Today's Bible Reading

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Jesus never experienced being an old man..

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okay..

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John 1:19-51(Good News Translation)

Sunday

December 27, 2009

Called to be Free to Spread Tidings of Joy

Introduction

John 1:19-51: John the Baptist tells priests and Levites about Jesus. Then when he sees Jesus, he calls Jesus" the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." He tells how he saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove. Andrew and another follower hear what John says and become followers of Jesus. Then Jesus chooses Philip and Nathanael to become disciples as well.

Today's Scripture: John 1:29

The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

19The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem sent some priests and Levites to John to ask him, Who are you? 20John did not refuse to answer, but spoke out openly and clearly, saying: I am not the Messiah. 21Who are you, then? they asked. Are you Elijah? No, I am not, John answered. Are you the Prophet? they asked. No, he replied. 22Then tell us who you are, they said. We have to take an answer back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself 23John answered by quoting the prophet Isaiah: I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert: Make a straight path for the Lord to travel! 24The messengers, who had been sent by the Pharisees, 25then asked John, If you are not the Messiah nor Elijah nor the Prophet, why do you baptize? 26John answered, I baptize with water, but among you stands the one you do not know. 27He is coming after me, but I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. 28All this happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. 29The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I was talking about when I said, A man is coming after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born. 31I did not know who he would be, but I came baptizing with water in order to make him known to the people of Israel. 32And John gave this testimony: I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and stay on him. 33I still did not know that he was the one, but God, who sent me to baptize with water, had said to me, You will see the Spirit come down and stay on a man; he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 34I have seen it, said John, and I tell you that he is the Son of God. 35The next day John was standing there again with two of his disciples, 36when he saw Jesus walking by. There is the Lamb of God! he said. 37The two disciples heard him say this and went with Jesus. 38Jesus turned, saw them following him, and asked, What are you looking for? They answered, Where do you live, Rabbi? (This word means Teacher.) 39Come and see, he answered. (It was then about four o'clock in the afternoon.) So they went with him and saw where he lived, and spent the rest of that day with him. 40One of them was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41At once he found his brother Simon and told him, We have found the Messiah. (This word means Christ.) 42Then he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, Your name is Simon son of John, but you will be called Cephas. (This is the same as Peter and means a rock.) 43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, Come with me! ( 44Philip was from Bethsaida, the town where Andrew and Peter lived.) 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, We have found the one whom Moses wrote about in the book of the Law and whom the prophets also wrote about. He is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth. 46Can anything good come from Nazareth? Nathanael asked. Come and see, answered Philip. 47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, he said about him, Here is a real Israelite; there is nothing false in him! 48Nathanael asked him, How do you know me? Jesus answered, I saw you when you were under the fig tree before Philip called you. 49Teacher, answered Nathanael, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! 50Jesus said, Do you believe just because I told you I saw you when you were under the fig tree? You will see much greater things than this! 51And he said to them, I am telling you the truth: you will see heaven open and God's angels going up and coming down on the Son of Man.

Reflect

What names and titles for Jesus are suggested in this passage? What makes each of these names and titles important? Why do you think John felt so strongly about Jesus' identity? Why did Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael decide to follow Jesus? Why have you decided to follow Jesus?

Pray

Teacher Jesus, like Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael, I want to follow you. Show me your way, that I may experience your grace and love. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Teachers

pk

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John 5:1-30(Good News Translation)

Monday

December 28, 2009

Called to be Free to Spread Tidings of Joy

Introduction

John 5:1-30: In today's passage, Jesus heals a sick man, then tells him to pick up his mat and walk. Jewish leaders criticize the man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath. Soon they start making trouble for Jesus because he does things that are considered work on the Sabbath. But Jesus says he is acting on God's authority rather than his own.

Today's Scripture: John 5:26

Just as the Father is himself the source of life, in the same way he has made his Son to be the source of life.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1After this, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a religious festival. 2Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha. 3A large crowd of sick people were lying on the porches—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. 5A man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been sick for such a long time; so he asked him, Do you want to get well? 7The sick man answered, Sir, I don't have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am trying to get in, somebody else gets there first. 8Jesus said to him, Get up, pick up your mat, and walk. 9Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking. The day this happened was a Sabbath, 10so the Jewish authorities told the man who had been healed, This is a Sabbath, and it is against our Law for you to carry your mat. 11He answered, The man who made me well told me to pick up my mat and walk. 12They asked him, Who is the man who told you to do this? 13But the man who had been healed did not know who Jesus was, for there was a crowd in that place, and Jesus had slipped away. 14Afterward, Jesus found him in the Temple and said, Listen, you are well now; so stop sinning or something worse may happen to you. 15Then the man left and told the Jewish authorities that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16So they began to persecute Jesus, because he had done this healing on a Sabbath. 17Jesus answered them, My Father is always working, and I too must work. 18This saying made the Jewish authorities all the more determined to kill him; not only had he broken the Sabbath law, but he had said that God was his own Father and in this way had made himself equal with God. 19So Jesus answered them, I tell you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. 20For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. He will show him even greater things to do than this, and you will all be amazed. 21Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, in the same way the Son gives life to those he wants to. 22Nor does the Father himself judge anyone. He has given his Son the full right to judge, 23so that all will honor the Son in the same way as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life. They will not be judged, but have already passed from death to life. 25I am telling you the truth: the time is coming—the time has already come—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will come to life. 26Just as the Father is himself the source of life, in the same way he has made his Son to be the source of life. 27And he has given the Son the right to judge, because he is the Son of Man. 28Do not be surprised at this; the time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice 29and come out of their graves: those who have done good will rise and live, and those who have done evil will rise and be condemned. 30I can do nothing on my own authority; I judge only as God tells me, so my judgment is right, because I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants.

Reflect

In John's Gospel, Jesus often refers to God as his Father (3:35; 5:17, 20-30; 11:41; 15:1, 15-16; 16:10; 17:1, 21, 24-25). For Jesus to call God his Father was to claim a special relationship with God and to act with authority in relation to God's people. Since the Jewish leaders believed no human being could be equal with God, they thought Jesus was dishonoring the Law of Moses by saying God was his Father (5:18). Do you think it was legitimate for the Jewish leaders to respond to Jesus the way they did? What do you think it would have taken for them to understand who Jesus was? Why do we sometimes fail to recognize God in our midst?

Pray

Holy One, you surround my life with your love. Open my eyes that I may recognize your transformative presence throughout my life and respond with faithful obedience. Amen.

Prayer Concern

All who are sick

pk

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Hebrews 1: 1-14(Good News Translation)

Tuesday

December 29, 2009

Called to be Free to Spread Tidings of Joy

Introduction

Hebrews 1: 1-14: Today we begin reading from the book of Hebrews. Hebrews is a teaching sermon that is designed to use Jewish scriptures and ideas from Greek culture and philosophy to help explain what the new Christian faith is all about. Today's passage explains that the ancient prophets spoke God's message to his people, but now God has sent Jesus to tell God's message, achieve forgiveness for humanity's sins, and rule as King forever.

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 1:3a

He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. 3He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power. 4The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. 5For God never said to any of his angels, You are my Son; today I have become your Father.

Nor did God say about any angel, I will be his Father, and he will be my Son. 6But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said, All of God's angels must worship him. 7But about the angels God said, God makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire. 8About the Son, however, God said: Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever! You rule over your people with justice. 9You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has given you the joy of an honor far greater than he gave to your companions. 10He also said, You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth, and with your own hands you made the heavens. 11They will disappear, but you will remain; they will all wear out like clothes. 12You will fold them up like a coat, and they will be changed like clothes. But you are always the same, and your life never ends. 13God never said to any of his angels: Sit here at my right side until I put your enemies as a footstool under your feet. 14What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.

Reflect

Today's passage speaks of Jesus "achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings," a reference to Christ as the High Priest (a theme that is treated extensively in Hebrews 9:11-10:18) and that he is in heaven, sitting "at the right side of God," a traditional way of referring to the glorified Christ (see Psalm 110:1; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). God has placed Jesus over all things, including the angels (verse 4). What does the reference to Jesus as High Priest mean to you? Verses 5-13 include a number of references to Old Testament passages. How do these passages describe the Messiah? How do they indicate that Jesus is superior to the angels and to all of creation?

Pray

King Jesus, forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live by your Word. Forgive my sins, and fill me with life anew, that I may become your faithful servant. Amen.

Prayer Concern

All of creation

See God's Word at work in lives today

pk

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Hebrews 3:1-19(Good News Translation)

Thursday

December 31, 2009

Called to be Free to Spread Tidings of Joy

Introduction

Hebrews 3:1-19: The author explains that Jesus is greater than Moses, saying that while Moses was a faithful servant and spoke to God's people, Christ is in charge of God's people. Then the author offers a warning about rebelling against God and a reminder to remain faithful in order to enter the place of rest.

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 3:14

For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1My Christian friends, who also have been called by God! Think of Jesus, whom God sent to be the High Priest of the faith we profess. 2He was faithful to God, who chose him to do this work, just as Moses was faithful in his work in God's house. 3A man who builds a house receives more honor than the house itself. In the same way Jesus is worthy of much greater honor than Moses. 4Every house, of course, is built by someone—and God is the one who has built all things. 5Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future. 6But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for. 7So then, as the Holy Spirit says, If you hear God's voice today, 8do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God, as they were that day in the desert when they put him to the test. 9There they put me to the test and tried me, says God, although they had seen what I did for forty years. 10And so I was angry with those people and said, They are always disloyal and refuse to obey my commands. 11I was angry and made a solemn promise: They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest! 12My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God. 13Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word Today in the scripture applies to us. 14For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. 15This is what the scripture says: If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God. 16Who were the people who heard God's voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. 17With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. 18When God made his solemn promise, They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. 19We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.

Reflect

The Israelite people who left Egypt were headed for Canaan, where they hoped to make their home in a land of plenty and peace. But the generation of Israelites that disobeyed God in the desert were not allowed to enter this place of rest. God has provided a place of rest in heaven where those who have faith in Christ will live with God forever. How do you imagine this place of rest?

Pray

Lord Jesus, on the eve of a new year, I am reminded of the many ways in which I find my rest in you. Thank you for your love and grace. Make me your faithful servant until I find eternal rest. In your holy name I pray, Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those in hospice care

pk

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Hebrews 2:1-18(Good News Translation)

Wednesday

December 30, 2009

Called to be Free to Spread Tidings of Joy

Introduction

Hebrews 2:1-18: In today's passage, the author advises followers to pay full attention to God's message and explains that Jesus' way of saving God's people is greater than Moses' way. The author says that Jesus came to serve God as a faithful high priest and to sacrifice himself to forgive sins. Moses was a faithful servant, but Christ is God's Son, and now God has put him in charge of God's people.

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 2:10

It was only right that God, who creates and preserves all things, should make Jesus perfect through suffering, in order to bring many children to share his glory. For Jesus is the one who leads them to salvation.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1That is why we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away. 2The message given to our ancestors by the angels was shown to be true, and those who did not follow it or obey it received the punishment they deserved. 3How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true. 4At the same time God added his witness to theirs by performing all kinds of miracles and wonders and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will. 5God has not placed the angels as rulers over the new world to come—the world of which we speak. 6Instead, as it is said somewhere in the Scriptures: What are human beings, O God, that you should think of them; mere human beings, that you should care for them? 7You made them for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor, 8and made them rulers over all things. 9But we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, so that through God's grace he should die for everyone. We see him now crowned with glory and honor because of the death he suffered. 10It was only right that God, who creates and preserves all things, should make Jesus perfect through suffering, in order to bring many children to share his glory. For Jesus is the one who leads them to salvation. 11He purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his family. 12He says to God, I will tell my people what you have done; I will praise you in their meeting. 13He also says, I will put my trust in God. And he also says, Here I am with the children that God has given me. 14Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, 15and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. 16For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. 17This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. 18And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

Reflect

Reread 2:5-9. The word "angel" in English is based on the Greek word angelos, which means "messenger." In the Bible, angels are beings in a special relationship with God who carry out God's will. They help God's people until the time that God's rule becomes complete and everlasting. The author of Hebrews states that God's Son was also a messenger, but that, because of his special relationship to God, he is much greater than any angel. What do you think of when you imagine angels?

Pray

Lord, thank you for the messengers that illuminate your word for our time. Open my heart and mind to those who wish to share your good news with me in new ways, that I may experience your love anew. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Biblical scholars

pk

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Colossians 1:1-23(Good News Translation)

Friday

January 1, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Colossians 1:1-23: Today we begin Paul's letter to the people in Colossae. He greets them and gives thanks to God for all the good things he keeps hearing about the Colossian Christians. He prays that they will honor the Lord and stay deeply rooted in their faith in Christ. Verses 15-20 are probably an early Christian hymn that describes who Jesus is and what he has done.

Today's Scripture: Colossians 1:12

With joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy— 2To God's people in Colossae, who are our faithful friends in union with Christ: May God our Father give you grace and peace. 3We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. 4For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all God's people. 5When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven. 6The gospel keeps bringing blessings and is spreading throughout the world, just as it has among you ever since the day you first heard about the grace of God and came to know it as it really is. 7You learned of God's grace from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is Christ's faithful worker on our behalf. 8He has told us of the love that the Spirit has given you. 9For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. 10Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God. 11-12May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. 13He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. 15Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things. 16For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. 17Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place. 18He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things. 19For it was by God's own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God. 20Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven. 21At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought. 22But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence. 23You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel. It is of this gospel that I, Paul, became a servant—this gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world.

Reflect

What does Paul pray for concerning the Colossians? What does it mean to "live as the Lord wants" (verse 10)? List the key points of the hymn in 1:15-1:20. Choose one point and consider what it means to you.

Pray

Holy and Loving God, make your communities of faith strong, that they may be able to endure their challenges with faith and patience. Help them to grow strong in their knowledge of you, that they may more fully experience the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer Concern

New churches

pk

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Colossians 1:24-2:5(Good News Translation)

Saturday

January 2, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Colossians 1:24-2:5: Paul says that God sent him to "fully proclaim his message" (1:25), in other words, to more broadly reveal the depth of God's grace. His goal is to help people to truly know and understand Christ, without being deceived by false arguments.

Today's Scripture: Colossians 1:27b

The secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

24And now I am happy about my sufferings for you, for by means of my physical sufferings I am helping to complete what still remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, the church. 25And I have been made a servant of the church by God, who gave me this task to perform for your good. It is the task of fully proclaiming his message, 26which is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his people. 27God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. 28So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God's presence as a mature individual in union with Christ. 29To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me. 1Let me tell you how hard I have worked for you and for the people in Laodicea and for all others who do not know me personally. 2I do this in order that they may be filled with courage and may be drawn together in love, and so have the full wealth of assurance which true understanding brings. In this way they will know God's secret, which is Christ himself. 3He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you, then, do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be. 5For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ.

Reflect

In today's passage, Paul talks about a secret that had been hidden but has now been revealed: the secret that "Christ is in you" (1:27). The author of Ephesians describes this mystery as God accepting the Gentiles and giving them a share of the same promise that was given to the Jewish people (Ephesians 3:3-6). What does this promise mean to you? How can you share it with others?

Pray

God of Promise, thank you for the presence and grace of Christ dwelling within me. Increase my understanding, not only of his peace and love, but also of his demands on my life, that I may live as a true disciple. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those seeking God's presence

pk

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Colossians 2:6-23(Good News Translation)

Sunday

January 3, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Colossians 2:6-23: Paul reminds the Colossians not to be fooled or misled by false teachers who were apparently trying to get them to follow certain rituals and observe certain feasts, or to worship the stars or angels. Paul claims that these false teachings no longer have control over the followers of Jesus.

Today's Scripture: Colossians 2:6

Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

6Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. 7Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. 8See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. 9For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity, 10and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority. 11In union with Christ you were circumcised, not with the circumcision that is made by human beings, but with the circumcision made by Christ, which consists of being freed from the power of this sinful self. 12For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ through your faith in the active power of God, who raised him from death. 13You were at one time spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were Gentiles without the Law. But God has now brought you to life with Christ. God forgave us all our sins; 14he canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross. 15And on that cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession. 16So let no one make rules about what you eat or drink or about holy days or the New Moon Festival or the Sabbath. 17All such things are only a shadow of things in the future; the reality is Christ. 18Do not allow yourselves to be condemned by anyone who claims to be superior because of special visions and who insists on false humility and the worship of angels. For no reason at all, such people are all puffed up by their human way of thinking 19and have stopped holding on to Christ, who is the head of the body. Under Christ's control the whole body is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God wants it to grow. 20You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as 21Don't handle this, Don't taste that, Don't touch the other? 22All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings. 23Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions.

Reflect

How is Paul's message different than the messages that others are trying to teach the Colossians? What messages in the world today pull people away from the new life that God offers in Christ Jesus? How do you deal with these messages in your own life?

Pray

God of Wisdom, it is easy to get distracted by messages and teachings that fail to acknowledge your love, grace, and will. Focus my mind on your word and your ways, that I may discern your wisdom in our world. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who struggle to stay focused on their faith

pk

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Colossians 3:1-17(Good News Translation)

Monday

January 4, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Colossians 3:1-17: The Colossians had been doing things that were opposed to the will of God and the new life that comes from Jesus. Paul encourages them to recognize what it means to be raised to new life with Christ, and to understand that this new life will affect the way they live together as God's people.

Today's Scripture: Colossians 3:4

Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. 2Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory! 5You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). 6Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them. 8But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. 9Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits 10and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself. 11As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all. 12You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. 15The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 16Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. 17Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.

Reflect

Verse 3:11 mentions several categories of people: Gentiles, Jews, those circumcised and not, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free. Barbarians could not speak Greek and were considered a lower class of society. One group of barbarians, the Scythians, were a people from the Caucasus region between the Black and Caspian Seas who often raided their southern neighbors, and who were known for their cruelty. What might have the Colossians thought about Paul saying there was no distinction between themselves and barbarians?

Pray

God of Welcome, I am quick to put up barriers between myself and those I dislike. Open my eyes and heart to see and receive all people with your love and grace. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those working to dismantle racism

pk

[phkrause]

Colossians 4:2-18(Good News Translation)

Tuesday

January 5, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Colossians 4:2-18: Paul tells the Colossians that they must pray continually, and tells them to pray for the spread of the Gospel message. He gives instruction for talking with those who don't believe in Christ. Then he explains that he will send his co-workers to share news about what has been happening to him. He also sends greetings from other followers who are with him and who the Colossian Christians know.

Today's Scripture: Colossians 4:2

Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

2Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. 3At the same time pray also for us, so that God will give us a good opportunity to preach his message about the secret of Christ. For that is why I am now in prison. 4Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear. 5Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. 6Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone. 7Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. 8That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. 9With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have already received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes your way.) 11Joshua, also called Justus, sends greetings too. These three are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a great help to me. 12Greetings from Epaphras, another member of your group and a servant of Christ Jesus. He always prays fervently for you, asking God to make you stand firm, as mature and fully convinced Christians, in complete obedience to God's will. 13I can personally testify to his hard work for you and for the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas send you their greetings. 15Give our best wishes to the believers in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you. 17And tell Archippus, Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord's service. 18With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul Do not forget my chains! May God's grace be with you.

Reflect

Read again what Paul has to say about spreading the message and explaining the mystery of Christ in 4:2-6. What advice does he give about how to treat unbelievers? Which of Paul's instructions might be most helpful to you when you share your faith with others?

Pray

Lord of Light, make me a light in the world, sharing your love and grace with those who most need it. Help me to be fully present in conversations that I have with others, that I may recognize and share what they need to hear. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Evangelists

pk

[phkrause]

Matthew 2:1-12(Good News Translation)

Wednesday

January 6, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Matthew 2:1-12: Today is Epiphany, the day when the Christian church celebrates the arrival of visitors from the East to meet the baby Jesus. When the visitors arrive, Herod gets upset and tries to trick them into revealing Jesus' location. They meet the baby, worship him, and give him gifts. Then they return home another way, without telling Herod where the baby is.

Today's Scripture: Matthew 2:11a

They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the time when Herod was king. Soon afterward, some men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem 2and asked, Where is the baby born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star when it came up in the east, and we have come to worship him. 3When King Herod heard about this, he was very upset, and so was everyone else in Jerusalem. 4He called together all the chief priests and the teachers of the Law and asked them, Where will the Messiah be born? 5In the town of Bethlehem in Judea, they answered. For this is what the prophet wrote: 6Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least of the leading cities of Judah; for from you will come a leader who will guide my people Israel. 7So Herod called the visitors from the East to a secret meeting and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem with these instructions: Go and make a careful search for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him. 9-10And so they left, and on their way they saw the same star they had seen in the East. When they saw it, how happy they were, what joy was theirs! It went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 11They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him. They brought out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and presented them to him. 12Then they returned to their country by another road, since God had warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod.

Reflect

These visitors, who are identified in Greek as magoi, may have been astrologers who came from a land to the east. Like others who studied the stars, they believed that when a great leader was about to be born, a new star would appear in the sky. How did these visitors react to the birth of Jesus? How have you reacted to the birth of Jesus this Christmas season?

Pray

Jesus, you come to us as a child, innocent, fragile and in need of care, and also as a king for all people. Through your life, I know God's grace. Thank you. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who care for children

See God's Word at work in lives today

pk

[phkrause]

Matthew 2:13-23(Good News Translation)

Thursday

January 7, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Matthew 2:13-23: An angel appears to Joseph in a dream telling him to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Joseph follows this command just in time; Herod orders that all boys under two years of age living in or near Bethlehem must be killed. Mothers around the region mourn. After Herod dies, an angel tells Joseph that the family can return, this time to Nazareth in Galilee.

Today's Scripture: Matthew 2:13b

"Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave."

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

13After they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, Herod will be looking for the child in order to kill him. So get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave. 14Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt, 15where he stayed until Herod died. This was done to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet, I called my Son out of Egypt. 16When Herod realized that the visitors from the East had tricked him, he was furious. He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its neighborhood who were two years old and younger—this was done in accordance with what he had learned from the visitors about the time when the star had appeared. 17In this way what the prophet Jeremiah had said came true: 18A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is crying for her children; she refuses to be comforted, for they are dead. 19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, Get up, take the child and his mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the child are dead. 21So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went back to Israel. 22But when Joseph heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. He was given more instructions in a dream, so he went to the province of Galilee 23and made his home in a town named Nazareth. And so what the prophets had said came true: He will be called a Nazarene.

Reflect

Think of ways in which people mistreat others because they want to hold on to power. Have there been times when you have misused power? Have you ever been mistreated by someone who wanted to hold onto power? If so, describe the situation.

Pray

Creator God, too many of your people suffer at the hands of those who are desperate for power. Bring justice to all people and nations so that valleys will be lifted up, mountains will be made low, and all will live in fairness and peace. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those living under unjust leaders

pk

[phkrause]

Luke 3:1-22(Good News Translation)

Friday

January 8, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Luke 3:1-22: John preaches in the desert, preparing people for the coming of God's chosen one, Jesus. He warns that people will be called to repent of their sins and to live justly. Later, Jesus is baptized by John. The Holy Spirit comes down on him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven calls him God's Son.

Today's Scripture: Luke 3:18

In many different ways John preached the Good News to the people and urged them to change their ways.

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1It was the fifteenth year of the rule of Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip was ruler of the territory of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias was ruler of Abilene, 2and Annas and Caiaphas were High Priests. At that time the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3So John went throughout the whole territory of the Jordan River, preaching, Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins. 4As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: Someone is shouting in the desert: Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel! 5Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain leveled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth. 6The whole human race will see God's salvation! 7Crowds of people came out to John to be baptized by him. You snakes! he said to them. Who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to send? 8Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. And don't start saying among yourselves that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! 9The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire. 10The people asked him, What are we to do, then? 11He answered, Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it. 12Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, Teacher, what are we to do? 13Don't collect more than is legal, he told them. 14Some soldiers also asked him, What about us? What are we to do? He said to them, Don't take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your pay. 15People's hopes began to rise, and they began to wonder whether John perhaps might be the Messiah. 16So John said to all of them, I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17He has his winnowing shovel with him, to thresh out all the grain and gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out. 18In many different ways John preached the Good News to the people and urged them to change their ways. 19But John reprimanded Governor Herod, because he had married Herodias, his brother's wife, and had done many other evil things. 20Then Herod did an even worse thing by putting John in prison. 21After all the people had been baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.

Reflect

Baptizing people with water symbolized the old way of life being washed away. John spoke very directly to the people who came to be baptized. What messages did he bring them? What things did he say that might have been upsetting to them? What makes it difficult to hear criticism? How can we use the constructive criticism from others to improve ourselves?

Pray

Lord, it can be so hard to have someone tell me the things I am doing wrong, even if they are speaking the truth. Help me receive and respond to the words I most need to hear. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those facing criticism at work

pk

[phkrause]

Luke 4:16-30(Good News Translation)

Saturday

January 9, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Luke 4:16-30: Led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus returns to Galilee to teach, work miracles, and choose his disciples. In today's passage, he runs into trouble with teachers of the Law of Moses. At the temple, he reads from the prophet Isaiah, and then says that the prophecy has come true. All the people are amazed. But then they become angry when they hear his concluding words.

Today's Scripture: Luke 4:18a

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor."

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

16Then Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath he went as usual to the synagogue. He stood up to read the Scriptures 17and was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written, 18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed 19and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people. 20Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. All the people in the synagogue had their eyes fixed on him, 21as he said to them, This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read. 22They were all well impressed with him and marveled at the eloquent words that he spoke. They said, Isn't he the son of Joseph? 23He said to them, I am sure that you will quote this proverb to me, Doctor, heal yourself. You will also tell me to do here in my hometown the same things you heard were done in Capernaum. 24I tell you this, Jesus added, prophets are never welcomed in their hometown. 25Listen to me: it is true that there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when there was no rain for three and a half years and a severe famine spread throughout the whole land. 26Yet Elijah was not sent to anyone in Israel, but only to a widow living in Zarephath in the territory of Sidon. 27And there were many people suffering from a dreaded skin disease who lived in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha; yet not one of them was healed, but only Naaman the Syrian. 28When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were filled with anger. 29They rose up, dragged Jesus out of town, and took him to the top of the hill on which their town was built. They meant to throw him over the cliff, 30but he walked through the middle of the crowd and went his way.

Reflect

Reread 4:18-19. What did Jesus mean when he said, "The time has come when the Lord will save his people"? How did the people of his hometown of Nazareth react to his announcement? What is your reaction to his announcement?

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to save your people. Open the hearts and minds of everyone, that we may hear and live your good news. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who are traveling

See God's Word at work in lives today

pk

[phkrause]

Yes I know what you mean dgrimm.

pk

[phkrause]

Luke 4:31-44(Good News Translation)

Sunday

January 10, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Luke 4:31-44: Jesus goes to Capernaum and teaches on the Sabbath. He speaks with power, and orders and evil spirit to leave a man. All are amazed, and word of his acts spreads. Jesus heals many people and casts out demons. Then he takes some time to be alone, and then goes to preach throughout Judea.

Today's Scripture: Luke 4:43

He said to them, "I must preach the Good News about the Kingdom of God in other towns also, because that is what God sent me to do."

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

31Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, where he taught the people on the Sabbath. 32They were all amazed at the way he taught, because he spoke with authority. 33In the synagogue was a man who had the spirit of an evil demon in him; he screamed out in a loud voice, 34Ah! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are: you are God's holy messenger! 35Jesus ordered the spirit, Be quiet and come out of the man! The demon threw the man down in front of them and went out of him without doing him any harm. 36The people were all amazed and said to one another, What kind of words are these? With authority and power this man gives orders to the evil spirits, and they come out! 37And the report about Jesus spread everywhere in that region. 38Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon's home. Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever, and they spoke to Jesus about her. 39He went and stood at her bedside and ordered the fever to leave her. The fever left her, and she got up at once and began to wait on them. 40After sunset all who had friends who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus; he placed his hands on every one of them and healed them all. 41Demons also went out from many people, screaming, You are the Son of God! Jesus gave the demons an order and would not let them speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. 42At daybreak Jesus left the town and went off to a lonely place. The people started looking for him, and when they found him, they tried to keep him from leaving. 43But he said to them, I must preach the Good News about the Kingdom of God in other towns also, because that is what God sent me to do. 44So he preached in the synagogues throughout the country.

Reflect

In today's passage, Jesus heals many people. In Jesus' time, people didn't understand how diseases spread, and many believed that demons caused illness. Why might Jesus' healings have brought hope to people? Are you in need of healing in your life? How?

Pray

Great Healer, bless all who are sick with your healing spirit. Let them know that you are present with them in their suffering, and that you promise to walk with them throughout their struggles. Amen.

Prayer Concern

All who are sick

pk

[phkrause]

Luke 5:1-16(Good News Translation)

Monday

January 11, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Luke 5:1-16: Jesus teaches people on the lakeshore. Then he gets into a boat and teaches from the water. After he teaches, he asks Simon to row into the middle of the lake and let the fishing nets down. To Simon's surprise, he and those with him catch so many fish that the nets rip apart! Simon is amazed and confesses his sin. James and John join them, and they leave their fishing equipment to follow Jesus. Then Jesus heals a man with leprosy, and word of his miracles spreads.

Today's Scripture: Luke 5:10b

Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will be catching people."

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1One day Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret while the people pushed their way up to him to listen to the word of God. 2He saw two boats pulled up on the beach; the fishermen had left them and were washing the nets. 3Jesus got into one of the boats—it belonged to Simon—and asked him to push off a little from the shore. Jesus sat in the boat and taught the crowd. 4When he finished speaking, he said to Simon, Push the boat out further to the deep water, and you and your partners let down your nets for a catch. 5Master, Simon answered, we worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the nets. 6They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets were about to break. 7So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so full of fish that the boats were about to sink. 8When Simon Peter saw what had happened, he fell on his knees before Jesus and said, Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man! 9He and the others with him were all amazed at the large number of fish they had caught. 10The same was true of Simon's partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus said to Simon, Don't be afraid; from now on you will be catching people. 11They pulled the boats up on the beach, left everything, and followed Jesus. 12Once Jesus was in a town where there was a man who was suffering from a dreaded skin disease. When he saw Jesus, he threw himself down and begged him, Sir, if you want to, you can make me clean! 13Jesus reached out and touched him. I do want to, he answered. Be clean! At once the disease left the man. 14Jesus ordered him, Don't tell anyone, but go straight to the priest and let him examine you; then to prove to everyone that you are cured, offer the sacrifice as Moses ordered. 15But the news about Jesus spread all the more widely, and crowds of people came to hear him and be healed from their diseases. 16But he would go away to lonely places, where he prayed.

Reflect

Reread 5:16. Why do you think Jesus would often "go away to lonely places, where he prayed"? Why can solitude be important for prayer? Where do you go to pray? Think about your prayer life in the last year. What could you do to make it more meaningful in the coming year?

Pray

Creator God, I come to you in prayer, bringing you praise, confessing my mistakes, seeking your healing, and giving you thanks. May my prayers create open space for conversation with you so that our relationship may deepen. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who struggle to pray

pk

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

SOME times I pray in the bath room

tmi.....

[phkrause]

Originally Posted By: dgrimm60

SOME times I pray in the bath room

tmi.....

pk

[Gail]

dgrimm, I thought that you live by yourself. Who is there to disturb you?

*puzzled*

[phkrause]

Luke 5:17-39(Good News Translation)

Tuesday

January 12, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Luke 5:17-39: Some Pharisees and experts in the Law of Moses come to listen to Jesus. Jesus heals a paralyzed man and forgives his sins. Everyone is amazed. Then Jesus calls a tax collector, Levi, to follow him. Levi hosts a dinner for Jesus, causing consternation among the Pharisees and teachers. Later, Jesus tells a parable about pouring new wine into used wineskins.

Today's Scripture: Luke 5:26b

They praised God, saying, "What marvelous things we have seen today!"

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

17One day when Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of the Law were sitting there who had come from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was present for Jesus to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a bed, and they tried to carry him into the house and put him in front of Jesus. 19Because of the crowd, however, they could find no way to take him in. So they carried him up on the roof, made an opening in the tiles, and let him down on his bed into the middle of the group in front of Jesus. 20When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, “Your sins are forgiven, my friend.” 21The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks such blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!” 22Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Why do you think such things? 23Is it easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? 24I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, pick up your bed, and go home!” 25At once the man got up in front of them all, took the bed he had been lying on, and went home, praising God. 26They were all completely amazed! Full of fear, they praised God, saying, “What marvelous things we have seen today!” 27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” 28Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. 29Then Levi had a big feast in his house for Jesus, and among the guests was a large number of tax collectors and other people. 30Some Pharisees and some teachers of the Law who belonged to their group complained to Jesus' disciples. “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and other outcasts?” they asked. 31Jesus answered them, People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 32I have not come to call respectable people to repent, but outcasts. 33Some people said to Jesus, “The disciples of John fast frequently and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but your disciples eat and drink.” 34Jesus answered, Do you think you can make the guests at a wedding party go without food as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course not! 35But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 36Jesus also told them this parable: You don't tear a piece off a new coat to patch up an old coat. If you do, you will have torn the new coat, and the piece of new cloth will not match the old. 37Nor do you pour new wine into used wineskins, because the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will pour out, and the skins will be ruined. 38Instead, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins! 39And you don't want new wine after drinking old wine. “The old is better,” you say.

Reflect

Reread 5:36-38. A patch made of new, unwashed cloth could shrink after being washed. If it had been used to patch a hole in an old garment, it could tear away and make a bigger hole. Similarly, when the juice from grapes becomes wine, gas is produced which can swell and stretch the fresh wineskins where it is being stored. If new wine was put into old skins that has become stiff, the skins could burst. What do you think Jesus meant when he told these stories?

Pray

Great Teacher, give me the wisdom and insight to understand your stories and parables. Illuminate your word for me that I may come to know you better. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Seminary students

pk

[phkrause]

Luke 7:1-17(Good News Translation)

Wednesday

January 13, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Luke 7:1-17: A Roman officer asks Jesus to heal his servant. This officer is unique in that he had built a synagogue for the Jewish people. When Jesus comes near to the officer's house, the officer responds in faith. Jesus is surprised and the officer's servant is healed.. Then Jesus raises the dead son of a widow. Everyone is amazed and the news of his healings spreads throughout the area.

Today's Scripture: Luke 7:16b

"A great prophet has appeared among us!" they said; "God has come to save his people!"

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1When Jesus had finished saying all these things to the people, he went to Capernaum. 2A Roman officer there had a servant who was very dear to him; the man was sick and about to die. 3When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his servant. 4They came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, This man really deserves your help. 5He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us. 6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the officer sent friends to tell him, Sir, don't trouble yourself. I do not deserve to have you come into my house, 7neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. 8I, too, am a man placed under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, “Go!” and he goes; I order that one, “Come!” and he comes; and I order my slave, “Do this!” and he does it. 9Jesus was surprised when he heard this; he turned around and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, I have never found faith like this, not even in Israel!” 10The messengers went back to the officer's house and found his servant well. 11Soon afterward Jesus went to a town named Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd. 12Just as he arrived at the gate of the town, a funeral procession was coming out. The dead man was the only son of a woman who was a widow, and a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart was filled with pity for her, and he said to her, “Don't cry.” 14Then he walked over and touched the coffin, and the men carrying it stopped. Jesus said, “Young man! Get up, I tell you!” 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16They all were filled with fear and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said; “God has come to save his people!” 17This news about Jesus went out through all the country and the surrounding territory.

Reflect

Today's passage includes a funeral procession. The Jewish people usually took a dead body to a tomb on the same day the person died. The family of a dead person often hired professional mourners for funerals. The family and other mourners would wail and beat on their chests or tear their clothes to show their sadness. How do you go about mourning the death of a loved one? Why is mourning important?

Pray

Lord God, be with all who are mourning the loss of loved ones today. Remind them of the eternal hope promised through Christ Jesus, and give them comfort in their time of grief. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one

See God's Word at work in lives today

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[phkrause]

Luke 7:18-35(Good News Translation)

Thursday

January 14, 2010

Embodying Hope and Celebrating our Unity in Christ Jesus

Introduction

Luke 7:18-35: John the Baptist sends two messengers to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. Jesus tells them to report to John that those who are faithful are experiencing the good news. Then Jesus tells the crowds that John is a prophet who should be obeyed. Yet the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law had refuse to be baptized by John.

Today's Scripture: Luke 7:23

Jesus said: "How happy are those who have no doubts about me!"

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

18When John's disciples told him about all these things, he called two of them 19and sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the one John said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20When they came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask if you are the one he said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?” 21At that very time Jesus healed many people from their sicknesses, diseases, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many blind people. 22He answered John's messengers, Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind can see, the lame can walk, those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases are made clean, the deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor. 23How happy are those who have no doubts about me! 24After John's messengers had left, Jesus began to speak about him to the crowds: When you went out to John in the desert, what did you expect to see? A blade of grass bending in the wind? 25What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in fancy clothes? People who dress like that and live in luxury are found in palaces! 26Tell me, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes indeed, but you saw much more than a prophet. 27For John is the one of whom the scripture says: “God said, I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.” 28I tell you, Jesus added, “John is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John.” 29All the people heard him; they and especially the tax collectors were the ones who had obeyed God's righteous demands and had been baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law rejected God's purpose for themselves and refused to be baptized by John. 31Jesus continued, Now to what can I compare the people of this day? What are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace. One group shouts to the other, “We played wedding music for you, but you wouldn't dance! We sang funeral songs, but you wouldn't cry!” 33John the Baptist came, and he fasted and drank no wine, and you said, “He has a demon in him!” 34The Son of Man came, and he ate and drank, and you said, “Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!” 35God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it.

Reflect

Reread 7:32-34. Jesus said that some of the Jewish people and their religious leaders were like quarreling children. He compares them to a group of children in which some wanted to play a joyful game, but others wanted to play a sad game. Jesus is saying that some leaders didn't agree with John's ways, because they were so strict. And they didn't like Jesus' ways because they weren't strict enough. Do people ever quarrel like this in religious communities today? How?

Pray

God of Relationships, too often our churches get bogged down in differences of opinion. Restore healing and unity in churches that struggle with conflict, that they may focus on your gospel. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Churches in conflict

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