Members phkrause Posted February 18, 2011 Author Members Posted February 18, 2011 February 17, 2011 2 Corinthians 12:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 2 Corinthians 12:1-21: Paul mentions some wonderful revelations, which he had received from God. He speaks of his suffering in connection with these extraordinary revelations. He says that despite his suffering and weakness, Christ’s power makes him strong. Then he tells the Corinthians that he plans to visit them again and expresses his apprehensions that when he visits them he shall find many evils and disorders among them. Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. Today’s Reading 1 I have to boast, even though it doesn't do any good. But I will now talk about visions and revelations given me by the Lord. 2 I know a certain Christian man who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the highest heaven (I do not know whether this actually happened or whether he had a vision—only God knows). 3-4 I repeat, I know that this man was snatched to Paradise (again, I do not know whether this actually happened or whether it was a vision—only God knows), and there he heard things which cannot be put into words, things that human lips may not speak. 5 So I will boast about this man—but I will not boast about myself, except the things that show how weak I am. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not boast, because I do not want any of you to have a higher opinion of me than you have as a result of what you have seen me do and heard me say. 7 But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. 8 Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. 9 But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. 10 I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11 I am acting like a fool—but you have made me do it. You are the ones who ought to show your approval of me. For even if I am nothing, I am in no way inferior to those very special “apostles” of yours. 12 The many miracles and wonders that prove that I am an apostle were performed among you with much patience. 13 How were you treated any worse than the other churches, except that I did not bother you for financial help? Please forgive me for being so unfair! 14 This is now the third time that I am ready to come to visit you—and I will not make any demands on you. It is you I want, not your money. After all, children should not have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children. 15 I will be glad to spend all I have, and myself as well, in order to help you. Will you love me less because I love you so much? 16 You will agree, then, that I was not a burden to you. But someone will say that I was tricky, and trapped you with lies. 17 How? Did I take advantage of you through any of the messengers I sent? 18 I begged Titus to go, and I sent the other believer with him. Would you say that Titus took advantage of you? Do not he and I act from the very same motives and behave in the same way? 19 Perhaps you think that all along we have been trying to defend ourselves before you. No! We speak as Christ would have us speak in the presence of God, and everything we do, dear friends, is done to help you. 20 I am afraid that when I get there I will find you different from what I would like you to be and you will find me different from what you would like me to be. I am afraid that I will find quarreling and jealousy, hot tempers and selfishness, insults and gossip, pride and disorder. 21 I am afraid that the next time I come my God will humiliate me in your presence, and I shall weep over many who sinned in the past and have not repented of the immoral things they have done—their lust and their sexual sins. Reflect Reread verses 20-21. Paul is afraid that when he visits the Corinthians, they will have bad arguments with Paul and among themselves because of him. He is also concerned that they have not given up old sins. What might Paul think if he visited your church? What might his hopes and concerns be? Pray God of grace and peace, be ever present in our churches. Cleanse us from sin and show us how to live according to your will, that our worship and fellowship may be pleasing to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Churches 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 19, 2011 Author Members Posted February 19, 2011 February 18, 2011 2 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 2 Corinthians 13:1-13: Paul again says that this is the third time he plans to visit the church in Corinth. He exhorts them to examine themselves, to see if they are being true in their faith in Christ. He prays that they may do no evil, and wishes for their complete restoration to unity and purity. He concludes with his apostolic benediction. Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11 …Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Today’s Reading 1 This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. “Any accusation must be upheld by the evidence of two or more witnesses”—as the scripture says. 2 I want to tell those of you who have sinned in the past, and all the others; I said it before during my second visit to you, but I will say it again now that I am away: the next time I come nobody will escape punishment. 3 You will have all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. When he deals with you, he is not weak; instead, he shows his power among you. 4 For even though it was in weakness that he was put to death on the cross, it is by God's power that he lives. In union with him we also are weak; but in our relations with you we shall share God's power in his life. 5 Put yourselves to the test and judge yourselves, to find out whether you are living in faith. Surely you know that Christ Jesus is in you?—unless you have completely failed. 6 I trust you will know that we are not failures. 7 We pray to God that you will do no wrong—not in order to show that we are a success, but so that you may do what is right, even though we may seem to be failures. 8 For we cannot do a thing against the truth, but only for it. 9 We are glad when we are weak but you are strong. And so we also pray that you will become perfect. 10 That is why I write this while I am away from you; it is so that when I arrive I will not have to deal harshly with you in using the authority that the Lord has given me—authority to build you up, not to tear you down. 11 And now, my friends, good-bye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with the kiss of peace. All of God's people send you their greetings. 13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Reflect Think about your own church or a church with which you are familiar. In your opinion, what are its strengths and weaknesses? What can you do to communicate your concerns, encouragement or thanks to those who are leaders? How can you provide leadership? Pray Lord God almighty who guides and leads your flock, I thank you for those who provide leadership in churches. Help me to provide encouragement and insight that the church may grow and serve you always. Amen. Prayer Concern Church youth 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 February 20, 2011 Author Members Posted February 20, 2011 February 19, 2011 Romans 12:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Romans 12:1-21: Paul calls the followers of Christ in Rome to offer their bodies as a “living sacrifice,” transforming the way they think so that they may know the will of God. They also need to acknowledge the special gifts God has given each of them. Through all that they do, Paul underscores the importance of sharing love and kindness with all people. Today’s Scripture: Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God - what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. Today’s Reading 1 So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. 2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. 3 And because of God's gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you. 4 We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. 5 In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. 6 So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; 7 if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; 8 if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. 10 Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. 11 Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. 12 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. 13 Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers. 14 Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise. 17 If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. 18 Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. 19 Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, as the scripture says: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame.” 21 Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Reflect Offering sacrifices was an important part of the Jewish tradition in Paul’s day. But Paul says that God’s new followers do not need to make temple sacrifices in order to please God anymore. Rather, they need to change the way they think and please God by offering themselves as a living service to God. What does offering oneself as a living sacrifice mean to you? Pray Lord, I give myself to you. Transform and renew my mind, so that I may know your will and choose to live in your way. Amen. Prayer Concern Community centers 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 21, 2011 Author Members Posted February 21, 2011 February 20, 2011 1 John 1:1-10 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 John 1:1-10: A false teaching that Jesus was not a human being, but just appeared to be a human being was being propagated. This letter was written to affirm that Jesus was indeed human and all who believe in Jesus Christ and love God must also love one another. God is light, and those who walk in darkness cannot have fellowship with him. Those who walk in the light are cleansed from all unrighteousness by the blood of Christ. God is faithful and just to cleanse all unrighteousness from those who confess their sins. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 1:7 But if we live in the light - just as he is in the light - then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin. Today’s Reading 1 We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. 2 When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. 3 What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write this in order that our joy may be complete. 5 Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. 6 If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. 7 But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. 9 But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us. Reflect This passage says that though Jesus died and was raised to overcome sin and death, his followers need to confess their sins and repent for times when they have turned away from God. What does it mean to confess your sins? Pray God you are light, and there is no darkness in you. I confess that there are times when I have turned away from your light. Forgive me and help me to walk in your ways. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have turned away from God Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted February 21, 2011 Author Members Posted February 21, 2011 February 21, 2011 1 John 2:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 John 2:1-17: This passage is an exhortation not to sin. Yet, by the hope of mercy through Christ, encourages those who may have fallen. He who knows God keeps his commandments; he who professes to abide in Christ ought to walk as Christ walked. Our selfish desires are worldly desires, and they get in the way of loving one another. We live in God’s light by loving others as God first loved us. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. Today’s Reading 1 I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the righteous one. 2 And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone. 3 If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him. 4 If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us. 5 But if we obey his word, we are the ones whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God: 6 if we say that we remain in union with God, we should live just as Jesus Christ did. 7 My dear friends, this command I am writing you is not new; it is the old command, the one you have had from the very beginning. The old command is the message you have already heard. 8 However, the command I now write you is new, because its truth is seen in Christ and also in you. For the darkness is passing away, and the real light is already shining. 9 If we say that we are in the light, yet hate others, we are in the darkness to this very hour. 10 If we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin. 11 But if we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind. 12 I write to you, my children, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ. 13 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you have defeated the Evil One. 14 I write to you, my children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong; the word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One. 15 Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. 16 Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. 17 The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever. Reflect This passage says that our desire for worldly pleasures keeps us from loving God. Yet God created the world and calls us to be stewards of creation (Genesis 2:15). How do we live in the world and not love worldly things? How do we love God and care for creation? Pray God of creation, you call me to live in this world in ways that honor you. Help me to love you, your creation and your people as you have loved me. Amen. Prayer Concern Endangered animals 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 22, 2011 Author Members Posted February 22, 2011 February 22, 2011 1 John 2:18-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 John 2:18-29: Today’s reading says that true followers of Jesus will not be misled by false teachings. They are exhorted to persevere in what they have received, and to continue to follow the anointing of the Holy Spirit and claim its life-giving power, recognizing that they are children of God. The Holy Spirit will also enlighten them of all things necessary for their salvation and prepare them for eternal glory. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 2:27 …Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit’s teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ. Today’s Reading 18 My children, the end is near! You were told that the Enemy of Christ would come; and now many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and so we know that the end is near. 19 These people really did not belong to our fellowship, and that is why they left us; if they had belonged to our fellowship, they would have stayed with us. But they left so that it might be clear that none of them really belonged to us. 20 But you have had the Holy Spirit poured out on you by Christ, and so all of you know the truth. 21 I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth. 22 Who, then, is the liar? It is those who say that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such people are the Enemy of Christ—they reject both the Father and the Son. 23 For those who reject the Son reject also the Father; those who accept the Son have the Father also. 24 Be sure, then, to keep in your hearts the message you heard from the beginning. If you keep that message, then you will always live in union with the Son and the Father. 25 And this is what Christ himself promised to give us—eternal life. 26 I am writing this to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But as for you, Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit's teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ. 28 Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. 29 You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child. Reflect When this passage was written, some people denied that Jesus was truly God’s chosen one. They claimed that earthly sin did not exist because God cared only about spiritual actions. How do people deny Jesus today? How are sin and denying Jesus related? Pray Holy Spirit, make me ever mindful of the promises of Christ. Teach me to live in the ways of Christ in this world, that I may be a true child of God. In Jesus Christ’s holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Teachers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted February 23, 2011 Author Members Posted February 23, 2011 February 23, 2011 1 John 3:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 John 3:1-24: Followers of Christ know the extraordinary love of God towards mankind through Jesus. They are to show this love to others by helping them. Their love for each other shows that they belong to the truth and that they have been given new life. The children of God are known by their holiness and the children of the devil by their sinfulness. It is necessary to keep the commandment of Christ, that he may dwell in us and we in him by his Spirit. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! Today’s Reading 1 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. 2 My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure. 4 Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. 5 You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. 6 So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him. 7 Let no one deceive you, my children! Whoever does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 8 Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning. The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done. 9 Those who are children of God do not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in them; and because God is their Father, they cannot continue to sin. 10 Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: those who do not do what is right or do not love others are not God's children. 11 The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right. 13 So do not be surprised, my friends, if the people of the world hate you. 14 We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love others. Those who do not love are still under the power of death. 15 Those who hate others are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life in them. 16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! 17 If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? 18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. 19 This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God's presence. 20 If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. 21 And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God's presence. 22 We receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23 What he commands is that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as Christ commanded us. 24 Those who obey God's commands live in union with God and God lives in union with them. And because of the Spirit that God has given us we know that God lives in union with us. Reflect This passage compares those who hate others to murderers because those who do not love are still under the power of death than the hope of life. What does this mean to you? Are there people who you find hard to love? How can you call upon the Holy Spirit to help you love others? Pray Holy One, there are times when I find it difficult to love others. Release me from the bondage of hatred that I may truly love others. Amen. Prayer Concern Political 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 February 25, 2011 Author Members Posted February 25, 2011 February 24, 2011 1 John 4:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 John 4:1-21: God is love. When we replace fear with love, trust in God comes naturally. As we share the good news of God’s presence with us—even in our greatest suffering—we become one with God’s love through the power of Christ. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 4:16b God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. Today’s Reading 1 My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere. 2 This is how you will be able to know whether it is God's Spirit: anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came as a human being has the Spirit who comes from God. 3 But anyone who denies this about Jesus does not have the Spirit from God. The spirit that he has is from the Enemy of Christ; you heard that it would come, and now it is here in the world already. 4 But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world. 5 Those false prophets speak about matters of the world, and the world listens to them because they belong to the world. 6 But we belong to God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever does not belong to God does not listen to us. This, then, is how we can tell the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. 10 This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us. 13 We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us. 16 And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. 17 Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. 18 There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. 19 We love because God first loved us. 20 If we say we love God, but hate others, we are liars. For we cannot love God, whom we have not seen, if we do not love others, whom we have seen. 21 The command that Christ has given us is this: whoever loves God must love others also. Reflect How does fear get in the way of recognizing God’s presence with you? How can love be an antidote to fear? How do we know God loves us? According to the passage, how should we demonstrate our love for God? Pray God, you are love and I want to be filled with your love. Enable me to love others, so that I can truly experience your love. Drive away my fears and deepen my trust in you, especially during the tough times of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are hospitalized 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 25, 2011 Author Members Posted February 25, 2011 February 25, 2011 1 John 5:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 1 John 5:1-21: He that believes is a child of God. God’s children will ultimately prevail over the corrupt forces of this world because they have faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is an antidote to sin and death. God has given us life in his Son Jesus and he has come to give us understanding, that we may know the true God. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 5:3,4 Our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. Today’s Reading 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Messiah is a child of God; and whoever loves a father loves his child also. 2 This is how we know that we love God's children: it is by loving God and obeying his commands. 3 For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, 4 because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. 5 Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6 Jesus Christ is the one who came with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth. 7 There are three witnesses: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and all three give the same testimony. 9 We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son. 10 So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, have made a liar of him, because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. 11 The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has this life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life—you that believe in the Son of God. 14 We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. 15 He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him. 16 If you see a believer commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray to God, who will give that person life. This applies to those whose sins do not lead to death. But there is sin which leads to death, and I do not say that you should pray to God about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which does not lead to death. 18 We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them. 19 We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One. 20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 21 My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods! Reflect In verse 4, what do you think it means for children of God to defeat the world? How do you reconcile this claim with all the suffering we see in the news every day? How does verse 20 provide hope? Pray Lord Jesus, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the violence and suffering in the world. Grant me the courage to take small steps towards peace each day, trusting that by God’s grace, I can make a difference. Amen. Prayer Concern Military families 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 26, 2011 Author Members Posted February 26, 2011 February 26, 2011 2 John (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 2 John: The Second Letter of John was written by “the Elder” to “the dear Lady and to her children,” probably meaning a local church and its members. The brief message is an appeal to love one another according to the commandment of Christ and a warning against false teachers and their teachings that they might not lose the benefit of what they had received. Today’s Scripture: 2 John:8 Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked for, but will receive your reward in full. Today’s Reading 1 From the Elder— To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you, 2 because the truth remains in us and will be with us forever. 3 May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, give us grace, mercy, and peace; may they be ours in truth and love. 4 How happy I was to find that some of your children live in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And so I ask you, dear Lady: let us all love one another. This is no new command I am writing you; it is the command which we have had from the beginning. 6 This love I speak of means that we must live in obedience to God's commands. The command, as you have all heard from the beginning, is that you must all live in love. 7 Many deceivers have gone out over the world, people who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a person is a deceiver and the Enemy of Christ. 8 Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked for, but will receive your reward in full. 9 Anyone who does not stay with the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God. Whoever does stay with the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 So then, if some come to you who do not bring this teaching, do not welcome them in your homes; do not even say, “Peace be with you.” 11 For anyone who wishes them peace becomes their partner in the evil things they do. 12 I have so much to tell you, but I would rather not do it with paper and ink; instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you personally, so that we shall be completely happy. 13 The children of your dear Sister send you their greetings. Reflect Besides encouraging the Lord’s followers, this letter warns them about those who do not teach the true doctrine of Christ. What does 2 John say about love and truth? How can people know what is true? How do Christians today show their love for God and for others? Pray Lord Jesus, thank you for enlightening me in your truth. Give me the mind to discern your truth and your way, that my beliefs and actions may reflect your will. In your precious name. Amen. Prayer Concern Students Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted February 28, 2011 Author Members Posted February 28, 2011 February 27, 2011 3 John (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction 3 John: The Third Letter of John was written by “the Elder” to a church leader named Gaius. The writer praises Gaius because of his help to other Christians, and warns against a man named Diotrephes. He talks about the ways in which Christians are to support those who travel around sharing the Good News. Today’s Scripture: 3 John:11 My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God. Today’s Reading 1 From the Elder— To my dear Gaius, whom I truly love. 2 My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health—as I know you are well in spirit. 3 I was so happy when some Christians arrived and told me how faithful you are to the truth—just as you always live in the truth. 4 Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children live in the truth. 5 My dear friend, you are so faithful in the work you do for other Christians, even when they are strangers. 6 They have spoken to the church here about your love. Please help them to continue their trip in a way that will please God. 7 For they set out on their trip in the service of Christ without accepting any help from unbelievers. 8 We Christians, then, must help these people, so that we may share in their work for the truth. 9 I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say. 10 When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church! 11 My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God. 12 Everyone speaks well of Demetrius; truth itself speaks well of him. And we add our testimony, and you know that what we say is true. 13 I have so much to tell you, but I do not want to do it with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk personally. 15 Peace be with you. All your friends send greetings. Greet all our friends personally. Reflect Based on this brief letter, how would you describe Gaius’ church? What kinds of problems was Diotrephes causing in his church? What problems have you observed when a leader fails to exhibit strong leadership qualities? What qualities should a church leader possess? Pray Gracious God, bless all who lead your churches. Give them wisdom, confidence and humility, that they may lead your people according to your will. 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 March 1, 2011 Author Members Posted March 1, 2011 February 28, 2011 Jude 1 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Abide in God’s Love Introduction Jude: Jude is worried about people who claim to be part of Christ’s followers but who do not live by God’s Word. This epistle is an exhortation to the Christians to contend for the true faith and defend their faith against those who are teaching false beliefs and living unscrupulous lives. He warns them to be on guard lest they fall from their steadfastness and be destroyed. Today’s Scripture: Jude:20, 21 My friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life. Today’s Reading 1 From Jude, servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James— To those who have been called by God, who live in the love of God the Father and the protection of Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy, peace, and love be yours in full measure. 3 My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to his people. 4 For some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord. Long ago the Scriptures predicted the condemnation they have received. 5 For even though you know all this, I want to remind you of how the Lord once rescued the people of Israel from Egypt, but afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 Remember the angels who did not stay within the limits of their proper authority, but abandoned their own dwelling place: they are bound with eternal chains in the darkness below, where God is keeping them for that great Day on which they will be condemned. 7 Remember Sodom and Gomorrah, and the nearby towns, whose people acted as those angels did and indulged in sexual immorality and perversion: they suffer the punishment of eternal fire as a plain warning to all. 8 In the same way also, these people have visions which make them sin against their own bodies; they despise God's authority and insult the glorious beings above. 9 Not even the chief angel Michael did this. In his quarrel with the Devil, when they argued about who would have the body of Moses, Michael did not dare condemn the Devil with insulting words, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these people attack with insults anything they do not understand; and those things that they know by instinct, like wild animals, are the very things that destroy them. 11 How terrible for them! They have followed the way that Cain took. For the sake of money they have given themselves over to the error that Balaam committed. They have rebelled as Korah rebelled, and like him they are destroyed. 12 With their shameless carousing they are like dirty spots in your fellowship meals. They take care only of themselves. They are like clouds carried along by the wind, but bringing no rain. They are like trees that bear no fruit, even in autumn, trees that have been pulled up by the roots and are completely dead. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, with their shameful deeds showing up like foam. They are like wandering stars, for whom God has reserved a place forever in the deepest darkness. 14 It was Enoch, the seventh direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels 15 to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that godless sinners have spoken against him! ” 16 These people are always grumbling and blaming others; they follow their own evil desires; they brag about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way. 17 But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires.” 19 These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life. 22 Show mercy toward those who have doubts; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; and to others show mercy mixed with fear, but hate their very clothes, stained by their sinful lusts. 24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence— 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, from all ages past, and now, and forever and ever! Amen. Reflect The “godless people” were willing to take advantage of God’s kindness and use it as an excuse to behave immorally. Reread verses 21-23. How can the followers of Christ keep themselves in God’s love? How might these instructions be useful to you? Pray Loving God, it is tempting to make excuses when I turn away from your will. Forgive me for the times when I fail to meet your expectations, and draw me into your light and love. Amen. Prayer Concern Teenagers 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 March 1, 2011 Author Members Posted March 1, 2011 March 1, 2011 Matthew 6:1-18 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Matthew 6:1-18: In this section of Matthew, Jesus teaches his followers about giving, prayer and fasting. With each teaching, Jesus warns against being “like the hypocrites” by doing things publicly so that others will be impressed by their piety. He also offers a model for prayer. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 6:6 When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Today’s Reading 1 Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 3 But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. 4 Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 5 When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 6 But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 7 When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. 9 This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; 10 may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need. 12 Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. 13 Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.’ 14 If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. 16 And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 17 When you go without food, wash your face and comb your hair, 18 so that others cannot know that you are fasting—only your Father, who is unseen, will know. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Reflect What is the purpose of prayer? What sort of things does Jesus want his followers to pray for? What is the relationship between prayer and forgiveness? What do you pray about? Pray Our Father in heaven: may your holy named be honored; may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. Amen. Prayer Concern All who seek forgiveness 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 March 2, 2011 Author Members Posted March 2, 2011 March 2, 2011 Luke 11:1-13 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Luke 11:1-13: In today’s passage, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He exhorts them to seek God’s grace, inviting them to trust that God will give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks. Today’s Scripture: Luke 11:9 …Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. Today’s Reading 1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say this: ‘Father: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come. 3 Give us day by day the food we need. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we forgive everyone who does us wrong. And do not bring us to hard testing.’” 5 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Suppose one of you should go to a friend's house at midnight and say, ‘Friend, let me borrow three loaves of bread. 6 A friend of mine who is on a trip has just come to my house, and I don't have any food for him! ’ 7 And suppose your friend should answer from inside, “Don't bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.” 8 Well, what then? I tell you that even if he will not get up and give you the bread because you are his friend, yet he will get up and give you everything you need because you are not ashamed to keep on asking. 9 And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For those who ask will receive, and those who seek will find, and the door will be opened to anyone who knocks. 11 Would any of you who are fathers give your son a snake when he asks for fish? 12 Or would you give him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 13 As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! ” Reflect Compare and contrast the Lord’s Prayer in today’s reading from Luke with yesterday’s reading from Matthew. How are they the same? How are they different? In today’s passage, Jesus teaches his disciples to be persistent in prayer. What would being persistent in prayer look like for you? Pray Father: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come. Give us day by day the food we need. Forgive us our sins, for we forgive everyone who does us wrong. And do not bring us to hard testing. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking God’s grace 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 March 4, 2011 Author Members Posted March 4, 2011 March 3, 2011 Luke 18:1-14 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Luke 18:1-14: Jesus tells a parable about being persistent in prayer and a story about humility in prayer. In the first, a widow goes before a judge demanding to receive fair treatment in court. In the second, a tax collector and a Pharisee each pray, but it is the tax collector who is ultimately pleasing to God. Today’s Scripture: Luke 18:13 The tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, "God, have pity on me, a sinner!” Today’s Reading 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged. 2 “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. 3 And there was a widow in that same town who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, “Help me against my opponent!” 4 For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or respect people, 5 yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don't, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out! ’ ” 6 And the Lord continued, “Listen to what that corrupt judge said. 7 Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them? 8 I tell you, he will judge in their favor and do it quickly. But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes? ” 9 Jesus also told this parable to people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. 10 “Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, ‘I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. 12 I fast two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all my income. ’ 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, “God, have pity on me, a sinner!” 14 I tell you, ” said Jesus, “the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great.” Reflect In Jewish culture, a woman who had lost her husband sometimes had no one else to stand up for her or to take care of her. The widow in Jesus’ story stood up for herself. Why do you think Jesus told this story? What does it mean to you? Pray Gracious God, I come before you with persistence and humility, seeking your presence and grace in my life and in our world. May your justice reign for all people. In your name, amen. Prayer Concern All who experience oppression 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 March 4, 2011 Author Members Posted March 4, 2011 March 4, 2011 Psalm 32 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Psalm 32: Today’s reading is a psalm of confession and forgiveness. The psalmist celebrates the happiness of those who are forgiven. He compares the exhaustion of holding onto one’s sins with the peace and protection that comes with confessing one’s sins. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will save me from trouble. I sing aloud of your salvation, because you protect me. Today’s Reading 1 Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. 2 Happy is the one whom the LORD does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit. 3 When I did not confess my sins, I was worn out from crying all day long. 4 Day and night you punished me, LORD; my strength was completely drained, as moisture is dried up by the summer heat. 5 Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you, and you forgave all my sins. 6 So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need; when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in, it will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you will save me from trouble. I sing aloud of your salvation, because you protect me. 8 The LORD says, “I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you. 9 Don't be stupid like a horse or a mule, which must be controlled with a bit and bridle to make it submit.” 10 The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the LORD are protected by his constant love. 11 You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice because of what the LORD has done. You that obey him, shout for joy! Reflect How does the psalmist describe what it feels like to hold on to sin? How does he go about confessing them? What does it mean for God to be a hiding place? What does that image mean to you? Pray O God, you are my hiding place! You will save me from trouble. I sing aloud of your salvation because you protect me. Forgive me of my sins, and show me the way I should go. I praise you and thank you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have hurt 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 March 5, 2011 Author Members Posted March 5, 2011 March 5, 2011 Psalm 33 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Psalm 33: Today’s reading is a psalm of praise. The psalmist invites people to praise God with shouting, instruments and song. He affirms God’s truth and justice and celebrates the whole of creation. God is described as omnipotent and omnipresent, protecting those who trust him. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 33:2 Give thanks to the Lord with harps, sing to him with stringed instruments. Today’s Reading 1 All you that are righteous, shout for joy for what the LORD has done; praise him, all you that obey him. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with harps, sing to him with stringed instruments. 3 Sing a new song to him, play the harp with skill, and shout for joy! 4 The words of the LORD are true, and all his works are dependable. 5 The LORD loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth. 6 The LORD created the heavens by his command, the sun, moon, and stars by his spoken word. 7 He gathered all the seas into one place; he shut up the ocean depths in storerooms. 8 Worship the LORD, all the earth! Honor him, all peoples of the world! 9 When he spoke, the world was created; at his command everything appeared. 10 The LORD frustrates the purposes of the nations; he keeps them from carrying out their plans. 11 But his plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD; happy are the people he has chosen for his own! 13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees all of us humans. 14 From where he rules, he looks down on all who live on earth. 15 He forms all their thoughts and knows everything they do. 16 A king does not win because of his powerful army; a soldier does not triumph because of his strength. 17 War horses are useless for victory; their great strength cannot save. 18 The LORD watches over those who obey him, those who trust in his constant love. 19 He saves them from death; he keeps them alive in times of famine. 20 We put our hope in the LORD; he is our protector and our help. 21 We are glad because of him; we trust in his holy name. 22 May your constant love be with us, LORD, as we put our hope in you. Reflect The psalmist encourages worshipers to use a musical instrument in singing praises to the Lord. Many psalms were sung as music was played. How is music incorporated into your worship? Why do you think music is an important means of worshiping God? Pray Lord, I sing to you in praise! Thank you for all the good things you have done: for your love and justice; for the glory of your creation; for your plans for peace and for your constant protection. Praise the Lord! Amen. Prayer Concern Musicians 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 March 7, 2011 Author Members Posted March 7, 2011 March 6, 2011 Psalm 34 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Psalm 34: Today’s psalm praises God’s goodness. The psalmist affirms that God will save all who seek him. He goes on to say that all should respect God and live righteously, trusting that God will listen to and answer prayer. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Today’s Reading 1 I will always thank the LORD; I will never stop praising him. 2 I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! 3 Proclaim with me the LORD's greatness; let us praise his name together! 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears. 5 The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed. 6 The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles. 7 His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger. 8 Find out for yourself how good the LORD is. Happy are those who find safety with him. 9 Honor the LORD, all his people; those who obey him have all they need. 10 Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good. 11 Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honor the LORD. 12 Would you like to enjoy life? Do you want long life and happiness? 13 Then keep from speaking evil and from telling lies. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart. 15 The LORD watches over the righteous and listens to their cries; 16 but he opposes those who do evil, so that when they die, they are soon forgotten. 17 The righteous call to the LORD, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. 19 Good people suffer many troubles, but the LORD saves them from them all; 20 the LORD preserves them completely; not one of their bones is broken. 21 Evil will kill the wicked; those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 The LORD will save his people; those who go to him for protection will be spared. Reflect Having been saved by God, the psalmist presents his experience as an example for others. Sayings like the one at 34:9 must be heard alongside the one at 34:19. God’s promises do not mean the end of suffering, but rather joy and protection even while suffering exists. What does this message mean to you? Pray Holy God, thank you for saving me from my fears and my oppression. Thank you for being with all who are discouraged and have lost hope. You are a loving and gracious God, and I praise your name. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who feel hopeless 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 March 7, 2011 Author Members Posted March 7, 2011 March 7, 2011 Numbers 14:1-25 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Numbers 14:1-25: Today’s passage comes from the book of Numbers. The Israelites are camped out in the wilderness and getting frustrated. Ten of the twelve leaders sent into Canaan return with reports that frighten the people. They rebel against Moses and question God’s intentions. Then Moses prays for the people. Today’s Scripture: Numbers 14:19 And now, Lord, according to the greatness of your unchanging love, forgive, I pray, the sin of these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt. Today’s Reading 1 All night long the people cried out in distress. 2 They complained against Moses and Aaron, and said, “It would have been better to die in Egypt or even here in the wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD taking us into that land? We will be killed in battle, and our wives and children will be captured. Wouldn't it be better to go back to Egypt? ” 4 So they said to one another, “Let's choose a leader and go back to Egypt!” 5 Then Moses and Aaron bowed to the ground in front of all the people. 6 And Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, two of the spies, tore their clothes in sorrow 7 and said to the people, “The land we explored is an excellent land. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will take us there and give us that rich and fertile land. 9 Do not rebel against the LORD and don't be afraid of the people who live there. We will conquer them easily. The LORD is with us and has defeated the gods who protected them; so don't be afraid. ” 10 The whole community was threatening to stone them to death, but suddenly the people saw the dazzling light of the LORD's presence appear over the Tent. 11 The LORD said to Moses, “How much longer will these people reject me? How much longer will they refuse to trust in me, even though I have performed so many miracles among them? 12 I will send an epidemic and destroy them, but I will make you the father of a nation that is larger and more powerful than they are! ” 13 But Moses said to the LORD, “You brought these people out of Egypt by your power. When the Egyptians hear what you have done to your people, 14 they will tell it to the people who live in this land. These people have already heard that you, LORD, are with us, that you appear in plain sight when your cloud stops over us, and that you go before us in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 15 Now if you kill all your people, the nations who have heard of your fame will say 16 that you killed your people in the wilderness because you were not able to bring them into the land you promised to give them. 17 So now, LORD, I pray, show us your power and do what you promised when you said, 18 ‘I, the LORD, am not easily angered, and I show great love and faithfulness and forgive sin and rebellion. Yet I will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their parents. ’ 19 And now, LORD, according to the greatness of your unchanging love, forgive, I pray, the sin of these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt. ” 20 The LORD answered, “I will forgive them, as you have asked. 21 But I promise that as surely as I live and as surely as my presence fills the earth, 22 none of these people will live to enter that land. They have seen the dazzling light of my presence and the miracles that I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, but they have tried my patience over and over again and have refused to obey me. 23 They will never enter the land which I promised to their ancestors. None of those who have rejected me will ever enter it. 24 But because my servant Caleb has a different attitude and has remained loyal to me, I will bring him into the land which he explored, and his descendants will possess the land 25 in whose valleys the Amalekites and the Canaanites now live. Turn back tomorrow and go into the wilderness in the direction of the Gulf of Aqaba. ” Reflect Moses calls upon God to continue his saving work and not allow them to die in the desert. But some from the older generation of Israelites who escaped from Egypt will not survive. What parts of Moses’ prayer most resonate with you? What do you think of God’s response? Pray Lord, sometimes we need you to protect and save us, even when we are not worthy of your grace. Forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live according to your will, and fill me with your righteousness. Amen. Prayer Concern Refugees Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 8, 2011 Author Members Posted March 8, 2011 March 8, 2011 1 Samuel 2:1-11 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction 1 Samuel 2:1-11: Today’s reading is Hannah’s prayer upon offering Samuel as a servant to the Lord. She offers God praise and thanksgiving, celebrating the ways in which God offers safety, sustenance, and care. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:8a He lifts the poor from the dust and raises the needy from their misery. He makes them companions of princes and puts them in places of honor. Today’s Reading 1 Hannah prayed: “The LORD has filled my heart with joy; how happy I am because of what he has done! I laugh at my enemies; how joyful I am because God has helped me! 2 No one is holy like the LORD; there is none like him, no protector like our God. 3 Stop your loud boasting; silence your proud words. For the LORD is a God who knows, and he judges all that people do. 4 The bows of strong soldiers are broken, but the weak grow strong. 5 The people who once were well fed now hire themselves out to get food, but the hungry are hungry no more. The childless wife has borne seven children, but the mother of many is left with none. 6 The LORD kills and restores to life; he sends people to the world of the dead and brings them back again. 7 He makes some people poor and others rich; he humbles some and makes others great. 8 He lifts the poor from the dust and raises the needy from their misery. He makes them companions of princes and puts them in places of honor. The foundations of the earth belong to the LORD; on them he has built the world. 9 He protects the lives of his faithful people, but the wicked disappear in darkness; a man does not triumph by his own strength. 10 The LORD's enemies will be destroyed; he will thunder against them from heaven. The LORD will judge the whole world; he will give power to his king, he will make his chosen king victorious.” 11 Then Elkanah went back home to Ramah, but the boy Samuel stayed in Shiloh and served the LORD under the priest Eli. Reflect Scholars believe that parts of this prayer are taken from older prayers that were used to give thanks after receiving God’s help. The prayer celebrates God’s power to change human situations from bad to good so that those in need are helped. What are some of the ways God helps people, according to Hannah? Does God act in similar ways today? Pray You fill my heart with joy, Lord. How happy I am because of what you have done! Thank you for the ways in which you care for me and protect me. You alone are God. Amen. Prayer Concern Children in foster care 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 March 10, 2011 Author Members Posted March 10, 2011 March 9, 2011 Matthew 6:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Matthew 6:1-18: Jesus teaches his followers about giving, prayer and fasting. With each teaching, Jesus warns them not to be “like the hypocrites” by engaging in religious practices publicly so that others will be impressed by their piety. He also offers a model for prayer—what we know today as ‘The Lord’s Prayer.’ Today’s Scripture: Matthew 6:6 When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Today’s Reading 1 Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 3 But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. 4 Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 5 When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 6 But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 7 When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. 9 This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; 10 may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need. 12 Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. 13 Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.’ 14 If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. 16 And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 17 When you go without food, wash your face and comb your hair, 18 so that others cannot know that you are fasting—only your Father, who is unseen, will know. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Reflect What we do, must be done from an inward principle, that we may be approved of God, not that we may be praised of men. Why do we want others to acknowledge our good deeds? Why does Jesus want people to do good deeds without attracting attention from others? What does it feel like to be acknowledged for doing good deeds? How does it feel to do good whether or not your deeds are noticed? Pray Holy God, there are times when I have done good deeds, not for the sake of your will and for the benefit of your people, but to feed my need for affirmation. Forgive me for my hypocrisy. Grant me a generous heart to serve selflessly. Amen. Prayer Concern Volunteers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 10, 2011 Author Members Posted March 10, 2011 March 10, 2011 Joel 1:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Joel 1:1-20: Armies of insects were coming upon the land to eat the fruits of it. It is expressed so as to apply also to the destruction of the country by a foreign enemy. Joel watches a huge swarm of locusts invade Israel and destroy its crops. He compares this invasion to an invasion of Israel by the army of an unknown enemy army. Joel invites the people of Israel to turn away from sin and return to the Lord. Today’s Scripture: Joel 1:14 Give orders for a fast; call an assembly! Gather the leaders and all the people of Judah into the Temple of the LORD your God and cry out to him! Today’s Reading 1 This is the LORD's message to Joel son of Pethuel. 2 Pay attention, you older people; everyone in Judah, listen. Has anything like this ever happened in your time or the time of your ancestors? 3 Tell your children about it; they will tell their children, who in turn will tell the next generation. 4 Swarm after swarm of locusts settled on the crops; what one swarm left, the next swarm devoured. 5 Wake up and weep, you drunkards; cry, you wine-drinkers; the grapes for making new wine have been destroyed. 6 An army of locusts has attacked our land; they are powerful and too many to count; their teeth are as sharp as those of a lion. 7 They have destroyed our grapevines and chewed up our fig trees. They have stripped off the bark, till the branches are white. 8 Cry, you people, like a young woman who mourns the death of the man she was going to marry. 9 There is no grain or wine to offer in the Temple; the priests mourn because they have no offerings for the LORD. 10 The fields are bare; the ground mourns because the grain is destroyed, the grapes are dried up, and the olive trees are withered. 11 Grieve, you farmers; cry, you that take care of the vineyards, because the wheat, the barley, yes all the crops are destroyed. 12 The grapevines and fig trees have withered; all the fruit trees have wilted and died. The joy of the people is gone. 13 Put on sackcloth and weep, you priests who serve at the altar! Go into the Temple and mourn all night! There is no grain or wine to offer your God. 14 Give orders for a fast; call an assembly! Gather the leaders and all the people of Judah into the Temple of the LORD your God and cry out to him! 15 The day of the LORD is near, the day when the Almighty brings destruction. What terror that day will bring! 16 We look on helpless as our crops are destroyed. There is no joy in the Temple of our God. 17 The seeds die in the dry earth. There is no grain to be stored, and so the empty granaries are in ruins. 18 The cattle are bellowing in distress because there is no pasture for them; the flocks of sheep also suffer. 19 I cry out to you, LORD, because the pastures and trees are dried up, as though a fire had burned them. 20 Even the wild animals cry out to you because the streams have become dry. Reflect What astonishing event did Joel witness? Why was this event so devastating for the people? Why did the temple priests mourn? How did Joel invite the people to respond? How might you respond to Joel? Pray Almighty God, I live in a broken world. I have failed to live by your Word, and am complicit in the systems that contribute to violence, hunger, poverty and injustice. Forgive me and reorient me toward a life grounded in Christ, that I may share his healing and wholeness with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Food banks 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 March 10, 2011 Author Members Posted March 10, 2011 March 9, 2011 Matthew 6:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Matthew 6:1-18: Jesus teaches his followers about giving, prayer and fasting. With each teaching, Jesus warns them not to be “like the hypocrites” by engaging in religious practices publicly so that othe 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 March 12, 2011 Author Members Posted March 12, 2011 March 11, 2011 Joel 2:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Joel 2:1-17: Joel continues his description of the locust swarm as it covers the land of Israel, destroying crops and causing starvation. Using powerful battle imagery, he says that the invasion is a taste of the coming Judgment Day of the Lord. But he says that there is still time for the people to repent and return to God. The priests were to alarm the people with the near approach of the divine judgments. Today’s Scripture: Joel 2:13b Come back to the LORD your God. He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish. Today’s Reading 1 Blow the trumpet; sound the alarm on Zion, God's sacred hill. Tremble, people of Judah! The day of the LORD is coming soon. 2 It will be a dark and gloomy day, a black and cloudy day. The great army of locusts advances like darkness spreading over the mountains. There has never been anything like it, and there never will be again. 3 Like fire they eat up the plants. In front of them the land is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them it is a barren desert. Nothing escapes them. 4 They look like horses; they run like war-horses. 5 As they leap on the tops of the mountains, they rattle like chariots; they crackle like dry grass on fire. They are lined up like a great army ready for battle. 6 As they approach, everyone is terrified; every face turns pale. 7 They attack like warriors; they climb the walls like soldiers. They all keep marching straight ahead and do not change direction 8 or get in each other's way. They swarm through defenses, and nothing can stop them. 9 They rush against the city; they run over the walls; they climb up the houses and go in through the windows like thieves. 10 The earth shakes as they advance; the sky trembles. The sun and the moon grow dark, and the stars no longer shine. 11 The LORD thunders commands to his army. The troops that obey him are many and mighty. How terrible is the day of the LORD! Who will survive it? 12 “But even now,” says the LORD, “repent sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning. 13 Let your broken heart show your sorrow; tearing your clothes is not enough. ” Come back to the LORD your God. He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish. 14 Perhaps the LORD your God will change his mind and bless you with abundant crops. Then you can offer him grain and wine. 15 Blow the trumpet on Mount Zion; give orders for a fast and call an assembly! 16 Gather the people together; prepare them for a sacred meeting; bring the old people; gather the children and the babies too. Even newly married couples must leave their homes and come. 17 The priests, serving the LORD between the altar and the entrance of the Temple, must weep and pray: “Have pity on your people, LORD. Do not let other nations despise us and mock us by saying, “Where is your God?” ” Reflect Joel invites the people of Israel to turn away from sin and return to the Lord so that they can be saved when the Day of Judgment comes. This turning away from sin and returning to God is true “repentance.” What does turning away from sin and returning to God mean for you? Pray Lord, too often I get caught up in evil thoughts, desires and actions that get in the way of my relationship with you. Help me turn away from the things that keep me from you, that I may live a true and faithful life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those suffering weather calamities 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 March 13, 2011 Author Members Posted March 13, 2011 March 12, 2011 Joel 2:18-27 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Joel 2:18-27: Joel says that the Lord promises to bless the people by making the land produce food again and by rescuing them from the locust attack. He instructs them to prepare for God to restore the land and to celebrate God’s generosity. God’s grace will strengthen the faith of the people. Today’s Scripture: Joel 2:26 Now you will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied. You will praise the LORD your God, who has done wonderful things for you. My people will never be despised again. Today’s Reading 18 Then the LORD showed concern for his land; he had mercy on his people. 19 He answered them: “Now I am going to give you grain and wine and olive oil, and you will be satisfied. Other nations will no longer despise you. 20 I will remove the locust army that came from the north and will drive some of them into the desert. Their front ranks will be driven into the Dead Sea, their rear ranks into the Mediterranean. Their dead bodies will stink. I will destroy them because of all they have done to you. 21 Fields, don't be afraid, but be joyful and glad because of all the LORD has done for you. 22 Animals, don't be afraid. The pastures are green; the trees bear their fruit, and there are plenty of figs and grapes. 23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice at what the LORD your God has done for you. He has given you the right amount of autumn rain; he has poured down the winter rain for you and the spring rain as before. 24 The threshing places will be full of grain; the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil. 25 I will give you back what you lost in the years when swarms of locusts ate your crops. It was I who sent this army against you. 26 Now you will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied. You will praise the LORD your God, who has done wonderful things for you. My people will never be despised again. 27 Then, Israel, you will know that I am among you and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is no other. My people will never be despised again. Reflect What does the Lord promise if the people do what he asks? Can you think of someone with whom you have a damaged relationship? What has to be done to make things right? Would you be willing to apologize? How might the person respond to your apology? Pray Holy Lord, you work wonders and you do great things. Thank you for the hope and restoration you share with the world. Make me mindful of your generosity, that I may praise you and thank you. Amen. Prayer Concern Farmers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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