Members phkrause Posted June 22, 2011 Author Members Posted June 22, 2011 June 21, 2011 Galatians 3:21—4:7 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Galatians 3:21—4:7: Paul argues that the Law was meant to teach people until they had faith. Now, through faith, Christ puts us right with God. Paul says that baptism gives a new identity in Christ that makes people equal, regardless of race, rank or gender, and that God has sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 3:26 It is through faith that all of you are God’s children in union with Christ Jesus. Today’s Reading 21 Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. 22 But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe. 23 But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. 24 And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. 25 Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. 26 It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. 27 You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. 28 So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. 1 But now to continue—the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything. 2 While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity. 4 But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law, 5 to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's children. 6 To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.” 7 So then, you are no longer a slave but a child. And since you are his child, God will give you all that he has for his children. Reflect In Bible times, people considered the heart to be the place where the human will was located. What does it mean for God to send Christ’s Spirit into human hearts? How is Christ’s Spirit a source of liberation? Does anything ever get in the way of your experiencing freedom in Christ? Pray God of freedom, release me from the doubts, brokenness and struggle that keep me from fully experiencing your love. Strengthen my faith that I may grow in wisdom, justice and mercy. Amen. Prayer Concern Those working for equality 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 June 23, 2011 Author Members Posted June 23, 2011 June 22, 2011 Galatians 5:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Galatians 5:1-26: Paul reminds the Galatians that Christ sets them free from the Law of Moses, but this freedom involves living a life guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps people of faith live as children of God rather than being controlled by worldly desires. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 5:16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and your will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. Today’s Reading 1 Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again. 2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, it means that Christ is of no use to you at all. 3 Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law. 4 Those of you who try to be put right with God by obeying the Law have cut yourselves off from Christ. You are outside God's grace. 5 As for us, our hope is that God will put us right with him; and this is what we wait for by the power of God's Spirit working through our faith. 6 For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love. 7 You were doing so well! Who made you stop obeying the truth? How did he persuade you? 8 It was not done by God, who calls you. 9 “It takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise,” as they say. 10 But I still feel confident about you. Our life in union with the Lord makes me confident that you will not take a different view and that whoever is upsetting you will be punished by God. 11 But as for me, my friends, if I continue to preach that circumcision is necessary, why am I still being persecuted? If that were true, then my preaching about the cross of Christ would cause no trouble. 12 I wish that the people who are upsetting you would go all the way; let them go on and castrate themselves! 13 As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 15 But if you act like wild animals, hurting and harming each other, then watch out, or you will completely destroy one another. 16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. 17 For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. 18 If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law. 19 What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; 20 in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; 21 they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. 25 The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. 26 We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another. Reflect What does Paul exhort the Galatians to do with their freedom? What kind of opportunities does it provide? What kind of risk comes with continuing to engage division within the community? What does he mean when he says, “It takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise” (5:9)? Pray Holy God, there are days when I fail to work for peace among your people. I choose division over wholeness and foster conflict over reconciliation. Forgive me. Make me an instrument of your peace, that I may be a messenger of your gospel. Amen. Prayer Concern Those experiencing conflict at work 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 June 23, 2011 Author Members Posted June 23, 2011 June 23, 2011 Galatians 6:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Galatians 6:1-18: Paul encourages the Galatians to support one another in faith, guiding those who have lost their way. He tells them that their rewards will be proportional to their work. Then he reminds them that the most important thing for followers of Christ is to repent and be made a new person in Christ. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 6:9 So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. Today’s Reading 1 My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. 2 Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are something when you really are nothing, you are only deceiving yourself. 4 You should each judge your own conduct. If it is good, then you can be proud of what you yourself have done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done. 5 For each of you have to carry your own load. 6 If you are being taught the Christian message, you should share all the good things you have with your teacher. 7 Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant. 8 If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life. 9 So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. 10 So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith. 11 See what big letters I make as I write to you now with my own hand! 12 The people who are trying to force you to be circumcised are the ones who want to show off and boast about external matters. They do it, however, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony. 14 As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world. 15 It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. 16 As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people! 17 To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus. 18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen. Reflect What does Paul mean when he says, “You will reap exactly what you plant” (6:7)? Think about your life a year from now. Think about your life five years from now. How might the decisions you make today affect your future? Pray Timeless God, make me mindful of the ways that I spend my time today, knowing that my actions today plant the seeds for the future. Bless my work, that it may reflect your love and bring you glory. Amen. Prayer Concern College 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 June 25, 2011 Author Members Posted June 25, 2011 June 24, 2011 Ephesians 1:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Ephesians 1:1-23: The apostle Paul greets the community and reminds them that they are welcome members of God’s family because God forgives their sins through Christ. He prays that the Holy Spirit will help the followers in Ephesus to be wise and understand what it means to know God, and reminds them that the power that raised Christ from death will be at work among those who believe. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 1:14 The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory! Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus— To God's people in Ephesus, who are faithful in their life in union with Christ Jesus: 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. 4 Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love 5 God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children—this was his pleasure and purpose. 6 Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! 7 For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, 8 which he gave to us in such large measure! In all his wisdom and insight 9 God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. 10 This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head. 11 All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. 12 Let us, then, who were the first to hope in Christ, praise God's glory! 13 And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. 14 The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory! 15 For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers 17 and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him. 18 I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, 19 and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength 20 which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 21 Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. 22 God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. 23 The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere. Reflect Sin occurs when people turn away from God and disobey God’s ways. Individuals can sin, as can groups of people: nations, companies, even churches. This is called corporate sin. What are some examples of corporate sin? What is the difference between corporate sin and individual sin? Pray Lord of Wisdom, help me recognize the ways in which I participate in sinful systems. Empower me to fight injustice and oppression in the many ways it is made manifest in this world. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Corrupt corporations 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 June 25, 2011 Author Members Posted June 25, 2011 June 25, 2011 Ephesians 2:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Ephesians 2:1-22: Paul says that once we were spiritually dead because of sin, but God’s abundant mercy and love brings us to new life in Christ. He says that Christ breaks down the walls that separate Jews and Gentiles, and that all who believe in Jesus are united in one body. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do. Today’s Reading 1 In the past you were spiritually dead because of your disobedience and sins. 2 At that time you followed the world's evil way; you obeyed the ruler of the spiritual powers in space, the spirit who now controls the people who disobey God. 3 Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger. 4 But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, 5 that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved. 6 In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. 7 He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. 8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. 10 God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do. 11 You Gentiles by birth—called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies)—remember what you were in the past. 12 At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. 13 But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For Christ himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people. With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies. 15 He abolished the Jewish Law with its commandments and rules, in order to create out of the two races one new people in union with himself, in this way making peace. 16 By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God. 17 So Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to all—to you Gentiles, who were far away from God, and to the Jews, who were near to him. 18 It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father. 19 So then, you Gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer; you are now citizens together with God's people and members of the family of God. 20 You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself. 21 He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. 22 In union with him you too are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through his Spirit. Reflect Reread verses 14-19. Some Jews interpreted the Law of Moses to mean that they should have no contact with Gentiles. How does Paul’s message contradict that belief? Who belongs to God’s family, according to Paul? How does someone become a part of God’s family? Pray Sovereign God, thank you for the ways in which you transcend our differences. Be present amid communities in conflict, that peace and reconciliation may replace turmoil and strife. Amen. Prayer Concern Communities engaged in interfaith dialogue 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 June 27, 2011 Author Members Posted June 27, 2011 June 26, 2011 Ephesians 3:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Ephesians 3:1-21: Paul says that Jesus called him specifically for the purpose of ministering to the Gentiles—people who are not Jewish. He says that the Holy Spirit reveals that all people can share in the promise that God first gave to the ancient Israelites because Christ’s love extends beyond human boundaries. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 3:16 I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves. Today’s Reading 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles, pray to God. 2 Surely you have heard that God in his grace has given me this work to do for your good. 3 God revealed his secret plan and made it known to me. (I have written briefly about this, 4 and if you will read what I have written, you can learn about my understanding of the secret of Christ.) 5 In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus. 7 I was made a servant of the gospel by God's special gift, which he gave me through the working of his power. 8 I am less than the least of all God's people; yet God gave me this privilege of taking to the Gentiles the Good News about the infinite riches of Christ, 9 and of making all people see how God's secret plan is to be put into effect. God, who is the Creator of all things, kept his secret hidden through all the past ages, 10 in order that at the present time, by means of the church, the angelic rulers and powers in the heavenly world might learn of his wisdom in all its different forms. 11 God did this according to his eternal purpose, which he achieved through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God's presence with all confidence. 13 I beg you, then, not to be discouraged because I am suffering for you; it is all for your benefit. 14 For this reason I fall on my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. 16 I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, 17 and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, 18 so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. 19 Yes, may you come to know his love—although it can never be fully known—and so be completely filled with the very nature of God. 20 To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: 21 to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen. Reflect Paul suggests that God waited to reveal the inclusion of the Gentiles because God reveals new things in God’s time. Are there still things that God has yet to reveal? Reread verse 20. In what ways do those words challenge your thinking about the power of God working in you? Pray God of great love, forgive me for the times when I fail to love as you love. Open my heart to the vast depth of your love for all people, that I may learn to love like you. Amen. Prayer Concern Disaster relief workers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted June 27, 2011 Author Members Posted June 27, 2011 June 27, 2011 Ephesians 4:1-16 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Ephesians 4:1-16: Paul encourages the followers of Christ to live in unity and to serve and strengthen the whole body of Christ, the Church, by using the special gifts the Holy Spirit has given them. He urges maturity among them, that they may grow strong in Christ. This strength comes through love and is made manifest through a commitment to truth. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 4:15 By speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. Today’s Reading 1 I urge you, then—I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. 2 Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. 3 Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all. 7 Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. 8 As the scripture says, “When he went up to the very heights, he took many captives with him; he gave gifts to people.” 9 Now, what does “he went up” mean? It means that first he came down to the lowest depths of the earth. 10 So the one who came down is the same one who went up, above and beyond the heavens, to fill the whole universe with his presence. 11 It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. 12 He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. 13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature. 14 Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. 16 Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love. Reflect In today’s passage, Paul gives seven different examples of how the followers of Christ are unified. What seven things do the people of God share? Choose one of these things and describe in your own words what it means. How have you seen this revealed in your faith community? Pray Holy Spirit, you equip the church to love, share, teach, and serve. May we use your gifts to strengthen your body, that we will be united by faith and be mature in our understandings of Christ. 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 June 28, 2011 Author Members Posted June 28, 2011 June 28, 2011 Ephesians 4:17-32 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Ephesians 4:17-32: Paul draws a distinction between the ways in which Christ’s followers lived before they knew him and after they experienced God’s grace. He says that they must give up their foolish ways and bad habits and instead live, by the help of the Holy Spirit, in ways that reflect God’s likeness. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 4:23, 24 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. Today’s Reading 17 In the Lord's name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18 and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. 19 They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint. 20 That was not what you learned about Christ! 21 You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. 25 No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ. 26 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. 27 Don't give the Devil a chance. 28 If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. 29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. 30 And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. 32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. Reflect Paul says that living without Christ is like living in the dark. What does “darkness” mean to you? List the things that are part of a Christian’s “old life” according to passage, and list the “rules” for the “new life.” What is the hardest thing about trying to live this new life? Pray Lord God, help me get rid of all my bitterness, passion, and anger. Release me from shouting, insults, and hateful feelings. Fill me with kindness and tender-heartedness, that I may forgive others as you have forgiven me. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who struggle with depression 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 June 30, 2011 Author Members Posted June 30, 2011 June 29, 2011 Ephesians 5:1-33 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Ephesians 5:1-33: Paul offers advice for relationships and for living as children of the light. He wants people to live by the Spirit and avoid being overcome by anger, unclean language, drunkenness, immorality and greed. Instead, they should live like they belong to the Lord. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. Today’s Reading 1 Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. 2 Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. 3 Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. 4 Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. 5 You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7 So have nothing at all to do with such people. 8 You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, 9 for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10 Try to learn what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the worthless things that people do, things that belong to the darkness. Instead, bring them out to the light. ( 12 It is really too shameful even to talk about the things they do in secret.) 13 And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed; 14 for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. 16 Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. 17 Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. 20 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father. 21 Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body. 24 And so wives must submit themselves completely to their husbands just as the church submits itself to Christ. 25 Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. 26 He did this to dedicate the church to God by his word, after making it clean by washing it in water, 27 in order to present the church to himself in all its beauty—pure and faultless, without spot or wrinkle or any other imperfection. 28 Men ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. ( 29 None of us ever hate our own bodies. Instead, we feed them, and take care of them, just as Christ does the church; 30 for we are members of his body.) 31 As the scripture says, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.” 32 There is a deep secret truth revealed in this scripture, which I understand as applying to Christ and the church. 33 But it also applies to you: every husband must love his wife as himself, and every wife must respect her husband. Reflect Reread verse 14. This phrase, “Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you,” bears some resemblance to Isaiah 26:19 and 60:1. Some form of this quotation may have been used as an early Christian hymn or in a baptism ceremony. What does this phrase mean to you? Pray Lord Jesus, too often I live in darkness and death. Wake me up, bring me to life, and shine your light on me. Infuse me with your Spirit, that I may praise you with all my heart. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling with substance abuse 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 June 30, 2011 Author Members Posted June 30, 2011 June 30, 2011 Ephesians 6:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Introduction Ephesians 6:1-24: Paul offers encouragement to help the Ephesians remain strong against what he calls “wicked spiritual forces” (6:12). He describes the armor of God that will help them guard against evil. Then he exhorts them to pray continually for one another. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 6:18b Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason, keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people. Today’s Reading 1 Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Respect your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise added: 3 “so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.” 4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction. 5 Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling; and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ. 6 Do this not only when they are watching you, because you want to gain their approval; but with all your heart do what God wants, as slaves of Christ. 7 Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do. 9 Masters, behave in the same way toward your slaves and stop using threats. Remember that you and your slaves belong to the same Master in heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard. 10 Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. 12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 13 So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. 14 So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, 15 and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. 16 At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. 17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 18 Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people. 19 And pray also for me, that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak, so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospel's secret. 20 For the sake of this gospel I am an ambassador, though now I am in prison. Pray that I may be bold in speaking about the gospel as I should. 21 Tychicus, our dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me, so that you may know how I am getting along. 22 That is why I am sending him to you—to tell you how all of us are getting along and to encourage you. 23 May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give to all Christians peace and love with faith. 24 May God's grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love. Reflect Reread verses 10-17. The writer uses militaristic imagery as he describes a spiritual armor that comes from God. How does this language either reflect or stand in contrast to Jesus’ call for peace and mercy? How can armor equip someone to “announce the Good News of peace” (6:15)? Pray God of peace, thank you for your protection. Give me the resources I need to stand against the injustices of the world with your truth, mercy and love. Amen. Prayer Concern Members of the armed forces 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 July 2, 2011 Author Members Posted July 2, 2011 July 1, 2011 Psalm 32 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Psalm 32: Today’s reading is a psalm of confession and forgiveness. The psalmist celebrates the happiness of those whom God forgives. 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 onto 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 for my sins, and show me the way I should go. I praise you and thank you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are acknowledging their sins and seeking 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 July 2, 2011 Author Members Posted July 2, 2011 July 2, 2011 Psalm 103 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Psalm 103: Today’s psalm offers thanksgiving for God’s many gifts: forgiveness, healing, mercy, love, justice, kindness, patience and more. God’s expansive love is greater than the distance between heaven and earth. God relates to people like a loving parent, recognizing the frailty of humanity, and offering grace and mercy. All are called to praise the Lord! Today’s Scripture: Psalm 103:2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. Today’s Reading 1 Praise the LORD, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. 5 He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle. 6 The LORD judges in favor of the oppressed and gives them their rights. 7 He revealed his plans to Moses and let the people of Israel see his mighty deeds. 8 The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love. 9 He does not keep on rebuking; he is not angry forever. 10 He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs. 11 As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us. 13 As a father is kind to his children, so the LORD is kind to those who honor him. 14 He knows what we are made of; he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for us, our life is like grass. We grow and flourish like a wild flower; 16 then the wind blows on it, and it is gone— no one sees it again. 17 But for those who honor the LORD, his love lasts forever, and his goodness endures for all generations 18 of those who are true to his covenant and who faithfully obey his commands. 19 The LORD placed his throne in heaven; he is king over all. 20 Praise the LORD, you strong and mighty angels, who obey his commands, who listen to what he says. 21 Praise the LORD, all you heavenly powers, you servants of his, who do his will! 22 Praise the LORD, all his creatures in all the places he rules. Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD, my soul! Reflect Reflect on the many ways God has blessed you. How have you experienced God’s forgiveness? God’s healing? God’s mercy? God’s love? God’s justice? God’s kindness? God’s patience? What verses in this psalm speak to your experiences? Pray With all my heart, I praise you, O Lord! I will never forget how kind you have been to me. Thank you for the many blessings you have shown me. Make me ever mindful of your gifts so that I may celebrate and share them with others. Amen. Prayer Concern The unemployed Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 4, 2011 Author Members Posted July 4, 2011 July 3, 2011 Genesis 32:1-32 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 32:1-32: In today’s passage, Jacob gets ready to meet his brother Esau after years of estrangement. He sends gifts of goats, sheep, camels, cattle and donkeys ahead of him in the hopes that they will appease Esau. The night before they meet, Jacob wrestles with an angel. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 32:28 The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.” Today’s Reading 1 As Jacob went on his way, some angels met him. 2 When he saw them, he said, “This is God's camp”; so he named the place Mahanaim. 3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the country of Edom. 4 He instructed them to say: “I, Jacob, your obedient servant, report to my master Esau that I have been staying with Laban and that I have delayed my return until now. 5 I own cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and slaves. I am sending you word, sir, in the hope of gaining your favor. ” 6 When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you. He has four hundred men with him.” 7 Jacob was frightened and worried. He divided into two groups the people who were with him, and also his sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. 8 He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks the first group, the other may be able to escape.” 9 Then Jacob prayed, “God of my grandfather Abraham and God of my father Isaac, hear me! You told me, LORD, to go back to my land and to my relatives, and you would make everything go well for me. 10 I am not worth all the kindness and faithfulness that you have shown me, your servant. I crossed the Jordan with nothing but a walking stick, and now I have come back with these two groups. 11 Save me, I pray, from my brother Esau. I am afraid—afraid that he is coming to attack us and destroy us all, even the women and children. 12 Remember that you promised to make everything go well for me and to give me more descendants than anyone could count, as many as the grains of sand along the seashore. ” 13-15 After spending the night there, Jacob chose from his livestock as a present for his brother Esau: 200 female goats and 20 males, 200 female sheep and 20 males, 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows and 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys and 10 males. 16 He divided them into herds and put one of his servants in charge of each herd. He said to them, “Go ahead of me, and leave a space between each herd and the one behind it.” 17 He ordered the first servant, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, “Who is your master? Where are you going? Who owns these animals in front of you?” 18 you must answer, “They belong to your servant Jacob. He sends them as a present to his master Esau. Jacob himself is right behind us.” ” 19 He gave the same order to the second, the third, and to all the others who were in charge of the herds: “This is what you must say to Esau when you meet him. 20 You must say, “Yes, your servant Jacob is right behind us.” ” Jacob was thinking, “I will win him over with the gifts, and when I meet him, perhaps he will forgive me.” 21 He sent the gifts on ahead of him and spent that night in camp. 22 That same night Jacob got up, took his two wives, his two concubines, and his eleven children, and crossed the Jabbok River. 23 After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, 24 but he stayed behind, alone. Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he was not winning the struggle, he hit Jacob on the hip, and it was thrown out of joint. 26 The man said, “Let me go; daylight is coming.” “I won't, unless you bless me,” Jacob answered. 27 “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he answered. 28 The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.” 29 Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.” But he answered, “Why do you want to know my name?” Then he blessed Jacob. 30 Jacob said, “I have seen God face-to-face, and I am still alive”; so he named the place Peniel. 31 The sun rose as Jacob was leaving Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Even today the descendants of Israel do not eat the muscle which is on the hip joint, because it was on this muscle that Jacob was hit. Reflect From the time they were in their mother’s womb, Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau, were rivals, so much so that Jacob even stole his father’s blessing from Esau. Now Jacob wants to make amends. How do you respond when someone who has wronged you wants to make amends? How does God respond when we seek forgiveness? Pray Lord, forgive me for the times when I have failed to repair my broken relationships. Strengthen my heart, that I may open myself to those with whom I am in conflict. Amen. Prayer Concern Broken relationships Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 4, 2011 Author Members Posted July 4, 2011 July 4, 2011 Genesis 33:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 33:1-20: Jacob meets Esau for a joyful reunion. He insists that Esau accept the gifts he has sent. Esau proposes that they travel to Edom together, but Jacob says that he prefers to remain with his children and flocks. Esau goes on to Edom, while Jacob stops in Succoth and later in Shechem. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 33:10 Jacob said, “No, please, if I have gained your favor, accept my gift. To see your face is for me like seeing the face of God, now that you have been so friendly with me.” Today’s Reading 1 Jacob saw Esau coming with his four hundred men, so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two concubines. 2 He put the concubines and their children first, then Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph at the rear. 3 Jacob went ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. 4 But Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. They were both crying. 5 When Esau looked around and saw the women and the children, he asked, “Who are these people with you?” “These, sir, are the children whom God has been good enough to give me,” Jacob answered. 6 Then the concubines came up with their children and bowed down; 7 then Leah and her children came, and last of all Joseph and Rachel came and bowed down. 8 Esau asked, “What about that other group I met? What did that mean?” Jacob answered, “It was to gain your favor.” 9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have.” 10 Jacob said, “No, please, if I have gained your favor, accept my gift. To see your face is for me like seeing the face of God, now that you have been so friendly to me. 11 Please accept this gift which I have brought for you; God has been kind to me and given me everything I need. ” Jacob kept on urging him until he accepted. 12 Esau said, “Let's get ready and leave. I will go ahead of you.” 13 Jacob answered, “You know that the children are weak, and I must think of the sheep and livestock with their young. If they are driven hard for even one day, the whole herd will die. 14 Please go on ahead of me, and I will follow slowly, going as fast as I can with the livestock and the children until I catch up with you in Edom. ” 15 Esau said, “Then let me leave some of my men with you.” But Jacob answered, “There is no need for that for I only want to gain your favor.” 16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Edom. 17 But Jacob went to Sukkoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was named Sukkoth. 18 On his return from Mesopotamia Jacob arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan and set up his camp in a field near the city. 19 He bought that part of the field from the descendants of Hamor father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of silver. 20 He put up an altar there and named it for El, the God of Israel. Reflect Re-read verse 11. In Hebrew, the word for “gift” can also mean “blessing.” This may be Jacob’s attempt to return at least a part of the blessing he stole from his brother (Genesis 27:1-41). Why do you think it took so long for Esau to accept the gifts? How do you respond when you are given a gift? Pray Welcoming God, just as Esau welcomed Jacob, you welcome us even when we have sinned. Make me ever mindful of your generous love, that I may deepen in faith and share your love with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Families planning reunions 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 July 5, 2011 Author Members Posted July 5, 2011 July 5, 2011 Genesis 41:1-36 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 41:1-36: The king of Egypt has disturbing dreams. His magicians and wise men don’t know what they mean, so he calls on Joseph to interpret them. Joseph says that God is showing that Egypt will have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:25 Joseph said to the king, “The two dreams mean the same thing; God has told you what he is going to do.” Today’s Reading 1 After two years had passed, the king of Egypt dreamed that he was standing by the Nile River, 2 when seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the river and began to feed on the grass. 3 Then seven other cows came up; they were thin and bony. They came and stood by the other cows on the riverbank, 4 and the thin cows ate up the fat cows. Then the king woke up. 5 He fell asleep again and had another dream. Seven heads of grain, full and ripe, were growing on one stalk. 6 Then seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the desert wind, 7 and the thin heads of grain swallowed the full ones. The king woke up and realized that he had been dreaming. 8 In the morning he was worried, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. He told them his dreams, but no one could explain them to him. 9 Then the wine steward said to the king, “I must confess today that I have done wrong. 10 You were angry with the chief baker and me, and you put us in prison in the house of the captain of the guard. 11 One night each of us had a dream, and the dreams had different meanings. 12 A young Hebrew was there with us, a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us. 13 Things turned out just as he said: you restored me to my position, but you executed the baker. ” 14 The king sent for Joseph, and he was immediately brought from the prison. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came into the king's presence. 15 The king said to him, “I have had a dream, and no one can explain it. I have been told that you can interpret dreams.” 16 Joseph answered, “I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation.” 17 The king said, “I dreamed that I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18 when seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the river and began feeding on the grass. 19 Then seven other cows came up which were thin and bony. They were the poorest cows I have ever seen anywhere in Egypt. 20 The thin cows ate up the fat ones, 21 but no one would have known it, because they looked just as bad as before. Then I woke up. 22 I also dreamed that I saw seven heads of grain which were full and ripe, growing on one stalk. 23 Then seven heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the desert wind, 24 and the thin heads of grain swallowed the full ones. I told the dreams to the magicians, but none of them could explain them to me. ” 25 Joseph said to the king, “The two dreams mean the same thing; God has told you what he is going to do. 26 The seven fat cows are seven years, and the seven full heads of grain are also seven years; they have the same meaning. 27 The seven thin cows which came up later and the seven thin heads of grain scorched by the desert wind are seven years of famine. 28 It is just as I told you—God has shown you what he is going to do. 29 There will be seven years of great plenty in all the land of Egypt. 30 After that, there will be seven years of famine, and all the good years will be forgotten, because the famine will ruin the country. 31 The time of plenty will be entirely forgotten, because the famine which follows will be so terrible. 32 The repetition of your dream means that the matter is fixed by God and that he will make it happen in the near future. 33 Now you should choose some man with wisdom and insight and put him in charge of the country. 34 You must also appoint other officials and take a fifth of the crops during the seven years of plenty. 35 Order them to collect all the food during the good years that are coming, and give them authority to store up grain in the cities and guard it. 36 The food will be a reserve supply for the country during the seven years of famine which are going to come on Egypt. In this way the people will not starve. ” Reflect The king had advisors who practiced magic and tried to read future events by looking at how light reflected off liquids in a cup (Genesis 44:5, 15). The wise men may have been priests who tried to get messages from unseen powers. Re-read verse 16. What did Joseph’s response to the king tell him about Joseph’s God? Pray Wise and loving God, forgive me for times when I have relied on superstition or magical thinking rather than putting my trust in you. Deepen my faith, that I may follow your guidance in all aspects of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Pastoral counselors 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 July 7, 2011 Author Members Posted July 7, 2011 Today's Bible Reading July 6, 2011 Genesis 41:37-57 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 41:37-57: Joseph is made governor over Egypt so that he can oversee the collection and storage of extra grain before the famine. The king gives him symbols of royal authority. He collects and stores an abundance of grain. When the famine comes, he opens the storehouses and sells the grain. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:39 The king said to Joseph, “God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else.” Today’s Reading 37 The king and his officials approved this plan, 38 and he said to them, “We will never find a better man than Joseph, a man who has God's spirit in him.” 39 The king said to Joseph, “God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. 40 I will put you in charge of my country, and all my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine. 41 I now appoint you governor over all Egypt. ” 42 The king removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph's finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43 He gave him the second royal chariot to ride in, and his guard of honor went ahead of him and cried out, “Make way! Make way!” And so Joseph was appointed governor over all Egypt. 44 The king said to him, “I am the king—and no one in all Egypt shall so much as lift a hand or a foot without your permission.” 45-46 He gave Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphenath Paneah, and he gave him a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the city of Heliopolis. Joseph was thirty years old when he began to serve the king of Egypt. He left the king's court and traveled all over the land. 47 During the seven years of plenty the land produced abundant crops, 48 all of which Joseph collected and stored in the cities. In each city he stored the food from the fields around it. 49 There was so much grain that Joseph stopped measuring it—it was like the sand of the sea. 50 Before the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons by Asenath. 51 He said, “God has made me forget all my sufferings and all my father's family”; so he named his first son Manasseh. 52 He also said, “God has given me children in the land of my trouble”; so he named his second son Ephraim. 53 The seven years of plenty that the land of Egypt had enjoyed came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every other country, but there was food throughout Egypt. 55 When the Egyptians began to be hungry, they cried out to the king for food. So he ordered them to go to Joseph and do what he told them. 56 The famine grew worse and spread over the whole country, so Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. 57 People came to Egypt from all over the world to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere. Reflect Re-read verse 45. The ceremony of making Joseph an Egyptian official ended with his receiving an Egyptian name that may mean, “God speaks, he lives” or “Sustainer of life.” Though the king used Joseph to serve his political purposes, he did not realize that Joseph’s promotion was part of God’s greater plan (Genesis 45:5-8; 50:19-20). How does God act through people and political situations today? Pray Gracious God, you enter into human history time and time again. Open our awareness of your presence here and now, that we may see and know your grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Countries threatened by famine 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 July 7, 2011 Author Members Posted July 7, 2011 July 7, 2011 Genesis 42:1-38 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 42:1-38: Jacob sends his sons to buy grain. When they go to Joseph, they don’t recognize him, but he knows them. He accuses them of being spies in order to gain leverage and get information about his family. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 42:6 Joseph, as governor of the land of Egypt, was selling grain to people from all over the world. So Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. Today’s Reading 1 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why don't you do something? 2 I hear that there is grain in Egypt; go there and buy some to keep us from starving to death. ” 3 So Joseph's ten half brothers went to buy grain in Egypt, 4 but Jacob did not send Joseph's full brother Benjamin with them, because he was afraid that something might happen to him. 5 The sons of Jacob came with others to buy grain, because there was famine in the land of Canaan. 6 Joseph, as governor of the land of Egypt, was selling grain to people from all over the world. So Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. 7 When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he acted as if he did not know them. He asked them harshly, “Where do you come from?” “We have come from Canaan to buy food,” they answered. 8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. 9 He remembered the dreams he had dreamed about them and said, “You are spies; you have come to find out where our country is weak.” 10 “No, sir,” they answered. “We have come as your slaves, to buy food. 11 We are all brothers. We are not spies, sir, we are honest men. ” 12 Joseph said to them, “No! You have come to find out where our country is weak.” 13 They said, “We were twelve brothers in all, sir, sons of the same man in the land of Canaan. One brother is dead, and the youngest is now with our father.” 14 “It is just as I said,” Joseph answered. “You are spies. 15 This is how you will be tested: I swear by the name of the king that you will never leave unless your youngest brother comes here. 16 One of you must go and get him. The rest of you will be kept under guard until the truth of what you say can be tested. Otherwise, as sure as the king lives, you are spies. ” 17 With that, he put them in prison for three days. 18 On the third day Joseph said to them, “I am a God-fearing man, and I will spare your lives on one condition. 19 To prove that you are honest, one of you will stay in the prison where you have been kept; the rest of you may go and take back to your starving families the grain that you have bought. 20 Then you must bring your youngest brother to me. This will prove that you have been telling the truth, and I will not put you to death. ” They agreed to this 21 and said to one another, “Yes, now we are suffering the consequences of what we did to our brother; we saw the great trouble he was in when he begged for help, but we would not listen. That is why we are in this trouble now.” 22 Reuben said, “I told you not to harm the boy, but you wouldn't listen. And now we are being paid back for his death.” 23 Joseph understood what they said, but they did not know it, because they had been speaking to him through an interpreter. 24 Joseph left them and began to cry. When he was able to speak again, he came back, picked out Simeon, and had him tied up in front of them. 25 Joseph gave orders to fill his brothers' packs with grain, to put each man's money back in his sack, and to give them food for the trip. This was done. 26 The brothers loaded their donkeys with the grain they had bought, and then they left. 27 At the place where they spent the night, one of them opened his sack to feed his donkey and found his money at the top of the sack. 28 “My money has been returned to me,” he called to his brothers. “Here it is in my sack!” Their hearts sank, and in fear they asked one another, “What has God done to us?” 29 When they came to their father Jacob in Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them: 30 “The governor of Egypt spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying against his country. 31 “We are not spies,” we answered, ‘we are honest men. 32 We were twelve brothers in all, sons of the same father. One brother is dead, and the youngest is still in Canaan with our father. ’ 33 The man answered, ‘This is how I will find out if you are honest men: One of you will stay with me; the rest will take grain for your starving families and leave. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but honest men; I will give your brother back to you, and you can stay here and trade. ’ ” 35 Then when they emptied out their sacks, every one of them found his bag of money; and when they saw the money, they and their father Jacob were afraid. 36 Their father said to them, “Do you want to make me lose all my children? Joseph is gone; Simeon is gone; and now you want to take away Benjamin. I am the one who suffers!” 37 Reuben said to his father, “If I do not bring Benjamin back to you, you can kill my two sons. Put him in my care, and I will bring him back.” 38 But Jacob said, “My son cannot go with you; his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. Something might happen to him on the way. I am an old man, and the sorrow you would cause me would kill me.” Reflect The brothers believed God was directing what was happening to them, but they did not understand why. Have you ever had the experience of feeling God’s activity in your life, but not understanding how God is moving? How can you remain patient and faithful in that kind of situation? Pray Holy God, there are times when I don’t understand how you are working in my life. Bless me with patience and faith, that I may humbly seek your path even in difficult times. Amen. Prayer Concern Those discerning God’s will for their lives 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 July 8, 2011 Author Members Posted July 8, 2011 July 8, 2011 Genesis 43:1-34 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 43:1-34: The famine in Canaan gets worse, forcing Joseph’s brothers to return to Egypt. They bring Benjamin with them as Joseph had requested. They also bring gifts and money in the hopes that Joseph will be appeased. Joseph welcomes them with a feast, but still does not reveal his identity to his brothers. Joseph and Benjamin are the only sons of Jacob and Rachel, and when Joseph sees his brother, he is moved to tears. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 43:30 Then Joseph left suddenly, because his heart was full of tender feelings for his brother. He was about to break down, so he went to his room and cried. Today’s Reading 1 The famine in Canaan got worse, 2 and when the family of Jacob had eaten all the grain which had been brought from Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Go back and buy a little food for us.” 3 Judah said to him, “The man sternly warned us that we would not be admitted to his presence unless we had our brother with us. 4 If you are willing to send our brother with us, we will go and buy food for you. 5 If you are not willing, we will not go, because the man told us we would not be admitted to his presence unless our brother was with us. ” 6 Jacob said, “Why did you cause me so much trouble by telling the man that you had another brother?” 7 They answered, “The man kept asking about us and our family, “Is your father still living? Do you have another brother?” We had to answer his questions. How could we know that he would tell us to bring our brother with us? ” 8 Judah said to his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will leave at once. Then none of us will starve to death. 9 I will pledge my own life, and you can hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you safe and sound, I will always bear the blame. 10 If we had not waited so long, we could have been there and back twice by now. ” 11 Their father said to them, “If that is how it has to be, then take the best products of the land in your packs as a present for the governor: a little resin, a little honey, spices, pistachio nuts, and almonds. 12 Take with you also twice as much money, because you must take back the money that was returned in the top of your sacks. Maybe it was a mistake. 13 Take your brother and return at once. 14 May Almighty God cause the man to have pity on you, so that he will give Benjamin and your other brother back to you. As for me, if I must lose my children, I must lose them. ” 15 So the brothers took the gifts and twice as much money, and set out for Egypt with Benjamin. There they presented themselves to Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the servant in charge of his house, “Take these men to my house. They are going to eat with me at noon, so kill an animal and prepare it.” 17 The servant did as he was commanded and took the brothers to Joseph's house. 18 As they were being brought to the house, they were afraid and thought, “We are being brought here because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time. They will suddenly attack us, take our donkeys, and make us his slaves.” 19 So at the door of the house, they said to the servant in charge, 20 “If you please, sir, we came here once before to buy food. 21 When we set up camp on the way home, we opened our sacks, and each man found his money in the top of his sack—every bit of it. We have brought it back to you. 22 We have also brought some more money with us to buy more food. We do not know who put our money back in our sacks. ” 23 The servant said, “Don't worry. Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, must have put the money in your sacks for you. I received your payment.” Then he brought Simeon to them. 24 The servant took the brothers into the house. He gave them water so that they could wash their feet, and he fed their donkeys. 25 They got their gifts ready to present to Joseph when he arrived at noon, because they had been told that they were to eat with him. 26 When Joseph got home, they took the gifts into the house to him and bowed down to the ground before him. 27 He asked about their health and then said, “You told me about your old father—how is he? Is he still alive and well?” 28 They answered, “Your humble servant, our father, is still alive and well.” And they knelt and bowed down before him. 29 When Joseph saw his brother Benjamin, he said, “So this is your youngest brother, the one you told me about. God bless you, my son.” 30 Then Joseph left suddenly, because his heart was full of tender feelings for his brother. He was about to break down, so he went to his room and cried. 31 After he had washed his face, he came out, and controlling himself, he ordered the meal to be served. 32 Joseph was served at one table and his brothers at another. The Egyptians who were eating there were served separately, because they considered it beneath their dignity to eat with Hebrews. 33 The brothers had been seated at the table, facing Joseph, in the order of their age from the oldest to the youngest. When they saw how they had been seated, they looked at one another in amazement. 34 Food was served to them from Joseph's table, and Benjamin was served five times as much as the rest of them. So they ate and drank with Joseph until they were drunk. Reflect An important theme of the Joseph story is that God is at work directing events for the good of God’s chosen people. How did that theme emerge in today’s passage? How do you differentiate between God’s activity and human activity? How can God work through human activity? Pray Lord God, giver of life, your Holy Spirit moves in and through our lives. May I open myself to allow your Spirit to permeate every situation, trusting in your goodness and faithfulness. Amen. Prayer Concern Family members seeking reconciliation 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 July 9, 2011 Author Members Posted July 9, 2011 July 9, 2011 Genesis 44:1-34 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 44:1-34: Joseph plants a silver cup in Benjamin’s grain sack. Then he claims that one of the brothers stole his cup, and that brother must stay and become his slave. Judah pleads for Benjamin, telling the story of how his mother gave birth to two sons, one of whom has already gone missing. He asks that he be allowed to stay in Benjamin’s place so that his father’s heart won’t be broken. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 44:32 Judah said: “What is more, I pledged my life to my father for the boy. I told him that if I did not bring the boy back to him, I would bear the blame all my life.” Today’s Reading 1 Joseph commanded the servant in charge of his house, “Fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man's money in the top of his sack. 2 Put my silver cup in the top of the youngest brother's sack, together with the money for his grain. ” He did as he was told. 3 Early in the morning the brothers were sent on their way with their donkeys. 4 When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to the servant in charge of his house, “Hurry after those men. When you catch up with them, ask them, ‘Why have you paid back evil for good? 5 Why did you steal my master's silver cup? It is the one he drinks from, the one he uses for divination. You have committed a serious crime! ’ ” 6 When the servant caught up with them, he repeated these words. 7 They answered him, “What do you mean, sir, by talking like this? We swear that we have done no such thing. 8 You know that we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money we found in the top of our sacks. Why then should we steal silver or gold from your master's house? 9 Sir, if any one of us is found to have it, he will be put to death, and the rest of us will become your slaves. ” 10 He said, “I agree; but only the one who has taken the cup will become my slave, and the rest of you can go free.” 11 So they quickly lowered their sacks to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 Joseph's servant searched carefully, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 13 The brothers tore their clothes in sorrow, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city. 14 When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph's house, he was still there. They bowed down before him, 15 and Joseph said, “What have you done? Didn't you know that a man in my position could find you out by practicing divination?” 16 “What can we say to you, sir?” Judah answered. “How can we argue? How can we clear ourselves? God has uncovered our guilt. All of us are now your slaves and not just the one with whom the cup was found.” 17 Joseph said, “Oh, no! I would never do that! Only the one who had the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back safe and sound to your father.” 18 Judah went up to Joseph and said, “Please, sir, allow me to speak with you freely. Don't be angry with me; you are like the king himself. 19 Sir, you asked us, “Do you have a father or another brother?” 20 We answered, “We have a father who is old and a younger brother, born to him in his old age. The boy's brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother's children still alive; his father loves him very much.” 21 Sir, you told us to bring him here, so that you could see him, 22 and we answered that the boy could not leave his father; if he did, his father would die. 23 Then you said, “You will not be admitted to my presence again unless your youngest brother comes with you.” 24 When we went back to our father, we told him what you had said. 25 Then he told us to return and buy a little food. 26 We answered, “We cannot go; we will not be admitted to the man's presence unless our youngest brother is with us. We can go only if our youngest brother goes also.” 27 Our father said to us, ‘You know that my wife Rachel bore me only two sons. 28 One of them has already left me. He must have been torn to pieces by wild animals, because I have not seen him since he left. 29 If you take this one from me now and something happens to him, the sorrow you would cause me would kill me, as old as I am. ’ 30-31 “And now, sir,” Judah continued, if I go back to my father without the boy, as soon as he sees that the boy is not with me, he will die. His life is wrapped up with the life of the boy, and he is so old that the sorrow we would cause him would kill him. 32 What is more, I pledged my life to my father for the boy. I told him that if I did not bring the boy back to him, I would bear the blame all my life. 33 And now, sir, I will stay here as your slave in place of the boy; let him go back with his brothers. 34 How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I cannot bear to see this disaster come upon my father. ” Reflect In this passage, Judah offers to take his brother’s place as a slave in order to fulfill the promise to his father to return Benjamin safely home. What must it have been like for Judah to make this offer? What would you have done in his situation? What factors would have influenced your decision? Pray Holy God, I am often faced with complicated decisions, and I’m just not sure what to do sometimes. Guide my feet, my heart, and my mind, that every choice I make will reflect my faith in you. Amen. Prayer Concern The President of the United States and his administration 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 July 10, 2011 Author Members Posted July 10, 2011 July 10, 2011 Genesis 45:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 45:1-28: Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. Then he says that it was God rather than his brothers who sent him into slavery in order to preserve their family in the midst of famine. He invites them to get their father and to come live near him. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 45:5 Joseph said: “Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people’s lives.” Today’s Reading 1 Joseph was no longer able to control his feelings in front of his servants, so he ordered them all to leave the room. No one else was with him when Joseph told his brothers who he was. 2 He cried with such loud sobs that the Egyptians heard it, and the news was taken to the king's palace. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But when his brothers heard this, they were so terrified that they could not answer. 4 Then Joseph said to them, “Please come closer.” They did, and he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people's lives. 6 This is only the second year of famine in the land; there will be five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor reaping. 7 God sent me ahead of you to rescue you in this amazing way and to make sure that you and your descendants survive. 8 So it was not really you who sent me here, but God. He has made me the king's highest official. I am in charge of his whole country; I am the ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and tell him that this is what his son Joseph says: ‘God has made me ruler of all Egypt; come to me without delay. 10 You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me—you, your children, your grandchildren, your sheep, your goats, your cattle, and everything else that you have. 11 If you are in Goshen, I can take care of you. There will still be five years of famine; and I do not want you, your family, and your livestock to starve. ’ ” 12 Joseph continued, “Now all of you, and you too, Benjamin, can see that I am really Joseph. 13 Tell my father how powerful I am here in Egypt and tell him about everything that you have seen. Then hurry and bring him here. ” 14 He threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and began to cry; Benjamin also cried as he hugged him. 15 Then, still weeping, he embraced each of his brothers and kissed them. After that, his brothers began to talk with him. 16 When the news reached the palace that Joseph's brothers had come, the king and his officials were pleased. 17 He said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers to load their animals and to return to the land of Canaan. 18 Let them get their father and their families and come back here. I will give them the best land in Egypt, and they will have more than enough to live on. 19 Tell them also to take wagons with them from Egypt for their wives and small children and to bring their father with them. 20 They are not to worry about leaving their possessions behind; the best in the whole land of Egypt will be theirs. ” 21 Jacob's sons did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons, as the king had ordered, and food for the trip. 22 He also gave each of them a change of clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes. 23 He sent his father ten donkeys loaded with the best Egyptian goods and ten donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and other food for the trip. 24 He sent his brothers off and as they left, he said to them, “Don't quarrel on the way.” 25 They left Egypt and went back home to their father Jacob in Canaan. 26 “Joseph is still alive!” they told him. “He is the ruler of all Egypt!” Jacob was stunned and could not believe them. 27 But when they told him all that Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to take him to Egypt, he recovered from the shock. 28 “My son Joseph is still alive!” he said. “This is all I could ask for! I must go and see him before I die.” Reflect How did you feel as you read this passage? Imagine yourself in the place of Benjamin. What would you have felt upon learning Joseph’s identity? Imagine yourself in the place of Jacob. What would you have felt upon hearing that Joseph was indeed alive? Pray Almighty God, your love reveals itself in our lives in unexpected ways. Open my eyes and my heart in hopeful awareness of your constant grace. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in hospice 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 July 11, 2011 Author Members Posted July 11, 2011 July 11, 2011 Genesis 46:1-27 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 46:1-27: On the way to Egypt, God encourages Jacob not to be afraid, promising that he will one day have so many descendants that they will become a nation. Indeed, his descendants in Egypt number seventy. Seventy was considered an ideal and complete number. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 46:3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go to Egypt; I will make your descendants a great nation there.” Today’s Reading 1 Jacob packed up all he had and went to Beersheba, where he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 God spoke to him in a vision at night and called, “Jacob, Jacob!” “Yes, here I am,” he answered. 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go to Egypt; I will make your descendants a great nation there. 4 I will go with you to Egypt, and I will bring your descendants back to this land. Joseph will be with you when you die. ” 5 Jacob set out from Beersheba. His sons put him, their small children, and their wives in the wagons which the king of Egypt had sent. 6 They took their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan and went to Egypt. Jacob took all his descendants with him: 7 his sons, his grandsons, his daughters, and his granddaughters. 8 The members of Jacob's family who went to Egypt with him were his oldest son Reuben 9 and Reuben's sons: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10 Simeon and his sons: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 11 Levi and his sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12 Judah and his sons: Shelah, Perez, and Zerah. (Judah's other sons, Er and Onan, had died in Canaan.) Perez' sons were Hezron and Hamul. 13 Issachar and his sons: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. 14 Zebulun and his sons: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15 These are the sons that Leah had borne to Jacob in Mesopotamia, besides his daughter Dinah. In all, his descendants by Leah numbered thirty-three. 16 Gad and his sons: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arod, and Areli. 17 Asher and his sons: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. Beriah's sons were Heber and Malchiel. 18 These sixteen are the descendants of Jacob by Zilpah, the slave woman whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah. 19 Jacob's wife Rachel bore him two sons: Joseph and Benjamin. 20 In Egypt Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, by Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in Heliopolis. 21 Benjamin's sons were Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22 These fourteen are the descendants of Jacob by Rachel. 23 Dan and his son Hushim. 24 Naphtali and his sons: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 25 These seven are the descendants of Jacob by Bilhah, the slave woman whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel. 26 The total number of the direct descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt was sixty-six, not including his sons' wives. 27 Two sons were born to Joseph in Egypt, bringing to seventy the total number of Jacob's family who went there. Reflect Imagine relocating a family as large as Jacob’s in the midst of the social and political turmoil of his day. What challenges might he have faced in leading them to Egypt? What might his fears have been? How might God’s encouragement have given him strength? Do you seek God’s encouragement and strength when you are facing difficult challenges? Why or why not? Pray God of strength, comfort and encourage me in the challenges I face today. I feel like I have so much to do, so many pressing concerns to address, and so little time. Empower me to stand strong, sustained by the knowledge that you are with me through all things. 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 July 13, 2011 Author Members Posted July 13, 2011 July 12, 2011 Genesis 47:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 46:28—47:26: Joseph is reunited with his father. Then he sends his family members to the king and asks that, as shepherds, they be allowed to settle in Goshen. The king agrees, asking them to watch over his livestock as well. Jacob blesses the king, and Joseph helps the family settle in Goshen. The famine continues, and Joseph saves the people. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 47:12 Joseph provided food for his father, his brothers, and all the rest of his father’s family, including the very youngest. Today’s Reading 28 Jacob sent Judah ahead to ask Joseph to meet them in Goshen. When they arrived, 29 Joseph got in his chariot and went to Goshen to meet his father. When they met, Joseph threw his arms around his father's neck and cried for a long time. 30 Jacob said to Joseph, “I am ready to die, now that I have seen you and know that you are still alive.” 31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and the rest of his father's family, “I must go and tell the king that my brothers and all my father's family, who were living in Canaan, have come to me. 32 I will tell him that you are shepherds and take care of livestock and that you have brought your flocks and herds and everything else that belongs to you. 33 When the king calls for you and asks what your occupation is, 34 be sure to tell him that you have taken care of livestock all your lives, just as your ancestors did. In this way he will let you live in the region of Goshen. ” Joseph said this because Egyptians will have nothing to do with shepherds. 1 So Joseph took five of his brothers and went to the king. He told him, “My father and my brothers have come from Canaan with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own. They are now in the region of Goshen.” 2 He then presented his brothers to the king. 3 The king asked them, “What is your occupation?” “We are shepherds, sir, just as our ancestors were,” they answered. 4 “We have come to live in this country, because in the land of Canaan the famine is so severe that there is no pasture for our flocks. Please give us permission to live in the region of Goshen.” 5 The king said to Joseph, “Now that your father and your brothers have arrived, 6 the land of Egypt is theirs. Let them settle in the region of Goshen, the best part of the land. And if there are any capable men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock. ” 7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to the king. Jacob gave the king his blessing, 8 and the king asked him, “How old are you?” 9 Jacob answered, “My life of wandering has lasted a hundred and thirty years. Those years have been few and difficult, unlike the long years of my ancestors in their wanderings.” 10 Jacob gave the king a farewell blessing and left. 11 Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt, giving them property in the best of the land near the city of Rameses, as the king had commanded. 12 Joseph provided food for his father, his brothers, and all the rest of his father's family, including the very youngest. 13 The famine was so severe that there was no food anywhere, and the people of Egypt and Canaan became weak with hunger. 14 As they bought grain, Joseph collected all the money and took it to the palace. 15 When all the money in Egypt and Canaan was spent, the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food! Don't let us die. Do something! Our money is all gone.” 16 Joseph answered, “Bring your livestock; I will give you food in exchange for it if your money is all gone.” 17 So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. That year he supplied them with food in exchange for all their livestock. 18 The following year they came to him and said, “We will not hide the fact from you, sir, that our money is all gone and our livestock belongs to you. There is nothing left to give you except our bodies and our lands. 19 Don't let us die. Do something! Don't let our fields be deserted. Buy us and our land in exchange for food. We will be the king's slaves, and he will own our land. Give us grain to keep us alive and seed so that we can plant our fields. ” 20 Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for the king. Every Egyptian was forced to sell his land, because the famine was so severe; and all the land became the king's property. 21 Joseph made slaves of the people from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 The only land he did not buy was the land that belonged to the priests. They did not have to sell their lands, because the king gave them an allowance to live on. 23 Joseph said to the people, “You see, I have now bought you and your lands for the king. Here is seed for you to sow in your fields. 24 At the time of harvest you must give one-fifth to the king. You can use the rest for seed and for food for yourselves and your families. ” 25 They answered, “You have saved our lives; you have been good to us, sir, and we will be the king's slaves.” 26 So Joseph made it a law for the land of Egypt that one-fifth of the harvest should belong to the king. This law still remains in force today. Only the lands of the priests did not become the king's property. Reflect Egyptians thought that the wandering shepherds from the east were inferior and did not like to mix with them. Joseph wanted to tell the king that his brothers were shepherds so the king would give them their own area apart from Egypt’s main population further up the river. How might this decision have impacted their new life in Egypt? Pray God of shelter and refuge, thank you for the ways in which you provide safe haven for your people. May I be a person who shelters the homeless and welcomes the outcast. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern People who experience racism Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 13, 2011 Author Members Posted July 13, 2011 July 13, 2011 Genesis 47:27—48:22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 47:27—48:22: Jacob becomes very ill, so Joseph takes his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim to see him. Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons as his own, giving them the same status as his own oldest sons, Reuben and Simeon. Jacob blesses Ephraim first, even though Manasseh is older. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 48:15 Then he blessed Joseph. “May God, whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac served, bless these boys! May God, who has led me to this very day, bless them!” Today’s Reading 27 The Israelites lived in Egypt in the region of Goshen, where they became rich and had many children. 28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, until he was a hundred and forty-seven years old. 29 When the time drew near for him to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “Place your hand between my thighs and make a solemn vow that you will not bury me in Egypt. 30 I want to be buried where my fathers are; carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried. ” Joseph answered, “I will do as you say.” 31 Jacob said, “Make a vow that you will.” Joseph made the vow, and Jacob gave thanks there on his bed. 1 Some time later Joseph was told that his father was ill. So he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and went to see Jacob. 2 When Jacob was told that his son Joseph had come to see him, he gathered his strength and sat up in bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “Almighty God appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. 4 He said to me, “I will give you many children, so that your descendants will become many nations; I will give this land to your descendants as their possession forever.” ” 5 Jacob continued, “Joseph, your two sons, who were born to you in Egypt before I came here, belong to me; Ephraim and Manasseh are just as much my sons as Reuben and Simeon. 6 If you have any more sons, they will not be considered mine; the inheritance they get will come through Ephraim and Manasseh. 7 I am doing this because of your mother Rachel. To my great sorrow she died in the land of Canaan, not far from Ephrath, as I was returning from Mesopotamia. I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath. ” (Ephrath is now known as Bethlehem.) 8 When Jacob saw Joseph's sons, he asked, “Who are these boys?” 9 Joseph answered, “These are my sons, whom God has given me here in Egypt.” Jacob said, “Bring them to me so that I may bless them.” 10 Jacob's eyesight was failing because of his age, and he could not see very well. Joseph brought the boys to him, and he hugged them and kissed them. 11 Jacob said to Joseph, “I never expected to see you again, and now God has even let me see your children.” 12 Then Joseph took them from Jacob's lap and bowed down before him with his face to the ground. 13 Joseph put Ephraim at Jacob's left and Manasseh at his right. 14 But Jacob crossed his hands, and put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, even though he was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, who was the older. 15 Then he blessed Joseph: “May God, whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac served, bless these boys! May God, who has led me to this very day, bless them! 16 May the angel, who has rescued me from all harm, bless them! May my name and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac live on through these boys! May they have many children, many descendants!” 17 Joseph was upset when he saw that his father had put his right hand on Ephraim's head; so he took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to the head of Manasseh. 18 He said to his father, “Not that way, father. This is the older boy; put your right hand on his head.” 19 His father refused, saying, “I know, son, I know. Manasseh's descendants will also become a great people. But his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become great nations.” 20 So he blessed them that day, saying, “The Israelites will use your names when they pronounce blessings. They will say, “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.” ” In this way Jacob put Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Then Jacob said to Joseph, “As you see, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will take you back to the land of your ancestors. 22 It is to you and not to your brothers that I am giving Shechem, that fertile region which I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow. ” Reflect Joseph placed Manasseh on Jacob’s right side to receive Jacob’s blessing because Manasseh was the oldest and that was the place of greater authority. Yet Jacob crossed his hands and gave the blessing of the first-born to Ephraim. Just as Jacob was a second-born son who ultimately received the privileges of the first-born, so too was Ephraim. What might this pattern of the second becoming first reveal about the ways in which God works? Pray Great and loving God, you upend our expectations about power and privilege. In your realm, the last becomes first and the least becomes the greatest. May your justice find its way into our world today. Amen. Prayer Concern People facing the death of a parent 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 July 14, 2011 Author Members Posted July 14, 2011 July 14, 2011 Genesis 49:29—50:26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Genesis 49:29—50:26: Jacob gives directions to his sons for his burial and then dies. The sons bury him according to his directions, mourning him for seventy days and then taking him to Canaan to bury him with his ancestors there. Joseph reassures his brothers that he forgives them and will care for them. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 50:19, 20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid; I can’t put myself in the place of God. You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened.” Today’s Reading 29 Then Jacob commanded his sons, “Now that I am going to join my people in death, bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 at Machpelah east of Mamre in the land of Canaan. Abraham bought this cave and field from Ephron for a burial ground. 31 That is where they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah; that is where they buried Isaac and his wife Rebecca; and that is where I buried Leah. 32 The field and the cave in it were bought from the Hittites. Bury me there. ” 33 When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he lay back down and died. 1 Joseph threw himself on his father, crying and kissing his face. 2 Then Joseph gave orders to embalm his father's body. 3 It took forty days, the normal time for embalming. The Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. 4 When the time of mourning was over, Joseph said to the king's officials, “Please take this message to the king: 5 “When my father was about to die, he made me promise him that I would bury him in the tomb which he had prepared in the land of Canaan. So please let me go and bury my father, and then I will come back.” ” 6 The king answered, “Go and bury your father, as you promised you would.” 7 So Joseph went to bury his father. All the king's officials, the senior men of his court, and all the leading men of Egypt went with Joseph. 8 His family, his brothers, and the rest of his father's family all went with him. Only their small children and their sheep, goats, and cattle stayed in the region of Goshen. 9 Men in chariots and men on horseback also went with him; it was a huge group. 10 When they came to the threshing place at Atad east of the Jordan, they mourned loudly for a long time, and Joseph performed mourning ceremonies for seven days. 11 When the citizens of Canaan saw those people mourning at Atad, they said, “What a solemn ceremony of mourning the Egyptians are holding!” That is why the place was named Abel Mizraim. 12 So Jacob's sons did as he had commanded them; 13 they carried his body to Canaan and buried it in the cave at Machpelah east of Mamre in the field which Abraham had bought from Ephron the Hittite for a burial ground. 14 After Joseph had buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him for the funeral. 15 After the death of their father, Joseph's brothers said, “What if Joseph still hates us and plans to pay us back for all the harm we did to him?” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph: “Before our father died, 17 he told us to ask you, “Please forgive the crime your brothers committed when they wronged you.” Now please forgive us the wrong that we, the servants of your father's God, have done. ” Joseph cried when he received this message. 18 Then his brothers themselves came and bowed down before him. “Here we are before you as your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid; I can't put myself in the place of God. 20 You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened. 21 You have nothing to fear. I will take care of you and your children. ” So he reassured them with kind words that touched their hearts. 22 Joseph continued to live in Egypt with his father's family; he was a hundred and ten years old when he died. 23 He lived to see Ephraim's children and grandchildren. He also lived to receive the children of Machir son of Manasseh into the family. 24 He said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will certainly take care of you and lead you out of this land to the land he solemnly promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph asked his people to make a vow. “Promise me,” he said, “that when God leads you to that land, you will take my body with you.” 26 So Joseph died in Egypt at the age of a hundred and ten. They embalmed his body and put it in a coffin. Reflect In Egypt, the bodies of important kings were embalmed and wrapped in long, linen bandages, becoming mummies. The process of embalming took forty days, and the time of mourning for Jacob lasted seventy days, or about the same amount of time the Egyptian people mourned the death of one of their kings. How does this mourning ritual compare to the ways in which we mourn today? What difference does time make in the process of grieving? Pray God of consolation, you are present even in our deepest grief. Bring comfort to those who mourn today, O God, that they may know your love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are grieving 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 July 15, 2011 Author Members Posted July 15, 2011 July 15, 2011 Exodus 33:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Exodus 33:1-23: God tells Moses to lead the people away from Mount Sinai and toward the land of Canaan, promising to be with them throughout the journey. Moses asks to see the fullness of the glory of God. God shows his back to Moses, but won’t let Moses see his face. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 33:19 The LORD answered, “I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought out of Egypt, and go to the land that I promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and to their descendants. 2 I will send an angel to guide you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 3 You are going to a rich and fertile land. But I will not go with you myself, because you are a stubborn people, and I might destroy you on the way. ” 4 When the people heard this, they began to mourn and did not wear jewelry any more. 5 For the LORD had commanded Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I would completely destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.” 6 So after they left Mount Sinai, the people of Israel no longer wore jewelry. 7 Whenever the people of Israel set up camp, Moses would take the sacred Tent and put it up some distance outside the camp. It was called the Tent of the LORD's presence, and anyone who wanted to consult the LORD would go out to it. 8 Whenever Moses went out there, the people would stand at the door of their tents and watch Moses until he entered it. 9 After Moses had gone in, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the door of the Tent, and the LORD would speak to Moses from the cloud. 10 As soon as the people saw the pillar of cloud at the door of the Tent, they would bow down. 11 The LORD would speak with Moses face-to-face, just as someone speaks with a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp. But the young man who was his helper, Joshua son of Nun, stayed in the Tent. 12 Moses said to the LORD, “It is true that you have told me to lead these people to that land, but you did not tell me whom you would send with me. You have said that you know me well and are pleased with me. 13 Now if you are, tell me your plans, so that I may serve you and continue to please you. Remember also that you have chosen this nation to be your own. ” 14 The LORD said, “I will go with you, and I will give you victory.” 15 Moses replied, “If you do not go with us, don't make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth. ” 17 The LORD said to Moses, “I will do just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with you.” 18 Then Moses requested, “Please, let me see the dazzling light of your presence.” 19 The LORD answered, “I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose. 20 I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive, 21 but here is a place beside me where you can stand on a rock. 22 When the dazzling light of my presence passes by, I will put you in an opening in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back but not my face. ” Reflect To see someone’s face is to know them more deeply. What would it have meant to Moses to see God’s face? What would it mean to you to see God’s face? In 1 Corinthians 13:12, the apostle Paul writes: “What we now see is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God’s knowledge of me.” How does this passage shed light on Moses’ encounter with God? Pray God of love and mercy, for now I see into a mirror dimly, with the hopes that one day your glory will be fully revealed to me. Assure me with the knowledge of your continual presence, that I may be ready to see you. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing uncertainty in their lives 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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