Members phkrause Posted January 6, 2012 Author Members Posted January 6, 2012 January 4, 2012 Ephesians 4:1-32 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Ephesians 4:1-32: Paul encourages the followers of Christ to live in unity and to live a new life in Christ. He contrasts human behavior prior to knowing Christ with behavior that reflects God’s love and grace. God’s people have been given special gifts to prepare them for the work of Christian service and to build up communities of faith through love. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 4:13a And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God. Today’s Reading 1 I urge you, then—I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. 2 Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. 3 Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all. 7 Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. 8 As the scripture says, “When he went up to the very heights, he took many captives with him; he gave gifts to people.” 9 Now, what does “he went up” mean? It means that first he came down to the lowest depths of the earth. 10 So the one who came down is the same one who went up, above and beyond the heavens, to fill the whole universe with his presence. 11 It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. 12 He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. 13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature. 14 Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. 16 Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love. 17 In the Lord's name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18 and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. 19 They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint. 20 That was not what you learned about Christ! 21 You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. 25 No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ. 26 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. 27 Don't give the Devil a chance. 28 If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. 29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. 30 And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. 32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. Reflect In verses 1-16, Paul uses the metaphor of a body to describe unity in the Church. What are some of the key points in these verses? Reread verses 17-32. Paul offers practical instructions for the way Christians are to behave. How does he describe new life in Christ? He urges us to “get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger” and to put aside “hateful feelings” (verse 31). Are you struggling with these feelings? If so, what behavioral changes do you need to make to overcome them? What advice does Paul offer (verse 32)? Pray Lord Jesus, help me to grow day by day in the knowledge of you and to live a new life in you. Help me to overcome actions and habits that are not pleasing in your sight and to put on a new self that reflects your likeness and that is upright and holy. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling to overcome grudges and anger Tomorrow's Reading Ephesians 5:1—6:4: The apostle Paul continues to offer instructions for living as children of God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 6, 2012 Author Members Posted January 6, 2012 January 5, 2012 Ephesians 5:1—6:4 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Ephesians 5:1—6:4: Paul uses the images of darkness and light to contrast a former way of life with new life as God’s people. He offers instructions, known as “household codes,” regarding relationships within the family unit. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 5:2 Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. Today’s Reading 1 Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. 2 Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. 3 Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. 4 Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. 5 You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7 So have nothing at all to do with such people. 8 You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, 9 for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10 Try to learn what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the worthless things that people do, things that belong to the darkness. Instead, bring them out to the light. ( 12 It is really too shameful even to talk about the things they do in secret.) 13 And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed; 14 for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. 16 Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. 17 Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. 20 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father. 21 Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body. 24 And so wives must submit themselves completely to their husbands just as the church submits itself to Christ. 25 Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. 26 He did this to dedicate the church to God by his word, after making it clean by washing it in water, 27 in order to present the church to himself in all its beauty—pure and faultless, without spot or wrinkle or any other imperfection. 28 Men ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. ( 29 None of us ever hate our own bodies. Instead, we feed them, and take care of them, just as Christ does the church; 30 for we are members of his body.) 31 As the scripture says, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.” 32 There is a deep secret truth revealed in this scripture, which I understand as applying to Christ and the church. 33 But it also applies to you: every husband must love his wife as himself, and every wife must respect her husband. 1 Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Respect your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise added: 3 “so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.” 4 Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction. Reflect What are your reactions or thoughts to Paul’s instructions? Is there anything that you find particularly hard to follow? If so, why? What does becoming one of the “Lord’s people” (verse 8) mean to you? Pray Almighty God, I want to live in the light and walk in the pathway of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Thank you for leading me out of darkness and for teaching me how to live in a way that is pleasing to you and reflects your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Families Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 2:1-23: Travelers from the East search for Jesus. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 6, 2012 Author Members Posted January 6, 2012 January 6, 2012 Matthew 2:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Matthew 2:1-23: Men who studied the stars come to Jerusalem, searching for a newborn king. Astrological signs were understood to be an indication of the birth of someone important. King Herod receives these visitors from the East, falsely stating that he wishes to worship the newborn king. Led by a star, the visitors from the East find Jesus and worship him. They are warned not to return to Herod. An angel warns Joseph in a dream to take Mary and the child and escape to Egypt. Upon learning that he has been tricked by the visitors from the East, Herod is furious and orders the massacre of all boys who were two years old and younger. Following the death of Herod, Joseph returns with Mary and Jesus, and they make their home in Nazareth. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 2:11a They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him. Today’s Reading 1 Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the time when Herod was king. Soon afterward, some men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the baby born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star when it came up in the east, and we have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard about this, he was very upset, and so was everyone else in Jerusalem. 4 He called together all the chief priests and the teachers of the Law and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” 5 “In the town of Bethlehem in Judea,” they answered. “For this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least of the leading cities of Judah; for from you will come a leader who will guide my people Israel.’” 7 So Herod called the visitors from the East to a secret meeting and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem with these instructions: “Go and make a careful search for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9-10 And so they left, and on their way they saw the same star they had seen in the East. When they saw it, how happy they were, what joy was theirs! It went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 11 They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him. They brought out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and presented them to him. 12 Then they returned to their country by another road, since God had warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. 13 After they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, “Herod will be looking for the child in order to kill him. So get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave.” 14 Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until Herod died. This was done to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet, “I called my Son out of Egypt.” 16 When Herod realized that the visitors from the East had tricked him, he was furious. He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its neighborhood who were two years old and younger—this was done in accordance with what he had learned from the visitors about the time when the star had appeared. 17 In this way what the prophet Jeremiah had said came true: 18 “A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is crying for her children; she refuses to be comforted, for they are dead.” 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the child are dead.” 21 So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went back to Israel. 22 But when Joseph heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. He was given more instructions in a dream, so he went to the province of Galilee 23 and made his home in a town named Nazareth. And so what the prophets had said came true: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Reflect What was Herod’s reaction to the news brought to him by the visitors from the East? What did the chief priests and teachers of the Law tell him? Joseph was warned to flee from Herod’s wrath. Where in the world do people live in fear today? Pray Lord Jesus, you are my king and Lord of my life, and I worship you. Just as a star guided those who searched for you, lead me each day in faith. I offer you my humble heart and praise your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Refugees Tomorrow's Reading Mark 1:1-20: Mark’s Gospel announces the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 8, 2012 Author Members Posted January 8, 2012 January 7, 2012 Mark 1:1-20 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 1:1-20: Mark’s Gospel opens with John the Baptist calling people to turn from their sins and be baptized. Jesus is baptized by John and is then led by the Spirit into the desert where he is tempted by Satan. Jesus begins his public ministry by calling his first disciples. Today’s Scripture: Mark 1:15 “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” Today’s Reading 1 This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “Turn away from your sins and be baptized,” he told the people, “and God will forgive your sins.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced to the people, “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. ” 9 Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.” 12 At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, 13 where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him. 14 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 15 “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” 16 As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” 18 At once they left their nets and went with him. 19 He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. 20 As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus. Reflect What is your understanding of the “Good News”? What impact does the “Good News” have on your life? What prompted Jesus’ first four disciples to follow him? What does being a follower of Jesus mean for you today? Pray Lord Jesus, you ushered in the Kingdom of God with the Good News of salvation. Thank you for inviting me to follow you and leading me in the way of love as a beloved child of God. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have not yet heard the Good News. Tomorrow's Reading Mark 1:21-45: Jesus begins his public ministry. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 8, 2012 Author Members Posted January 8, 2012 January 8, 2012 Mark 1:21-45 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 1:21-45: Jesus and his disciples go to Capernaum where he preaches in the synagogue and heals a man with an evil spirit. Jesus heals many people and news about him spreads throughout the province of Galilee. Today’s Scripture: Mark 1:22 The people who heard him were amazed at the way he taught, for he wasn’t like the teachers of the Law; instead he taught with authority. Today’s Reading 21 Jesus and his disciples came to the town of Capernaum, and on the next Sabbath Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people who heard him were amazed at the way he taught, for he wasn't like the teachers of the Law; instead, he taught with authority. 23 Just then a man with an evil spirit came into the synagogue and screamed, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are—you are God's holy messenger!” 25 Jesus ordered the spirit, “Be quiet, and come out of the man!” 26 The evil spirit shook the man hard, gave a loud scream, and came out of him. 27 The people were all so amazed that they started saying to one another, “What is this? Is it some kind of new teaching? This man has authority to give orders to the evil spirits, and they obey him!” 28 And so the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the province of Galilee. 29 Jesus and his disciples, including James and John, left the synagogue and went straight to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and as soon as Jesus arrived, he was told about her. 31 He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to wait on them. 32 After the sun had set and evening had come, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had demons. 33 All the people of the town gathered in front of the house. 34 Jesus healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons. He would not let the demons say anything, because they knew who he was. 35 Very early the next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and left the house. He went out of town to a lonely place, where he prayed. 36 But Simon and his companions went out searching for him, 37 and when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 But Jesus answered, “We must go on to the other villages around here. I have to preach in them also, because that is why I came.” 39 So he traveled all over Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and driving out demons. 40 A man suffering from a dreaded skin disease came to Jesus, knelt down, and begged him for help. “If you want to,” he said, “you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was filled with pity, and reached out and touched him. “I do want to,” he answered. “Be clean!” 42 At once the disease left the man, and he was clean. 43 Then Jesus spoke sternly to him and sent him away at once, 44 after saying to him, “Listen, don't tell anyone about this. But go straight to the priest and let him examine you; then in order to prove to everyone that you are cured, offer the sacrifice that Moses ordered.” 45 But the man went away and began to spread the news everywhere. Indeed, he talked so much that Jesus could not go into a town publicly. Instead, he stayed out in lonely places, and people came to him from everywhere. Reflect Today’s reading includes several stories of Jesus healing people. Do any of these stories resonate with you? If so, why? Mark seems to pack a lot of action into his first chapter, and the action moves at a swift pace. News about Jesus spreads quickly, and Peter says to Jesus, “Everyone is looking for you” (verse 37). Why were the people amazed? What amazes you about Jesus? Pray You are amazing, Lord Jesus! You teach with authority, announcing the Good News of God’s love and salvation. I no longer need to “look” for you because you are always near. Order my steps this day and keep me close to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of healing Tomorrow's Reading Mark 2:1-28: Religious leaders begin to question Jesus. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 10, 2012 Author Members Posted January 10, 2012 January 9, 2012 Mark 2:1-28 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 2:1-28: Jesus heals a paralyzed man and calls a tax collector to be one of his followers. The Pharisees question Jesus’ association with outcasts and question him about Sabbath observances. Today’s Scripture: Mark 2:17b “People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.” Today’s Reading 1 A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum, and the news spread that he was at home. 2 So many people came together that there was no room left, not even out in front of the door. Jesus was preaching the message to them 3 when four men arrived, carrying a paralyzed man to Jesus. 4 Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat. 5 Seeing how much faith they had, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Some teachers of the Law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 “How does he dare talk like this? This is blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!” 8 At once Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said to them, “Why do you think such things? 9 Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk”? 10 I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. ” So he said to the paralyzed man, 11 “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 12 While they all watched, the man got up, picked up his mat, and hurried away. They were all completely amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” 13 Jesus went back again to the shore of Lake Galilee. A crowd came to him, and he started teaching them. 14 As he walked along, he saw a tax collector, Levi son of Alphaeus, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Levi got up and followed him. 15 Later on Jesus was having a meal in Levi's house. A large number of tax collectors and other outcasts was following Jesus, and many of them joined him and his disciples at the table. 16 Some teachers of the Law, who were Pharisees, saw that Jesus was eating with these outcasts and tax collectors, so they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such people?” 17 Jesus heard them and answered, “People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.” 18 On one occasion the followers of John the Baptist and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came to Jesus and asked him, “Why is it that the disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but yours do not?” 19 Jesus answered, “Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to go without food? Of course not! As long as the bridegroom is with them, they will not do that. 20 But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 21 No one uses a piece of new cloth to patch up an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear off some of the old cloth, making an even bigger hole. 22 Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskins, because the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. ” 23 Jesus was walking through some wheat fields on a Sabbath. As his disciples walked along with him, they began to pick the heads of wheat. 24 So the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!” 25 Jesus answered, “Have you never read what David did that time when he needed something to eat? He and his men were hungry, 26 so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to God. This happened when Abiathar was the High Priest. According to our Law only the priests may eat this bread—but David ate it and even gave it to his men. ” 27 And Jesus concluded, “The Sabbath was made for the good of human beings; they were not made for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. ” Reflect What prompted four people to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus? What does this story teach you about faith? Why did the Pharisees object to Jesus’ eating with tax collectors and outcasts? What was Jesus’ response? How do you suppose they reacted to Jesus’ words? In ways does your community of faith reach out to those who are considered “outcasts” today? Pray Lord Jesus, you reach out in love to everyone, especially those whom society marginalizes. Thank you for reaching out to me and welcoming me into your Kingdom. Teach me to reach out with compassion and love to those who have been ostracized and to bring them the Good News of your salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern The homeless Tomorrow's Reading Mark 3:1-19: The Pharisees begin to plan Jesus’ death. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 10, 2012 Author Members Posted January 10, 2012 January 10, 2012 Mark 3:1-19 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 3:1-19: Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, and his action angers the Pharisees who begin to make plans to kill Jesus. Large crowds follow Jesus, many coming to be healed. Jesus chooses twelve of his followers to be with him and names them apostles. Today’s Scripture: Mark 3:4 Then he asked the people, “What does our Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or harm? To save someone’s life or to destroy it?” Today’s Reading 1 Then Jesus went back to the synagogue, where there was a man who had a paralyzed hand. 2 Some people were there who wanted to accuse Jesus of doing wrong; so they watched him closely to see whether he would cure the man on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man, “Come up here to the front.” 4 Then he asked the people, “What does our Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save someone's life or to destroy it?” But they did not say a thing. 5 Jesus was angry as he looked around at them, but at the same time he felt sorry for them, because they were so stubborn and wrong. Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and it became well again. 6 So the Pharisees left the synagogue and met at once with some members of Herod's party, and they made plans to kill Jesus. 7 Jesus and his disciples went away to Lake Galilee, and a large crowd followed him. They had come from Galilee, from Judea, 8 from Jerusalem, from the territory of Idumea, from the territory on the east side of the Jordan, and from the region around the cities of Tyre and Sidon. All these people came to Jesus because they had heard of the things he was doing. 9 The crowd was so large that Jesus told his disciples to get a boat ready for him, so that the people would not crush him. 10 He had healed many people, and all the sick kept pushing their way to him in order to touch him. 11 And whenever the people who had evil spirits in them saw him, they would fall down before him and scream, “You are the Son of God!” 12 Jesus sternly ordered the evil spirits not to tell anyone who he was. 13 Then Jesus went up a hill and called to himself the men he wanted. They came to him, 14 and he chose twelve, whom he named apostles. “I have chosen you to be with me,” he told them. “I will also send you out to preach, 15 and you will have authority to drive out demons. ” 16 These are the twelve he chose: Simon (Jesus gave him the name Peter); 17 James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee (Jesus gave them the name Boanerges, which means “Men of Thunder”); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Patriot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Reflect How does Jesus respond to those who challenge his healing someone on the Sabbath (verse 4)? What causes the kind of stubbornness exhibited by the Pharisees in today’s reading? Do you see evidence of this kind of stubbornness today? Explain. Pray Lord Jesus, even in our sinful state, you look upon us with love and compassion, teaching us to abandon stubbornness and pride so that our actions reflect your goodness and mercy. Help me to overcome whatever prevents me from acting in a way that is pleasing to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Emergency medical workers Tomorrow's Reading Mark 3:20-35: Teachers of the Law believe Jesus is possessed by a demon. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 11, 2012 Author Members Posted January 11, 2012 January 11, 2012 Mark 3:20-35 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 3:20-35: Members of Jesus’ family become concerned about him, and certain religious leaders claim that Jesus is possessed by a demon. When Jesus’ family asks to see him, he defines family in a way that extends beyond blood relations. Today’s Scripture: Mark 3:35 “Whoever does what God wants is my brother, my sister, my mother.” Today’s Reading 20 Then Jesus went home. Again such a large crowd gathered that Jesus and his disciples had no time to eat. 21 When his family heard about it, they set out to take charge of him, because people were saying, “He's gone mad!” 22 Some teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem were saying, “He has Beelzebul in him! It is the chief of the demons who gives him the power to drive them out.” 23 So Jesus called them to him and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a country divides itself into groups which fight each other, that country will fall apart. 25 If a family divides itself into groups which fight each other, that family will fall apart. 26 So if Satan's kingdom divides into groups, it cannot last, but will fall apart and come to an end. 27 No one can break into a strong man's house and take away his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man; then he can plunder his house. 28 I assure you that people can be forgiven all their sins and all the evil things they may say. 29 But whoever says evil things against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, because he has committed an eternal sin. ” ( 30 Jesus said this because some people were saying, “He has an evil spirit in him.”) 31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. They stood outside the house and sent in a message, asking for him. 32 A crowd was sitting around Jesus, and they said to him, “Look, your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, and they want you.” 33 Jesus answered, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 34 He looked at the people sitting around him and said, “Look! Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does what God wants is my brother, my sister, my mother. ” Reflect How does Jesus respond to those who claim he is possessed by a demon? What are your thoughts concerning Jesus’ response to his family (verses 34, 35)? According to Jesus, what is required to be a member of Jesus’ family? Pray Lord Jesus, you welcome all who seek to follow you. I seek to do your will. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your family in the Kingdom of God. Amen. Prayer Concern Foster parents Tomorrow's Reading Mark 4:35—5:20: Jesus calms a storm and heals a man with evil spirits. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Administrators Naomi Posted January 12, 2012 Administrators Posted January 12, 2012 This is very heavy reading which instructs us in all areas of our life. v29 should be taken very seriously. Being a part of the family of God is an honor to be earned and treasured above all else. Quote If your dreams are not big enough to scare you, they are not big enough for God
Members phkrause Posted January 13, 2012 Author Members Posted January 13, 2012 January 12, 2012 Mark 4:35—5:20 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 4:35—5:20: Today’s reading introduces us to two of four miracles that involve Jesus’ traveling back and forth across Lake Galilee. After preaching to a large crowd of people, Jesus and the disciples cross Lake Galilee by boat. A storm erupts and Jesus orders the wind and waves to be still. When they arrive on the other side of the lake, they are in Gentile territory and encounter a man possessed by evil spirits. Today’s Scripture: Mark 4:41b “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Today’s Reading 35 On the evening of that same day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they left the crowd; the disciples got into the boat in which Jesus was already sitting, and they took him with them. Other boats were there too. 37 Suddenly a strong wind blew up, and the waves began to spill over into the boat, so that it was about to fill with water. 38 Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The disciples woke him up and said, “Teacher, don't you care that we are about to die?” 39 Jesus stood up and commanded the wind, “Be quiet!” and he said to the waves, “Be still!” The wind died down, and there was a great calm. 40 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?” 41 But they were terribly afraid and began to say to one another, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” 1 Jesus and his disciples arrived on the other side of Lake Galilee, in the territory of Gerasa. 2 As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, he was met by a man who came out of the burial caves there. This man had an evil spirit in him 3 and lived among the tombs. Nobody could keep him tied with chains any more; 4 many times his feet and his hands had been tied, but every time he broke the chains and smashed the irons on his feet. He was too strong for anyone to control him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the tombs and through the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones. 6 He was some distance away when he saw Jesus; so he ran, fell on his knees before him, 7 and screamed in a loud voice, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with me? For God's sake, I beg you, don't punish me!” ( 8 He said this because Jesus was saying, “Evil spirit, come out of this man!”) 9 So Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” The man answered, “My name is “Mob”—there are so many of us! ” 10 And he kept begging Jesus not to send the evil spirits out of that region. 11 There was a large herd of pigs near by, feeding on a hillside. 12 So the spirits begged Jesus, “Send us to the pigs, and let us go into them.” 13 He let them go, and the evil spirits went out of the man and entered the pigs. The whole herd—about two thousand pigs in all—rushed down the side of the cliff into the lake and was drowned. 14 The men who had been taking care of the pigs ran away and spread the news in the town and among the farms. People went out to see what had happened, 15 and when they came to Jesus, they saw the man who used to have the mob of demons in him. He was sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were all afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the man with the demons, and about the pigs. 17 So they asked Jesus to leave their territory. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had had the demons begged him, “Let me go with you!” 19 But Jesus would not let him. Instead, he told him, “Go back home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how kind he has been to you.” 20 So the man left and went all through the Ten Towns, telling what Jesus had done for him. And all who heard it were amazed. Reflect Why did Jesus question the disciples’ faith (4:40)? Have you ever experienced a crisis of faith? If so, what did you do? Why were the disciples still afraid, even after Jesus calmed the storm (4: 41)? Why were the people afraid after Jesus healed the man in Gerasa (5:15)? What did the man do after he was healed? What do these two stories teach you about Jesus? Pray Lord Jesus, just as you calmed the wind and waves, you alone offer me the peace and calm that comes from knowing you. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the storms of life that come my way, remind me of your presence and surround me with your peace. Trusting in you, I am comforted by the security of your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Sailors Tomorrow's Reading Mark 5:21-43: Jesus restores a girl to life and heals a woman. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 14, 2012 Author Members Posted January 14, 2012 January 13, 2012 Mark 5:21-43 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 5:21-43: Jesus returns to the other side of the lake and is back in Jewish territory where he is met by a large crowd. An official from the local synagogue begs Jesus to heal his daughter. Within the crowd, a woman seeks to be healed and approaches Jesus and touches his cloak. Today’s Scripture: Mark 5:34 Jesus said to her, “My daughter, you faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your trouble.” Today’s Reading 21 Jesus went back across to the other side of the lake. There at the lakeside a large crowd gathered around him. 22 Jairus, an official of the local synagogue, arrived, and when he saw Jesus, he threw himself down at his feet 23 and begged him earnestly, “My little daughter is very sick. Please come and place your hands on her, so that she will get well and live!” 24 Then Jesus started off with him. So many people were going along with Jesus that they were crowding him from every side. 25 There was a woman who had suffered terribly from severe bleeding for twelve years, 26 even though she had been treated by many doctors. She had spent all her money, but instead of getting better she got worse all the time. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came in the crowd behind him, 28 saying to herself, “If I just touch his clothes, I will get well.” 29 She touched his cloak, and her bleeding stopped at once; and she had the feeling inside herself that she was healed of her trouble. 30 At once Jesus knew that power had gone out of him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 His disciples answered, “You see how the people are crowding you; why do you ask who touched you?” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 The woman realized what had happened to her, so she came, trembling with fear, knelt at his feet, and told him the whole truth. 34 Jesus said to her, “My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your trouble.” 35 While Jesus was saying this, some messengers came from Jairus' house and told him, “Your daughter has died. Why bother the Teacher any longer?” 36 Jesus paid no attention to what they said, but told him, “Don't be afraid, only believe.” 37 Then he did not let anyone else go on with him except Peter and James and his brother John. 38 They arrived at Jairus' house, where Jesus saw the confusion and heard all the loud crying and wailing. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this confusion? Why are you crying? The child is not dead—she is only sleeping!” 40 They started making fun of him, so he put them all out, took the child's father and mother and his three disciples, and went into the room where the child was lying. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “ Talitha, koum, ” which means, “Little girl, I tell you to get up!” 42 She got up at once and started walking around. (She was twelve years old.) When this happened, they were completely amazed. 43 But Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone, and he said, “Give her something to eat.” Reflect Today we read about two more healing miracles performed by Jesus. The healing of Jairus’ daughter is interrupted by the healing of the woman. According to Levitcal law, her illness made her ritually unclean (Leviticus 12:1-8; 15:19-30). What risk did she take by approaching Jesus? When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ house, why did the people make fun of him? What do these two healings teach us about faith? Pray Lord Jesus, when you were on earth you went about healing the sick who came to you in faith. Help my faith to grow each day so I may know your love and experience the joy and peace that comes through your healing power. Amen. Prayer Concern Those willing to risk scorn from others because of their faith Tomorrow's Reading Mark 6:1-29: Jesus is rejected in Nazareth. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 14, 2012 Author Members Posted January 14, 2012 January 14, 2012 Mark 6:1-29 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 6:1-29: Jesus returns to Nazareth, his hometown, and is rejected by the people. He commissions his twelve disciples to preach and to heal people. King Herod hears about Jesus and thinks that John the Baptist, whom he had executed, has come back to life. Today’s Scripture: Mark 6:12 So they went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins. Today’s Reading 1 Jesus left that place and went back to his hometown, followed by his disciples. 2 On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue. Many people were there; and when they heard him, they were all amazed. “Where did he get all this?” they asked. “What wisdom is this that has been given him? How does he perform miracles? 3 Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters living here? ” And so they rejected him. 4 Jesus said to them, “Prophets are respected everywhere except in their own hometown and by their relatives and their family.” 5 He was not able to perform any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 He was greatly surprised, because the people did not have faith. Then Jesus went to the villages around there, teaching the people. 7 He called the twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over the evil spirits 8 and ordered them, “Don't take anything with you on the trip except a walking stick—no bread, no beggar's bag, no money in your pockets. 9 Wear sandals, but don't carry an extra shirt. ” 10 He also told them, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place. 11 If you come to a town where people do not welcome you or will not listen to you, leave it and shake the dust off your feet. That will be a warning to them! ” 12 So they went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins. 13 They drove out many demons, and rubbed olive oil on many sick people and healed them. 14 Now King Herod heard about all this, because Jesus' reputation had spread everywhere. Some people were saying, “John the Baptist has come back to life! That is why he has this power to perform miracles.” 15 Others, however, said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” 16 When Herod heard it, he said, “He is John the Baptist! I had his head cut off, but he has come back to life!” 17 Herod himself had ordered John's arrest, and he had him tied up and put in prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, whom he had married, even though she was the wife of his brother Philip. 18 John the Baptist kept telling Herod, “It isn't right for you to marry your brother's wife!” 19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not because of Herod. 20 Herod was afraid of John because he knew that John was a good and holy man, and so he kept him safe. He liked to listen to him, even though he became greatly disturbed every time he heard him. 21 Finally Herodias got her chance. It was on Herod's birthday, when he gave a feast for all the top government officials, the military chiefs, and the leading citizens of Galilee. 22 The daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herod and his guests. So the king said to the girl, “What would you like to have? I will give you anything you want.” 23 With many vows he said to her, “I swear that I will give you anything you ask for, even as much as half my kingdom!” 24 So the girl went out and asked her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 The girl hurried back at once to the king and demanded, “I want you to give me here and now the head of John the Baptist on a plate!” 26 This made the king very sad, but he could not refuse her because of the vows he had made in front of all his guests. 27 So he sent off a guard at once with orders to bring John's head. The guard left, went to the prison, and cut John's head off; 28 then he brought it on a plate and gave it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. 29 When John's disciples heard about this, they came and got his body, and buried it. Reflect Why did the people in Jesus’ hometown reject him? Are any people who preach the Good News rejected today? In what ways can communities of faith affirm those among them who engage in public ministry? What instructions did Jesus give his disciples? What were they able to do? Why did Herod think that John the Baptist had come back to life? (This was Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great who ruled at the time of Jesus’ birth.) Can you think of examples today where people in power feel threatened by people of faith? Pray You have called me, Lord Jesus, to follow you. Help me to be a bold witness for you and tell others about your saving love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those preparing for ordained ministry Tomorrow's Reading Mark 6:30-56: Jesus feeds 5000 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 January 16, 2012 Author Members Posted January 16, 2012 January 15, 2012 Mark 6:30-56 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 6:30-56: Today’s reading includes an account of two more miracles – Jesus feeding 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, and Jesus walking on water. Verse 30 picks up where verse 13 (from yesterday’s reading) ended, with the disciples reporting back to Jesus about what they had done and taught. Jesus and the disciples arrive in Gennesaret where he heals many people. Today’s Scripture: Mark 6:41a Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. Today’s Reading 30 The apostles returned and met with Jesus, and told him all they had done and taught. 31 There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn't even have time to eat. So he said to them, “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while.” 32 So they started out in a boat by themselves to a lonely place. 33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was getting late, his disciples came to him and said, “It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. 36 Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy themselves something to eat. ” 37 “You yourselves give them something to eat,” Jesus answered. They asked, “Do you want us to go and spend two hundred silver coins on bread in order to feed them? ” 38 So Jesus asked them, “How much bread do you have? Go and see.” When they found out, they told him, “Five loaves and also two fish.” 39 Jesus then told his disciples to make all the people divide into groups and sit down on the green grass. 40 So the people sat down in rows, in groups of a hundred and groups of fifty. 41 Then Jesus 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 his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 Everyone ate and had enough. 43 Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left of the bread and the fish. 44 The number of men who were fed was five thousand. 45 At once Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida, on the other side of the lake, while he sent the crowd away. 46 After saying good-bye to the people, he went away to a hill to pray. 47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, while Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that his disciples were straining at the oars, because they were rowing against the wind; so sometime between three and six o'clock in the morning, he came to them, walking on the water. He was going to pass them by, 49 but they saw him walking on the water. “It's a ghost!” they thought, and screamed. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him. Jesus spoke to them at once, “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don't be afraid!” 51 Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind died down. The disciples were completely amazed, 52 because they had not understood the real meaning of the feeding of the five thousand; their minds could not grasp it. 53 They crossed the lake and came to land at Gennesaret, where they tied up the boat. 54 As they left the boat, people recognized Jesus at once. 55 So they ran throughout the whole region; and wherever they heard he was, they brought to him the sick lying on their mats. 56 And everywhere Jesus went, to villages, towns, or farms, people would take their sick to the marketplaces and beg him to let the sick at least touch the edge of his cloak. And all who touched it were made well. Reflect Why were the crowds eager to follow Jesus and his disciples? Why did Jesus feel pity for the people (verse 34)? How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus approaching them walking on the water? In verse 52, we learn that the disciples could not grasp the meaning of what Jesus had done. In matters of faith, have you ever experienced difficulty in understanding? If so, where or to whom do you turn for help? Pray Holy Jesus, by the power of your Holy Spirit, help me to understand your teachings and strengthen my faith. Guide me each day as I grow in the knowledge of you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of nourishing food Tomorrow's Reading Mark 7:24-37: Jesus commends a Gentile woman for her 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 January 16, 2012 Author Members Posted January 16, 2012 January 16, 2012 Mark 7:24-37 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 7:24-37: A Gentile woman approaches Jesus, begging him to heal her daughter. After what seems to be a rebuke from Jesus, the woman challenges him to rethink the scope of his ministry and her daughter is healed. Jesus then travels to the territory of the Ten Towns and heals a deaf mute. Today’s Scripture: Mark 7:28b “Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s leftovers!” Today’s Reading 24 Then Jesus left and went away to the territory near the city of Tyre. He went into a house and did not want anyone to know he was there, but he could not stay hidden. 25 A woman, whose daughter had an evil spirit in her, heard about Jesus and came to him at once and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Gentile, born in the region of Phoenicia in Syria. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus answered, “Let us first feed the children. It isn't right to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.” 28 “Sir,” she answered, “even the dogs under the table eat the children's leftovers!” 29 So Jesus said to her, “Because of that answer, go back home, where you will find that the demon has gone out of your daughter!” 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed; the demon had indeed gone out of her. 31 Jesus then left the neighborhood of Tyre and went on through Sidon to Lake Galilee, going by way of the territory of the Ten Towns. 32 Some people brought him a man who was deaf and could hardly speak, and they begged Jesus to place his hands on him. 33 So Jesus took him off alone, away from the crowd, put his fingers in the man's ears, spat, and touched the man's tongue. 34 Then Jesus looked up to heaven, gave a deep groan, and said to the man, “ Ephphatha, ” which means, “Open up!” 35 At once the man was able to hear, his speech impediment was removed, and he began to talk without any trouble. 36 Then Jesus ordered the people not to speak of it to anyone; but the more he ordered them not to, the more they told it. 37 And all who heard were completely amazed. “How well he does everything!” they exclaimed. “He even causes the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak!” Reflect What is your reaction to Jesus’ words to the woman from Phoenicia (verse 27)? How does she respond (verse 28)? What does this story say to us today about the scope of ministry? Have you ever experienced limits or barriers to ministry? Pray Lord Jesus, your ministry has broken down those barriers that would divide us. Thank you for the unity that your followers share through faith in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who risk moving beyond social, cultural, and religious barriers to proclaim God’s saving love Tomorrow's Reading Mark 8:1-26: Jesus feeds 4000 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 January 17, 2012 Author Members Posted January 17, 2012 January 17, 2012 Mark 8:1-26 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 8:1-26: Jesus feeds another crowd of people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Jesus is challenged by Pharisees who ask for a miracle. Jesus cautions his disciples about the veiled evil of the Pharisees and Herod. When they arrive in Bethsaida, Jesus heals a blind man. Today’s Scripture: Mark 8:18a “You have eyes – can’t you see? You have ears – can’t you hear?” Today’s Reading 1 Not long afterward another large crowd came together. When the people had nothing left to eat, Jesus called the disciples to him and said, 2 “I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home without feeding them, they will faint as they go, because some of them have come a long way. ” 4 His disciples asked him, “Where in this desert can anyone find enough food to feed all these people?” 5 “How much bread do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven loaves,” they answered. 6 He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, gave thanks to God, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the crowd; and the disciples did so. 7 They also had a few small fish. Jesus gave thanks for these and told the disciples to distribute them too. 8-9 Everybody ate and had enough—there were about four thousand people. Then the disciples took up seven baskets full of pieces left over. Jesus sent the people away 10 and at once got into a boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. 11 Some Pharisees came to Jesus and started to argue with him. They wanted to trap him, so they asked him to perform a miracle to show that God approved of him. 12 But Jesus gave a deep groan and said, “Why do the people of this day ask for a miracle? No, I tell you! No such proof will be given to these people!” 13 He left them, got back into the boat, and started across to the other side of the lake. 14 The disciples had forgotten to bring enough bread and had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 “Take care,” Jesus warned them, “and be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” 16 They started discussing among themselves: “He says this because we don't have any bread.” 17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he asked them, “Why are you discussing about not having any bread? Don't you know or understand yet? Are your minds so dull? 18 You have eyes—can't you see? You have ears—can't you hear? Don't you remember 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand people? How many baskets full of leftover pieces did you take up? ” “Twelve,” they answered. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand people,” asked Jesus, “how many baskets full of leftover pieces did you take up?” “Seven,” they answered. 21 “And you still don't understand?” he asked them. 22 They came to Bethsaida, where some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch him. 23 Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. After spitting on the man's eyes, Jesus placed his hands on him and asked him, “Can you see anything?” 24 The man looked up and said, “Yes, I can see people, but they look like trees walking around.” 25 Jesus again placed his hands on the man's eyes. This time the man looked intently, his eyesight returned, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus then sent him home with the order, “Don't go back into the village.” Reflect The Pharisees wanted Jesus to do a miracle as evidence that God was really with him. How did Jesus respond (verse 12)? In matters of faith, do people today still seek signs or proof? Reread verses 17-21. Why does Jesus sound frustrated with the disciples? Why do you suppose the disciples are still experiencing difficulty in understanding? Pray Lord God, as I read and study your holy Word, open my eyes and ears to see and hear what you would have me learn. Speak to me, and by the power of your Holy Spirit may I discern your will. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Religious instructors Tomorrow's Reading Mark 8:27—9:13: Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah, and three disciples witness Jesus’ Transfiguration. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 19, 2012 Author Members Posted January 19, 2012 January 18, 2012 Mark 8:27—9:13 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 8:27—9:13: Jesus questions his disciples about his identity, and Peter declares him to be the Messiah. Jesus speaks to the disciples for the first time about his forthcoming suffering and death and teaches them about discipleship and what being his follower entails. Jesus takes three disciples with him up to a high mountain where he is transfigured, or changed into a more divine figure, and they see him conversing with Moses and Elijah. Today’s Scripture: Mark 8:29b Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Today’s Reading 27 Then Jesus and his disciples went away to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Tell me, who do people say I am?” 28 “Some say that you are John the Baptist,” they answered; “others say that you are Elijah, while others say that you are one of the prophets.” 29 “What about you?” he asked them. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” 30 Then Jesus ordered them, “Do not tell anyone about me.” 31 Then Jesus began to teach his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. He will be put to death, but three days later he will rise to life.” 32 He made this very clear to them. So Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But Jesus turned around, looked at his disciples, and rebuked Peter. “Get away from me, Satan,” he said. “Your thoughts don't come from God but from human nature!” 34 Then Jesus called the crowd and his disciples to him. “If any of you want to come with me,” he told them, “you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me. 35 For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for me and for the gospel, you will save it. 36 Do you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! 37 There is nothing you can give to regain your life. 38 If you are ashamed of me and of my teaching in this godless and wicked day, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. ” 1 And he went on to say, “I tell you, there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power.” 2 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain, where they were alone. As they looked on, a change came over Jesus, 3 and his clothes became shining white—whiter than anyone in the world could wash them. 4 Then the three disciples saw Elijah and Moses talking with Jesus. 5 Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Teacher, how good it is that we are here! We will make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He and the others were so frightened that he did not know what to say. 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them with its shadow, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my own dear Son—listen to him!” 8 They took a quick look around but did not see anyone else; only Jesus was with them. 9 As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has risen from death.” 10 They obeyed his order, but among themselves they started discussing the matter, “What does this “rising from death” mean? ” 11 And they asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah has to come first?” 12 His answer was, “Elijah is indeed coming first in order to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man will suffer much and be rejected? 13 I tell you, however, that Elijah has already come and that people treated him just as they pleased, as the Scriptures say about him. ” Reflect The word “Messiah” comes from a Hebrew word that means “the chosen one” or “anointed one.” The Greek word for Messiah is “Christos” (Christ). When Peter called Jesus the Messiah, he was declaring that Jesus was God’s chosen one. How would you answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” When Jesus speaks of his suffering and death, he is rebuked by Peter. Many who were waiting for God’s promised Messiah were hoping for a military hero who would defeat their Roman oppressors. What does Peter’s rebuke indicate about his understanding of Jesus as Messiah? Why does Jesus then rebuke Peter? After three disciples witness Jesus’ transfiguration, why does Jesus instruct them not to tell anyone what they saw? What don’t the disciples understand? Pray Lord Jesus, I boldly confess that you are the Messiah, God’s Anointed One, the promised Savior who has come into the world. You suffered and died on a cross for my sake, but rose again so that I might have eternal life and dwell with you in glory. Amen. Prayer Concern Catechetical students and teachers Tomorrow's Reading Mark 9:14-32: Jesus heals a boy with an evil spirit. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 20, 2012 Author Members Posted January 20, 2012 January 19, 2012 Mark 9:14-32 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 9:14-32: Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, descend from the mountain and rejoin the other disciples. They are met by a crowd and a man whose son is possessed by an evil spirit. Jesus speaks a third time about his death. Today’s Scripture: Mark 9:23b “Everything is possible for the person who has faith.” Today’s Reading 14 When they joined the rest of the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and some teachers of the Law arguing with them. 15 When the people saw Jesus, they were greatly surprised, and ran to him and greeted him. 16 Jesus asked his disciples, “What are you arguing with them about?” 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, because he has an evil spirit in him and cannot talk. 18 Whenever the spirit attacks him, it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, grits his teeth, and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not. ” 19 Jesus said to them, “How unbelieving you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy to me!” 20 They brought him to Jesus. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a fit, so that he fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has he been like this?” Jesus asked the father. “Ever since he was a child,” he replied. 22 “Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!” 23 “Yes,” said Jesus, “if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith.” 24 The father at once cried out, “I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!” 25 Jesus noticed that the crowd was closing in on them, so he gave a command to the evil spirit. “Deaf and dumb spirit,” he said, “I order you to come out of the boy and never go into him again!” 26 The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him rise, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn't we drive the spirit out?” 29 “Only prayer can drive this kind out,” answered Jesus; “nothing else can.” 30 Jesus and his disciples left that place and went on through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where he was, 31 because he was teaching his disciples: “The Son of Man will be handed over to those who will kill him. Three days later, however, he will rise to life.” 32 But they did not understand what this teaching meant, and they were afraid to ask him. Reflect What teaching does Jesus give about faith? With regard to healing, what are your thoughts about the role of faith? When Jesus tells the disciples that he is to die and be raised to life three days later, why do they have difficulty comprehending? Pray Lord Jesus, in faith I trust in you. Increase my faith day by day as I grow in the knowledge of you. Amen. Prayer Concern Children with terminal illnesses Tomorrow's Reading Mark 9:33-50: The disciples argue as to who among them is the greatest. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Administrators Naomi Posted January 20, 2012 Administrators Posted January 20, 2012 Quote: 23 “Yes,” said Jesus, “if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith.” 24 The father at once cried out, “I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!” How many times have I prayed this prayer? How many times will it be necessary to pray it? Quote: 29 “Only prayer can drive this kind out,” answered Jesus; “nothing else can.” Only prayer............. Quote If your dreams are not big enough to scare you, they are not big enough for God
Members phkrause Posted January 22, 2012 Author Members Posted January 22, 2012 January 20, 2012 Mark 9:33-50 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 9:33-50: When the disciples argue as to who among them is the greatest, Jesus teaches that one must be “the servant of all.” He uses the example of a child to contrast the disciples’ quest for power. The hand, foot, and eye represent agents of temptation, and Jesus issues some hard sayings to emphasize the cost of losing faith. Today’s Scripture: Mark 9:37 “Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also the one who sent me.” Today’s Reading 33 They came to Capernaum, and after going indoors Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they would not answer him, because on the road they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. 35 Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and be the servant of all.” 36 Then he took a child and had him stand in front of them. He put his arms around him and said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me but also the one who sent me.” 38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw a man who was driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he doesn't belong to our group.” 39 “Do not try to stop him,” Jesus told them, “because no one who performs a miracle in my name will be able soon afterward to say evil things about me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I assure you that anyone who gives you a drink of water because you belong to me will certainly receive a reward. 42 If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose faith in me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied around the neck and be thrown into the sea. 43 So if your hand makes you lose your faith, cut it off It is better for you to enter life without a hand than to keep both hands and go off to hell, to the fire that never goes out. 45 And if your foot makes you lose your faith, cut it off It is better for you to enter life without a foot than to keep both feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye makes you lose your faith, take it out! It is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to keep both eyes and be thrown into hell. 48 There “the worms that eat them never die, and the fire that burns them is never put out.” 49 Everyone will be purified by fire as a sacrifice is purified by salt. 50 Salt is good; but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? “Have the salt of friendship among yourselves, and live in peace with one another.” Reflect In Jesus’ day, children had no legal rights and were considered powerless and vulnerable, and welcoming a child rather than someone rich or famous would have been regarded as bringing no honor. Why does Jesus use the example of a child? How does Jesus overturn how power and greatness were viewed? What are the implications of verses 35-37? By what standards is greatness measured in our society today? Pray I thank you, Lord Jesus, for welcoming me for who I am. You see deep into my heart. Grant me a servant’s heart and teach me to welcome others in your name as you have welcomed me. Amen. Prayer Concern Children who are victims of exploitation Tomorrow's Reading Mark 10:1-31: Jesus is questioned about divorce. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 22, 2012 Author Members Posted January 22, 2012 January 21, 2012 Mark 10:1-31 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Mark 10:1-31: Some Pharisees seek to trap Jesus by questioning him about divorce, and Jesus points to the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), a law that required a man to write out legal papers, making it harder for a man to divorce his wife. Children are brought to Jesus and are blessed by him. An encounter with a rich man provides Jesus with an opportunity to teach his followers about the cost of discipleship. Today’s Scripture: Mark 10:15 “I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Today’s Reading 1 Then Jesus left that place, went to the province of Judea, and crossed the Jordan River. Crowds came flocking to him again, and he taught them, as he always did. 2 Some Pharisees came to him and tried to trap him. “Tell us,” they asked, “does our Law allow a man to divorce his wife?” 3 Jesus answered with a question, “What law did Moses give you?” 4 Their answer was, “Moses gave permission for a man to write a divorce notice and send his wife away.” 5 Jesus said to them, Moses wrote this law for you because you are so hard to teach. 6 But in the beginning, at the time of creation, “God made them male and female,” as the scripture says. 7 ‘And for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, 8 and the two will become one. ’ So they are no longer two, but one. 9 No human being must separate, then, what God has joined together. ” 10 When they went back into the house, the disciples asked Jesus about this matter. 11 He said to them, “A man who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against his wife. 12 In the same way, a woman who divorces her husband and marries another man commits adultery. ” 13 Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples scolded the people. 14 When Jesus noticed this, he was angry and said to his disciples, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. ” 16 Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them. 17 As Jesus was starting on his way again, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: “Do not commit murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; do not cheat; respect your father and your mother.” ” 20 “Teacher,” the man said, “ever since I was young, I have obeyed all these commandments.” 21 Jesus looked straight at him with love and said, “You need only one thing. Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me.” 22 When the man heard this, gloom spread over his face, and he went away sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus looked around at his disciples and said to them, “How hard it will be for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were shocked at these words, but Jesus went on to say, “My children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. ” 26 At this the disciples were completely amazed and asked one another, “Who, then, can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings but not for God; everything is possible for God.” 28 Then Peter spoke up, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 “Yes,” Jesus said to them, “and I tell you that those who leave home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel, 30 will receive much more in this present age. They will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields—and persecutions as well; and in the age to come they will receive eternal life. 31 But many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first. ” Reflect Why did the disciples seek to prevent the people from bringing the children to Jesus? How did Jesus respond? Recall yesterday’s reading (Mark 9:42) when Jesus warned against anyone who “should cause one of these little ones to lose faith” in him. In today’s reading, Jesus speaks of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child. What does this mean to you? Why does Jesus say to his disciples, “how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God” (verse 24)? Today’s reading concludes with a proverb (verse 31) that appears in other places (Matthew 19:30; 20:16; Luke 13:30) and hearkens back to Mark 9:35 and Jesus’ teaching on being “the servant of all.” What does verse 31 mean to you? Pray Loving God, grant me a childlike faith, totally trusting in you. I yield my life to you. Your kingdom come, O Lord. Amen. Prayer Concern Children in nursery schools and day care Tomorrow's Reading John 17:1-26: Jesus prays for his followers. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 22, 2012 Author Members Posted January 22, 2012 January 22, 2012 John 17:1-26 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction John 17:1-26: After Jesus’ final discourse with his disciples, and prior to his betrayal and arrest, he addresses God in prayer. Jesus acknowledges that he has completed the work God sent him to do, and he intercedes on behalf of his disciples and all future believers. Today’s Scripture: John 17:20, 21a “I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one.” Today’s Reading 1 After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. 2 For you gave him authority over all people, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him. 3 And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 4 I have shown your glory on earth; I have finished the work you gave me to do. 5 Father! Give me glory in your presence now, the same glory I had with you before the world was made. 6 I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They have obeyed your word, 7 and now they know that everything you gave me comes from you. 8 I gave them the message that you gave me, and they received it; they know that it is true that I came from you, and they believe that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those you gave me, for they belong to you. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine; and my glory is shown through them. 11 And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me. I protected them, and not one of them was lost, except the man who was bound to be lost—so that the scripture might come true. 13 And now I am coming to you, and I say these things in the world so that they might have my joy in their hearts in all its fullness. 14 I gave them your message, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One. 16 Just as I do not belong to the world, they do not belong to the world. 17 Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth. 18 I sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. 19 And for their sake I dedicate myself to you, in order that they, too, may be truly dedicated to you. 20 I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. 21 I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 22 I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one: 23 I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me. 24 Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. 25 Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. 26 I made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them. ” Reflect The prayer is often referred to as Jesus’ “High-Priestly Prayer” and appears only in John’s Gospel. Because Jesus prays that all who believe be united by their faith in him, the prayer serves as a call to Christian unity. What about this prayer do you find particularly meaningful? Why? Pray Righteous God, you call us to believe in your Son, Jesus. Unite us in heart and mind to follow Jesus and serve you as he has taught. In faith I pray in your holy name, Amen. Prayer Concern Ecumenical dialogues Tomorrow's Reading Acts 6:1-15: Stephen, a follower of Jesus, is arrested. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 24, 2012 Author Members Posted January 24, 2012 January 23, 2012 Acts 6:1-15 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Acts 6:1-15: For the remainder of this month we will be reading passages from the book of Acts, which tells how Jesus’ early followers spread the Good News about him. In today’s reading, we learn that the number of disciples continues to grow, and seven apostolic assistants are chosen. Stephen, who was one of the seven, is falsely accused and arrested. Today’s Scripture: Acts 6:15 All those sitting in the Council fixed their eyes on Stephen and saw that his face looked like the face of an angel. Today’s Reading 1 Some time later, as the number of disciples kept growing, there was a quarrel between the Greek-speaking Jews and the native Jews. The Greek-speaking Jews claimed that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of funds. 2 So the twelve apostles called the whole group of believers together and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the preaching of God's word in order to handle finances. 3 So then, friends, choose seven men among you who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this matter. 4 We ourselves, then, will give our full time to prayer and the work of preaching. ” 5 The whole group was pleased with the apostles' proposal, so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a Gentile from Antioch who had earlier been converted to Judaism. 6 The group presented them to the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them. 7 And so the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew larger and larger, and a great number of priests accepted the faith. 8 Stephen, a man richly blessed by God and full of power, performed great miracles and wonders among the people. 9 But he was opposed by some men who were members of the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), which had Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria. They and other Jews from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia started arguing with Stephen. 10 But the Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom that when he spoke, they could not refute him. 11 So they bribed some men to say, “We heard him speaking against Moses and against God!” 12 In this way they stirred up the people, the elders, and the teachers of the Law. They seized Stephen and took him before the Council. 13 Then they brought in some men to tell lies about him. “This man,” they said, “is always talking against our sacred Temple and the Law of Moses. 14 We heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will tear down the Temple and change all the customs which have come down to us from Moses! ” 15 All those sitting in the Council fixed their eyes on Stephen and saw that his face looked like the face of an angel. Reflect What was the source of the quarrel among the believers and how was the matter resolved? Do disagreements take place within your community of faith? If so, how are they resolved? How is Stephen described (verse 8)? Why did certain people oppose him? Do people today encounter opposition because of their faith? Pray Almighty God, grant me a spirit of boldness to proclaim the Good News of your salvation. May the message of your love and grace continue to spread throughout the world. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Tomorrow's Reading Acts 7:1—8:3: Stephen speaks to the Council and is put to death. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 24, 2012 Author Members Posted January 24, 2012 January 24, 2012 Acts 7:1—8:3 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Acts 7:1—8:3: Stephen’s speech before the Council is a broad and sweeping review of Israel’s history, beginning with the call of Abraham. The story of Moses constitutes the major part of Stephen’s speech. He concludes by denouncing his opponents and is put to death by stoning. Today’s Scripture: Acts 7:55 Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw God’s glory and Jesus standing at the right side of God. Today’s Reading 1 The High Priest asked Stephen, “Is this true?” 2 Stephen answered, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! Before our ancestor Abraham had gone to live in Haran, the God of glory appeared to him in Mesopotamia 3 and said to him, “Leave your family and country and go to the land that I will show you.” 4 And so he left his country and went to live in Haran. After Abraham's father died, God made him move to this land where you now live. 5 God did not then give Abraham any part of it as his own, not even a square foot of ground, but God promised to give it to him, and that it would belong to him and to his descendants. At the time God made this promise, Abraham had no children. 6 This is what God said to him: ‘Your descendants will live in a foreign country, where they will be slaves and will be badly treated for four hundred years. 7 But I will pass judgment on the people that they will serve, and afterward your descendants will come out of that country and will worship me in this place. ’ 8 Then God gave to Abraham the ceremony of circumcision as a sign of the covenant. So Abraham circumcised Isaac a week after he was born; Isaac circumcised his son Jacob, and Jacob circumcised his twelve sons, the famous ancestors of our race. 9 Jacob's sons became jealous of their brother Joseph and sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him 10 and brought him safely through all his troubles. When Joseph appeared before the king of Egypt, God gave him a pleasing manner and wisdom, and the king made Joseph governor over the country and the royal household. 11 Then there was a famine all over Egypt and Canaan, which caused much suffering. Our ancestors could not find any food, 12 and when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent his sons, our ancestors, on their first visit there. 13 On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and the king of Egypt came to know about Joseph's family. 14 So Joseph sent a message to his father Jacob, telling him and the whole family, seventy-five people in all, to come to Egypt. 15 Then Jacob went to Egypt, where he and his sons died. 16 Their bodies were taken to Shechem, where they were buried in the grave which Abraham had bought from the clan of Hamor for a sum of money. 17 When the time drew near for God to keep the promise he had made to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had grown much larger. 18 At last a king who did not know about Joseph began to rule in Egypt. 19 He tricked our ancestors and was cruel to them, forcing them to put their babies out of their homes, so that they would die. 20 It was at this time that Moses was born, a very beautiful child. He was cared for at home for three months, 21 and when he was put out of his home, the king's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 He was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians and became a great man in words and deeds. 23 When Moses was forty years old, he decided to find out how his fellow Israelites were being treated. 24 He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his help and took revenge on the Egyptian by killing him. ( 25 He thought that his own people would understand that God was going to use him to set them free, but they did not understand.) 26 The next day he saw two Israelites fighting, and he tried to make peace between them. “Listen, men,” he said, “you are fellow Israelites; why are you fighting like this?” 27 But the one who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside. “Who made you ruler and judge over us?” he asked. 28 “Do you want to kill me, just as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?” 29 When Moses heard this, he fled from Egypt and went to live in the land of Midian. There he had two sons. 30 After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 Moses was amazed by what he saw, and went near the bush to get a better look. But he heard the Lord's voice: 32 “I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses trembled with fear and dared not look. 33 The Lord said to him, ‘Take your sandals off, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have seen the cruel suffering of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans, and I have come down to set them free. Come now; I will send you to Egypt. ’ 35 Moses is the one who was rejected by the people of Israel. “Who made you ruler and judge over us?” they asked. He is the one whom God sent to rule the people and set them free with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush. 36 He led the people out of Egypt, performing miracles and wonders in Egypt and at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert. 37 Moses is the one who said to the people of Israel, ‘God will send you a prophet, just as he sent me, and he will be one of your own people. ’ 38 He is the one who was with the people of Israel assembled in the desert; he was there with our ancestors and with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and he received God's living messages to pass on to us. 39 But our ancestors refused to obey him; they pushed him aside and wished that they could go back to Egypt. 40 So they said to Aaron, “Make us some gods who will lead us. We do not know what has happened to that man Moses, who brought us out of Egypt.” 41 It was then that they made an idol in the shape of a bull, offered sacrifice to it, and had a feast in honor of what they themselves had made. 42 So God turned away from them and gave them over to worship the stars of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets: ‘People of Israel! It was not to me that you slaughtered and sacrificed animals for forty years in the desert. 43 It was the tent of the god Molech that you carried, and the image of Rephan, your star god; they were idols that you had made to worship. And so I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’ 44 Our ancestors had the Tent of God's presence with them in the desert. It had been made as God had told Moses to make it, according to the pattern that Moses had been shown. 45 Later on, our ancestors who received the tent from their fathers carried it with them when they went with Joshua and took over the land from the nations that God drove out as they advanced. And it stayed there until the time of David. 46 He won God's favor and asked God to allow him to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built him a house. 48 But the Most High God does not live in houses built by human hands; as the prophet says, 49 ‘Heaven is my throne, says the Lord, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house would you build for me? Where is the place for me to live in? 50 Did not I myself make all these things?’ 51 “How stubborn you are!” Stephen went on to say. How heathen your hearts, how deaf you are to God's message! You are just like your ancestors: you too have always resisted the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there any prophet that your ancestors did not persecute? They killed God's messengers, who long ago announced the coming of his righteous Servant. And now you have betrayed and murdered him. 53 You are the ones who received God's law, that was handed down by angels—yet you have not obeyed it! ” 54 As the members of the Council listened to Stephen, they became furious and ground their teeth at him in anger. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw God's glory and Jesus standing at the right side of God. 56 “Look!” he said. “I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!” 57 With a loud cry the Council members covered their ears with their hands. Then they all rushed at him at once, 58 threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses left their cloaks in the care of a young man named Saul. 59 They kept on stoning Stephen as he called out to the Lord, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 He knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord! Do not remember this sin against them!” He said this and died. 1 And Saul approved of his murder. That very day the church in Jerusalem began to suffer cruel persecution. All the believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the provinces of Judea and Samaria. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, mourning for him with loud cries. 3 But Saul tried to destroy the church; going from house to house, he dragged out the believers, both men and women, and threw them into jail. Reflect What do you consider to be the main points of Stephen’s speech? How did his listeners react (verses 54-58)? If you were called upon to defend your faith, what would you say? Pray God of our ancestors in faith, remind me each day of your mighty deeds and gracious love. Thank you for those who have led me in my journey of faith. Teach me to share the Good News with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Remembering people who have nurtured us in faith Tomorrow's Reading Acts 9:1-43: Saul, a persecutor of the Church, is converted. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 26, 2012 Author Members Posted January 26, 2012 January 25, 2012 Acts 9:1-43 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Acts 9:1-43: The conclusion of yesterday’s reading (Acts 8:1-3) introduced us to Saul who sought to destroy the Church by persecuting those who believed in Jesus. Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus, and Jesus chooses Saul for a special mission. Saul begins his ministry by preaching in Damascus; his life is threatened, but his followers help him escape. The apostle Peter travels to Lydda and Joppa where he heals a paralyzed man and restores a woman to life. Today’s Scripture: Acts 9:20 He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. Today’s Reading 1 In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest 2 and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem. 3 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” he asked. “I am Jesus, whom you persecute,” the voice said. 6 “But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men who were traveling with Saul had stopped, not saying a word; they heard the voice but could not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything. 10 There was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, in which the Lord said to him, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord said to him, “Get ready and go to Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again. ” 13 Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and about all the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship you. ” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel. 16 And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake. ” 17 So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was, and placed his hands on him. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord has sent me—Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; 19 and after he had eaten, his strength came back. Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus. 20 He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed and asked, “Isn't he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus? And didn't he come here for the very purpose of arresting those people and taking them back to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul's preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him. 23 After many days had gone by, the Jews met together and made plans to kill Saul, 24 but he was told of their plan. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But one night Saul's followers took him and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. But they would not believe that he was a disciple, and they were all afraid of him. 27 Then Barnabas came to his help and took him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him. He also told them how boldly Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 And so Saul stayed with them and went all over Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He also talked and disputed with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers found out about this, they took Saul to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. 31 And so it was that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace. Through the help of the Holy Spirit it was strengthened and grew in numbers, as it lived in reverence for the Lord. 32 Peter traveled everywhere, and on one occasion he went to visit God's people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had not been able to get out of bed for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ makes you well. Get up and make your bed.” At once Aeneas got up. 35 All the people living in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, who was a believer. (Her name in Greek is Dorcas, meaning “a deer.”) She spent all her time doing good and helping the poor. 37 At that time she got sick and died. Her body was washed and laid in a room upstairs. 38 Joppa was not very far from Lydda, and when the believers in Joppa heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him with the message, “Please hurry and come to us.” 39 So Peter got ready and went with them. When he arrived, he was taken to the room upstairs, where all the widows crowded around him, crying and showing him all the shirts and coats that Dorcas had made while she was alive. 40 Peter put them all out of the room, and knelt down and prayed; then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 Peter reached over and helped her get up. Then he called all the believers, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. 42 The news about this spread all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed on in Joppa for many days with a tanner of leather named Simon. Reflect Describe Saul’s encounter with Jesus. Why do you suppose Jesus chose him? What was to be Saul’s mission (verse 15)? Why were the disciples in Jerusalem reluctant to receive him (verse 26)? Who spoke up for Saul? Is there someone who needs you to speak on their behalf? Pray Lord God, thank you for those who speak up for others and nurture them in faith. Like Barnabas, help me to be a source of encouragement to others and proclaim your message of love and salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who mentor others in faith Tomorrow's Reading Acts 17:1-34: Paul and Silas travel and preach throughout Asia Minor. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 27, 2012 Author Members Posted January 27, 2012 January 26, 2012 Acts 17:1-34 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Follow Jesus Introduction Acts 17:1-34: Paul (formerly known as Saul) and Silas travel to Thessalonica and Berea, teaching about Jesus. Some choose to believe, but others seek to stir up trouble. In Athens, Paul debates with philosophers and delivers a speech at the Areopagus, a hill where the council of powerful people from Athens met. Today’s Scripture: Acts 17:27b, 28a God is actually not far from any one of us; as someone has said, ‘In him we live and move and exist.’ Today’s Reading 1 Paul and Silas traveled on through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. 2 According to his usual habit Paul went to the synagogue. There during three Sabbaths he held discussions with the people, quoting 3 and explaining the Scriptures, and proving from them that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from death. “This Jesus whom I announce to you,” Paul said, “is the Messiah.” 4 Some of them were convinced and joined Paul and Silas; so did many of the leading women and a large group of Greeks who worshiped God. 5 But some Jews were jealous and gathered worthless loafers from the streets and formed a mob. They set the whole city in an uproar and attacked the home of a man named Jason, in an attempt to find Paul and Silas and bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city authorities and shouted, “These men have caused trouble everywhere! Now they have come to our city, 7 and Jason has kept them in his house. They are all breaking the laws of the Emperor, saying that there is another king, whose name is Jesus. ” 8 With these words they threw the crowd and the city authorities in an uproar. 9 The authorities made Jason and the others pay the required amount of money to be released, and then let them go. 10 As soon as night came, the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived, they went to the synagogue. 11 The people there were more open-minded than the people in Thessalonica. They listened to the message with great eagerness, and every day they studied the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was really true. 12 Many of them believed; and many Greek women of high social standing and many Greek men also believed. 13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica heard that Paul had preached the word of God in Berea also, they came there and started exciting and stirring up the mobs. 14 At once the believers sent Paul away to the coast; but both Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. 15 The men who were taking Paul went with him as far as Athens and then returned to Berea with instructions from Paul that Silas and Timothy should join him as soon as possible. 16 While Paul was waiting in Athens for Silas and Timothy, he was greatly upset when he noticed how full of idols the city was. 17 So he held discussions in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentiles who worshiped God, and also in the public square every day with the people who happened to come by. 18 Certain Epicurean and Stoic teachers also debated with him. Some of them asked, “What is this ignorant show-off trying to say?” Others answered, “He seems to be talking about foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 So they took Paul, brought him before the city council, the Areopagus, and said, “We would like to know what this new teaching is that you are talking about. 20 Some of the things we hear you say sound strange to us, and we would like to know what they mean. ” ( 21 For all the citizens of Athens and the foreigners who lived there liked to spend all their time telling and hearing the latest new thing.) 22 Paul stood up in front of the city council and said, “I see that in every way you Athenians are very religious. 23 For as I walked through your city and looked at the places where you worship, I found an altar on which is written, “To an Unknown God.” That which you worship, then, even though you do not know it, is what I now proclaim to you. 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. 25 Nor does he need anything that we can supply by working for him, since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything else to everyone. 26 From one human being he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. 27 He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; 28 as someone has said, “In him we live and move and exist.” It is as some of your poets have said, “We too are his children.” 29 Since we are God's children, we should not suppose that his nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by human art and skill. 30 God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now he commands all of them everywhere to turn away from their evil ways. 31 For he has fixed a day in which he will judge the whole world with justice by means of a man he has chosen. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising that man from death! ” 32 When they heard Paul speak about a raising from death, some of them made fun of him, but others said, “We want to hear you speak about this again.” 33 And so Paul left the meeting. 34 Some men joined him and believed, among whom was Dionysius, a member of the council; there was also a woman named Damaris, and some other people. Reflect How did various people react to the message Paul and Silas brought to them? Why were some willing to believe and others not? What risks did Jason take in hosting Paul and Silas (verses 5-9)? Does believing in Jesus require one to take risks today? Explain. What were the main points of Paul’s speech to the people in Athens? How did his listeners respond? Pray Sovereign God, you are Lord of heaven and earth. You are my source of life and in you I live and move and exist. Amen. Prayer Concern Seminary students Tomorrow's Reading Acts 18:1-28: Paul travels to Corinth and his opponents bring him to court. 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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