Members phkrause Posted May 5, 2012 Author Members Posted May 5, 2012 May 4, 2012 Joel 2:1-32 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Joel 2:1-32: The prophet Joel likens the swarm of locusts to an invading enemy army. He conveys the Lord’s call to the people to repent and the Lord’s promise to restore the land and bless the people. God promises to send his Spirit upon all the people. Today’s Scripture: Joel 2:13b Come back to the LORD your God. He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish. Today’s Reading 1 Blow the trumpet; sound the alarm on Zion, God's sacred hill. Tremble, people of Judah! The day of the LORD is coming soon. 2 It will be a dark and gloomy day, a black and cloudy day. The great army of locusts advances like darkness spreading over the mountains. There has never been anything like it, and there never will be again. 3 Like fire they eat up the plants. In front of them the land is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them it is a barren desert. Nothing escapes them. 4 They look like horses; they run like war-horses. 5 As they leap on the tops of the mountains, they rattle like chariots; they crackle like dry grass on fire. They are lined up like a great army ready for battle. 6 As they approach, everyone is terrified; every face turns pale. 7 They attack like warriors; they climb the walls like soldiers. They all keep marching straight ahead and do not change direction 8 or get in each other's way. They swarm through defenses, and nothing can stop them. 9 They rush against the city; they run over the walls; they climb up the houses and go in through the windows like thieves. 10 The earth shakes as they advance; the sky trembles. The sun and the moon grow dark, and the stars no longer shine. 11 The LORD thunders commands to his army. The troops that obey him are many and mighty. How terrible is the day of the LORD! Who will survive it? 12 “But even now,” says the LORD, “repent sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning. 13 Let your broken heart show your sorrow; tearing your clothes is not enough. ” Come back to the LORD your God. He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish. 14 Perhaps the LORD your God will change his mind and bless you with abundant crops. Then you can offer him grain and wine. 15 Blow the trumpet on Mount Zion; give orders for a fast and call an assembly! 16 Gather the people together; prepare them for a sacred meeting; bring the old people; gather the children and the babies too. Even newly married couples must leave their homes and come. 17 The priests, serving the LORD between the altar and the entrance of the Temple, must weep and pray: “Have pity on your people, LORD. Do not let other nations despise us and mock us by saying, “Where is your God?” ” 18 Then the LORD showed concern for his land; he had mercy on his people. 19 He answered them: “Now I am going to give you grain and wine and olive oil, and you will be satisfied. Other nations will no longer despise you. 20 I will remove the locust army that came from the north and will drive some of them into the desert. Their front ranks will be driven into the Dead Sea, their rear ranks into the Mediterranean. Their dead bodies will stink. I will destroy them because of all they have done to you. 21 Fields, don't be afraid, but be joyful and glad because of all the LORD has done for you. 22 Animals, don't be afraid. The pastures are green; the trees bear their fruit, and there are plenty of figs and grapes. 23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice at what the LORD your God has done for you. He has given you the right amount of autumn rain; he has poured down the winter rain for you and the spring rain as before. 24 The threshing places will be full of grain; the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil. 25 I will give you back what you lost in the years when swarms of locusts ate your crops. It was I who sent this army against you. 26 Now you will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied. You will praise the LORD your God, who has done wonderful things for you. My people will never be despised again. 27 Then, Israel, you will know that I am among you and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is no other. My people will never be despised again. 28 Afterward I will pour out my Spirit on everyone: your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your old people will have dreams, and your young people will see visions. 29 At that time I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, both men and women. 30 I will give warnings of that day in the sky and on the earth; there will be bloodshed, fire, and clouds of smoke. 31 The sun will be darkened, and the moon will turn red as blood before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. 32 But all who ask the LORD for help will be saved. As the LORD has said, ‘Some in Jerusalem will escape; those whom I choose will survive. ’ ” Reflect Joel continues his description of the devastating effects of the invasion of locusts. What does he say in today’s reading? What does the prophet ask the people to do (verses 12-17)? What does God promise to do (verses 18-27)? How is the Day of the LORD described (verses 28-32)? In what ways has God’s Spirit impacted your life? Pray Lord God, you are patient, kind, and full of mercy. Whenever I stray from your teachings, you call me to return to you. I offer you my repentant heart, trusting in your steadfast love and forgiveness. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have strayed from the Lord. Tomorrow's Reading Joel 3:1-21: God will judge the nations and bless his 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 May 5, 2012 Author Members Posted May 5, 2012 May 5, 2012 Joel 3:1-21 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Joel 3:1-21: The prophet Joel announces that the LORD will judge the nations and punish those who committed criminal acts against the Lord’s people. The restoration of the Lord’s people is promised. Today’s Scripture: Joel 3:20-21b Judah and Jerusalem will be inhabited forever, and I, the LORD, will live on Mount Zion. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “At that time I will restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem. 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them to the Valley of Judgment. There I will judge them for all they have done to my people. They have scattered the Israelites in foreign countries and divided Israel, my land. 3 They threw dice to decide who would get the captives. They sold boys and girls into slavery to pay for prostitutes and wine. 4 What are you trying to do to me, Tyre, Sidon, and all of Philistia? Are you trying to pay me back for something? If you are, I will quickly pay you back! 5 You have taken my silver and gold and carried my rich treasures into your temples. 6 You have taken the people of Judah and Jerusalem far from their own country and sold them to the Greeks. 7 Now I am going to bring them out of the places to which you have sold them. I will do to you what you have done to them. 8 I will let your sons and daughters be sold to the people of Judah; they will sell them to the far-off Sabeans. I, the LORD, have spoken. 9 Make this announcement among the nations: ‘Prepare for war; call your warriors; gather all your soldiers and march! 10 Hammer the points of your plows into swords and your pruning knives into spears. Even the weak must fight. 11 Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather in the valley.’” Send down, O LORD, your army to attack them! 12 “The nations must get ready and come to the Valley of Judgment. There I, the LORD, will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 They are very wicked; cut them down like grain at harvest time; crush them as grapes are crushed in a full wine press until the wine runs over.” 14 Thousands and thousands are in the Valley of Judgment. It is there that the day of the LORD will soon come. 15 The sun and the moon grow dark, and the stars no longer shine. 16 The LORD roars from Mount Zion; his voice thunders from Jerusalem; earth and sky tremble. But he will defend his people. 17 “Then, Israel, you will know that I am the LORD your God. I live on Zion, my sacred hill. Jerusalem will be a sacred city; foreigners will never conquer it again. 18 At that time the mountains will be covered with vineyards, and cattle will be found on every hill; there will be plenty of water for all of Judah. A stream will flow from the Temple of the LORD, and it will water Acacia Valley. 19 Egypt will become a desert, and Edom a ruined waste, because they attacked the land of Judah and killed its innocent people. 20-21 I will avenge those who were killed; I will not spare the guilty. But Judah and Jerusalem will be inhabited forever, and I, the LORD, will live on Mount Zion. ” Reflect What criminal acts against God’s people are mentioned? How are God’s people to be blessed? What does God promise? In what ways have you been blessed by God? Pray Lord God, you are righteous and loving. Draw me close to you and reign in my heart forever. Amen. Prayer Concern Victims of war Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 1:1-28a: Ezekiel has a vision 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 May 6, 2012 Author Members Posted May 6, 2012 May 6, 2012 Ezekiel 1:1-28a (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 1:1-28a: Today we begin reading excerpts from the book of the prophet Ezekiel. A unique feature of this prophetic book is that it is written in the first person. All of Ezekiel’s visions, prophecies, and actions are described from his point of view. Ezekiel was a priest who lived in exile in Babylon during the period before and after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. In today’s reading, Ezekiel describes a vision of God’s glory. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 1:3b I heard the LORD speak to me, and I felt his power. Today’s Reading 1 On the fifth day of the fourth month of the thirtieth year, I, Ezekiel the priest, son of Buzi, was living with the Jewish exiles by the Chebar River in Babylonia. The sky opened, and I saw a vision of God. ( 2 It was the fifth year since King Jehoiachin had been taken into exile.) 3 There in Babylonia beside the Chebar River, I heard the LORD speak to me, and I felt his power. 4 I looked up and saw a windstorm coming from the north. Lightning was flashing from a huge cloud, and the sky around it was glowing. Where the lightning was flashing, something shone like bronze. 5 At the center of the storm I saw what looked like four living creatures in human form, 6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and they had hoofs like those of a bull. They shone like polished bronze. 8 In addition to their four faces and four wings, they each had four human hands, one under each wing. 9 Two wings of each creature were spread out so that the creatures formed a square, with their wing tips touching. When they moved, they moved as a group without turning their bodies. 10 Each living creature had four different faces: a human face in front, a lion's face at the right, a bull's face at the left, and an eagle's face at the back. 11 Two wings of each creature were raised so that they touched the tips of the wings of the creatures next to it, and their other two wings were folded against their bodies. 12 Each creature faced all four directions, and so the group could go wherever they wished, without having to turn. 13 Among the creatures there was something that looked like a blazing torch, constantly moving. The fire would blaze up and shoot out flashes of lightning. 14 The creatures themselves darted back and forth with the speed of lightning. 15 As I was looking at the four creatures I saw four wheels touching the ground, one beside each of them. 16 All four wheels were alike; each one shone like a precious stone, and each had another wheel intersecting it at right angles, 17 so that the wheels could move in any of the four directions. 18 The rims of the wheels were covered with eyes. 19 Whenever the creatures moved, the wheels moved with them, and if the creatures rose up from the earth, so did the wheels. 20 The creatures went wherever they wished, and the wheels did exactly what the creatures did, because the creatures controlled them. 21 So every time the creatures moved or stopped or rose in the air, the wheels did exactly the same. 22 Above the heads of the creatures there was something that looked like a dome made of dazzling crystal. 23 There under the dome stood the creatures, each stretching out two wings toward the ones next to it and covering its body with the other two wings. 24 I heard the noise their wings made in flight; it sounded like the roar of the sea, like the noise of a huge army, like the voice of Almighty God. When they stopped flying, they folded their wings, 25 but there was still a sound coming from above the dome over their heads. 26 Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure that looked like a human being. 27 The figure seemed to be shining like bronze in the middle of a fire. It shone all over with a bright light 28 that had in it all the colors of the rainbow. This was the dazzling light which shows the presence of the LORD. Reflect In your own words, describe Ezekiel’s vision. You may wish to compare this vision with those recorded in Isaiah 6:1-5, Daniel 10:5-6, Revelation 1:12-16 and 4:2-10. What similarities can you identify? Ezekiel says that he heard the LORD speak to him and that he felt his power (verse 3). Have you ever experienced a time when you heard God speaking to you and when you felt God’s power? Explain. Pray Lord God, open my ears and my heart this day to listen for your voice. Speak to me and guide my actions this day. May my thoughts, words, and deeds reflect a vision of your glory. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Preachers Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 1:28b—2:10: Ezekiel is called to be a prophet 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 May 8, 2012 Author Members Posted May 8, 2012 May 7, 2012 Ezekiel 1:28b—2:10 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 1:28b—2:10: Ezekiel is called to be a spokesperson for God, and he is warned that he will encounter resistance when delivering God’s message. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 2:2a While the voice was speaking, God’s spirit entered me and raised me to my feet. Today’s Reading 28 Then I heard a voice 1 saying, “Mortal man, stand up. I want to talk to you.” 2 While the voice was speaking, God's spirit entered me and raised me to my feet, and I heard the voice continue, 3 “Mortal man, I am sending you to the people of Israel. They have rebelled and turned against me and are still rebels, just as their ancestors were. 4 They are stubborn and do not respect me, so I am sending you to tell them what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying to them. 5 Whether those rebels listen to you or not, they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 But you, mortal man, must not be afraid of them or of anything they say. They will defy and despise you; it will be like living among scorpions. Still, don't be afraid of those rebels or of anything they say. 7 You will tell them whatever I tell you to say, whether they listen or not. Remember what rebels they are. 8 “Mortal man, listen to what I tell you. Don't be rebellious like them. Open your mouth and eat what I am going to give you.” 9 I saw a hand reaching out toward me, and it was holding a scroll. 10 The hand unrolled the scroll, and I saw that there was writing on both sides—cries of grief were written there, and wails and groans. Reflect What was God’s message to Ezekiel? If you were given such a message, how would you respond? Have you ever experienced being despised because of your faith? Pray Give me courage, O God, to proclaim with boldness your message of love and salvation. In the face of any resistance, empower me with your Holy Spirit to speak your word of truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who encounter resistance when sharing God’s message Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 3:1-27: Ezekiel is appointed to be a lookout for Israel. 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 May 8, 2012 Author Members Posted May 8, 2012 May 8, 2012 Ezekiel 3:1-27 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 3:1-27: Ezekiel is instructed to eat a scroll on which are written “cries of grief” and “wails and groans” (2:10), an indication that the message he is to deliver from God will contain devastating news about the fall of Jerusalem and God’s impending punishment of the people (see chapters 4—9). Ezekiel is appointed to be a lookout for Israel and is instructed with regard to warnings he is to deliver. The chapter concludes with Ezekiel being told by God that he will be unable to speak for a while, an indication that Ezekiel is to speak only when God has a message for Ezekiel to convey to the people. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 3:12 Then God’s spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the loud roar of a voice that said, “Praise the glory of the LORD in heaven above!” Today’s Reading 1 God said, “Mortal man, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. 3 He said, “Mortal man, eat this scroll that I give you; fill your stomach with it.” I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey. 4 Then God said, Mortal man, go to the people of Israel and say to them whatever I tell you to say. 5 I am not sending you to a nation that speaks a difficult foreign language, but to the Israelites. 6 If I sent you to great nations that spoke difficult languages you didn't understand, they would listen to you. 7 But none of the people of Israel will be willing to listen; they will not even listen to me. All of them are stubborn and defiant. 8 Now I will make you as stubborn and as tough as they are. 9 I will make you as firm as a rock, as hard as a diamond; don't be afraid of those rebels. ” 10 God continued, “Mortal man, pay close attention and remember everything I tell you. 11 Then go to the people of your nation who are in exile and tell them what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying to them, whether they pay attention to you or not. ” 12 Then God's spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the loud roar of a voice that said, “Praise the glory of the LORD in heaven above! ” 13 I heard the wings of the creatures beating together in the air, and the noise of the wheels, as loud as an earthquake. 14 The power of the LORD came on me with great force, and as his spirit carried me off, I felt bitter and angry. 15 So I came to Tel Abib beside the Chebar River, where the exiles were living, and for seven days I stayed there, overcome by what I had seen and heard. 16 After the seven days had passed, the LORD spoke to me. 17 “Mortal man,” he said, “I am making you a lookout for the nation of Israel. You will pass on to them the warnings I give you. 18 If I announce that someone evil is going to die but you do not warn him to change his ways so that he can save his life, he will die, still a sinner, but I will hold you responsible for his death. 19 If you do warn an evil man and he doesn't stop sinning, he will die, still a sinner, but your life will be spared. 20 If someone truly good starts doing evil and I put him in a dangerous situation, he will die if you do not warn him. He will die because of his sins—I will not remember the good he did—and I will hold you responsible for his death. 21 If you do warn a good man not to sin and he listens to you and doesn't sin, he will stay alive, and your life will also be spared. ” 22 I felt the powerful presence of the LORD and heard him say to me, “Get up and go out into the valley. I will talk to you there.” 23 So I went out into the valley, and there I saw the glory of the LORD, just as I had seen it beside the Chebar River. I fell face downward on the ground, 24 but God's spirit entered me and raised me to my feet. The LORD said to me, “Go home and shut yourself up in the house. 25 You will be tied with ropes, mortal man, and you will not be able to go out in public. 26 I will paralyze your tongue so that you won't be able to warn these rebellious people. 27 Then, when I speak to you again and give you back the power of speech, you will tell them what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying. Some of them will listen, but some will ignore you, for they are a nation of rebels. ” Reflect Describe Ezekiel’s encounter with God (verses 1-15). Does Ezekiel receive any words of encouragement from God? What warnings is Ezekiel to deliver (verses 16-21)? What responsibilities are placed on him? Have you ever experienced a time when you felt called to warn someone to change their ways? If so, was it hard to do? Pray Sovereign God, sometimes it is hard to speak your word of truth to someone who has strayed from your teachings. Instill in me a spirit of boldness and take away my fears. Teach me to turn to you, trusting that you will guide my speech. Amen. Prayer Concern Those with speech impediments Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 34:1-31: The LORD God is Israel’s shepherd. 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 May 9, 2012 Author Members Posted May 9, 2012 May 9, 2012 Ezekiel 34:1-31 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 34:1-31: Many of Israel’s leaders had not been good shepherds. Because of their evil and neglectful ways, the sheep (the people of Israel) were killed or scattered across the earth. These shepherds (leaders) will be punished, and God promises to rescue the people and care for them and be their shepherd. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 34:31 “You, my sheep, the flock that I feed, are my people, and I am your God,” says the Sovereign LORD. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD spoke to me. 2 “Mortal man,” he said, “denounce the rulers of Israel. Prophesy to them, and tell them what I, the Sovereign LORD, say to them: You are doomed, you shepherds of Israel! You take care of yourselves, but never tend the sheep. 3 You drink the milk, wear clothes made from the wool, and kill and eat the finest sheep. But you never tend the sheep. 4 You have not taken care of the weak ones, healed the ones that are sick, bandaged the ones that are hurt, brought back the ones that wandered off, or looked for the ones that were lost. Instead, you treated them cruelly. 5 Because the sheep had no shepherd, they were scattered, and wild animals killed and ate them. 6 So my sheep wandered over the high hills and the mountains. They were scattered over the face of the earth, and no one looked for them or tried to find them. 7 Now, you shepherds, listen to what I, the LORD, am telling you. 8 As surely as I am the living God, you had better listen to me. My sheep have been attacked by wild animals that killed and ate them because there was no shepherd. My shepherds did not try to find the sheep. They were taking care of themselves and not the sheep. 9 So listen to me, you shepherds. 10 I, the Sovereign LORD, declare that I am your enemy. I will take my sheep away from you and never again let you be their shepherds; never again will I let you take care only of yourselves. I will rescue my sheep from you and not let you eat them. 11 I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them 12 in the same way as shepherds take care of their sheep that were scattered and are brought together again. I will bring them back from all the places where they were scattered on that dark, disastrous day. 13 I will take them out of foreign countries, gather them together, and bring them back to their own land. I will lead them back to the mountains and the streams of Israel and will feed them in pleasant pastures. 14 I will let them graze in safety in the mountain meadows and the valleys and in all the green pastures of the land of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will find them a place to rest. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 16 I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wander off, bandage those that are hurt, and heal those that are sick; but those that are fat and strong I will destroy, because I am a shepherd who does what is right. 17 Now then, my flock, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge each of you and separate the good from the bad, the sheep from the goats. 18 Some of you are not satisfied with eating the best grass; you even trample down what you don't eat! You drink the clear water and muddy what you don't drink! 19 My other sheep have to eat the grass you trample down and drink the water you muddy. 20 So now, I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I will judge between you strong sheep and the weak sheep. 21 You pushed the sick ones aside and butted them away from the flock. 22 But I will rescue my sheep and not let them be mistreated any more. I will judge each of my sheep and separate the good from the bad. 23 I will give them a king like my servant David to be their one shepherd, and he will take care of them. 24 I, the LORD, will be their God, and a king like my servant David will be their ruler. I have spoken. 25 I will make a covenant with them that guarantees their security. I will get rid of all the dangerous animals in the land, so that my sheep can live safely in the fields and sleep in the forests. 26 I will bless them and let them live around my sacred hill. There I will bless them with showers of rain when they need it. 27 The trees will bear fruit, the fields will produce crops, and everyone will live in safety on his own land. When I break my people's chains and set them free from those who made them slaves, then they will know that I am the LORD. 28 The heathen nations will not plunder them any more, and the wild animals will not kill and eat them. They will live in safety, and no one will terrify them. 29 I will give them fertile fields and put an end to hunger in the land. The other nations will not sneer at them any more. 30 Everyone will know that I protect Israel and that they are my people. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 31 “You, my sheep, the flock that I feed, are my people, and I am your God,” says the Sovereign LORD. Reflect The image of the LORD as a shepherd is common in the Bible (see Genesis 49:24; Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20). Reread verses 11-15. The “dark, disastrous day” (verse 12) refers to the time when the people were led away as prisoners following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. What words of hope are given in these verses? What are your thoughts concerning the image of God as a shepherd? Pray Sovereign God, you are my shepherd. Thank you for your steadfast love and care, and for feeding me and nourishing me each day with your holy word. Amen. Prayer Concern Nomadic shepherds Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 36:1-15: God promises to restore Israel. 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 May 10, 2012 Author Members Posted May 10, 2012 May 10, 2012 Ezekiel 36:1-15 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 36:1-15: God promises to take revenge on those who destroyed Israel’s mountains and promises to restore the land and provide a home for God’s people when they return from exile. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 36:11b I will let you live there as you used to live, and I will make you more prosperous than ever. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said, “Mortal man, speak to the mountains of Israel and tell them to listen to the message which I, 2 the Sovereign LORD, have for them: Israel's enemies gloated and said, “Now those ancient hills are ours!” 3 Prophesy, then, and announce what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying. When the neighboring nations captured and plundered the mountains of Israel, everyone made fun of Israel. 4 So now listen to what I, the Sovereign LORD, say to you mountains and hills, to you brooks and valleys, to you places that were left in ruins, and to you deserted cities which were plundered and mocked by all the surrounding nations. 5 I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken out in the heat of my anger against the surrounding nations, and especially against Edom. With glee and contempt they captured my land and took possession of its pastures. 6 So prophesy to the land of Israel; tell the mountains, hills, brooks, and valleys what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying in jealous anger because of the way the nations have insulted and humiliated them. 7 I, the Sovereign LORD, solemnly promise that the surrounding nations will be humiliated. 8 But on the mountains of Israel the trees will again grow leaves and bear fruit for you, my people Israel. You are going to come home soon. 9 I am on your side, and I will make sure that your land is plowed again and crops are planted on it. 10 I will make your population grow. You will live in the cities and rebuild everything that was left in ruins. 11 I will make people and cattle increase in number. There will be more of you than ever before, and you will have many children. I will let you live there as you used to live, and I will make you more prosperous than ever. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 12 I will bring you, my people Israel, back to live again in the land. It will be your own land, and it will never again let your children starve. 13 I, the Sovereign LORD, say: It is true that people say that the land eats people and that it robs the nation of its children. 14 But from now on it will no longer eat people and rob you of your children. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 15 The land will no longer have to listen to the nations making fun of it or see the peoples sneer at it. The land will no longer rob the nation of its children. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect The mountains cited in today’s reading probably refer to the land of Israel which enemies had captured and claimed (see Ezekiel 35:12). Israel’s population had been reduced by war, famine, and forced exile. In what ways will God restore the land? What promises are made to the people? Where in the world today is restoration needed? Pray Sovereign God, all nations are under your care. Bring peace and restoration to nations seeking to recover from the aftermath of war and violence. Teach me to be an instrument of your peace and to bring words of comfort and hope to those I know who are hurting. Amen. Prayer Concern Nations devastated by war and civil unrest Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 36:16-38: God promises to cleanse Israel of its sins. 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 May 11, 2012 Author Members Posted May 11, 2012 May 11, 2012 Ezekiel 36:16-38 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 36:16-38: Israel’s sins caused God’s holy name to be disgraced which led to Israel’s enemies to believe that their God was not powerful enough to save them. For the sake of his name, God promises to cleanse Israel of its sins and give the people his spirit. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 36:27 I will put my spirit in you and will see to it that you follow my laws and keep all the commands I have given you. Today’s Reading 16 The LORD spoke to me. 17 “Mortal man,” he said, “when the Israelites were living in their land, they defiled it by the way they lived and acted. I regarded their behavior as being as ritually unclean as a woman is during her monthly period. 18 I let them feel the force of my anger because of the murders they had committed in the land and because of the idols by which they had defiled it. 19 I condemned them for the way they lived and acted, and I scattered them through foreign countries. 20 Wherever they went, they brought disgrace on my holy name, because people would say, ‘These are the people of the LORD, but they had to leave his land. ’ 21 That made me concerned for my holy name, since the Israelites brought disgrace on it everywhere they went. 22 Now then, give the Israelites the message that I, the Sovereign LORD, have for them: What I am going to do is not for the sake of you Israelites, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have disgraced in every country where you have gone. 23 When I demonstrate to the nations the holiness of my great name—the name you disgraced among them—then they will know that I am the LORD. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. I will use you to show the nations that I am holy. 24 I will take you from every nation and country and bring you back to your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you and make you clean from all your idols and everything else that has defiled you. 26 I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart. 27 I will put my spirit in you and will see to it that you follow my laws and keep all the commands I have given you. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors. You will be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from everything that defiles you. I will command the grain to be plentiful, so that you will not have any more famines. 30 I will increase the yield of your fruit trees and your fields, so that there will be no more famines to disgrace you among the nations. 31 You will remember your evil conduct and the wrongs that you committed, and you will be disgusted with yourselves because of your sins and your iniquities. 32 Israel, I want you to know that I am not doing all this for your sake. I want you to feel the shame and disgrace of what you are doing. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. ” 33 The Sovereign LORD says, “When I make you clean from all your sins, I will let you live in your cities again and let you rebuild the ruins. 34 Everyone who used to walk by your fields saw how overgrown and wild they were, but I will let you farm them again. 35 Everyone will talk about how this land, which was once a wilderness, has become like the Garden of Eden, and how the cities which were torn down, looted, and left in ruins, are now inhabited and fortified. 36 Then the neighboring nations that have survived will know that I, the LORD, rebuild ruined cities and replant waste fields. I, the LORD, have promised that I would do this—and I will. ” 37 The Sovereign LORD says, “I will once again let the Israelites ask me for help, and I will let them increase in numbers like a flock of sheep. 38 The cities that are now in ruins will then be as full of people as Jerusalem was once full of the sheep which were offered as sacrifices at a festival. Then they will know that I am the LORD. ” Reflect Israel’s sins included murder, injustice and worshiping idols. Such sins defiled the land and made it ritually unclean, and God’s holy name was disgraced. How did God punish the people for these sins? What promises does God make concerning restoration? What does God want the people to be reminded of (verses 31, 32)? In what ways have you experienced God’s cleansing? Pray Lord God, create in me a clean heart and cleanse me of all my sin. Give me an obedient heart and teach me to follow your laws and keep your commands. May all I do and say bring honor to your holy name. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit and for your everlasting love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those whose hearts are hardened Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 37:1-28: Ezekiel describes his vision of dry bones come to life. 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 May 12, 2012 Author Members Posted May 12, 2012 May 12, 2012 Ezekiel 37:1-28 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 37:1-28: The Israelites living in exile were feeling as if their hopes had dried up; but like an army of dry bones that rose from death, the people will stand up and return home. God promises that kingdoms of Judah and Israel will once again be united. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 37:4 He said, “Prophesy to the bones. Tell these dry bones to listen to the word of the Lord.” Today’s Reading 1 I felt the powerful presence of the LORD, and his spirit took me and set me down in a valley where the ground was covered with bones. 2 He led me all around the valley, and I could see that there were very many bones and that they were very dry. 3 He said to me, “Mortal man, can these bones come back to life?” I replied, “Sovereign LORD, only you can answer that! ” 4 He said, “Prophesy to the bones. Tell these dry bones to listen to the word of the LORD. 5 Tell them that I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying to them: I am going to put breath into you and bring you back to life. 6 I will give you sinews and muscles, and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you and bring you back to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD. ” 7 So I prophesied as I had been told. While I was speaking, I heard a rattling noise, and the bones began to join together. 8 While I watched, the bones were covered with sinews and muscles, and then with skin. But there was no breath in the bodies. 9 God said to me, “Mortal man, prophesy to the wind. Tell the wind that the Sovereign LORD commands it to come from every direction, to breathe into these dead bodies, and to bring them back to life. ” 10 So I prophesied as I had been told. Breath entered the bodies, and they came to life and stood up. There were enough of them to form an army. 11 God said to me, “Mortal man, the people of Israel are like these bones. They say that they are dried up, without any hope and with no future. 12 So prophesy to my people Israel and tell them that I, the Sovereign LORD, am going to open their graves. I am going to take them out and bring them back to the land of Israel. 13 When I open the graves where my people are buried and bring them out, they will know that I am the LORD. 14 I will put my breath in them, bring them back to life, and let them live in their own land. Then they will know that I am the LORD. I have promised that I would do this—and I will. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” 15 The LORD spoke to me again. 16 “Mortal man,” he said, “take a wooden stick and write on it the words, “The kingdom of Judah.” Then take another stick and write on it the words, “The kingdom of Israel.” 17 Then hold the two sticks end to end in your hand so that they look like one stick. 18 When your people ask you to tell them what this means, 19 tell them that I, the Sovereign LORD, am going to take the stick representing Israel and put it with the one that represents Judah. Out of the two I will make one stick and hold it in my hand. 20 Hold in your hand the two sticks and let the people see them. 21 Then tell them that I, the Sovereign LORD, am going to take all my people out of the nations where they have gone, gather them together, and bring them back to their own land. 22 I will unite them into one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. They will have one king to rule over them, and they will no longer be divided into two nations or split into two kingdoms. 23 They will not defile themselves with disgusting idols any more or corrupt themselves with sin. I will free them from all the ways in which they sin and betray me. I will purify them; they will be my people, and I will be their God. 24 A king like my servant David will be their king. They will all be united under one ruler and will obey my laws faithfully. 25 They will live on the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where their ancestors lived. They will live there forever, and so will their children and all their descendants. A king like my servant David will rule them forever. 26 I will make a covenant with them that guarantees their security forever. I will establish them and increase their population, and will see to it that my Temple stands forever in their land. 27 I will live there with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 When I place my Temple there to be among them forever, then the nations will know that I, the LORD, have chosen Israel to be my own people. ” Reflect The valley of dry bones is depicted as a battlefield representing the land after the Babylonian invasion. What hopeful message is given in verses 1-14? About three centuries before the time of Ezekiel, the tribes of Israel divided into two kingdoms; the northern kingdom (Israel) was defeated by Assyria, and the southern kingdom (Judah) was defeated by the Babylonians. What does God promise once the two kingdoms are united (verses 20-28)? Pray Sovereign God, unite the hearts, minds, and will of all your people in loving service to you. I thank you for your life-giving breath and for the hope of new life you offer me each day. Amen. Prayer Concern Countries experiencing political turmoil Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 39:1-29: God defeats the armies of Gog. 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 May 15, 2012 Author Members Posted May 15, 2012 May 13, 2012 Ezekiel 39:1-29 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 39:1-29: Chapter 39 concludes the section in the book of Ezekiel that contains oracles pertaining to Israel’s restoration and transformation. The chapter opens with an apocalyptic vision of God defeating the armies of Gog. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 39:21 The LORD said, “I will let the nations see my glory and show them how I use my power to carry out my just decisions.” Today’s Reading 1 The Sovereign LORD said, “Mortal man, denounce Gog, the chief ruler of the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and tell him that I am his enemy. 2 I will turn him in a new direction and lead him out of the far north until he comes to the mountains of Israel. 3 Then I will knock his bow out of his left hand and his arrows out of his right hand. 4 Gog and his army and his allies will fall dead on the mountains of Israel, and I will let their bodies be food for all the birds and wild animals. 5 They will fall dead in the open field. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 6 I will start a fire in the land of Magog and along all the seacoasts where people live undisturbed, and everyone will know that I am the LORD. 7 I will make sure that my people Israel know my holy name, and I will not let my name be disgraced any more. Then the nations will know that I, the LORD, am the holy God of Israel. ” 8 The Sovereign LORD said, “The day I spoke about is certain to come. 9 The people who live in the cities of Israel will go out and collect the abandoned weapons for firewood. They will build fires with the shields, bows, arrows, spears, and clubs, and have enough to last for seven years. 10 They will not have to gather firewood in the fields or cut down trees in the forest, because they will have the abandoned weapons to burn. They will loot and plunder those who looted and plundered them. ” The Sovereign LORD has spoken. 11 The LORD said, “When all this happens, I will give Gog a burial ground there in Israel, in Travelers' Valley, east of the Dead Sea. Gog and all his army will be buried there, and the valley will be called “The Valley of Gog's Army.” 12 It will take the Israelites seven months to bury all the corpses and make the land clean again. 13 Everyone in the land will help bury them, and they will be honored for this on the day of my victory. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. 14 After the seven months are over, men will be chosen to travel through the land in order to find and bury those bodies remaining on the ground, so that they can make the land clean. 15 As they go up and down the country, every time they find a human bone, they will put a marker beside it so that the gravediggers can come and bury it in the Valley of Gog's Army. 16 (There will be a town nearby named after the army.) And so the land will be made clean again. ” 17 The Sovereign LORD said to me, “Mortal man, call all the birds and animals to come from all around to eat the sacrifice I am preparing for them. It will be a huge feast on the mountains of Israel, where they can eat meat and drink blood. 18 They are to eat the bodies of soldiers and drink the blood of the rulers of the earth, all of whom will be killed like rams or lambs or goats or fat bulls. 19 When I kill these people like sacrifices, the birds and animals are to eat all the fat they can hold and to drink blood until they are drunk. 20 At my table they will eat all they can hold of horses and their riders and of soldiers and fighting men. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. ” 21 The LORD said, “I will let the nations see my glory and show them how I use my power to carry out my just decisions. 22 The Israelites will know from then on that I am the LORD their God. 23 And the nations will know that the Israelites went into exile because of the sins which they committed against me. I turned away from them and let their enemies defeat them and kill them in battle. 24 I gave them what they deserved for their uncleanness and their wickedness, and I turned away from them. ” 25 The Sovereign LORD said, “But now I will be merciful to Jacob's descendants, the people of Israel, and make them prosperous again. I will protect my holy name. 26 When they are once more living in safety in their own land, with no one to threaten them, they will be able to forget how they were disgraced for having betrayed me. 27 In order to show to the many nations that I am holy, I will bring my people back from all the countries where their enemies live. 28 Then my people will know that I am the LORD their God. They will know this, because I sent them into captivity and now gather them and bring them back into their own land, not leaving even one of them behind. 29 I will pour out my spirit on the people of Israel and never again turn away from them. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect Gog most likely refers to a symbolic figure who represents a military power. How will Gog and his army be defeated? Reread verses 21-29. What promises of restoration are given? Have you experienced a time when God transformed your life? Explain. Pray God of transformation, draw me close to you and restore my life. Take away any bitterness and anger I may be harboring. Pour out your spirit on me and let me experience the joy of your presence. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking reconciliation with loved ones Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 43:1-27: The LORD’s glory returns to the Temple. 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 May 15, 2012 Author Members Posted May 15, 2012 May 14, 2012 Ezekiel 43:1-27 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 43:1-27: Today’s reading is from a section describing Ezekiel’s final vision about the restored Temple in Jerusalem. He sees the LORD’s glory return to the Temple. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 43:5 The LORD’s spirit lifted me up and took me into the inner courtyard, where I saw that the Temple was filled with the glory of the LORD. Today’s Reading 1 The man took me to the gate that faces east, 2 and there I saw coming from the east the dazzling light of the presence of the God of Israel. God's voice sounded like the roar of the sea, and the earth shone with the dazzling light. 3 This vision was like the one I had seen when God came to destroy Jerusalem, and the one I saw by the Chebar River. Then I threw myself face downward on the ground. 4 The dazzling light passed through the east gate and went into the Temple. 5 The LORD's spirit lifted me up and took me into the inner courtyard, where I saw that the Temple was filled with the glory of the LORD. 6 The man stood beside me there, and I heard the LORD speak to me out of the Temple: 7 “Mortal man, here is my throne. I will live here among the people of Israel and rule them forever. Neither the people of Israel nor their kings will ever again disgrace my holy name by worshiping other gods or by burying the corpses of their dead kings. 8 The kings built the doorsills and doorposts of their palace right against the doorsills and doorposts of my Temple, so that there was only a wall between us. They disgraced my holy name by all the disgusting things they did, and so in my anger I destroyed them. 9 Now they must stop worshiping other gods and remove the corpses of their kings. If they do, I will live among them forever. ” 10 And the LORD continued, “Mortal man, tell the people of Israel about the Temple, and let them study its plan. Make them ashamed of their sinful actions. 11 Then if they are ashamed of what they have done, explain the plan of the Temple to them: its design, its entrances and exits, its shape, the arrangement of everything, and all its rules and regulations. Write all this down for them so that they can see how everything is arranged and can carry out all the rules. 12 This is the law of the Temple: All the area surrounding it on the top of the mountain is sacred and holy. ” 13 These are the measurements of the altar, using the same unit of measure as in measuring the Temple. All around the base of the altar there was a gutter 20 inches deep and 20 inches wide, with a rim at the outside edge 10 inches high. 14 The lowest section of the altar, from the top of the base, was 4 feet high. The next section was set back from the edge 20 inches all around, and was 7 feet high. The section after that was also set back from the edge 20 inches all around. 15 This top section, on which the sacrifices were burned, was also 7 feet high. The projections on the four corners were higher than the rest of the top. 16 The top of the altar was a square, 20 feet on each side. 17 The middle section was also a square, 24 feet on each side, with a rim at the outside edge 10 inches high. (The gutter was 20 inches wide.) The steps going up the altar were on the east side. 18 The Sovereign LORD said to me, “Mortal man, listen to what I tell you. When the altar is built, you are to dedicate it by burning sacrifices on it and by sprinkling on it the blood of the animals that were sacrificed. 19 Those priests belonging to the tribe of Levi who are descended from Zadok are the only ones who are to come into my presence to serve me. I, the Sovereign LORD, command this. You will give them a young bull to offer as a sacrifice for sin. 20 You are to take some of its blood and put it on the projections on the top corners of the altar, on the corners of the middle section of the altar, and all around its edges. In this way you will purify the altar and consecrate it. 21 You are to take the bull that is offered as a sacrifice for sin and burn it at the specified place outside the Temple area. 22 The next day you are to take a male goat without any defects and offer it as a sacrifice for sin. Purify the altar with its blood the same way you did with the bull. 23 When you have finished doing that, take a young bull and a young ram, both of them without any defects, 24 and bring them to me. The priests will sprinkle salt on them and burn them as an offering to me. 25 Each day for seven days you are to offer a goat, a bull, and a ram as sacrifices for sin. All of them must be without any defects. 26 For seven days the priests are to consecrate the altar and make it ready for use. 27 When the week is over, the priests are to begin offering on the altar the burnt offerings and the fellowship offerings of the people. Then I will be pleased with all of you. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect The return of the LORD’s presence reverses the departure of the LORD’s glory brought about by Israel’s priests bringing unclean things into the Temple (see Ezekiel 8—11). What instructions does Ezekiel receive from the LORD? The return of the LORD’s glory meant that the land and the Temple were now ritually clean and would stay that way if the priests and people obeyed God. How was the altar to be consecrated (verses 18-27)? Within your community of faith, are there times when consecration takes place? Pray Consecrate me, O Lord, to your will. I present my life to you as a living sacrifice for service in your holy name. May all I do and say be pleasing to you, O Lord, and glorify you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those preparing for ordained ministry Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 47:1-23: Ezekiel sees water flowing from the Temple. 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 May 15, 2012 Author Members Posted May 15, 2012 May 15, 2012 Ezekiel 47:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 47:1-23: Ezekiel sees a vision of a life-giving stream flowing from the Temple across the land and emptying into the Dead Sea. Then he is told about the four boundaries for the land that is to be divided among the twelve tribes. Today’s Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1a The man led me back to the entrance of the Temple. Water was coming out from under the entrance and flowing east, the direction the Temple faced. Today’s Reading 1 The man led me back to the entrance of the Temple. Water was coming out from under the entrance and flowing east, the direction the Temple faced. It was flowing down from under the south part of the Temple past the south side of the altar. 2 The man then took me out of the Temple area by way of the north gate and led me around to the gate that faces east. A small stream of water was flowing out at the south side of the gate. 3 With his measuring rod the man measured 560 yards downstream to the east and told me to wade through the stream there. The water came only to my ankles. 4 Then he measured another 560 yards, and the water came up to my knees. Another 560 yards farther down, the water was up to my waist. 5 He measured 560 yards more, and there the stream was so deep I could not wade through it. It was too deep to cross except by swimming. 6 He said to me, “Mortal man, note all this carefully.” Then the man took me back to the riverbank, 7 and when I got there, I saw that there were very many trees on each bank. 8 He said to me, “This water flows through the land to the east and down into the Jordan Valley and to the Dead Sea. When it flows into the Dead Sea, it replaces the salt water of that sea with fresh water. 9 Wherever the stream flows, there will be all kinds of animals and fish. The stream will make the water of the Dead Sea fresh, and wherever it flows, it will bring life. 10 From the Springs of Engedi all the way to the Springs of Eneglaim, there will be fishermen on the shore of the sea, and they will spread out their nets there to dry. There will be as many different kinds of fish there as there are in the Mediterranean Sea. 11 But the water in the marshes and ponds along the shore will not be made fresh. They will remain there as a source of salt. 12 On each bank of the stream all kinds of trees will grow to provide food. Their leaves will never wither, and they will never stop bearing fruit. They will have fresh fruit every month, because they are watered by the stream that flows from the Temple. The trees will provide food, and their leaves will be used for healing people. ” 13 The Sovereign LORD said, “These are the boundaries of the land that is to be divided among the twelve tribes, with the tribe of Joseph receiving two sections. 14 I solemnly promised your ancestors that I would give them possession of this land; now divide it equally among you. 15 The northern boundary runs eastward from the Mediterranean Sea to the city of Hethlon, to Hamath Pass, to the city of Zedad, 16 to the cities of Berothah and Sibraim (they are located between the territory of the kingdom of Damascus and that of the kingdom of Hamath), and to the city of Ticon (located by the border of the district of Hauran). 17 So the northern boundary runs from the Mediterranean eastward to Enon City, with the border regions of Damascus and Hamath to the north of it. 18 The eastern boundary runs south from a point between the territory of Damascus and that of Hauran, with the Jordan River forming the boundary between the land of Israel on the west and Gilead on the east, as far as Tamar on the Dead Sea. 19 The southern boundary runs southwest from Tamar to the oasis of Kadesh Meribah and then northwest along the Egyptian border to the Mediterranean Sea. 20 The western boundary is formed by the Mediterranean and runs north to a point west of Hamath Pass. 21 Divide this land among your tribes; 22 it is to be your permanent possession. The foreigners who are living among you and who have had children born here are also to receive their share of the land when you divide it. They are to be treated like full Israelite citizens and are to draw lots for shares of the land along with the tribes of Israel. 23 All foreign residents will receive their share with the people of the tribe among whom they are living. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect The land that had been defiled (see 36:16-21 from the reading on May 11) is now restored and cleansed. The stream that flows from the Temple may be a reference to the LORD as the source of life and fertility. Reread verses 6b-12. How do you envision what is described here? Why is the stream flowing from the Temple a hopeful image? Besides the people who belong to the twelve tribes, who else is to receive a share of the land (verses 21-23)? Does this surprise you? Why or why not? Pray Lord God, reading and meditating on your Word is like receiving life-giving water, and I am restored and refreshed. You are my source of life and renewal. Daily will I praise you. Amen. Prayer Concern Immigrants Tomorrow's Reading Ezekiel 48:1-35: The division of the land among the twelve tribes is outlined. 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 May 18, 2012 Author Members Posted May 18, 2012 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Ezekiel 48:1-35 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Ezekiel 48:1-35: In this final chapter, Ezekiel is told how the land of Israel will be divided among Israel’s tribes. A special section in the center of the land is designated for the location of the Temple. The chapter concludes with a description of the twelve entrance gates to the city of Jerusalem. Today's Scripture: Ezekiel 48:35b The name of the city from now on will be “The-LORD-Is-Here!” Today's Reading 1-7 The northern boundary of the land runs eastward from the Mediterranean Sea to the city of Hethlon, to Hamath Pass, to Enon City, to the boundary between the kingdoms of Damascus and Hamath. Each tribe is to receive one section of land extending from the eastern boundary west to the Mediterranean Sea, in the following order from north to south: Dan Asher Naphtali Manasseh Ephraim Reuben Judah 8 The next section of the land is to be set apart for special use. It is to be 10 miles wide from north to south, and the same length from east to west as the sections given to the tribes. The Temple will be located within this section. 9 In the center of this section, a special area 10 miles by 8 miles is to be dedicated to the LORD. 10 The priests are to have a portion of this holy area. From east to west their portion is to measure 10 miles, and from north to south, 4 miles. The Temple of the LORD is to be located in the middle of this area. 11 This holy area is to be for the priests who are descendants of Zadok. They served me faithfully and did not join the rest of the Israelites in doing wrong, as the other members of the tribe of Levi did. 12 So they are to have a special area next to the area belonging to the Levites, and it will be the holiest of all. 13 The Levites also are to have a special area, south of that of the priests. It too is to be 10 miles from east to west, by 4 miles from north to south. 14 The area dedicated to the LORD is the best part of all the land, and none of it may be sold or exchanged or transferred to anyone else. It is holy and belongs to the LORD. 15 The part of the special area that is left, 10 miles by 2 miles, is not holy, but is for the general use of the people. They may live there and use the land. The city is to be in the center of it, 16 and it will be a square, 2,520 yards on each side. 17 All around the city on each side there will be an open space 140 yards across. 18 The land that is left after the city has been built in the area immediately to the south of the holy area—4 miles by 2 miles on the east and 4 miles by 2 miles on the west—is to be used as farmland by the people who live in the city. 19 Anyone who lives in the city, no matter which tribe he comes from, may farm that land. 20 And so the total area in the center of the section which was set apart will be a square measuring 10 miles on each side, and it will include the area occupied by the city. 21-22 To the east and to the west of this area which contains the Temple, the priests' land, the Levites' land, and the city, the remaining land belongs to the ruling prince. It reaches east to the eastern boundary and west to the Mediterranean Sea, and is bounded on the north by the section belonging to Judah and on the south by the one belonging to Benjamin. 23-27 South of this special section, each of the remaining tribes is to receive one section of land running from the eastern boundary west to the Mediterranean Sea, in the following order from north to south: Benjamin Simeon Issachar Zebulun Gad 28 On the south side of the portion given to the tribe of Gad, the boundary runs southwest from Tamar to the oasis of Kadesh, and then northwest along the Egyptian border to the Mediterranean Sea. 29 The Sovereign LORD said, “That is the way the land is to be divided into sections for the tribes of Israel to possess.” 30-34 There are twelve entrances to the city of Jerusalem. Each of the four walls measures 2,520 yards and has three gates in it, each named for one of the tribes. The gates in the north wall are named for Reuben, Judah, and Levi; those in the east wall, for Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; those in the south wall, for Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; and those in the west wall are named for Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. 35 The total length of the wall on all four sides of the city is 10,080 yards. The name of the city from now on will be “The- LORD-Is-Here! ” Reflect Reread verses 30-35. Twelve was considered a complete number, and the twelve gates, three on each side of Jerusalem’s four walls, were to be named for the twelve tribes of Israel. What is the significance of the city’s new name (verse 35)? Today’s reading is the concluding chapter to the book of Ezekiel. From the excerpts you have read these past eleven days, are there visions or images that are particularly meaningful to you? If so, why? Pray Holy God, you are here with me always. Open my eyes to your presence around me and to an awareness of your glory. In your sacred name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Civil engineers Tomorrow's Reading Acts 1:1-26: Jesus is taken up to heaven. 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 May 18, 2012 Author Members Posted May 18, 2012 May 17, 2012 Acts 1:1-26 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Acts 1:1-26: Jesus tells his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until God gives them the Holy Spirit, empowering them to share the Gospel everywhere. Then he is taken up to heaven. The apostles keep their eyes on the skies until two angels jolt them into action. The apostles choose a successor to Judas and meet and pray with other believers. Today’s Scripture: Acts 1:8 “But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Today’s Reading 1 Dear Theophilus: In my first book I wrote about all the things that Jesus did and taught from the time he began his work 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven. Before he was taken up, he gave instructions by the power of the Holy Spirit to the men he had chosen as his apostles. 3 For forty days after his death he appeared to them many times in ways that proved beyond doubt that he was alive. They saw him, and he talked with them about the Kingdom of God. 4 And when they came together, he gave them this order: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. 5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ” 6 When the apostles met together with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time give the Kingdom back to Israel?” 7 Jesus said to them, “The times and occasions are set by my Father's own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will be. 8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ” 9 After saying this, he was taken up to heaven as they watched him, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They still had their eyes fixed on the sky as he went away, when two men dressed in white suddenly stood beside them 11 and said, “Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.” 12 Then the apostles went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is about half a mile away from the city. 13 They entered the city and went up to the room where they were staying: Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Patriot, and Judas son of James. 14 They gathered frequently to pray as a group, together with the women and with Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers. 15 A few days later there was a meeting of the believers, about a hundred and twenty in all, and Peter stood up to speak. 16 “My friends,” he said, “the scripture had to come true in which the Holy Spirit, speaking through David, made a prediction about Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 Judas was a member of our group, for he had been chosen to have a part in our work. ” ( 18 With the money that Judas got for his evil act he bought a field, where he fell to his death; he burst open and all his insides spilled out. 19 All the people living in Jerusalem heard about it, and so in their own language they call that field Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘May his house become empty; may no one live in it.’ It is also written, “May someone else take his place of service.” 21-22 So then, someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the whole time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us, beginning from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven. ” 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph, who was called Barsabbas (also known as Justus), and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone, so show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to serve as an apostle in the place of Judas, who left to go to the place where he belongs. ” 26 Then they drew lots to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias, who was added to the group of eleven apostles. Reflect What instructions did Jesus give his disciples? Today’s reading reminds us that, even as we lift our eyes to the heavens in prayer, we are called to focus our activity here on earth in order to help bring about God’s peace and justice in our time. In what ways can you be a witness for Jesus and share the good news of God’s love wherever you are today? Pray Dear God, keep my eyes focused on what you would have me do today. Empower me to be a witness for you and share the good news of Jesus Christ wherever I am. Amen. Prayer Concern Airline pilots and flight attendants Tomorrow's Reading Romans 8:1-17: The apostle Paul describes life in the 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 May 18, 2012 Author Members Posted May 18, 2012 May 18, 2012 Romans 8:1-17 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Romans 8:1-17: The apostle Paul says that living according to the Spirit and in union with Christ Jesus sets us free from sin and death. Being controlled by human nature is in opposition to being controlled by what the Spirit wants. Today’s Scripture: Romans 8:1 There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus. Today’s Reading 1 There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit, which brings us life in union with Christ Jesus, has set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 What the Law could not do, because human nature was weak, God did. He condemned sin in human nature by sending his own Son, who came with a nature like our sinful nature, to do away with sin. 4 God did this so that the righteous demands of the Law might be fully satisfied in us who live according to the Spirit, and not according to human nature. 5 Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. 6 To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace. 7 And so people become enemies of God when they are controlled by their human nature; for they do not obey God's law, and in fact they cannot obey it. 8 Those who obey their human nature cannot please God. 9 But you do not live as your human nature tells you to; instead, you live as the Spirit tells you to—if, in fact, God's Spirit lives in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ lives in you, the Spirit is life for you because you have been put right with God, even though your bodies are going to die because of sin. 11 If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his Spirit in you. 12 So then, my friends, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. 13 For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14 Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. 15 For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!” 16 God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. 17 Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory. Reflect Describe the conflict Paul writes about with regard to being controlled by human nature vs. being controlled by the Spirit. How and when have you experienced this type of conflict? What words of hope does Paul offer? Pray Thank you, God, for calling me to be your child. Lead me by the power of your Spirit so that my thoughts, words, and actions are pleasing to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those experiencing inner turmoil Tomorrow's Reading Romans 8:18-39: The apostle Paul describes the future glory for God’s 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 May 19, 2012 Author Members Posted May 19, 2012 May 19, 2012 Romans 8:18-39 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Romans 8:18-39: The apostle Paul says that all creation longs to be set free from slavery and decay and that our current suffering cannot compare to the glory that will one day be revealed. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, and we are assured that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Today’s Scripture: Romans 8:39b There is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Today’s Reading 18 I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. 20 For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope 21 that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. 23 But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. 24 For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. 27 And God, who sees into our hearts, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with his will. 28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. 29 Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers. 30 And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them. 31 In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son—will he not also freely give us all things? 33 Who will accuse God's chosen people? God himself declares them not guilty! 34 Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right side of God, pleading with him for us! 35 Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death? 36 As the scripture says, “For your sake we are in danger of death at all times; we are treated like sheep that are going to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, 39 neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Reflect What is the hope that Paul talks about in verses 18-25? Have you ever found it hard to pray? How does the Holy Spirit help in such times? Reread verses 31-39. What questions does Paul ask? How does he answer them? What verses do you find especially meaningful? Pray Lord God, you know my weaknesses and my inmost thoughts. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that pleads on my behalf when I find it hard to pray. With a humble heart I thank you for assuring me that, through Christ Jesus, I can never be separated from your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who find it hard to pray Tomorrow's Reading Romans 12:1-21: The apostle Paul describes life in God’s service. 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 May 20, 2012 Author Members Posted May 20, 2012 May 20, 2012 Romans 12:1-21 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Romans 12:1-21: The apostle Paul says that God’s people no longer need to offer dead animals or make any other sacrifice in order to please God. Rather they are to offer their whole selves in living service to God. Such service involves using the gifts each has received in accordance with God’s grace. Today’s Scripture: Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.’ Today’s Reading 1 So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. 2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. 3 And because of God's gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you. 4 We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. 5 In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. 6 So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; 7 if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; 8 if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. 10 Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. 11 Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. 12 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. 13 Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers. 14 Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise. 17 If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. 18 Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. 19 Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, as the scripture says: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame.” 21 Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Reflect The words in verse 1 are derived from the consecration and killing of animals in temple sacrifice. Paul now says that we are to “offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him.” What is your understanding of these words? In what ways can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God? Reread verses 9-21. How does Paul describe life in community for God’s people? Pray Lord God, I offer myself as a living sacrifice, dedicated to a life of service that is pleasing to you. Transform me inwardly so that I may know and do your will. Teach me to share the gifts you have given me for the sake of building up your Kingdom and being an instrument of your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Community organizers Tomorrow's Reading Romans 13:1-14: The apostle Paul encourages Christians to obey state authorities. 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 May 22, 2012 Author Members Posted May 22, 2012 May 21, 2012 Romans 13:1-14 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Romans 13:1-14: The apostle Paul encourages Christians to obey state authorities, and he reminds believers of their duties toward one another and that the day of salvation is near. Today’s Scripture: Romans 13:10 If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law. Today’s Reading 1 Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. 2 Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. 3 For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, 4 because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. 5 For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. 6 That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. 7 Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all. 8 Be under obligation to no one—the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. 9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else”—all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 10 If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law. 11 You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. 13 Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day—no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy. 14 But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires. Reflect Reread verses 1-7. What are your thoughts concerning these verses? Paul says that God’s people should obey earthly authorities because they are God’s servants. Are there times when civil disobedience is justified? What is your understanding of Paul’s words when he says that, when we love others, we are obeying the whole Law? Pray Lord God, your love for me is steadfast and sure. Guide my thoughts, words, and deeds this day so that I reflect your love to others and honor you. Amen. Prayer Concern Government officials Tomorrow's Reading Romans 14:1-23: The apostle Paul admonishes believers not to judge one another. 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 May 23, 2012 Author Members Posted May 23, 2012 May 22, 2012 Romans 14:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Romans 14:1-23: Some of the followers in Rome believed that it was wrong to eat meat, and others were saying that certain foods should be eaten on certain days. Paul says that there will be differences among God’s people, but that all of the believers need to be accepting of one another and not judge each other. Today’s Scripture: Romans 14:17 For God’s Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. Today’s Reading 1 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. 2 Some people's faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables. 3 The person who will eat anything is not to despise the one who doesn't; while the one who eats only vegetables is not to pass judgment on the one who will eat anything; for God has accepted that person. 4 Who are you to judge the servants of someone else? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed. 5 Some people think that a certain day is more important than other days, while others think that all days are the same. We each should firmly make up our own minds. 6 Those who think highly of a certain day do so in honor of the Lord; those who will eat anything do so in honor of the Lord, because they give thanks to God for the food. Those who refuse to eat certain things do so in honor of the Lord, and they give thanks to God. 7 We do not live for ourselves only, and we do not die for ourselves only. 8 If we live, it is for the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is for the Lord that we die. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For Christ died and rose to life in order to be the Lord of the living and of the dead. 10 You then, who eat only vegetables—why do you pass judgment on others? And you who eat anything—why do you despise other believers? All of us will stand before God to be judged by him. 11 For the scripture says, “As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone will kneel before me, and everyone will confess that I am God.” 12 Every one of us, then, will have to give an account to God. 13 So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make others stumble or fall into sin. 14 My union with the Lord Jesus makes me certain that no food is of itself ritually unclean; but if you believe that some food is unclean, then it becomes unclean for you. 15 If you hurt others because of something you eat, then you are no longer acting from love. Do not let the food that you eat ruin the person for whom Christ died! 16 Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name. 17 For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. 18 And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others. 19 So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. 20 Do not, because of food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. 21 The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall. 22 Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something they judge is right! 23 But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin. Reflect Paul seeks to make the believers respect each other’s customs and to stop disagreements about food from causing division among them. Within your community of faith, are there times when conflicts occur over various customs and traditions that people hold dear? How are such conflicts resolved? Pray Lord God, help me not to be quick to judge others and teach me to treat with respect those whose opinions differ from mine. May the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives guide my every thought and action. Amen. Prayer Concern Communities of faith experiencing divisiveness Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 3:1-23: The apostle Paul expresses concern for the Corinthians. 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 May 23, 2012 Author Members Posted May 23, 2012 May 23, 2012 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction 1 Corinthians 3:1-23: The apostle Paul was concerned that the Corinthians were not living as those who are led by God’s Spirit because they continued to argue with one another. He reminds them that they are God’s temple and that they are holy because God’s Spirit lives within them. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16 Surely you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you! Today’s Reading 1 As a matter of fact, my friends, I could not talk to you as I talk to people who have the Spirit; I had to talk to you as though you belonged to this world, as children in the Christian faith. 2 I had to feed you milk, not solid food, because you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready for it, 3 because you still live as the people of this world live. When there is jealousy among you and you quarrel with one another, doesn't this prove that you belong to this world, living by its standards? 4 When one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos”—aren't you acting like worldly people? 5 After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. 7 The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. 8 There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. 9 For we are partners working together for God, and you are God's field. You are also God's building. 10 Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how you build. 11 For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. 12 Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. 13 And the quality of each person's work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone's work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. 14 If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. 15 But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire. 16 Surely you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you! 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys God's temple. For God's temple is holy, and you yourselves are his temple. 18 You should not fool yourself. If any of you think that you are wise by this world's standards, you should become a fool, in order to be really wise. 19 For what this world considers to be wisdom is nonsense in God's sight. As the scripture says, “God traps the wise in their cleverness”; 20 and another scripture says, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless.” 21 No one, then, should boast about what human beings can do. Actually everything belongs to you: 22 Paul, Apollos, and Peter; this world, life and death, the present and the future—all these are yours, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Reflect Paul refers to Jesus Christ as “the one and only foundation” (verse 11). In what ways do you build your faith on this foundation? What does being “God’s temple” mean to you? Does such an understanding impact the way you live? Pray Lord God, remind me that I am your temple and that your Holy Spirit lives in me. Teach me to live according to your will so that all I say and do gives glory to you. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Church architects Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 4:1-21: Paul describes his life as an apostle 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 May 24, 2012 Author Members Posted May 24, 2012 May 24, 2012 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction 1 Corinthians 4:1-21: The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians of the work he and other apostles have done among them, and he describes life as an apostle. He admonishes the Corinthians to avoid judging one another and that final judgment belongs to the Lord. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of words but of power. Today’s Reading 1 You should think of us as Christ's servants, who have been put in charge of God's secret truths. 2 The one thing required of such servants is that they be faithful to their master. 3 Now, I am not at all concerned about being judged by you or by any human standard; I don't even pass judgment on myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not prove that I am really innocent. The Lord is the one who passes judgment on me. 5 So you should not pass judgment on anyone before the right time comes. Final judgment must wait until the Lord comes; he will bring to light the dark secrets and expose the hidden purposes of people's minds. And then all will receive from God the praise they deserve. 6 For your sake, my friends, I have applied all this to Apollos and me, using the two of us as an example, so that you may learn what the saying means, “Observe the proper rules.” None of you should be proud of one person and despise another. 7 Who made you superior to others? Didn't God give you everything you have? Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift? 8 Do you already have everything you need? Are you already rich? Have you become kings, even though we are not? Well, I wish you really were kings, so that we could be kings together with you. 9 For it seems to me that God has given the very last place to us apostles, like people condemned to die in public as a spectacle for the whole world of angels and of human beings. 10 For Christ's sake we are fools; but you are wise in union with Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! We are despised, but you are honored! 11 To this very moment we go hungry and thirsty; we are clothed in rags; we are beaten; we wander from place to place; 12 we wear ourselves out with hard work. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; 13 when we are insulted, we answer back with kind words. We are no more than this world's garbage; we are the scum of the earth to this very moment! 14 I write this to you, not because I want to make you feel ashamed, but to instruct you as my own dear children. 15 For even if you have ten thousand guardians in your Christian life, you have only one father. For in your life in union with Christ Jesus I have become your father by bringing the Good News to you. 16 I beg you, then, to follow my example. 17 For this purpose I am sending to you Timothy, who is my own dear and faithful son in the Christian life. He will remind you of the principles which I follow in the new life in union with Christ Jesus and which I teach in all the churches everywhere. 18 Some of you have become proud because you have thought that I would not be coming to visit you. 19 If the Lord is willing, however, I will come to you soon, and then I will find out for myself the power which these proud people have, and not just what they say. 20 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of words but of power. 21 Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in a spirit of love and gentleness? Reflect How does Paul describe his life and the lives of the other apostles (verses 9-13)? Where do you think Paul and the other apostles got the strength to keep on preaching about Christ? How does Paul describe his relationship with the Corinthians (verses 14, 15)? Have you learned from someone who had a strong influence in your faith journey? Pray Lord Jesus, keep me rooted in you so that I continue to grow in faith by the power of your Word. Thank you for those who have guided me in the past and who accompany me now on my faith journey. Amen. Prayer Concern Church school teachers Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 5:1-13: The apostle Paul discusses immorality within the church. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 26, 2012 Author Members Posted May 26, 2012 May 25, 2012 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction 1 Corinthians 5:1-13: The apostle Paul discusses immorality within the church and its effects on the community. Paul is concerned that a few bad examples can influence the faith community to do evil things, and he uses the metaphor of a little bit of yeast spreading through a batch of dough to illustrate his point. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:7a You must remove the old yeast of sin so that you will be entirely pure. Then you will be like a new batch of dough without any yeast, as indeed I know you actually are. Today’s Reading 1 Now, it is actually being said that there is sexual immorality among you so terrible that not even the heathen would be guilty of it. I am told that a man is sleeping with his stepmother! 2 How, then, can you be proud? On the contrary, you should be filled with sadness, and the man who has done such a thing should be expelled from your fellowship. 3-4 And even though I am far away from you in body, still I am there with you in spirit; and as though I were there with you, I have in the name of our Lord Jesus already passed judgment on the man who has done this terrible thing. As you meet together, and I meet with you in my spirit, by the power of our Lord Jesus present with us, 5 you are to hand this man over to Satan for his body to be destroyed, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord. 6 It is not right for you to be proud! You know the saying, “A little bit of yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise.” 7 You must remove the old yeast of sin so that you will be entirely pure. Then you will be like a new batch of dough without any yeast, as indeed I know you actually are. For our Passover Festival is ready, now that Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us celebrate our Passover, then, not with bread having the old yeast of sin and wickedness, but with the bread that has no yeast, the bread of purity and truth. 9 In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people. 10 Now I did not mean pagans who are immoral or greedy or are thieves, or who worship idols. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world completely. 11 What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don't even sit down to eat with such a person. 12-13 After all, it is none of my business to judge outsiders. God will judge them. But should you not judge the members of your own fellowship? As the scripture says, “Remove the evil person from your group.” Reflect How would you describe Paul’s tone in today’s reading? Reread verses 9-13. What is Paul’s advice? Do you agree with what he says? Why or why not? How would your community of faith deal with the situation Paul is describing? Pray Lord God, remove any old “yeast of sin” within me so that I may become pure in your sight. Form me into “a new batch of dough” and guide me in your way of truth and love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who bake bread in preparation for celebrations of the Lord’s Supper Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 6:1-20: The apostle Paul discusses handling legal disputes among the believers. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
olger Posted May 26, 2012 Posted May 26, 2012 Tone = pastoral. He did it in love, as he tells us in his second letter, chapter 6. Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.."
Members phkrause Posted May 26, 2012 Author Members Posted May 26, 2012 May 26, 2012 1 Corinthians 6:1-20 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction 1 Corinthians 6:1-20: The apostle Paul advises the Corinthians to settle disputes among themselves and to honor God with our bodies. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19b, 20 You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God’s glory. Today’s Reading 1 If any of you have a dispute with another Christian, how dare you go before heathen judges instead of letting God's people settle the matter? 2 Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? Well, then, if you are to judge the world, aren't you capable of judging small matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge the angels? How much more, then, the things of this life! 4 If such matters come up, are you going to take them to be settled by people who have no standing in the church? 5 Shame on you! Surely there is at least one wise person in your fellowship who can settle a dispute between fellow Christians. 6 Instead, one Christian goes to court against another and lets unbelievers judge the case! 7 The very fact that you have legal disputes among yourselves shows that you have failed completely. Would it not be better for you to be wronged? Would it not be better for you to be robbed? 8 Instead, you yourselves wrong one another and rob one another, even other believers! 9 Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God's Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts 10 or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves—none of these will possess God's Kingdom. 11 Some of you were like that. But you have been purified from sin; you have been dedicated to God; you have been put right with God by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 Someone will say, “I am allowed to do anything.” Yes; but not everything is good for you. I could say that I am allowed to do anything, but I am not going to let anything make me its slave. 13 Someone else will say, “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.” Yes; but God will put an end to both. The body is not to be used for sexual immorality, but to serve the Lord; and the Lord provides for the body. 14 God raised the Lord from death, and he will also raise us by his power. 15 You know that your bodies are parts of the body of Christ. Shall I take a part of Christ's body and make it part of the body of a prostitute? Impossible! 16 Or perhaps you don't know that the man who joins his body to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? The scripture says quite plainly, “The two will become one body.” 17 But he who joins himself to the Lord becomes spiritually one with him. 18 Avoid immorality. Any other sin a man commits does not affect his body; but the man who is guilty of sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; 20 he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's glory. Reflect What is Paul’s advice regarding lawsuits against other Christians? Is such advice relevant for today? Why or why not? Paul says that our bodies “are parts of the body of Christ” (verse15). What does this mean to you? How are we to use our bodies for God’s glory? Pray Lord Jesus, you paid the price for my sin. Now I belong to you. Use me to advance your Kingdom here on earth and to glorify you. Amen. Prayer Concern Lawyers Tomorrow's Reading Acts 2:1-21: God sends the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. 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 May 27, 2012 Author Members Posted May 27, 2012 May 27, 2012 Acts 2:1-21 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Receive New Life in the Spirit Introduction Acts 2:1-21: God sends the Holy Spirit to give power and courage to the apostles. They begin to tell the good news about Jesus, which people hear in many different languages. Some people are happy and excited, while others make fun of the Lord’s followers. Peter repeats the words of the prophet Joel regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Today’s Scripture: Acts 2:4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak. Today’s Reading 1 When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. 2 Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak. 5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, religious people who had come from every country in the world. 6 When they heard this noise, a large crowd gathered. They were all excited, because all of them heard the believers talking in their own languages. 7 In amazement and wonder they exclaimed, “These people who are talking like this are Galileans! 8 How is it, then, that all of us hear them speaking in our own native languages? 9 We are from Parthia, Media, and Elam; from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia; from Pontus and Asia, 10 from Phrygia and Pamphylia, from Egypt and the regions of Libya near Cyrene. Some of us are from Rome, 11 both Jews and Gentiles converted to Judaism, and some of us are from Crete and Arabia—yet all of us hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things that God has done! ” 12 Amazed and confused, they kept asking each other, “What does this mean?” 13 But others made fun of the believers, saying, “These people are drunk!” 14 Then Peter stood up with the other eleven apostles and in a loud voice began to speak to the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, listen to me and let me tell you what this means. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose; it is only nine o'clock in the morning. 16 Instead, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about: 17 ‘This is what I will do in the last days, God says: I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams. 18 Yes, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will proclaim my message. 19 I will perform miracles in the sky above and wonders on the earth below. There will be blood, fire, and thick smoke; 20 the sun will be darkened, and the moon will turn red as blood, before the great and glorious Day of the Lord comes. 21 And then, whoever calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.’ Reflect How is the coming of the Holy Spirit described? How do you experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? Is there someone you know who needs to hear the good news of God’s salvation? Pray Sovereign God, empower me with your Holy Spirit and teach me how to share your Word. May your Word go forth across cultures and in all the languages of the world so that people everywhere may learn of and experience your salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern Bible translators Tomorrow's Reading Acts 2:22-47: Peter speaks about Jesus’ death and resurrection. 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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