Today's Bible Reading

[oldsailor29]

PKRAUSE

WE as human beings have a tendency to stay with people

that are of like minds.... but GOD wants us to be

willing to associate with other groups as well

dgrimm60

and when i associate with both "righteous people" and "sinners & publicans," i wonder which ones are actually of like minds.

[phkrause]

Galatians 3:1-20(Good News Translation)

Monday

February 8, 2010

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Galatians 3:1-20: Paul knows the Law of Moses, and he uses this understanding to argue that following the Law of Moses doesn't bring a person closer to God. Faith in Jesus Christ is what makes a person a child of God. All who have this faith are children of Abraham.

Today's Scripture: Galatians 3:5

Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it?

How is this Scripture passage speaking to me today?

Today's Reading

1You foolish Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Before your very eyes you had a clear description of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross! 2Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? 3How can you be so foolish! You began by God's Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power? 4Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! 5Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it? 6Consider the experience of Abraham; as the scripture says, “He believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” 7You should realize, then, that the real descendants of Abraham are the people who have faith. 8The scripture predicted that God would put the Gentiles right with himself through faith. And so the scripture announced the Good News to Abraham: “Through you God will bless all people.” 9Abraham believed and was blessed; so all who believe are blessed as he was. 10Those who depend on obeying the Law live under a curse. For the scripture says, Whoever does not always obey everything that is written in the book of the Law is under God's curse! 11Now, it is clear that no one is put right with God by means of the Law, because the scripture says, “Only the person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” 12But the Law has nothing to do with faith. Instead, as the scripture says, Whoever does everything the Law requires will live. 13But by becoming a curse for us Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings; for the scripture says, “Anyone who is hanged on a tree is under God's curse.” 14Christ did this in order that the blessing which God promised to Abraham might be given to the Gentiles by means of Christ Jesus, so that through faith we might receive the Spirit promised by God. 15My friends, I am going to use an everyday example: when two people agree on a matter and sign an agreement, no one can break it or add anything to it. 16Now, God made his promises to Abraham and to his descendant. The scripture does not use the plural “descendants,” meaning many people, but the singular “descendant,” meaning one person only, namely, Christ. 17What I mean is that God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to keep it. The Law, which was given four hundred and thirty years later, cannot break that covenant and cancel God's promise. 18For if God's gift depends on the Law, then it no longer depends on his promise. However, it was because of his promise that God gave that gift to Abraham. 19What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. 20But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one.

Reflect

Reread Galatians 3:10-13. Paul argues that God's Law is a curse because no one can follow it perfectly. He says that Jesus freed people from the curse of the Law. How do you understand Paul's arguments? Are the laws given to Moses, including the Ten Commandments, relevant for Christians? Why?

Pray

Lord God, give me wisdom to understand your Word. Open my mind to your teachings, that I may share your good news with others. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Teachers

pk

[phkrause]

Galatians 3:21-4:7 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Galatians 3:21-4:7: Paul argues that the Law was meant to teach people until they had faith, but that once they had faith, the Law was no longer necessary. He says that baptism gives a new identity in Christ that makes people equal, regardless of race, rank or gender. He says that God sent the Holy Spirit into their hearts.

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 3:27

You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself.

Today’s Reading

21Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. 22But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe. 23But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. 24And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. 25Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. 26It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. 27You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. 28So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. 1But now to continue—the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything. 2While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs until the time set by his father. 3In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity. 4But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law, 5to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's children. 6To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.” 7So then, you are no longer a slave but a child. And since you are his child, God will give you all that he has for his children.

Reflect

In biblical times, people considered the heart to be the place where the human will was located. What does it mean for God to send Christ's spirit into human hearts? How is Christ's spirit a source of liberation? What gets in the way of your experience of freedom in Christ?

Pray

God of Freedom, release me from the doubts, brokenness and struggle that keep me from fully experiencing your love. Strengthen my faith that I may grow in wisdom, justice and mercy. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those working for equality

pk

[phkrause]

Galatians 4:8-31 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Galatians 4:8-31: Paul tells the Galatians that they must not become slaves to their former gods. He goes on to describe Hagar and Sarah as figures symbolizing God's agreements with God's people, and says that the Galatians are children of freedom.

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 4:19

My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ's nature is formed in you.

Today’s Reading

8In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods. 9But now that you know God—or, I should say, now that God knows you—how is it that you want to turn back to those weak and pitiful ruling spirits? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? 10You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years. 11I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing? 12I beg you, my friends, be like me. After all, I am like you. You have not done me any wrong. 13You remember why I preached the gospel to you the first time; it was because I was sick. 14But even though my physical condition was a great trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you received me as you would an angel from heaven; you received me as you would Christ Jesus. 15You were so happy! What has happened? I myself can say that you would have taken out your own eyes, if you could, and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. 18Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. 19My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ's nature is formed in you. 20How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you! 21Let me ask those of you who want to be subject to the Law: do you not hear what the Law says? 22It says that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman, the other by a free woman. 23His son by the slave woman was born in the usual way, but his son by the free woman was born as a result of God's promise. 24These things can be understood as a figure: the two women represent two covenants. The one whose children are born in slavery is Hagar, and she represents the covenant made at Mount Sinai. 25Hagar, who stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia, is a figure of the present city of Jerusalem, in slavery with all its people. 26But the heavenly Jerusalem is free, and she is our mother. 27For the scripture says, Be happy, you childless woman! Shout and cry with joy, you who never felt the pains of childbirth! For the woman who was deserted will have more children than the woman whose husband never left her. 28Now, you, my friends, are God's children as a result of his promise, just as Isaac was. 29At that time the son who was born in the usual way persecuted the one who was born because of God's Spirit; and it is the same now. 30But what does the scripture say? It says, “Send the slave woman and her son away; for the son of the slave woman will not have a part of the father's property along with the son of the free woman.” 31So then, my friends, we are not the children of a slave woman but of a free woman.

Reflect

Because Abraham didn't believe he could have a son by his wife Sarah, he first had a son by Hagar, Sarah's slave. Hagar's son was named Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-16). Later Sarah and Abraham had a child named Isaac. He was the child God had promised, and his descendants became the people of Israel. According to Paul, anyone who follows the Law is a slave like Hagar and her son. But those who have faith in Christ are like the descendants of Sarah because she was the mother of the child born according to God's promise. What do you think of this analogy?

Pray

Liberating God, in Christ you give freedom to all people. Help me receive your grace through the power of the Holy Spirit in my life that I may deepen in my discipleship. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who are enslaved

pk

[phkrause]

Galatians 5:1-26 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Galatians 5:1-26: Paul reminds the Galatians that Christ sets them free from the Law of Moses. Those who have faith in Christ are guided by the Holy Spirit who helps them live as children of God rather than being controlled by worldly desires.

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 5:24

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires.

Today’s Reading

1Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again. 2Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, it means that Christ is of no use to you at all. 3Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law. 4Those of you who try to be put right with God by obeying the Law have cut yourselves off from Christ. You are outside God's grace. 5As for us, our hope is that God will put us right with him; and this is what we wait for by the power of God's Spirit working through our faith. 6For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love. 7You were doing so well! Who made you stop obeying the truth? How did he persuade you? 8It was not done by God, who calls you. 9“It takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise,” as they say. 10But I still feel confident about you. Our life in union with the Lord makes me confident that you will not take a different view and that whoever is upsetting you will be punished by God. 11But as for me, my friends, if I continue to preach that circumcision is necessary, why am I still being persecuted? If that were true, then my preaching about the cross of Christ would cause no trouble. 12I wish that the people who are upsetting you would go all the way; let them go on and castrate themselves! 13As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another. 14For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 15But if you act like wild animals, hurting and harming each other, then watch out, or you will completely destroy one another. 16What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. 17For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. 18If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law. 19What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; 20in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; 21they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. 22But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. 25The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. 26We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.

Reflect

What does Paul exhort the Galatians to do with their freedom? What kind of opportunities does it provide? What kind of risk comes with continuing to engage division within the community? What does he mean when he says, "It takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise" (5:9)?

Pray

Holy God, there are days when I fail to work for peace among your people. I choose division over wholeness and foster conflict over reconciliation. Make me an instrument of your peace, that I may be a messenger of your gospel. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those experiencing conflict at work

pk

[phkrause]

Galatians 6:1-18 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Galatians 6:1-18: Paul encourages the Galatians to support one another in faith, guiding those who have lost their way. He tells them that their rewards will be proportional to their work. Then he reminds them that the most important thing for followers of Christ is to repent and be made a new person in Christ.

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 6:2

Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.

Today’s Reading

1My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. 2Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ. 3If you think you are something when you really are nothing, you are only deceiving yourself. 4You should each judge your own conduct. If it is good, then you can be proud of what you yourself have done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done. 5For each of you have to carry your own load. 6If you are being taught the Christian message, you should share all the good things you have with your teacher. 7Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant. 8If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life. 9So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. 10So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith. 11See what big letters I make as I write to you now with my own hand! 12The people who are trying to force you to be circumcised are the ones who want to show off and boast about external matters. They do it, however, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony. 14As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world. 15It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. 16As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people! 17To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus. 18May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.

Reflect

What does Paul mean when he says, "you will reap exactly what you plant" (6:7)? Think about your life a year from now. Think about your life five years from now. How might the decisions you make today affect your future?

Pray

Timeless God, make me mindful of the ways that I spend my time today, knowing that my actions today plant the seeds for the future. Bless my work, that it may reflect your love and bring you glory. Amen.

Prayer Concern

People caught up with the "busyness" of life

pk

[phkrause]

1 Corinthians 12:1-26 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 Corinthians 12:1-26: Paul writes to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. He says that there is one Spirit that offers many gifts, including wisdom, faith, healing powers, and more. He compares the body of Christ to a human body-many parts united in one being.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12

Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts.

Today’s Reading

1Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit. I want you to know the truth about them, my friends. 2You know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of lifeless idols. 3I want you to know that no one who is led by God's Spirit can say “A curse on Jesus!” and no one can confess “Jesus is Lord,” without being guided by the Holy Spirit. 4There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. 5There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. 6There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. 7The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. 8The Spirit gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another person the same Spirit gives a message full of knowledge. 9One and the same Spirit gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives the power to heal. 10The Spirit gives one person the power to work miracles; to another, the gift of speaking God's message; and to yet another, the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person he gives the ability to speak in strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. 11But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person. 12Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. 13In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink. 14For the body itself is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. 15If the foot were to say, “Because I am not a hand, I don't belong to the body,” that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 16And if the ear were to say, “Because I am not an eye, I don't belong to the body,” that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 17If the whole body were just an eye, how could it hear? And if it were only an ear, how could it smell? 18As it is, however, God put every different part in the body just as he wanted it to be. 19There would not be a body if it were all only one part! 20As it is, there are many parts but one body. 21So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” Nor can the head say to the feet, “Well, I don't need you!” 22On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker; 23and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty, 24which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it. 25And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. 26If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.

Reflect

What spiritual gifts does Paul list in this passage? What is the purpose of these gifts? Which of these gifts do you have? Which of these gifts do you see in others? Which of these gifts do you wish to cultivate?

Pray

Holy Spirit, open my heart to your spiritual gifts, that I may carry out the work of the church, reach out to others, and strengthen the body of Christ by providing life filled with joy, peace and worship. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those discerning their spiritual gifts

pk

[phkrause]

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13: Paul describes the kind of self-giving love God's followers are called to show others, recognizing that different people bring different gifts to the work of discipleship. Though there are many things we don't yet understand about God, acting in God's love helps us to know God better.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

Today’s Reading

27All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. 28In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues. 29They are not all apostles or prophets or teachers. Not everyone has the power to work miracles 30or to heal diseases or to speak in strange tongues or to explain what is said. 31Set your hearts, then, on the more important gifts. Best of all, however, is the following way. 1I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. 2I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains—but if I have no love, I am nothing. 3I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned —but if I have no love, this does me no good. 4Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; 5love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; 6love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. 7Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. 8Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. 9For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; 10but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear. 11When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways. 12What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God's knowledge of me. 13Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

Reflect

One of the words for "love" that occurs in the New Testament in Greek is philia, which means "friendly." But the word used for love in these verses is agape which refers to God's love, and describes the kind of self-giving love God's followers are to show toward others. How can you show agape love?

Pray

God of Great Love, just as you love me, so let me love others. May my acts of agape better help others to know your love. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Orphans of the Haiti earthquake

pk

[phkrause]

Psalm 51 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Psalm 51: Today's reading is a psalm asking for God's forgiveness. The psalmist offers a confession of sin and repentance. He asks God for wisdom, cleansing, and purity. He seeks God's help in creating a new life in which he obeys God's Law and teaches others to do the same.

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 51:10

Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me.

Today’s Reading

1Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! 2Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin! 3I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins. 4I have sinned against you—only against you— and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me. 5I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful. 6Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. 7Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again. 9Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil. 10Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. 11Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. 12Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. 14Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. 15Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you. 16You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. 17My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart. 18O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 19Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices and with our burnt offerings; and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.

Reflect

Reread Psalm 51:10-15. Joy comes from turning to God and being open to God's way. What is the psalmist asking for when he asks God to create a pure heart in him? What else is he asking of God? How do you feel when you read this portion of the psalm? What does it mean to you?

Pray

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Keep me in your presence, that I may know your joy and share it with all people. Amen.

Prayer Concern

All who are sick

pk

[phkrause]

Isaiah 58:1-14 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Isaiah 58:1-14: This passage focuses on the people of God living in the city of Jerusalem. The people are challenged to obey God's commands, especially the command to bring justice to all people.

Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 58:6

"The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free."

Today’s Reading

1The LORD says, “Shout as loud as you can! Tell my people Israel about their sins! 2They worship me every day, claiming that they are eager to know my ways and obey my laws. They say they want me to give them just laws and that they take pleasure in worshiping me. ” 3The people ask, “Why should we fast if the LORD never notices? Why should we go without food if he pays no attention? ” The LORD says to them, “The truth is that at the same time you fast, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers. 4Your fasting makes you violent, and you quarrel and fight. Do you think this kind of fasting will make me listen to your prayers? 5When you fast, you make yourselves suffer; you bow your heads low like a blade of grass and spread out sackcloth and ashes to lie on. Is that what you call fasting? Do you think I will be pleased with that? 6The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. 7Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. 8Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. 9When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond. If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; 10if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. 11And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry. 12Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses. ” 13The LORD says, “If you treat the Sabbath as sacred and do not pursue your own interests on that day; if you value my holy day and honor it by not traveling, working, or talking idly on that day, 14then you will find the joy that comes from serving me. I will make you honored all over the world, and you will enjoy the land I gave to your ancestor, Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken. ”

Reflect

Outwardly, the people had continued to worship the LORD. They brought the required sacrifices and offerings. They fasted on special holy festival days. They even wore coarse sackcloth and rubbed ashes on themselves as signs of repentance. But these acts were meaningless if the people did not treat each other with respect and justice. Can you think of a situation in which this passage might resonate today?

Pray

God of Justice, help me worship you through more than rituals and praise. May my acts of justice and fairness be a means of worship as well, that your glory may be made manifest through the welfare of all people. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Church mission teams

pk

[phkrause]

Joel 2:1-17 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Joel 2:1-17: In the Book of Joel, the prophet Joel watches a hungry swarm of locusts cover the land of Israel, destroying crops and causing starvation. In today's passage, he compares this invasion to an invasion of Israel by an unknown enemy army. He says that these invasions are just a taste of the coming judgment day of the LORD.

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

1Blow the trumpet; sound the alarm on Zion, God's sacred hill. Tremble, people of Judah! The day of the LORD is coming soon. 2It 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. 3Like 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. 4They look like horses; they run like war-horses. 5As 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. 6As they approach, everyone is terrified; every face turns pale. 7They attack like warriors; they climb the walls like soldiers. They all keep marching straight ahead and do not change direction 8or get in each other's way. They swarm through defenses, and nothing can stop them. 9They rush against the city; they run over the walls; they climb up the houses and go in through the windows like thieves. 10The earth shakes as they advance; the sky trembles. The sun and the moon grow dark, and the stars no longer shine. 11The 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. 13Let 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. 14Perhaps the LORD your God will change his mind and bless you with abundant crops. Then you can offer him grain and wine. 15Blow the trumpet on Mount Zion; give orders for a fast and call an assembly! 16Gather 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. 17The 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?” ”

Reflect

Joel invites the people of Israel to turn away from sin and return to the LORD, so they can be saved when the day of judgment comes. This returning is sometimes called "repenting." What would turning away from sin and returning to God look like for you?

Pray

Lord God, too often I get caught up in thoughts, desires and actions that get in the way of my relationship with you. Help me turn away from the things that keep me from you, that I may live in your way. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those suffering because of severe weather

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Hosea 11:1-11 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Hosea 11:1-11: The prophet Hosea told the people of Israel and Judah to be faithful to the LORD, who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt and kept his promise to give them a land of their own. In today's passage, Hosea compares God's love for Israel with a parent's love for a child and predicts punishment and reconciliation.

Today’s Scripture: Hosea 11:4

"I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them."

Today’s Reading

1The LORD says, “When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him out of Egypt as my son. 2But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols. 3Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk. I took my people up in my arms, but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them. 4I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them. 5They refuse to return to me, and so they must return to Egypt, and Assyria will rule them. 6War will sweep through their cities and break down the city gates. It will destroy my people because they do what they themselves think best. 7They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them. 8How can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you? Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah, or treat you as I did Zeboiim? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong. 9I will not punish you in my anger; I will not destroy Israel again. For I am God and not a mere human being. I, the Holy One, am with you. I will not come to you in anger. 10My people will follow me when I roar like a lion at their enemies. They will hurry to me from the west. 11They will come from Egypt, as swiftly as birds, and from Assyria, like doves. I will bring them to their homes again. I, the LORD, have spoken. ”

Reflect

What did God do for the people of Israel? How did the people respond? What does Hosea predict will happen as a result? How does God feel about Israel? What can this passage teach us about God's love?

Pray

Loving God, like a parent, you want the best from us, even as you love us when we make mistakes. Mature me in faith, that I may become the person you call me to be. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Parents

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Hosea 14:1-9 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Hosea 14:1-9: This final chapter of Hosea begins by calling Israel to turn away from sin and return to the LORD. It ends with the LORD's promise to forgive and heal Israel. If the people of Israel obey the LORD, the LORD will take care of them. But if they return to their former ways, they will fall again.

Today’s Scripture: Hosea 14:4

The LORD says, "I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; no longer am I angry with them."

Today’s Reading

1Return to the LORD your God, people of Israel. Your sin has made you stumble and fall. 2Return to the LORD, and let this prayer be your offering to him: “Forgive all our sins and accept our prayer, and we will praise you as we have promised. 3Assyria can never save us, and war horses cannot protect us. We will never again say to our idols that they are our God. O LORD, you show mercy to those who have no one else to turn to. ” 4The LORD says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; no longer am I angry with them. 5I will be to the people of Israel like rain in a dry land. They will blossom like flowers; they will be firmly rooted like the trees of Lebanon. 6They will be alive with new growth, and beautiful like olive trees. They will be fragrant like the cedars of Lebanon. 7Once again they will live under my protection. They will grow crops of grain and be fruitful like a vineyard. They will be as famous as the wine of Lebanon. 8The people of Israel will have nothing more to do with idols; I will answer their prayers and take care of them. Like an evergreen tree I will shelter them; I am the source of all their blessings.” 9May those who are wise understand what is written here, and may they take it to heart. The LORD's ways are right, and righteous people live by following them, but sinners stumble and fall because they ignore them.

Reflect

How were the people of Israel supposed to return to the LORD? What does the phrase "return to the LORD your God" mean? The idols referred to in this passage were images made of wood, metal or stone that represented gods. What might be considered an idol today?

Pray

God of all, forgive my sins and accept my prayer. Thank you for your loving mercy and grace. I praise you and thank you for loving me. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Social justice advocates

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1 John 1:1-10 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 John 1:1-10: The First Letter of John has two main purposes: to encourage its readers to live in fellowship with God and Jesus Christ, and to warn them against false teachings that would destroy this fellowship. Today's passage describes how God's Word came to earth in the flesh, and explains that God's people are to live in the light by confessing their sins.

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 1:5b

God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him.

Today’s Reading

1We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. 2When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. 3What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4We write this in order that our joy may be complete. 5Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. 6If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. 7But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. 9But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us.

Reflect

In the Bible, light is used to describe God or God's word (John 1:3-5, Psalm 119:105), and those people or things that reveal God's truth (Isaiah 49:6). The followers of Jesus are also called "people who belong to the light" (Ephesians 5:8) or "light for the whole world" (Matthew 5:14). According to 1 John, what does it mean to live in the light?

Pray

Lord, I want to live in your light. Forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live according to your will, for the times I have turned my back on others, and for the opportunities for ministry I have failed to take. Grant me your grace that I may have new life in you. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those in need of electricity

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1 John 2:18-29 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 John 2:18-29: The writer argues that true followers of Jesus won't be misled by false teachings because they listen only to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's life-giving power keeps them from sinning.

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 2:20

But you have had the Holy Spirit poured out on you by Christ, and so all of you know the truth.

Today’s Reading

18My children, the end is near! You were told that the Enemy of Christ would come; and now many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and so we know that the end is near. 19These people really did not belong to our fellowship, and that is why they left us; if they had belonged to our fellowship, they would have stayed with us. But they left so that it might be clear that none of them really belonged to us. 20But you have had the Holy Spirit poured out on you by Christ, and so all of you know the truth. 21I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth. 22Who, then, is the liar? It is those who say that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such people are the Enemy of Christ—they reject both the Father and the Son. 23For those who reject the Son reject also the Father; those who accept the Son have the Father also. 24Be sure, then, to keep in your hearts the message you heard from the beginning. If you keep that message, then you will always live in union with the Son and the Father. 25And this is what Christ himself promised to give us—eternal life. 26I am writing this to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27But as for you, Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit's teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ. 28Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. 29You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child.

Reflect

When this passage was written, some people were denying that Jesus was truly God's chosen one, and claiming earthly sin didn't exist because God cared only about spiritual actions. How do people deny Jesus today? How are sin and denying Jesus related?

Pray

Holy Spirit, make me ever mindful of the promises of Christ. Teach me the ways to live in this world, that I may have the confidence as a child of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Children

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1 John 3:1-10 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 John 3:1-10: The writer turns to warnings about enemies of Christ whose false beliefs make them the devil's children. Some of these enemies had once been part of the true followers of Christ, but now they have left.

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 3:6

So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him.

Today’s Reading

1See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. 2My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. 3Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure. 4Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. 5You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. 6So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him. 7Let no one deceive you, my children! Whoever does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 8Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning. The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done. 9Those who are children of God do not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in them; and because God is their Father, they cannot continue to sin. 10Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: those who do not do what is right or do not love others are not God's children.

Reflect

The writer says that the true followers of Christ, God's children, are not to let these enemies mislead them, but to listen only to the Holy Spirit. What makes it difficult to hear the call of the Holy Spirit today?

Pray

Holy Spirit, I long to hear your voice. Yet I am easily distracted, indeed overwhelmed, by the details of my days. Open my ears to you, that I may hear your call in my life. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Single parents

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1 John 3:11-24 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 John 3:11-24: The writer says that followers of Christ know God's love through Jesus. They are to show this love to others by helping them. Their love for each other shows that they belong to the truth and that they have been given new life.

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 3:18

My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

Today’s Reading

11The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. 12We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right. 13So do not be surprised, my friends, if the people of the world hate you. 14We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love others. Those who do not love are still under the power of death. 15Those who hate others are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life in them. 16This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! 17If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? 18My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. 19This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God's presence. 20If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. 21And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God's presence. 22We receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23What he commands is that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as Christ commanded us. 24Those who obey God's commands live in union with God and God lives in union with them. And because of the Spirit that God has given us we know that God lives in union with us.

Reflect

This passage compares those who hate to those who kill. It says that those who don't love each other are under the power of death rather than the hope of life. What do you think of this argument? Are there people whom you find it hard to love? Can the Holy Spirit help you love others?

Pray

God of Light, there are some people whom I find difficult to love. Even when I want to experience your light, I get caught up in frustration and conflict. Release me from the struggle and open my heart to your people. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those engaged in political disputes

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1 John 4:1-21 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 John 4:1-21: Today's passage tells the reader to ignore false teachers who deny that Jesus was really a human being. He calls upon their strength in Christ, and reminds them of the power of loving one another as God loves them.

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 4:7b, 8

Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Today’s Reading

1My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere. 2This is how you will be able to know whether it is God's Spirit: anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came as a human being has the Spirit who comes from God. 3But anyone who denies this about Jesus does not have the Spirit from God. The spirit that he has is from the Enemy of Christ; you heard that it would come, and now it is here in the world already. 4But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world. 5Those false prophets speak about matters of the world, and the world listens to them because they belong to the world. 6But we belong to God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever does not belong to God does not listen to us. This, then, is how we can tell the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 7Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. 10This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. 11Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. 12No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us. 13We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit. 14And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us. 16And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. 17Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. 18There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. 19We love because God first loved us. 20If we say we love God, but hate others, we are liars. For we cannot love God, whom we have not seen, if we do not love others, whom we have seen. 21The command that Christ has given us is this: whoever loves God must love others also.

Reflect

Today's passage reminds us that God is love. When we replace fear with love, trust in God comes naturally. As we share the good news of God's presence with us-even in our deepest suffering-through the power of Christ, we become one with God's love. How have you experienced God's love recently?

Pray

Gracious One, you are indeed love. Thank you for showing your love for me and for all people through the love of Jesus. Help me to love others as I seek to live in union with you. May your love be perfected in me. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who are afraid

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1 John 5:1-21 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

1 John 5:1-21: The writer of today's passage says that faith in Jesus as the Son of God is what gives God's children victory over the world. He reassures his readers of the promise of eternal life, and encourages them to live according to God's way.

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 5:2

This is how we know that we love God's children: it is by loving God and obeying his commands.

Today’s Reading

1Whoever believes that Jesus is the Messiah is a child of God; and whoever loves a father loves his child also. 2This is how we know that we love God's children: it is by loving God and obeying his commands. 3For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, 4because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. 5Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6Jesus Christ is the one who came with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth. 7There are three witnesses: 8the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and all three give the same testimony. 9We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son. 10So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, have made a liar of him, because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. 11The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. 12Whoever has the Son has this life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life—you that believe in the Son of God. 14We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. 15He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him. 16If you see a believer commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray to God, who will give that person life. This applies to those whose sins do not lead to death. But there is sin which leads to death, and I do not say that you should pray to God about that. 17All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which does not lead to death. 18We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them. 19We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One. 20We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 21My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

Reflect

Reread 1 John 5:13-15. Why do they have courage in God's presence? What is the source of their faith? Do you have a sense of courage in God's presence? Do you feel as though God hears you? Why or why not?

Pray

Loving God, give me courage in your presence. I trust that you hear me and are with me amid all of my joys and my sorrows. Send your Holy Spirit to me today, that I may be filled with your light and love. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Hospice workers

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2 John (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

2 John: The Second Letter of John was written by "the Elder" to "the dear Lady and to her children," probably meaning a local church and its members. The brief message is an appeal to love one another and a warning against false teachers and their teachings.

Today’s Scripture: 2 John 8

Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked have worked for, but will receive your reward in full.

Today’s Reading

1From the Elder— To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you, 2because the truth remains in us and will be with us forever. 3May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, give us grace, mercy, and peace; may they be ours in truth and love. 4How happy I was to find that some of your children live in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5And so I ask you, dear Lady: let us all love one another. This is no new command I am writing you; it is the command which we have had from the beginning. 6This love I speak of means that we must live in obedience to God's commands. The command, as you have all heard from the beginning, is that you must all live in love. 7Many deceivers have gone out over the world, people who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a person is a deceiver and the Enemy of Christ. 8Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked for, but will receive your reward in full. 9Anyone who does not stay with the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God. Whoever does stay with the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10So then, if some come to you who do not bring this teaching, do not welcome them in your homes; do not even say, “Peace be with you.” 11For anyone who wishes them peace becomes their partner in the evil things they do. 12I have so much to tell you, but I would rather not do it with paper and ink; instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you personally, so that we shall be completely happy. 13The children of your dear Sister send you their greetings.

Reflect

Besides encouraging the Lord's followers, this letter warns them about those who claim that Jesus Christ was not a human being. What does 2 John say about love? About truth? How can people know what is true? How do Christians today show love for God and for others?

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for placing your truth in my heart. Give me the mind to discern your truth and your way, that my beliefs and actions may reflect your will. In your name I pray, Amen.

Prayer Concern

All who seek God's will

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3 John (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

3 John: The Third Letter of John was written by "the Elder" to a church leader named Gaius. The writer praises Gaius because of his help to other Christians, and warns against a man named Diotrephes. He talks about the ways in which Christians are to support those who travel around sharing the good news.

Today’s Scripture: 3 John 11

My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God.

Today’s Reading

1From the Elder— To my dear Gaius, whom I truly love. 2My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health—as I know you are well in spirit. 3I was so happy when some Christians arrived and told me how faithful you are to the truth—just as you always live in the truth. 4Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children live in the truth. 5My dear friend, you are so faithful in the work you do for other Christians, even when they are strangers. 6They have spoken to the church here about your love. Please help them to continue their trip in a way that will please God. 7For they set out on their trip in the service of Christ without accepting any help from unbelievers. 8We Christians, then, must help these people, so that we may share in their work for the truth. 9I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say. 10When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church! 11My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God. 12Everyone speaks well of Demetrius; truth itself speaks well of him. And we add our testimony, and you know that what we say is true. 13I have so much to tell you, but I do not want to do it with pen and ink. 14I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk personally. 15Peace be with you. All your friends send greetings. Greet all our friends personally.

Reflect

Based on this brief letter, how would you describe Gaius' church? What kinds of problems was Diotrephes causing in his church? What problems have you observed when someone wants to be considered a leader but fails to exhibit strong leadership qualities? What qualities should a church leader possess?

Pray

Gracious God, bless all who lead your churches. Give them wisdom, confidence and humility, that they may lead your people according to your will. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Church leaders

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Matthew 6:1-18 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer

Introduction

Matthew 6:1-18: In this section of Matthew, Jesus teaches his followers about giving, prayer and fasting. With each teaching, Jesus warns against being "like the hypocrites" by doing things publicly so that others will be impressed by their piety. He also offers a model for prayer.

Today’s Scripture: Matthew 6:6

When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

Today’s Reading

1Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. 2So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 3But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. 4Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 5When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 6But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 7When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. 8Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. 9This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; 10may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today the food we need. 12Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. 13Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.’ 14If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. 16And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 17When you go without food, wash your face and comb your hair, 18so that others cannot know that you are fasting—only your Father, who is unseen, will know. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

Reflect

What is the purpose of prayer? What sorts of things does Jesus want his followers to pray for? What is the relationship between prayer and forgiveness? What do you pray about?

Pray

Our Father in heaven: may your holy named be honored; may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. Amen.

Prayer Concern

All who seek forgiveness

pk

[phkrause]

Luke 11:1-13 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer

Introduction

Luke 11:1-13: In today's passage, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He exhorts them to seek God's grace, inviting them to trust that God will give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.

Today’s Scripture: Luke 11:9

And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Today’s Reading

1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say this: ‘Father: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come. 3Give us day by day the food we need. 4Forgive us our sins, for we forgive everyone who does us wrong. And do not bring us to hard testing.’” 5And Jesus said to his disciples, “Suppose one of you should go to a friend's house at midnight and say, ‘Friend, let me borrow three loaves of bread. 6A friend of mine who is on a trip has just come to my house, and I don't have any food for him! ’ 7And suppose your friend should answer from inside, “Don't bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.” 8Well, what then? I tell you that even if he will not get up and give you the bread because you are his friend, yet he will get up and give you everything you need because you are not ashamed to keep on asking. 9And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 10For those who ask will receive, and those who seek will find, and the door will be opened to anyone who knocks. 11Would any of you who are fathers give your son a snake when he asks for fish? 12Or would you give him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 13As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! ”

Reflect

Compare and contrast the Lord's Prayer in today's reading from Luke with yesterday's reading from Matthew. How are they the same? How are they different? In today's passage, Jesus teaches his disciples to be persistent in prayer. What would being persistent in prayer look like for you?

Pray

Father: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come. Give us day by day the food we need. Forgive us our sins, for we forgive everyone who does us wrong. And do not bring us to hard testing. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those seeking God's grace

pk

[phkrause]

Luke 18:1-14 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer

Introduction

Luke 18:1-14: Jesus tells a parable about being persistent in prayer and a story about humility in prayer. In the first, a widow goes before a judge demanding to receive fair treatment in court. In the second, a tax collector and a Pharisee each pray, but it is the tax collector who is ultimately pleasing to God.

Today’s Scripture: Luke 18:13

But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, "God, have pity on me, a sinner!"

Today’s Reading

1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged. 2“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. 3And there was a widow in that same town who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, “Help me against my opponent!” 4For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or respect people, 5yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don't, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out! ’ ” 6And the Lord continued, “Listen to what that corrupt judge said. 7Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them? 8I tell you, he will judge in their favor and do it quickly. But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes? ” 9Jesus also told this parable to people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. 10“Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, ‘I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. 12I fast two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all my income. ’ 13But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, “God, have pity on me, a sinner!” 14I tell you, ” said Jesus, “the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great.”

Reflect

In Jewish culture, a woman who had lost her husband sometimes had no one else to stand up for her or to take care of her. The widow in Jesus' story stood up for herself. Why do you think Jesus told this story? What does it mean to you?

Pray

Gracious God, I come before you with persistence and humility, seeking your presence and grace in my life and in our world. May your justice reign for all people. In your name I pray, Amen.

Prayer Concern

All who experience oppression

pk

[phkrause]

PKRAUSE

this shows me that any person can come before

GOD and present their case

dgrimm60

Absolutely dgrimm

pk