Members phkrause Posted January 24, 2011 Author Members Posted January 24, 2011 January 23, 2011 John 17:1-26 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction John 17:1-26: Jesus prays to the Father to glorify him; he has glorified his Father by fulfilling his will upon earth, and revealing him to the disciples. Jesus prays for them, that they may be preserved in unity and kept from the Evil One. He also prays for their sanctification and prays for those who should believe on him through their preaching, that they all might be brought into a state of unity, and finally brought to eternal glory. This unity will help convince the world that Jesus really did come from God. Today’s Scripture: John 17:11 “And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one.” Today’s Reading 1 After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. 2 For you gave him authority over all people, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him. 3 And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 4 I have shown your glory on earth; I have finished the work you gave me to do. 5 Father! Give me glory in your presence now, the same glory I had with you before the world was made. 6 I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They have obeyed your word, 7 and now they know that everything you gave me comes from you. 8 I gave them the message that you gave me, and they received it; they know that it is true that I came from you, and they believe that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those you gave me, for they belong to you. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine; and my glory is shown through them. 11 And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me. I protected them, and not one of them was lost, except the man who was bound to be lost—so that the scripture might come true. 13 And now I am coming to you, and I say these things in the world so that they might have my joy in their hearts in all its fullness. 14 I gave them your message, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One. 16 Just as I do not belong to the world, they do not belong to the world. 17 Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth. 18 I sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. 19 And for their sake I dedicate myself to you, in order that they, too, may be truly dedicated to you. 20 I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. 21 I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 22 I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one: 23 I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me. 24 Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. 25 Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. 26 I made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them. ” Reflect Today is Ecumenical Sunday, an annual opportunity for Christians to continue their quest for the unity they already share in Christ. It is also a time to deepen the understanding of the ecumenical movement. By joining in this annual celebration Christians raise their voices, hands and hearts to God, seeking the fulfillment of the prayer of Jesus, “that they may all be one.” Today’s text is one of the several that indicate that God’s ultimate vision is for all churches to be united in faith. What does the idea of Christian unity mean to you? What interferes with Christian unity? Pray Lord, we long to overcome the divisions among Christians. May your church indeed be one that the world may know that you sent Jesus. May your love help to tear down the many barriers of hostility between churches. Amen. Prayer Concern Ecumenical organizations 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 January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 24, 2011 Acts 8:26-40 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 8:26-40: An angel of the Lord commands Philip to go towards Gaza, to meet an Ethiopian eunuch. He goes, meets, and converses with the eunuch, helps him interpret the prophecy of Isaiah, preaches the Good News of Jesus to him, and baptizes him. The Spirit of God carries Philip to Azotus, passing through which, he preaches in all the cities till he comes to Caesarea. Today’s Scripture: Acts 8:30b, 31a [Philip] asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The official replied, “How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?” Today’s Reading 26 An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get ready and go south to the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza. ” (This road is not used nowadays.) 27-28 So Philip got ready and went. Now an Ethiopian eunuch, who was an important official in charge of the treasury of the queen of Ethiopia, was on his way home. He had been to Jerusalem to worship God and was going back home in his carriage. As he rode along, he was reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that carriage and stay close to it.” 30 Philip ran over and heard him reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. He asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 The official replied, “How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?” And he invited Philip to climb up and sit in the carriage with him. 32 The passage of scripture which he was reading was this: “He was like a sheep that is taken to be slaughtered, like a lamb that makes no sound when its wool is cut off. He did not say a word. 33 He was humiliated, and justice was denied him. No one will be able to tell about his descendants, because his life on earth has come to an end.” 34 The official asked Philip, “Tell me, of whom is the prophet saying this? Of himself or of someone else?” 35 Then Philip began to speak; starting from this passage of scripture, he told him the Good News about Jesus. 36 As they traveled down the road, they came to a place where there was some water, and the official said, “Here is some water. What is to keep me from being baptized?” 38 The official ordered the carriage to stop, and both Philip and the official went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. The official did not see him again, but continued on his way, full of joy. 40 Philip found himself in Azotus; he went on to Caesarea, and on the way he preached the Good News in every town. Reflect Philip helps the official understand the meaning of a Scripture passage. What is it that makes Scripture difficult to understand when reading it alone? What books, people, or other resources do you turn to in order to help you understand Scripture? How can consulting different sources deepen your understanding? Pray Lord God, giver of wisdom, open my eyes and my heart to the meaning of your Word for my life and for the world. May I seek your wisdom through the resources you give us, and share my understanding of your Word with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are not able to read 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 January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 25, 2011 Acts 9:1-25 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 9:1-25: Saul, on his way to Damascus, to arrest followers of Christ, is struck blind by a light. Ananias is commanded in a vision to baptize and restore Saul’s sight. Saul, having spent a few days with the Christians at Damascus, goes to the synagogues, proclaims Christ, and preaches the Good News. The Jews lay wait to kill him, but the disciples let him down over the walls of the city in a basket, by night, and he escapes to Jerusalem. Today’s Scripture: Acts 9:15, 16 “Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel. And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake.” Today’s Reading 1 In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest 2 and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem. 3 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” he asked. “I am Jesus, whom you persecute,” the voice said. 6 “But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men who were traveling with Saul had stopped, not saying a word; they heard the voice but could not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything. 10 There was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, in which the Lord said to him, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord said to him, “Get ready and go to Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again. ” 13 Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and about all the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship you. ” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel. 16 And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake. ” 17 So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was, and placed his hands on him. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord has sent me—Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; 19 and after he had eaten, his strength came back. Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus. 20 He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed and asked, “Isn't he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus? And didn't he come here for the very purpose of arresting those people and taking them back to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul's preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him. 23 After many days had gone by, the Jews met together and made plans to kill Saul, 24 but he was told of their plan. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But one night Saul's followers took him and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. Reflect Blindness and sight are biblical metaphors used to explain the experience of deepening one’s understanding of Jesus (see also Luke 18:35-43; John 9:1-41). Have you ever had an experience of “seeing” the light of Christ in a new way? What was it like? Pray Lord Jesus, there are many ways to know you. Help me to encounter you and experience your presence anew, that I may be a witness to your renewing spirit, bringing your light to those who most need it. Amen. Prayer Concern For those who are visually impaired 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 January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 26, 2011 Acts 9:26-43 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 9:26-43: Saul tries to join the disciples in Jerusalem, but they are afraid of him because they do not believe he has truly changed. In time he becomes a part of their community, preaching and teaching with them. Meanwhile, Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda, who had been afflicted with the palsy eight years. As a result of this miracle, all the people of Lydda and Sharon are converted. Today’s Scripture: Acts 9:27 Then Barnabas came to his help and took him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him. He also told them how boldly Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. Today’s Reading 26 Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. But they would not believe that he was a disciple, and they were all afraid of him. 27 Then Barnabas came to his help and took him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him. He also told them how boldly Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 And so Saul stayed with them and went all over Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He also talked and disputed with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers found out about this, they took Saul to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. 31 And so it was that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace. Through the help of the Holy Spirit it was strengthened and grew in numbers, as it lived in reverence for the Lord. 32 Peter traveled everywhere, and on one occasion he went to visit God's people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had not been able to get out of bed for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ makes you well. Get up and make your bed.” At once Aeneas got up. 35 All the people living in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, who was a believer. (Her name in Greek is Dorcas, meaning “a deer.”) She spent all her time doing good and helping the poor. 37 At that time she got sick and died. Her body was washed and laid in a room upstairs. 38 Joppa was not very far from Lydda, and when the believers in Joppa heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him with the message, “Please hurry and come to us.” 39 So Peter got ready and went with them. When he arrived, he was taken to the room upstairs, where all the widows crowded around him, crying and showing him all the shirts and coats that Dorcas had made while she was alive. 40 Peter put them all out of the room, and knelt down and prayed; then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 Peter reached over and helped her get up. Then he called all the believers, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. 42 The news about this spread all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed on in Joppa for many days with a tanner of leather named Simon. Reflect How do the followers in Jerusalem respond to Saul? Why might they have been suspicious of him? What changed? How does Peter’s role as a follower of Christ and leader of the church change in this passage? How do people mature as leaders in the church today? Pray Lord, as I grow in faith, give me opportunities to mature as a leader of your church. Give me the strength, wisdom and courage to work for you all the days of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Church leaders Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 27, 2011 Acts 26:1-18 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 26:1-18: Today we read how Paul answers for himself before Agrippa, to whom he pays a true compliment, in order to secure a favorable hearing. He gives an account of his education from his youth up, shows that the Jews persecuted him for maintaining the hope of the resurrection, states his persecution of the Christians, gives an account of his miraculous conversion, and of his call to the ministry. Today’s Scripture: Acts 26:18 “You are to open their eyes and turn them from the darkness to the light and from the power of Satan to God, so that through their faith in me they will have their sins forgiven and receive their place among God’s chosen people.” Today’s Reading 1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak on your own behalf.” Paul stretched out his hand and defended himself as follows: 2 “King Agrippa! I consider myself fortunate that today I am to defend myself before you from all the things these Jews accuse me of, 3 particularly since you know so well all the Jewish customs and disputes. I ask you, then, to listen to me with patience. 4 All the Jews know how I have lived ever since I was young. They know how I have spent my whole life, at first in my own country and then in Jerusalem. 5 They have always known, if they are willing to testify, that from the very first I have lived as a member of the strictest party of our religion, the Pharisees. 6 And now I stand here to be tried because of the hope I have in the promise that God made to our ancestors— 7 the very thing that the twelve tribes of our people hope to receive, as they worship God day and night. And it is because of this hope, Your Majesty, that I am being accused by these Jews! 8 Why do you who are here find it impossible to believe that God raises the dead? 9 I myself thought that I should do everything I could against the cause of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 That is what I did in Jerusalem. I received authority from the chief priests and put many of God's people in prison; and when they were sentenced to death, I also voted against them. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues and tried to make them deny their faith. I was so furious with them that I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12 It was for this purpose that I went to Damascus with authority and orders from the chief priests. 13 It was on the road at midday, Your Majesty, that I saw a light much brighter than the sun, coming from the sky and shining around me and the men traveling with me. 14 All of us fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, “Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me? You are hurting yourself by hitting back, like an ox kicking against its owner's stick.” 15 “Who are you, Lord?” I asked. And the Lord answered, ‘I am Jesus, whom you persecute. 16 But get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant. You are to tell others what you have seen of me today and what I will show you in the future. 17 I will rescue you from the people of Israel and from the Gentiles to whom I will send you. 18 You are to open their eyes and turn them from the darkness to the light and from the power of Satan to God, so that through their faith in me they will have their sins forgiven and receive their place among God's chosen people. ’ Reflect In the Bible, darkness refers to the place of pain and suffering (Psalm 107:10) or confusion (Ecclesiastes 2:14). Light is used in the Bible to describe God or God’s Word (1 John 1:5; Psalm 119:105). How are the notions of darkness and light used in today’s reading? What do they mean to you? Pray Eternal God, from the dawn of creation until now, you have sent your light into the world. Turn my eyes toward your light, that I may see your glory and know your love. Amen. Prayer Concern 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 January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 28, 2011 Acts 26:19-27:12 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 26:19-27:12: In today’s reading, Paul continues to defend himself before Agrippa. While he is speaking, Festus interrupts him and declares him to be mad because of his abundant learning. Paul appeals to King Agrippa for the truth. The council pronounces him innocent. He still has to go to Rome to be tried by the Emperor. The journey is a difficult one. Today’s Scripture: Acts 26:22, 23 “But to this very day I have been helped by God, and so I stand here giving my witness to all, to small and great alike. What I say is the very same thing which the prophets and Moses said was going to happen: that the Messiah must suffer and be the first one to rise from death, to announce the light of salvation to the Jews and to the Gentiles.” Today’s Reading 19 And so, King Agrippa, I did not disobey the vision I had from heaven. 20 First in Damascus and in Jerusalem and then in the whole country of Israel and among the Gentiles, I preached that they must repent of their sins and turn to God and do the things that would show they had repented. 21 It was for this reason that these Jews seized me while I was in the Temple, and they tried to kill me. 22 But to this very day I have been helped by God, and so I stand here giving my witness to all, to small and great alike. What I say is the very same thing which the prophets and Moses said was going to happen: 23 that the Messiah must suffer and be the first one to rise from death, to announce the light of salvation to the Jews and to the Gentiles. ” 24 As Paul defended himself in this way, Festus shouted at him, “You are mad, Paul! Your great learning is driving you mad!” 25 Paul answered, “I am not mad, Your Excellency! I am speaking the sober truth. 26 King Agrippa! I can speak to you with all boldness, because you know about these things. I am sure that you have taken notice of every one of them, for this thing has not happened hidden away in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do! ” 28 Agrippa said to Paul, “In this short time do you think you will make me a Christian?” 29 “Whether a short time or a long time,” Paul answered, “my prayer to God is that you and all the rest of you who are listening to me today might become what I am—except, of course, for these chains!” 30 Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others got up, 31 and after leaving they said to each other, “This man has not done anything for which he should die or be put in prison.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to the Emperor.” 1 When it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to Julius, an officer in the Roman army regiment called “The Emperor's Regiment.” 2 We went aboard a ship from Adramyttium, which was ready to leave for the seaports of the province of Asia, and we sailed away. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 The next day we arrived at Sidon. Julius was kind to Paul and allowed him to go and see his friends, to be given what he needed. 4 We went on from there, and because the winds were blowing against us, we sailed on the sheltered side of the island of Cyprus. 5 We crossed over the sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia and came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the officer found a ship from Alexandria that was going to sail for Italy, so he put us aboard. 7 We sailed slowly for several days and with great difficulty finally arrived off the town of Cnidus. The wind would not let us go any farther in that direction, so we sailed down the sheltered side of the island of Crete, passing by Cape Salmone. 8 We kept close to the coast and with great difficulty came to a place called Safe Harbors, not far from the town of Lasea. 9 We spent a long time there, until it became dangerous to continue the voyage, for by now the Day of Atonement was already past. So Paul gave them this advice: 10 “Men, I see that our voyage from here on will be dangerous; there will be great damage to the cargo and to the ship, and loss of life as well.” 11 But the army officer was convinced by what the captain and the owner of the ship said, and not by what Paul said. 12 The harbor was not a good one to spend the winter in; so almost everyone was in favor of putting out to sea and trying to reach Phoenix, if possible, in order to spend the winter there. Phoenix is a harbor in Crete that faces southwest and northwest. Reflect Verse 27:9 references the Day of Atonement. This Jewish festival occurs at the end of September. The sailing season was dangerous after the middle of September, which confirms that Paul was on a hazardous trip. Why was it so important for him to defend himself before the Emperor in Rome? Pray Almighty God, when my life’s journey gets stormy and rough, calm my spirit. Lead me to the still waters that bring renewal, and carry me home safely. Amen. Prayer Concern Travelers 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 January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 29, 2011 Acts 27:13-38 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 27:13-38: Paul’s journey continues. They sail to reach Crete and harbor there; but having a comparatively favorable wind, they sail past Crete and meet with a tempest, and are brought into extreme peril and distress. Paul preaches to the men, saying that God sent an angel to tell them that they will somehow get to Rome. He encourages them to eat and shares bread with them, thanking God. Today’s Scripture: Acts 27:22-24 “But now I beg you, take courage! Not one of you will lose your life; only the ship will be lost. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship came to me and said, “Don’t be afraid, Paul! You must stand before the Emperor. And God in his goodness to you has spared the lives of all those who are sailing with you.” Today’s Reading 13 A soft wind from the south began to blow, and the men thought that they could carry out their plan, so they pulled up the anchor and sailed as close as possible along the coast of Crete. 14 But soon a very strong wind—the one called “Northeaster”—blew down from the island. 15 It hit the ship, and since it was impossible to keep the ship headed into the wind, we gave up trying and let it be carried along by the wind. 16 We got some shelter when we passed to the south of the little island of Cauda. There, with some difficulty we managed to make the ship's boat secure. 17 They pulled it aboard and then fastened some ropes tight around the ship. They were afraid that they might run into the sandbanks off the coast of Libya, so they lowered the sail and let the ship be carried by the wind. 18 The violent storm continued, so on the next day they began to throw some of the ship's cargo overboard, 19 and on the following day they threw part of the ship's equipment overboard. 20 For many days we could not see the sun or the stars, and the wind kept on blowing very hard. We finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21 After everyone had gone a long time without food, Paul stood before them and said, “You should have listened to me and not have sailed from Crete; then we would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22 But now I beg you, take courage! Not one of you will lose your life; only the ship will be lost. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship came to me 24 and said, “Don't be afraid, Paul! You must stand before the Emperor. And God in his goodness to you has spared the lives of all those who are sailing with you.” 25 So take courage, men! For I trust in God that it will be just as I was told. 26 But we will be driven ashore on some island. ” 27 It was the fourteenth night, and we were being driven in the Mediterranean by the storm. About midnight the sailors suspected that we were getting close to land. 28 So they dropped a line with a weight tied to it and found that the water was one hundred and twenty feet deep; a little later they did the same and found that it was ninety feet deep. 29 They were afraid that the ship would go on the rocks, so they lowered four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight. 30 Then the sailors tried to escape from the ship; they lowered the boat into the water and pretended that they were going to put out some anchors from the front of the ship. 31 But Paul said to the army officer and soldiers, “If the sailors don't stay on board, you have no hope of being saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the boat and let it go. 33 Just before dawn, Paul begged them all to eat some food: “You have been waiting for fourteen days now, and all this time you have not eaten a thing. 34 I beg you, then, eat some food; you need it in order to survive. Not even a hair of your heads will be lost. ” 35 After saying this, Paul took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, broke it, and began to eat. 36 They took courage, and every one of them also ate some food. 37 There was a total of 276 of us on board. 38 After everyone had eaten enough, they lightened the ship by throwing all the wheat into the sea. Reflect Ships in Paul’s time were used almost exclusively for business and military purposes. However, passengers could travel on merchant ships if there was room after all the cargo was loaded. But because departures were unpredictable and shipwreck was always a danger, people usually traveled long distances over land. What other Bible stories involve sailing on stormy seas? What does this imagery mean to you? Pray God of hope, I am zealous to follow you, instill in me a sense of trust that you will guide me, protect me, and love me, whatever my journey may bring. Amen. Prayer Concern Disaster relief 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 January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 29, 2011 Acts 27:13-38 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 27:13-38: Paul’s journey continues. They sail to reach Crete and harbor there; but having a comparatively favorable wind, they sail past Crete and meet with a tempest, and are brought into extreme peril and distress. Paul preaches to the men, saying that God sent an angel to tell them that they will somehow get to Rome. He encourages them to eat and shares bread with them, thanking God. Today’s Scripture: Acts 27:22-24 “But now I beg you, take courage! Not one of you will lose your life; only the ship will be lost. For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship came to me and said, “Don’t be afraid, Paul! You must stand before the Emperor. And God in his goodness to you has spared the lives of all those who are sailing with you.” Today’s Reading 13 A soft wind from the south began to blow, and the men thought that they could carry out their plan, so they pulled up the anchor and sailed as close as possible along the coast of Crete. 14 But soon a very strong wind—the one called “Northeaster”—blew down from the island. 15 It hit the ship, and since it was impossible to keep the ship headed into the wind, we gave up trying and let it be carried along by the wind. 16 We got some shelter when we passed to the south of the little island of Cauda. There, with some difficulty we managed to make the ship's boat secure. 17 They pulled it aboard and then fastened some ropes tight around the ship. They were afraid that they might run into the sandbanks off the coast of Libya, so they lowered the sail and let the ship be carried by the wind. 18 The violent storm continued, so on the next day they began to throw some of the ship's cargo overboard, 19 and on the following day they threw part of the ship's equipment overboard. 20 For many days we could not see the sun or the stars, and the wind kept on blowing very hard. We finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21 After everyone had gone a long time without food, Paul stood before them and said, “You should have listened to me and not have sailed from Crete; then we would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22 But now I beg you, take courage! Not one of you will lose your life; only the ship will be lost. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship came to me 24 and said, “Don't be afraid, Paul! You must stand before the Emperor. And God in his goodness to you has spared the lives of all those who are sailing with you.” 25 So take courage, men! For I trust in God that it will be just as I was told. 26 But we will be driven ashore on some island. ” 27 It was the fourteenth night, and we were being driven in the Mediterranean by the storm. About midnight the sailors suspected that we were getting close to land. 28 So they dropped a line with a weight tied to it and found that the water was one hundred and twenty feet deep; a little later they did the same and found that it was ninety feet deep. 29 They were afraid that the ship would go on the rocks, so they lowered four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight. 30 Then the sailors tried to escape from the ship; they lowered the boat into the water and pretended that they were going to put out some anchors from the front of the ship. 31 But Paul said to the army officer and soldiers, “If the sailors don't stay on board, you have no hope of being saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the boat and let it go. 33 Just before dawn, Paul begged them all to eat some food: “You have been waiting for fourteen days now, and all this time you have not eaten a thing. 34 I beg you, then, eat some food; you need it in order to survive. Not even a hair of your heads will be lost. ” 35 After saying this, Paul took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, broke it, and began to eat. 36 They took courage, and every one of them also ate some food. 37 There was a total of 276 of us on board. 38 After everyone had eaten enough, they lightened the ship by throwing all the wheat into the sea. Reflect Ships in Paul’s time were used almost exclusively for business and military purposes. However, passengers could travel on merchant ships if there was room after all the cargo was loaded. But because departures were unpredictable and shipwreck was always a danger, people usually traveled long distances over land. What other Bible stories involve sailing on stormy seas? What does this imagery mean to you? Pray God of hope, I am zealous to follow you, instill in me a sense of trust that you will guide me, protect me, and love me, whatever my journey may bring. Amen. Prayer Concern Disaster relief 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 January 31, 2011 Author Members Posted January 31, 2011 January 30, 2011 Acts 27:39-28:10 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 27:39-28:10: Paul’s ship hits a sandbank. The soldiers want to kill the prisoners, but the captain will not let them. People jump overboard and everyone safely reaches shore on the Island of Malta. Paul survives being bitten by a snake. Publius, the governor of the island, receives them courteously, and Paul miraculously heals his father, who was ill of a fever and dysentery. He heals several others also, who honor them much, and give them gifts for their voyage. Today’s Scripture: Acts 28:8, 9 Publius’ father was in bed, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went into his room, prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him. When this happened, all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. Today’s Reading 39 When day came, the sailors did not recognize the coast, but they noticed a bay with a beach and decided that, if possible, they would run the ship aground there. 40 So they cut off the anchors and let them sink in the sea, and at the same time they untied the ropes that held the steering oars. Then they raised the sail at the front of the ship so that the wind would blow the ship forward, and we headed for shore. 41 But the ship hit a sandbank and went aground; the front part of the ship got stuck and could not move, while the back part was being broken to pieces by the violence of the waves. 42 The soldiers made a plan to kill all the prisoners, in order to keep them from swimming ashore and escaping. 43 But the army officer wanted to save Paul, so he stopped them from doing this. Instead, he ordered everyone who could swim to jump overboard first and swim ashore; 44 the rest were to follow, holding on to the planks or to some broken pieces of the ship. And this was how we all got safely ashore. 1 When we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives there were very friendly to us. It had started to rain and was cold, so they built a fire and made us all welcome. 3 Paul gathered up a bundle of sticks and was putting them on the fire when a snake came out on account of the heat and fastened itself to his hand. 4 The natives saw the snake hanging on Paul's hand and said to one another, “This man must be a murderer, but Fate will not let him live, even though he escaped from the sea.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire without being harmed at all. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after waiting for a long time and not seeing anything unusual happening to him, they changed their minds and said, “He is a god!” 7 Not far from that place were some fields that belonged to Publius, the chief of the island. He welcomed us kindly and for three days we were his guests. 8 Publius' father was in bed, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went into his room, prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him. 9 When this happened, all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. 10 They gave us many gifts, and when we sailed, they put on board what we needed for the voyage. Reflect Today’s passage includes a dramatic shipwreck. How did you feel while reading this story? What happened once they reached Malta? How do you think Paul stayed strong in his faith despite his hardship? How do you strengthen your faith in difficult times? Pray Holy God, in times of crisis, deepen my faith. Make me mindful that I am grounded in your steadfast love now and forever. Empower me to serve others in ways that strengthen my confidence in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing crisis 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 February 4, 2011 Author Members Posted February 4, 2011 January 31, 2011 Acts 28:11-31 (Good News Translation) Confess Jesus as Lord Introduction Acts 28:11-31: Today’s reading is the last section of the book of Acts. Paul arrives in Rome, where he lives under house arrest. Paul calls the chief Jews together, and shares the faith of Christ. Some believe, and others do not; and Paul informs them that, because of their unbelief and disobedience, the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles. Paul stays two years in his own rented house, preaching the Kingdom of God. Today’s Scripture: Acts 28:31 [Paul] preached about the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking with all boldness and freedom. Today’s Reading 11 After three months we sailed away on a ship from Alexandria, called “The Twin Gods,” which had spent the winter in the island. 12 We arrived in the city of Syracuse and stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed on and arrived in the city of Rhegium. The next day a wind began to blow from the south, and in two days we came to the town of Puteoli. 14 We found some believers there who asked us to stay with them a week. And so we came to Rome. 15 The believers in Rome heard about us and came as far as the towns of Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was greatly encouraged. 16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him. 17 After three days Paul called the local Jewish leaders to a meeting. When they had gathered, he said to them, “My fellow Israelites, even though I did nothing against our people or the customs that we received from our ancestors, I was made a prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 After questioning me, the Romans wanted to release me, because they found that I had done nothing for which I deserved to die. 19 But when the Jews opposed this, I was forced to appeal to the Emperor, even though I had no accusation to make against my own people. 20 That is why I asked to see you and talk with you. As a matter of fact, I am bound in chains like this for the sake of him for whom the people of Israel hope. ” 21 They said to him, “We have not received any letters from Judea about you, nor have any of our people come from there with any news or anything bad to say about you. 22 But we would like to hear your ideas, because we know that everywhere people speak against this party to which you belong. ” 23 So they set a date with Paul, and a large number of them came that day to the place where Paul was staying. From morning till night he explained to them his message about the Kingdom of God, and he tried to convince them about Jesus by quoting from the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. 24 Some of them were convinced by his words, but others would not believe. 25 So they left, disagreeing among themselves, after Paul had said this one thing: “How well the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your ancestors! 26 For he said, ‘Go and say to this people: You will listen and listen, but not understand; you will look and look, but not see, 27 because this people's minds are dull, and they have stopped up their ears and closed their eyes. Otherwise, their eyes would see, their ears would hear, their minds would understand, and they would turn to me, says God, and I would heal them.’” 28 And Paul concluded: “You are to know, then, that God's message of salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!” 30 For two years Paul lived in a place he rented for himself, and there he welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He preached about the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking with all boldness and freedom. Reflect What was Paul’s life like in Rome? Name people in today’s world who are able to offer hope and encouragement to others, even though they are in difficult situations like prison, suffering from illness or persecution. How do these people inspire you? Pray Sovereign God, thank you for the apostle Paul’s ministry. May his courage, faith and witness inspire your followers today, that we may live and serve in the strength of your Spirit. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are in prison 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 February 4, 2011 Author Members Posted February 4, 2011 February 1, 2011 Leviticus 19:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Leviticus 19:1-18: In today’s passage we read about God’s instructions to the Israelites about his infinite holiness, and his desires for them to live a holy life. God gives these instructions to the Israelites through Moses. It describes how they are to carry out offerings, ceremonies, and celebrations. They are to put God first, work for justice, treat others with honesty and respect, and work for harmony in their interpersonal relationships. Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 19:2 “…Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD told Moses 2 to say to the community of Israel, “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy. 3 Each of you must respect your mother and your father, and must keep the Sabbath, as I have commanded. I am the LORD your God. 4 Do not abandon me and worship idols; do not make gods of metal and worship them. I am the LORD your God. 5 When you kill an animal for a fellowship offering, keep the regulations that I have given you, and I will accept the offering. 6 The meat must be eaten on the day the animal is killed or on the next day. Any meat left on the third day must be burned, 7 because it is ritually unclean, and if anyone eats it, I will not accept the offering. 8 Any who eat it will be guilty of treating as ordinary what is dedicated to me, and they will no longer be considered my people. 9 When you harvest your fields, do not cut the grain at the edges of the fields, and do not go back to cut the heads of grain that were left. 10 Do not go back through your vineyard to gather the grapes that were missed or to pick up the grapes that have fallen; leave them for poor people and foreigners. I am the LORD your God. 11 Do not steal or cheat or lie. 12 Do not make a promise in my name if you do not intend to keep it; that brings disgrace on my name. I am the LORD your God. 13 Do not rob or take advantage of anyone. Do not hold back the wages of someone you have hired, not even for one night. 14 Do not curse the deaf or put something in front of the blind so as to make them stumble over it. Obey me; I am the LORD your God. 15 Be honest and just when you make decisions in legal cases; do not show favoritism to the poor or fear the rich. 16 Do not spread lies about anyone, and when someone is on trial for his life, speak out if your testimony can help him. I am the LORD. 17 Do not bear a grudge against others, but settle your differences with them, so that you will not commit a sin because of them. 18 Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the LORD. Reflect God required the people to do much more than follow laws of purity. Perhaps more importantly, they were called to look out for the needs of others, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Are these commandments relevant to us today? How can you apply them in your life? Pray God of grace, teach me to live a life of holiness. Make me an instrument of your peace and love that I may live and serve you in truth and faith. Amen. Prayer Concern Widows 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 February 4, 2011 Author Members Posted February 4, 2011 February 2, 2011 Deuteronomy 6:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Deuteronomy 6:1-25: In this passage God gives the Israelites the most important commandment to love God with all their heart, soul and strength (6:5). He also exhorts them to remember his words in every way, and to keep them, when they should enjoy the land, and have nothing to do with other gods. Moses reminds the Israelites that they are not to forget the Lord God, and he warns them against disobedience. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-6 “Israel, remember this! The LORD - and the LORD alone - is our God. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Never forget these commands that I am giving you today.” Today’s Reading 1 These are all the laws that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. Obey them in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. 2 As long as you live, you and your descendants are to honor the LORD your God and obey all his laws that I am giving you, so that you may live in that land a long time. 3 Listen to them, people of Israel, and obey them! Then all will go well with you, and you will become a mighty nation and live in that rich and fertile land, just as the LORD, the God of our ancestors, has promised. 4 Israel, remember this! The LORD —and the LORD alone—is our God. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. 8 Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. 10 Just as the LORD your God promised your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he will give you a land with large and prosperous cities which you did not build. 11 The houses will be full of good things which you did not put in them, and there will be wells that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant. When the LORD brings you into this land and you have all you want to eat, 12 make certain that you do not forget the LORD who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. 13 Honor the LORD your God, worship only him, and make your promises in his name alone. 14 Do not worship other gods, any of the gods of the peoples around you. 15 If you do worship other gods, the LORD's anger will come against you like fire and will destroy you completely, because the LORD your God, who is present with you, tolerates no rivals. 16 Do not put the LORD your God to the test, as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure that you obey all the laws that he has given you. 18 Do what the LORD says is right and good, and all will go well with you. You will be able to take possession of the fertile land that the LORD promised your ancestors, 19 and you will drive out your enemies, as he promised. 20 In times to come your children will ask you, ‘Why did the LORD our God command us to obey all these laws? ’ 21 Then tell them, ‘We were slaves of the king of Egypt, and the LORD rescued us by his great power. 22 With our own eyes we saw him work miracles and do terrifying things to the Egyptians and to their king and to all his officials. 23 He freed us from Egypt to bring us here and give us this land, as he had promised our ancestors he would. 24 Then the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these laws and to honor him. If we do, he will always watch over our nation and keep it prosperous. 25 If we faithfully obey everything that God has commanded us, he will be pleased with us. ’ Reflect Jewish tradition refers to verses 4-9 as the “Shema” because the first Hebrew word in the passage is “shema” which means “listen” or “hear.” Why are the words in verses 4 and 5 so important? What instructions are given to help people remember these words? How are biblical teachings passed along to children in your faith tradition? Pray Sovereign God, I love you with all my heart, soul and strength. Write your laws on my heart and teach me to apply them in my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who provide religious instruction to children 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 February 4, 2011 Author Members Posted February 4, 2011 February 3, 2011 Matthew 19:13-30 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Matthew 19:13-30: Jesus leaves Galilee, comes into the coasts of Judea, and is followed by great multitudes. First, he blesses little children saying that those who are like children will enter God’s kingdom. Then, he tells a parable about a rich young man. Jesus says that it is very difficult for rich people to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus talks about the gift of eternal life to those who have left all for his sake and the Gospel. He also says how many who are first shall be last, and the last first. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 19:14 “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Today’s Reading 13 Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and to pray for them, but the disciples scolded the people. 14 Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 He placed his hands on them and then went away. 16 Once a man came to Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what good thing must I do to receive eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me concerning what is good?” answered Jesus. “There is only One who is good. Keep the commandments if you want to enter life.” 18 “What commandments?” he asked. Jesus answered, “Do not commit murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; 19 respect your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as you love yourself. ” 20 “I have obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else do I need to do?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus then said to his disciples, “I assure you: it will be very hard for rich people to enter the Kingdom of heaven. 24 I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. ” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were completely amazed. “Who, then, can be saved?” they asked. 26 Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible.” 27 Then Peter spoke up. “Look,” he said, “we have left everything and followed you. What will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “You can be sure that when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne in the New Age, then you twelve followers of mine will also sit on thrones, to rule the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake, will receive a hundred times more and will be given eternal life. 30 But many who now are first will be last, and many who now are last will be first. Reflect Reread verse 16. During Jesus’ time, many Jewish people had come to believe in life after death. However, some, like the Sadducees, did not accept the concept of eternal life because it was not described in the Law of Moses. Do you find Jesus’ response to the man challenging? Why or why not? Pray Loving God, you call us to be like children—innocent, curious, loving and trusting. Let me not chase after the wealth of this world, but work for the glory of your Kingdom. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing financial difficulties 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 February 9, 2011 Author Members Posted February 9, 2011 February 4, 2011 Mark 12:28-44 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Mark 12:28-44: In today’s passage, Jesus teaches the Great Commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and to love others as you love yourself. Then he condemns the teachers of the Law of Moses for their vainglory and swindling. Today’s Scripture: Mark 12:30, 31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength… Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Today’s Reading 28 A teacher of the Law was there who heard the discussion. He saw that Jesus had given the Sadducees a good answer, so he came to him with a question: “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus replied, “The most important one is this: ‘Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only Lord. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. ’ 31 The second most important commandment is this: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” There is no other commandment more important than these two. ” 32 The teacher of the Law said to Jesus, “Well done, Teacher! It is true, as you say, that only the Lord is God and that there is no other god but he. 33 And you must love God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength; and you must love your neighbor as you love yourself. It is more important to obey these two commandments than to offer on the altar animals and other sacrifices to God. ” 34 Jesus noticed how wise his answer was, and so he told him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” After this nobody dared to ask Jesus any more questions. 35 As Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he asked the question, “How can the teachers of the Law say that the Messiah will be the descendant of David? 36 The Holy Spirit inspired David to say: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here at my right side until I put your enemies under your feet.’ 37 David himself called him “Lord”; so how can the Messiah be David's descendant? ” A large crowd was listening to Jesus gladly. 38 As he taught them, he said, “Watch out for the teachers of the Law, who like to walk around in their long robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplace, 39 who choose the reserved seats in the synagogues and the best places at feasts. 40 They take advantage of widows and rob them of their homes, and then make a show of saying long prayers. Their punishment will be all the worse! ” 41 As Jesus sat near the Temple treasury, he watched the people as they dropped in their money. Many rich men dropped in a lot of money; 42 then a poor widow came along and dropped in two little copper coins, worth about a penny. 43 He called his disciples together and said to them, “I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. 44 For the others put in what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she had—she gave all she had to live on. ” Reflect What does it mean to love the Lord your God with all your heart? With all your soul? With all your mind? With all your strength? Think of an example of how each of these types of love can be expressed. Are you able to love God in these ways? Why or why not? Pray Lord, teach me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Reveal your loving spirit in my life that I may know your love and share it with all people. Amen. Prayer Concern Orphans 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 February 9, 2011 Author Members Posted February 9, 2011 February 5, 2011 John 3:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction John 3:1-21: The passage starts with a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus about new birth. It is important to be born again to experience the Kingdom of God. Jesus says that God’s Spirit breathes spiritual life into people—life that extends beyond the human realm and into God’s realm. Jesus’ light draws people into relationship with God as they turn away from darkness. God loves humankind so much that he sent his only Son as a sacrifice so that humanity might be saved from their sins. Today’s Scripture: John 3:16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. Today’s Reading 1 There was a Jewish leader named Nicodemus, who belonged to the party of the Pharisees. 2 One night he went to Jesus and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God. No one could perform the miracles you are doing unless God were with him.” 3 Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again.” 4 “How can a grown man be born again?” Nicodemus asked. “He certainly cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time!” 5 “I am telling you the truth,” replied Jesus, “that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit. 7 Do not be surprised because I tell you that you must all be born again. 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes; you hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit. ” 9 “How can this be?” asked Nicodemus. 10 Jesus answered, “You are a great teacher in Israel, and you don't know this? 11 I am telling you the truth: we speak of what we know and report what we have seen, yet none of you is willing to accept our message. 12 You do not believe me when I tell you about the things of this world; how will you ever believe me, then, when I tell you about the things of heaven? 13 And no one has ever gone up to heaven except the Son of Man, who came down from heaven. ” 14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. 18 Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. 19 This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil. 20 Those who do evil things hate the light and will not come to the light, because they do not want their evil deeds to be shown up. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. Reflect What does Jesus mean in verse 8? Have you ever experienced a sense of not knowing where God’s Spirit is coming from or where it is going? How has God’s Spirit influenced your life? Pray Spirit of life, I thank you for your presence in the world. Abide in me and may the light of Christ shine in my life. Let me reflect that light in your world. Amen. Prayer Concern Missionaries 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 February 9, 2011 Author Members Posted February 9, 2011 February 6, 2011 John 3:22-36 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction John 3:22-36: Jesus and his disciples come to Judea and perform baptisms. John baptizes people in Aenon. The disciples of John and the Pharisees dispute about washing rituals. John reminds the people that he had told them about the coming of the Messiah. He says that the Son of God has come to share the message of God’s eternal love. He tells them that the Son has the full power of God’s Spirit. Today’s Scripture: John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God’s punishment. Today’s Reading 22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea, where he spent some time with them and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him, and he was baptizing them. ( 24 This was before John had been put in prison.) 25 Some of John's disciples began arguing with a Jew about the matter of ritual washing. 26 So they went to John and told him, “Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!” 27 John answered, “No one can have anything unless God gives it. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” 29 The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete. 30 He must become more important while I become less important. ” 31 He who comes from above is greater than all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly matters, but he who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He tells what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his message. 33 But whoever accepts his message confirms by this that God is truthful. 34 The one whom God has sent speaks God's words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything in his power. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God's punishment. Reflect Reread 3:25. The Jewish people had rules about washing themselves and their dishes in order to prepare themselves for worship. What do you do to prepare for worship? How can God’s forgiveness and grace prepare you for worship? Pray Gracious God, forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to care for my neighbors and for your creation. Create a clean heart in me, that my mind and spirit may be ready to worship you in truth. Amen. Prayer Concern All who are worshipping today 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 February 9, 2011 Author Members Posted February 9, 2011 February 7, 2011 John 13:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction John 13:1-20: In ancient Jewish society, it was the duty of the servant to wash his or her master’s feet. Jesus takes the job of a servant and washes his disciples’ feet. The foot washing is a symbol of his great act as a suffering servant, dying on the cross for the sins of the world. He also instructs his disciples on humility and charity. Today’s Scripture: John 13:14, 15 “I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another's feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you.” Today’s Reading 1 It was now the day before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. He had always loved those in the world who were his own, and he loved them to the very end. 2 Jesus and his disciples were at supper. The Devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, the thought of betraying Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him complete power; he knew that he had come from God and was going to God. 4 So he rose from the table, took off his outer garment, and tied a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured some water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Are you going to wash my feet, Lord?” 7 Jesus answered him, “You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later.” 8 Peter declared, “Never at any time will you wash my feet!” “If I do not wash your feet,” Jesus answered, “you will no longer be my disciple.” 9 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too!” 10 Jesus said, “Those who have taken a bath are completely clean and do not have to wash themselves, except for their feet. All of you are clean—all except one. ” ( 11 Jesus already knew who was going to betray him; that is why he said, “All of you, except one, are clean.”) 12 After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table. “Do you understand what I have just done to you?” he asked. 13 “You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am. 14 I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you. 16 I am telling you the truth: no slaves are greater than their master, and no messengers are greater than the one who sent them. 17 Now that you know this truth, how happy you will be if you put it into practice! 18 I am not talking about all of you; I know those I have chosen. But the scripture must come true that says, “The man who shared my food turned against me.” 19 I tell you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that “I Am Who I Am.” 20 I am telling you the truth: whoever receives anyone I send receives me also; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. ” Reflect What do you think it was like for the disciples to have Jesus wash their feet? Could it have been a different experience from a household servant washing their feet? Have you ever had someone you admired perform an act of servanthood for you? What did it mean to you? Pray Jesus, you are both servant and savior, teaching me to live and serve humbly as I seek to follow you. Humble me that I may serve you by serving others. Amen. Prayer Concern All who serve others 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 February 9, 2011 Author Members Posted February 9, 2011 February 8, 2011 John 13:21-35 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction John 13:21-35: Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him. Jesus shows that it is Judas Iscariot. Peter professes a strong commitment to Christ, but is informed of his denial. Christ talks about his approaching death, and commands his disciples to love one another. He tells them that by following this command, all will know that they are his disciples. Today’s Scripture: John 13:34, 35 “And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” Today’s Reading 21 After Jesus had said this, he was deeply troubled and declared openly, “I am telling you the truth: one of you is going to betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, completely puzzled about whom he meant. 23 One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was sitting next to Jesus. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him and said, “Ask him whom he is talking about.” 25 So that disciple moved closer to Jesus' side and asked, “Who is it, Lord?” 26 Jesus answered, “I will dip some bread in the sauce and give it to him; he is the man.” So he took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Hurry and do what you must!” 28 None of the others at the table understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas was in charge of the money bag, some of the disciples thought that Jesus had told him to go and buy what they needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 Judas accepted the bread and went out at once. It was night. 31 After Judas had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man's glory is revealed; now God's glory is revealed through him. 32 And if God's glory is revealed through him, then God will reveal the glory of the Son of Man in himself, and he will do so at once. 33 My children, I shall not be with you very much longer. You will look for me; but I tell you now what I told the Jewish authorities, “You cannot go where I am going.” 34 And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples. ” Reflect Jesus’ new commandment is his most challenging one. How has Jesus loved his disciples? What did Jesus do for his disciples that he expects them to do for one another? What might you be called to do through this passage? Pray Jesus, thank you for your love. Enable me to love others and strengthen me to work for you, that all may know I am your disciple. Amen. Prayer Concern Neighbors in conflict 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 February 9, 2011 Author Members Posted February 9, 2011 February 9, 2011 Hosea 1:1-2:1 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Hosea 1:1-2:1: The prophet Hosea’s taking a wife who is unfaithful to her marriage vows, and bearing children that would follow her example, represents the shameful idolatry of Israel, who provoked God to cast them off. The names of the children are all symbolic. The first is intended to put Israel in mind of their unrepealed guilt, and the acts of cruelty committed in the palace of Jezreel. The second and third signify not finding mercy. In consequence of their guilt, they were to be rejected by God. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 1:10 The people of Israel will become like the sand of the sea, more than can be counted or measured. Now God says to them, “You are not my people,” but the day is coming when he will say to them, “You are the children of the living God!” Today’s Reading 1 This is the message which the LORD gave Hosea son of Beeri during the time that Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah, and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel. 2 When the LORD first spoke to Israel through Hosea, he said to Hosea, “Go and get married; your wife will be unfaithful, and your children will be just like her. In the same way my people have left me and become unfaithful. ” 3 So Hosea married a woman named Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. After the birth of their first child, a son, 4 the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him “Jezreel,” because it will not be long before I punish the king of Israel for the murders that his ancestor Jehu committed at Jezreel. I am going to put an end to Jehu's dynasty. 5 And in Jezreel Valley I will at that time destroy Israel's military power. ” 6 Gomer had a second child—this time it was a daughter. The LORD said to Hosea, “Name her “Unloved,” because I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them. 7 But to the people of Judah I will show love. I, the LORD their God, will save them, but I will not do it by war—with swords or bows and arrows or with horses and horsemen. ” 8 After Gomer had weaned her daughter, she became pregnant again and had another son. 9 The LORD said to Hosea, “Name him “Not-My-People,” because the people of Israel are not my people, and I am not their God. ” 10 The people of Israel will become like the sand of the sea, more than can be counted or measured. Now God says to them, “You are not my people,” but the day is coming when he will say to them, “You are the children of the living God!” 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited. They will choose for themselves a single leader, and once again they will grow and prosper in their land. Yes, the day of Jezreel will be a great day! 1 So call your fellow Israelites “God's People” and “Loved-by-the-Lord.” Reflect In Hebrew “Jezreel” means “God scatters (seed).” In verse 4, the name is used as a threat—the Lord will punish Israel by scattering its people. But in verse 11, it is used as a promise—the Lord will bless Israel by reuniting people. How did this message inspire fear and hope in the Israelites? Pray Gracious God, plant seeds of faith in my heart that I may nurture them with your Word. Let my faith grow so that it can be a source of nourishment for others. In your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Ministers 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 February 11, 2011 Author Members Posted February 11, 2011 February 10, 2011 Hosea 2:2-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Hosea 2:2-23: The unfaithfulness of Israel is symbolically expressed as Hosea’s failed marriage. God curses Israel for her unfaithfulness by stripping her naked and taking away the harvest of the field. However, restoration is also mentioned in that the relationship is reconciled and the vineyards will be returned. Hosea says that people offering sacrifices to and worshipping other gods are committing adultery, but he says that the Lord will help Israel and that they will be God’s people. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 2:19, 20 “Israel, I will make you my wife; I will be true and faithful; I will show you constant love and mercy and make you mine forever. I will keep my promise and make you mine, and you will acknowledge me as LORD.” Today’s Reading 2 My children, plead with your mother—though she is no longer a wife to me, and I am no longer her husband. Plead with her to stop her adultery and prostitution. 3 If she does not, I will strip her as naked as she was on the day she was born. I will make her like a dry and barren land, and she will die of thirst. 4-5 I will not show mercy to her children; they are the children of a shameless prostitute. She herself said, “I will go to my lovers—they give me food and water, wool and linen, olive oil and wine.” 6 So I am going to fence her in with thorn bushes and build a wall to block her way. 7 She will run after her lovers but will not catch them. She will look for them but will not find them. Then she will say, “I am going back to my first husband—I was better off then than I am now.” 8 She would never acknowledge that I am the one who gave her the grain, the wine, the olive oil, and all the silver and gold that she used in the worship of Baal. 9 So at harvest time I will take back my gifts of grain and wine, and will take away the wool and the linen I gave her for clothing. 10 I will strip her naked in front of her lovers, and no one will be able to save her from my power. 11 I will put an end to all her festivities—her annual and monthly festivals and her Sabbath celebrations—all her religious meetings. 12 I will destroy her grapevines and her fig trees, which she said her lovers gave her for serving them. I will turn her vineyards and orchards into a wilderness; wild animals will destroy them. 13 I will punish her for the times that she forgot me, when she burned incense to Baal and put on her jewelry to go chasing after her lovers. The LORD has spoken. 14 So I am going to take her into the desert again; there I will win her back with words of love. 15 I will give back to her the vineyards she had and make Trouble Valley a door of hope. She will respond to me there as she did when she was young, when she came from Egypt. 16 Then once again she will call me her husband—she will no longer call me her Baal. 17 I will never let her speak the name of Baal again. 18 At that time I will make a covenant with all the wild animals and birds, so that they will not harm my people. I will also remove all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows, and will let my people live in peace and safety. 19 Israel, I will make you my wife; I will be true and faithful; I will show you constant love and mercy and make you mine forever. 20 I will keep my promise and make you mine, and you will acknowledge me as LORD. 21-22 At that time I will answer the prayers of my people Israel. I will make rain fall on the earth, and the earth will produce grain and grapes and olives. 23 I will establish my people in the land and make them prosper. I will show love to those who were called “Unloved,” and to those who were called “Not-My-People” I will say, “You are my people,” and they will answer, “You are our God.” Reflect How is Hosea’s broken marriage to Gomer like God’s relationship with the people of Israel? How has God remained faithful and ever present even in times when you have not been faithful to God? Pray Merciful God, I confess there are times when I have been unfaithful to you. Thank you for always loving me, even when I strayed away from your path. Accept me as I try again to faithfully serve you. Amen. Prayer Concern Broken marriages 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 February 12, 2011 Author Members Posted February 12, 2011 February 11, 2011 Hosea 11:1-11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Hosea 11:1-11: This passage gives a very clear picture of God's tender and affectionate regard for Israel, by metaphors chiefly borrowed from the conduct of mothers toward their offspring. God deeply loves and cares for the people of Israel. Though the people worship other gods, the God of Israel does not give up on them or abandon them, but continues to protect them. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 11:4 “I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him out of Egypt as my son. 2 But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols. 3 Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk. I took my people up in my arms, but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them. 4 I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They refuse to return to me, and so they must return to Egypt, and Assyria will rule them. 6 War will sweep through their cities and break down the city gates. It will destroy my people because they do what they themselves think best. 7 They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them. 8 How can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you? Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah, or treat you as I did Zeboiim? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong. 9 I will not punish you in my anger; I will not destroy Israel again. For I am God and not a mere human being. I, the Holy One, am with you. I will not come to you in anger. 10 My people will follow me when I roar like a lion at their enemies. They will hurry to me from the west. 11 They will come from Egypt, as swiftly as birds, and from Assyria, like doves. I will bring them to their homes again. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect How is Israel like a child in this passage? How is God like a parent? How do you understand the relationship between God and Israel in this passage? What does it mean for you? Pray Holy God, you love and welcome your children with open arms. Teach me, guide me and protect me. Help me to follow in your ways and watch over me that I may never turn away from you. Amen. Prayer Concern The conflict between Israel and Palestine 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 February 12, 2011 Author Members Posted February 12, 2011 February 12, 2011 Hosea 14:1-9 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Hosea 14:1-9: In the final chapter of Hosea, the prophet exhorts Israel to repentance and furnishes them with a beautiful prayer that begins by calling Israel to turn away from sin and return to God. It is suitable to the occasion, and ends with the Lord’s promise to forgive and heal Israel. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 14:2 Return to the Lord, and let this prayer be your offering to him: “Forgive all our sins and accept our prayer, and we will praise you as we have promised.” Today’s Reading 1 Return to the LORD your God, people of Israel. Your sin has made you stumble and fall. 2 Return to the LORD, and let this prayer be your offering to him: “Forgive all our sins and accept our prayer, and we will praise you as we have promised. 3 Assyria can never save us, and war horses cannot protect us. We will never again say to our idols that they are our God. O LORD, you show mercy to those who have no one else to turn to. ” 4 The LORD says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; no longer am I angry with them. 5 I will be to the people of Israel like rain in a dry land. They will blossom like flowers; they will be firmly rooted like the trees of Lebanon. 6 They will be alive with new growth, and beautiful like olive trees. They will be fragrant like the cedars of Lebanon. 7 Once again they will live under my protection. They will grow crops of grain and be fruitful like a vineyard. They will be as famous as the wine of Lebanon. 8 The people of Israel will have nothing more to do with idols; I will answer their prayers and take care of them. Like an evergreen tree I will shelter them; I am the source of all their blessings.” 9 May those who are wise understand what is written here, and may they take it to heart. The LORD's ways are right, and righteous people live by following them, but sinners stumble and fall because they ignore them. Reflect This passage clearly shows God’s care for the people of Israel, provided they obey God. But if they return to their sinful ways, they will fall again. How can sin cause you to stumble, even in the midst of God’s care? What “idols” stand in the way of your commitment to God? Pray Loving and merciful God, please forgive my sins. May I not worship false “idols” but offer you true praise and worship. Hear my prayer Lord. Amen. Prayer Concern Those 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 February 14, 2011 Author Members Posted February 14, 2011 February 13, 2011 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 Corinthians 12:12-31: Paul writes to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. He says that Christ is the head, and the church his members. All Christians working together in one organic unity do the work of Christ in this world. Just as we have different body parts that have their own functions, so we as different parts of the church body have our respective functions. Each is connected to the other, and all need one another for the health of the whole. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. Today’s Reading 12 Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. 13 In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink. 14 For the body itself is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. 15 If the foot were to say, “Because I am not a hand, I don't belong to the body,” that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 16 And if the ear were to say, “Because I am not an eye, I don't belong to the body,” that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were just an eye, how could it hear? And if it were only an ear, how could it smell? 18 As it is, however, God put every different part in the body just as he wanted it to be. 19 There would not be a body if it were all only one part! 20 As it is, there are many parts but one body. 21 So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” Nor can the head say to the feet, “Well, I don't need you!” 22 On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker; 23 and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty, 24 which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it. 25 And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. 26 If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness. 27 All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. 28 In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues. 29 They are not all apostles or prophets or teachers. Not everyone has the power to work miracles 30 or to heal diseases or to speak in strange tongues or to explain what is said. 31 Set your hearts, then, on the more important gifts. Best of all, however, is the following way. Reflect What spiritual gifts does Paul list in this passage? What is the purpose of these gifts? Which of these gifts do you have? Which of these gifts do you see in others? Which of these gifts do you wish to cultivate? Pray Holy Spirit, fill me with your spiritual gifts that I may carry out the work of the church. Enable me to reach out to others, and strengthen the body of Christ by providing a life filled with joy, peace and hope. Amen. Prayer Concern Those discerning their spiritual gifts 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 February 14, 2011 Author Members Posted February 14, 2011 February 14, 2011 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 Corinthians 13:1-13: Paul knows that divisions in the church at Corinth are intensified further by disagreements over spiritual gifts, including “speaking in tongues.” Paul seeks to address this issue by emphasizing the centrality of love, which is important over and above all other gifts and talents. This is to be no ordinary type of love, but a love, which is selfless, unconditional, and voluntary. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Today’s Reading 1 I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. 2 I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains—but if I have no love, I am nothing. 3 I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned —but if I have no love, this does me no good. 4 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; 5 love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; 6 love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. 8 Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. 9 For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; 10 but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear. 11 When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways. 12 What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God's knowledge of me. 13 Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love. Reflect Of the several words for “love” in Greek, storge (love among family members) and eros (sexual love) do not occur in the New Testament. Philia, which means “friendly,” does occur in the New Testament. But the word used for love in these verses is agape which refers to God’s love, and describes the kind of self-giving love God’s followers are to show toward others. Are you able to show God’s love – agape in every aspect of your life? Pray God you are love and I thank you for embracing me in your divine love. Just as you love me, enable me to love others. May my acts of love be God’s love – agape that I may help others to know your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Relationships 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 February 16, 2011 Author Members Posted February 16, 2011 2 Corinthians 9:1-15(Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Wednesday, February 16, 2011 Introduction 2 Corinthians 9:1-15: Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to give generously to the collection for the followers in Jerusalem. He gives them directions on how to contribute. He says that God will increase what the people have so that they can give even more away. He shows them that by their generosity the poor will be helped, God will be glorified, and their Christ-like attitude will be made known to many. He gives thanks to God for his priceless gift. Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7 You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. Today's Reading 1 There is really no need for me to write you about the help being sent to God's people in Judea. 2 I know that you are willing to help, and I have boasted of you to the people in Macedonia. “The believers in Achaia,” I said, “have been ready to help since last year.” Your eagerness has stirred up most of them. 3 Now I am sending these believers, so that our boasting about you in this matter may not turn out to be empty words. But, just as I said, you will be ready with your help. 4 However, if the people from Macedonia should come with me and find out that you are not ready, how ashamed we would be—not to speak of your shame—for feeling so sure of you! 5 So I thought it was necessary to urge these believers to go to you ahead of me and get ready in advance the gift you promised to make. Then it will be ready when I arrive, and it will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to. 6 Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. 7 You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. 8 And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. 9 As the scripture says, “He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever.” 10 And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. 11 He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us. 12 For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God. 13 And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else. 14 And so with deep affection they will pray for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown you. 15 Let us thank God for his priceless gift! Reflect Reread verses 12-15. Paul says that these gifts have value beyond their material worth. Not only do they provide for people in need, but they also provide people with an example of God’s abundant love and blessings. How have you experienced God’s love through sharing with those in need? Pray Gracious God who provides me with all I need, thank you for the many gifts you have given me. Enable me to open my heart and be generous with others, that I may bring honor and praise to you and they may understand your love more deeply. Amen. Prayer Concern Outreach workers 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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