Members phkrause Posted July 16, 2011 Author Members Posted July 16, 2011 July 16, 2011 Exodus 34:1-35 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Exodus 34:1-35: After the people sin against God by worshiping an idol, God renews the earlier instructions given to Moses. Here, God’s anger is described as being so great that even the descendants of a rebellious person are punished. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 34:6 The LORD then passed in front of him and called out, “I, the LORD, am a God who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Moses, “Cut two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Get ready tomorrow morning, and come up Mount Sinai to meet me there at the top. 3 No one is to come up with you; no one is to be seen on any part of the mountain; and no sheep or cattle are to graze at the foot of the mountain. ” 4 So Moses cut two more stone tablets, and early the next morning he carried them up Mount Sinai, just as the LORD had commanded. 5 The LORD came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and pronounced his holy name, the LORD. 6 The LORD then passed in front of him and called out, “I, the LORD, am a God who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness. 7 I keep my promise for thousands of generations and forgive evil and sin; but I will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their parents. ” 8 Moses quickly bowed down to the ground and worshiped. 9 He said, “Lord, if you really are pleased with me, I ask you to go with us. These people are stubborn, but forgive our evil and our sin, and accept us as your own people.” 10 The LORD said to Moses, “I now make a covenant with the people of Israel. In their presence I will do great things such as have never been done anywhere on earth among any of the nations. All the people will see what great things I, the LORD, can do, because I am going to do an awesome thing for you. 11 Obey the laws that I am giving you today. I will drive out the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, as you advance. 12 Do not make any treaties with the people of the country into which you are going, because this could be a fatal trap for you. 13 Instead, tear down their altars, destroy their sacred pillars, and cut down their symbols of the goddess Asherah. 14 Do not worship any other god, because I, the LORD, tolerate no rivals. 15 Do not make any treaties with the people of the country, because when they worship their pagan gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you to join them, and you will be tempted to eat the food they offer to their gods. 16 Your sons might marry those foreign women, who would lead them to be unfaithful to me and to worship their pagan gods. 17 Do not make gods of metal and worship them. 18 Keep the Festival of Unleavened Bread. As I have commanded you, eat unleavened bread for seven days in the month of Abib, because it was in that month that you left Egypt. 19 Every first-born son and first-born male domestic animal belongs to me, 20 but you are to buy back every first-born donkey by offering a lamb in its place. If you do not buy it back, break its neck. Buy back every first-born son. No one is to appear before me without an offering. 21 You have six days in which to do your work, but do not work on the seventh day, not even during plowing time or harvest. 22 Keep the Harvest Festival when you begin to harvest the first crop of your wheat, and keep the Festival of Shelters in the autumn when you gather your fruit. 23 Three times a year all of your men must come to worship me, the LORD, the God of Israel. 24 After I have driven out the nations before you and extended your territory, no one will try to conquer your country during the three festivals. 25 Do not offer bread made with yeast when you sacrifice an animal to me. Do not keep until the following morning any part of the animal killed at the Passover Festival. 26 Each year bring to the house of the LORD the first grain that you harvest. “Do not cook a young sheep or goat in its mother's milk.” 27 The LORD said to Moses, “Write these words down, because it is on the basis of these words that I am making a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 Moses stayed there with the LORD forty days and nights, eating and drinking nothing. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. 29 When Moses went down from Mount Sinai carrying the Ten Commandments, his face was shining because he had been speaking with the LORD; but he did not know it. 30 Aaron and all the people looked at Moses and saw that his face was shining, and they were afraid to go near him. 31 But Moses called them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the community went to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32 After that, all the people of Israel gathered around him, and Moses gave them all the laws that the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he covered his face with a veil. 34 Whenever Moses went into the Tent of the LORD's presence to speak to the LORD, he would take the veil off. When he came out, he would tell the people of Israel everything that he had been commanded to say, 35 and they would see that his face was shining. Then he would put the veil back on until the next time he went to speak with the LORD. Reflect Re-read verses 5-7. Later in Israelite history, the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel speak of a time when people will be responsible for their own sins and no child will be punished for the sins of a parent (Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:1-32). What are your thoughts about the change in God’s response to sin? Pray Holy and merciful God, you enter into my struggles and redeem me through your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the ways I have failed to do your will. Walk with me in this new day, that my actions may model your gracious love. Amen. Prayer Concern All who struggle to follow God’s will 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 19, 2011 Author Members Posted July 19, 2011 July 17, 2011 Leviticus 16:1-34 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Leviticus 16:1-34: The Lord gives instructions for Moses to give to Aaron on rituals that must be kept for the Day of Atonement. The rituals include cleansing, sacrifices, offerings of incense, and prayer. Together, these acts provide cleansing from sin. Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 16:31 That day is to be a very holy day, one on which they fast and do no work at all. These regulations are to be observed for all time to come. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron who were killed when they offered unholy fire to the LORD. 2 He said, “Tell your brother Aaron that only at the proper time is he to go behind the curtain into the Most Holy Place, because that is where I appear in a cloud above the lid on the Covenant Box. If he disobeys, he will be killed. 3 He may enter the Most Holy Place only after he has brought a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. ” 4 Then the LORD gave the following instructions. Before Aaron goes into the Most Holy Place, he must take a bath and put on the priestly garments: the linen robe and shorts, the belt, and the turban. 5 The community of Israel shall give Aaron two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 6 He shall offer a bull as a sacrifice to take away his own sins and those of his family. 7 Then he shall take the two goats to the entrance of the Tent of the LORD's presence. 8 There he shall draw lots, using two stones, one marked “for the LORD ” and the other “for Azazel.” 9 Aaron shall sacrifice the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and offer it as a sin offering. 10 The goat chosen for Azazel shall be presented alive to the LORD and sent off into the desert to Azazel, in order to take away the sins of the people. 11 When Aaron sacrifices the bull as the sin offering for himself and his family, 12 he shall take a fire pan full of burning coals from the altar and two handfuls of fine incense and bring them into the Most Holy Place. 13 There in the LORD's presence he shall put the incense on the fire, and the smoke of the incense will hide the lid of the Covenant Box so that he will not see it and die. 14 He shall take some of the bull's blood and with his finger sprinkle it on the front of the lid and then sprinkle some of it seven times in front of the Covenant Box. 15 After that, he shall kill the goat for the sin offering for the people, bring its blood into the Most Holy Place, and sprinkle it on the lid and then in front of the Covenant Box, as he did with the bull's blood. 16 In this way he will perform the ritual to purify the Most Holy Place from the uncleanness of the people of Israel and from all their sins. He must do this to the Tent, because it stands in the middle of the camp, which is ritually unclean. 17 From the time Aaron enters the Most Holy Place to perform the ritual of purification until he comes out, there must be no one in the Tent. When he has performed the ritual for himself, his family, and the whole community, 18 he must then go out to the altar for burnt offerings and purify it. He must take some of the bull's blood and some of the goat's blood and put it all over the projections at the corners of the altar. 19 With his finger he must sprinkle some of the blood on the altar seven times. In this way he is to purify it from the sins of the people of Israel and make it holy. 20 When Aaron has finished performing the ritual to purify the Most Holy Place, the rest of the Tent of the LORD's presence, and the altar, he shall present to the LORD the live goat chosen for Azazel. 21 He shall put both of his hands on the goat's head and confess over it all the evils, sins, and rebellions of the people of Israel, and so transfer them to the goat's head. Then the goat is to be driven off into the desert by someone appointed to do it. 22 The goat will carry all their sins away with him into some uninhabited land. 23 Then Aaron shall go into the Tent, take off the priestly garments that he had put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there. 24 He must take a bath in a holy place and put on his own clothes. After that, he shall go out and offer the burnt offering to remove his own sins and those of the people. 25 He shall burn on the altar the fat of the animal for the sin offering. 26 The man who drove the goat into the desert to Azazel must wash his clothes and take a bath before he comes back into camp. 27 The bull and the goat used for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to take away sin, shall be carried outside the camp and burned. Skin, meat, and intestines shall all be burned. 28 The one who burns them must wash his clothes and take a bath before he returns to camp. 29 The following regulations are to be observed for all time to come. On the tenth day of the seventh month the Israelites and the foreigners living among them must fast and must not do any work. 30 On that day the ritual is to be performed to purify them from all their sins, so that they will be ritually clean. 31 That day is to be a very holy day, one on which they fast and do no work at all. These regulations are to be observed for all time to come. 32 The High Priest, properly ordained and consecrated to succeed his father, is to perform the ritual of purification. He shall put on the priestly garments 33 and perform the ritual to purify the Most Holy Place, the rest of the Tent of the LORD's presence, the altar, the priests, and all the people of the community. 34 These regulations are to be observed for all time to come. This ritual must be performed once a year to purify the people of Israel from all their sins. So Moses did as the LORD had commanded. Reflect Jewish people still celebrate Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Atonement is about making sacrifices and showing sorrow and repentance for the things you have done wrong. What role does atonement play in your spiritual life? Pray Lord God, I am very sorry for the ways in which I have failed to follow your will. Thank you for your deep presence with me in all aspects of my life, from my struggle with sin to redemption. I will try again today to follow your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Christian-Jewish relations 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 19, 2011 Author Members Posted July 19, 2011 July 18, 2011 Numbers 14:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Numbers 14:1-25: The Israelites fear God will betray them, leading them into a land where they won’t be able to survive. This makes God angry, but Moses pleads with God to save them. Today’s Scripture: Numbers 14:19 “And now, LORD, according to the greatness of your unchanging love, forgive, I pray, the sin of these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.” Today’s Reading 1 All night long the people cried out in distress. 2 They complained against Moses and Aaron, and said, “It would have been better to die in Egypt or even here in the wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD taking us into that land? We will be killed in battle, and our wives and children will be captured. Wouldn't it be better to go back to Egypt? ” 4 So they said to one another, “Let's choose a leader and go back to Egypt!” 5 Then Moses and Aaron bowed to the ground in front of all the people. 6 And Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, two of the spies, tore their clothes in sorrow 7 and said to the people, “The land we explored is an excellent land. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will take us there and give us that rich and fertile land. 9 Do not rebel against the LORD and don't be afraid of the people who live there. We will conquer them easily. The LORD is with us and has defeated the gods who protected them; so don't be afraid. ” 10 The whole community was threatening to stone them to death, but suddenly the people saw the dazzling light of the LORD's presence appear over the Tent. 11 The LORD said to Moses, “How much longer will these people reject me? How much longer will they refuse to trust in me, even though I have performed so many miracles among them? 12 I will send an epidemic and destroy them, but I will make you the father of a nation that is larger and more powerful than they are! ” 13 But Moses said to the LORD, “You brought these people out of Egypt by your power. When the Egyptians hear what you have done to your people, 14 they will tell it to the people who live in this land. These people have already heard that you, LORD, are with us, that you appear in plain sight when your cloud stops over us, and that you go before us in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 15 Now if you kill all your people, the nations who have heard of your fame will say 16 that you killed your people in the wilderness because you were not able to bring them into the land you promised to give them. 17 So now, LORD, I pray, show us your power and do what you promised when you said, 18 ‘I, the LORD, am not easily angered, and I show great love and faithfulness and forgive sin and rebellion. Yet I will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their parents. ’ 19 And now, LORD, according to the greatness of your unchanging love, forgive, I pray, the sin of these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt. ” 20 The LORD answered, “I will forgive them, as you have asked. 21 But I promise that as surely as I live and as surely as my presence fills the earth, 22 none of these people will live to enter that land. They have seen the dazzling light of my presence and the miracles that I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, but they have tried my patience over and over again and have refused to obey me. 23 They will never enter the land which I promised to their ancestors. None of those who have rejected me will ever enter it. 24 But because my servant Caleb has a different attitude and has remained loyal to me, I will bring him into the land which he explored, and his descendants will possess the land 25 in whose valleys the Amalekites and the Canaanites now live. Turn back tomorrow and go into the wilderness in the direction of the Gulf of Aqaba. ” Reflect Why do the Israelites doubt God’s faithfulness? What do they threaten to do to Moses and the leaders? How would you feel in their situation? What does God say he will do to the people? How does Moses make a difference? Have you ever doubted God’s presence with you in the midst of struggle? How was the situation resolved? Pray God, there are days when I feel as though I’m jumping off in faith without a safety net. Reassure me and strengthen my faith, reminding me of the many ways you have already saved me and protected me. Amen. Prayer Concern People who are moving away from home 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 19, 2011 Author Members Posted July 19, 2011 July 19, 2011 Joshua 1:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Joshua 1:1-18: The book of Joshua begins after Moses’ death. The Israelites are ready to end their forty years of wandering in the desert. The Lord orders Joshua to lead Israel into Canaan and promises to be with Joshua and the people wherever they go. Even though the land they will settle is already secure, the men of the two and a half eastern tribes are ordered to lead the attack on Canaan. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 1:9b “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go.” Today’s Reading 1 After the death of the LORD's servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Moses' helper, Joshua son of Nun. 2 He said, “My servant Moses is dead. Get ready now, you and all the people of Israel, and cross the Jordan River into the land that I am giving them. 3 As I told Moses, I have given you and all my people the entire land that you will be marching over. 4 Your borders will reach from the desert in the south to the Lebanon Mountains in the north; from the great Euphrates River in the east, through the Hittite country, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you. 6 Be determined and confident, for you will be the leader of these people as they occupy this land which I promised their ancestors. 7 Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go. 8 Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go. ” 10 Then Joshua ordered the leaders to 11 go through the camp and say to the people, “Get some food ready, because in three days you are going to cross the Jordan River to occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you. ” 12 Joshua said to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and to half the tribe of Manasseh, 13 “Remember how the LORD's servant Moses told you that the LORD your God would give you this land on the east side of the Jordan as your home. 14 Your wives, your children, and your livestock will stay here, but your soldiers, armed for battle, will cross over ahead of the other Israelites in order to help them 15 until they have occupied the land west of the Jordan that the LORD your God has given them. When he has given safety to all the tribes of Israel, then you may come back and settle here in your own land east of the Jordan, which Moses, the LORD's servant, gave to you. ” 16 They answered Joshua, “We will do everything you have told us and will go anywhere you send us. 17 We will obey you, just as we always obeyed Moses, and may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses! 18 Whoever questions your authority or disobeys any of your orders will be put to death. Be determined and confident! ” Reflect A key theme of the book of Joshua is that the land belongs to the Lord, and the Israelites must be loyal to God in order to enjoy it. If the land belongs to God, how can we demonstrate our faith through our relationship with the land? What does it mean to be a steward of God’s creation? Pray Creator God, as you led the Israelites to Canaan, so you share the gifts of your creation with us. May we respect and care for the earth in the hope and confidence that your precious gifts will be sustained for future generations. Amen. Prayer Concern Farmers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 20, 2011 Author Members Posted July 20, 2011 July 20, 2011 Joshua 2:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Joshua 2:1-24: Joshua sends two spies to learn all they can about Jericho. They encounter a woman named Rahab who lives in the walls of the city, and get backed into a corner when the king of Jericho sends orders to turn over the spies. Rahab confesses her faith in the God of the Israelites and promises not to turn the spies in if they agree to spare her family when they take Jericho. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 2:11b “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and here on earth.” Today’s Reading 1 Then Joshua sent two spies from the camp at Acacia with orders to go and secretly explore the land of Canaan, especially the city of Jericho. When they came to the city, they went to spend the night in the house of a prostitute named Rahab. 2 The king of Jericho heard that some Israelites had come that night to spy out the country, 3 so he sent word to Rahab: “The men in your house have come to spy out the whole country! Bring them out!” 4-6 “Some men did come to my house,” she answered, “but I don't know where they were from. They left at sundown before the city gate was closed. I didn't find out where they were going, but if you start after them quickly, you can catch them.” (Now Rahab had taken the two spies up on the roof and hidden them under some stalks of flax that she had put there.) 7 The king's men left the city, and then the gate was shut. They went looking for the Israelite spies as far as the place where the road crosses the Jordan. 8 Before the spies settled down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land. Everyone in the country is terrified of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the Red Sea in front of you when you were leaving Egypt. We have also heard how you killed Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan. 11 We were afraid as soon as we heard about it; we have all lost our courage because of you. The LORD your God is God in heaven above and here on earth. 12 Now swear by him that you will treat my family as kindly as I have treated you, and give me some sign that I can trust you. 13 Promise me that you will save my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families! Don't let us be killed! ” 14 The men said to her, “May God take our lives if we don't do as we say! If you do not tell anyone what we have been doing, we promise you that when the LORD gives us this land, we will treat you well. ” 15 Rahab lived in a house built into the city wall, so she let the men down from the window by a rope. 16 “Go into the hill country,” she said, “or the king's men will find you. Hide there for three days until they come back. After that, you can go on your way.” 17 The men said to her, “We will keep the promise that you have made us give. 18 This is what you must do. When we invade your land, tie this red cord to the window you let us down from. Get your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father's family together in your house. 19 If anyone goes out of the house, his death will be his own fault, and we will not be responsible; but if anyone in the house with you is harmed, then we will be responsible. 20 However, if you tell anyone what we have been doing, then we will not have to keep our promise which you have made us give you. ” 21 She agreed and sent them away. When they had gone, she tied the red cord to the window. 22 The spies went into the hills and hid. The king's men looked for them all over the countryside for three days, but they did not find them, so they returned to Jericho. 23 Then the two spies came down from the hills, crossed the river, and went back to Joshua. They told him everything that had happened, 24 and then said, “We are sure that the LORD has given us the whole country. All the people there are terrified of us. ” Reflect In today’s passage, an unlikely relationship forms between two Israelite spies and a Canaanite woman who share a common faith in God. How can faith bring people together? Are there people in your life with whom you would not be in relationship were it not for your common faith? Pray God of community, thank you for the ways in which friendships are formed through faith in you. May these relationships flourish, reaching beyond the walls of the church and into your world. Amen. Prayer Concern Friendships 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 21, 2011 Author Members Posted July 21, 2011 July 21, 2011 Joshua 3:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Joshua 3:1-17: The Israelites cross the Jordan River, and Joshua tells the people to follow the priests carrying the Covenant Box across the river. God promises to show the people that Joshua is their leader. When it is time to cross and the priests enter the water, the river stops flowing, and the people cross the dry riverbed. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 3:10b, 11 “You will know that the living God is among you when the Covenant Box of the Lord of all the earth crosses the Jordan ahead of you.” Today’s Reading 1 The next morning Joshua and all the people of Israel got up early, left the camp at Acacia, and went to the Jordan, where they camped while waiting to cross it. 2 Three days later the leaders went through the camp 3 and told the people, “When you see the priests carrying the Covenant Box of the LORD your God, break camp and follow them. 4 You have never been here before, so they will show you the way to go. But do not get near the Covenant Box; stay about half a mile behind it. ” 5 Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, because tomorrow the LORD will perform miracles among you. ” 6 Then he told the priests to take the Covenant Box and go with it ahead of the people. They did as he said. 7 The LORD said to Joshua, “What I do today will make all the people of Israel begin to honor you as a great man, and they will realize that I am with you as I was with Moses. 8 Tell the priests carrying the Covenant Box that when they reach the river, they must wade in and stand near the bank. ” 9 Then Joshua said to the people, “Come here and listen to what the LORD your God has to say. 10 As you advance, he will surely drive out the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites. You will know that the living God is among you 11 when the Covenant Box of the Lord of all the earth crosses the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now choose twelve men, one from each of the tribes of Israel. 13 When the priests who carry the Covenant Box of the LORD of all the earth put their feet in the water, the Jordan will stop flowing, and the water coming downstream will pile up in one place. ” 14-15 It was harvest time, and the river was in flood. When the people left the camp to cross the Jordan, the priests went ahead of them, carrying the Covenant Box. As soon as the priests stepped into the river, 16 the water stopped flowing and piled up, far upstream at Adam, the city beside Zarethan. The flow downstream to the Dead Sea was completely cut off, and the people were able to cross over near Jericho. 17 While the people walked across on dry ground, the priests carrying the LORD's Covenant Box stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until all the people had crossed over. Reflect Compare the crossing of the Jordan River with the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses’ leadership (Exodus 14). How are the situations similar? How are they different? What instructions were given to the priests concerning the Covenant Box? Re-read verses 9-11. What are your thoughts concerning this miracle crossing? Pray Lord God, thank you for the ways in which you are present in the face of challenges. Guide me through those tasks that feel impossible, and remind me always of the strength I have in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are traveling 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 22, 2011 Author Members Posted July 22, 2011 July 22, 2011 Joshua 6:1-27 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Joshua 6:1-27: For six days, the Israelite army marches around the walled city of Jericho. On the seventh day, while the priests blow their trumpets, the people march around the city seven times. When Joshua gives the signal the priests blow their trumpets again and all the people shout as loud as they can. The walls of Jericho fall flat. Rahab and her family are saved. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 6:19 “Everything made of silver, gold, bronze, or iron is set apart for the LORD. It is to be put in the LORD’s treasury.” Today’s Reading 1 The gates of Jericho were kept shut and guarded to keep the Israelites out. No one could enter or leave the city. 2 The LORD said to Joshua, “I am putting into your hands Jericho, with its king and all its brave soldiers. 3 You and your soldiers are to march around the city once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests, each carrying a trumpet, are to go in front of the Covenant Box. On the seventh day you and your soldiers are to march around the city seven times while the priests blow the trumpets. 5 Then they are to sound one long note. As soon as you hear it, all the people are to give a loud shout, and the city walls will collapse. Then the whole army will go straight into the city. ” 6 Joshua called the priests and told them, “Take the Covenant Box, and seven of you go in front of it, carrying trumpets.” 7 Then he ordered the people to start marching around the city, with an advance guard going on ahead of the LORD's Covenant Box. 8-9 So, just as Joshua had ordered, an advance guard started out ahead of the priests who were blowing trumpets; behind these came the priests who were carrying the Covenant Box, followed by a rear guard. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had ordered the people not to shout, not to say a word until he gave the order. 11 So he had this group of men take the LORD's Covenant Box around the city one time. Then they came back to camp and spent the night there. 12-13 Joshua got up early the next morning, and for the second time the priests and soldiers marched around the city in the same order as the day before: first, the advance guard; next, the seven priests blowing the seven trumpets; then, the priests carrying the LORD's Covenant Box; and finally, the rear guard. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 14 On this second day they again marched around the city one time and then returned to camp. They did this for six days. 15 On the seventh day they got up at daybreak and marched seven times around the city in the same way—this was the only day that they marched around it seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests were about to sound the trumpets, Joshua ordered the people to shout, and he said, “The LORD has given you the city! 17 The city and everything in it must be totally destroyed as an offering to the LORD. Only the prostitute Rahab and her household will be spared, because she hid our spies. 18 But you are not to take anything that is to be destroyed; if you do, you will bring trouble and destruction on the Israelite camp. 19 Everything made of silver, gold, bronze, or iron is set apart for the LORD. It is to be put in the LORD's treasury. ” 20 So the priests blew the trumpets. As soon as the people heard it, they gave a loud shout, and the walls collapsed. Then all the army went straight up the hill into the city and captured it. 21 With their swords they killed everyone in the city, men and women, young and old. They also killed the cattle, sheep, and donkeys. 22 Joshua then told the two men who had served as spies, “Go into the prostitute's house, and bring her and her family out, as you promised her.” 23 So they went and brought Rahab out, along with her father and mother, her brothers, and the rest of her family. They took them all, family and slaves, to safety near the Israelite camp. 24 Then they set fire to the city and burned it to the ground, along with everything in it, except the things made of gold, silver, bronze, and iron, which they took and put in the LORD's treasury. 25 But Joshua spared the lives of the prostitute Rahab and all her relatives, because she had hidden the two spies that he had sent to Jericho. (Her descendants have lived in Israel to this day.) 26 At this time Joshua issued a solemn warning: “Anyone who tries to rebuild the city of Jericho will be under the LORD's curse. Whoever lays the foundation will lose his oldest son; Whoever builds the gates will lose his youngest.” 27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread through the whole country. Reflect Destroying a city and everything in it showed that it belonged to the Lord and could no longer be used by humans. These actions signaled a complete break with the condemned pagan culture of Jericho. How did Rahab help the Israelites? What did Joshua do for her in return for her help? Pray Almighty God, you have the power to tumble walls between nations and cultures. Place me in relationship with those who are different from me, that I may know the breadth and depth of your love through the diversity of your people. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who experience class discrimination Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 28, 2011 Author Members Posted July 28, 2011 July 23, 2011 Judges 13:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Judges 13:1-25: Israel is under control of the Philistines. An angel tells the wife of Manoah that she will become pregnant. The child will be a nazirite, and he will set Israel free from the Philistines. Manoah makes a sacrifice to God. God accepts the sacrifice, and Samson is born. Today’s Scripture: Judges 13:24 The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The child grew and the LORD blessed him. Today’s Reading 1 The Israelites sinned against the LORD again, and he let the Philistines rule them for forty years. 2 At that time there was a man named Manoah from the town of Zorah. He was a member of the tribe of Dan. His wife had never been able to have children. 3 The LORD's angel appeared to her and said, “You have never been able to have children, but you will soon be pregnant and have a son. 4 Be sure not to drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food; 5 and after your son is born, you must never cut his hair, because from the day of his birth he will be dedicated to God as a nazirite. He will begin the work of rescuing Israel from the Philistines. ” 6 Then the woman went and told her husband, “A man of God has come to me, and he looked as frightening as the angel of God. I didn't ask him where he came from, and he didn't tell me his name. 7 But he did tell me that I would become pregnant and have a son. He told me not to drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food, because the boy is to be dedicated to God as a nazirite as long as he lives. ” 8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, “Please, LORD, let the man of God that you sent come back to us and tell us what we must do with the boy when he is born. ” 9 God did what Manoah asked, and his angel came back to the woman while she was sitting in the field. Her husband Manoah was not with her, 10 so she ran at once and told him, “Look! The man who came to me the other day has appeared to me again.” 11 Manoah got up and followed his wife. He went to the man and asked, “Are you the man who talked to my wife?” “Yes,” he answered. 12 Then Manoah said, “Now then, when your words come true, what must the boy do? What kind of a life must he lead?” 13 The LORD's angel answered, “Your wife must be sure to do everything that I have told her. 14 She must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine; she must not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. She must do everything that I have told her. ” 15-16 Not knowing that it was the LORD's angel, Manoah said to him, “Please do not go yet. Let us cook a young goat for you.” But the angel said, “If I do stay, I will not eat your food. But if you want to prepare it, burn it as an offering to the LORD. ” 17 Manoah replied, “Tell us your name, so that we can honor you when your words come true.” 18 The angel asked, “Why do you want to know my name? It is a name of wonder.” 19 So Manoah took a young goat and some grain, and offered them on the rock altar to the LORD who works wonders. 20-21 While the flames were going up from the altar, Manoah and his wife saw the LORD's angel go up toward heaven in the flames. Manoah realized then that the man had been the LORD's angel, and he and his wife threw themselves face downward on the ground. They never saw the angel again. 22 Manoah said to his wife, “We are sure to die, because we have seen God!” 23 But his wife answered, “If the LORD had wanted to kill us, he would not have accepted our offerings; he would not have shown us all this or told us such things at this time. ” 24 The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The child grew and the LORD blessed him. 25 And the LORD's power began to strengthen him while he was between Zorah and Eshtaol in the Camp of Dan. Reflect Re-read verses 3-5. Nazirites dedicated themselves to God and had to follow special rules to show their commitment. Among other things, they were not to cut their hair, drink wine or beer, or have contact with a dead body. They were also supposed to follow laws concerning clean and unclean food (Numbers 6:1-21). How do people show their devotion to God today? How do you show your devotion to God? Pray Lord God, guide my actions today, that my love for you may be reflected in the way I care for myself, for others, for your church, and for all of your creation. May your name be glorified through all that I do. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who struggle with addiction Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 28, 2011 Author Members Posted July 28, 2011 July 24, 2011 1 Samuel 1:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction 1 Samuel 1:1-28: Samuel is born in answer to the prayers of his childless mother, Hannah. In thanksgiving for his birth, Hannah gives him to the Lord. His early life points toward his later service to God as a priest, leader, and prophet. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:27, 28a “I asked him for this child, and he gave me what I asked for. So I am dedicating him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he will belong to the LORD.” Today’s Reading 1 There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham and grandson of Elihu, and belonged to the family of Tohu, a part of the clan of Zuph. 2 Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. 3 Every year Elkanah went from Ramah to worship and offer sacrifices to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the LORD. 4 Each time Elkanah offered his sacrifice, he would give one share of the meat to Peninnah and one share to each of her children. 5 And even though he loved Hannah very much he would give her only one share, because the LORD had kept her from having children. 6 Peninnah, her rival, would torment and humiliate her, because the LORD had kept her childless. 7 This went on year after year; whenever they went to the house of the LORD, Peninnah would upset Hannah so much that she would cry and refuse to eat anything. 8 Her husband Elkanah would ask her, “Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why are you always so sad? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?” 9-10 One time, after they had finished their meal in the house of the LORD at Shiloh, Hannah got up. She was deeply distressed, and she cried bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. Meanwhile, Eli the priest was sitting in his place by the door. 11 Hannah made a solemn promise: “ LORD Almighty, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don't forget me! If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut. ” 12 Hannah continued to pray to the LORD for a long time, and Eli watched her lips. 13 She was praying silently; her lips were moving, but she made no sound. So Eli thought that she was drunk, 14 and he said to her, “Stop making a drunken show of yourself Stop your drinking and sober up!” 15 “No, I'm not drunk, sir,” she answered. “I haven't been drinking! I am desperate, and I have been praying, pouring out my troubles to the LORD. 16 Don't think I am a worthless woman. I have been praying like this because I'm so miserable. ” 17 “Go in peace,” Eli said, “and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked him for.” 18 “May you always think kindly of me,” she replied. Then she went away, ate some food, and was no longer sad. 19 The next morning Elkanah and his family got up early, and after worshiping the LORD, they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had intercourse with his wife Hannah, and the LORD answered her prayer. 20 So it was that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, and explained, “I asked the LORD for him. ” 21 The time came again for Elkanah and his family to go to Shiloh and offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and the special sacrifice he had promised. 22 But this time Hannah did not go. She told her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will take him to the house of the LORD, where he will stay all his life. ” 23 Elkanah answered, “All right, do whatever you think best; stay at home until you have weaned him. And may the LORD make your promise come true. ” So Hannah stayed at home and nursed her child. 24 After she had weaned him, she took him to Shiloh, taking along a three-year-old bull, a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. 25 After they had killed the bull, they took the child to Eli. 26 Hannah said to him, “Excuse me, sir. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to the LORD. 27 I asked him for this child, and he gave me what I asked for. 28 So I am dedicating him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he will belong to the LORD. ” Then they worshiped the LORD there. Reflect Many Israelites believed that children were gifts that God would give or withhold (see Genesis 16:1-2; 30:1, 2, 22, 23). Children were also a sign of God’s blessing (Psalm 127:3-5). Seeing others celebrate God’s blessings, it is natural that Hannah would be upset that she did not have a child. What do children signify in our society? What do children mean to you? Pray Loving God, be present with all who yearn for children. Make this world a safe and caring place for every child born today, that they may know your joy and peace. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who yearn to be parents 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 28, 2011 Author Members Posted July 28, 2011 July 25, 2011 1 Samuel 24:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction 1 Samuel 24:1-22: Saul had been pursuing David, but David escaped every time. In today’s reading, David has the opportunity to kill Saul, but instead he lets Saul live. Saul weeps with gratitude and says that David will be the next king. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:17, 18 Then he said to David, “You are right, and I am wrong. You have been so good to me, while I have done such wrong to you! Today you have shown how good you are to me, because you did not kill me, even though the LORD put me in your power.” Today’s Reading 1 When Saul came back from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David was in the wilderness near Engedi. 2 Saul took three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel and went looking for David and his men east of Wild Goat Rocks. 3 He came to a cave close to some sheep pens by the road and went in to relieve himself. It happened to be the very cave in which David and his men were hiding far back in the cave. 4 They said to him, “This is your chance! The LORD has told you that he would put your enemy in your power and you could do to him whatever you wanted to. ” David crept over and cut off a piece of Saul's robe without Saul's knowing it. 5 But then David's conscience began to hurt, 6 and he said to his men, “May the LORD keep me from doing any harm to my master, whom the LORD chose as king! I must not harm him in the least, because he is the king chosen by the LORD! ” 7 So David convinced his men that they should not attack Saul. Saul got up, left the cave, and started away. 8 Then David went out after him and called to him, “Your Majesty!” Saul turned around, and David bowed down to the ground in respect 9 and said, “Why do you listen to people who say that I am trying to harm you? 10 You can see for yourself that just now in the cave the LORD put you in my power. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I felt sorry for you and said that I would not harm you in the least, because you are the one whom the LORD chose to be king. 11 Look, my father, look at the piece of your robe I am holding! I could have killed you, but instead I only cut this off. This should convince you that I have no thought of rebelling against you or of harming you. You are hunting me down to kill me, even though I have not done you any wrong. 12 May the LORD judge which one of us is wrong! May he punish you for your action against me, for I will not harm you in the least. 13 You know the old saying, “Evil is done only by evil people.” And so I will not harm you. 14 Look at what the king of Israel is trying to kill! Look at what he is chasing! A dead dog, a flea! 15 The LORD will judge, and he will decide which one of us is wrong. May he look into the matter, defend me, and save me from you. ” 16 When David had finished speaking, Saul said, “Is that really you, David my son?” And he started crying. 17 Then he said to David, “You are right, and I am wrong. You have been so good to me, while I have done such wrong to you! 18 Today you have shown how good you are to me, because you did not kill me, even though the LORD put me in your power. 19 How often does someone catch an enemy and then let him get away unharmed? The LORD bless you for what you have done to me today! 20 Now I am sure that you will be king of Israel and that the kingdom will continue under your rule. 21 But promise me in the LORD's name that you will spare my descendants, so that my name and my family's name will not be completely forgotten. ” 22 David promised that he would. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went back to their hiding place. Reflect Why did David choose not to harm Saul when he had the chance? David calls Saul “my father” (verse 11) and Saul calls David “my son” (verse 16). What does this say to you about their relationship? What promise does David make to Saul? Pray God of justice and mercy, remove from my heart any thoughts that are not in keeping with your will. Help me overcome any feelings of anger I may have toward another and guide me in your way. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents and children who are estranged 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 28, 2011 Author Members Posted July 28, 2011 July 26, 2011 1 Samuel 26:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction 1 Samuel 26:1-25: Once again, David is pursued by Saul. David has another opportunity to kill Saul, but again he spares Saul’s life, saying that God will punish him. David criticizes Saul’s army commander for failing to protect him. Then Saul awakens and apologizes to David. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 26:23a “The LORD rewards those who are faithful and righteous.” Today’s Reading 1 Some men from Ziph came to Saul at Gibeah and told him that David was hiding on Mount Hachilah at the edge of the Judean wilderness. 2 Saul went at once with three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel to the wilderness of Ziph to look for David, 3 and camped by the road on Mount Hachilah. David was still in the wilderness, and when he learned that Saul had come to look for him, 4 he sent spies and found out that Saul was indeed there. 5 He went at once and located the exact place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, slept. Saul slept inside the camp, and his men camped around him. 6 Then David asked Ahimelech the Hittite, and Abishai the brother of Joab (their mother was Zeruiah), “Which of you two will go to Saul's camp with me?” “I will,” Abishai answered. 7 So that night David and Abishai entered Saul's camp and found Saul sleeping in the center of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the troops were sleeping around him. 8 Abishai said to David, “God has put your enemy in your power tonight. Now let me plunge his own spear through him and pin him to the ground with just one blow—I won't have to strike twice!” 9 But David said, “You must not harm him! The LORD will certainly punish whoever harms his chosen king. 10 By the living LORD, ” David continued, “I know that the LORD himself will kill Saul, either when his time comes to die a natural death or when he dies in battle. 11 The LORD forbid that I should try to harm the one whom the LORD has made king! Let's take his spear and his water jar, and go. ” 12 So David took the spear and the water jar from right beside Saul's head, and he and Abishai left. No one saw it or knew what had happened or even woke up—they were all sound asleep, because the LORD had sent a heavy sleep on them all. 13 Then David crossed over to the other side of the valley to the top of the hill, a safe distance away, 14 and shouted to Saul's troops and to Abner, “Abner! Can you hear me?” “Who is that shouting and waking up the king?” Abner asked. 15 David answered, “Abner, aren't you the greatest man in Israel? So why aren't you protecting your master, the king? Just now someone entered the camp to kill your master. 16 You failed in your duty, Abner! I swear by the living LORD that all of you deserve to die, because you have not protected your master, whom the LORD made king. Look! Where is the king's spear? Where is the water jar that was right by his head? ” 17 Saul recognized David's voice and asked, “David, is that you, my son?” “Yes, Your Majesty,” David answered. 18 And he added, “Why, sir, are you still pursuing me, your servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed? 19 Your Majesty, listen to what I have to say. If it is the LORD who has turned you against me, an offering to him will make him change his mind; but if some people have done it, may the LORD's curse fall on them. For they have driven me out from the LORD's land to a country where I can only worship foreign gods. 20 Don't let me be killed on foreign soil, away from the LORD. Why should the king of Israel come to kill a flea like me? Why should he hunt me down like a wild bird? ” 21 Saul answered, “I have done wrong. Come back, David, my son! I will never harm you again, because you have spared my life tonight. I have been a fool! I have done a terrible thing!” 22 David replied, “Here is your spear, Your Majesty. Let one of your men come over and get it. 23 The LORD rewards those who are faithful and righteous. Today he put you in my power, but I did not harm you, whom the LORD made king. 24 Just as I have spared your life today, may the LORD do the same to me and free me from all troubles! ” 25 Saul said to David, “God bless you, my son! You will succeed in everything you do!” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home. Reflect What reason did David give for not killing Saul? What did he do instead? What were Saul’s parting words to David? Verse 23 states, “The LORD rewards those who are faithful and righteous.” What is your reaction to these words? Pray Faithful God, wrap me in your righteousness and fill me with your wisdom. Open my heart to receive your blessings, and guide my steps today, that I may be a witness to your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who face danger 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 28, 2011 Author Members Posted July 28, 2011 July 27, 2011 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction 2 Samuel 9:1-13: David wants to show kindness to Saul’s family. He seeks out Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, and gives him the land that once belonged to Saul (his grandfather). David promises to feed and care for him like one of David’s own sons. Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:7 “Don’t be afraid,” David replied. “I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always be welcome at my table.” Today’s Reading 1 One day David asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul's family? If there is, I would like to show him kindness for Jonathan's sake.” 2 There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba, and he was told to go to David. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “At your service, sir,” he answered. 3 The king asked him, “Is there anyone left of Saul's family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness, as I promised God I would?” Ziba answered, “There is still one of Jonathan's sons. He is crippled.” 4 “Where is he?” the king asked. “At the home of Machir son of Ammiel in Lodebar,” Ziba answered. 5 So King David sent for him. 6 When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, arrived, he bowed down before David in respect. David said, “Mephibosheth,” and he answered, “At your service, sir.” 7 “Don't be afraid,” David replied. “I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always be welcome at my table.” 8 Mephibosheth bowed again and said, “I am no better than a dead dog, sir! Why should you be so good to me?” 9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said, “I am giving Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land for your master Saul's family and bring in the harvest, to provide food for them. But Mephibosheth himself will always be a guest at my table. ” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) 11 Ziba answered, “I will do everything Your Majesty commands.” So Mephibosheth ate at the king's table, just like one of the king's sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. All the members of Ziba's family became servants of Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem, eating all his meals at the king's table. Reflect David honored Mephibosheth by giving him a place at his table rather than offering him charity. David might also have hoped to secure Mephibosheth’s loyalty. Why did David want to show kindness to him? What does it mean to you to be in relationship with the children and grandchildren of people you care for and respect? Pray God, thank you for the ways in which other families shape my life, teaching me new ways to live and love. Bless the families of my friends and colleagues, that they may thrive and know your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Missing children Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 28, 2011 Author Members Posted July 28, 2011 July 28, 2011 Matthew 18:21-35 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Matthew 18:21-35: Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive someone who has wronged him. Jesus says he must forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times. Then he tells a parable about a king who demands that his subjects forgive others as he has forgiven them. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 18:35 And Jesus concluded, “This is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” Today’s Reading 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven, 23 because the Kingdom of heaven is like this. Once there was a king who decided to check on his servants' accounts. 24 He had just begun to do so when one of them was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 The servant did not have enough to pay his debt, so the king ordered him to be sold as a slave, with his wife and his children and all that he had, in order to pay the debt. 26 The servant fell on his knees before the king. “Be patient with me,” he begged, “and I will pay you everything!” 27 The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go. 28 Then the man went out and met one of his fellow servants who owed him a few dollars. He grabbed him and started choking him. “Pay back what you owe me!” he said. 29 His fellow servant fell down and begged him, “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back!” 30 But he refused; instead, he had him thrown into jail until he should pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went to the king and told him everything. 32 So he called the servant in. “You worthless slave!” he said. ‘I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to. 33 You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you. ’ 34 The king was very angry, and he sent the servant to jail to be punished until he should pay back the whole amount. ” 35 And Jesus concluded, “That is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” Reflect Why does Jesus say that it is important to forgive others? Have you ever had to forgive someone for something? Did your willingness to forgive improve your relationship with that person? What would the world be like without forgiveness? Pray Gracious God, forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to follow you. Teach me how to overcome my resistance to forgive others, that I may share your healing and grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who struggle to forgive others Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 30, 2011 Author Members Posted July 30, 2011 July 29, 2011 Matthew 20:1-16 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Matthew 20:1-16: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by comparing it to a vineyard. He tells the story of a man who hires workers at various points in the day, agreeing to pay each a day’s wages. The workers who were hired first thought they would receive more than the others, and they complained when all were paid the same. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 20:16 And Jesus concluded, “So, those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.” Today’s Reading 1 The Kingdom of heaven is like this. Once there was a man who went out early in the morning to hire some men to work in his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them the regular wage, a silver coin a day, and sent them to work in his vineyard. 3 He went out again to the marketplace at nine o'clock and saw some men standing there doing nothing, 4 so he told them, “You also go and work in the vineyard, and I will pay you a fair wage.” 5 So they went. Then at twelve o'clock and again at three o'clock he did the same thing. 6 It was nearly five o'clock when he went to the marketplace and saw some other men still standing there. “Why are you wasting the whole day here doing nothing?” he asked them. 7 “No one hired us,” they answered. “Well, then, you go and work in the vineyard,” he told them. 8 When evening came, the owner told his foreman, “Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with those who were hired last and ending with those who were hired first.” 9 The men who had begun to work at five o'clock were paid a silver coin each. 10 So when the men who were the first to be hired came to be paid, they thought they would get more; but they too were given a silver coin each. 11 They took their money and started grumbling against the employer. 12 “These men who were hired last worked only one hour,” they said, “while we put up with a whole day's work in the hot sun—yet you paid them the same as you paid us!” 13 “Listen, friend,” the owner answered one of them, ‘I have not cheated you. After all, you agreed to do a day's work for one silver coin. 14 Now take your pay and go home. I want to give this man who was hired last as much as I gave you. 15 Don't I have the right to do as I wish with my own money? Or are you jealous because I am generous? ’ ” 16 And Jesus concluded, “So those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.” Reflect Jesus uses this story to explain that all who are first will be last, and all who are last will be first (verse 16). What does he mean? How does God undermine worldly power structures? Who do you think is first in the world today, and who is last? Pray God of justice, make the lowliest among us great, and humble those with power. Make your Spirit of justice and equality present today, that all may be treated with respect, love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern The poor Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 30, 2011 Author Members Posted July 30, 2011 July 30, 2011 Philemon 1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Philemon 1-25: Today’s reading is a short letter from Paul to a church leader named Philemon. He tells Philemon that he is sending the slave Onesimus back to him. Onesimus had run away from Philemon’s household. Because Onesimus has become Paul’s student, Paul hopes Philemon will accept Onesimus back as a follower of the Lord. Today’s Scripture: Philemon 6 My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy— To our friend and fellow worker Philemon, 2 and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus: 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. 5 For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. 6 My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. 7 Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people. 8 For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother in Christ, to order you to do what should be done. 9 But because I love you, I make a request instead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake. 10 So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father. 11 At one time he was of no use to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. 13 I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place. 14 However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree. 15 It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. 16 And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord! 17 So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) 20 So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up! 21 I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask—in fact I know that you will do even more. 22 At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you. 23 Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, 24 and so do my co-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. 25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Reflect Paul wants Philemon to treat his returning slave with kindness and love. Roman law allowed slaveowners to punish escaped slaves harshly. Onesimus may have run away because of a disagreement with Philemon. In this kind of situation, a slave might ask a trusted third party (like Paul) to intervene. What does this letter say about how Christians should treat one another? What can we learn from Paul’s example and the actions he took on behalf of Onesimus? Pray Lord of love, help me follow Paul’s example of advocating for those with less power than I have. May I serve as an instrument of peace and equality in the world. Amen. Prayer Concern Court advocates 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 August 1, 2011 Author Members Posted August 1, 2011 July 31, 2011 Hebrews 10:1-39 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Tell of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hebrews 10:1-39: Until the final destruction of the temple, it was the job of Israel’s priests to offer sacrifices to thank God and to gain God’s forgiveness for the people’s sins. In the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus is seen as the great high priest, whose presence in suffering and death abolished the need for such sacrifices. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. Today’s Reading 1 The Jewish Law is not a full and faithful model of the real things; it is only a faint outline of the good things to come. The same sacrifices are offered forever, year after year. How can the Law, then, by means of these sacrifices make perfect the people who come to God? 2 If the people worshiping God had really been purified from their sins, they would not feel guilty of sin any more, and all sacrifices would stop. 3 As it is, however, the sacrifices serve year after year to remind people of their sins. 4 For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins. 5 For this reason, when Christ was about to come into the world, he said to God: “You do not want sacrifices and offerings, but you have prepared a body for me. 6 You are not pleased with animals burned whole on the altar or with sacrifices to take away sins. 7 Then I said, ‘Here I am, to do your will, O God, just as it is written of me in the book of the Law.’” 8 First he said, “You neither want nor are you pleased with sacrifices and offerings or with animals burned on the altar and the sacrifices to take away sins.” He said this even though all these sacrifices are offered according to the Law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, O God, to do your will.” So God does away with all the old sacrifices and puts the sacrifice of Christ in their place. 10 Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all. 11 Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. 12 Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. 13 There he now waits until God puts his enemies as a footstool under his feet. 14 With one sacrifice, then, he has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin. 15 And the Holy Spirit also gives us his witness. First he says, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them in the days to come, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts and write them on their minds.” 17 And then he says, “I will not remember their sins and evil deeds any longer.” 18 So when these have been forgiven, an offering to take away sins is no longer needed. 19 We have, then, my friends, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. 20 He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain—that is, through his own body. 21 We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. 22 So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. 23 Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. 24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. 25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer. 26 For there is no longer any sacrifice that will take away sins if we purposely go on sinning after the truth has been made known to us. 27 Instead, all that is left is to wait in fear for the coming Judgment and the fierce fire which will destroy those who oppose God! 28 Anyone who disobeys the Law of Moses is put to death without any mercy when judged guilty from the evidence of two or more witnesses. 29 What, then, of those who despise the Son of God? who treat as a cheap thing the blood of God's covenant which purified them from sin? who insult the Spirit of grace? Just think how much worse is the punishment they will deserve! 30 For we know who said, “I will take revenge, I will repay”; and who also said, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God! 32 Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. 33 You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. 34 You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. 35 Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. 36 You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. 37 For, as the scripture says, “Just a little while longer, and he who is coming will come; he will not delay. 38 My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them.” 39 We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved. Reflect Why does the writer say that the Jewish Law (the Law of Moses) is “only a faint outline of the good things to come” (verse 1)? What do you think are the good things to come? According to the writer, what is the purpose of the Law (verses 1- 3)? Re-read verses 8-10. What did “the sacrifice of Christ” accomplish for us? How does the writer encourage believers to live (verses 19-25)? What is your understanding of verse 36, and what do you think is promised to those who “do the will of God?” Pray God of forgiveness, your laws are written on my mind and my heart. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen me each day to seek your will in my life, that I may experience and share the good things you promise. Amen. Prayer Concern Judges 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 August 1, 2011 Author Members Posted August 1, 2011 August 1, 2011 Hebrews 11:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Hebrews 11:1-22: Today’s passage cites stories of faith throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. The author says that faith is the way to please God and receive God’s promised reward. Faith means trusting in God through life’s deepest challenges. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. Today’s Reading 1 To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. 2 It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God's approval. 3 It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God's word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. 4 It was faith that made Abel offer to God a better sacrifice than Cain's. Through his faith he won God's approval as a righteous man, because God himself approved of his gifts. By means of his faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 It was faith that kept Enoch from dying. Instead, he was taken up to God, and nobody could find him, because God had taken him up. The scripture says that before Enoch was taken up, he had pleased God. 6 No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him. 7 It was faith that made Noah hear God's warnings about things in the future that he could not see. He obeyed God and built a boat in which he and his family were saved. As a result, the world was condemned, and Noah received from God the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him to go out to a country which God had promised to give him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as a foreigner in the country that God had promised him. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who received the same promise from God. 10 For Abraham was waiting for the city which God has designed and built, the city with permanent foundations. 11 It was faith that made Abraham able to become a father, even though he was too old and Sarah herself could not have children. He trusted God to keep his promise. 12 Though Abraham was practically dead, from this one man came as many descendants as there are stars in the sky, as many as the numberless grains of sand on the seashore. 13 It was in faith that all these persons died. They did not receive the things God had promised, but from a long way off they saw them and welcomed them, and admitted openly that they were foreigners and refugees on earth. 14 Those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return. 16 Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them. 17 It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice. 18 God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I promised.” 19 Abraham reckoned that God was able to raise Isaac from death—and, so to speak, Abraham did receive Isaac back from death. 20 It was faith that made Isaac promise blessings for the future to Jacob and Esau. 21 It was faith that made Jacob bless each of the sons of Joseph just before he died. He leaned on the top of his walking stick and worshiped God. 22 It was faith that made Joseph, when he was about to die, speak of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, and leave instructions about what should be done with his body. Reflect What biblical characters appear in this passage as models of faith? What challenges did they face? How did God meet them in their times of struggle? What do these stories mean to you? How have you relied on God in times of struggle? How has God responded? Pray God, there are times when I struggle to have faith in you. Thank you for your promises to care for me no matter what. Strengthen my faith that I may better serve you. Amen. Prayer Concern People looking for a church 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 August 2, 2011 Author Members Posted August 2, 2011 August 2, 2011 Hebrews 11:23-40 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Hebrews 11:23-40: This passage continues to describe the many actions and risks that the ancient Israelites took in response to their faith. Moses’ parents kept him hidden from the king. Moses chose to return to his people, ultimately teaching them to celebrate Passover and leading them through the Red Sea. Rahab welcomed the Israelite spies. These people and others demonstrated their faith through action, trusting in God’s promises for them. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 11:33b They did what was right and received what God had promised. Today’s Reading 23 It was faith that made the parents of Moses hide him for three months after he was born. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's order. 24 It was faith that made Moses, when he had grown up, refuse to be called the son of the king's daughter. 25 He preferred to suffer with God's people rather than to enjoy sin for a little while. 26 He reckoned that to suffer scorn for the Messiah was worth far more than all the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes on the future reward. 27 It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. 28 It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites. 29 It was faith that made the Israelites able to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the water swallowed them up. 30 It was faith that made the walls of Jericho fall down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. 31 It was faith that kept the prostitute Rahab from being killed with those who disobeyed God, for she gave the Israelite spies a friendly welcome. 32 Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33 Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners. 35 Through faith women received their dead relatives raised back to life. Others, refusing to accept freedom, died under torture in order to be raised to a better life. 36 Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were killed by the sword. They went around clothed in skins of sheep or goats—poor, persecuted, and mistreated. 38 The world was not good enough for them! They wandered like refugees in the deserts and hills, living in caves and holes in the ground. 39 What a record all of these have won by their faith! Yet they did not receive what God had promised, 40 because God had decided on an even better plan for us. His purpose was that only in company with us would they be made perfect. Reflect The Hebrew word sometimes translated as “faith” is Amen, which is used to close English prayers and hymns. It means to rely on what is firm and dependable, especially on God. This trust relationship is demonstrated through the stories named in this passage. What Bible stories provide a helpful model of faith for you? Pray Holy God, you provide wonderful examples of your faithful servants. Thank you for the many models of faith you have placed in my life. Bless them and keep them in your Spirit. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who need models of faith 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 August 3, 2011 Author Members Posted August 3, 2011 August 3, 2011 Hebrews 12:1-11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Hebrews 12:1-11: God’s new people are surrounded by faithful witnesses from the past and present. This crowd of witnesses cheers people on in the race of faith. The writer compares God to a father who disciplines his children. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 12:2a Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! Today’s Reading 1 As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne. 3 Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. 4 For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed. 5 Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children? “My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you. 6 Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a child.” 7 Endure what you suffer as being a father's punishment; your suffering shows that God is treating you as his children. Was there ever a child who was not punished by his father? 8 If you are not punished, as all his children are, it means you are not real children, but bastards. 9 In the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live! 10 Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness. 11 When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life. Reflect In 12:7-11, the writer compares the relationship between God and people to that of the relationship between a father and child. What is the purpose of punishment or discipline given by earthly parents or other authorities? What do you think about the comparison of God to a parent? In what ways is God like or not like your parents? Pray Nurturing God, like a wise parent, you correct our ways. Like a gracious parent, you forgive our mistakes. Like a loving parent, your care for us is unconditional. Thank you for loving me. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents 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 August 5, 2011 Author Members Posted August 5, 2011 August 4, 2011 Hebrews 12:12-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Hebrews 12:12-29: The writer of today’s passage contrasts Mount Sinai with Mount Zion. Mount Zion is called “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (12:22). This heavenly city is the place where Christ went to be with God, and where “God’s first-born” (12:23) will go to live with God. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 12:28 Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe. Today’s Reading 12 Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees! 13 Keep walking on straight paths, so that the lame foot may not be disabled, but instead be healed. 14 Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it. 15 Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison. 16 Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau, who for a single meal sold his rights as the older son. 17 Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive his father's blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done, even though in tears he looked for it. 18 You have not come, as the people of Israel came, to what you can feel, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm, 19 the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word, 20 because they could not bear the order which said, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling and afraid!” 22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, with its thousands of angels. 23 You have come to the joyful gathering of God's first-born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, who is the judge of all people, and to the spirits of good people made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, who arranged the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that promises much better things than does the blood of Abel. 25 Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven! 26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven as well.” 27 The words “once more” plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain. 28 Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe; 29 because our God is indeed a destroying fire. Reflect Israel’s King David conquered the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem included a high place known as Mount Zion. This stronghold was also known as “the city of David.” What do Mount Zion and Jerusalem represent to the writer of this text? What does the idea of “the city of the living God” (12:22) mean to you? Pray Life-Giving God, even as I yearn to live with you in heaven, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may show others a glimpse of what it means to dwell in the city of the living God. Amen. Prayer Concern Homeless people 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 August 5, 2011 Author Members Posted August 5, 2011 August 5, 2011 Matthew 14:13-36 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Matthew 14:13-36: Jesus feeds more than five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish, taking up twelve baskets of leftovers. Afterward, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him to cross the lake in a boat. A storm arises in the middle of the night, and Jesus walks on water to meet his terrified disciples. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 14:33 Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus. “Truly you are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Today’s Reading 13 When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their towns and followed him by land. 14 Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed their sick. 15 That evening his disciples came to him and said, “It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves.” 16 “They don't have to leave,” answered Jesus. “You yourselves give them something to eat!” 17 “All we have here are five loaves and two fish,” they replied. 18 “Then bring them here to me,” Jesus said. 19 He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. 21 The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children. 22 Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people away. 23 After sending the people away, he went up a hill by himself to pray. When evening came, Jesus was there alone; 24 and by this time the boat was far out in the lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it. 25 Between three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water. 26 When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It's a ghost!” they said, and screamed with fear. 27 Jesus spoke to them at once. “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don't be afraid!” 28 Then Peter spoke up. “Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you.” 29 “Come!” answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. “Save me, Lord!” he cried. 31 At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, “What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?” 32 They both got into the boat, and the wind died down. 33 Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus. “Truly you are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. 34 They crossed the lake and came to land at Gennesaret, 35 where the people recognized Jesus. So they sent for the sick people in all the surrounding country and brought them to Jesus. 36 They begged him to let the sick at least touch the edge of his cloak; and all who touched it were made well. Reflect Lake Galilee is located in the northern end of the Jordan River Valley. Storms often sweep across the lake because it is surrounded by mountains. What was the disciples’ response when they saw Jesus walking on water? What did Jesus say to reassure them? How might you have responded to Jesus? Pray Lord Jesus, your compassion and charity are boundless. Like the crowd and the disciples, we find ourselves continually amazed at the things you do. Use what little we have to offer and make us instruments of your goodwill. Amen. Prayer Concern All who are hungry 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 August 6, 2011 Author Members Posted August 6, 2011 August 6, 2011 Matthew 15:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Matthew 15:1-20: Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem over issues of ritual purity. Jesus says that purity comes from within a person; it is a state of the heart rather than the result of strictly observing ritual practices. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 15:11 “It is not what goes into your mouth that makes you ritually unclean; rather, what comes out of it that makes you unclean.” Today’s Reading 1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the Law came from Jerusalem to Jesus and asked him, 2 “Why is it that your disciples disobey the teaching handed down by our ancestors? They don't wash their hands in the proper way before they eat!” 3 Jesus answered, “And why do you disobey God's command and follow your own teaching? 4 For God said, “Respect your father and your mother,” and “If you curse your father or your mother, you are to be put to death.” 5 But you teach that if people have something they could use to help their father or mother, but say, “This belongs to God,” 6 they do not need to honor their father. In this way you disregard God's command, in order to follow your own teaching. 7 You hypocrites! How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! 8 ‘These people, says God, honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. 9 It is no use for them to worship me, because they teach human rules as though they were my laws!’” 10 Then Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand! 11 It is not what goes into your mouth that makes you ritually unclean; rather, what comes out of it makes you unclean. ” 12 Then the disciples came to him and said, “Do you know that the Pharisees had their feelings hurt by what you said?” 13 “Every plant which my Father in heaven did not plant will be pulled up,” answered Jesus. 14 “Don't worry about them! They are blind leaders of the blind; and when one blind man leads another, both fall into a ditch.” 15 Peter spoke up, “Explain this saying to us.” 16 Jesus said to them, “You are still no more intelligent than the others. 17 Don't you understand? Anything that goes into your mouth goes into your stomach and then on out of your body. 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these are the things that make you ritually unclean. 19 For from your heart come the evil ideas which lead you to kill, commit adultery, and do other immoral things; to rob, lie, and slander others. 20 These are the things that make you unclean. But to eat without washing your hands as they say you should—this doesn't make you unclean. ” Reflect What prompted the question that the Pharisees asked Jesus? How did Jesus answer them? How do you understand his response? Think of one or two practices or behaviors that could be judged as either good or bad depending on an individual’s motivation for doing them. Pray O God, how easy it is to get caught up in rules and regulations and to concern myself with external appearances. I humbly ask for your forgiveness and patience. Cleanse my heart and fill my mind with thoughts that are pleasing to you, that my attitude may lead to actions marked by your grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who gossip Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 8, 2011 Author Members Posted August 8, 2011 August 7, 2011 Matthew 15:21-39 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Matthew 15:21-39: Jesus heals the demon-possessed daughter of a Gentile woman in response to the woman’s quick wit and bold faith. Jesus then heals many others. The crowd is excited and astounded. Jesus feels pity for the crowd, and feeds them with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 15:31 The people were amazed as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel. Today’s Reading 21 Jesus left that place and went off to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman who lived in that region came to him. “Son of David!” she cried out. “Have mercy on me, sir! My daughter has a demon and is in a terrible condition.” 23 But Jesus did not say a word to her. His disciples came to him and begged him, “Send her away! She is following us and making all this noise!” 24 Then Jesus replied, “I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.” 25 At this the woman came and fell at his feet. “Help me, sir!” she said. 26 Jesus answered, “It isn't right to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 “That's true, sir,” she answered, “but even the dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their masters' table.” 28 So Jesus answered her, “You are a woman of great faith! What you want will be done for you.” And at that very moment her daughter was healed. 29 Jesus left there and went along by Lake Galilee. He climbed a hill and sat down. 30 Large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the dumb, and many other sick people, whom they placed at Jesus' feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away without feeding them, for they might faint on their way home.” 33 The disciples asked him, “Where will we find enough food in this desert to feed this crowd?” 34 “How much bread do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven loaves,” they answered, “and a few small fish.” 35 So Jesus ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks to God, broke them, and gave them to the disciples; and the disciples gave them to the people. 37 They all ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up seven baskets full of pieces left over. 38 The number of men who ate was four thousand, not counting the women and children. 39 Then Jesus sent the people away, got into a boat, and went to the territory of Magadan. Reflect What significance does the woman’s ethnicity have for Jesus’ mission? Why do you think the woman bows down when she approaches Jesus? How does the woman react to Jesus’ harsh response to her request? What surprised you most in today’s stories? Pray O God, thank you for sharing your grace through Jesus Christ with the world. Forgive us when we act timidly, and embolden us to seize opportunities to receive what we most need from your abundance. Amen. Prayer Concern Single parents 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 August 9, 2011 Author Members Posted August 9, 2011 August 8, 2011 Philippians 1:1-30 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Philippians 1:1-30: The apostle Paul wrote the Letter to the Philippians to the Lord’s followers at Philippi while he was in jail. Paul reminds them to remain faithful to the good news, facing suffering with hope in Christ. He believes that those who are faithful followers of Christ will be with Christ after they die. Today’s Scripture: Philippians 1:11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus— To all God's people in Philippi who are in union with Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and helpers: 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 I thank my God for you every time I think of you; 4 and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy 5 because of the way in which you have helped me in the work of the gospel from the very first day until now. 6 And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus. 7 You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly. 8 God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself. 9 I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, 10 so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. 11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God. 12 I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. 13 As a result, the whole palace guard and all the others here know that I am in prison because I am a servant of Christ. 14 And my being in prison has given most of the believers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message fearlessly. 15 Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine good will. 16 These do so from love, because they know that God has given me the work of defending the gospel. 17 The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison. 18 It does not matter! I am happy about it—just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy, 19 because I know that by means of your prayers and the help which comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ I shall be set free. 20 My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more. 22 But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. 23 I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; 24 but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. 25 I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus. 27 Now, the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose and that with only one desire you are fighting together for the faith of the gospel. 28 Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory. 29 For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him. 30 Now you can take part with me in the battle. It is the same battle you saw me fighting in the past, and as you hear, the one I am fighting still. Reflect What does it mean to live “as the gospel of Christ requires” (1:27)? Do you find Paul’s message encouraging? Why or why not? Is there anything about his message that troubles you? If so, what? Pray Lord Jesus, your servant Paul used his life struggles to help people know you. May my life be a witness to your endless love, whether I am joyful or downtrodden, safe or endangered, rich or poor. Help me trust in your loving wholeness. Amen. Prayer Concern Prison chaplains 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 August 9, 2011 Author Members Posted August 9, 2011 August 9, 2011 Philippians 2:1-30 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Encourage One Another in Faith Introduction Philippians 2:1-30: In this passage, Paul describes how Christ is a model for his understanding of true humility. He invites the Philippians to “shine among them like stars lighting up the sky” (2:15), that they may become examples of humility and purity. In doing so, their lives will become a living sacrifice to God. Today’s Scripture: Philippians 2:1 Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. Today’s Reading 1 Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. 2 I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. 3 Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. 4 And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own. 5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: 6 He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. 7 Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. 8 He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death— his death on the cross. 9 For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. 10 And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, 11 and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, 13 because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, 16 as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted. 17 Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. 18 In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me. 19 If it is the Lord's will, I hope that I will be able to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be encouraged by news about you. 20 He is the only one who shares my feelings and who really cares about you. 21 Everyone else is concerned only with their own affairs, not with the cause of Jesus Christ. 22 And you yourselves know how he has proved his worth, how he and I, like a son and his father, have worked together for the sake of the gospel. 23 So I hope to send him to you as soon as I know how things are going to turn out for me. 24 And I trust in the Lord that I myself will be able to come to you soon. 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you our brother Epaphroditus, who has worked and fought by my side and who has served as your messenger in helping me. 26 He is anxious to see you all and is very upset because you had heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed he was sick and almost died. But God had pity on him, and not only on him but on me, too, and spared me an even greater sorrow. 28 I am all the more eager, then, to send him to you, so that you will be glad again when you see him, and my own sorrow will disappear. 29 Receive him, then, with joy, as a believer in the Lord. Show respect to all such people as he, 30 because he risked his life and nearly died for the sake of the work of Christ, in order to give me the help that you yourselves could not give. Reflect Many biblical writers use “light” to describe God or God’s word (Ps 119:105; 1 John 1:5), as well as those people or things that reveal God’s truth (Isaiah 49:6). The followers of Jesus are sometimes called “people of the light” (John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8) and “light for the whole world” (Matthew 5:14-16). What does it mean to you to “shine as a light”? How can your actions reveal God’s word to others? Pray God of Light, let my light shine before others so they may know your works and your word. Radiate your love and peace through me, knowing that my life is yours. Amen. Prayer Concern Those discerning their vocational paths 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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