Members phkrause Posted August 12, 2012 Author Members Posted August 12, 2012 August 11, 2012 Exodus 5:1-21 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 5:1-21: Moses and Aaron are unsuccessful in their attempt to have the king of Egypt free the Israelites. The Israelites are forced to work harder and they blame Moses and Aaron for their increased oppression. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 5:1b “The LORD, the God of Israel, says ‘Let my people go, so that they can hold a festival in the desert to honor me.’ ” Today’s Reading 1 Then Moses and Aaron went to the king of Egypt and said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, says, “Let my people go, so that they can hold a festival in the desert to honor me.” ” 2 “Who is the LORD? ” the king demanded. “Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD; and I will not let Israel go. ” 3 Moses and Aaron replied, “The God of the Hebrews has revealed himself to us. Allow us to travel three days into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God. If we don't do so, he will kill us with disease or by war. ” 4 The king said to Moses and Aaron, “What do you mean by making the people neglect their work? Get those slaves back to work! 5 You people have become more numerous than the Egyptians. And now you want to stop working! ” 6 That same day the king commanded the Egyptian slave drivers and the Israelite foremen: 7 “Stop giving the people straw for making bricks. Make them go and find it for themselves. 8 But still require them to make the same number of bricks as before, not one brick less. They don't have enough work to do, and that is why they keep asking me to let them go and offer sacrifices to their God! 9 Make them work harder and keep them busy, so that they won't have time to listen to a pack of lies. ” 10 The slave drivers and the Israelite foremen went out and said to the Israelites, “The king has said that he will not supply you with any more straw. 11 He says that you must go and get it for yourselves wherever you can find it, but you must still make the same number of bricks. ” 12 So the people went all over Egypt looking for straw. 13 The slave drivers kept trying to force them to make the same number of bricks every day as they had made when they were given straw. 14 The Egyptian slave drivers beat the Israelite foremen, whom they had put in charge of the work. They demanded, “Why aren't you people making the same number of bricks that you made before?” 15 Then the foremen went to the king and complained, “Why do you do this to us, Your Majesty? 16 We are given no straw, but we are still ordered to make bricks! And now we are being beaten. It is your people that are at fault. ” 17 The king answered, “You are lazy and don't want to work, and that is why you ask me to let you go and offer sacrifices to the LORD. 18 Now get back to work! You will not be given any straw, but you must still make the same number of bricks. ” 19 The foremen realized that they were in trouble when they were told that they had to make the same number of bricks every day as they had made before. 20 As they were leaving, they met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them. 21 They said to Moses and Aaron, “The LORD has seen what you have done and will punish you for making the king and his officers hate us. You have given them an excuse to kill us. ” Reflect Why does the king of Egypt refuse to free the Israelites? How does he intensify their oppression? The king says that he does not “know the Lord” (verse 2). What does it mean to you to “know the Lord”? Pray Lord God, when hardships and trials come my way, keep me strong in faith and close to you. Trusting in your love and mercy, I entrust myself to your care. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who do not know the Lord Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 5:22—6:13: Moses complains to the LORD. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 12, 2012 Author Members Posted August 12, 2012 August 12, 2012 Exodus 5:22—6:13 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 5:22—6:13: Moses complains to the LORD and questions the task he has been given. God tells Moses about the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and promises to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. When Moses tells the Israelites what God has said, they refuse to listen to him. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 6:2b, 7a “I am the LORD. …I will make you my own people, and I will be your God.” Today’s Reading 22 Then Moses turned to the LORD again and said, “Lord, why do you mistreat your people? Why did you send me here? 23 Ever since I went to the king to speak for you, he has treated them cruelly. And you have done nothing to help them! ” 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you are going to see what I will do to the king. I will force him to let my people go. In fact, I will force him to drive them out of his land.” 2 God spoke to Moses and said, “I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as Almighty God, but I did not make myself known to them by my holy name, the LORD. 4 I also made my covenant with them, promising to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they had lived as foreigners. 5 Now I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians have enslaved, and I have remembered my covenant. 6 So tell the Israelites that I say to them, ‘I am the LORD; I will rescue you and set you free from your slavery to the Egyptians. I will raise my mighty arm to bring terrible punishment upon them, and I will save you. 7 I will make you my own people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am the LORD your God when I set you free from slavery in Egypt. 8 I will bring you to the land that I solemnly promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as your own possession. I am the LORD. ’ ” 9 Moses told this to the Israelites, but they would not listen to him, because their spirit had been broken by their cruel slavery. 10 Then the LORD said to Moses, 11 “Go and tell the king of Egypt that he must let the Israelites leave his land.” 12 But Moses replied, “Even the Israelites will not listen to me, so why should the king? I am such a poor speaker.” 13 The LORD commanded Moses and Aaron: “Tell the Israelites and the king of Egypt that I have ordered you to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.” Reflect What does Moses say to the LORD (5:22, 23)? How does the LORD respond (6:1)? What does God tell Moses to say to the Israelites? (6:6-8)? Why do the Israelites refuse to listen to Moses (6:9)? What are your thoughts concerning how Moses might be feeling at this time? Pray All-Powerful God, even when a situation seems hopeless, I know I can turn to you. You are my God and you are with me, watching over me and guiding me. Teach me to continue to listen for your voice and to place my trust in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are feeling discouraged Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 6:28—7:13: The king of Egypt remains stubborn and refuses to release the Israelites. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 16, 2012 Author Members Posted August 16, 2012 August 13, 2012 Exodus 6:28—7:13 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 6:28—7:13: God commands Moses to go once again to the king of Egypt and demand that the king release the Israelites. God tells Moses that he will make the king stubborn but will punish the Egyptians. Aaron throws down his walking stick in front of the king, and it turns into a snake. When the king’s magicians throw down their sticks and they turn into snakes, Aaron’s stick swallows theirs. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 7:5 “The Egyptians will then know that I am the LORD, when I raise my hand against them and bring the Israelites out of their country.” Today’s Reading 28 When the LORD spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 he said, “I am the LORD. Tell the king of Egypt everything I tell you. ” 30 But Moses answered, “You know that I am such a poor speaker; why should the king listen to me?” 1 The LORD said, “I am going to make you like God to the king, and your brother Aaron will speak to him as your prophet. 2 Tell Aaron everything I command you, and he will tell the king to let the Israelites leave his country. 3-4 But I will make the king stubborn, and he will not listen to you, no matter how many terrifying things I do in Egypt. Then I will bring severe punishment on Egypt and lead the tribes of my people out of the land. 5 The Egyptians will then know that I am the LORD, when I raise my hand against them and bring the Israelites out of their country. ” 6 Moses and Aaron did what the LORD commanded. 7 At the time when they spoke to the king, Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron was eighty-three. 8 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 9 “If the king demands that you prove yourselves by performing a miracle, tell Aaron to take his walking stick and throw it down in front of the king, and it will turn into a snake.” 10 So Moses and Aaron went to the king and did as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his walking stick down in front of the king and his officers, and it turned into a snake. 11 Then the king called for his wise men and magicians, and by their magic they did the same thing. 12 They threw down their walking sticks, and the sticks turned into snakes. But Aaron's stick swallowed theirs. 13 The king, however, remained stubborn and, just as the LORD had said, the king would not listen to Moses and Aaron. Reflect Throughout the story, the king acts in a stubborn way. Does God have a purpose in making the king stubborn (verses 3-5)? Have you ever exhibited stubbornness? If so, what were the circumstances? Pray Lord God, create in me a repentant and humble heart. Remove any stubbornness, bitterness, or anger I may be harboring. Draw me close to you and open my heart to receive your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those whose hearts are hardened Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 12:1-28: The Israelites celebrate the first Passover. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 16, 2012 Author Members Posted August 16, 2012 August 14, 2012 Exodus 12:1-28 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 12:1-28: In the Bible, God sometimes sends disasters (plagues) to punish evil-doers. Because the king of Egypt remained stubborn and refused to give the Israelites their freedom, God punished the Egyptians with a series of devastating plagues, including swarming frogs, gnats, flies, locusts, hailstorms, the death of animals, sores, and darkness, culminating in the death of the first-born Egyptian males (see chapters 7-11). As the Israelites prepare to leave Egypt, they are told to prepare a special meal that will be celebrated in future years as the Passover Festival, a time to remember how God saved them from the final disaster and led them out of slavery in Egypt. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 12:14 “You must celebrate this day as a religious festival to remind you of what I, the LORD, have done. Celebrate it for all time to come.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in Egypt: 2 “This month is to be the first month of the year for you. 3 Give these instructions to the whole community of Israel: On the tenth day of this month each man must choose either a lamb or a young goat for his household. 4 If his family is too small to eat a whole animal, he and his next-door neighbor may share an animal, in proportion to the number of people and the amount that each person can eat. 5 You may choose either a sheep or a goat, but it must be a one-year-old male without any defects. 6 Then, on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, the whole community of Israel will kill the animals. 7 The people are to take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts and above the doors of the houses in which the animals are to be eaten. 8 That night the meat is to be roasted, and eaten with bitter herbs and with bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled, but eat it roasted whole, including the head, the legs, and the internal organs. 10 You must not leave any of it until morning; if any is left over, it must be burned. 11 You are to eat it quickly, for you are to be dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your walking stick in your hand. It is the Passover Festival to honor me, the LORD. 12 On that night I will go through the land of Egypt, killing every first-born male, both human and animal, and punishing all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13 The blood on the doorposts will be a sign to mark the houses in which you live. When I see the blood, I will pass over you and will not harm you when I punish the Egyptians. 14 You must celebrate this day as a religious festival to remind you of what I, the LORD, have done. Celebrate it for all time to come. ” 15 The LORD said, “For seven days you must not eat any bread made with yeast—eat only unleavened bread. On the first day you are to get rid of all the yeast in your houses, for if anyone during those seven days eats bread made with yeast, he shall no longer be considered one of my people. 16 On the first day and again on the seventh day you are to meet for worship. No work is to be done on those days, but you may prepare food. 17 Keep this festival, because it was on this day that I brought your tribes out of Egypt. For all time to come you must celebrate this day as a festival. 18 From the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month to the evening of the twenty-first day, you must not eat any bread made with yeast. 19-20 For seven days no yeast must be found in your houses, for if anyone, native-born or foreign, eats bread made with yeast, he shall no longer be considered one of my people. ” 21 Moses called for all the leaders of Israel and said to them, “Each of you is to choose a lamb or a young goat and kill it, so that your families can celebrate Passover. 22 Take a sprig of hyssop, dip it in the bowl containing the animal's blood, and wipe the blood on the doorposts and the beam above the door of your house. Not one of you is to leave the house until morning. 23 When the LORD goes through Egypt to kill the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the beams and the doorposts and will not let the Angel of Death enter your houses and kill you. 24 You and your children must obey these rules forever. 25 When you enter the land that the LORD has promised to give you, you must perform this ritual. 26 When your children ask you, “What does this ritual mean?” 27 you will answer, ‘It is the sacrifice of Passover to honor the LORD, because he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. He killed the Egyptians, but spared us. ’ ” The Israelites knelt down and worshiped. 28 Then they went and did what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. Reflect What instructions does God give to Moses and Aaron for the preparation of the Passover? What will happen in each Egyptian household? What are the Israelites instructed to do so that they will be spared? Within your community of faith, are there observances or celebrations to remind everyone of God’s faithfulness? Pray Gracious God, I thank and praise you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. With my whole heart I worship you and glorify your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Houses of worship celebrating special occasions in the life of their communities of faith Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 12:29-51: The Israelites leave Egypt. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 16, 2012 Author Members Posted August 16, 2012 August 15, 2012 Exodus 12:29-51 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 12:29-51: The first-born sons in all Egyptian households are killed, including the son of the Egyptian king. The king tells Moses and Aaron that they and the Israelites are to leave Egypt. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 12:41b, 42a All the tribes of the LORD’s people left Egypt. It was a night when the LORD kept watch to bring them out of Egypt. Today’s Reading 29 At midnight the LORD killed all the first-born sons in Egypt, from the king's son, who was heir to the throne, to the son of the prisoner in the dungeon; all the first-born of the animals were also killed. 30 That night, the king, his officials, and all the other Egyptians were awakened. There was loud crying throughout Egypt, because there was not one home in which there was not a dead son. 31 That same night the king sent for Moses and Aaron and said, “Get out, you and your Israelites! Leave my country; go and worship the LORD, as you asked. 32 Take your sheep, goats, and cattle, and leave. Also pray for a blessing on me. ” 33 The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country; they said, “We will all be dead if you don't leave.” 34 So the people filled their baking pans with unleavened dough, wrapped them in clothing, and carried them on their shoulders. 35 The Israelites had done as Moses had said, and had asked the Egyptians for gold and silver jewelry and for clothes. 36 The LORD made the Egyptians respect the people and give them what they asked for. In this way the Israelites carried away the wealth of the Egyptians. 37 The Israelites set out on foot from Rameses for Sukkoth. There were about 600,000 men, not counting women and children. 38 A large number of other people and many sheep, goats, and cattle also went with them. 39 They baked unleavened bread from the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for they had been driven out of Egypt so suddenly that they did not have time to get their food ready or to prepare leavened dough. 40 The Israelites had lived in Egypt for 430 years. 41 On the day the 430 years ended, all the tribes of the LORD's people left Egypt. 42 It was a night when the LORD kept watch to bring them out of Egypt; this same night is dedicated to the LORD for all time to come as a night when the Israelites must keep watch. 43 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the Passover regulations: No foreigner shall eat the Passover meal, 44 but any slave that you have bought may eat it if you circumcise him first. 45 No temporary resident or hired worker may eat it. 46 The whole meal must be eaten in the house in which it was prepared; it must not be taken outside. And do not break any of the animal's bones. 47 The whole community of Israel must celebrate this festival, 48 but no uncircumcised man may eat it. If a foreigner has settled among you and wants to celebrate Passover to honor the LORD, you must first circumcise all the males of his household. He is then to be treated like a native-born Israelite and may join in the festival. 49 The same regulations apply to native-born Israelites and to foreigners who settle among you. ” 50 All the Israelites obeyed and did what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. 51 On that day the LORD brought the Israelite tribes out of Egypt. Reflect How do you envision what took place among the Egyptians? How do you envision the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt? What does the story of the events related to the first Passover teach you about God? Pray Lord God, thank you for continuing to watch over me. You are always with me, and I rest secure in your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Families grieving the death of a child Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 13:1-22: The Festival of Unleavened Bread is to serve as a reminder of what the LORD had done in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 16, 2012 Author Members Posted August 16, 2012 August 16, 2012 Exodus 13:1-22 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 13:1-22: All first-born males are to be dedicated to the LORD, and Moses tells the people that they are to observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread every year. God leads the people through the desert with a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 13:9 This observance will be a reminder, like something tied on your hand or on your forehead; it will remind you to continue to recite and study the Law of the LORD, because the LORD brought you out of Egypt by his great power. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Dedicate all the first-born males to me, for every first-born male Israelite and every first-born male animal belongs to me.” 3 Moses said to the people, “Remember this day—the day on which you left Egypt, the place where you were slaves. This is the day the LORD brought you out by his great power. No leavened bread is to be eaten. 4 You are leaving Egypt on this day in the first month, the month of Abib. 5 The LORD solemnly promised your ancestors to give you the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. When he brings you into that rich and fertile land, you must celebrate this festival in the first month of every year. 6 For seven days you must eat unleavened bread and on the seventh day there is to be a festival to honor the LORD. 7 For seven days you must not eat any bread made with yeast; there must be no yeast or leavened bread anywhere in your land. 8 When the festival begins, explain to your sons that you do all this because of what the LORD did for you when you left Egypt. 9 This observance will be a reminder, like something tied on your hand or on your forehead; it will remind you to continue to recite and study the Law of the LORD, because the LORD brought you out of Egypt by his great power. 10 Celebrate this festival at the appointed time each year. 11 The LORD will bring you into the land of the Canaanites, which he solemnly promised to you and your ancestors. When he gives it to you, 12 you must offer every first-born male to the LORD. Every first-born male of your animals belongs to the LORD, 13 but you must buy back from him every first-born male donkey by offering a lamb in its place. If you do not want to buy back the donkey, break its neck. You must buy back every first-born male child of yours. 14 In the future, when your son asks what this observance means, you will answer him, ‘By using great power the LORD brought us out of Egypt, the place where we were slaves. 15 When the king of Egypt was stubborn and refused to let us go, the LORD killed every first-born male in the land of Egypt, both human and animal. That is why we sacrifice every first-born male animal to the LORD, but buy back our first-born sons. 16 This observance will be a reminder, like something tied on our hands or on our foreheads; it will remind us that the LORD brought us out of Egypt by his great power. ’ ” 17 When the king of Egypt let the people go, God did not take them by the road that goes up the coast to Philistia, although it was the shortest way. God thought, “I do not want the people to change their minds and return to Egypt when they see that they are going to have to fight.” 18 Instead, he led them in a roundabout way through the desert toward the Red Sea. The Israelites were armed for battle. 19 Moses took the body of Joseph with him, as Joseph had made the Israelites solemnly promise to do. Joseph had said, “When God rescues you, you must carry my body with you from this place.” 20 The Israelites left Sukkoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 During the day the LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and during the night he went in front of them in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel night and day. 22 The pillar of cloud was always in front of the people during the day, and the pillar of fire at night. Reflect In what way does the Festival of Unleavened Bread provide an opportunity for teaching about God? What is the significance of sacrificing every first-born male animal to the LORD? What were the signs of God’s presence as the people journeyed through the desert? Pray Holy God, daily you are with me, guiding me along my journey of faith. Teach me to be aware of your faithful presence and to follow your teachings. Amen. Prayer Concern Religious educators and their students Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 14:1-31: The Israelites reach the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in pursuit. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 17, 2012 Author Members Posted August 17, 2012 August 17, 2012 Exodus 14:1-31 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 14:1-31: The Israelites reach the Red Sea and are pursued by the Egyptian king and his army. The LORD saves the people by parting the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross over on dry ground. Today’s Scripture: 14:13a, 14a Moses answered, “Don’t be afraid! Stand your ground, and you will see what the LORD will do to save you today. … The LORD will fight for you.” Today’s Reading 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp in front of Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the Red Sea, near Baal Zephon. 3 The king will think that the Israelites are wandering around in the country and are closed in by the desert. 4 I will make him stubborn, and he will pursue you, and my victory over the king and his army will bring me honor. Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD. ” The Israelites did as they were told. 5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had escaped, he and his officials changed their minds and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites escape, and we have lost them as our slaves!” 6 The king got his war chariot and his army ready. 7 He set out with all his chariots, including the six hundred finest, commanded by their officers. 8 The LORD made the king stubborn, and he pursued the Israelites, who were leaving triumphantly. 9 The Egyptian army, with all the horses, chariots, and drivers, pursued them and caught up with them where they were camped by the Red Sea near Pi Hahiroth and Baal Zephon. 10 When the Israelites saw the king and his army marching against them, they were terrified and cried out to the LORD for help. 11 They said to Moses, “Weren't there any graves in Egypt? Did you have to bring us out here in the desert to die? Look what you have done by bringing us out of Egypt! 12 Didn't we tell you before we left that this would happen? We told you to leave us alone and let us go on being slaves of the Egyptians. It would be better to be slaves there than to die here in the desert. ” 13 Moses answered, “Don't be afraid! Stand your ground, and you will see what the LORD will do to save you today; you will never see these Egyptians again. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and all you have to do is keep still. ” 15 The LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out for help? Tell the people to move forward. 16 Lift up your walking stick and hold it out over the sea. The water will divide, and the Israelites will be able to walk through the sea on dry ground. 17 I will make the Egyptians so stubborn that they will go in after them, and I will gain honor by my victory over the king, his army, his chariots, and his drivers. 18 When I defeat them, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD. ” 19 The angel of God, who had been in front of the army of Israel, moved and went to the rear. The pillar of cloud also moved until it was 20 between the Egyptians and the Israelites. The cloud made it dark for the Egyptians, but gave light to the people of Israel, and so the armies could not come near each other all night. 21 Moses held out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind. It blew all night and turned the sea into dry land. The water was divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on both sides. 23 The Egyptians pursued them and went after them into the sea with all their horses, chariots, and drivers. 24 Just before dawn the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw them into a panic. 25 He made the wheels of their chariots get stuck, so that they moved with great difficulty. The Egyptians said, “The LORD is fighting for the Israelites against us. Let's get out of here! ” 26 The LORD said to Moses, “Hold out your hand over the sea, and the water will come back over the Egyptians and their chariots and drivers.” 27 So Moses held out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the water returned to its normal level. The Egyptians tried to escape from the water, but the LORD threw them into the sea. 28 The water returned and covered the chariots, the drivers, and all the Egyptian army that had followed the Israelites into the sea; not one of them was left. 29 But the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on both sides. 30 On that day the LORD saved the people of Israel from the Egyptians, and the Israelites saw them lying dead on the seashore. 31 When the Israelites saw the great power with which the LORD had defeated the Egyptians, they stood in awe of the LORD; and they had faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses. Reflect Why was the king of Egypt upset after the Israelites had escaped? Describe what the Israelites were feeling when they saw the Egyptian army. What did they say to Moses? How did God save the Israelites? What happened to the Egyptian army? What does today’s reading teach you about the power of God? Have you ever experienced a time when you sensed that God was fighting for you? Pray God of miracles and wonders, calm my fears and relieve me of any worries and anxieties. You are always by my side, and you are victorious. I place myself in your loving hands, and I praise and glorify you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those experiencing fear and anxiety Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 15:1-27: The Israelites sing to the LORD. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 20, 2012 Author Members Posted August 20, 2012 August 18, 2012 Exodus 15:1-27 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 15:1-27: Today’s reading includes two hymns – the songs of Moses and his sister Miriam – that celebrate God’s saving the Israelites by defeating the Egyptian king and his army. After passing through the waters of the Red Sea, Moses leads the people into the desert. The people complain because they have gone without water for three days. They arrive at Marah, and the LORD instructs Moses on how to make the bitter water fit to drink. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 15: 21a Miriam sang for them: “Sing to the LORD, because he has won a glorious victory.” Today’s Reading 1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, because he has won a glorious victory; he has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strong defender; he is the one who has saved me. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will sing about his greatness. 3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name. 4 He threw Egypt's army and its chariots into the sea; the best of its officers were drowned in the Red Sea. 5 The deep sea covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone. 6 Your right hand, LORD, is awesome in power; it breaks the enemy in pieces. 7 In majestic triumph you overthrow your foes; your anger blazes out and burns them up like straw. 8 You blew on the sea and the water piled up high; it stood up straight like a wall; the deepest part of the sea became solid. 9 The enemy said, ‘I will pursue them and catch them; I will divide their wealth and take all I want; I will draw my sword and take all they have.’ 10 But one breath from you, LORD, and the Egyptians were drowned; they sank like lead in the terrible water. 11 LORD, who among the gods is like you? Who is like you, wonderful in holiness? Who can work miracles and mighty acts like yours? 12 You stretched out your right hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies. 13 Faithful to your promise, you led the people you had rescued; by your strength you guided them to your sacred land. 14 The nations have heard, and they tremble with fear; the Philistines are seized with terror. 15 The leaders of Edom are terrified; Moab's mighty men are trembling; the people of Canaan lose their courage. 16 Terror and dread fall upon them. They see your strength, O LORD, and stand helpless with fear until your people have marched past— the people you set free from slavery. 17 You bring them in and plant them on your mountain, the place that you, LORD, have chosen for your home, the Temple that you yourself have built. 18 You, LORD, will be king forever and ever.” 19 The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. But when the Egyptian chariots with their horses and drivers went into the sea, the LORD brought the water back, and it covered them. 20 The prophet Miriam, Aaron's sister, took her tambourine, and all the women followed her, playing tambourines and dancing. 21 Miriam sang for them: “Sing to the LORD, because he has won a glorious victory; he has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.” 22 Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea into the desert of Shur. For three days they walked through the desert, but found no water. 23 Then they came to a place called Marah, but the water there was so bitter that they could not drink it. That is why it was named Marah. 24 The people complained to Moses and asked, “What are we going to drink?” 25 Moses prayed earnestly to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood, which he threw into the water; and the water became fit to drink. There the LORD gave them laws to live by, and there he also tested them. 26 He said, “If you will obey me completely by doing what I consider right and by keeping my commands, I will not punish you with any of the diseases that I brought on the Egyptians. I am the LORD, the one who heals you. ” 27 Next they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees; there they camped by the water. Reflect How is the LORD described in verses 1-3? The Israelites danced and sang after God delivered them from the Egyptians. How will you praise God today? Pray I sing to you, Lord, because you are victorious. You are my God and my strong defender. I praise you for your mighty acts and will sing about your greatness. Amen. Prayer Concern Church musicians Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 16:1-36: The LORD provides the Israelites with food in the desert. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 20, 2012 Author Members Posted August 20, 2012 August 19, 2012 Exodus 16:1-36 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 16:1-36: After leaving the oasis in Elim, the people complain to Moses and Aaron about the lack of food. God hears their complaints and provides them with bread and meat. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 16:7a “In the morning you will see the dazzling light of the LORD’s presence.” Today’s Reading 1 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim, and on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, they came to the desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai. 2 There in the desert they all complained to Moses and Aaron 3 and said to them, “We wish that the LORD had killed us in Egypt. There we could at least sit down and eat meat and as much other food as we wanted. But you have brought us out into this desert to starve us all to death. ” 4 The LORD said to Moses, “Now I am going to cause food to rain down from the sky for all of you. The people must go out every day and gather enough for that day. In this way I can test them to find out if they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to bring in twice as much as usual and prepare it. ” 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt. 7 In the morning you will see the dazzling light of the LORD's presence. He has heard your complaints against him—yes, against him, because we are only carrying out his instructions. ” 8 Then Moses said, “It is the LORD who will give you meat to eat in the evening and as much bread as you want in the morning, because he has heard how much you have complained against him. When you complain against us, you are really complaining against the LORD. ” 9 Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole community to come and stand before the LORD, because he has heard their complaints. ” 10 As Aaron spoke to the whole community, they turned toward the desert, and suddenly the dazzling light of the LORD appeared in a cloud. 11 The LORD said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the complaints of the Israelites. Tell them that at twilight they will have meat to eat, and in the morning they will have all the bread they want. Then they will know that I, the LORD, am their God. ” 13 In the evening a large flock of quails flew in, enough to cover the camp, and in the morning there was dew all around the camp. 14 When the dew evaporated, there was something thin and flaky on the surface of the desert. It was as delicate as frost. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they didn't know what it was and asked each other, “What is it?” Moses said to them, “This is the food that the LORD has given you to eat. 16 The LORD has commanded that each of you is to gather as much of it as he needs, two quarts for each member of his household. ” 17 The Israelites did this, some gathering more, others less. 18 When they measured it, those who gathered much did not have too much, and those who gathered less did not have too little. Each had gathered just what he needed. 19 Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it for tomorrow.” 20 But some of them did not listen to Moses and saved part of it. The next morning it was full of worms and smelled rotten, and Moses was angry with them. 21 Every morning each one gathered as much as he needed; and when the sun grew hot, what was left on the ground melted. 22 On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts for each person. All the leaders of the community came and told Moses about it, 23 and he said to them, “The LORD has commanded that tomorrow is a holy day of rest, dedicated to him. Bake today what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Whatever is left should be put aside and kept for tomorrow. ” 24 As Moses had commanded, they kept what was left until the next day; it did not spoil or get worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat this today, because today is the Sabbath, a day of rest dedicated to the LORD, and you will not find any food outside the camp. 26 You must gather food for six days, but on the seventh day, the day of rest, there will be none. ” 27 On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather food, but they did not find any. 28 Then the LORD said to Moses, “How much longer will you people refuse to obey my commands? 29 Remember that I, the LORD, have given you a day of rest, and that is why on the sixth day I will always give you enough food for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day and not leave his home. ” 30 So the people did no work on the seventh day. 31 The people of Israel called the food manna. It was like a small white seed, and tasted like thin cakes made with honey. 32 Moses said, “The LORD has commanded us to save some manna, to be kept for our descendants, so that they can see the food which he gave us to eat in the desert when he brought us out of Egypt. ” 33 Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, put two quarts of manna in it, and place it in the LORD's presence to be kept for our descendants. ” 34 As the LORD had commanded Moses, Aaron put it in front of the Covenant Box, so that it could be kept. 35 The Israelites ate manna for the next forty years, until they reached the land of Canaan, where they settled. ( 36 The standard dry measure then in use equaled twenty quarts.) Reflect What did the people say to Moses and Aaron (verse 3)? Against whom were the people really complaining (verse 8)? What instructions were the people given for gathering food? What happened when those instructions were not followed? God said that the people would be tested to see if they followed God’s instructions (verse 4). Have you ever experienced being tested by God? Pray Gracious God, you provide for my daily needs, both physically and spiritually. Nourish me today with your precious word and teach me to be obedient to your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are hungry Tomorrow's Reading Numbers 20:1-13: The LORD provides the Israelites with water from a rock. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 20, 2012 Author Members Posted August 20, 2012 August 20, 2012 Numbers 20:1-13 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Numbers 20:1-13: Today’s reading begins by reporting the death and burial of Miriam. The Israelites once again complain to Moses and Aaron about having no water to drink. God instructs Moses to go to a nearby rock from which water will gush out. Today’s Scripture: Numbers 20:13b The people of Israel complained against the LORD and … he showed them that he is holy. Today’s Reading 1 In the first month the whole community of Israel came to the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried. 2 There was no water where they camped, so the people gathered around Moses and Aaron 3 and complained: “It would have been better if we had died in front of the LORD's Tent along with the other Israelites. 4 Why have you brought us out into this wilderness? Just so that we can die here with our animals? 5 Why did you bring us out of Egypt into this miserable place where nothing will grow? There's no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates. There is not even any water to drink! ” 6 Moses and Aaron moved away from the people and stood at the entrance of the Tent. They bowed down with their faces to the ground, and the dazzling light of the LORD's presence appeared to them. 7 The LORD said to Moses, 8 “Take the stick that is in front of the Covenant Box, and then you and Aaron assemble the whole community. There in front of them all speak to that rock over there, and water will gush out of it. In this way you will bring water out of the rock for the people, for them and their animals to drink.” 9 Moses went and got the stick, as the LORD had commanded. 10 He and Aaron assembled the whole community in front of the rock, and Moses said, “Listen, you rebels! Do we have to get water out of this rock for you?” 11 Then Moses raised the stick and struck the rock twice with it, and a great stream of water gushed out, and all the people and animals drank. 12 But the LORD reprimanded Moses and Aaron. He said, “Because you did not have enough faith to acknowledge my holy power before the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land that I promised to give them.” 13 This happened at Meribah, where the people of Israel complained against the LORD and where he showed them that he is holy. Reflect Verse 12 indicates that the LORD reprimanded Moses and Aaron because they did not acknowledge God’s holy power. Though not clear in this story, other Bible passages describe the sin of Moses and Aaron as disobedience (Numbers 20:24; 27:14) and disrespect for God (Deuteronomy 32: 50, 51). What are your thoughts about their actions? (Refer to verse 10.) You may wish to compare today’s reading with a parallel account in Exodus 17:1-7. What differences can you identify? Pray All-Powerful God, you alone are holy and worthy of praise. May my words and actions this day demonstrate my love, honor, and respect for you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who lack clean drinking water Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 1:46—2:25: Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s blessings and care. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 21, 2012 Author Members Posted August 21, 2012 August 21, 2012 Deuteronomy 1:46—2:25 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Deuteronomy 1:46—2:25: Today’s reading summarizes the Israelites’ forty years of wandering in the desert. Moses reminds the people of how God has blessed and cared for them throughout their journey. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:7a “Remember how the LORD your God has blessed you in everything that you have done.” Today’s Reading 46 So then, after we had stayed at Kadesh for a long time, 1 we finally turned and went into the desert, on the road to the Gulf of Aqaba, as the LORD had commanded, and we spent a long time wandering about in the hill country of Edom. 2 Then the LORD told me 3 that we had spent enough time wandering about in those hills and that we should go north. 4 He told me to give you the following instructions ‘You are about to go through the hill country of Edom, the territory of your distant relatives, the descendants of Esau. They will be afraid of you, 5 but you must not start a war with them, because I am not going to give you so much as a square foot of their land. I have given Edom to Esau's descendants. 6 You may buy food and water from them. ’ 7 Remember how the LORD your God has blessed you in everything that you have done. He has taken care of you as you wandered through this vast desert. He has been with you these forty years, and you have had everything you needed. 8 So we moved on and left the road that goes from the towns of Elath and Eziongeber to the Dead Sea, and we turned northeast toward Moab. 9 The LORD said to me, “Don't trouble the people of Moab, the descendants of Lot, or start a war against them. I have given them the city of Ar, and I am not going to give you any of their land.” ” ( 10 A mighty race of giants called the Emim used to live in Ar. They were as tall as the Anakim, another race of giants. 11 Like the Anakim they were also known as Rephaim; but the Moabites called them Emim. 12 The Horites used to live in Edom, but the descendants of Esau chased them out, destroyed their nation, and settled there themselves, just as the Israelites later chased their enemies out of the land that the LORD gave them.) 13 “Then we crossed the Zered River as the LORD told us to do. 14 This was thirty-eight years after we had left Kadesh Barnea. All the fighting men of that generation had died, as the LORD had said they would. 15 The LORD kept on opposing them until he had destroyed them all. 16 After they had all died, 17 the LORD said to us, 18 ‘Today you are to pass through the territory of Moab by way of Ar. 19 You will then be near the land of the Ammonites, the descendants of Lot. Don't trouble them or start a war against them, because I am not going to give you any of the land that I have given them. ’ ” ( 20 This territory is also known as the land of the Rephaim, the name of the people who used to live there; the Ammonites called them Zamzummim. 21 They were as tall as the Anakim. There were many of them, and they were a mighty race. But the LORD destroyed them, so that the Ammonites took over their land and settled there. 22 The LORD had done the same thing for the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, who live in the hill country of Edom. He destroyed the Horites, so that the Edomites took over their land and settled there, where they still live. 23 The land along the Mediterranean coast had been settled by people from the island of Crete. They had destroyed the Avvim, the original inhabitants, and had taken over all their land as far south as the city of Gaza.) 24 “After we had passed through Moab, the LORD told us, ‘Now, start out and cross the Arnon River. I am placing in your power Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon, along with his land. Attack him, and begin occupying his land. 25 From today on I will make people everywhere afraid of you. Everyone will tremble with fear at the mention of your name. ’ Reflect As you read the summary of the Israelites’ forty-year journey, you may wish to consult a map of Egypt and Sinai (1400 – 1200 B.C.) and trace the journey and/or identify the locations of the places mentioned. Reread verse 7. Based on what you have read thus far in Exodus and Numbers, in what ways has God been present and provided the Israelites with everything they needed? In what ways do you sense God’s presence and provision? Pray Holy God, as I journey in faith, I know you are always with me. You provide me with everything I need. Thank you, Lord God, for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Amen. Prayer Concern Refugee camps Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 5:1-33: Moses reminds the people of the laws God gave them at Mount Sinai. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 24, 2012 Author Members Posted August 24, 2012 August 22, 2012 Deuteronomy 5:1-33 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Deuteronomy 5:1-33: Moses recounts God’s covenant with the Israelites and the commandments they were given at Mount Sinai. (You can read a parallel account in Exodus 20). Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:32b “Be sure that you do everything that the LORD your God has commanded you. Do not disobey any of his laws.” Today’s Reading 1 Moses called together all the people of Israel and said to them, “People of Israel, listen to all the laws that I am giving you today. Learn them and be sure that you obey them. 2 At Mount Sinai the LORD our God made a covenant, 3 not only with our fathers, but with all of us who are living today. 4 There on the mountain the LORD spoke to you face-to-face from the fire. 5 I stood between you and the LORD at that time to tell you what he said, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. The LORD said, 6 ‘I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. 7 Worship no god but me. 8 Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. 9 Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, for I am the LORD your God and I tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation. 10 But I show my love to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my laws. 11 Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name. 12 Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy, as I, the LORD your God, have commanded you. 13 You have six days in which to do your work, 14 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work—neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. Your slaves must rest just as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and that I, the LORD your God, rescued you by my great power and strength. That is why I command you to observe the Sabbath. 16 Respect your father and your mother, as I, the LORD your God, command you, so that all may go well with you and so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you. 17 Do not commit murder. 18 Do not commit adultery. 19 Do not steal. 20 Do not accuse anyone falsely. 21 “Do not desire another man's wife; do not desire his house, his land, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns.” 22 These are the commandments the LORD gave to all of you when you were gathered at the mountain. When he spoke with a mighty voice from the fire and from the thick clouds, he gave these commandments and no others. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me. 23 When the whole mountain was on fire and you heard the voice from the darkness, your leaders and the chiefs of your tribes came to me 24 and said, The LORD our God showed us his greatness and his glory when we heard him speak from the fire! Today we have seen that it is possible for people to continue to live, even though God has spoken to them. 25 But why should we risk death again? That terrible fire will destroy us. We are sure to die if we hear the LORD our God speak again. 26 Has any human being ever lived after hearing the living God speak from a fire? 27 Go back, Moses, and listen to everything that the LORD our God says. Then return and tell us what he said to you. We will listen and obey. ’ 28 When the LORD heard this, he said to me, ‘I have heard what these people said, and they are right. 29 If only they would always feel this way! If only they would always honor me and obey all my commands, so that everything would go well with them and their descendants forever. 30 Go and tell them to return to their tents. 31 But you, Moses, stay here with me, and I will give you all my laws and commands. Teach them to the people, so that they will obey them in the land that I am giving them. ’ 32 People of Israel, be sure that you do everything that the LORD your God has commanded you. Do not disobey any of his laws. 33 Obey them all, so that everything will go well with you and so that you will continue to live in the land that you are going to occupy. Reflect Have you ever memorized the Ten Commandments? What role do they play in your life? Why is it important to obey God’s laws? Pray Lord God, keep me faithful and obedient to your will. I want to obey you and honor you always. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are making sacred vows Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 11:1-32: Moses reminds the Israelites about the blessings of obedience to 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 August 24, 2012 Author Members Posted August 24, 2012 August 24, 2012 Deuteronomy 26:16—27:10 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Deuteronomy 26:16—27:10: Moses reminds the Israelites that they are to keep all God’s laws and that they are the LORD’s own people. He describes a ceremony for renewing the agreement that the LORD made with Israel at Mount Sinai and tells the people that this ceremony is to take place at Mount Ebal after the people cross the Jordan River. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:18 “Today the LORD has accepted you as his own people, as he promised you; and he commands you to obey all his laws.” Today’s Reading 16 Today the LORD your God commands you to obey all his laws; so obey them faithfully with all your heart. 17 Today you have acknowledged the LORD as your God; you have promised to obey him, to keep all his laws, and to do all that he commands. 18 Today the LORD has accepted you as his own people, as he promised you; and he commands you to obey all his laws. 19 He will make you greater than any other nation that he has created, and you will bring praise and honor to his name. You will be his own people, as he promised. ” 1 Then Moses, together with the leaders of Israel, said to the people, “Obey all the instructions that I am giving you today. 2 On the day you cross the Jordan River and enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are to set up some large stones, cover them with plaster, 3 and write on them all these laws and teachings. When you have entered the rich and fertile land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you, 4 and you are on the other side of the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am instructing you today, and cover them with plaster. 5 Build an altar there made of stones that have had no iron tools used on them, 6 because any altar you build for the LORD your God must be made of uncut stones. There you are to offer the sacrifices that are to be burned, 7 and there you are to sacrifice and eat your fellowship offerings and be grateful in the presence of the LORD your God. 8 On the stones covered with plaster write clearly every word of God's laws. ” 9 Then Moses, together with the levitical priests, said to all the people of Israel, “Give me your attention, people of Israel, and listen to me. Today you have become the people of the LORD your God; 10 so obey him and keep all his laws that I am giving you today. ” Reflect What is the relationship between God and the Israelites? What do the people promise? What does God promise? Have you made any promises to God? Pray God of promise and faithfulness, I acknowledge you as my God and you have accepted me as your child. Teach me your ways and help me to keep your laws. Amen. Prayer Concern People renewing their vows Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 30:1-20: Moses reminds the Israelites of the consequences of their decisions. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 26, 2012 Author Members Posted August 26, 2012 August 25, 2012 Deuteronomy 30:1-20 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Deuteronomy 30:1-20: The LORD God has promised the Israelites to be their God (26:18; 29:13), and they are to demonstrate that they are the LORD’s people by keeping the agreement God made with them. In today’s reading, Moses reminds the people that their decisions will have consequences. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:20b “Love the LORD your God, obey him and be faithful to him.” Today’s Reading 1 I have now given you a choice between a blessing and a curse. When all these things have happened to you, and you are living among the nations where the LORD your God has scattered you, you will remember the choice I gave you. 2 If you and your descendants will turn back to the LORD and with all your heart obey his commands that I am giving you today, 3 then the LORD your God will have mercy on you. He will bring you back from the nations where he has scattered you, and he will make you prosperous again. 4 Even if you are scattered to the farthest corners of the earth, the LORD your God will gather you together and bring you back, 5 so that you may again take possession of the land where your ancestors once lived. And he will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your ancestors ever were. 6 The LORD your God will give you and your descendants obedient hearts, so that you will love him with all your heart, and you will continue to live in that land. 7 He will turn all these curses against your enemies, who hated you and oppressed you, 8 and you will again obey him and keep all his commands that I am giving you today. 9 The LORD will make you prosperous in all that you do; you will have many children and a lot of livestock, and your fields will produce abundant crops. He will be as glad to make you prosperous as he was to make your ancestors prosperous, 10 but you will have to obey him and keep all his laws that are written in this book of his teachings. You will have to turn to him with all your heart. 11 The command that I am giving you today is not too difficult or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in the sky. You do not have to ask, “Who will go up and bring it down for us, so that we can hear it and obey it?” 13 Nor is it on the other side of the ocean. You do not have to ask, “Who will go across the ocean and bring it to us, so that we may hear it and obey it?” 14 No, it is here with you. You know it and can quote it, so now obey it. 15 Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death. 16 If you obey the commands of the LORD your God, which I give you today, if you love him, obey him, and keep all his laws, then you will prosper and become a nation of many people. The LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are about to occupy. 17 But if you disobey and refuse to listen, and are led away to worship other gods, 18 you will be destroyed—I warn you here and now. You will not live long in that land across the Jordan that you are about to occupy. 19 I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God's blessing and God's curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life. 20 Love the LORD your God, obey him and be faithful to him, and then you and your descendants will live long in the land that he promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ” Reflect What are the choices Moses puts before the people? If they remain faithful, what blessings will they receive? What are the consequences of disobedience? Are you facing any difficult choices today? Pray Lord God, grant me an obedient heart. Teach me to love and serve you always. Whenever I am faced with difficult decisions, guide my thoughts so that the choices I make are in accord with your will. Thank you for all your blessings. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing difficult choices Tomorrow's Reading Leviticus 19:1-37: Laws of holiness and justice are told to the Israelites. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 26, 2012 Author Members Posted August 26, 2012 August 26, 2012 Leviticus 19:1-37 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Leviticus 19:1-37: Today’s reading is from a section in the book of Leviticus (chapters 17—27) that focuses on how the people of Israel are to live together as God’s holy people. The laws outlined here teach the people about living lives marked by holiness and justice. Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 19:2b “Be holy, because I, the LORD you God, am holy.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD told Moses 2 to say to the community of Israel, “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy. 3 Each of you must respect your mother and your father, and must keep the Sabbath, as I have commanded. I am the LORD your God. 4 Do not abandon me and worship idols; do not make gods of metal and worship them. I am the LORD your God. 5 When you kill an animal for a fellowship offering, keep the regulations that I have given you, and I will accept the offering. 6 The meat must be eaten on the day the animal is killed or on the next day. Any meat left on the third day must be burned, 7 because it is ritually unclean, and if anyone eats it, I will not accept the offering. 8 Any who eat it will be guilty of treating as ordinary what is dedicated to me, and they will no longer be considered my people. 9 When you harvest your fields, do not cut the grain at the edges of the fields, and do not go back to cut the heads of grain that were left. 10 Do not go back through your vineyard to gather the grapes that were missed or to pick up the grapes that have fallen; leave them for poor people and foreigners. I am the LORD your God. 11 Do not steal or cheat or lie. 12 Do not make a promise in my name if you do not intend to keep it; that brings disgrace on my name. I am the LORD your God. 13 Do not rob or take advantage of anyone. Do not hold back the wages of someone you have hired, not even for one night. 14 Do not curse the deaf or put something in front of the blind so as to make them stumble over it. Obey me; I am the LORD your God. 15 Be honest and just when you make decisions in legal cases; do not show favoritism to the poor or fear the rich. 16 Do not spread lies about anyone, and when someone is on trial for his life, speak out if your testimony can help him. I am the LORD. 17 Do not bear a grudge against others, but settle your differences with them, so that you will not commit a sin because of them. 18 Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the LORD. 19 Obey my commands. Do not crossbreed domestic animals. Do not plant two kinds of seed in the same field. Do not wear clothes made of two kinds of material. 20 If a slave woman is the recognized concubine of a man and she has not been paid for and freed, then if another man has sexual relations with her, they will be punished, but not put to death, since she is a slave. 21 The man shall bring a ram to the entrance of the Tent of my presence as his repayment offering, 22 and with it the priest shall perform the ritual of purification to remove the man's sin, and God will forgive him. 23 When you come into the land of Canaan and plant any kind of fruit tree, consider the fruit ritually unclean for the first three years. During that time you must not eat it. 24 In the fourth year all the fruit shall be dedicated as an offering to show your gratitude to me, the LORD. 25 But in the fifth year you may eat the fruit. If you do all this, your trees will bear more fruit. I am the LORD your God. 26 Do not eat any meat with blood still in it. Do not practice any kind of magic. 27 Do not cut the hair on the sides of your head or trim your beard 28 or tattoo yourselves or cut gashes in your body to mourn for the dead. I am the LORD. 29 Do not disgrace your daughters by making them temple prostitutes; if you do, you will turn to other gods and the land will be full of immorality. 30 Keep the Sabbath, and honor the place where I am worshiped. I am the LORD. 31 Do not go for advice to people who consult the spirits of the dead. If you do, you will be ritually unclean. I am the LORD your God. 32 Show respect for old people and honor them. Reverently obey me; I am the LORD. 33 Do not mistreat foreigners who are living in your land. 34 Treat them as you would an Israelite, and love them as you love yourselves. Remember that you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. 35 Do not cheat anyone by using false measures of length, weight, or quantity. 36 Use honest scales, honest weights, and honest measures. I am the LORD your God, and I brought you out of Egypt. 37 Obey all my laws and commands. I am the LORD. ” Reflect Review the laws outlined in Leviticus 19. Which do you think are the most relevant for life today? Why? Some of the verses echo the Ten Commandments. Can you identify them? Pray Lord God, teach me your ways. May my words and actions this day reflect your holiness and justice. Amen. Prayer Concern Judges and magistrates Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 103: God’s love and care is praised. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 28, 2012 Author Members Posted August 28, 2012 August 27, 2012 Psalm 103 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Psalm 103: Today’s reading is a psalm that offers praise for God’s love and care. God’s love and kindness lasts forever. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love. Today’s Reading 1 Praise the LORD, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. 5 He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle. 6 The LORD judges in favor of the oppressed and gives them their rights. 7 He revealed his plans to Moses and let the people of Israel see his mighty deeds. 8 The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love. 9 He does not keep on rebuking; he is not angry forever. 10 He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs. 11 As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us. 13 As a father is kind to his children, so the LORD is kind to those who honor him. 14 He knows what we are made of; he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for us, our life is like grass. We grow and flourish like a wild flower; 16 then the wind blows on it, and it is gone— no one sees it again. 17 But for those who honor the LORD, his love lasts forever, and his goodness endures for all generations 18 of those who are true to his covenant and who faithfully obey his commands. 19 The LORD placed his throne in heaven; he is king over all. 20 Praise the LORD, you strong and mighty angels, who obey his commands, who listen to what he says. 21 Praise the LORD, all you heavenly powers, you servants of his, who do his will! 22 Praise the LORD, all his creatures in all the places he rules. Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD, my soul! Reflect In what ways has God has blessed you? When have you experienced God’s kindness, mercy and forgiveness? What verses in this psalm speak to your experiences? For what will you praise God today? Pray My soul praises you, O Lord! You are merciful and loving, and you forgive my sins. Thank you, Lord God, for your constant goodness and everlasting love. With my whole heart I praise you! Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking forgiveness Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 104: God our Creator is praised. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 28, 2012 Author Members Posted August 28, 2012 August 28, 2012 Psalm 104 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Psalm 104: This psalm is a hymn of praise to God our Creator and describes God’s care of creation. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 104:1b O LORD, my God, how great you are! Today’s Reading 1 O LORD, my God, how great you are! You are clothed with majesty and glory; 2 you cover yourself with light. You have spread out the heavens like a tent 3 and built your home on the waters above. You use the clouds as your chariot and ride on the wings of the wind. 4 You use the winds as your messengers and flashes of lightning as your servants. 5 You have set the earth firmly on its foundations, and it will never be moved. 6 You placed the ocean over it like a robe, and the water covered the mountains. 7 When you rebuked the waters, they fled; they rushed away when they heard your shout of command. 8 They flowed over the mountains and into the valleys, to the place you had made for them. 9 You set a boundary they can never pass, to keep them from covering the earth again. 10 You make springs flow in the valleys, and rivers run between the hills. 11 They provide water for the wild animals; there the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 In the trees near by, the birds make their nests and sing. 13 From the sky you send rain on the hills, and the earth is filled with your blessings. 14 You make grass grow for the cattle and plants for us to use, so that we can grow our crops 15 and produce wine to make us happy, olive oil to make us cheerful, and bread to give us strength. 16 The cedars of Lebanon get plenty of rain— the LORD's own trees, which he planted. 17 There the birds build their nests; the storks nest in the fir trees. 18 The wild goats live in the high mountains, and the rock badgers hide in the cliffs. 19 You created the moon to mark the months; the sun knows the time to set. 20 You made the night, and in the darkness all the wild animals come out. 21 The young lions roar while they hunt, looking for the food that God provides. 22 When the sun rises, they go back and lie down in their dens. 23 Then people go out to do their work and keep working until evening. 24 LORD, you have made so many things! How wisely you made them all! The earth is filled with your creatures. 25 There is the ocean, large and wide, where countless creatures live, large and small alike. 26 The ships sail on it, and in it plays Leviathan, that sea monster which you made. 27 All of them depend on you to give them food when they need it. 28 You give it to them, and they eat it; you provide food, and they are satisfied. 29 When you turn away, they are afraid; when you take away your breath, they die and go back to the dust from which they came. 30 But when you give them breath, they are created; you give new life to the earth. 31 May the glory of the LORD last forever! May the LORD be happy with what he has made! 32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God. 34 May he be pleased with my song, for my gladness comes from him. 35 May sinners be destroyed from the earth; may the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD! Reflect What does this psalm teach you about God? In many ways this psalm mirrors the orderly account of creation described in Genesis 1. Try reading it alongside Genesis 1. What comparisons can you find? Pray Creator God, you are clothed with majesty and glory. All creation is dependent on you. I praise you, Lord God. May your glory last forever! Amen. Prayer Concern Environmentalists Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 105: This psalm describes God’s deeds of greatness. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 29, 2012 Author Members Posted August 29, 2012 August 29, 2012 Psalm 105 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Psalm 105: Israel’s history, beginning with the call of Abraham, to God’s delivering the people from bondage in Egypt and leading them to the Promised Land, is outlined in this psalm. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 105:4 Go to the LORD for help; and worship him continually. Today’s Reading 1 Give thanks to the LORD, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. 2 Sing praise to the LORD; tell the wonderful things he has done. 3 Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice. 4 Go to the LORD for help; and worship him continually. 5-6 You descendants of Abraham, his servant; you descendants of Jacob, the man he chose: remember the miracles that God performed and the judgments that he gave. 7 The LORD is our God; his commands are for all the world. 8 He will keep his covenant forever, his promises for a thousand generations. 9 He will keep the agreement he made with Abraham and his promise to Isaac. 10 The LORD made a covenant with Jacob, one that will last forever. 11 “I will give you the land of Canaan,” he said. “It will be your own possession.” 12 God's people were few in number, strangers in the land of Canaan. 13 They wandered from country to country, from one kingdom to another. 14 But God let no one oppress them; to protect them, he warned the kings: 15 “Don't harm my chosen servants; do not touch my prophets.” 16 The LORD sent famine to their country and took away all their food. 17 But he sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who had been sold as a slave. 18 His feet were kept in chains, and an iron collar was around his neck, 19 until what he had predicted came true. The word of the LORD proved him right. 20 Then the king of Egypt had him released; the ruler of nations set him free. 21 He put him in charge of his government and made him ruler over all the land, 22 with power over the king's officials and authority to instruct his advisers. 23 Then Jacob went to Egypt and settled in that country. 24 The LORD gave many children to his people and made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He made the Egyptians hate his people and treat his servants with deceit. 26 Then he sent his servant Moses, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. 27 They did God's mighty acts and performed miracles in Egypt. 28 God sent darkness on the country, but the Egyptians did not obey his command. 29 He turned their rivers into blood and killed all their fish. 30 Their country was overrun with frogs; even the palace was filled with them. 31 God commanded, and flies and gnats swarmed throughout the whole country. 32 He sent hail and lightning on their land instead of rain; 33 he destroyed their grapevines and fig trees and broke down all the trees. 34 He commanded, and the locusts came, countless millions of them; 35 they ate all the plants in the land; they ate all the crops. 36 He killed the first-born sons of all the families of Egypt. 37 Then he led the Israelites out; they carried silver and gold, and all of them were healthy and strong. 38 The Egyptians were afraid of them and were glad when they left. 39 God put a cloud over his people and a fire at night to give them light. 40 They asked, and he sent quails; he gave them food from heaven to satisfy them. 41 He opened a rock, and water gushed out, flowing through the desert like a river. 42 He remembered his sacred promise to Abraham his servant. 43 So he led his chosen people out, and they sang and shouted for joy. 44 He gave them the lands of other peoples and let them take over their fields, 45 so that his people would obey his laws and keep all his commands. Praise the LORD! Reflect If you have been following along the selected Bible passages from Genesis and Exodus during July and August, this psalm may bring to mind some of the events you read about. How is God’s faithfulness described in this psalm? How did God care for the people? In what ways does God care for you? Pray Dear God, I seek to worship you continually and thank and praise you for your faithfulness, love, and care. Help me, Lord God, to serve you always. Amen. Prayer Concern Historians Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 106: The unfaithfulness of the people is recalled is this psalm of communal confession. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 30, 2012 Author Members Posted August 30, 2012 August 30, 2012 Psalm 106 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Psalm 106: Today’s reading can be considered a continuation of Psalm 105. It is in the form of a communal confession. Certain events in Israel’s history are cited, from the time of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt and leading up to the Babylonian exile. The psalm recounts the people’s unfaithfulness and includes a plea for God’s intervention and restoration. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 106:48 Praise the LORD, the God of Israel; praise him now and forever! Let everyone say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD! Today’s Reading 1 Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal. 2 Who can tell all the great things he has done? Who can praise him enough? 3 Happy are those who obey his commands, who always do what is right. 4 Remember me, LORD, when you help your people; include me when you save them. 5 Let me see the prosperity of your people and share in the happiness of your nation, in the glad pride of those who belong to you. 6 We have sinned as our ancestors did; we have been wicked and evil. 7 Our ancestors in Egypt did not understand God's wonderful acts; they forgot the many times he showed them his love, and they rebelled against the Almighty at the Red Sea. 8 But he saved them, as he had promised, in order to show his great power. 9 He gave a command to the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led his people across on dry land. 10 He saved them from those who hated them; he rescued them from their enemies. 11 But the water drowned their enemies; not one of them was left. 12 Then his people believed his promises and sang praises to him. 13 But they quickly forgot what he had done and acted without waiting for his advice. 14 They were filled with craving in the desert and put God to the test; 15 so he gave them what they asked for, but also sent a terrible disease among them. 16 There in the desert they were jealous of Moses and of Aaron, the LORD's holy servant. 17 Then the earth opened up and swallowed Dathan and buried Abiram and his family; 18 fire came down on their followers and burned up those wicked people. 19 They made a gold bull-calf at Sinai and worshiped that idol; 20 they exchanged the glory of God for the image of an animal that eats grass. 21 They forgot the God who had saved them by his mighty acts in Egypt. 22 What wonderful things he did there! What amazing things at the Red Sea! 23 When God said that he would destroy his people, his chosen servant, Moses, stood up against God and kept his anger from destroying them. 24 Then they rejected the pleasant land, because they did not believe God's promise. 25 They stayed in their tents and grumbled and would not listen to the LORD. 26 So he have them a solomn warning that he would make them die in the desert 27 and scatter their descendants among the heathen, letting them die in foreign countries. 28 Then at Peor, God's people joined in the worship of Baal and ate sacrifices offered to dead gods. 29 They stirred up the LORD's anger by their actions, and a terrible disease broke out among them. 30 But Phinehas stood up and punished the guilty, and the plague was stopped. 31 This has been remembered in his favor ever since and will be for all time to come. 32 At the springs of Meribah the people made the LORD angry, and Moses was in trouble on their account. 33 They made him so bitter that he spoke without stopping to think. 34 They did not kill the heathen, as the LORD had commanded them to do, 35 but they intermarried with them and adopted their pagan ways. 36 God's people worshiped idols, and this caused their destruction. 37 They offered their own sons and daughters as sacrifices to the idols of Canaan. 38 They killed those innocent children, and the land was defiled by those murders. 39 They made themselves impure by their actions and were unfaithful to God. 40 So the LORD was angry with his people; he was disgusted with them. 41 He abandoned them to the power of the heathen, and their enemies ruled over them. 42 They were oppressed by their enemies and were in complete subjection to them. 43 Many times the LORD rescued his people, but they chose to rebel against him and sank deeper into sin. 44 Yet the LORD heard them when they cried out, and he took notice of their distress. 45 For their sake he remembered his covenant, and because of his great love he relented. 46 He made all their oppressors feel sorry for them. 47 Save us, O LORD our God, and bring us back from among the nations, so that we may be thankful and praise your holy name. 48 Praise the LORD, the God of Israel; praise him now and forever! Let everyone say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD! Reflect Psalm 106 opens and closes with words of praise and thanksgiving. According to verse 3, what is required in order to be blessed by God? What is the psalm writer asking God to do (verses 4, 5)? What sins are being recounted? What can the events described in both psalms 105 and 106 mean for faith today? Pray God of restoration, you continually seek us out when we stray. May I hear your voice calling me whenever I am tempted to turn away from you. Restore me to your fold and help me to follow your teachings. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have turned away from God Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 107: God’s goodness is praised. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 31, 2012 Author Members Posted August 31, 2012 August 31, 2012 Psalm 107 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Psalm 107: Today’s reading is a psalm that describes how God saves those who are in distress. God’s goodness is demonstrated to those who suffered from hunger and thirst, those who were in prison, those who were terminally ill, and those who were in a storm at sea. The psalm concludes with an affirmation of God’s concern for those who are oppressed. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 107:1 “Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal!” Today’s Reading 1 “Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal!” 2 Repeat these words in praise to the LORD, all you whom he has saved. He has rescued you from your enemies 3 and has brought you back from foreign countries, from east and west, from north and south. 4 Some wandered in the trackless desert and could not find their way to a city to live in. 5 They were hungry and thirsty and had given up all hope. 6 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight road to a city where they could live. 8 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. 10 Some were living in gloom and darkness, prisoners suffering in chains, 11 because they had rebelled against the commands of Almighty God and had rejected his instructions. 12 They were worn out from hard work; they would fall down, and no one would help. 13 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of their gloom and darkness and broke their chains in pieces. 15 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 16 He breaks down doors of bronze and smashes iron bars. 17 Some were fools, suffering because of their sins and because of their evil; 18 they couldn't stand the sight of food and were close to death. 19 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He healed them with his command and saved them from the grave. 21 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 22 They must thank him with sacrifices, and with songs of joy must tell all that he has done. 23 Some sailed over the ocean in ships, earning their living on the seas. 24 They saw what the LORD can do, his wonderful acts on the seas. 25 He commanded, and a mighty wind began to blow and stirred up the waves. 26 The ships were lifted high in the air and plunged down into the depths. In such danger the sailors lost their courage; 27 they stumbled and staggered like drunks— all their skill was useless. 28 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 29 He calmed the raging storm, and the waves became quiet. 30 They were glad because of the calm, and he brought them safe to the port they wanted. 31 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 32 They must proclaim his greatness in the assembly of the people and praise him before the council of the leaders. 33 The LORD made rivers dry up completely and stopped springs from flowing. 34 He made rich soil become a salty wasteland because of the wickedness of those who lived there. 35 He changed deserts into pools of water and dry land into flowing springs. 36 He let hungry people settle there, and they built a city to live in. 37 They sowed the fields and planted grapevines and reaped an abundant harvest. 38 He blessed his people, and they had many children; he kept their herds of cattle from decreasing. 39 When God's people were defeated and humiliated by cruel oppression and suffering, 40 he showed contempt for their oppressors and made them wander in trackless deserts. 41 But he rescued the needy from their misery and made their families increase like flocks. 42 The righteous see this and are glad, but all the wicked are put to silence. 43 May those who are wise think about these things; may they consider the LORD's constant love. Reflect The opening verses in this psalm indicate that the prayer for restoration, as voiced in Psalm 106:47, has been answered and that the period of exile has ended. What verses in this psalm speak of God’s goodness? In what ways is God good to you? Pray Lord God, I thank and praise you for your eternal love and goodness. I will sing for joy and speak of the wonderful things you do. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in distress Tomorrow's Reading 2 Samuel 7:1-29: The prophet Nathan delivers God’s message to King David. 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 September 1, 2012 Author Members Posted September 1, 2012 2 Samuel 7:1-29 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Grow in God’s Wisdom Introduction 2 Samuel 7:1-29: David is now king of both Israel and Judah. He has made Jerusalem the capital and wants to build a temple to honor God and provide a permanent place for the Covenant Box. But God speaks to the prophet Nathan, instructing him to tell David that he is not to build a temple. The chapter concludes with David offering a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:22 “How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God.” Today’s Reading 1 King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD kept him safe from all his enemies. 2 Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God's Covenant Box is kept in a tent!” 3 Nathan answered, “Do whatever you have in mind, because the LORD is with you. ” 4 But that night the LORD said to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David that I say to him, ‘You are not the one to build a temple for me to live in. 6 From the time I rescued the people of Israel from Egypt until now, I have never lived in a temple; I have traveled around living in a tent. 7 In all my traveling with the people of Israel I never asked any of the leaders that I appointed why they had not built me a temple made of cedar. ’ 8 So tell my servant David that I, the LORD Almighty, say to him, ‘I took you from looking after sheep in the fields and made you the ruler of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have defeated all your enemies as you advanced. I will make you as famous as the greatest leaders in the world. 10-11 I have chosen a place for my people Israel and have settled them there, where they will live without being oppressed any more. Ever since they entered this land, they have been attacked by violent people, but this will not happen again. I promise to keep you safe from all your enemies and to give you descendants. 12 When you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will make one of your sons king and will keep his kingdom strong. 13 He will be the one to build a temple for me, and I will make sure that his dynasty continues forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him as a father punishes his son. 15 But I will not withdraw my support from him as I did from Saul, whom I removed so that you could be king. 16 You will always have descendants, and I will make your kingdom last forever. Your dynasty will never end. ’ ” 17 Nathan told David everything that God had revealed to him. 18 Then King David went into the Tent of the LORD's presence, sat down and prayed, “Sovereign LORD, I am not worthy of what you have already done for me, nor is my family. 19 Yet now you are doing even more, Sovereign LORD; you have made promises about my descendants in the years to come. And you let a man see this, Sovereign LORD! 20 What more can I say to you! You know me, your servant. 21 It was your will and purpose to do this; you have done all these great things in order to instruct me. 22 How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God. 23 There is no other nation on earth like Israel, whom you rescued from slavery to make them your own people. The great and wonderful things you did for them have spread your fame throughout the world. You drove out other nations and their gods as your people advanced, the people whom you set free from Egypt to be your own. 24 You have made Israel your own people forever, and you, LORD, have become their God. 25 And now, LORD God, fulfill for all time the promise you made about me and my descendants, and do what you said you would. 26 Your fame will be great, and people will forever say, ‘The LORD Almighty is God over Israel. ’ And you will preserve my dynasty for all time. 27 LORD Almighty, God of Israel! I have the courage to pray this prayer to you, because you have revealed all this to me, your servant, and have told me that you will make my descendants kings. 28 And now, Sovereign LORD, you are God; you always keep your promises, and you have made this wonderful promise to me. 29 I ask you to bless my descendants so that they will continue to enjoy your favor. You, Sovereign LORD, have promised this, and your blessing will rest on my descendants forever. ” Reflect What is Nathan told to say to David? What does God promise David? How does David respond? For what will you thank and praise God today? Pray Sovereign Lord, you alone are God. How great you are! I trust in your promises and daily will I praise you. Amen. Prayer Concern Construction workers Tomorrow's Reading 2 Samuel 11:1-27: David commits an egregious act. 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 September 14, 2012 Author Members Posted September 14, 2012 September 2, 2012 2 Samuel 11:1-27 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Grow in God’s Wisdom Introduction 2 Samuel 11:1-27: From the roof of his palace, David sees Bathsheba while she is bathing and arranges for her to be brought to him. When Bathsheba discovers that she is pregnant with David’s child, David arranges to have her husband Uriah killed in battle so that he can marry her. Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:27b The LORD was not pleased with what David had done. Today’s Reading 1 The following spring, at the time of the year when kings usually go to war, David sent out Joab with his officers and the Israelite army; they defeated the Ammonites and besieged the city of Rabbah. But David himself stayed in Jerusalem. 2 One day, late in the afternoon, David got up from his nap and went to the palace roof. As he walked around up there, he saw a woman taking a bath in her house. She was very beautiful. 3 So he sent a messenger to find out who she was, and learned that she was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite. 4 David sent messengers to get her; they brought her to him and he made love to her. (She had just finished her monthly ritual of purification.) Then she went back home. 5 Afterward she discovered that she was pregnant and sent a message to David to tell him. 6 David then sent a message to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent him to David. 7 When Uriah arrived, David asked him if Joab and the troops were well, and how the fighting was going. 8 Then he said to Uriah, “Go on home and rest a while.” Uriah left, and David had a present sent to his home. 9 But Uriah did not go home; instead he slept at the palace gate with the king's guards. 10 When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he asked him, “You have just returned after a long absence; why didn't you go home?” 11 Uriah answered, “The men of Israel and Judah are away in battle, and the Covenant Box is with them; my commander Joab and his officers are camping out in the open. How could I go home, eat and drink, and sleep with my wife? By all that's sacred, I swear that I could never do such a thing!” 12 So David said, “Then stay here the rest of the day, and tomorrow I'll send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13 David invited him to supper and got him drunk. But again that night Uriah did not go home; instead he slept on his blanket in the palace guardroom. 14 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by Uriah. 15 He wrote: “Put Uriah in the front line, where the fighting is heaviest, then retreat and let him be killed.” 16 So while Joab was besieging the city, he sent Uriah to a place where he knew the enemy was strong. 17 The enemy troops came out of the city and fought Joab's forces; some of David's officers were killed, and so was Uriah. 18 Then Joab sent a report to David telling him about the battle, 19 and he instructed the messenger, “After you have told the king all about the battle, 20 he may get angry and ask you, ‘Why did you go so near the city to fight them? Didn't you realize that they would shoot arrows from the walls? 21 Don't you remember how Abimelech son of Gideon was killed? It was at Thebez, where a woman threw a millstone down from the wall and killed him. Why, then, did you go so near the wall? ’ If the king asks you this, tell him, “Your officer Uriah was also killed.” ” 22 So the messenger went to David and told him what Joab had commanded him to say. 23 He said, “Our enemies were stronger than we were and came out of the city to fight us in the open, but we drove them back to the city gate. 24 Then they shot arrows at us from the wall, and some of Your Majesty's officers were killed; your officer Uriah was also killed. ” 25 David said to the messenger, “Encourage Joab and tell him not to be upset, since you never can tell who will die in battle. Tell him to launch a stronger attack on the city and capture it.” 26 When Bathsheba heard that her husband had been killed, she mourned for him. 27 When the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to the palace; she became his wife and bore him a son. But the LORD was not pleased with what David had done. Reflect What are your thoughts concerning David’s behavior? Could Bathsheba have refused David’s advances? Why or why not? How would you describe Uriah? What does today’s reading teach about the consequences of sinful behavior? Pray Lord God, help me to avoid temptation today and guide my thoughts and actions so that all I do and say is pleasing in your sight. Amen. Prayer Concern Victims of rape Tomorrow's Reading 2 Samuel 12:1-25: The prophet Nathan confronts David with his sin. 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 September 14, 2012 Author Members Posted September 14, 2012 September 3, 2012 2 Samuel 12:1-25 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Grow in God’s Wisdom Introduction 2 Samuel 12:1-25: By means of a parable, Nathan confronts David with his sin. Bathsheba’s and David’s child dies. Bathsheba conceives again and bears David a son who is named Solomon. Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:13a “I have sinned against the LORD,” David said. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD sent the prophet Nathan to David. Nathan went to him and said, “There were two men who lived in the same town; one was rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had many cattle and sheep, 3 while the poor man had only one lamb, which he had bought. He took care of it, and it grew up in his home with his children. He would feed it some of his own food, let it drink from his cup, and hold it in his lap. The lamb was like a daughter to him. 4 One day a visitor arrived at the rich man's home. The rich man didn't want to kill one of his own animals to fix a meal for him; instead, he took the poor man's lamb and prepared a meal for his guest. ” 5 David became very angry at the rich man and said, “I swear by the living LORD that the man who did this ought to die! 6 For having done such a cruel thing, he must pay back four times as much as he took. ” 7 “You are that man,” Nathan said to David. “And this is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. 8 I gave you his kingdom and his wives; I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. 9 Why, then, have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle; you let the Ammonites kill him, and then you took his wife! 10 Now, in every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah's wife. 11 I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble on you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man; and he will have intercourse with them in broad daylight. 12 You sinned in secret, but I will make this happen in broad daylight for all Israel to see. ’ ” 13 “I have sinned against the LORD, ” David said. Nathan replied, “The LORD forgives you; you will not die. 14 But because you have shown such contempt for the LORD in doing this, your child will die. ” 15 Then Nathan went home. The LORD caused the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David to become very sick. 16 David prayed to God that the child would get well. He refused to eat anything, and every night he went into his room and spent the night lying on the floor. 17 His court officials went to him and tried to make him get up, but he refused and would not eat anything with them. 18 A week later the child died, and David's officials were afraid to tell him the news. They said, “While the child was living, David wouldn't answer us when we spoke to him. How can we tell him that his child is dead? He might do himself some harm!” 19 When David noticed them whispering to each other, he realized that the child had died. So he asked them, “Is the child dead?” “Yes, he is,” they answered. 20 David got up from the floor, took a bath, combed his hair, and changed his clothes. Then he went and worshiped in the house of the LORD. When he returned to the palace, he asked for food and ate it as soon as it was served. 21 “We don't understand this,” his officials said to him. “While the child was alive, you wept for him and would not eat; but as soon as he died, you got up and ate!” 22 “Yes,” David answered, “I did fast and weep while he was still alive. I thought that the LORD might be merciful to me and not let the child die. 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Could I bring the child back to life? I will some day go to where he is, but he can never come back to me. ” 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba. He had intercourse with her, and she bore a son, whom David named Solomon. The LORD loved the boy 25 and commanded the prophet Nathan to name the boy Jedidiah, because the LORD loved him. Reflect What story does Nathan tell to describe David’s sin? How does David respond? What are the consequences of David’s sin? Pray Gracious God, I repent of my sins and humbly seek your forgiveness. Create in me a clean heart and restore me to a right relationship with you. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents mourning the death of a child Tomorrow's Reading 1 Kings 1:1-14: The prophet Nathan becomes Bathsheba’s ally. 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 September 14, 2012 Author Members Posted September 14, 2012 September 4, 2012 1 Kings 1:1-14 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Grow in God’s Wisdom Introduction 1 Kings 1:1-14: The chapter opens by describing David’s last days and a struggle for power. David’s oldest surviving son, Adonijah, seeks to succeed David as king. Nathan advises Bathsheba to approach David and remind him of his promise to name Solomon as his successor. Today’s Scripture: 1 Kings 1:12, 13a “If you want to save your life and the life of your son Solomon, I would advise you to go at once to King David.” Today’s Reading 1 King David was now a very old man, and although his servants covered him with blankets, he could not keep warm. 2 So his officials said to him, “Your Majesty, let us find a young woman to stay with you and take care of you. She will lie close to you and keep you warm.” 3 A search was made all over Israel for a beautiful young woman, and in Shunem they found such a woman named Abishag, and brought her to the king. 4 She was very beautiful, and waited on the king and took care of him, but he did not have intercourse with her. 5-6 Now that Absalom was dead, Adonijah, the son of David and Haggith, was the oldest surviving son. He was a very handsome man. David had never reprimanded him about anything, and he was ambitious to be king. He provided for himself chariots, horses, and an escort of fifty men. 7 He talked with Joab (whose mother was Zeruiah) and with Abiathar the priest, and they agreed to support his cause. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David's bodyguards were not on Adonijah's side. 9 One day Adonijah offered a sacrifice of sheep, bulls, and fattened calves at Snake Rock, near the spring of Enrogel. He invited the other sons of King David and the king's officials who were from Judah to come to this sacrificial feast, 10 but he did not invite his half brother Solomon or Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king's bodyguards. 11 Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and asked her, “Haven't you heard that Haggith's son Adonijah has made himself king? And King David doesn't know anything about it! 12 If you want to save your life and the life of your son Solomon, I would advise you to 13 go at once to King David and ask him, “Your Majesty, didn't you solemnly promise me that my son Solomon would succeed you as king? How is it, then, that Adonijah has become king?” ” 14 And Nathan added, “Then, while you are still talking with King David, I will come in and confirm your story.” Reflect Adonijah, David’s fourth son (2 Samuel 3:4), was probably David’s oldest surviving son at the time and the presumed heir apparent. Nathan knew that, if Adonijah became king, he would eliminate Bathsheba and Solomon. What verses in today’s reading indicate a struggle for power? What does Nathan advise Bathsheba to say to David? What does he promise her he will do? Pray Holy God, you alone are Lord of my life and I worship you. Teach me your ways and to live in accord with your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Nations undergoing civil strife and struggles for power Tomorrow's Reading 1 Kings 1:15-53: Solomon is anointed king. 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 September 14, 2012 Author Members Posted September 14, 2012 September 5, 2012 1 Kings 1:15-53 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Grow in God’s Wisdom Introduction 1 Kings 1:15-53: As planned, both Bathsheba and Nathan meet with David and inform him that Adonijah has declared himself king without David’s knowledge or consent. David instructs the priest Zadok to anoint Solomon as king, and Adonijah seeks asylum at the altar in the Tent of the LORD’s presence. Today’s Scripture: 1 Kings 1:30 “Today I will keep the promise I made to you in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, that your son Solomon would succeed me as king.” Today’s Reading 15 So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old, and Abishag, the young woman from Shunem, was taking care of him. 16 Bathsheba bowed low before the king, and he asked, “What do you want?” 17 She answered, “Your Majesty, you made me a solemn promise in the name of the LORD your God that my son Solomon would be king after you. 18 But Adonijah has already become king, and you don't know anything about it. 19 He has offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves, and he invited your sons, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of your army to the feast, but he did not invite your son Solomon. 20 Your Majesty, all the people of Israel are looking to you to tell them who is to succeed you as king. 21 If you don't, as soon as you are dead, my son Solomon and I will be treated as traitors. ” 22 She was still speaking, when Nathan arrived at the palace. 23 The king was told that the prophet was there, and Nathan went in and bowed low before the king. 24 Then he said, “Your Majesty, have you announced that Adonijah would succeed you as king? 25 This very day he has gone and offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves. He invited all your sons, Joab the commander of your army, and Abiathar the priest, and right now they are feasting with him and shouting, “Long live King Adonijah!” 26 But he did not invite me, sir, or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or Solomon. 27 Did Your Majesty approve all this and not even tell your officials who is to succeed you as king? ” 28 King David said, “Ask Bathsheba to come back in”—and she came and stood before him. 29 Then he said to her, “I promise you by the living LORD, who has rescued me from all my troubles, 30 that today I will keep the promise I made to you in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, that your son Solomon would succeed me as king. ” 31 Bathsheba bowed low and said, “May my lord the king live forever!” 32 Then King David sent for Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah. When they came in, 33 he said to them, “Take my court officials with you; have my son Solomon ride my own mule, and escort him down to Gihon Spring, 34 where Zadok and Nathan are to anoint him as king of Israel. Then blow the trumpet and shout, “Long live King Solomon!” 35 Follow him back here when he comes to sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king, because he is the one I have chosen to be the ruler of Israel and Judah. ” 36 “It shall be done,” answered Benaiah, “and may the LORD your God confirm it! 37 As the LORD has been with Your Majesty, may he also be with Solomon and make his reign even more prosperous than yours. ” 38 So Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal bodyguards put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon Spring. 39 Zadok took the container of olive oil which he had brought from the Tent of the LORD's presence, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet, and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 Then they all followed him back, shouting for joy and playing flutes, making enough noise to shake the ground. 41 As Adonijah and all his guests were finishing the feast, they heard the noise. And when Joab heard the trumpet, he asked, “What's the meaning of all that noise in the city?” 42 Before he finished speaking, Jonathan, the son of the priest Abiathar, arrived. “Come on in,” Adonijah said. “You're a good man—you must be bringing good news.” 43 “I'm afraid not,” Jonathan answered. “His Majesty King David has made Solomon king. 44 He sent Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal bodyguards to escort him. They had him ride on the king's mule, 45 and Zadok and Nathan anointed him as king at Gihon Spring. Then they went into the city, shouting for joy, and the people are now in an uproar. That's the noise you just heard. 46 Solomon is now the king. 47 What is more, the court officials went in to pay their respects to His Majesty King David and said, “May your God make Solomon even more famous than you, and may Solomon's reign be even more prosperous than yours.” Then King David bowed in worship on his bed 48 and prayed, ‘Let us praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who has today made one of my descendants succeed me as king, and has let me live to see it! ’ ” 49 Then Adonijah's guests were afraid, and they all got up and left, each going his own way. 50 Adonijah, in great fear of Solomon, went to the Tent of the LORD's presence and took hold of the corners of the altar. 51 King Solomon was told that Adonijah was afraid of him and that he was holding on to the corners of the altar and had said, “First, I want King Solomon to swear to me that he will not have me put to death.” 52 Solomon replied, “If he is loyal, not even a hair on his head will be touched; but if he is not, he will die.” 53 King Solomon then sent for Adonijah and had him brought down from the altar. Adonijah went to the king and bowed low before him, and the king said to him, “You may go home.” Reflect What do Bathsheba and Nathan tell David? How does he respond? What does Adonijah do upon learning that Solomon has been anointed king? Why is he afraid? Under what conditions does Solomon agree to spare Adonijah’s life? Pray Lord God, you are my refuge and place of safety. In you I trust and place my hope. Thank you for your steadfast love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking asylum Tomorrow's Reading 1 Kings 2:1-12: David gives his final instructions to Solomon. 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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