesus in the early church may have been tempted to give special treatment to people who had power or riches, because these people could provide money or protection for the local church. The author warns Christians not to favor rich people while ignoring the poor. Do you think this happens in the church today? Are those with less money treated differently than those with more money in your church? Pray Ruler of creation, everything I have belongs to you. Make me generous with those in need, that they may know your abundance. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need 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 29, 2010 Author Members Posted September 29, 2010 September 28, 2010 James 3:1-18 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction James 3:1-18: Followers of Jesus are warned to be careful to choose their words wisely, and not brag or say mean things about others. They are also reminded to follow God's wisdom and to make sure that riches don't pull them away from living as God wants them to live. Today’s Scripture: James 3:2 All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being. Today’s Reading 1My friends, not many of you should become teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others. 2All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being. 3We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. 4Or think of a ship: big as it is and driven by such strong winds, it can be steered by a very small rudder, and it goes wherever the pilot wants it to go. 5So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things. Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! 6And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. 7We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures—wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 8But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. 9We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. 10Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! 11No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. 12A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water. 13Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. 14But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. 15Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. 16Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. 17But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. 18And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace. Reflect The author says that there are two kinds of wisdom: wisdom that comes from above, meaning that it comes from God; and earthly wisdom, meaning wisdom that comes from evil forces. What are the results of each kind of wisdom? How have you encountered each kind of wisdom? How can you receive wisdom from God? Pray Lord of love, humble me. Fill me with your wisdom and compassion that I may sow the seeds of peace and produce a harvest of good deeds. May the things I say reflect your praise, joy, love, peace and justice. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are victims of gossip 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 October 2, 2010 Author Members Posted October 2, 2010 September 29, 2010 James 4:1-17 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction James 4:1-17: The author cautions followers of Jesus against living by the ways of the world rather than following the ways of God. He calls for humility in words and in actions. Again, he tells the followers to use only kind words and to avoid bragging. Today’s Scripture: James 4:7 Submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. Today’s Reading 1Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you. 2You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. 3And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures. 4Unfaithful people! Don't you know that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy? If you want to be the world's friend, you make yourself God's enemy. 5Don't think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, “The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires.” 6But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. 8Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! 9Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 11Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. 12God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else? 13Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” 14You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. 15What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” 16But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong. 17So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin. Reflect Reread 4:4. Here, the "world" refers to the evil people and forces that are against God and God's people. Describing the world as a source of evil may be related, in part, to a type of Greek philosophy that said the physical world was evil, and that only spiritual things were truly good or pure. How do you distinguish the goodness of God's creation from the "world" as described here? Pray Creator God, in the beginning, you called your creation good. Empower your people to reject evil forces and protect the goodness of your creation, that through our time on earth, we may experience glimpses of your realm. Amen. Prayer Concern People who struggle with addiction 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 October 2, 2010 Author Members Posted October 2, 2010 September 30, 2010 James 5:1-20 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom Introduction James 5:1-20: The author warns the rich that God calls for justice for all people. Then he tells the followers of Christ to be patient until the Lord returns, to avoid swearing or making oaths, and to pray for others, especially for those who have turned away from God. Today’s Scripture: James 5:7 Be patient, then, my friends, until the Lord comes. See how patient farmers are as they wait for their land to produce precious crops. They wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains. Today’s Reading 1And now, you rich people, listen to me! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you! 2Your riches have rotted away, and your clothes have been eaten by moths. 3Your gold and silver are covered with rust, and this rust will be a witness against you and will eat up your flesh like fire. You have piled up riches in these last days. 4You have not paid any wages to those who work in your fields. Listen to their complaints! The cries of those who gather in your crops have reached the ears of God, the Lord Almighty. 5Your life here on earth has been full of luxury and pleasure. You have made yourselves fat for the day of slaughter. 6You have condemned and murdered innocent people, and they do not resist you. 7Be patient, then, my friends, until the Lord comes. See how patient farmers are as they wait for their land to produce precious crops. They wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains. 8You also must be patient. Keep your hopes high, for the day of the Lord's coming is near. 9Do not complain against one another, my friends, so that God will not judge you. The Judge is near, ready to appear. 10My friends, remember the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Take them as examples of patient endurance under suffering. 11We call them happy because they endured. You have heard of Job's patience, and you know how the Lord provided for him in the end. For the Lord is full of mercy and compassion. 12Above all, my friends, do not use an oath when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Say only “Yes” when you mean yes, and “No” when you mean no, and then you will not come under God's judgment. 13Are any among you in trouble? They should pray. Are any among you happy? They should sing praises. 14Are any among you sick? They should send for the church elders, who will pray for them and rub olive oil on them in the name of the Lord. 15This prayer made in faith will heal the sick; the Lord will restore them to health, and the sins they have committed will be forgiven. 16So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. 17Elijah was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. 18Once again he prayed, and the sky poured out its rain and the earth produced its crops. 19My friends, if any of you wander away from the truth and another one brings you back again, 20remember this: whoever turns a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner's soul from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. Reflect The author offers examples of those who have been patient and waited on the Lord in 5:10-11. He refers to ancient prophets of Israel who suffered because they spoke God's messages to people who rejected them. He also lifts up Job, a wealthy man who lost his family and possessions and endured great physical suffering. Though Job questioned his suffering, he trusted in God and God ultimately helped him. How might these stories be helpful to the hearers of today's passage? How are they helpful to you? Pray Loving God, it can be hard to be patient and watch for your grace in my life. Grant me the courage to endure the struggles I face, and inspire me to provide encouragement to others. Amen. Prayer Concern Those waiting upon 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 October 2, 2010 Author Members Posted October 2, 2010 October 1, 2010 Haggai 1:1-15 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Haggai 1:1-15: The Book of Haggai is a collection of brief messages that came from the Lord through the prophet Haggai in 520 B.C. The people had returned from exile and lived in Jerusalem for some years, but the Temple still lay in ruins. In today's message, God commands the people to rebuild the temple, so they begin to work. Today’s Scripture: Haggai 1:8 Now go up into the hills, get lumber, and rebuild the Temple; then I will be pleased and will be worshiped as I should be. Today’s Reading 1During the second year that Darius was emperor of Persia, on the first day of the sixth month, the LORD spoke through the prophet Haggai. The message was for the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and for the High Priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak. 2The LORD Almighty said to Haggai, “These people say that this is not the right time to rebuild the Temple.” 3The LORD then gave this message to the people through the prophet Haggai: 4“My people, why should you be living in well-built houses while my Temple lies in ruins? 5Don't you see what is happening to you? 6You have planted much grain, but have harvested very little. You have food to eat, but not enough to make you full. You have wine to drink, but not enough to get drunk on! You have clothing, but not enough to keep you warm. And workers cannot earn enough to live on. 7Can't you see why this has happened? 8Now go up into the hills, get lumber, and rebuild the Temple; then I will be pleased and will be worshiped as I should be. 9You hoped for large harvests, but they turned out to be small. And when you brought the harvest home, I blew it away. Why did I do that? Because my Temple lies in ruins while every one of you is busy working on your own house. 10That is why there is no rain and nothing can grow. 11I have brought drought on the land—on its hills, grainfields, vineyards, and olive orchards—on every crop the ground produces, on people and animals, on everything you try to grow. ” 12Then Zerubbabel and Joshua and all the people who had returned from the exile in Babylonia, did what the LORD their God told them to do. They were afraid and obeyed the prophet Haggai, the LORD's messenger. 13Then Haggai gave the LORD's message to the people: “I will be with you—that is my promise.” 14The LORD inspired everyone to work on the Temple: Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah; Joshua, the High Priest, and all the people who had returned from the exile. They began working on the Temple of the LORD Almighty, their God, 15on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of the second year that Darius was emperor. Reflect Reread 1:1-11. When Haggai preached his messages in 520 B.C. many of the Jewish people had been back in Jerusalem for almost twenty years. Why hadn't they finished rebuilding the temple? What important unfinished work do you have to do? What or who encourages you to keep going? Pray Creator God, you invite all people to participate in your creative activity in the world-building communities, cultivating new life, and helping all of your creation to flourish. Enable me to work for you and may my vocation always honor you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are unemployed 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 October 2, 2010 Author Members Posted October 2, 2010 October 2, 2010 Haggai 2:1-23 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Haggai 2:1-23: The Lord tells Haggai to encourage the people by telling them how the new temple will possess a special glory, and how the nations will bring their treasures to the temple. The Lord will bless the people of Judah for their obedience, and Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, will rule in God's name and with God's authority. Today’s Scripture: Haggai 2:5 When you came out of Egypt, I promised that I would always be with you. I am still with you, so do not be afraid. Today’s Reading 1On the twenty-first day of the seventh month of that same year, the LORD spoke again through the prophet Haggai. 2He told Haggai to speak to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, to Joshua, the High Priest, and to the people, and to say to them, 3“Is there anyone among you who can still remember how splendid the Temple used to be? How does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all. 4But now don't be discouraged, any of you. Do the work, for I am with you. 5When you came out of Egypt, I promised that I would always be with you. I am still with you, so do not be afraid. 6Before long I will shake heaven and earth, land and sea. 7I will overthrow all the nations, and their treasures will be brought here, and the Temple will be filled with wealth. 8All the silver and gold of the world is mine. 9The new Temple will be more splendid than the old one, and there I will give my people prosperity and peace. ” The LORD Almighty has spoken. 10On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month of the second year that Darius was emperor, the LORD Almighty spoke again to the prophet Haggai. 11He said, “Ask the priests for a ruling on this question: 12Suppose someone takes a piece of consecrated meat from a sacrifice and carries it in a fold of his robe. If he then lets his robe touch any bread, cooked food, wine, olive oil, or any kind of food at all, will it make that food consecrated also? ” When the question was asked, the priests answered, “No.” 13Then Haggai asked, “Suppose someone is defiled because he has touched a dead body. If he then touches any of these foods, will that make them defiled too?” The priests answered, “Yes.” 14Then Haggai said, “The LORD says that the same thing applies to the people of this nation and to everything they produce; and so everything they offer on the altar is defiled. ” 15The LORD says, “Can't you see what has happened to you? Before you started to rebuild the Temple, 16you would go to a pile of grain expecting to find twenty bushels, but there would be only ten. You would go to draw fifty gallons of wine from a vat, but find only twenty. 17I sent scorching winds and hail to ruin everything you tried to grow, but still you did not repent. 18Today is the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day that the foundation of the Temple has been completed. See what is going to happen from now on. 19Although there is no grain left, and the grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced, yet from now on I will bless you. ” 20On that same day, the twenty-fourth of the month, the LORD gave Haggai a second message 21for Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah: “I am about to shake heaven and earth 22and overthrow kingdoms and end their power. I will overturn chariots and their drivers; the horses will die, and their riders will kill one another. 23On that day I will take you, Zerubbabel my servant, and I will appoint you to rule in my name. You are the one I have chosen. ” The LORD Almighty has spoken. Reflect What encouraging promises did Haggai give to the people and their leader, Zerubbabel? Most of us will never be involved in building a place of worship. But what other things can we "build" for God? What can you do to make sure that God's work has a top priority in your life? Pray Lord God, sometimes I am so focused on my own concerns that I fail to recognize your call to do your work in the world. Open my eyes to all that you call me to do and give me the energy and focus I need to do it. Amen. Prayer Concern Students 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 October 3, 2010 Author Members Posted October 3, 2010 October 3, 2010 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction 1 Corinthians 11:17-34: Paul offers advice that he has received from the Lord to the Corinthians on how they should celebrate the Lord's Supper. He exhorts them to honor the Lord's body and blood. He also reminds them to understand the true meaning of the Lord's Table and warns them of the judgment, if there is a lack of preparation before partaking of the Lord's Supper. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:28, 29 ...you should each examine yourself first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. For if you do not recognize the meaning of the Lord's body when you eat the bread and drink from the cup, you bring judgment on yourself as you eat and drink. Today’s Reading 17In the following instructions, however, I do not praise you, because your meetings for worship actually do more harm than good. 18In the first place, I have been told that there are opposing groups in your meetings; and this I believe is partly true. ( 19No doubt there must be divisions among you so that the ones who are in the right may be clearly seen.) 20When you meet together as a group, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat. 21For as you eat, you each go ahead with your own meal, so that some are hungry while others get drunk. 22Don't you have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or would you rather despise the church of God and put to shame the people who are in need? What do you expect me to say to you about this? Shall I praise you? Of course I don't! 23For I received from the Lord the teaching that I passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a piece of bread, 24gave thanks to God, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in memory of me.” 25In the same way, after the supper he took the cup and said, “This cup is God's new covenant, sealed with my blood. Whenever you drink it, do so in memory of me.” 26This means that every time you eat this bread and drink from this cup you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27It follows that if one of you eats the Lord's bread or drinks from his cup in a way that dishonors him, you are guilty of sin against the Lord's body and blood. 28So then, you should each examine yourself first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. 29For if you do not recognize the meaning of the Lord's body when you eat the bread and drink from the cup, you bring judgment on yourself as you eat and drink. 30That is why many of you are sick and weak, and several have died. 31If we would examine ourselves first, we would not come under God's judgment. 32But we are judged and punished by the Lord, so that we shall not be condemned together with the world. 33So then, my friends, when you gather together to eat the Lord's Supper, wait for one another. 34And if any of you are hungry, you should eat at home, so that you will not come under God's judgment as you meet together. As for the other matters, I will settle them when I come. Reflect World Communion Sunday is an opportunity for congregations to reflect on the belief that all Christians, regardless of denomination, are part of one universal church, the one body of Christ. Remembering our brothers and sisters in Christ worshiping in faith communities around the world, our local celebration of communion brings us into a global community. What does it mean to you to be part of a faith that is not bound by a certain church or place? Pray God of every nation, your presence is known in gathered communities around the world through the simple act of breaking bread and drinking wine. May your Church throughout the world experience your Holy Spirit in their midst as they celebrate communion. Amen. Prayer Concern The celebration of communion worldwide 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 October 5, 2010 Author Members Posted October 5, 2010 October 4, 2010 Leviticus 25:1-22 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Leviticus 25:1-22: Today we begin reading about the Sabbath year and the Jubilee year in the Book of Leviticus. God commands the Israelites to allow the land to rest every seven years and to celebrate a year of Jubilee or freedom and restoration every 50 years. God will provide food for the years of rest. Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 25:10a ... set the fiftieth year apart and proclaim freedom to all the inhabitants of the land. Today’s Reading 1The LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai and commanded him 2to give the following regulations to the people of Israel. When you enter the land that the LORD is giving you, you shall honor the LORD by not cultivating the land every seventh year. 3You shall plant your fields, prune your vineyards, and gather your crops for six years. 4But the seventh year is to be a year of complete rest for the land, a year dedicated to the LORD. Do not plant your fields or prune your vineyards. 5Do not even harvest the grain that grows by itself without being planted, and do not gather the grapes from your unpruned vines; it is a year of complete rest for the land. 6Although the land has not been cultivated during that year, it will provide food for you, your slaves, your hired men, the foreigners living with you, 7your domestic animals, and the wild animals in your fields. Everything that it produces may be eaten. 8Count seven times seven years, a total of forty-nine years. 9Then, on the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement, send someone to blow a trumpet throughout the whole land. 10In this way you shall set the fiftieth year apart and proclaim freedom to all the inhabitants of the land. During this year all property that has been sold shall be restored to the original owner or the descendants, and any who have been sold as slaves shall return to their families. 11You shall not plant your fields or harvest the grain that grows by itself or gather the grapes in your unpruned vineyards. 12The whole year shall be sacred for you; you shall eat only what the fields produce of themselves. 13In this year all property that has been sold shall be restored to its original owner. 14So when you sell land to an Israelite or buy land, do not deal unfairly. 15The price is to be set according to the number of years the land can produce crops before the next Year of Restoration. 16If there are many years, the price shall be higher, but if there are only a few years, the price shall be lower, because what is being sold is the number of crops the land can produce. 17Do not cheat an Israelite, but obey the LORD your God. 18Obey all the LORD's laws and commands, so that you may live in safety in the land. 19The land will produce its crops, and you will have all you want to eat and will live in safety. 20But someone may ask what there will be to eat during the seventh year, when no fields are planted and no crops gathered. 21The LORD will bless the land in the sixth year so that it will produce enough food for two years. 22When you plant your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating what you harvested during the sixth year, and you will have enough to eat until the crops you plant that year are harvested. Reflect The Jubilee year is the year at the end of seven cycles of Sabbatical Years (Shmita - seventh year of the seven-year agricultural cycle mandated by the Torah). During this year property was to be returned to its original owners. This was done so that each Israelite tribe could maintain the land they were given when they first entered Canaan (Numbers 34:1-29; Joshua 15:1-14). Deuteronomy 15:1-11 adds that during this year debts should be canceled and any crops that grew on their own were to be left for the poor. What do you think of these ideas? Pray God of Jubilee, you provide us with constant freedom and forgiveness. Thank you for the many ways in which you have blessed my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Farmers 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 October 6, 2010 Author Members Posted October 6, 2010 October 5, 2010 Leviticus 25:23-38 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Leviticus 25:23-38: Today's passage emphasizes that all land belongs to God, and that God's people are called to exercise just stewardship of the land. It then offers rules for buying and selling land that emphasize fairness and mercy. Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 25:23 Your land must not be sold on a permanent basis, because you do not own it; it belongs to God, and you are like foreigners who are allowed to make use of it. Today’s Reading 23Your land must not be sold on a permanent basis, because you do not own it; it belongs to God, and you are like foreigners who are allowed to make use of it. 24When land is sold, the right of the original owner to buy it back must be recognized. 25If any of you Israelites become poor and are forced to sell your land, your closest relative is to buy it back. 26If you have no relative to buy it back, you may later become prosperous and have enough to buy it back yourself. 27In that case you must pay to the one who bought it a sum that will make up for the years remaining until the next Year of Restoration, when you would in any event recover your land. 28But if you do not have enough money to buy the land back, it remains under the control of the one who bought it until the next Year of Restoration. In that year it will be returned to its original owner. 29If you sell a house in a walled city, you have the right to buy it back during the first full year from the date of sale. 30But if you do not buy it back within the year, you lose the right of repurchase, and the house becomes the permanent property of the purchasers and their descendants; it will not be returned in the Year of Restoration. 31But houses in unwalled villages are to be treated like fields; the original owner has the right to buy them back, and they are to be returned in the Year of Restoration. 32However, Levites have the right to buy back at any time their property in the cities assigned to them. 33If a house in one of these cities is sold by a Levite and is not bought back, it must be returned in the Year of Restoration, because the houses which the Levites own in their cities are their permanent property among the people of Israel. 34But the pasture land around the Levite cities shall never be sold; it is their property forever. 35If any Israelites living near you become poor and cannot support themselves, you must provide for them as you would for a hired worker, so that they can continue to live near you. 36Do not charge Israelites any interest, but obey God and let them live near you. 37Do not make them pay interest on the money you lend them, and do not make a profit on the food you sell them. 38This is the command of the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt in order to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God. Reflect Reread 25:29. For the ancient Israelites, houses were not like land, which always belonged to the original owner. If an owner wanted to buy back his house within a year of selling it, the new owner had to sell it back. But after a year, the new owner owned the house and could decide what to do with it. How do you think people would respond to such rules today? Pray Gracious God, many people struggle to keep up with their rent and mortgage payments. Be present with all who face financial difficulties, and give them the peace that comes with knowing your abundant love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing eviction or foreclosure 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 October 6, 2010 Author Members Posted October 6, 2010 October 6, 2010 Leviticus 25:39-55 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Leviticus 25:39-55: In today's reading, God gives instructions on how to treat slaves. He says that they should be treated as hired workers and they are not to be treated harshly. God instructs that the slaves be set free in the Year of Restoration. Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 25:42, 43 The people of Israel are the LORD's slaves, and he brought them out of Egypt; they must not be sold into slavery. Do not treat them harshly, but obey your God. Today’s Reading 39If any Israelites living near you become so poor that they sell themselves to you as a slave, you shall not make them do the work of a slave. 40They shall stay with you as hired workers and serve you until the next Year of Restoration. 41At that time they and their children shall leave you and return to their family and to the property of their ancestors. 42The people of Israel are the LORD's slaves, and he brought them out of Egypt; they must not be sold into slavery. 43Do not treat them harshly, but obey your God. 44If you need slaves, you may buy them from the nations around you. 45You may also buy the children of the foreigners who are living among you. Such children born in your land may become your property, 46and you may leave them as an inheritance to your children, whom they must serve as long as they live. But you must not treat any Israelites harshly. 47Suppose a foreigner living with you becomes rich, while some Israelites become poor and sell themselves as slaves to that foreigner or to a member of that foreigner's family. 48After they are sold, they still have the right to be bought back. A brother 49or an uncle or a cousin or another close relative may buy them back; or if they themselves earn enough, they may buy their own freedom. 50They must consult the one who bought them, and they must count the years from the time they sold themselves until the next Year of Restoration and must set the price for their release on the basis of the wages paid hired workers. 51-52They must refund a part of the purchase price according to the number of years left, 53as if they had been hired on an annual basis. Their master must not treat them harshly. 54If they are not set free in any of these ways, they and their children must be set free in the next Year of Restoration. 55Israelites cannot be permanent slaves, because the people of Israel are the LORD's slaves. He brought them out of Egypt; he is the LORD their God. Reflect How were the laws of ancient Israel set up to help those who became poor or those who had to sell themselves as slaves? Was the system different for an Israelite and a foreigner? What is your understanding of slavery? In what ways are our laws written to help those who are poor and those who work as hired help? What are the similarities and differences? Which system do you think is more just? Why? Pray God of abundance, there are too many people among us who lack the basic things they need for everyday life. Embolden our community leaders to address poverty effectively, that the needs of all your people may be met. 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 October 8, 2010 Author Members Posted October 8, 2010 October 7, 2010 Numbers 27:1-11 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Numbers 27:1-11: Today's passage narrates an incident at the very end of Moses' leadership. The daughters of Zelophehad go to Moses and other leaders of Israel to ask for the land that their father would have received as a member of the Manasseh tribe. The Lord tells Moses to give them the land. Today’s Scripture: Numbers 27:5 - 7 Moses presented their case to the LORD, and the LORD said to him, "What the daughters of Zelophehad request is right; give them property among their father's relatives. Let his inheritance pass on to them." Today’s Reading 1Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah were the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph. 2They went and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole community at the entrance of the Tent of the LORD's presence and said, 3“Our father died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. He was not among the followers of Korah, who rebelled against the LORD; he died because of his own sin. 4Just because he had no sons, why should our father's name disappear from Israel? Give us property among our father's relatives. ” 5Moses presented their case to the LORD, 6and the LORD said to him, 7“What the daughters of Zelophehad request is right; give them property among their father's relatives. Let his inheritance pass on to them. 8Tell the people of Israel that whenever a man dies without leaving a son, his daughter is to inherit his property. 9If he has no daughter, his brothers are to inherit it. 10If he has no brothers, his father's brothers are to inherit it. 11If he has no brothers or uncles, then his nearest relative is to inherit it and hold it as his own property. The people of Israel are to observe this as a legal requirement, just as I, the LORD, have commanded you. ” Reflect Zelophehad died along with others who were punished for rebelling against God even though he did not rebel. In the ancient Near East, property was usually passed from father to son. This passage says that if a man had no son, his daughters could inherit his land. What might this have meant to these women? Pray God of justice, in you all people are equal. Make me a catalyst for your equality and justice in our world so that all may know your love and mercy. Amen. Prayer Concern Women who experience discrimination 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 October 9, 2010 Author Members Posted October 9, 2010 October 8, 2010 Numbers 36:1-13 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Numbers 36:1-13: Gilead clan leaders go to Moses because they are upset about his earlier ruling that the daughters of Zelophehad can inherit his land. They say that if the women marry men from other tribes, the land will no longer belong to their inheritance. In response, Moses says that tribal land must not go to other tribes, so any daughter who inherits it must marry within her tribe. Today’s Scripture: Numbers 36:7, 8 The property of every Israelite will remain attached to his tribe. Every woman who inherits property in an Israelite tribe must marry a man belonging to that tribe. In this way all Israelites will inherit the property of their ancestors. Today’s Reading 1The heads of the families in the clan of Gilead, the son of Machir and grandson of Manasseh son of Joseph, went to Moses and the other leaders. 2They said, “The LORD commanded you to distribute the land to the people of Israel by drawing lots. He also commanded you to give the property of our relative Zelophehad to his daughters. 3But remember, if they marry men of another tribe, their property will then belong to that tribe, and the total allotted to us will be reduced. 4In the Year of Restoration, when all property that has been sold is restored to its original owners, the property of Zelophehad's daughters will be permanently added to the tribe into which they marry and will be lost to our tribe. ” 5So Moses gave the people of Israel the following command from the LORD. He said, “What the tribe of Manasseh says is right, 6and so the LORD says that the daughters of Zelophehad are free to marry anyone they wish but only within their own tribe. 7The property of every Israelite will remain attached to his tribe. 8Every woman who inherits property in an Israelite tribe must marry a man belonging to that tribe. In this way all Israelites will inherit the property of their ancestors, 9and the property will not pass from one tribe to another. Each tribe will continue to possess its own property. ” 10-11So Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, did as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they married their cousins. 12They married within the clans of the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph, and their property remained in their father's tribe. 13These are the rules and regulations that the LORD gave the Israelites through Moses in the plains of Moab across the Jordan River from Jericho. Reflect What concerns did the leaders of the Gilead clan raise to Moses? Why was it a problem for them to marry outside of their tribe? How did Moses respond to their concerns? What do you think the daughters of Zelophehad might have thought about Moses' response? What do you think of Moses' response? Pray God of family, be present in our relationships with one another. Nurture my family today that we may learn to love one another as you love us. Amen. Prayer Concern Families grieving the loss of a loved one 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 October 9, 2010 Author Members Posted October 9, 2010 October 9, 2010 Deuteronomy 10:12-22 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Deuteronomy 10:12-22: In today's reading, Moses tells the Israelites what the Lord demands of them: to worship God and to do all that he commands, loving and serving him in obedience and justice. He says that their obedience and compassion for others should come as a response to God's love. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:17, 18 The LORD your God is supreme over all gods and over all powers...He makes sure that orphans and widows are treated fairly; he loves the foreigners who live with our people, and gives them food and clothes. Today’s Reading 12Now, people of Israel, listen to what the LORD your God demands of you: Worship the LORD and do all that he commands. Love him, serve him with all your heart, 13and obey all his laws. I am giving them to you today for your benefit. 14To the LORD belong even the highest heavens; the earth is his also, and everything on it. 15But the LORD's love for your ancestors was so strong that he chose you instead of any other people, and you are still his chosen people. 16So then, from now on be obedient to the LORD and stop being stubborn. 17The LORD your God is supreme over all gods and over all powers. He is great and mighty, and he is to be obeyed. He does not show partiality, and he does not accept bribes. 18He makes sure that orphans and widows are treated fairly; he loves the foreigners who live with our people, and gives them food and clothes. 19So then, show love for those foreigners, because you were once foreigners in Egypt. 20Have reverence for the LORD your God and worship only him. Be faithful to him and make your promises in his name alone. 21Praise him—he is your God, and you have seen with your own eyes the great and astounding things that he has done for you. 22When your ancestors went to Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky. Reflect Reread 10:17-19. Orphans and widows were completely dependent on others in Hebrew society. Foreigners were without the support of their own people and were more likely to be treated unfairly. The Israelites were to treat such people fairly, just like God treated them when they were defenseless slaves in Egypt. What do you think of these commandments? Pray Generous God, you have been so good to me. Forgive me for the times when I have failed to share your grace with others, and fill me with a spirit of compassion and service. Amen. Prayer Concern Charity workers 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 October 10, 2010 Author Members Posted October 10, 2010 October 10, 2010 Deuteronomy 15:1-18 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Deuteronomy 15:1-18: Today's reading offers more commands from God that the Israelites must follow. They are to cancel the debts of those who owe them money at the end of every seven years. They are also to release slaves who have served them after six years, giving them the resources they need to go out into the world. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:4, 5 "The LORD your God will bless you in the land that he is giving you. Not one of your people will be poor if you obey him and carefully observe everything that I command you today." Today’s Reading 1At the end of every seventh year you are to cancel the debts of those who owe you money. 2This is how it is to be done. Each of you who has lent money to any Israelite is to cancel the debt; you must not try to collect the money; the LORD himself has declared the debt canceled. 3You may collect what a foreigner owes you, but you must not collect what any of your own people owe you. 4The LORD your God will bless you in the land that he is giving you. Not one of your people will be poor 5if you obey him and carefully observe everything that I command you today. 6The LORD will bless you, as he has promised. You will lend money to many nations, but you will not have to borrow from any; you will have control over many nations, but no nation will have control over you. 7If in any of the towns in the land that the LORD your God is giving you there are Israelites in need, then do not be selfish and refuse to help them. 8Instead, be generous and lend them as much as they need. 9Do not refuse to lend them something, just because the year when debts are canceled is near. Do not let such an evil thought enter your mind. If you refuse to make the loan, they will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be held guilty. 10Give to them freely and unselfishly, and the LORD will bless you in everything you do. 11There will always be some Israelites who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them. 12If any Israelites, male or female, sell themselves to you as slaves, you are to release them after they have served you for six years. When the seventh year comes, you must let them go free. 13When you set them free, do not send them away empty-handed. 14Give to them generously from what the LORD has blessed you with—sheep, grain, and wine. 15Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God set you free; that is why I am now giving you this command. 16But your slave may not want to leave; he may love you and your family and be content to stay. 17Then take him to the door of your house and there pierce his ear; he will then be your slave for life. Treat your female slave in the same way. 18Do not be resentful when you set slaves free; after all, they have served you for six years at half the cost of hired servants. Do this, and the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do. Reflect Slavery was extremely common in the ancient Near East. The Israelites had slaves, including some of their own Israelite people who had to work for someone to repay a debt. The Israelites also bought slaves from slave traders. Where do slavery conditions exist in the world today? What can be done to end slavery? Pray God of freedom, we know that slavery and forced labor are not consistent with your desire for all people to experience freedom, justice and love. Empower our faith communities to fight slavery and forced labor in all the ways they are made manifest in our world today. Amen. Prayer Concern Modern slavery 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 October 12, 2010 Author Members Posted October 12, 2010 October 11, 2010 Isaiah 5:1-30 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Isaiah 5:1-30: In today's passage, the prophet Isaiah offers a song describing the Lord's disappointment in the people he had chosen to be his own. Then he condemns social injustice and arrogance. He predicts a coming time of hunger, suffering and war. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 5:15, 16 Everyone will be disgraced, and all who are proud will be humbled. But the LORD Almighty shows his greatness by doing what is right, and he reveals his holiness by judging his people. Today’s Reading 1Listen while I sing you this song, a song of my friend and his vineyard: My friend had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. 2He dug the soil and cleared it of stones; he planted the finest vines. He built a tower to guard them, dug a pit for treading the grapes. He waited for the grapes to ripen, but every grape was sour. 3So now my friend says, “You people who live in Jerusalem and Judah, judge between my vineyard and me. 4Is there anything I failed to do for it? Then why did it produce sour grapes and not the good grapes I expected? 5Here is what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge around it, break down the wall that protects it, and let wild animals eat it and trample it down. 6I will let it be overgrown with weeds. I will not trim the vines or hoe the ground; instead, I will let briers and thorns cover it. I will even forbid the clouds to let rain fall on it. ” 7Israel is the vineyard of the LORD Almighty; the people of Judah are the vines he planted. He expected them to do what was good, but instead they committed murder. He expected them to do what was right, but their victims cried out for justice. 8You are doomed! You buy more houses and fields to add to those you already have. Soon there will be no place for anyone else to live, and you alone will live in the land. 9I have heard the LORD Almighty say, “All these big, fine houses will be empty ruins. 10The grapevines growing on five acres of land will yield only five gallons of wine. Ten bushels of seed will produce only one bushel of grain. ” 11You are doomed! You get up early in the morning to start drinking, and you spend long evenings getting drunk. 12At your feasts you have harps and tambourines and flutes—and wine. But you don't understand what the LORD is doing, 13and so you will be carried away as prisoners. Your leaders will starve to death, and the common people will die of thirst. 14The world of the dead is hungry for them, and it opens its mouth wide. It gulps down the nobles of Jerusalem along with the noisy crowd of common people. 15Everyone will be disgraced, and all who are proud will be humbled. 16But the LORD Almighty shows his greatness by doing what is right, and he reveals his holiness by judging his people. 17In the ruins of the cities lambs will eat grass and young goats will find pasture. 18You are doomed! You are unable to break free from your sins. 19You say, “Let the LORD hurry up and do what he says he will, so that we can see it. Let Israel's holy God carry out his plans; let's see what he has in mind. ” 20You are doomed! You call evil good and call good evil. You turn darkness into light and light into darkness. You make what is bitter sweet, and what is sweet you make bitter. 21You are doomed! You think you are wise, so very clever. 22You are doomed! Heroes of the wine bottle! Brave and fearless when it comes to mixing drinks! 23But for just a bribe you let the guilty go free, and you keep the innocent from getting justice. 24So now, just as straw and dry grass shrivel and burn in the fire, your roots will rot and your blossoms will dry up and blow away, because you have rejected what the LORD Almighty, Israel's holy God, has taught us. 25The LORD is angry with his people and has stretched out his hand to punish them. The mountains will shake, and the bodies of those who die will be left in the streets like rubbish. Yet even then the LORD's anger will not be ended, but his hand will still be stretched out to punish. 26The LORD gives a signal to call for a distant nation. He whistles for them to come from the ends of the earth. And here they come, swiftly, quickly! 27None of them grow tired; none of them stumble. They never doze or sleep. Not a belt is loose; not a sandal strap is broken. 28Their arrows are sharp, and their bows are ready to shoot. Their horses' hoofs are as hard as flint, and their chariot wheels turn like a whirlwind. 29The soldiers roar like lions that have killed an animal and are carrying it off where no one can take it away from them. 30When that day comes, they will roar over Israel as loudly as the sea. Look at this country! Darkness and distress! The light is swallowed by darkness. Reflect Reread 5:1-4. A "very fertile hill" (5:1) that is well taken care of should produce sweet grapes. Here, God compares Israel to such a hill. Israel's sins were like bitter grapes to the Lord and were described in detail by many of Israel's prophets, including Amos, Hosea, and Micah. What did the Israelites do to receive this assessment? What "fertile hills" are producing "sweet grapes" in the world today? Pray Creator of all, help my community to become a fertile hill that produce sweet grapes of love, justice and mercy for all who encounter us. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who experience racism 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 October 12, 2010 Author Members Posted October 12, 2010 October 12, 2010 Isaiah 11:1-16 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Isaiah 11:1-16: Today's passage is a prophecy of hope for the Israelites who have been oppressed by the Assyrians. Isaiah describes a future king who will come from the line of David. He will be wise, just and powerful, living in obedience to the Lord. He will bring such peace that even dangerous animals will no longer be a threat. By his rule, all people will come to know and love God. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 11:2 - 4a The spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the LORD's will and honor him, and find pleasure in obeying him. He will not judge by appearance or hearsay; he will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless. Today’s Reading 1The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David's descendants. 2The spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the LORD's will and honor him, 3and find pleasure in obeying him. He will not judge by appearance or hearsay; 4he will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless. At his command the people will be punished, and evil persons will die. 5He will rule his people with justice and integrity. 6Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. 7Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do. 8Even a baby will not be harmed if it plays near a poisonous snake. 9On Zion, God's sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil. The land will be as full of knowledge of the LORD as the seas are full of water. 10A day is coming when the new king from the royal line of David will be a symbol to the nations. They will gather in his royal city and give him honor. 11When that day comes, the Lord will once again use his power and bring back home those of his people who are left in Assyria and Egypt, in the lands of Pathros, Ethiopia, Elam, Babylonia, and Hamath, and in the coastlands and on the islands of the sea. 12The Lord will raise a signal flag to show the nations that he is gathering together again the scattered people of Israel and Judah and bringing them back from the four corners of the earth. 13The kingdom of Israel will not be jealous of Judah any more, and Judah will not be the enemy of Israel. 14Together they will attack the Philistines on the west and plunder the people who live to the east. They will conquer the people of Edom and Moab, and the people of Ammon will obey them. 15The LORD will dry up the Gulf of Suez, and he will bring a hot wind to dry up the Euphrates, leaving only seven tiny streams, so that anyone can walk across. 16There will be a highway out of Assyria for those of his people Israel who have survived there, just as there was for their ancestors when they left Egypt. Reflect The image of the stump is an image of hope - the royal authority of the house of David was dormant for 600 years when Jesus came as King and Messiah. Jesus Christ is the shoot that grows out of the old stump of Judah's royal house. When Jesus came forth, it was like a new green branch coming from an apparently dead stump. This future king will rule as God rules-with justice, mercy, compassion and peace. What do you think this passage means? Pray Lord God, you have promised your people a future filled with justice, mercy, compassion and peace. Help me follow the way of Christ in bringing these things into our world. Amen. Prayer Concern Social workers 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 October 13, 2010 Author Members Posted October 13, 2010 October 13, 2010 Isaiah 61:1-11 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Isaiah 61:1-11: Today's passage brings the good news of God's deliverance for the oppressed. Isaiah says God will bring about freedom, comfort, hope and joy. He shares God's promise that the cities that were destroyed when the Assyrian and Babylonian armies invaded will be rebuilt and that the people of Israel will be blessed with good fortune, joy and justice. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 61:1 The Sovereign LORD has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to announce release to captives and freedom to those in prison. Today’s Reading 1The Sovereign LORD has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me To bring good news to the poor, To heal the broken-hearted, To announce release to captives And freedom to those in prison. 2He has sent me to proclaim That the time has come When the LORD will save his people And defeat their enemies. He has sent me to comfort all who mourn, 3To give to those who mourn in Zion Joy and gladness instead of grief, A song of praise instead of sorrow. They will be like trees That the LORD himself has planted. They will all do what is right, And God will be praised for what he has done. 4They will rebuild cities that have long been in ruins. 5My people, foreigners will serve you. They will take care of your flocks And farm your land and tend your vineyards. 6And you will be known as the priests of the LORD, The servants of our God. You will enjoy the wealth of the nations And be proud that it is yours. 7Your shame and disgrace are ended. You will live in your own land, And your wealth will be doubled; Your joy will last forever. 8The LORD says, “I love justice and I hate oppression and crime. I will faithfully reward my people And make an eternal covenant with them. 9They will be famous among the nations; Everyone who sees them will know That they are a people whom I have blessed.” 10Jerusalem rejoices because of what the LORD has done. She is like a bride dressed for her wedding. God has clothed her with salvation and victory. 11As surely as seeds sprout and grow, The Sovereign LORD will save his people, And all the nations will praise him. Reflect Reread 61:1-2. Do the words sound familiar to you? These verses were later quoted by Jesus as a way of describing the work he was chosen to do (Luke 4:16-19). Today's passage includes many images from the natural world: trees, sheep, vineyards and sprouting seeds. How do these images enhance your understanding of this good news? Pray Holy Spirit, you dwell among us, reminding us of the Good News of the love and freedom found through Jesus Christ. May the love and freedom of Christ help me plant seeds of hope and peace in our world today. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who want to learn about Christ 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 October 15, 2010 Author Members Posted October 15, 2010 October 14, 2010 Ezekiel 34:1-10 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Ezekiel 34:1-10: In today's passage, God tells Ezekiel that the leaders of Israel are like bad shepherds who take the sheep's wool and milk but never care for the sheep themselves. In the same way, they consume God's abundance while failing to care for God's people. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 34:2b, 3 ...you shepherds of Israel! You take care of yourselves, but never tend the sheep. You drink the milk, wear clothes made from the wool, and kill and eat the finest sheep. But you never tend the sheep. Today’s Reading 1The LORD spoke to me. 2“Mortal man,” he said, “denounce the rulers of Israel. Prophesy to them, and tell them what I, the Sovereign LORD, say to them: You are doomed, you shepherds of Israel! You take care of yourselves, but never tend the sheep. 3You drink the milk, wear clothes made from the wool, and kill and eat the finest sheep. But you never tend the sheep. 4You have not taken care of the weak ones, healed the ones that are sick, bandaged the ones that are hurt, brought back the ones that wandered off, or looked for the ones that were lost. Instead, you treated them cruelly. 5Because the sheep had no shepherd, they were scattered, and wild animals killed and ate them. 6So my sheep wandered over the high hills and the mountains. They were scattered over the face of the earth, and no one looked for them or tried to find them. 7Now, you shepherds, listen to what I, the LORD, am telling you. 8As surely as I am the living God, you had better listen to me. My sheep have been attacked by wild animals that killed and ate them because there was no shepherd. My shepherds did not try to find the sheep. They were taking care of themselves and not the sheep. 9So listen to me, you shepherds. 10I, the Sovereign LORD, declare that I am your enemy. I will take my sheep away from you and never again let you be their shepherds; never again will I let you take care only of yourselves. I will rescue my sheep from you and not let you eat them. Reflect Shepherds protected their flocks from being stolen, killed by wild animals, or wandering into danger. This passage says that many of Israel's leaders had not been good shepherds, and because of their neglectful ways, the sheep (the people of Israel) were killed or scattered across the earth. What are examples of the ways in which we consume God's resources while failing to care for God's people today? Pray God of all creation, you have provided the resources to allow your people to flourish. Yet too often we squander your resources while allowing many to go hungry and homeless. Help us find new ways to live that honor your abundance. Amen. Prayer Concern Environmental devastation 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 October 15, 2010 Author Members Posted October 15, 2010 October 15, 2010 Ezekiel 34:11-31 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Working for Peace and Justice Introduction Ezekiel 34:11-31: In yesterday's passage, the Lord describes Israel's leaders as bad shepherds. In today's passage, God describes himself as a good shepherd who finds, protects and nurtures his sheep. He says that while some will receive judgment, there is a bright future at hand for the Lord's sheep. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 34:15, 16 "I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will find them a place to rest. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick; but those that are fat and strong I will destroy, because I am a shepherd who does what is right." Today’s Reading 11I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them 12in the same way as shepherds take care of their sheep that were scattered and are brought together again. I will bring them back from all the places where they were scattered on that dark, disastrous day. 13I will take them out of foreign countries, gather them together, and bring them back to their own land. I will lead them back to the mountains and the streams of Israel and will feed them in pleasant pastures. 14I will let them graze in safety in the mountain meadows and the valleys and in all the green pastures of the land of Israel. 15I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will find them a place to rest. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 16I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick; but those that are fat and strong I will destroy, because I am a shepherd who does what is right. 17Now then, my flock, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge each of you and separate the good from the bad, the sheep from the goats. 18Some of you are not satisfied with eating the best grass; you even trample down what you don't eat! You drink the clear water and muddy what you don't drink! 19My other sheep have to eat the grass you trample down and drink the water you muddy. 20So now, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge between you strong sheep and the weak sheep. 21You pushed the sick ones aside and butted them away from the flock. 22But I will rescue my sheep and not let them be mistreated any more. I will judge each of my sheep and separate the good from the bad. 23I will give them a king like my servant David to be their one shepherd, and he will take care of them. 24I, the LORD, will be their God, and a king like my servant David will be their ruler. I have spoken. 25I will make a covenant with them that guarantees their security. I will get rid of all the dangerous animals in the land, so that my sheep can live safely in the fields and sleep in the forests. 26I will bless them and let them live around my sacred hill. There I will bless them with showers of rain when they need it. 27The trees will bear fruit, the fields will produce crops, and everyone will live in safety on his own land. When I break my people's chains and set them free from those who made them slaves, then they will know that I am the LORD. 28The heathen nations will not plunder them any more, and the wild animals will not kill and eat them. They will live in safety, and no one will terrify them. 29I will give them fertile fields and put an end to hunger in the land. The other nations will not sneer at them any more. 30Everyone will know that I protect Israel and that they are my people. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 31“You, my sheep, the flock that I feed, are my people, and I am your God,” says the Sovereign LORD. Reflect Reread 34:25. The idea of guaranteed security is encompassed in the Hebrew word shalom. It means "peace" or "well-being." It means the absence of war, but also includes good health and blessings. How do you experience God's shalom in your life? Where is God's shalom most needed in the world today? Pray Good Shepherd, may your peace be as present in the world today as it is in heaven. Make me a catalyst for peace, that I may bring your love to your people. Amen. Prayer Concern The war in Afghanistan 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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